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P LY M P T O N P I L G R I M—–––—––– www.plymptonchurch.co.uk ––––––––

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 & J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6

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Plympton St Mary Contacts

PARISH STAFFRev. Roger Beck 27 Pinewood Close, Plympton 336393Rev. Mark Brimicombe 4 David Close, Plympton 338454

Rev. Ian Provost 8 Larkhall Rise, Plymouth 319528

READERSMr Bob Harrison 22 Almond Drive, Plympton 335795Mrs Margaret Provost 8 Larkhall Rise, Plymouth 319528

CHURCH WARDENSMr Kenneth Kingwell 11 Rashleigh Avenue 335702Mr Peter Leigh 8 Longmeadow Close 339221

SEXTON & CHURCH ARCHIVISTMr Bob Dyer 27 Braddons Hill 215823

CAPTAIN OF BELLSMrs Mary Nicholls 16 Longmeadow Close 200053

DIRECTOR OF MUSICMrs Mila Collier 4 Beattie Road, mob: 07800976716 St Budeaux PL5 1HU 216289

ST MARY’S INFANT SCHOOLMr Peter Hayes, Headteacher Market Road 337912

PARISH SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVEMr David J. Farley FarleyDjUK@aol.com 342706 1 Courtland CrescentCHILDREN’S ADVOCATEMrs Sarah Duckworth duckworth11@hotmail.co.uk 337239

MOTHERS UNIONMrs Anne Tozer 338931

WEEKLY NOTICESMr Keith Escott k.escott@blueyonder.co.uk

PARISH OFFICE Open 9 am to 12noon (Mon-Fri) 348525E-mail stmarysplympton@gmail.com

PUBLICITY & MEDIARodger Ruse rikkiplympton@aol.com 510190

[Cont p26]

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The Parish Church ofST MARY THE BLESSED VIRGIN

PLYMPTON ST MARYServing Christ in the heart of

Plympton and beyond

December 2015 & January 2016Dear Friends,“Your busy time of the year coming up” or “this is your busy time of the year” arephrases clergy sometimes hear at this time of year. They are well intentioned, I think,and not meant to imply inactivity at other times of the year. They also have a point andnot just for clergy. I have two books on my shelves by Delia Smith. You may guess theyaren’t cookery books. They are ‘A Feast for Advent’ and ‘A feast for Lent’. The origin ofthe former was Delia arriving at Midnight Mass one year exhausted by the preparationsfor Christmas and too tired to worship. Where had the Advent season gone?Determined to do better next year she wrote this book of Advent meditations onscripture. Where does the Advent season go – squeezed not only by frantic preparationbut by ever greater anticipation of Christmas itself. Clergy try to make some sense ofthe daily offices of Morning and Evening Prayer keeping Advent while there may be twoChristmas nativities/carols in between. I have been feeling lately that this is an aspectof a wider difficulty which I have yet to master. It is the way in which I am alwaysthinking and planning ahead. This can lead to a failure to live in and for the presentmoment which one famous spiritual writer goes as far as to describe as a sacrament.

The problem is well expressed in an old verse you may have heard:When as a child I laughed and wept – time crept.When as a youth I dreamed and talked – time walked.When I became a full-grown man – time ran.And later as I older grew – time flew.Soon I shall find while travelling on – time gone.Will Christ have saved my soul my then – Amen.

A few years ago Bishop Stephen Cottrell wrote a small book with the significant title ‘DoNothing Christmas is Coming’. Impractical you may be thinking but not a bad thoughtto hold on to in the Advent season.On Advent Sunday we begin a year with the Gospel according to St Luke on mostSundays. His gospel overture (chapters 1 & 2) bring together an exceptional collectionof prayers from Mary’s Magnificat (1.46-55), through Zechariah’s Benedictus (1.68-79),and the song of the angels (2.14), to Simeon’s Nunc Dimittis (2.29-32). They are, ofcourse, at the heart of the Church’s daily worship. No other section of the NewTestament is anything like as rich with prayer, and Luke’s prayers thrill with the praiseof God and deep thanksgiving for what we have received. They set the tone for what isto follow. It is as if Luke were saying to us: ‘Please make these prayers your own. You

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VICAR’S NOTEBOOKHOLY COMMUNION AT HOMEThe Blessed Sacrament is reserved in church for the Communion of the sick and house-bound. If you would like to receive Holy Communion in Christmastide this can bearranged. The Anointing of the Sick is also available and the clergy can talk to you aboutthis. Also please let Ron and Cherrie Nicholls know of sickness at home or in hospital(Tel: 515771) who help to keep the clergy informed.

HOLY DAYS THIS MONTH8th is the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and the ‘Christmas saints’ Stephen on26th, John 27th & Holy Innocents on 28th. IN JANUARY: New Year’s Day is the Naming& Circumcision of Jesus; we transfer The Epiphany to the nearest Sunday (3rd); and thisyear the Conversion of St Paul (25th) may be kept on the Sunday.

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATIONIn view of our lengthy vacancy The Bishop of Plymouth indicated a wish to come andpreside and preach at a Sunday Parish Communion. The first date he had available was31st January. At the same time I was about to begin preparation of a small number ofcandidates for Confirmation and so asked the Bishop if he would also Confirm on his visitwhich he has very kindly agreed to do. We look forward to welcoming him on his firstvisit to us as Bishop of Plymouth.

SPECIAL DAYS IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHSIn December the Christingle is on 13th December at 4.00pm; the Parish Carol Service onthe 16th at 7.30pm; Christmas Services at St Mary’s are Midnight Mass at 11.45pm onChristmas Eve; 8.00am & 10.00am Holy Communion on Christmas day; at ChaddlewoodUnited Church (CUC) Holy Communion is at 10.00am. On the Sunday after Christmas theusual services at St Mary’s but no service at CUC.

will truly appreciate the whole story that unfolds after my two opening chapters if youread it praising and thanking God in the spirit of Mary, Zechariah, the angels and Simeon.Perhaps Luke’s advice might also prompt us to use Advent to think about our prayer life.As we wait for the coming of Jesus when and how are we praying? Might one of thequiet weekday Eucharists during Advent help to slow us down and experience somethingof the essential waiting mood of this season. As the ending of Morning and EveningPrayer has it each day: ‘May the Lord when he comes find us watching and waiting’. So– as St Paul writes to the Romans (15.13) – ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy andpeace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope’.

Yours in Our Lord,Roger Beck

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LOOKING AHEADWe are very fortunate in another visit from Professor David Catchpole to lead a study day on‘The Parables’ – Saturday 27th February 2016.

ADVENT READINGAdvent Sunday begins ‘the year of Luke’ with Sunday readings mainly from this gospel.There are some individual copies on the bookstall with a short introduction –pocket/handbag size for those spare moments. When you read this there may just be timeto order via the Bookstall ‘The Little Book of Advent’ compiled by the same priest whocompiled ‘The Little Book of Lent’ which several read. It has readings for each day of theseason from a variety of authors with bible passages printed in full (£4.99)

CHRISTMAS FLOWERSI will as usual be collecting donations in memory of loved ones towards the cost of theChristmas flowers . If you would like to contribute to this please could you let me have yourdonation together with the name(s) in an envelope as soon as possible, but at the latest bySunday 13th of December. Many thanksJoan Humphries

CHRISTMAS TREE NEEDING DECORATION - HELP REQUIRED Anyone able to help, please see Marguerite Coaker

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FAIR AND RAFFLEThis event is on Saturday 5th December - so please support thiswhich really helps to provide for the continual work that we need todo to maintain the church.Raffle tickets are still available from Ken Kingwell, Churchwarden.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGIONCan I just say thank you to everyone who supported he Poppy Appeal this year. People havebeen so generous again! Also a big thank you to everyone that came to the band concert atSt. Mary's it was such a lovely evening.Finally, another thank you to those who attended the evening service on Sunday - especiallythe Stannators who turned out in force and to Rev’d Roger who presided at the services overthis period, including the 2 minute silence on the 11th of November at 11am.Pat Ridgway RBL Plympton and District Fund Raiser

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Church of England Devon MagazineGood News from the Diocese of ExeterDecember 2015

Being family at Christmas

2016 diocesan calendar out nowThe 2016 Diocese of Exeter calendar is printed and includessome great photos and stories of life from around the dioceseas well as the annual report. Two copies have been sent toevery parish but there are a few left. If you would like toreceive a free copy contact Publications Officer Nicky Daviesby email nicky.davies@exeter.anglican.org or call on 01392294915.

In Plymouth hospital teams of volunteersenjoy carol singing around the wards andpatients and staff are invited to various carolservices. A communion service is always heldon Christmas Day and a chaplain is on call 24hours a day.Chaplain, the Rev Sacha Pearce says:“Christmas in a hospital has always been thatpowerful mix of experiences, for both staffand patients. Here we are, being oneanother’s ‘family’ for those few hours,alongside one another, sharing togetherglimpses of light inthe darkness.”

For many of us Christmas is a chanceto spend quality time with family andfriends and enjoy the delights of theseason. Ill health can seem a distantreality and it can be easy to forget thevital work going on in hospitals as staffand chaplains continue to care forpeople in need during the festiveperiod.Simon Harrison is Lead Chaplain at theRoyal Devon and Exeter Hospital anddescribes the ‘privilege’ of beingalongside people during the Christmascelebrations.The multi-faith team offer a range ofservices with the main ChristmasEucharist held on Christmas Eveafternoon, but he says: “the realbusyness is much more focused on theemotional impact of being in hospitalover Christmas”. Visits to the bedsideplay a very important part of thesupport as some patients are toounwell to get to the hospital chapel.He adds: “We are mindful that thewhole Christmas period is a ‘milestone’for many people, it may be their firstChristmas since someone died forexample, and such issues come verymuch to the fore when isolated in ahospital bed.”

Chaplain at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospitalthe Rev Sheila Swarbrick visits patient TonyHucker

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C L I M AT E p i l g r i m s

Congratulations to Emma Richards andIsabel Tuffin Donnevert, both membersof the choir at Holy Cross Church inCrediton, who made it to the finals ofthis year’s BBC Radio 2 Chorister of theYear competition.Both girls have been singing for manyyears and both have been headchorister.[Photograph: Izzy & Emma withtrophies]

Devon girls finalists in Chorister of theYear award

Please pray for all those who are taking partin a pilgrimage between Exeter and Dawlishon 5 December as part of a diocesan responseto the climate talks in Paris. The 21st sessionof the Conference of the Parties to the UnitedNations Framework Convention of ClimateChange runs from 30 November to 11December. It aims to achieve an internationalagreement on the climate, agreed by allcountries, aiming to keep global warmingbelow 2°C. For more information visit

www.cop21.gouv.fr/enThe Devon solidarity pilgrimage will start at10am from South Street Baptist Church inExeter and the themes of sustainability andvulnerability will be reflected uponthroughout the walk.

To participate email Joanie on joanie.harris@exeter.anglican.org or call 01392 294940.

Pilgrims will stop at PowderhamCastle for reflection.

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Christmas can be a difficult time for many,especially those living with loss orseparation. In Plymouth, Sara and JohnGrier now live apart, since John’s dementianeeds full time care. Although she visits himoften, Sara mourns her loss.“Somebody said it is a ‘living bereavement’and it really is”, says Sara. “With otherserious illnesses, your partner may be inpain but they are still there and as yousupport them through the treatment thereis time to come to terms with it together.But with dementia the relationship oftenchanges, they are there but not there. It canbe very hard.”People over fifty are more worried aboutdeveloping dementia than cancer.However, research shows that with theright kind of support people can continue tolive well for a long time. Much pain iscaused by misunderstanding, stigma and

To invite a Dementia Champion toyour parish, call Joanie Harris,Church and Society,on 01392 294940 or emailsally.farrant@exeter.anglican.org

isolation. So Sara has trained as aDementia Champion to help othersface the challenges.As a Dementia Champion Sara hasgiven the PCC of Tamerton Foliot anawareness session that’s updated theirunderstanding of dementia. Now theyknow how to welcome people withdementia and help them remain activefor as long as possible.She says: “I am passionate aboutraising awareness of dementia. Thereception people get in church is soimportant and I know there are peoplein our congregations that need help.”Sara is also part of a group that have sofar made over 50 ‘fidget quilts’ (seebelow) that bring comfort to peoplewith dementia. Sara adds that shehopes more people living withdementia will accept help when it’soffered as it can make a hugedifference. “There is help out there butpeople often seem reluctant to ask forit.”

A comfort and a welcome

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www.exeter.anglican.orgTwitter.com/cofedevon

Facebook Diocese of Exeter

Church of England

DEVON

If I wanted to ruin Christmas, I would tryand make it as implausible as possible.  Iwould associate it with a fat man dressedin red pulled along on a sleigh by flyingreindeer. Then perhaps people wouldforget about the birth in Bethlehem of ababy whose life and death has had adeeper impact on the world than anyoneelse who has ever lived. If I wanted to ruin Christmas, I would tryand make it as busy as possible. I wouldpile on the pressure for families to spendmore than they could afford.  I would fill itwith that feeling of desperation aspresents remain unwrapped, cards unsent,and ensure there is no room for the turkeyin the fridge. Then perhaps there would beno time for families to spend with thosethey love, no space for reflection and noopportunity to remember those dearest tous. If I wanted to ruin Christmas, I would tryand make it as escapist as possible. I wouldfill the television schedules withunmissable specials, and the drinkscupboard with Tia Maria. I would say thatChristmas is all about children. I wouldwrap people up in cosysentimentality. This would prevent themfrom dropping in on that lonely neighbour

Inspiring resources for your magazines and websites: Topical articles on issues such asChurch and Ecology, Solar Power, Food Justice and Dementia are sent out twice yearlyfrom the Church and Society team at the diocese and are available for free. To receivethem please contact Martyn on: martyn.goss@exeter.anglican.org

or recalling Jesus starting life as a refugeeand ending it on a cross.If I wanted to ruin Christmas, I wouldmake it as complicated as possible, alogistical nightmare. I would fill it withdemanding children, awkward in-laws,burnt mince pies and faulty gifts. I wouldget people queuing for Boxing Day salesbefore they have digested theirturkey. This should remove all traces ofthe simple truth told by the angels to theshepherds that quotes “to you is born thisday in the City of David a saviour who isChrist the Lord”. If I wanted to ruin Christmas, I woulddread a time when families laughedtogether, friends attended midnightservices, strangers wished each other aMerry Christmas and people wonderedafresh at the humility of a God whostooped to enter our humanity to offernew life and hope in a troubled world.Of course, if I wanted to ruin Christmas,the editor would not have asked me towrite this.

HOW TO RUIN CHRISTMAS

Happy Christmas!

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Silent NightThis is a favourite carol, nostalgic because it issaid to have heralded the legendary Christmastruce on the Western Front in World War Two.The sound of both German and British soldierssinging it in the trenches preceded theexchange of food and souvenirs and a game offootball.The story about how it came to be written isalso nostalgic. On Christmas Eve 1818, JosephMohr, the Roman Catholic priest of St. Nicholas in a village called Oberndorf (nearSalzburg) was in despair. His congregation needed something to sing at Midnight Massbut mice had chewed away the mechanism of the Church organ.Inspired by a visit he had made earlier to a woman and her sick baby, he sat down andwrote these simple verses. Then he quickly ran to his neighbour, Franz Gruber, anamateur musician, to ask if he could suggest anything to fit the words. The man cameup with a lullaby and it was introduced into the service that evening accompanied byGruber on his guitar.Later, the person who came to repair the organ was so impressed by the joint effort ofthese two men that he made a copy of both words and tune and passed them on to thepopular Strasser family, a precursor of the Van Trapps. At least, that's how the storygoes.Anyway, the carol became well-loved and has been translated into more than 200languages. It was first translated into English in 1863. Last year it topped Britain'sannual poll as the nation's favourite festive hymn, ousting out Holy Night.June Drake[Christmas Puzzle based on this is on page 20]

Christmas Greetings

to our Readers

and their Families

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CHRISTMAS WREATHSA list was placed in Church on Sunday 15th November. If youwould wish to order one, or see me, Marguerite Coaker. Prices areunchanged from last year - £6 small, £8 Large ring. All orders canbe collected at the Christmas Fair in the Church Hall on Saturday5th December from 10am to 12.30pm.Marguerite Coaker

ADVENT CHORAL EVENTSSaturday, 5 December 2015, 7.15pmBuckfast AbbeyAdvent Carols.West Devon ChoraleRetiring Collection. Wine and mince pies.

Conductor: Michael Johnson; Organist: David Robinson

ProgrammePALESTRINA Advent Responsory LAURIDSEN O Magnum MysteriumVICTORIA Pastores Loquebantur ORD Adam Lay–y boundenBIEBL Ave Maria FETTKE MagnificatArr WILLCOCKS Tomorrow shall be my dancing dayRUTTER All Bells in Paradise Arr WILLCOCKS ResonemusCHILCOTT Jesus Springing HOWELLS Sing LullabyPOULENC Hodie Christus Natus Est POSTON Jesus Christ the AppleTreeESENVALDS O Emmanuel

Sunday 13 December 2015 at 2 and 3 pmCOTEHELE, Great HallSouth West Chamber ChoirCarols from around the World A 30 minute concert of a capella carolsJohn Dinwoodie

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MOTHERS’ UNIONOn November 4th, we had a visit from Ringtons, who presented a talk about tea andother products. We were able to buy several items for use as Christmas Gifts.Our next meeting on Wednesday 2nd December at 3pm will be a Holy CommunionService in Church followed by tea and mince pies with cream.Anne Slumen is collecting Mothers’ Union tribute and also money for the New Year Partywhich is on Wednesday 6th January 2016 in the Church Hall at 2pmMarguerite Coaker

PRESENTATION OF BIBLES TO THE CHILDREN AT ST MARY’S INFANTS SCHOOLOn Tuesday 10th November, Rev’d Roger and some Mothers’ Union representativesattended a special worship in school to present bibles to Early Years pupils and a fewother recent arrivals.

Each year the bibles arefunded from the proceedsof the Mothers’ UnionCoffee Morning each May.

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FROM THE REGISTERS 2015

BAPTISMS1st November Isla Elizabeth Butcher

Jenson Rory Hughes

MARRIAGES[None to report]

FUNERALS & INTERMENTS OF ASHES23rd September Reginald Fraser 89 years9th October Lynda Mary Cornish 90 years19th October Eileen Dorothy Smallacombe 90 years23rd October Gwendoline Heather Hann 92 years30th October Richard John Brewer 70 years2nd November Barbara Trewin 80 years11th November Shirley Frances Boalch 83 years12th November Nancy English Wagner 92 years

CHRISTINGLEChristingle actually means 'Christ Light' and celebrates the light ofJesus coming into the world: but no one is really sure how theChristingles originally came into being. The orange is round like theworld. The candle stands tall and straight and gives light in the darklike the love of God. The red ribbon goes all around the 'world' and isa symbol of the blood Jesus shed when he died for us.The four stickspoint in all directions and symbolise North, South, East and West –they also represent the four seasons. The fruit and nuts (orsometimes sweets!)represent the fruits of the earth, nurtured by thesunshine and the rain.

BOXING DAYBoxing Day Boxing Day takes place on December 26th and is only celebrated in a fewcountries. It was started in the UK about 800 years ago in the Middle Ages. It was theday when the alms box, collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches, wereopened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people. Some churches stillopen these boxes on Boxing Day. Boxing Day has now become another public holidayin countries such as the U.K. , Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

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MAIN SERVICES FOR DECEMBER & JANUARY

6th December SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 11.45am Holy Baptism 6.30pm Evensong

13th December THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 10.00am Morning Prayer at CUC 4.00pm Christingle Service 6.30pm Evensong

16th December 7.30pm SERVICE OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS

20th December FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong

24th December CHRISTMAS EVE 4.00pm Crib Service 11.45pm Midnight Mass

25th December CHRISTMAS DAY 8.00am Holy Communion

10.00am Parish Communion10.00am Holy Communion at CUC

26th December SAINT STEPHEN, Deacon & First Martyr 10.00am Holy Communion

27th December SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 6.30pm Evensong

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28th December THE HOLY INNOCENTS 10.00am Holy Communion

1st January 2016 THE NAMING & CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS 10.00am Holy Communion

3rd January THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (transferred) 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 11.45am Holy Baptism (if required) 6.30pm Evensong

10th January THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 10.00am Morning Prayer at CUC 6.30pm Evensong

17th January SECOND SUNDAY OF THE EPIPHANY 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 11.45am Holy Baptism 6.30pm Evensong

25th January THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Prayer (in choir) 10.00am Parish Communion 10.00am Holy Communion at CUC 6.30pm Evensong

31st January FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am PARISH COMMUNION WITH CONFIRMATION 6.30pm Evensong

Notes: CUC is an abbreviation for “Chaddlewood United Church” who meet at ChaddlewoodFarm Community Centre. During term time St Mary’s Sunday Club (from age 3) meets at10.00am in the Parish Hall and joins the Parish Communion at the Peace. They share with uswhat they have been doing near the end of the service.

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CHRISTMAS AND:ST LUKE’S GOSPELIt is to St Luke’s wonderful gospel that many Christians turn as the year draws to a close andChristmas approaches, for it is to St Luke that we owe the fullest account of the nativity.Luke alone tells us the story of Mary and the angel’s visit to her, and has thus given theChurch the wonderful Magnificat of Mary.Luke alone tells us the story of Simeon’s hymn of praise, thus giving us the wonderful NuncDimmittis. Imagine an Anglican evensong without the Nunc Dimmittis.Luke alone tells us the story of how the angels appeared to the shepherds and how theshepherds then visited the infant Jesus. So – imagine Christmas cards and nativity scenesevery year without the shepherds arriving to visit baby Jesus. Imagine school nativity playswithout our children dressed as shepherds or sheep. So – thank you, Luke!

WHY JESUS CAME AT THAT POINT IN HISTORY?Ever wonder why Jesus was born when He was? The Bible tells us that “when the time hadfully come, God sent forth his Son…” The Jewish people had been waiting for their Messiahfor centuries. Why would God send Him precisely when He did?Many biblical scholars believe that the ‘time had fully come’ for Jesus because of the politicsof the time. The Roman Empire’s sheer size and dominance had achieved something uniquein world history: the opportunity for travel from Bethlehem to Berwick on Tweed withoutever crossing into ‘enemy territory’. For the first time ever, it was possible for ‘common’people to travel wide and far, and quickly spread news and ideas. And all you needed weretwo languages - Greek to the east of Rome, and Latin to the west and north. So the RomanEmpire achieved something it never intended: it helped spread news of Christianity far andwide for 400 years. After that, the Empire crumbled, and the borders shut down. Not untilthe 19th century would people again roam so freely. The time for Jesus to be born, and fornews of him to be able to travel, had indeed ‘fully come’.

WHY IS JESUS STILL RELEVANT TODAY?Jesus was a real man, at a time when men had superior status to women so he could beheard. He emphasised the unimportance of money, and a person’s status and theimportance of rich people supporting the poor, or ill, or despised, or outsiders. He spoke toall. He placed forgiveness and reconciliation above punishment. His demonstration of lovewas to be willing to lay down his life to show that His forgiveness was enough. His messagewas that true repentance leads to full forgiveness and a fresh start always. Guilt could bewashed away symbolically by his blood leading to a fresh start for all through time. Allpeople no matter how late they decide to follow a generous, forgiving lifestyle have abirthright to have a full life now, and eternal life to come so we need not waste our timeworrying about the future. He promises he will come for us when our time has come. Deathand what follows is a momentary change and there is a place to follow. He asks us to followhis example more than just going to church and his way is also personal freedom from thethings that tie us and stop us from living a full and happy life: worry, unrealistic aims, oldmistakes.[Adapted from Parish Pump]

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Celebrating the Queen’s 90th BirthdayIn her 2014 Christmas broadcast the Queen said: ‘For me, the life of Jesus Christ, thePrince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in mylife. A role-model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out his hands in love,acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value allpeople of whatever faith or none.’

It is the most recent of many references the Queen has made to her Christian faith.

In 2016 people around the county and throughout the Commonwealth will gather intheir communities to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Her actual birthday on 21stApril will be celebrated with four days of celebrations in Windsor 12th-15th May; aservice of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 10th June; the traditionalTrooping the Colour ceremony - the Queen’s birthday parade - on Saturday 11th June onHorse Guards Parade, and a massive street party for 10,000 people on The Mall onSunday 12th June.

The whole country is invited to join the celebrations in our own villages, towns or cities.HOPE is working in partnership with Bible Society and the London Institute ofContemporary Christianity to publish a very special book focusing on the Queen’sChristian faith. This beautifully produced, illustrated book is much more than a souvenirpicture book. It tells the story of the Queen’s service to her people as she follows theservant King – Jesus Christ. It will be an ideal gift from churches to people in theircommunities.

Just like the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, HOPE will be supporting churcheswith ideas and resources to bring communities together. HOPE is also working with ourpartners to provide:

- street-party planners- posters, invitations, bunting all with the Queen’s 90th birthday theme- school assembly ideas and lesson plans- church service ideas and liturgy to mark this special milestone in the Queen’s life

We can start planning our local events now. We could work with other churches tobring our whole community together. We could use this opportunity to start conversa-tions about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and join with the Queen in prayingfor our communities, as she said in 2012, ‘that his example and teaching will continueto bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others’.

Visit www.hopetogether.org.uk for resources and ideas.

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CHILDREN’S BOOKS POPULAR THIS CHRISTMASChildren’s books seem set to rival adult fiction under the Christmas tree this winter.According to the list recently released by the book trade, this year’s 500 potentialbest-sellers include 115 children’s books.

That is double the number from last year, when it was only 50. Children’s fiction certainlyseems to be bucking the digital revolution. Look out for: An Eagle in the Snow (MichaelMorpurgo) , Aliens Love Dinopants (Claire Freedman) Tom Gates: Top of the Class(Nearly!) Book 9 (Liz Pichon) and Little Stars (Jacqueline Wilson.)

Christmas Prayer 2015

Loving, giving Father,Thank you for Jesus, Emmanuel. Thank you that he came at Christmas and is aliveand just as relevant today as he was all those years ago, and will be forever.As many of us celebrate your coming to us, with our families, in warm, safehomes, in a democratic country, we pray for everyone who has left their home-land because of persecution, for everyone who is without shelter, or food, orfamily. Give us compassionate hearts, like yours, Lord. Help us, as Christ’s bodyhere on earth, to love and serve and make room for each other this Christmas.In Jesus’ name. Amen

By Daphne Kitching

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Quotes to think aboutLove is, from a child’s eyes:‘Love is what’s in the room with you if you stop opening presents and listen.’Bobby – age 7 (Wow!)‘If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who youhate,’ Nikka – age 6 (WOW!)‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends evenafter they know each other so well.’ Tommy – age 6‘Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.’ Elaine-age 5

[Editor: These are not mine, nor collected by me. They were “found” on an open site with nocredit listed to any source but posted by an individiual. ]

WordsearchThere are 25 wordsfrom the passagebelow hidden in thewordsearch!

Silent NightThis much-loved carolcomes from Austria,where it was first sungas Stille Nacht, heiligeNacht on Christmas Eve,1818. It was written byFather Joseph Mohr, ayoung priest at StNicholas parish church,in the village ofOberndorf bei Salzburg.

As Christmas 1818 approached, he asked the local schoolmaster, Franz Xaver Gruber,to compose a melody for his carol. Gruber was organist in the nearby village ofArnsdorf, and so was happy to oblige. On Christmas Eve they presented the carol tothe church during the midnight mass. The carol went on to become loved world-wide; and the version sung by Bing Crosby is the third best-selling single of all time.[Parish Pump]

21For colouring as a de-stress!

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Counselling

SilentNightLovedCarolAustria

FirstSungStilleNachtHeilige

ChristmasEveFatherJosephMohr

YoungPriestOrganistMidnightMass

MelodySingleBingVersionThird

Wordsearch from p20

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ST MARY’S TABLE TOP SALESThese sales are organised to raise funds to support the Church and are not a commercial

venture

10am - 1.30pmST MARY’S CHURCH HALL

Saturday 9th January 2016 (Not 2nd)Saturday 6th February 2016

Saturday 5th March 2016

Table rents £6 for each tableBook well in advance - often fully booked months ahead!

Contact Marcia Knight on 335541

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● Expert installations and repairs● 10 year parts and labour warrantees on

selected boilers● Fixed price contracts● Annual Boiler Maintenance Contracts● Local, friendly, trustworthy & reliable

engineers

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Magazine and Publicity Matters

Please send articles to editor.plymptonpilgrim@virginmedia.com by the following dates:February Edition: Friday 8th January 2016March Edition Wednesday 9th Februaryor write it down and put it in the Magazine pigeon-hole at rear of church by the previousSunday.Photographs submitted can only be used if permitted by the owner of any copyright.When using photographs of children and young people, it is preferable to use grouppictures and written permission must be obtained from parents to use such pictures. SeeDavid Farley (Safeguarding Representative) or Phil Smith (Editor) for permission forms.Advertisements, and any service quotes offered, do not imply recommendation on behalfof the Church. Grateful thanks go to our advertisers, especially Walter Parson whosponsor the printing, and subscribers who financially support each edition. We will becontacting you for your subscription early in 2016 - £5 for subscribers and agreed ratesfor advertisers [Approx £60 per quarter page in colour].Enquiries for Magazine distribution - contact Marguerite Coaker Tel: 335720.Phil Smith & Marguerite Coaker

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MAGAZINEPhil Smith, Editor 45 Molesworth Road 219355 editor.plymptonpilgrim@virginmedia.comMarguerite Coaker Magazine Distribution 335720

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENTJack and Sarah Duckworth duckworth11@hotmail.co.uk

HOLY BAPTISM Enquiries to the Parish Office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (348525). At other times: 316161

SUNDAY CLUB Sunday mornings at 10am for children aged 3-13 details from David Upcott 341908

and Louise Lewis 336159

PARENT & BABY/ Wednesday 9.15-11am in the Hall (during term time)TODDLER details from Teresa Talbot 348525

PRE-SCHOOL Monday 9 - 11.30 am & 12.30-3.00 pm – Hall Tuesday 9-11.30am - Hall Wednesday 9-11.30 am &12.30-3.00 pm - Meeting Room Thursday 9-11.30 am &12.30-3.00 pm –

Hall and Meeting Room Friday 9-11.30 and &12.30-3.00 pm – Hall Mon - Fri: 11.30am-12.30pm Lunch Club details from Teresa Talbot 344214

RECENTLY BEREAVED Monday 9:30-11:30am David Brinkley. 336342

MELTING POT Helpline/Coffee/Company/trips on Tuesdays 9:30-11.00 am in Parish Centre 348525 or Sheila Prizeman 335513

AT CHADDLEWOODBIBLE STUDY Monday evenings at 7.30pm led by Rev Ian Provost.

Details from Judith Goodridge 337178PRAYER GROUP Wednesdays at 9.30am - 10.30am.

Details from Beryl Smith 348764BIBLE STUDY 4th Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm.

Led by Bob Harrison. Details from Beryl SmithGOOD COMPANY 1st Thursday of each month for ladies on their own.

Monthly outings and a meal out.Details from Judy Willcocks 330948

FAMILY FRIENDS Each Friday Bible Study and discussion at 11.00am Details from June Drake 343039

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Services at St Mary’s

SUNDAY 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Morning Prayer 10.00 am Parish Communion 6:30 pm EvensongMONDAY 8.30 am Morning Prayer 5.00 pm Evening Prayer

TUESDAY 8:30 am Morning Prayer 11.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)

5.00 pm Evening Prayer

WEDNESDAY 8:30 am Morning Prayer with Holy Communion

THURSDAY 8:30 am Morning Prayer 7.00 pm Evening Prayer with Holy Communion

FRIDAY 8.30 am Morning Prayer with Holy Communion 5.00 pm Evening Prayer

SATURDAY 8.30 am Morning Prayer5.00 pm Evening Prayer

Services at Chaddlewood United Churchat Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre (unless stated otherwise)

1st Sunday: 10.30am Methodist Service at Colebrook Meth. Church2nd Sunday: 10am Anglican Service at Chaddlewood3rd Sunday: 10am Combined at St Mary’s Parish Church4th Sunday: 10am Anglican Service at Chaddlewood

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