newsletter of st neots & eynesbury parish...
TRANSCRIPT
April 2015
Newsletter of St Neots & Eynesbury Parish Churches
Price 40p
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Who’s who in St Neots Parish Church Website http://www.stneots.org
Vicar Rev’d Dr. Paul Andrews 370312 /471297 The Vicarage, Church Street [email protected]
Curate Rev’d Eleanor Whalley 56 Stonehill 214995 [email protected]
Associate Priest Rev’d Roger Henthorne 472548 45 Berkley Street, Eynesbury
Retired Clergy: Rev’d Derek Draper Rev’d Bill Taylor Rev’d Canon Robert Sibson
Reader Ann Williams 394709 in Training 15 Buckley Road, Eynesbury [email protected] Authorised Lay Ministers: Rosemary Darrington, Pastoral Asst. 476334 Catherina Griffiths, Pastoral Asst. 393372 Christine Green, Worship Leader 07757665099
Children’s Jane Plumb 350137 Coordinator 30 Arundel Crescent, Eynesbury [email protected] Parish Administrator Judith Andrews 370312 Parish Office: Mon - Wed closed, Thurs, Fri 9:00 - 13:00, Sat 9.00 - 11.00 [email protected]
Church Philip Barrett 471871 Wardens 24 Barringer Way [email protected]
Jacky Isaac 476366 164 Cambridge Street [email protected]
Treasurer David Jones 211379 6 Murrell Close [email protected]
PCC Secretary Catherina Griffiths 393372 7 Parkway [email protected]
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Gift Aid Secretary Godfrey Wilson 391739 38 Honeydon Avenue [email protected]
Stewardship Jane Gill 476904 Recorder [email protected]
Director of Music Lloyd Barnett 217153 43 Ridgeway, Eynesbury [email protected] Churches Together Men’s Group Phil Barrett 24 Barringer Way 471871
Derek Wheel 18 Whistler Road 211897 Mother’s Union Branch Leader Catherina Griffiths 393372 7 Parkway [email protected]
St Mary’s Guild Bev Rawlings 475651
Tower Bell Captain David Griffiths 07818 685502 5 Rycroft Avenue [email protected]
Hand Bells Catherina Griffiths 393372 7 Parkway [email protected]
Holy Terrors Eileen Raggatt 213884 9-10yrs The Ferns, Berkley St. Eynesbury Magazine editor Ann Williams 394709 [email protected] Magazine David and Hilary Read 216684 distribution 3 Axis Way, Eaton Socon [email protected]
St Mary’s School Jenny Overs (Headteacher) 398048 Wintringham Road Restoration Team Ken Minney Colin Freeman (Treasurer) 381168 [email protected]
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Reconciling ourselves to God
‘Christ is our peace. He has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross. We meet in his name and share his peace.’
These are familiar words. They form one of the most often used introductions to the sharing of the peace of Christ with one another that is an important part of every celebration of the Eucha-rist. April this year begins with Holy Week in
which we think about the wonderful self-sacrifice that Our Lord made for the life of the world, when he died on the cross, and continues into Easter as we celebrate how death was defeated for us all through his glorious resurrection. It is a time when we especially think about the wonderful, unexpected and outrageously generous way in which God chose to become one of us in order bring about this reconciliation between his wayward people and his unimagin-able divinity.
But God’s willingness to accept us, however badly we fall short of his incredi-ble love, is not always matched by our willingness to accept that he loves us whatever we do or say. The two great commandments to love God and to love our neighbours as ourselves (which are essentially two sides of the same commandment) are all too often thwarted by our inability to see ourselves and love ourselves with the complete love that God offers us. Consequently, our own sense of failure, of unworthiness, of sinfulness sometimes creates a bar-rier that prevents us from seeing clearly and accepting the love that God of-fers so freely. There may be something that we know we’ve done or said that has hurt someone else, that has damaged a relationship, or we may feel that we simply consistently fall short, Whatever it may be, we find it hard fully to love God in our neighbours, because we are prevented by our own sense of sin from loving ourselves as God does. We need to accept that the reconcilia-tion that Jesus won for us on the cross, is really ours.
How can we restore that relationship with God that puts right our relationships with each other? We know that we can come to God in prayer at any time, confessing our failings and asking his forgiveness. We know that God will for-give us our sins, when we forgive those who sin against us. Often, that will be enough and we will feel restored to full fellowship in Christ. Sometimes though, it is difficult and then we wonder where we can turn for help.
The Church of God in Jesus Christ has always offered a personal ministry of reconciliation. This is more obvious in some parts of the Church than in others and the Roman Catholic Church teaches that sacramental confession to a
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priest is essential and a pre-requisite of being admitted to communion. The Church of England has never made such a feature of confession, but as what we call the ministry of reconciliation, something similar is always available for those who might value it. Unlike the Catholic model, it has never been a manda-tory part of the Christian life, but is a ministry, like the ministry of healing with which it shares some characteristics, that is there as a help and as part of the toolkit for living the Christian life. Many will never feel the need to make use of it, but for those who do, it is a ministry that the clergy gladly offer.
Why should I make my confession to a priest when I have free access to God? Well, while we believe that God hears and answers prayer, it sometimes it helps to order my own thinking to talk to another person about the matters that are troubling, or distressing me. Sometimes it helps just to know that someone has heard me in confidence, offered advice, prayed with me and pronounced God’s forgiveness and blessing. Always, it is of huge importance to know that every-thing I have said is in total and absolute confidence and will never be divulged to any other person under any circumstances. Those who come to me to receive the ministry of reconciliation, do so knowing that not only will I never repeat what is said to anyone else, nor will anything said in sacramental confidence be brought up in subsequent conversations with the penitent, unless he or she wishes to talk things over further.
The elements of this ministry of reconciliation are preparation – think about what you want to say, conversation, listening and prayer, spiritual advice or suggested course of action if appropriate, and the pronouncement of God’s loving forgive-ness and blessing.
Easter is a good time to think about the reconciliation given to us in Jesus on the cross. If you think that the Church’s ministry of reconciliation is something that you would find helpful, please contact me to make an appointment for us to meet and pray together.
Father Paul
APCM after church on April 26th Please be sure to come to the APCM to find out all that has hap-pened and is planned for our church and its community. Do please remember that we shall be looking for a new churchwarden and volunteers to join the PCC. Nominations should ideally be given to Father Paul or Catherina Griffiths before the meeting. See you all there, I hope.
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Holy Week and Easter
The services of Holy Week and Easter are the most important in the Christian calendar. This is the time when we remember and engage with the passion, death and resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the events on which our faith is founded and in which our salvation and our identity as disciples of Christ, as the Body of Christ, are founded.
As usual this pivotal week is marked with special services in which we have the opportunity to enter fully into those events, and follow in Jesus’s footsteps to the cross and beyond. It can be an emotional and challenging as well as ulti-mately a joyful time. It is only through entering into the passion and crucifixion of Jesus, and the desolation of his disciples and followers, that we can rise with Our Lord on Easter Day and proclaim ‘Christ is Risen!’ to the whole world. Our Holy Week journey begins with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and our procession this year will begin in the churchyard at 9.15 with the gospel of the palms, before we enter church for the first Eucharist of Holy Week including a dramatic reading of the Passion Gospel.
On Maundy Thursday we remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples and re-enact Jesus’ washing of his disciples feet, a ministry of service that we offer to any or all who attend, however many wish to receive it. This service ends in drama, as we ceremonially as we strip the altars of all their cov-erings, remembering that when Jesus was arrested, his disciples all deserted him and fled, and we keep vigil in the Lady Chapel, as he kept vigil in the Gar-den of Gethsemane.
Good Friday brings our annual ecumenical procession of witness, assembling at 10.35, following the cross to the Market Square and taking part in an act of worship there. Our formal Liturgy of the Cross begins at 12 noon and is fol-lowed by a frugal lunch in the Church Rooms joining the families and children whose Messy Good Friday activity begins at 11.30. For those who wish, the moving service of Stations of the Cross follows in church at about 2.15. Holy Saturday is a day of emptiness and loss, until after darkness has fallen at 8pm, we assemble for the Easter Vigil and blessing of the new Paschal Candle which is carried into the dark church before the liturgy erupts in a blaze of light and joy as we focus on the Holy Mystery of the Resurrection, singing the an-cient Exsultet, and heralding the new dawn of Christ’s triumph over the dark-ness of death.
And on Easter morning – the full joy of the Resurrection celebrated with Holy Communion at 8am and an All Age Eucharist at 9.30 at which the Easter Gar-den, which the children will prepare on Good Friday, will be blessed. And don’t forget Passion 2015 – the whole story brought to life in drama and music in the centre of town, beginning at 2.30pm
Christ is Risen – He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
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Anyone for Bell Ringing?
Yes, really, would you believe? Have you ever thought what actually might be happening in our lovely tower when you hear the bells ringing for services, weddings, funerals and evening practices? Well now is your chance to find out and see if this might be for you. It is not, as Christmas cards often depict, Monks pulling hard and swinging on a rope and disappearing into the air! Nor do the bells ring at the flick of a switch. Everyone has their own bell to ring. You don't have to be physically strong and you would be given expert teaching and guidance at all times. Seriously, this is an opportunity for anyone over the age of about 11 to learn a new skill, support the Church and have a great social life with people of all ages, abilities and walks of life. You won't know until you try so we would like to invite you to contact the ringing master, David Griffiths (contact details at front of the Messenger) and arrange with him to meet at the bottom of the tower one Friday evening. Our practices begin at 7.30. David will be very pleased to meet you as will the rest of us up in the belfry. The initial visit is likely to be an introduction, to find what actually goes on up there and meet us all. Then, when you have mastered the basic handling technique, you will be of enormous help particularly on Sundays. However, there is no end to where the exercise (or art as we call it) will take you, so it comes with a bit of a warning! You may enjoy it so much there will be the danger of it taking over your life as many of us will testify. However, it is something that you can do as much or as little as you are feel you are able. Last, but not least, perhaps you have been a bell ringer in the past and ei-ther life has taken you away from it for a number of
reasons, or you feel a little reluc-tant to return owing to a lack of practice as you might see it. All I can say there is, “Have courage and please come back”. If you know of anyone who would be interested in reading this arti-cle then please do pass it on. Hoping to see you in the tower. You will be very welcome.
Mary Hall
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Please remember in your prayers all who are ill and who have asked for our prayers:
Gilliam Caldwell, John McLeod, Roger Simmonds, George and Ruth Wakeman, Joan Pearce, Elizabeth Naylor, Leo Francis, Eddie Edwards, Keith Stokes, Mike Mitcham, Martin Atkins, Margaret Sibson, Sheila Green, Christopher, William Brown, Gerry Saunders, Mollie Walker, Jack Moate, Stuart Crabtree, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Anthony Brewer, Richard Bunyan, Chris Gates, Margaret Bilson, Brenda Royce, Julie Thomas, Sheila Rawlings, Claire Kay, Ann Rudd, Sarah Lewis
Prayers for all the sick are offered regularly at the daily services of morning and evening prayer in both St Neots and Eynesbury Churches. Those whose problems are more recent or short-term are named in our weekly pew sheet, and remembered at Sunday services.
Family News Pray for those recently baptised Charlotte and Penny Champion Mackenzie Brown
Pray for those recently married Pray for those who have recently died
The April Meeting will be the Maundy Thursday Service in Church at 7.30pm.
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ACTIOS QUIZ Saturday 25th April 2015
New Street Baptist Church 7.30 - 10pm
Ploughman’s Supper. Please bring your own drinks and glasses.
Only £6.00 See Jane Gill for tickets or call 476904
Book Group
The Book Group meets at 2pm on Thursday, April 23rd at Jim and Joan Turner’s, 10 Bodiam Way.
This month’s book is Meeting God in Mark by Rowan Williams
Come along to a
Pre-Christian Aid Week Party At
The URC, St Neots on
Wednesday 8th
April at 7.30pm.
There will be a presentation by Imogen Tate from Christian Aid HQ on the latest projects and information about the forth-coming Christian Aid Week. Imogen is always very informa-tive and it is well worth coming along to hear her speak and to learn about how Christian Aid is supporting the poorest
communities in the world. Refreshments will be served.
All Welcome!
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2015 – The Year of the Big Thank You
‘We pray to be the generous and visible people of Jesus Christ.’
This is the mission statement our diocese has set itself to fulfil. However, we all recognise that we, in the church, are not the only ones who are trying to live gener-ously for the benefit of others. A great army of carers, cleaners, teachers, dinner ladies, lollipop men & women, nurses, social workers, people who run sports, after-school or lunch clubs – and a host of others – are giving their time and skills to serve our communities. They are often invisible - people who do not seek to make the headlines. Yet because of them our communities are greatly enriched. Be-cause of them many people flourish who would otherwise fail. Without them many would remain lonely, unloved, unnoticed.
So in 2015, in particular, the Diocese of Ely, through its parishes and people, wishes to recognise and say a big ‘Thank you’ to this army of unsung heroes. We have special ‘Thank You Cards’ designed and printed specially for this pur-pose. There are two versions – for adults and for children. The children’s cards have been mainly distributed through church schools in the diocese, including St Mary’s School, but if your child has someone they would like to thank, we have some too.
If there is someone whom you know about, who doesn’t have to have anything to do with the church, but has given long or significant service to the community in any capacity, and you think they would appreciate a card of thanks, please let Fr Paul or Revd Eleanor know and we will arrange for a thank you card to be sent or given.
Pilgrim – a course for the Christian journey
Last year, we successfully ran two groups exploring the Pilgrim course. Pilgrim is a course for those exploring the Christian faith, perhaps for the first time, or refresh-ing and deepening an existing faith. The course provides a good preparation for anyone considering baptism or confirmation. This year we are offering the course again, on Wednesday evenings at 7.30, be-ginning on Wednesday April 15
th. The first evening will be in the Upper Room
above the parish office at the vicarage, and we will alternate with the Parish Room at St Mary’s Eynesbury. Fr Paul and Revds Debbie and Eleanor will be involved in leading the sessions. If you are thinking about baptism or confirmation,
or just want to join in an exploration of the Chris-
tian faith, you will be very welcome. Please speak
to Fr Paul or Revd Eleanor
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Readings April 2015
Easter Day Acts 10.34-43 or Isaiah 25.6-9 Psalm 118.1-2,14-24* 1 Corinthians 15.1-11 or Acts 10.34-43 John 20.1-18 or Mark 16.1-8 Second Sunday of Easter Acts 4.32-35 Psalm 133 1 John 1.1 - 2.2 John 20.19-31 Third Sunday of Easter Acts 3.12-19 Psalm 4 1 John 3.1-7 Luke 24.36b-48 Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 4.5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3.16-24
John 10.11-18
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Calendar for April 2015 (Please note that any changes to this calendar will be found on the pew sheet) Prayers are said weekdays in church: mornings at 8:30 and evenings at 17:30. (Tuesday and Thursday daily prayer is at Eynesbury church) W 1st 12.30 Holy Communion
Easter Services Th 2nd Maundy Thursday 19.30 Last Supper Eucharist with washing of feet followed by
Vigil until midnight F 3rd Good Friday 10.45 Ecumenical Procession of witness 11.30 Messy Good Friday, Church Rooms 12noon Liturgy of the Cross 13.15 Frugal lunch 14.15 Stations of the Cross Sa 4th Holy Saturday 20.00 Celebration of the Light followed by Prosecco and cake Su 5th Easter Day 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Easter Eucharist 11.30 Baptism of Ava Jacklin 14.30 CPA Passion Play, Market Square
Tu 7th 10.30 Tuesday Bible Study at at 6 Bargrove Ave 14.00 Service at Aisling Lodge 19.30 Standing Committee W 8th 09.00 Church cleaning
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12.30 Holy Communion 19.30 Bible Study at 5 Parkway 19.30 Christian Aid Party at the URC F 10th 09.30 Holy Communion 19.30 Choir practice and Bell ringing practice
Su12th 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Sung Eucharist with ministry of healing 11.30 Baptism of Ares Usher
M 13th 09.00 Coffee, Craft and Chat at St. Mary’s School 17.30 Holy Terrors at The Ferns Tu 14th 19.30 PCC meets in the Upper Room W 15th 10.00 Tots’ Praise, Church Room 12.30 Holy Communion 19.30 Bible Study Th 16th 19.30 St Mary’s Guild, Church Rooms Fr 17th 09.30 Holy Communion
Su 19th 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Sung Eucharist No Evening Service
M 20th 17.30 Holy Terrors at The Ferns
Tu 21st 10.30 Tuesday Bible Study Group 19.30 Churches Together Men’s Forum at Berkley Street Methodist Ch. W 22nd 12.30 Holy Communion Th 23rd 19.30 St. Mary’s Guild, Church Rooms F 24th 09.30 Eucharist at St. Mary’s School 19.30 Choir practice and Bell ringing practice Sa 25th 11.00 Spring Bazaar, Church Rooms 19.30 ACTIOS Quiz, New Street Baptist Church
Su 26th 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 Sung Eucharist followed by APCM and lunch
M 27th 09.00 Coffee, Craft and Chat at St. Mary’s School 17.30 Holy Terrors at The Ferns Tu 28th 10.30 Coffee Club at the Priory Centre 14.15 Service at Bethany Francis House W 29th 10.00 Tots’ Praise, Church Rooms 12.30 Holy Communion
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Prayer Diary for April
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W 1st Th 2nd Maundy Thursday F 3rd Good Friday Sa 4th Easter Eve Su 5th Easter Day M 6th Tu 7th W 8th Th 9th F 10th Sa 11th Su 12th M 13th Tu 14th W 15th Th 16th F 17th Sa 18th Su 19th M 20th Alphege Tu 21st Anselm W 22nd Th 23rd George F 24th Sa 25th Mark, Evangelist Su 26th M 27th Tu 28th W 29th Th 30th
Hampden Way Leveller’s Lane Howitt’s Gardens Maule Close Ream Close Jennings Avenue Parker Close Stocker Way Barford Road Hall Road The Broadwalk Poppyfields Harvey Street Lansbury Close Coneygeare Court Medland Grove Eayre Court Manor Grove Dryden Court Manor Farm Road Mobile Home Park Fishers’ Yard River Terrace Market Place High Street South Street The Priory Toller Mews Berkley Court Washbank Road
Those new to faith Those struggling with faith Those persecuted for faith Those affirming faith CPA and the positive effect of The Passion Potential ordinands The newly baptised Parents and godparents Those preparing for marriage Civil partnerships Those in difficult relationships Nature conservation Local History groups Heritage preservation Schools facing challenges Pupils preparing for exams Christian witness in schools Traveller communities Residents in Paines Mill Those seeking employment Those seeking homes Those stressed at work Those recently retired Churches Together ACTIOS ‘ work in schools SNPC PCC and officers Student mentors + counsellors Disengaged young people Harmony in communities Truthful electioneering
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A Note from the Social Committee
Here is a list of future events so far for this spring and summer. More details will be available nearer the time but please put them in your diaries. · 3rd April – Good Friday Frugal Lunch in church rooms · 3rd April – Messy Good Friday – 11.30 in Church Rooms – all welcome – more details from Jane Plumb · 25th April - Spring Bazaar · 26th April – APCM to be held in church after the Eucharist to be followed by a Hot Lunch in the Church Rooms · 26th – 28th June – Flower Festival with Concerts and other delights! · 12th July – Family Barbecue to help to celebrate Eleanor’s first Eucharist as priest and Helene’s ordination as deacon– 12.30 in the Churchyard · 21st – 23rd August – a second Exhibition of Inspirational Images with a concert on the Saturday evening As always if you have any suggestions for future events or would like to help please let me know.
Many thanks Carol Way 01480-210339 [email protected]
Thanks to Roy and Ann
The Millennium Video Coffee Morning, which included a Bring and Buy, at Ann & Roy Newman's home on 11th March raised £200 for the Flower Festival and a great time of fellowship was had by all.
A Huge Thank You for All the Bottle Tops
You have all been wonderful saving so many bottle tops for Maddi Walters., and she is very grateful to everyone. She tells me that enough have been collected for the wheelchair and no more are needed. So THANK YOU for the magnificent effort.
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St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School Wintringham Road, St. Neots, PE19 1NX
01480 398048 Chair of Governors: Ann Williams 01480 394709
www.stmaryscofe.co.uk [email protected]
A Fond Farewell End of term activities are under way as I write this for all our friends at St. Mary’s church. Our new play equipment has been well and truly christened after the offi-cial opening ceremony. We were so pleased that representatives of our generous donors could be there with us. Years Three and Four will have presented their performances of the Easter Story to friends and family and our end of term Easter service will have happened by the time you read this. It is with sadness that, at that service, we said goodbye to Mrs. Jenny Overs, our headteacher. She is going to have a well-earned rest and spend her time being an indulgent granny to 3 year old Eddie. We thank her for all the hard work she has done for our school and will miss her very much. But exciting things will be happening after the holidays. First we are going to welcome Mrs. Claire Matthews who will be with us as head for one term while we are in the process of appointing a permanent head to lead our school into the future. Secondly, we are very happy to tell you that, from June 1st 2015, we are going to become
St. Marys’ Academy.
We shall be the 18th school to become an academy under the umbrella of the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust, and are looking forward to an even closer relationship with the Diocese. We shall value even more our links with friends from the church and hope to see you at school events at least as often as we have seen you in the past. Please keep us in your prayers as we make this giant step.
Ann Williams
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Swifts in the tower
There have been concerns for many years that swifts have lost traditional nesting places and so about 10 years ago my husband, Tim, was approached by the Action for Swifts team to install 2 cabinets, each containing 6 nest-boxes on the north side of the tower. The church is in a magnificent setting for swifts. The team have recently begun to build more boxes on the other sides of the tower and this is a report from the team - Bob Tonks, Bill Murrells and Dick Newell. They won an award in 2012 for this work. The boxes have been painted with a grey-green paint and then coated with coarse sand to give the impression of stone-work. Placed behind the netting that excludes other birds, this finish provides a good match with the surround-ing masonry. A speaker system, with timer switch has been installed to play London's Swifts calls CD. Following CD playing in 2007 and 2008 with the help of the late Tim Griffiths - who was always most helpful on this project, CD playing was resumed in 2010 by David Gill, who did a great job installing high quality sound equipment resulting in a single pair of Swifts occupying the bot-tom left box. On inspection in 2014 there were 9 breeding pairs in the boxes.
This year’s new boxes
Heating Update
The churchwardens are awaiting final quotes for repairs to get the heating up and working again. Once the quotes are all in, the PCC will meet to select the best one and work will then go ahead as soon as it can be fitted into the contractor’s schedule. In the meantime, woolly vests, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets keep out the chill. Spring is on its way, followed by summer, and then we’ll be glad to come into the cool of the church!
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News from Helene and her work on Love’s Farm
I've been here for just over six months - how time flies - especially when you're having fun! I love working as the community chaplain/pioneer min-ister on Love's Farm. My priority on arriving was to seek ways of getting to know the community and to pray. The natural hubs of the community re-main the football club, community association and community centre team and of course the school. It's the latter where the community truly comes together and it has been such a pleasure for me to have become increas-ingly integrated there - including becoming a governor. I go in each Tues-day afternoon to read with the children preparing for their year 6 SATs, as well as at other times to lead assemblies - at my last one I was able to talk with the children about some of the symbols of Easter and in particular the cross, the bowl of water and towel that Jesus used when washing his disci-ples feet, and the bread and the wine. I find the children to be engaged and attentive - even when they're hearing stories that may only faintly resonate with them. The school is large and diverse - significant numbers of children need quite a bit of support for all sorts of reasons and the staff team are really committed to meeting those as best they can. After Easter I shall be running an after-school club to help support the wider pro-gramme of the school. There have been lots of opportunities to get involved with the community association and centre team. We hope that Love's Farm House will be built and ready this summer - having a physical space for the community to come together will be a new chapter in the Love's Farm story!
One of my community association responsibilities involves recruiting and supporting the community Street Reps - the team of people across the development who seek ways to extend welcome and build neighbourliness on their street. Amongst our own neighbours we had some fun on pancake day sharing pancakes and getting to know each other a bit better - getting to know our neighbours is always such a brilliant place to start! I've also had an opportunity to get to know some of the families needing some extra support having linked with the housing team and hope that one of the ways that may evolve is by involving BESOM and the Food Bank in a new project around meals during school holidays for those children that would normally get free school meals...
In Luke 10 we read the story of Jesus sending his disciples off in pairs ahead of him - he tells them to go as they are, with no extra provision and to sit and eat with whoever extends a welcome to them - with people of peace, we might say. One of my recent reflections is that that is very
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Message from Rachel Ulmer in Pakistan Journeying home from work... Many people ask me what life is like in Lahore, so below is a description of a typical journey home on the wagon. It is about 5pm and the sun is just setting, a large golden ball low in the sky. I try not to think of the pollution that is creating this colour! Today I don't have to wait long as the van, which is not too bashed up, comes with a conductor jumping out of the door and shouting destinations. There are seats available for ladies, and he opens the front door and I sit next to a young student. ''Asalam alaikum" I say and she replies with a smile. "Where do you live, what do you do, where do you come from?" she asks and we continue in conversation - a mixture of Urdu and English. Alongside the road are signs informing people about the upcoming measles injec-tions and fines to be paid for jumping traffic lights and not wearing a motorcycle hel-met. Uook at the new (western style) expensive shops and wonder who shops there - Monsoon, River Island etc. After about 45 minutes of stops and starts and queues, we reach Main Market. I get out, avoiding the spit on the road, and wend my way through the motorcycles, rub-bish and pools of water to the vegetable bazaar where I buy a fluffy cauliflower and some onions. I try not to think of the story in the newspaper about human sewage being used in the fields. I then walk up the road to my flat, being greeted by small children pulling my dupatta (a long, multi-purpose scarf) and asking for carrots. I call in at the small friendly shop for a milkpak and then climb over the pile of sand that some idiot builder has stacked by my door and finally I am home. One result of the Pershawar incident was that the government issued NEW regula-tions that required all schools to improve security: higher walls, razor wire and CCTVs have been installed and, in some cases, armed guards. However, pretty much everyone carries on as usual. Please pray for the new headteachers, the padre's wife who has just had a baby and for the planning of workshops. Please pray for Rachel and the families she works with, as the attacks on Pakistani Christians increase.
much the role I have here; I am the guest of this community, not the host. I sit at other's people's 'tables' whether at the school, within the community or FC - I share whatever is 'on the table' whilst also seeking to season and share the sto-ries I love the most...In addition I continue to pray for and seek the peace/shalom of this community, making myself available to the God who is both here and on his way...Thank you for your prayers for me and Eleanor and the community we are a part of as this story unfolds.
Helene Tame
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Coincidences It was in 1999 when I first met my Kenyan friend Winnie. She was study-ing for her MA at Ridley Hall and had been sponsored by CMS to study in England for a year. The CMS area secretary came to speak at Dean-ery Synod the previous autumn and mentioned that there were foreign students who were left in the university when all others had gone home for the holidays and he asked if anyone would host a student. Tim and I readily agreed and several of you will remember Winnie when she stayed with us during Holy Week and Easter that year.
Coincidence 1. Nell Marshall’s son, David had just gone to work in Kenya with Crosslinks and had encouraged us to support the charity through Mission and Care, and his link letter was lying on my table. Win-nie saw it and asked why we had a letter from Limuru Theological Col-lege as she and her husband had both trained as priests there!
Coincidence 2. In 2000, Tim and I were invited to stay with Winnie and her husband Benson, at their village vicarage in Kenya, and while we were there, David Marshall, who had returned back to England, asked us to deliver some money to the college. Winnie and Benson were only too pleased to take us and we were met by David’s successor, John Chesworth. During the course of our visit John revealed his home parish was in Kidderminster, where Tim’s brother worships and they knew each other well!
Coincidence 3. From this visit to Limuru, it was evident that the students cannot attend college unless they can pay their course fees and spend a lot of time seeking sponsorship and so the Mission and Care Committee decided that in future money sent to Crosslinks should be earmarked to support students. The current student is John Lobei, who is studying at Kabare College in Kenya. Recently I heard from Winnie and Benson that they had both moved to new jobs. To my surprise Winnie is now teach-ing at Kabare College and knows John! John’s recent placement was in a parish within the town of Isiolo, a place that I have visited several times. It is the determination of the Isiolo Mothers Union to travel 4 hours along rough roads for a 9.00am MU Festival at the cathedral (it’s a big rural diocese) that stops me from taking the “I Can’t be bothered” attitude to travelling to Ely for special events. It’s so easy for us. As our African friends are always telling us “It’s a small world”.
Catherina Griffiths
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Here’s To the Next 50 Years! As the days grow longer and spring springs up around us, it is not hard to see signs of new life which we celebrate anew this Easter. However, one of the places where I see new life every week, even in the dead of winter, is in our schools. Having been here almost three years it is very noticeable that the young people are growing up and asking deeper questions. I am leading a “Communion Club” for the second year at Eynesbury School for students to prepare to receive communion. I al-ways look forward to our Wednesday meetings with the student’s curi-osity and energy. There has been a lot happening at Eynesbury School this spring as the school celebrates the anniversary of the “new” building dedicated in 1963. On March 3rd Bishop Stephen came to lead a special service of rededication and blessing for the school building and the students, teachers and staff who make up the school community. Bishop Stephen sprinkled the students with holy water as a sign of blessing and visited the classrooms of the younger students, who were thrilled to try on his mitre, pectoral cross and ring. The students sang a song com-posed for the occasion by a former pupil, Emily Wainwright, singing of how they pray, grow and learn together in community. Members of the Eynesbury congregation, former pupils and staff and members of the Naylor Family were present (the late Mr. Naylor was a former headmas-ter and Mrs. Naylor a school secretary). On March 17th the celebrations continued with a concert at St. Neots Church which was bursting at the seams. Both the School Orchestra and Choir and a Community Orchestra and Choir made up of parents, teachers, ex-pupils and others played and sang music from the 1960s. It was great to see many generations making music together, including all four members of the Thompson family. Well done everyone! On a more serious note- the Eynesbury School was re-inspected by OFSTED in the autumn and received a “Good” evaluation- due to much hard work by the Headteacher and staff. The school is now due a SIAMS (Church School) inspection, so the other Foundation Governors and I are busy preparing for that.
Cont. overleaf
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Our hope that is that the christian character of the school will have an im-pact on all students and staff regardless of their personal beliefs. As for-mer pupils come back to the church for weddings and to have their children christened, we know that being a part of a church school has impacted their lives. This Anniversary year is an opportunity for us to reflect and pray as a church about how to help support the Eynesbury School for the next 50 years and beyond.
Rev. Debbie
Eynesbury Notices
New Pilgrim Course begins in April. New Course beginning after Easter-Do you have questions about God and faith? Here is a chance to explore them in a friendly environment. The Pilgrim course is also a good place for adults interested in baptism or confirmation. Wednesdays 15 April- 20 May, 7:30-9:00pm in the St. Neots Upper Room. Led by Rev. Debbie and Father Paul Andrews from St. Parish Church. Please contact either if you would like to take part. See also page 10. Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Council Meeting- Sunday 26 April at 10:30am. This is the church’s Annual General Meeting where wardens, PCC members and Sidespeople (Greeters) are elected for the upcoming year. There are several open spaces on the PCC so please think and pray about nominating someone or serving in this way yourself. The Electoral Roll will also be revised. See Electoral Roll officer, Gordon Depledge before 12 April if you would like to be on the Electoral Roll to vote at the Annual Meeting. Table Top Sale-Saturday 9 May, 10:00am-3:00pm. Time for some Spring Cleaning? Donations of bric-a-brac, books, toys and more being collected now. We are also looking for space in a garage to store leftover items be-tween table top sales. Please contact Christine Miles if you can help.
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Eynesbury Diary and Notices for April
Thur 2nd Maundy Thursday 19.30 Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar Fri 3rd Good Friday 9.30 Good Friday Service 10.50 Churches Together Good Friday Procession from St. Neots Church to the Market Square 12.00 Church Open until 3:00pm for prayer and meditation 14.30 Stations of the Cross Sat 4th Holy Saturday 9.00 Cleaning of the Church 10.00 Cake Stall Sun 5th Easter Sunday 9.30 Sung Eucharist 10.45 50/50 Club Draw and Easter Egg Hunt 11.15 Family Eucharist Mon 6th 14.15 Bible Study in Church Room (and the 13th, 20th, 27th ) Wed 8th 11.00 Poppyfields Eucharist Sun 12
th Second Sunday of Easter
9.30 Eucharist 10.45 PCC Meeting 11.15 Family Eucharist Wed15
th 19.30 Pilgrim Course in St. Neots Upper Room (and 22
nd and 29
th)
Thur16th
13.30 Pilgrim Continued, St. Neots Upper Room (and 23rd
and 30th)
Fri 17th 9.30 Little Giants (and the 24th) Sat 18th 15.00 Bicester Ringers Sun 19th Third Sunday of Easter 9.30 Eucharist 11.15 Family Eucharist Sun 26th Fourth Sunday of Easter 9.30am Eucharist 10.30 Annual Vestry and Parochial Church Council Meeting 11.15 Family Eucharist
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Eynesbury St. Mary Contact Information
www.stmaryseynesbury.weebly.com Rector Rev'd. Deborah Noonan BA, M'Div 390509 14 Chestnut Grove Eynesbury, PE19 2DW [email protected]
Contact Judith Andrews 370312 Parish Office The Vicarage Church Street St.Neots (Mon - Wed closed, Thurs-Fri 9am-1pm, Sat 9am-11am) Email: [email protected] Deaconess Mavis Hinde 8 Burnt Close, Eynesbury 218219 [email protected] Churchwardens Tony Hopwood 382834 2 Constable Avenue, Eaton Ford [email protected] Gordon Depledge 391123 3 Howitts Lane Eynesbury PCC Secretary Catherine Weaver 07894 122938 [email protected] Treasurer Christine Miles 20 Balmoral Way, Eynesbury Tower Captain George Bonham 474485 [email protected] Eynesbury Church of England Primary School Helen Rouse, Headteacher, 398028 [email protected]