December 2024 Magazine

We As always thanks to all who have contacted us and sent us comments and articles for inclusion. Please keep in touch and send us things.

We think there is a lot of interest in the articles we have chosen and that it is ideal for you to dip in and out of and not read them all at once !!! Don't forget to read our Edna's articles.

We both wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

Pauline & Bob - co-editors..   

Updated  29th November 2024 

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Letter from Devon

Christmas greetings from sunny Devon! (also rainy, snowy, windy, cloudy and occasionally freezing!).

I can hardly believe it's been nearly half a year since our move from Middlesbrough (self, husband Jim, two adult sons) to live here in Exeter where we can be near our daughter Bethany and her family. It has meant huge adjustments – the first of which happened a fortnight before the move, when the DVLA told Jim that, due to his impaired eyesight, he was no longer allowed to drive! Our noble son-in-law Ronan stepped into the breach, and after some hurried phone calls to change over the car insurance, did the day-long drive to bring us, our bags and our cats safely here, in the wake of the removal men.

We have a nice house and garden, on a hill on the west side of Exeter, with views of our quiet cul-de-sac at the front, and, through the gaps between the other houses, glimpses of the city itself on the other side of the Exe valley (the cathedral is only visible when a particular tree loses its leaves in the autumn – it's not a very big tree but it lines up with the cathedral towers rather precisely!). We are settling in, getting to know the neighbours, and very much enjoying spending time regularly with Beth, Ronan, Aidan (almost five) and Meredith (seven). The children are a delight, full of life and always asking questions. Our younger son Ben, who has Down's syndrome, loves to go to church with Bethany – a big lively Pentecostal fellowship. He's just become part of their Welcome Team. Our other son Matthew, who is autistic, needs a quieter worship atmosphere (he loved coming to St Mary's from time to time), and, with him, Jim and I have settled at Exwick Community Church, a fairly small Baptist fellowship that meets in the local Parish Hall. It is Bible based and warm-hearted, and we already feel at home there. Matthew (who plays bass guitar) is joining their music group. Bethany has introduced me to two local choirs – one of which she runs herself! - so I hope St Mary's will be glad to see, we keep up the musical tradition. We are even singing a few of the Christmas pieces I first learned in St Mary's choir.

Our life here so far has had its ups and downs. Our two cats were soon exploring the neighbourhood and enjoying their new territory – then, after a couple of months, the little black one, Alara, got too adventurous and was knocked down by a car.  The children reckon she is now rubbing herself round God's ankles. I expect they are right. He who cares for the sparrows will certainly know how to welcome a little black cat. We miss her very much.

Exeter is quite a contrast to Middlesbrough – very hilly! We are getting fit, I think! (Especially with no car!) Matthew and Ben are greatly enjoying spending time regularly with their sister and her family, and it will be so good that they all have each other as Jim and I get older.

We miss all our friends in Middlesbrough, but thanks to Zoom on the computer, Matthew and I are still able to join in St Mary's Bible studies and the Advent course – one of the highlights of the week. We had hoped to make regular journeys back to Middlesbrough by car but of course this is not now possible – Jim and I are managing the odd train journey to visit our older daughter Katie, who is severely autistic and happily settled in residential care in Seaham (co. Durham) but it's all a bit fragmentary at the moment. I do hope, before too much longer, to visit you all again.

In the meantime, we send love, and I will write again. May God, who came as one of us in Jesus, guide and keep you all and give you joy this Christmas and always.

Hilary Longstaff and family.

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Lambeth Palace makes statement on Archbishop and Living in Love and Faith

Since the beginning of the Living in Love and Faith process, people across the Church of England have been studying, praying and sharing together about sexuality, identity, relationships and marriage. That process has revealed profound differences in theological conviction and biblical interpretation. But that does not change the fact that every group and every Christian has a place in the Church of England.

In his recent interview on the Leading podcast, the Archbishop of Canterbury was asked whether gay sex is sinful. Alastair Campbell was returning to this question having first put it to the Archbishop in 2017, during an interview for GQ magazine. In both interviews, Archbishop Justin spoke honestly about the fact that these are complex questions that have caused deep division in the Church. In both interviews, he said that what seem most central to him are stable, committed and faithful relationships.

Archbishop Justin was giving a personal view that reflects the position now held by himself, the Archbishop of York and many other bishops regarding sexual intimacy. He has been honest that his thinking has evolved over the years through much prayer and theological reflection – particularly through the Living in Love and Faith process – and he now holds this view sincerely. It reflects his commitment to continuing to welcome, love and include LGBTQ+ people more fully in the life of the Church.

However, there is no consensus among the bishops on this question, and the Church remains deeply divided. Archbishop Justin stressed his absolute commitment to those who hold a traditional view having “a full and undoubted place in the Church of England”.

His answer does not indicate a changing of teaching from the House of Bishops. This is an ongoing conversation across the Church – and Archbishop Justin hopes that the bishops, together with clergy and laity, will keep praying and reflecting on these questions.

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Teaching the Lord’s Prayer across the North of England

The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell plans to teach the Lord’s Prayer across the North of England throughout 2025, a priority of his vision for Faith in the North.

Archbishop Stephen is to visit dioceses in the Northern Province of the C of E where he will be sharing the relevance of the Lord’s Prayer to our world today, encouraging people to pray and live by this, as part of their missionary discipleship.

Archbishop Stephen is encouraging prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints such as Hild, Cuthbert, Bede and Paulinus. The aim is to foster deeper connections with the Christian faith across the north and renew the Church’s missionary purpose to share God’s love with all.

Archbishop Stephen said “In less than 70 words, Jesus gives us a prayer to learn by heart and a prayer that gets inside our hearts, shaping the way we live. The Lord’s Prayer surely is the best place to start. It is said in just about every church service, from the coronation of the King to the christening of a child. It’s a challenging prayer and when we say this prayer together, we become part of God’s movement of change, of bringing God’s heaven to earth. It teaches us how to pray. But it also teaches us how to live”.

Current Dates of the Lord’s Prayer Tour 2025

Friday 7^th March – York Minster

Monday 10^th March – Chester Cathedral
Monday 17^th March – Liverpool Cathedral
Friday 21^st March – Wakefield Cathedral
Friday 28^th March – Hull Minster
Tuesday 1^st April – Manchester Cathedral
Tuesday 17^th June – Carlisle Cathedral
Wednesday 25^th June – Sheffield Cathedral
Sunday 6^th July – Isle of Man/ Peel Cathedral
Thursday 18^th September – Newcastle Cathedral
Friday 3^rd October – Durham Cathedral
Friday 10^th October – Blackburn Cathedral

To learn more about Faith in the North visit www.faithinthenorth.org

Faith in the North is a movement of prayer and strategic resourcing which aims to help recapture the missional energy and commitment to prayer of the Anglo Saxon saints leading towards 2027, with the celebration of the 1400th anniversary of the establishment of the Church of Saint Peter in York and baptism of King Edwin by Paulinus in 627.

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             December Diary Page

Holy Communion service each Sunday at 9.00am (Said BCP service)

Sung Eucharist each Sunday at 10.00am      (Common Worship)

Holy Communion each Tuesday at 10.00am  (Said BCP service)

Said Evening Prayer each Sunday at 6.30pm.

BIBLE STUDY (via ZOOM) EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 7pm DURING TERM TIME.

PRAYER MEETING FIRST MONDAY IN THE MONTH 7pm IN CHURCH

Sunday 1^st December

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

9am                Holy Communion

10am              Parish Communion

3pm                Christmas Concert by Vox North East Choir

6.30pm           Evening Prayer

Tuesday 3^rd December

10am              Holy Communion

Wednesday 4^th December

6.45pm           Advent Study via Zoom

Sunday 8^th December

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

9am                Holy Communion

10am              Parish Communion

6.30pm           Evening Prayer

Tuesday 10^th December

10am              Holy Communion

Wednesday 11^th December

10am – 11.30am  Coffee Morning

6.45pm           Advent Study via Zoom

Saturday 14^th December

9.30am onwards… Churchyard tidy

Sunday 15^th December

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

9am                Holy Communion

10am              Parish Communion

6.30pm           Evening Prayer

Tuesday 17^th December

10am              Holy Communion

Wednesday 18^th December

6.45pm           Advent Study via Zoom

Sunday 22^nd December

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

9am                Holy Communion

10am              Parish Communion

3pm               Service of Lessons & Carols

6.30pm           Evening Prayer

Tuesday 24^th December

CHRISTMAS EVE

10am              Holy Communion

6.00pm          Christingle Service

11.30pm        Midnight Mass

Wednesday 25^th December

CHRISTMAS DAY

9.00am           Holy Communion

10.00am        Parish Communion

Sunday 29^th December

ONE SERVICE ONLY

10am              Parish Communion

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CHRISTINGLE SERVICE

This year the Christingle Service will be back to its usual time of 6.00pm on Christmas Eve

Bring the children to listen to the Christmas story, sing Christmas carols, and in return for a donation to 'The Children’s Society', receive a Christingle orange.

Always popular, this is a lovely way to start your Christmas festivities.

FESTIVE COFFEE MORNING

On Wednesday 11^th December, there will be a ‘Festive Coffee Morning’ in church from 10am – 11.30am.

For £2.00p you can have unlimited tea/coffee biscuits AND a mince pie!!!

There will be a Festive Raffle, Cake stall, Book stall, and some beautiful handmade cards on sale.

Part of the money raised will go to Zoe’s Place, Children’s Hospice.  There will also be a collection box in church for donations.  

We also need lots of cakes (or savouries) for the Cake stall if anyone would like to do some baking!

Christmas music will add to the festive atmosphere…   come and join us, you will be made very welcome.

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St Mary’s Garden and Church tidy group

End of the year Report

December already and the end of this gardening year.

I would first and foremost like to give my thanks to all our “willing volunteers” who give up a Saturday morning each month to keep the church yard tidy.

We operate a unique system -  our volunteers arrive, I tell them what needs doing, and they go off and do it. No committee or focus group, we just get on with it!

As well as asking our group to garden I also push my luck and ask them to bring a green empty waste bag, to fill with the green waste and take it home full at the end of the morning.  This is the only method we have to dispose of all the cuttings etc.

As well as garden work we also use the time inside church to dust, clean and vacuum. Pauline and Bob also use the time to catch up on church administration, paper work, printing service sheets etc. Yes, someone actually does all this if you have ever wondered?

Also, once a year we are treated to observing the annual ‘grave head stone “topple” test'. To check each stone is safe, the angle of each stone is checked and recorded and then checked against last year’s reading. This is a long and laborious process; Bob makes his way around each head stone checking the angles, and Pauline follows, writing each reading down. Bob being Bob of course, has an app on his phone to tell the angle!

Interesting to note, some of the head stones do move over the years, first one way then back, as the earth settles and moves?

The main reason our volunteers turn up is for our now famous tea/coffee break and doughnuts, over which the group discusses the important and significant events of the day, in, and with, great intellect, depth and detail!!

Other jobs undertaken include, the checking and cleaning of drains, down pipes and cleaning the vestry flat roof, to name but a few.

So, always a very busy Saturday morning, but to go back to the start, nothing would get done without our wonderful volunteers!  A huge thank you to you all.

If you would like to join us, please do… we meet once a month, for a couple of hours.   Just turn up around 9.30am with your basic gardening tools…. not forgetting that all important big green refuse bag!!!

Barry Lomas

Ed.  can the eagle eyed see anything odd about the attached photo ??   Answers on the back of a filled in signed cheque please...

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The Ven John Barton considers the Christmas story …

No Room?  On the Contrary

All over the world, doors are being slammed shut this Christmas. As the wars in the Middle East, in Ukraine and in Sudan rage on, millions are losing their homes and places of safety. Elsewhere, hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers and would-be immigrants are on the road, seeking refuge anywhere they can find it.

Meanwhile, in recent years vast numbers of Christians have been forced to flee from their ancient homelands in Syria and Iraq. They mirror the Holy Family’s escape into Egypt. Every time yet another infant dies violently, it is a reminder of the first century massacre of babies in the Bethlehem region.

So perhaps this year, one carol will be sung with particular poignancy. It retells the message of angels, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests” and continues:

Yet with the woes of sin and strife,

The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel strain have rolled,
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love song which they bring:
O hush the noise, you men of strife,
And hear the angels sing.

The angels’ goodwill message will persist despite our clamour, for it proclaims God’s all-embracing and eternal welcome. Whatever is happening on earth, Heaven’s doors are ever open: it is home for everyone. The final biblical vision is of an all-encompassing city: “On no day will its gates ever be shut… the glory and honour of the nations will be brought into it.”

Jesus, for whom there had been no room at the inn, taught that God’s kingdom is home for every race: “I say to you that many will come from the East and the West, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”  He reassured those anxious about the future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms…”

No room in heaven?  Don’t you believe it!

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by Tim Lenton

Sol Invictus, Emperors and how Christmas began

It was 1,750 years ago, on 25^th December 274, that the Roman Emperor Aurelian founded and launched the cult of Sol Invictus as an official religion. He erected a temple and declared 25th December a national holiday, to be known as the Feast of the Unconquered Sun. In 336, after the conversion of the emperor Constantine, the Church in Rome began to celebrate Christmas on 25^th December.

Aurelian, who was born in Moesia – the south-eastern Balkans – rose from modest beginnings to become a strong and successful Emperor at one of the most difficult times in Roman history. He defeated many attempts to destroy the empire from without and within, notably attempts by the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires, and improved the lot of the common people.

His idea in promoting Sol Invictus as the main divinity of the Empire was to try to give everyone a god to believe in without betraying their own gods. However, when Constantine the Great, who was born during Aurelian’s reign, became Emperor in 306 and converted to Christianity, it was the beginning of the end for Sol Invictus – and the start of the dominance of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

The date of 25^th December was taken over and celebrated as the birthday of Jesus – and has been ever since, though scholars agree that this is an impossible date because flocks of sheep would not have been out in the fields in the dead of winter, and therefore shepherds would not have been out either. Other dates have been suggested, of which perhaps the most convincing is September 11.

It is a happy irony that in English, Christmas can be described accurately as the Feast of the Unconquered Son.

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 By the Revd Paul Hardingham.

The Challenges of Christmas

Christmas is a great time of year, but it’s not without its challenges! After one family had put up 250,000 Christmas lights outside, they didn’t dare boil a kettle for fear of blowing the system!

The challenge of over-indulging

We all remember the episode of the Vicar of Dibley, where she had to consume four Christmas dinners! Christmas is a time when we usually eat and drink far too much, the average person gaining six pounds in weight. But Christmas is not simply about gaining weight, but losing what weighs us down. ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.’ (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever your concerns or worries this Christmas, bring them to God.

The challenge of overspending

In the rush to buy Christmas cards, a woman bought a pack of 50 identical cards. Without reading the verse, she hastily signed and sent them off, but for one. A few days later she read the message: ‘This card is just to say a little gift is on the way.’ Christmas is not about getting into debt, but God getting us out of debt. He spent exactly what was needed on the first Christmas night: ‘You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21).

The challenge is over too quickly

Christmas doesn’t last very long, yet the effect of the first Christmas is long-lasting. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’(John 3:16). Jesus has come to bring us life in all its fullness, both for now and all eternity.

How do we face the challenges of Christmas? ‘Yet what I can, I give Him – give my heart’.

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Please note any articles written or attributed to Archbishop of Canterbury were written before he announced his resignation in November.

Church of England and Methodist Church recommit as Covenant turns 21

Anglicans and Methodists in England have underlined their commitment to forging closer ties as together they recently marked the 21st anniversary of an historic covenant between the two churches.

The Anglican-Methodist Covenant was signed by leaders of the Church of England and the Methodist Church in Great Britain in front of Queen Elizabeth II on 1^st November, 2003, with services of celebration at both Methodist Central Hall and its immediate neighbour Westminster Abbey.

The Covenant recognises how much the two churches – which separated in the 1790s, after the death of John Wesley – have in common and commits them to removing further obstacles towards unity.

It has opened the way to new partnerships on the ground between local Church of England and Methodist congregations, ranging from joint worship and sharing church buildings to shared community projects and staff such as youth and family workers.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell, said: “The Covenant was both a reflection of the great degree of friendship and agreement in faith and life which the Church of England and the Methodist Church of Great Britain share, and a commitment that we should work ever more closely together in the years to come.”

The Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Methodist Conference, and Carolyn Godfrey, Vice-President, said: “It is good to reaffirm the covenant that was signed 21 years ago, and to celebrate the work and worship that happens between the Church of England and the Methodist Church locally and nationally. We look forward in hope to journeying together in the future.”

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Archbishop of Canterbury warns against legalising assisted suicide

This, the Archbishop’s statement on assisted suicide below, was made ahead of a recent new Private Member’s Bill introduced in the House of Commons.

“Though our society might be divided over the question of assisted suicide, we all ultimately want the same thing for those who are suffering. We want compassion offered to those in deep distress and we want our loved ones to be able to die with dignity. My concern is that however well-intentioned, the Private Member’s Bill being introduced in the House of Commons today will not achieve those things.

“The introduction of this Bill instead serves as an important call to properly fund and resource palliative care, community support services and mental health provision. As we listen to many of the heart-breaking experiences of those who have lost loved ones, it is important to remember that dying in pain is not inevitable. Good palliative care can provide us with the dignity and compassion we are all searching for as we reach the end of our lives. This proposed legislation risks eroding funding for palliative and hospice care.

“Furthermore, legalising assisted suicide would disproportionately impact many millions of vulnerable people, who might perceive themselves as a burden on those around them and the health service. My concern is that once you can ask for assisted suicide, it soon becomes something that you feel that you ought to do. Permission slips into being duty. This does not represent true choice for all, and I worry that no amount of safeguards will ensure everyone’s safety at the most vulnerable point of their lives.

“A good death and compassionate care should be available to everyone, but the Bill being introduced will not achieve that.”

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Canon David Winter reflects on the coming of Jesus…

The most beautiful story

A well-known atheist was being interviewed on Radio 4. When asked how he spent Christmas, he said that he went to Midnight Mass at church. “But you’re an atheist”, his interviewer protested. “Yes”, he replied, “but what they celebrate at Christmas is the most beautiful story ever told.”

That ‘beautiful story’ tells of a Creator who sent His Son to share the life of His creation, to be born as a helpless baby, to grow up as a man of extraordinary wisdom, gentleness and love, who was executed by the authorities for contradicting the traditions of the time. His followers – who today number about two billion people all over the world – believe that He rose from the dead, and that by His death and resurrection He has made possible forgiveness and eternal life for men and women everywhere.

That is certainly quite a story, perhaps the greatest story ever told, and yes, beautiful. And that is the story that will be rehearsed again this Christmas, in children’s Nativities, in hymns and carols, in Bible readings and sermons all over the country. People who stay away from church all year turn up to hear it, and who can blame them? This is a story of hope, of love and of heaven touching earth.

Probably the best-known statue in the world is ‘Christ the Redeemer’, towering over the South American city of Rio de Janeiro, His arms outstretched in blessing. Christmas celebrates the birth of that great Redeemer – a tiny baby laid in a feeding trough.

His birth changed history, His life transformed our understanding of what it means to be human, His death was at one and the same time a tragedy and a triumph. Yes, it is ‘the most beautiful story ever told’. Enjoy it again this Christmas.

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The Revd Dr Jo White considers tree decorations.

Reflecting Faith: Christmas Decorations.

Over the decades the decorations on my home Christmas tree have come and gone. From an eclectic colourful mix of baubles and home-made items when the children were young, to a radical change to ‘contemporary’ and ‘sophisticated’. It didn’t last long, as quite frankly they seemed a bit dull, lifeless and lacking real meaning.

We quite rapidly added mementoes from holiday places to the mix to jazz it up a bit.

In more recent years we’ve been receiving and proudly displaying creations from the next family generation – so we come back to the start.

How about your tree?

And what about the tree decorations you have in your church? What is the story behind those?  Are they identical or very different?

In 1957 at Ascension Lutheran Church, Danville, USA, Frances Kipps Spencer thought that the traditional, brightly coloured Christmas ornaments were not fitting for a worship setting, so she started thinking about a way to reflect the Christian faith through ornaments.

The first ornament was the name of Jesus and His title: Christ. The Greek Chi (X) Rho (P) is the monogram for the Greek word Christos (Christ).

There followed over the years a whole collection symbolising the life of Jesus and is ministry.

These ornaments even have their own name: ‘Chrismons,’ which comes from the words Christ and monogram.

Just as wall paintings and stained glass in churches tell the Christian story these Chrismons are a clever way to communicate the same key ideas of the Christian faith particularly to annual church visitors.

Chrismons are white and gold, representing purity and value. When used with an evergreen Christmas tree, symbolising eternal life, and white lights covering the tree, symbolising Jesus as the light of the world the whole gives a story just in its use of colour with no words required.

This month:  Have a look at the tree decorations in a church near you.  What does the overall effect say? and are there any ‘Chrismons’ on it?

ed - the photo is of the Acklam Library tree in the 2016 Tree Festival.

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Canon Paul Hardingham continues a new series which will run until 2025.

What’s the Big Idea? – An Introduction to the Books of the New Testament: John

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1st December - Eloi, a Patron Saint for the Euro

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December Crossword

Across

1  ‘The blind receive sight, the — walk’ (Luke 7) (4)

3  Got (Philippians 3) (8)

8  Leave out (Jeremiah 26) (4)

9  Castigated for using dishonest scales (Hosea 12) (8)

11 Weighty (1 John 5) (10)

14 ‘Now the serpent was more — ’ (Genesis 3) (6)

15 ‘Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot — God’ (Romans 8) (6)

17 Because Israel lacked one of these,  (1 Samuel 13) (10)

20 In his vision of the two eagles and the vine, this is how Ezekiel described the latter (Ezekiel 17) (8)

21 Rite (anag.) (4)

22 Nine gigs (anag.) (8)

23 ‘The eye cannot say to the — , “I don’t need you”’ (1 Corinthians 12) (4)

Down

1  ‘Don’t — — , and don’t stop anywhere in the plain!’ (Genesis 19) (4,4)

2  Principal thoroughfare (Numbers 20) (4,4)

4  ‘The tax collector... beat his — ’ (Luke 18) (6)

5  ‘The zeal of the Lord Almighty will — this’ (2 Kings 19) (10)

6  ‘The day of the Lord is — for all nations’ (Obadiah 15) (4)

7  Specified day (Acts 21) (4)

10 Deadly epidemic (Deuteronomy 32) (10)

12 Roman Catholic church which has special ceremonial rights (8)

13 Tied up (2 Kings 7) (8)

16 Stephen described Moses as ‘powerful in speech and — ’ (Acts 7) (6)

18 ‘ — heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life’ (1 Kings 15) (4)

19 Tribe (Deuteronomy 29) (4)

November Answers

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      December Anagrams

TELLING THE TIME

Rearrange these letters to form the names of 12 different kinds of clocks, watches and other devices for keeping track of time. Some of these are historical and no longer in general use. However, most of them include the letters for watch or clock. Answers may consist of one, two, three or four words. 

1.     CALL A MORCK    2.     COL CACKLESONG    3.     WITCH WARTS    4.     I C MEETPIE    5.     A SLOSH RUG    6.     PECK THAT COW

7.     WORK TACCLE    8.     IN SALUD    9.     T C WASHPOT    10.   CORMONT HERE    11.   THAT CLAIDWIG    12.   WHOT COUNTY FLU CORKER

Compiled by Peter Warren

           November Anagram Answers     

FOLK MUSIC AND DANCE: Answers

1.     ACCORDION    2.     DULCIMER    3.     CONCERTINA    4.     ZITHER    5.     ALPENHORN    6.     CASTANETS    7.     NORTHUMBRIAN PIPES

8.     BALALAIKA    9.     MARIMBA    10.   DIDGERIDOO    11.   TIN WHISTLE     12.   SMALL PIPES

Winner   Wyn Hirst

 Send your answers with your name to  the editors. 

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December Sudoku

November Answer

Winner   Jack Thompson

Iconic Bethlehem Carol Sheet celebrates 70 years in print

It was back in 1954 when the charity, BibleLands Mission Aid Society, first tentatively decided to print a colourful compilation of popular Christmas carols, alongside images of some of the people BibleLands served.

From the start, the scheme was an immense success. The carol sheets were so popular that even that first year, 100,000 copies were insufficient to meet the demand of schools, churches, British army bases at home and abroad and Royal Navy ships across the world. The donations appeal towards the BibleLands projects in the carol sheet also raised hundreds of pounds.

When 500,000 copies were quickly sold in 1955, BibleLands knew it had a winner on its hands.

So it was that, in 1956, with 1.5 million carol sheets sales as the target, an accompanying catalogue of Christmas cards and gifts and prayers for God’s favour was also launched. The plan was overwhelmingly successful – much needed funds were raised for the work of BibleLands.

Since then, many millions of carol sheets have been sold, until this year the charity, now renamed Embrace the Middle East, has produced a new-look Edition with 27 popular carols, including three new additions for this year: O Holy Night, See Him Lying on a Bed of Straw (Calypso Carol) and The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.  

For more information or to purchase your copy, visit https://shop.embraceme.org/collections/bethlehem-carols

Editor:     The Revd Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’…

The Rectory

St James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

So, you are excited about being invited to plan your first Carol Service. The dangers involved are only slightly less than being invited to judge the best cake made by the Ladies’ Group. You seem to have no idea of the lifelong offence you will inevitably cause. In decades to come when you will either be a seasoned old clergyman – or more likely a double glazing salesman – you will be remembered as “the Curate who offended Mrs Smith.”

First, you have to decide which groups are going to be represented to give the readings. If the Brownies were asked last year, then it has to be the Cubs this time. But don’t forget that every third year, the Boys’ Brigade must be asked, or they will take their revenge and get their flag tangled in the nave chandelier come Remembrance Sunday. If someone represents the choir, then over a four year period, all four voice parts must be called on – and if the organist isn’t asked on the fifth year, then all hymns subsequently will be played at double speed and with one verse missing. Should one person have been invited to read for two successive years, then their annual appearance thereafter will be taken as an inalienable right for the rest of their lifetime – and probably longer than that. To drop them may well invoke legal proceedings,

Then there is the batting order to be considered. Someone from the church council will take it as a deliberate slight if they are placed lower in the order than a representative of the Men’s Fellowship and no self-respecting bell ringer would voluntarily follow a brass cleaner.

If you do not specify where they should read from and how the readings should end, then a form of ecclesiastical inflation will happen. If the first reader speaks from the chancel step, the next one will go to the lectern; after the sanctuary and pulpit have been utilised, the final reader will probably ask you to move so he can take your place. The variations on “Here endeth”, “This is the Word of the Lord”, and “Thanks be to God”, are endless and will increase in length as the Service progresses. The final reader will probably end with a lengthy exegesis on what he thinks the passage means, correcting whatever you said in your sermon.

I once made the mistake of not telling all readers which Bible translation to use. One, an Old Testament expert, therefore decided to read in Hebrew. Not to be outdone, another read her Gospel passage in Greek – apologising beforehand that it may not be a perfect rendering, as she was spontaneously translating it from the English. And some say Christians are not competitive.

You have two alternatives: either repeat last year’s Service without any alteration, saying that it could not be improved, or design your own – and then take Christmas off.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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What sort of a Christmas card person are you?

The time to send and receive Christmas cards has come round again – time for our annual shock at the cost of a coloured card, and disbelief at what the Post Office intends to charge us to deliver them.

It seems there are three kinds of people when it comes to Christmas cards: the total abstainers, the total givers and the selective givers.

Abstainers write ‘Happy Christmas everyone’ on Facebook, and consider the job well done.  Total givers spend a fortune on cards and stamps and send them to everyone they know.  Selective givers try to cut corners, but then cannot remember who sent who what, and as the cards pour through their door, spend time worrying…

However you do it, it is good to stay in yearly touch with your widest circle of friends and family. Proverbs points out that:  ‘Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.’ Prov 25:25. Your loved ones will enjoy hearing from you!

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How much will you spend on Christmas this year?

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Millions at breaking point as “shockingly low incomes” leave them hungry

Chronically low incomes are devastating the lives of millions of people who don’t have enough income to afford food, essential bills and a safe home to live in.

That’s according to the latest report by UK debt advice charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

CAP’s YouGov polling, which accompanies the report, shows that 11.8 million (22%) of UK adults say they currently have a deficit budget, which is when a person’s income doesn’t cover the cost of the core essentials they need to live on.

CAP’s clients, on average, are £273 a month short of what they need to be able to cover their basics such as food, energy bills and rent

The report highlights that when CAP’s debt coaches go into clients’ homes, they find people living in cold properties and with empty fridges. Clients describe sitting in the dark with the lights off and curtains closed, often hiding in terror because they’re afraid of bailiffs knocking at their door demanding money that they don’t have.

The report reveals that almost half (47%) of CAP’s clients have deficit budgets, even after an expert debt advisor has supported them to review their finances, and has worked through suggestions to maximise their income and cut out non-essentials.

Christians Against Poverty’s Chief Executive Officer, Stewart McCulloch, said, ​“Our expert debt advisors, alongside local churches we partner with, are continuing to help thousands of people across the UK to become debt free.

“But it’s frustrating for our team when they have the tools to help someone out of debt, but the person’s income is so shockingly low that even when the burden of debt is removed, they still can’t afford life’s essentials.

“11 million people living lives of hidden desperation is utterly unacceptable. We can’t afford the welfare and health costs of this tragedy.”

If you would like to help:  https://capuk.org 

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 Canon Paul Hardingham gives thanks to the God who comes among us…

Christmas Geese

The story is told of a farmer who didn’t believe in Jesus. One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a service at their local church. He refused to come saying: ‘Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That’s ridiculous!’ So, they left him at home.

During the evening the winds grew stronger, and the snow turned to a blizzard. He heard a series of loud thumps on the window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. They had been migrating south when they got caught in the snowstorm. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter.

The man wanted to help the geese and so he opened the doors of the barn, hoping they would go inside for shelter. But the geese didn’t do anything, despite the man’s efforts to move them. He made a breadcrumb trail leading to the barn and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered.

Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn: ‘Why don’t they follow me?!’ Then he realised: ‘If only I were a goose and become one of them, then I could save them.’ Finally, he understood the heart of the Christmas message. God has become one of us in Jesus. The eternal creator God has entered time and space as a baby, to show us who God is and how we can know Him.

This Christmas, let’s celebrate again this amazing truth that we have a God who knows and can meet our needs in Jesus. ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us’’. Matthew 1:23.

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by Tim Lenton

The “cheek and chic, pose and poise” of Noel Coward

Just 125 years ago, on 16^th December 1899, Noël Coward, British playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, was born. His plays include Hay Fever, Private Lives and Blithe Spirit.

Coward was a supremely talented individual, starting as a child dancer who made his professional debut at the age of 11 and progressing to become a success in many areas of show business. He published more than 50 plays and hundreds of songs, most of them set in the kind of high society that he himself soon inhabited, despite his unpretentious upbringing in Teddington. His acting and directing career lasted six decades.

He received some education at the Chapel Royal Choir School, but he later described his spiritual attitude as “unregenerate” and became agnostic. He said: “I have a selfless absorption in the well-being and achievements of Noël Coward… I am jolly kind to everybody and still attentive and devoted to my dear old mother.”

He found it easy to make friends and possessed what Time magazine called “a sense of personal style, a combination of cheek and chic, pose and poise”.

His many successes, including those in cabaret from the 1950s, led to a knighthood in 1970. Much earlier, by 1930, he had become one of the world’s highest-earning writers, with an annual income of £50,000 – equivalent to more than £4 million today.

During the Second World War he worked for British Intelligence and ran the British propaganda office in Paris. It is reported that Churchill preferred his role in entertaining the troops.

Towards the end of the 1960s Coward developed arteriosclerosis and suffered from bouts of memory loss. He received many other awards, including an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Sussex University. 

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Restrict number of dogs that can be walked

A lot of us will be out taking walks over the festive period. But do you get nervous when you see someone walking towards you while trying to control a number of various kinds of dogs on the lead?

Last year a woman was mauled to death while out walking eight dogs at one time. Natasha Johnston, 28, died near Gravelly Hill in Caterham, Surrey when she lost control of her pack.

Following Natasha’s death, the senior coroner for Surrey has suggested that the number of dogs that can be walked at one time in public should be regulated and restricted. He is preparing a prevention of future deaths report for Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, about bringing in regulations and restrictions for dog walkers in public places.

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David Pickup considers the coin in Christmas puddings

That coin in your Christmas pudding

There is a tradition, which dates from the Middle Ages, of putting silver coins into Christmas puddings. The first coins used were a silver farthing or penny. After World War One, it became a threepenny bit and then a sixpence. Finding one was supposed to bring you good fortune, but probably it was more likely to break a tooth as you bit into the pudding.

We now pay for most things with plastic or by tapping a mobile telephone. In future, will people put old credit cards or phones in their Christmas pudding? Hope not.

Other coins ‘appear’ at this time of year. Chocolate coins are traditionally given to children at Christmas time, and in Jewish tradition during Hanukkah. It is said that one night Saint Nicholas climbed on a roof and threw a purse of money down a chimney, which landed in a pair of stockings that a little girl had hung up to dry. Good throw!

 David Pickup considers the coin in Christmas puddings

That coin in your Christmas pudding

There is a tradition, which dates from the Middle Ages, of putting silver coins into Christmas puddings. The first coins used were a silver farthing or penny. After World War One, it became a threepenny bit and then a sixpence. Finding one was supposed to bring you good fortune, but probably it was more likely to break a tooth as you bit into the pudding.

We now pay for most things with plastic or by tapping a mobile telephone. In future, will people put old credit cards or phones in their Christmas pudding? Hope not.

Other coins ‘appear’ at this time of year. Chocolate coins are traditionally given to children at Christmas time, and in Jewish tradition during Hanukkah. It is said that one night Saint Nicholas climbed on a roof and threw a purse of money down a chimney, which landed in a pair of stockings that a little girl had hung up to dry. Good throw!

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Book Review

The Moment of Truth – Reflections on Incarnation and Resurrection

By Samuel Wells, Canterbury Press, £11.69

Christmas and Easter, Advent and Lent, each focus on the central beliefs of Christian faith – that in the Incarnation, God comes among us, and that in the Resurrection, death is defeated and creation is renewed.

In this collection of seasonal reflections, Samuel Wells unpacks the substance of these key Christian doctrines, and explores their practical implications for living as Christians in the world:

– Laid in a Manger: Reflections on the Nativity<
– The Word was Made Flesh: Reflections on Christmas
– The Image of the Invisible God: Reflections on the Incarnation
– Early on the First Day of the Week: Reflections on Easter Morning
– I have Seen the Lord: Reflections on the Risen Christ.

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All in the month of December

It was:

1750 years ago, on 25 Dec 274 that the Roman Emperor Aurelian founded the cult of Sol Invictus as an official religion. He erected a temple and declared 25^th December a national holiday, to be known as the Feast of the Unconquered Sun. In 336, after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, 25^th December began to be celebrated by the church in Rome as the birthday of God’s Son.

125 years ago, on 5^th Dec 1899 that Henry Tate, British sugar merchant and philanthropist, died. He established the Tate Gallery in London.

Also 125 years ago, on 16^th Dec 1899 that Noel Coward, British playwright, composer, director, actor and singer, was born. His plays include Hay Fever, Private Lives, and Blithe Spirit.

80 years ago, from 16^th Dec 1944 to 16^th Jan 1945 that the Battle of the Bulge (Belgium) took place. German forces launched a surprise assault on the Allies in the Ardennes Forest – their last major counter-offensive operation of the war.

75 years ago, on 13^th Dec 1949 that Jerusalem became the capital of Israel, replacing Tel Aviv.

60 years ago, on 31^st Dec 1964 that Donald Campbell broke the world water speed record, and became the only person to break both the land speed record and the water speed record in the same year.

40 years ago, on 3^rd Dec that the Bhopal disaster took place in India. A poisonous gas leak at a Union Carbide pesticide plant killed thousands of people and left at least 120,000 with long-term health problems.

Also 40 years ago, on 19^th Dec 1984 that the Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed by Britain and China.  Britain agreed to return Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty on 1^st July 1997.

Also 40 years ago, on 31^st Dec 1984 that the Bank of England stopped producing one pound notes. They remained legal tender until 1988.

30 years ago, on 9^th Dec 1994 that Sinn Fein held its first formal talks with the British government. This eventually led to the IRA ceasefire, the Good Friday Agreement, and the establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998.

Also 25 years ago, on 2^nd Dec 1999 that the UK devolved political power in Northern Ireland to the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive Committee.

Also 25 years ago, on 31^st Dec 1999 that the London Eye – the world’s tallest Ferris wheel at the time, was officially opened on the banks of the River Thames. It opened to passengers in March 2000.

20 years ago, on 26^th Dec 2004 that the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (also called the Boxing Day Tsunami) took place. A massive undersea earthquake near Sumatra caused a devastating tsunami that swamped coastal areas in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and East Africa. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, killing more than 230,000 people in 14 countries.

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Smile Lines

What do you get Dad?

December is the month when the family begins to discuss what to get Dad for Christmas. Some argue for a shirt; others hold out for a pair of socks. But the argument usually ends in a tie.

**

Christmas gifts

Grandfather was talking to his grand-daughter, “When I was a child all we got for Christmas was an apple and an orange.” The little girl clapped her hands in joy.  “Brilliant!  I’d love a new computer and a mobile!”

** 

Christmas shopping

It was Christmas and the judge was in a benign mood as he asked the prisoner what he was charged with. “Doing my Christmas shopping early,” replied the man.

“Why, that’s no offence,” said the judge. “How early were you doing it?”

“Before the store opened,” replied the defendant.

** 

Christmas carols

One night as Christmas approached, some friends decided to go carol singing.  A man answered the door of one house, and gasped as they launched into the opening lines of the first carol. Within half a minute, he looked stricken. Soon tears were welling up in his eyes.  The carollers sang and sang, and the man looked very moved by what he heard.  One caroller ventured: “I understand – our singing reminds you of your happy childhood Christmases.”

The man looked at her with misery in his eyes. “No,” he whispered back. “It’s just that I am a musician!”

**

Father Christmas

Of course, I had expected that by the age of seven it was inevitable that my son would begin to have serious thoughts about Father Christmas. Sure enough, one day near Christmas he suddenly said: “Mum, I know something about Father Christmas, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.” Taking a deep breath, I asked him what that might be. “Easy,” he said, “They are all nocturnal.”

**

Christmas play

The Sunday School Christmas play was in full swing when the teacher prompted: “And what was it that guided the Wise Men from the East?” Right on cue, the pre-schoolers turned their large white letters to face the audience. However, the last four children in the lineup had somehow reversed their sequence, and so the answer was: C H R I S T M A S    R A T S.

**

Nativity scene

“Here’s a king!” announced the five-year-old as he unwrapped a figurine from the Christmas decorations box. “Here’s a donkey!” he added a moment later.

Then he removed the tissue from another figure, finding the infant Jesus moulded permanently into the little manger. The child exclaimed, “And here’s Baby Jesus in his car seat!”

**

Snow

One snowman said sadly to the other, “All our friends are flakes.”

**

Fragile Nativity

A couple visited their son and his family for Christmas, and admired their beautiful nativity set in the hallway. The grandfather asked his young granddaughter if she knew what it was. “Oh yes,” she said immediately. “Of course I do. It’s breakable.”

**

Sign for Christmas

An old country preacher wanted a sign that told people driving on the nearby dual carriageway about the miracle of Christmas. So he sent a short message to the general store in the village.

This story picks up at the sign-making company and the astonished clerk who received the message. The message that she read was: “Unto us a child is born, 6 ft long and 3 ft wide.”

**

You can tell

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

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The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of St Mary's, it's clergy, the Church of England

or the Editors.