The Rock
Magazine for the Parish of Tettenhall Regis
September 2014
Sunday Services at St. Michael’s
8am Holy Communion (last Sunday 1662) 10.30am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong
Sunday Services at Christ the King
9am (1st only) Holy Communion 10am (1st only) Family Service – no Communion 10am Family Eucharist 6.30pm (3rd) Healing Service
Sunday Services at St. Paul’s
10.30am
Monday 8.30am Tuesday 9.15am Wednesday 8.30am 9.30am 10.30am Thursday 8.30am
Worship together with Holy Communion Children’s groups most weeks.
Weekday Services
Morning prayer at St. Michael’s Eucharist at St. Michael’s Morning prayer at Christ the King Eucharist at Christ the King Eucharist at St. Michael’s Morning prayer at St. Michael’s
Have YOU got an article for The Rock? A book that you’d like to review? Or a film? A recipe you want to share? A report from an event you went to? Or a story of how your faith has been challenged or is growing? Or are you a budding journalist, keen to develop your craft? Send it to the parish office, or email it to therock@tettenhallregis.com or call me on 01902 741028. Simon Douglas
The parish online
St Michael’s:
www.stmichaels-church.org.uk www.facebook.com/stmichaelstettenhall
St Paul’s:
saintpaulspendeford.wordpress.com
Messy Church:
www.facebook.com/messychurchtettenhallregis 2
Farewell to Liz Rathbone around her. She has accompanied a number of people on their spiritual and vocational journey. She has given encouragement to others so that their calling and their potential is realised. The beginning of Messy church has been one arena where people’s gifts have been developed. We and many other people will continue to be grateful for the ministry of those she has encouraged along the way.
There will be a farewell Songs of Praise service at Christ the King on Sunday 14 September at 4pm followed by a “bring and share tea.” Liz is retiring from her post at Christ the King. We wish her and Anthony every blessing for the future. We will miss you greatly Liz. When I arrived in the Parish I was somewhat nervous at joining a Team in which Liz had been acting Team Rector during the inter-regnum. How would she take to a new Team Rector? I needn’t have worried because I couldn’t have found a more welcoming and supportive colleague.
Spirituality: The quiet days that Liz has led for the parish have been much appreciated by those who have taken part in them, her desire to engage honestly and deeply with God and to encourage and enable others to do the same – using a variety of methods, such as prayer stations, art work, music and poetry and silence have been an enriching feature of her ministry. For several years the Encounter Groups of young people have been awestruck by her recreation of the Last Supper which has been a highlight of weekends away at Dovedale. I pray that we may not lose the spiritual heart that Liz has encouraged us to seek.
I would like to highlight one or two aspects from Liz’s ministry amongst the many for which I think we can thank her and thank God. Kindness and thoughtfulness: As a colleague Liz has helped the working of the team by her thoughtfulness and willingness to act in ways that make the team work well. As a pastor she has recognised and responded with care and consistency to the needs of those she has ministered to, in the church and more widely in the other spheres of ministry such as Blakely Green House, and the King’s School where she has had a chaplaincy roles and Claregate School where she was a governor. Her generosity of spirit is a real reflection of the gospel.
Resourcefulness: Liz has been the first Vicar of Christ the King who has not been in a full time post. I think we have had far more from Liz than a 0.5 post would suggest, but it has been a challenge for Christ the King to adapt to the change and it is a tribute to the congregation there and to Liz’s enabling and encouraging way that they have taken responsibility for taking forward
Nurturing the ministry of others: Liz has had a close eye on the spirituality and gifts and the potential of those 3
the work of the church, in developing the buildings and plant to look much more cared for and be more welcoming and usable, in mission action planning and in taking new initiatives like Messy Church and Community Praise. The witness of Christ the King continues into the future and we thank Liz greatly for her part in taking it forward so prayerfully and caringly along with all who have been so resourceful, committed and generous.
Godspeed. Liz, your departure from the parish will leave a large hole, but I believe that your ministry will leave a lasting effect at Christ the King, in the Parish and in and through the lives of those you have encouraged along the way. You have walked with us in the Way of Christ and exemplified the Way. Thank you, thank God and Godspeed. Richard Reeve
Grave Talk Café to come along to one and find out for yourself.
Friday 27th June 2014 On an extremely wet friday afternoon, an intrepid bunch of explorers ventured out to Christ the King, Aldersley. During the course of the 2 hours a large lake of a puddle formed around Jan Farnell’s car and then disappeared when it was time to go!
So far I have organised them to fit in with my family commitments. But if there was sufficient interest, I would be happy to arrange one for an evening (does wine / beer go with cake?!!) Just let me know if you are interested. Otherwise I shall just keep offering them on thursday or friday afternoons with the support and encouragement of existing fellow cafe attenders. Thanks to all at Christ the King for your help in setting up the room, tidying up afterwards and being so welcoming throughout.
Yes, I am talking about the 2nd parish wide grave talk cafe. Once again cake, tea, coffee, a few tears, but also laughter were shared in a relaxed, open and informal way. Keith Whitehouse remarked that “these are the sorts of conversation we should have after Church, but there isn’t time on a regular Sunday.”
Not sure when the next one will be, but if interested please speak to either Roberta Evans, Jan Farnell, Ronnie Smart, Ruth Brooker or Jim Perry, who can all tell you a bit more from their own experience of attending a grave talk cafe event.
Once again, myself and the others were amazed by how useful the prompt card questions were at getting the conversation started. We all found coming back for a second time just as rewarding (if not more so) than the first time. I really would encourage you
Roberta Evans 4
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Poet’s Corner - Who Would True Valour See, John Bunyan Where twentieth-century school-girls could take on the torture of maths fortified by the pilgrims’ hymn, Bunyan suffered actual persecution and punishment. He was born in 1652. As a teenager he fought in the Parliamentary army during the Civil War. Life in England was turned upside-down. It was a time of new thinking, not only about the role of kings, but also about religion. A simpler, more direct way of approaching God developed.
The only hymn with lions, hobgoblins and foul fiends, ‘Who Would True Valour See’, was my favourite at school. It has a good story and a rousing tune. After singing it, you could march out of assembly and face double maths with undaunted spirit. It is the sort of hymn that appeals to someone who prefers English to algebra. It draws on the traditions of literature and fairy-tale. It is set in a landscape King Lear could recognise. Fairy tales are full of demons and monsters. Bunyan’s hymn is a minisaga where a hero sets out on a perilous quest armed only with the truth and a couple of trusty companions.
Bunyan felt himself called to serve God, joining one of the new independent churches and by 1659 he was known as an inspired preacher. When the monarchy was restored in 1660 there was a feeling that religious unity would help to reunite the people and independent churches were restricted. As Bunyan was not licensed to preach, he was arrested and gaoled for twelve years. It was during these years that he wrote some of his many books, including The Pilgrim’s Progress.
It started life in what was once one of the best-known works of English literature – The Pilgrim’s Progress. A sprawling adventure but also an allegory of how to lead a Christian life. The hero, Christian, is greatly burdened: to lose his burden, he sets for the Celestial City. On the way, he overcomes many obstacles including the now almost legendary Slough of Despond and Vanity Fair. Eventually, he reaches his goal.
Although The Pilgrim’s Progress has never been out of print since its first edition, Mr Valiant-for-Truth’s song did not become a hymn in its own right until the twentieth century. Percy Dearmer included it in the English Hymnal but he adapted Buynan’s words, editing out the lion, hobgoblins and fiends, making it more about a personal pilgrimage. Subsequent hymnals, including the one I knew at school, brought back the monsters, but kept the idea of a personal quest for truth. Whichever way,
The first part of The Pilgrim’s Progress was published in 1678. With its dramatic style it became instantly popular and a second part was published in 1684 in which Christiana – Christian’s wife – and their four sons set out on the same journey. On the way they meet and look after ‘Mr Valiant-for-Truth’. To make a difficult journey more bearable, he sings a pilgrim song to them. 6
Who so beset him round, With dismal Storys, Do but themselves Confound; His Strength the more is. No Lyon can him fright, He’l with a Gyant Fight, But he will have a right, To be a Pilgrim.
it remains a hymn that has captured the imagination for generations. Here is Bunyan’s version, with the original spelling. Who would true Valour see Let him come hither; One here will Constant be, Come Wind, come Weather. There’s no Discouragement, Shall make him once Relent, His first avow’d Intent, To be a Pilgrim.
Hobgoblin, nor foul Fiend, Can daunt his Spirit: He knows, he at the end, Shall Life Inherit. Then Fancies fly away, He’l fear not what men say, He’l labour Night and Day, To be a Pilgrim. John Bunyan, 1684
Jane Seabourne
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HOLY CROSS PARISH CHURCH Bilbrook Road Bilbrook South Staffordshire WV8 1EU
Telephone - 01902 842912
Website - holycross.bilbrook.info
Saturday 13th September 1 ‘till 3pm Bilbrook Road Fun, Stalls, Food, Refreshments and Games for all the family
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New Term – New beginnings There is always a feeling at this time of the year of new adventures about to begin. For those starting in a new class or new school or college there may be new routines and fresh subjects to get to grips with; new teachers and fresh faces. It often used to feel strange to me that such experiences were at odds with the season of the year; with the first frosts and evenings drawing in signalling an end rather than a new beginning. But perhaps that’s how it always is, with beginnings and endings often sharing the same platform. “For everything there is a season…”
need the support and prayers of both congregations as well as his or her clergy colleagues in the team. But my confidence is based in the experience of working alongside a wonderful group of people, with many gifts and a living faith, whom I am sure God will equip for the task. What better way earlier this summer to show what it has meant to be part of a welcoming and generous church community than to share in James and Esther’s wedding – the first to take place at Christ the King since we received our license to conduct weddings in the church. It was a joy to conduct the service and to share afterwards in a wonderful celebration meal put on by members of the congregation. I am delighted too that on my last Sunday morning in the parish we shall be receiving four children into the church through baptism. A real combination of endings and beginnings!
It is with immense sadness that I am contemplating my leave-taking from Tettenhall after eleven very happy years in the parish – first as curate and then as team vicar at Christ the King. There have been so many wonderful experiences and special memories to take away; it will be hard leaving behind so many good friends and colleagues who have shared the journey. So thank you for having me! Being a late entrant to ministry I knew that this post would be likely to be my only stipendiary role, so it had to be the right choice. From my point of view I couldn’t have been happier.
Anthony and I soon begin our life of retirement in Shropshire – meanwhile the work of sorting goes on, letting go of so much of the ‘stuff’ which accumulates in a home and finding it a new home. It will be strange to have an empty diary… but everyone tells us that will not last long! No doubt with the ending will come a new beginning.
As I hand in my keys later this month it will be with great sadness but also with enormous confidence for the future for Christ the King and for the new configuration of the Tettenhall Regis Parish as it is coming into shape. It will of course be different, with the new team vicar set to be also Vicar of Holy Cross, Bilbrook and the parish having four district churches rather than three. Whoever is appointed in my place will
So whether leaving or staying may God bless each and every one of us in all that he calls us to in the future. To end with Dag Hammerskold’s words once again: “For all that has been, thanks; for all that will be, ‘yes’.” Liz Rathbone 9
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Statement from Archbishop Justin on Iraq that future prosecutions can take place. It is important and necessary for the international community to challenge the culture of impunity which has allowed these atrocities to take place.
Friday 8th August 2014 The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued the following statement today on the situation in Iraq, shortly before he travelled from the Philippines to Papua New Guinea.
“With the world’s attention on the plight of those in Iraq, we must not forget that this is part of an evil pattern around the world where Christians and other minorities are being killed and persecuted for their faith. Only this week I received an email from a friend in Northern Nigeria about an appalling attack on a village, where Christians were killed because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Such horrific stories have become depressingly familiar in countries around the world, including Syria, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
“The horrific events in Iraq rightly call our attention and sorrow yet again. Christians and other religious minorities are being killed and face terrible suffering. “What we are seeing in Iraq violates brutally people’s right to freedom of religion and belief, as set out under Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is extremely important that aid efforts are supported and that those who have been displaced are able to find safety. I believe that, like France, the United Kingdom’s doors should be open to refugees, as they have been throughout history.
“We must continue to cry to God for peace and justice and security throughout the world. Those suffering such appalling treatment in Iraq are especially in my prayers at this time.”
“The international community must document human rights abuses being committed in northern Iraq so
Archbishop Justin has invited Christians to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Iraq and the Church of England has a page of ideas how to “Pray. Act. Give.”
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“Reader’s Ramblings” – from Mark Cadwallader bring it back to some religious teaching, sometimes. We thought, that is your editor and myself, that it would be a good idea if I was to inflict share some of my ramblings with yourselves through The Rock as we start our new journey together as a Parish of four churches. So find yourself a comfy chair, pull up a foot stool and maybe pour yourself a little something to help you through the next few pages of ramblings. I remember each and every one of my first dates, mainly because there have not been that many (queue sympathetic ‘ahhh’). Some went well. Some went really well! One was a bit of a failure as it was on the day after the clocks went forward and I was an hour late. She was not there and I never saw her again, oh what could have been. My first date with Jo, the current Mrs. Cadwallader, even though we had known each other since we were ten years old, was when we were both 21. I would love to say that is was a romantic affair in a good restaurant, with a string quartet playing in the background, good wine flowing like the scintillating conversation between two love-struck twenty-somethings. The reality was far from this. It was a football match. We were driving down to Swindon on the M6 in a clapped out old bright turquoise Ford Fiesta to watch Wolves play at the County Ground. She told me, just as we passed the RAC centre at Bescot, that she had dumped her now ex-boyfriend the day before, and how about we made a go of it? Our meal consisted of a lukewarm pie and partially fizzy drink and I think it rained. But Wolves did win, and of course I ended up with the woman of my dreams. From that first shocked swerve across two lanes of the M6 just outside Walsall, a good
From Mark, whose call to be a Reader in the Church of England did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death, but whose call to also be Church Warden did come from human beings at the Annual General Meeting. All the believers who are here at Holy Cross, Bilbrook join me in sending greetings to the churches of St. Michael and All Angels in Tettenhall, Christ the King in Aldersley and St. Paul in Pendeford. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace, and bring us a damn good priest to be our new Team Vicar. Unfortunately, that is where Paul, who wrote the original letter that I have plagiarised, goes onto say “I am surprised at you! In no time at all you are deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ, and are accepting another gospel”, and I can’t believe that is true of any of you good people in the Tettenhall Regis Parish, and would definitely not be a good thing to say before we all get to know each other and start our work together. So I won’t. But if this does apply to you, Paul said it, not me. Anyway, hi there, I’m Mark Cadwallader the Reader and Church Warden at Holy Cross church in Bilbrook, and for the past couple of years I have written an article called “Readers Ramblings” in the Bilbrook Parish Magazine. The Ramblings are a sideways look at the church and it’s teachings where we have explored everything from how I relieve my bladder before I go to bed to zombie apocalypse to the colour of the underwear in a lingerie shop’s window to why my Christmas tree actually did stay up all year in 2012! I do try and always 12
time with us. On Sunday 14th we hold our Celebration Worship at 10.45am which will be led by Simon Douglas, our worship team and Band. This will be followed by our Parish Lunch where we all bring and share food for each other. Being “The Church of the Holy Cross” we do not have a patronal saint like St Paul of St Michael, we have the cross. The symbol of the church and recognisable throughout the world as a sign that you are a Christian, a follower of Christ. Crosses also remind us that when we follow Jesus it will sometimes hurt. So, when you think of the cross, think of the big heavy cross that Jesus had to carry, not the small one around our necks. Think of his love, and what he went through for us. And remember that following him is not always easy. I hope that as we start our work as the four churches in the Parish of Tettenhall Regis, we may all carry the weight of the cross together to make it easier for each other by sharing the load. I want to finish with the words that Paul wrote to the Church of Corinth, but he could have just as easily been writing them to the communities of Aldersley, Bilbrook, Pendeford and Tettenhall in the Parish of Tettenhall Regis “I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace he has given you through Christ Jesus. For in union with Christ you have become rich in all things, including all speech and all knowledge. The message about Christ has become so firmly established in you that you have not failed to receive a single blessing. By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ I appeal to all of you, my friends, to agree in what you say, so that there will be no divisions among you. Be completely united, with only one thought and one purpose.” Mark Cadwallader
and strong relationship has grown with love, support, friendship, fellowship, sharing new experiences, having adventures together and of course having a few disagreements along the way. Relationships are funny things, from the most auspicious of starts, the most amazing things can grow. At the onset, you never know how they are going to move forwards and grow. Isn’t it strange how once best friends can drift away while those you have just met can grow into someone that it feels you have known all your life? And I hope that that is how our relationship is going to progress over the coming years as we work and play together, to grow and mature into a strong and collaborative team with one mission – to share and spread the Good News to the communities in which we work. I know that we at Holy Cross are excited about starting this new relationship together, and I hope that you feel the same. There will obviously be a period of getting to know each other, and working through how the new team will work best together. I hope that we can work together to achieve this as painlessly as possible. Carole Page, my fellow Warden, and myself have had numerous meetings with representatives from all of your churches over the past nine months as we have met together to iron out such things as the Parish Profile, clergy deployment, finances, and the appointment process, as well as all of the other exciting things that Wardens have to discuss, and I have to say that we have felt nothing but warmth, and enthusiasm for the future of our Parish. September is a busy time for us at Holy Cross Church as it sees us celebrate our Patronal Festival. On Saturday 13th we will hold our annual Autumn Fair with stalls, games, food and refreshments. Please feel free to come along and spend a little 13
Parish Calendar for September 2014 St. Michael’s Pastoral Committee, Church Cottage 7.45pm – “Section 11” Meeting of the PCC, Christ the King Tuesday 2 September 7.30pm – St. Michael’s DCC, Church Cottage Friday 5 September 7.30-9pm – Youth Space, Youth Room, Church Cottage
Monday 1 September
Sunday 7 September
10.00am –
Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Ezekiel 33.7-11, Psalm 119.33-40, Romans 13.8-14, Matthew 18.15-20
from 4pm – St. Michael’s
Monday 8 September
Wednesday 10 September
Youth Team BBQ, Church Cottage 7.30pm – Big Welcome/60th Anniversary planning, Church
Cottage
7.00pm – Encounter followed by…
Commitment Service, Christ the King,
8.00pm – PCC, Christ the King 7.30pm –St. Michael’s
Social Committee, 49 Tyinghame Avenue
Autumn Fair, Holy Cross, Bilbrook
Saturday 13 September
1-3pm –
Sunday 14 September
Holy Cross Day Numbers 21.4-9, Psalm 22.23-28, Philippians 2.6-11, John 3.13-17
10.45am – Celebration
Bilbrook
4pm – Songs of
King
Friday 19 September
Sunday 21 September
7.30-9pm –
Worship & Parish Lunch, Holy Cross,
Praise & Farewell to Liz Rathbone, Christ the
Youth Space, Youth Room, Church Cottage
Matthew Proverbs 3.13-18, Ps 119.65-72, 2 Corinthians 4.1-6, Matthew 9.9-13
Saturday 27 September
St. Michael’s Youth Committee, 11 Harwin Close – Harvest Barn Dance & Supper, St. Paul’s. Tickets £6 & £3
Sunday 28 September
Michael and All Angels
Thursday 25 September
8pm –
Genesis 28.10-17, Psalm 103.19-22, Revelation 12.7-12, John 1.47-51 4-6pm – Messy Church, Christ the King Monday 29 September
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Magazine Copy Deadline, to therock@tettenhallregis.com
Upcoming events Friday 8 - Sunday 10 October –
Youth Weekend, Dovedale, for Encounter & others 14
From the registers… It is a wonderful privilege to share in the special occasion of baptisms and weddings in our churches. If you have photos from the event, we would love to include them in the magazine or on our webiste. Send them to therock@tettenhallregis.com or share them on our Facebook page.
Baptisms S t. Michael’s
17
Summer Belle Mason
Jack David Boyden
Eliza May Eckersley
24
Oscar Benjamin Eckersley
Weddings S t. Michael’s
3
Sean Cairns & Danielle Brewster
9
John Newton & Nicola Swingwood
Sean McFetridge & Jacqueline Williams
16
Jamie Grosvenor & Donna Pugh
23
Stephen Billings & Sonia Samuels
30
Anthony Bishop & Gemma O’Malley
Byron Millington & Holly Parker
Funerals S t. Michael’s
6
Irene Potts
13
Neil Wadelin
21
David Smith
29
Inez Banks
Bushbury C rematorium
5
Marjorie Williams
7
Mary Mainwaring
12
Marjorie Watkins
13
Peter Lloyd
29
Alice Shadbolt 15
Parish Information Parish Office, Church Cottage, Church Road, Wolverhampton, WV6 9AJ tettenhallregis@gmail.com | 01902 751622 The office is open 10am‑12pm Monday-Friday.
Clergy Rev’d. Richard Reeve. . . . . . . . . . . . 742801 Rev’d. Liz Rathbone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562469 Rev’d. Jim Perry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562133 Rev’d. Patrick Bryan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 689550 Readers Mrs. Stella Salt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 764887 Mr. John Vickers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651790 Mrs. Dot Clayton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 780920 Mr. Keith Whitehouse . . . . . . . . . . . 831135
Rev’d. Simon Douglas . . . . . . . . . . 741028 Rev’d. Allen Roberts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 765741 Rev’d. Jack Lloyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765612 Rev’d. Ruth Brooker . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399644 Mr. Peter Rowley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 751762 Mrs. Christine May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397031 Mr. Marcus Woodhouse . . . . . . . 759379
Parish Wardens Mr. Cyril Randles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 758797
Mrs. Dawn Parsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822390
St. Michael District Wardens Mrs. Roberta Evans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 751444
Mrs. Paula Timmins. . . . . 07782 512013
Christ the King District Wardens Mr. Ivor Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 753960 Mrs. Dawn Corfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 753433 St. Paul District Wardens Mr. Eddie Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 829040
Mrs. Joan Phillips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785844
Magazine Contacts St. Paul’s Mrs. Sue Ellick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578822
Christ the King Mr. Martin Bristow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 833411 St. Michael’s currently vacant Subscription & Distribution Mrs. Elaine Dovydatis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 757775
The October edition of the Rock will be available on Sunday 5th October. All contributions by Monday 29th September to therock@tettenhallregis.com The views and opinions in the magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the clergy, editor or PCC. The electronic version of the magazine is sent via email 12 times a year, at no cost. To subscribe go to: http://stmichaels-church.org.uk/rock/ A paper copy is available, costing £3 a year for 12 copies. Speak to one of the contacts.