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Featherstone Community Church

magazine February 2021

St

Thomas

Purston

All Saints

North

Featherstone

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IN TIMES OF ANXIETY AND CONFUSSION

We all go through times when we are not sure of what is coming next. No matter who you are or what you do, you will experience seasons of uncertainty. Whether you are graduating college and have no idea what the next few years will look like, or you are awaiting test results from your doctor, life can be unforeseeable. We can plan, eat healthy, fill out application after application to prepare for what is to come but sometimes it seems as though nothing can set us up for unpredictable situations. In times like these, it is easy to fall into a pit of anxiety and allow worry to rule over your thoughts. When we fall into that pit, we are unable to live presently because our thoughts are being hijacked by tomorrow's concerns. It can feel like your own life is out of your control. That is one of the scariest feel-ings. So, what can we do in these moments when awaiting circumstances seem fickle and unsteady? Cling to the Word of God. It is constant, invariable, and always there in time of need. It is necessary to keep the Word of God hidden in our hearts so that we can call upon it to remind us of the nature of God and His plans for us. From personal experience, I can tell you that there are some things I would not have been able to endure had it not been for the unceasing Voice of God expressed in scriptures like these. God's Word is a consistent force of sustenance in our lives amid disorder and confusion. Sometimes, it might be the only thing that gets you through, but it will always get you through. Here are some passages that

will help you to get through.

1. Zephaniah 3:17

"The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will

rejoice over you with singing."

2. 1 Corinthians 2:9

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man

the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

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3. Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" 4. Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” 5. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." 6. 1 Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 7. Psalm 56:3 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." 8. Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." 9. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." 10. Philippians 1:6 "Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Your priest and friend, Joseph

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2nd Feb: Candlemas, The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

In bygone centuries, Christians said their last farewells to the Christmas season on Candlemas, 2nd February. This is exactly 40 days after Christmas Day itself.

In New Testament times 40 days old was an important age for a baby boy: it was when they made their first ‘public appearance’. Mary, like all good Jewish mothers, went to the Temple with Jesus, her first male child - to ‘present Him to the Lord’. At the same time, she, as a new mother, was ‘purified’. Thus, we have the Festival of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

So, where does the Candlemas bit come in? Jesus is described in the New Testament as the Light of the World, and early Christians developed the tradition of lighting many candles in celebration of this day. The Church also fell into the custom of blessing the year’s supply of candles for the church on this day - hence the name, Candlemas.

The story of how Candlemas began can be found in Luke 2:22-40. Simeon’s great declaration of faith and recognition of who Jesus was is of course found in the Nunc Dimittis, which is embedded in the Office of Evening Prayer in the West. But in medieval times, the Nunc Dimittis was mostly used just on this day, during the distribution of candles before the Eucharist. Only gradually did it win a place in the daily prayer life of the Church.

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Follow a new pilgrim path

In the south of England, a new pilgrim path is emerging. Winding through downland, weald and shoreline for 250 miles, the Old Way from Southampton to Canterbury is derived from the oldest road map of Britain: the Gough Map, c.1360.

Like the Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this ancient route has lain dormant for years. But it has been recently rediscovered by the British Pilgrimage Trust, who have used the Gough Map’s key anchor waypoints (corresponding to settlements like Southampton, Chichester, Arundel, Battle, Rye etc) to cre-ate a new pilgrimage route with ancient roots.

In unison with the Old Way’s development, the British Pilgrimage Trust are also reintroducing another ancient – and similarly dormant – tradition. The offering of ‘sanctuary’ hospitality to pilgrims along a pilgrimage route was, up until the English Reformation of 1534, common practice. Monasteries through-out the country would have had a room or building reserved specifically for travellers, who would rely on these sanctuaries in order to make pilgrimage. When pilgrimage was banned in 1538, and monasteries demolished, these two practices – making pilgrimage, and providing sanctuary – ceased, lying fallow for hundreds of years.

It is natural, then, that with the re-emergence of pilgrimage in the UK, the provision of sanctuary should likewise become common practice again. The BPT has worked with 13 churches along the Old Way, who will offer overnight sanctuary to BPT pilgrims walking the route, in exchange for a donation (between £5-£10 per pilgrim for one night) to their church. In Spring 2021, Covid-19 permitting, the Sanctuary Project will launch.

The BPT is looking for more churches, based along this route and in other locations across Britain, to take up this project. This is a fantastic opportunity: not only will the project enable pilgrims on lower incomes to make pilgrimage, but it will also bring a new type of visitor and donation to churches.

To find out more about the BPT’s Sanctuary Project, visit: britishpilgrim-age.org/sanctuary

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CHRISTMAS CRACKER JOKES (Yes we know they are awful but we still want to share them with you!) Who earns a living by driving his cus-tomers away?

A taxi driver. Why did the turkey get picked to be in the band? He was the only one with drumsticks. Why did the man put his money in the freezer?

Because he wanted cold hard cash. How does Darth Vader like his Christmas turkey? On the dark side. How much does it cost Santa to park his sleigh?

Nothing Its on the house. Why did no-one bid for Donner and Blitzen on eBay? Because they were too deer. How do you stop your mouth from freezing at Christmas?

Grit your teeth. Why did Cinderella never make it as a footballer? Because she ran away from the ball. Why does Santa enjoy working in the garden?

Because he likes to hoe, hoe, hoe.

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J M HENNEL MRICS AMM T ENG

Plans drawn and put through

Planning and Building Regulations

Houses to garages

Newlands

Cutsyke Road

Featherstone

WF7 6BD

Tel 01977 780436

Mobile 07932 773241

E-mail: hennel369@gmail.com

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BREAKFAST BARS

INGREDIENTS

100g chopped nuts (whatever your

favourites are)

250g oats

Tsp ground ginger

Tsp ground cinnamon

80g chopped dried apricots

2 mashed bananas

100g maple syrup (or golden syrup)

1. Line a swiss roll tin with baking paper

2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl (or use your mixer)

3. Put the mixture into tin use a spoon to flatten it down

4. Bake for 20 -25 minutes at 180c/fan 160 or gas 4 until golden brown

5. Leave in tin to cool

6. Lift from tin and cut into 12 -16 slices depending on how big you want them to be.

MANY THANKS TO THE KIND PERSON WHO CUT THE HEDGES IN THE CAR AT ALL SAINTS. WHOEVER YOU ARE WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL

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Provided by Frances at St Thomas, from a friend , Pauline Life Keep smiling at your reflection As each new day unfolds For god gave us sunshine He never promised us gold Enjoy the beauty around you Travelling along life's way There is no one on this planet Knows how long we are here to stay Sometimes it’s an uphill journey But as we get nearer to the end We realise dreams are a mirage Our greatest gift a true friend The Helpful Vicar A newly married couple had been to view a house which they had decided to take. After they had left they remembered that they had not been able to find the WC in the house. They wrote to the Vicar( who had helped them get the place) to see if he

could offer them any explanation of this state of affairs.

It seems that the Vicar had never heard of the term WC & thought they must mean

the Wesleyan Chapel. So he wrote the husband the following letter;

Dear Sir

I regret in reply to your letter that the nearest WC in the area is seven mile's away from this house. This is rather unfortunate if you are in the habit of going regularly. However, some people take their lunch &make a day of it. Those who can spare the time, walk. Others go by train and arrive just in time. By the way it is made to seat 200 & the committee have now decided to have plush seats & to ensure greater comfort. The last time my wife and I went was about 10 years ago & she had to stand all the time,.I myself never go at all. There are special facilities for the ladies presided over by the minister who goes to their assistance when required. All the children sit together & sing during the proceedings. Hoping this information will be of

use to you

Yours truly

The Vicar

P.S .Hymn sheets are provided & will be hanging on the door.

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Twisted Vintage

Give your home a soul

We Have an eclectic mix of modern, vintage and rustic style home

accessories and gifts.

Handmade soft furnishings

Candles

Pre-loved vintage items

Fabric, ribbon and lace

Gifts

Garden accessories

The Old Mexborough Arms

CastlefordWF10 5PT

Tel:01977 512939

Opening Times: Everyday 10am – 4.00pm

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DENTURES BY DOMINIC

General dental Council Reg No 145164

11 Andrew Street, Featherstone WF7 5NS

01977 793193

Private Denture Clinic where quality & service count.

At Dentures by Dominic, we don’t just make dentures, we create smiles.....

Complete or partial acrylic dentures

Soft comfortable linings

Denture care & denture repair

Metal/chrome dentures

Wheelchair access

Home visits available

Residential & Care Home visits

HUGGAMUG COFFEE SHOP

NEW SEASONAL MENU

CHURCH LANE, FEATHERSTONE

Hot & Cold food to eat in or take away

Small after hours functions available e.g. baby showers, af-

ternoon teas.

Open 7am—4 pm

Mon—Fri

Tel; Jo

07584635870

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14th Feb: Valentine’s Day

There are two confusing things about this day of romance and anonymous love-cards strewn with lace, cupids and ribbon: firstly, there seems to have been two different Valentines in the 4th century - one a priest martyred on the Flaminian Way, under the emperor Claudius, the other a bishop of Terni martyred at Rome. And neither seems to have had any clear connection with lovers or courting

couples.

So why has Valentine become the patron saint of romantic love? By Chaucer’s time the link was assumed to be because on these saints’ day -14th February - the birds are supposed to pair. Or perhaps the custom of seeking a partner on St Valentine’s Day is a surviving scrap of the old Roman Lupercalia festival, which took place in the middle of February. One of the Roman gods honoured during this Festival was Pan, the god of nature. Another was Juno, the goddess of women and marriage. During the Lupercalia it was a popular custom for young men to draw the name of a young unmarried woman from a name-box. The two would then be partners or ‘sweethearts’ during the time of the celebrations. Even modern Valentine decorations bear an

ancient symbol of love - Roman cupids with their bows and love-arrows.

There are no churches in England dedicated to Valentine, but since 1835 his relics

have been claimed by the Carmelite church in Dublin.

14th Feb: The very first Valentine card, a legend

The Roman Emperor Claudius II needed soldiers. He suspected that marriage made men want to stay at home with their wives, instead of fighting wars, so he outlawed

marriage.

A kind-hearted young priest named Valentine felt sorry for all the couples who wanted to marry, but who couldn’t. So secretly he married as many couples as he could - until the Emperor found out and condemned him to death. While he was in prison awaiting execution, Valentine showed love and compassion to everyone around him, including his jailer. The jailer had a young daughter who was blind, but through Valentine’s prayers, she was healed. Just before his death in Rome on 14th February, he wrote

her a farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine.’

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Shrove Tuesday: Who’s for pancakes? by David Winter Why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, as we call it today? And what is Shrove Tuesday? And why do thousands of people feel it rewarding to race along a street somewhere tossing pancakes from their frying pans as they go?

Well, the answer to the first question is that it is the day before Lent begins and for well over a thousand years that has meant it was the last chance to enjoy meat, fat and other tasty dishes until Easter Day. The ‘Lent Fast’ was widely and strictly observed. The food in the larder wouldn’t keep for six weeks so it had to be eaten. With all these rich foods no wonder the French call it ‘Fatty Tuesday’ – Mardi Gras. So, what have pancake races got to do with all this solemnity? ‘Shrove’ is an old word for ‘forgiven’ and in those days to prepare for the rigours of Lent people would want to confess and seek forgiveness – not quite what you want at a party. The answer is quite simply enjoying yourself while you can! So, on Shrove Tuesday this year let’s have some fun and make it last as long as possible. The most convincing (and amusing) of the explanations of pancake races is of outwitting the Sexton who rang the curfew bell that marked the start of Lent. He was reluctant to do it while the race was unfinished. So, the revelry caused by dropped pancakes, postponed the inevitable. Since the Reformation it has not been so rigorously observed in Britain, but still people will resolve to ‘give up something for Lent’. Six weeks is about right as a duration and Sunday has always been exempt but make the most of those pancakes. They may well not reappear until April 12th!

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PARISH MASS

Sunday 9am at All Saints’ Parish Church Featherstone and at 10.30am at Saint Thomas' Parish Church

also 8am Said Mass at Saint Thomas

Father Joseph Grosu Saint Thomas’ House

32 Victoria Street, Purston WF7 5EZ

Telephone 01977 792288 Curate Peter Clapham

Usual Said Masses

Tuesdays 12pm St Thomas Church Hall Wednesdays 9.30am All Saints’–

Including Healing on last Wednesday of each month

Baptism enquiries St Thomas ;Joyce Dibb Tel . 709680 All Saints ; Jane Wyard Tel. 796050 or Gail Copley Tel. 706064 Magazine editors: Jenny Pye & Clare Grosu

Hire of St Thomas Church Hall Tel. Clare or Joseph 01977 792288 Hire of All Saints Rooms Tel. Sue Kirkham 01977 703113 Churchwardens

St Thomas ; Frances & Derek Varndell: Tel. 075353 50705 All Saints; David Brooks Tel. 550748 , Wendy Wilson Tel. 277947 Saint Thomas Junior School Head teacher Mrs Cathy Hampshire Telephone: 01977 706063 All Saints Church of England Academy Headteacher Mr M Jones Telephone 01977 780225