Rushen Parish Magazine

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Contact Details for Rushen Parish

Vicar:

Rev’d Joe Heaton (rev.joeheaton@gmail.com) 832275

Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary

Readers:

Mrs Margaret Galloway

Mrs June Harper

Mrs Wendy Heaton

Mr Harry Dawson

Mr Adam Kelly

Active Clergy

Rev Roger Harper

Rev John Gulland

Rev Brian Shephard

Retired Clergy:

Canon John Sheen

Church Wardens:

Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Mr Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488/422737

Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770

Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974/495630

PCC Secretary:

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Port Erin

PCC Treasurer:

Mr Stephen Curtis, Clybane Cottage, Phildraw Road, 823475

Ballasalla

Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer for Children and Vulnerable People:

Mrs Claire Jennings, admin@rushenparish.org.uk 830850

More contact details on the inside of the back cover

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Dear Friends,

This obviously is the season for stormy weather as we experience even stronger winds than normal for the island. Storm Ophelia certainly made her presence known as fallen trees, broken roof tiles, cancelled ferry journeys and flights became commonplace. As I write this Storm Brian (or should that be ‘Hoolie Brian’?) begins to batter the windows. It’s times like these where the only option is to stay indoors and ‘hunker down’ until the storm has passed over.

There are many occasions in the Bible where people have faced the raw edge of nature and in doing so have come into the presence of God. In the Old Testament, it was the prophet Elijah who unfortunately found himself on a mountainside as an mighty wind-storm, then an earthquake and finally a fire broke out; but it was in the calmness of a gentle whisper that we’re told God’s presence was felt.

We can often experience storms of a different kind in life where we move from being battered by one experience to immediately being battered by another - in a way that just seems relentless. And we rightly yearn for some peace, some calm. Maybe we even rail at God at the injustice of it all, and if we do, then we are in good company. Many of the writers of the psalms pick up a similar theme and boldly challenge God by asking ‘Why is this happening to me/us?’

We can wrongly believe that it is only in the peaceful times, like Elijah, that we are in the presence of God and assume that in the un-peaceful times that God is far away. The Bible would suggest that often it is in the stormy times that God is closer than a brother or sister or friend. When Jesus’ disciples are battling with a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus is alongside them and in the storm just as much as they are. It’s when Jesus calms the storm that these hardened fishermen (well use to storms) really become terrified.

So, if you’re going through one of life’s storm at the moment, take comfort and know that God is alongside you and with you. At Christmas we are reminded that one of the names of the Christ-child was Emmanuel which literally means God with us. May you know the God Emmanuel now and throughout your storm.

Richest Blessings

Rev. Joe Heaton

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Annibale Carracci’s Canaanite woman

She is a foreigner, probably a pagan, who is driven to desperate measures. When a Jewish healer visits her Gentile territory, she seizes the opportunity. The disciples want to get rid of her, but our hearts go out to the woman in her persistence. She faces what looks like indifference in Jesus, then a put down, then a rejection. But her courage wins through as she begs for mercy, calls Jesus ‘Lord,’ and kneels before Him. Her daughter is healed, and Jesus praises the mother as He says, ‘Great is your faith’ – it is the only time we know Jesus used those words. Annibale Carracci painted this moving scene in 1595 in Parma. He belonged to a talented artistic family, and here we sense his skill in capturing the warmth of this encounter. The woman points to a little dog, for the Greek word spoken by Jesus is kunaria, which refers to household pets, not the scavenging dogs that roamed the streets. Jesus reaches out to the Canaanite mother with an open hand. There is no mistrust and no suspicion as He offers hope and healing. Perhaps Jesus communicated something about His own ministry in this meeting on foreign soil – that the kingdom He proclaimed will welcome all. As we read and look, perhaps we realise the need for that same spirit of mercy and goodness to rule our hearts and lives, wherever we may find ourselves.

Outstanding people in great stories of the Bible - as depicted in painting or sculpture – that is the theme of God in the Arts this year. This month the Revd Michael Burgess considers the Canaanite woman in Matthew’s gospel - Editor During this year we have looked at the colourful and inspiring stories of characters in Scripture known by name – Ruth and Miriam, Noah and David, Samson and Daniel. This month we focus on a person known only by her country: the Canaanite woman in Matthew’s Gospel, who pleads with Jesus to heal her daughter.

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top-up their vitamin D levels!) and we welcome back Wynn, Cynthia and Peta who was also singing in a choir. We congratulate Wynn’s husband Graham on reaching his 80th birthday, and wish him many more years of table tennis playing. For a few weeks, June and her husband Colin, have returned to their UK home, but will be back in Port Erin later this month. It has been good that Pauline and David have been able to pop in and see us and we continue to remember them in our prayers.

We are holding our ‘big’ coffee morning event on Friday 10th November when you will be able to buy your Christmas presents early. Admission is £2 which includes mince pies and shortbread. There will be a cake stall, fancy goods, bran tub and raffles. Please do come and support us in this effort and enjoy the friendship and fellowship together.

The day after is Remembrance Day when the many gave, and are still giving, their lives so that we can live in freedom. For those who find it hard to forgive the atrocities of war and its consequences, I came across the following entitled ‘Forgiveness sets you Free’

‘Years after her harrowing experience in a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom was speaking in a church when she found herself standing face to face with a man who had been one of the cruellest guards she had met in the camps. The man had humiliated and degraded both her and her sister, jeering at them and visually ‘raping’ them as they stood in the delousing shower. Now he stood before her with an outstretched hand, asking, ’Will you forgive me’? Corrie stood there with coldness clutching at her heart, but she knew that the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. She prayed, ‘Jesus help me!’ Woodenly, mechanically, she thrust her hand into the one stretched out to her, and when she did she experienced an incredible thing. The current started in her shoulder, raced down into her arm and sprang into their clutched hands. Then this warm reconciliation seemed to flood her whole being, bringing tears to her eyes, ‘I forgive you, brother.’ she cried with her whole heart. For a long moment they grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and former prisoner. She had never known the love of God as she did in that moment’.

The Bible says, ‘Be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God, through Christ, has forgiven you’ (Ephesians 4:32).

May we always know that God will give us the courage and grace to do similar.

God Bless Margaret Moore

Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s

As you read this article the clocks will have reverted to GMT and for a time we will have lighter mornings, but darker evenings. For those who live on their own this time of year can be difficult and lonely and we should all look to help each other.

The joint Harvest Service and Faith Lunch was a great success and everyone enjoyed the fellowship together. Some of our ladies have taken late holidays in the sunshine (no doubt to

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special because it was my all just for me —something that I didn’t have before. Another item was a notebook. It was awesome, because when I was moved to a different orphanage I could use it to write letters to my sisters. God used the shoebox to plant a seed of hope in me. All I knew was that there was someone who had cared enough to send me the washcloth and notebook. Through the next couple of years that was the hope that I held on to, that there must be someone out there who could care about me. My sister Tanya had heard about a God who loved her when she received her shoebox gift. So she was praying, “God, if you’re real, give me and my siblings a family.” One day I received a letter from her that said, “We might be getting adopted into an American family.” I again thought, there really has to be someone who cares for me. It could only be someone like a God. All these little things were pointing to this amazing, loving God and yet at this point I had little comprehension of who He was. I hadn’t heard about Jesus. When I was 13, we were adopted. After I’d learned a little bit of English, my dad told me that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins and that it was a free gift. I immediately remembered my Operation Christmas Child gift and thought, Wow, that makes sense. Someone who didn’t know me gave me a gift, and in the same way before we ever knew God, He loved us enough to give us this gift. At that moment, I realised that the hope I was feeling had been given from God. God ordained that shoebox for me. It opened my heart to Jesus, who changed my life forever. If you wish to contribute to this worthwhile charity, it’s not too late to pack a shoebox. Full details can be found at: www.operationchristmaschild.co.uk. I will publish some more inspirational stories from those who have received a shoebox in December’s and January’s parish magazines.

Editor

Ted’s washcloth - a true story from Operation Christmas Child

Ever wondered what real difference a shoebox full of simple gifts can make to a deprived child? Here is Ted’s story…

‘I was an orphan in the former Soviet Union when I received my shoebox. We had to share everything at the orphanage, including towels. When I got a washcloth in my box I thought it was my own personal towel! It was very

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Poppy Power

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow”; The floating petals come and go: Where war, earth’s soil did overthrow. -------- As if in resurrection wed; The swaying poppy lifts its head – And honours all the mighty dead. -------- In Eastern fields the poppies stand, Like sentinels upon the land – A cash crop for the I.S.I.S. Clan. -------- O! Harbinger of strife and war, O! flowery, narcotic store, Can you foresee the final score? -------- “Take up our quarrel with the foe” And “shall not sleep though poppies grow,” In Eastern Fields “row on row”.

Margaret Couper (Quote John McRae)

The month of October began with Harvest celebrations. On the Thursday many people joined together to decorate the church and set up the hall for the Faith Lunch. On Friday 29th September the children from Scoill Phurt le Moirrey held their Harvest service in the church – we thank them for their contributions. On 1st October there was a full church for the Harvest Service, led by Margaret Galloway. The children sang their Harvest Samba and ‘Here's what we do at Harvest Time’, they also led the prayers. During the Learning together section, Margaret told the story of Stone Soup, with the help of Charlie the church mouse! She added a stone to the pot and various members of the congregation provided water and a great variety of vegetables to add to it. The moral of the story was that everyone should all share what they have with others, no matter how small, be it food, money, time or talents.

After the service everyone moved into the hall for the Faith Lunch. The hall was full to overflowing with both people and delicious food. It was a lovely celebration. The following day a group of people met again to sort out gifts for the “house bound” members of the parish, with the rest of the produce being donated to the Food Bank. Thank you to anyone who helped over the weekend in any way.

In Sunday School, new Scripture Union material was used. Over the last three Sundays the Parables of ‘The Sower’, ‘The Wheat and the Tares’ and ‘The Mustard Seed’ have been covered. Everyone at the Sunday School have be thinking about how they can help to grow God's Kingdom.

On the 29th October the Sunday School will join Kirk Christ as it is the fifth Sunday of the month. There will be Sunday school on the 5th November, and then a joint service for Remembrance Sunday at St. Catherine's at 10.55am on 12th November.

Everyone hopes that all the children enjoy their half term holiday from school, and that they stay safe as they celebrate Bonfire Night.

St Mary’s Sunday School

Update from Garry Ion

Garry recently returned to Blackpool to see the surgeon who operated on his gall bladder. The surgeon was happy with Garry's recovery and gave him the green light to return to Uganda on 19 October. Before then he visits CMS Ireland in Belfast. The surgeon reminded Garry with pictures of the operation, that his condition was serious and had he been in some remote part of Africa, the outcome could have been very different.

Kathleen & Brian Trustrum

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News from St Catherine’s

A very good joint harvest service with congregations from St Mary's and Kirk Christ was held at St Mary’s Church on 1st October. A Faith Lunch in St Mary’s Church Hall followed the service and was enjoyed by all who took part.

The mains water connection to St Catherine's Church Hall, and some piping and drainage pipes, have had to be replaced. Fortunately, workmen from T.S. Keggen came to the rescue and as such no church services or hall bookings have had to be cancelled. Michael, Kevin and Ian are to be thanked the effort and work they have done into keeping the buildings open.

In due course Remembrance Sunday Services will be held in the parish. One of these will be the first in the reordered Parish Church

Gerry Callister

When Elizabeth married Philip – 70 years ago

Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) married Philip Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey 70 years ago, on 20th November 1947. They have reached their Platinum Anniversary.

Elizabeth and Philip of Greece, who were third cousins, met in 1939, when the future Queen was only 13 and Philip 18. The match was promoted by Philip’s uncle, Earl Mountbatten, whose

whose name Philip took before the marriage. Philip also converted from Greek Orthodoxy to Anglicanism and was given British citizenship.

The wedding took place in front of 2,000 invited guests and was broadcast on radio to 200 million listeners worldwide. The wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell, Princess Elizabeth using ration coupons to obtain the material. More than 2,500 wedding presents, and 10,000 telegrams of congratulations were received. Most of the honeymoon was spent at Birkhall on the Balmoral Estate.

Sir William Neil McKie, an Australian organist who was the Master of the Choristers at the abbey, was the director of music, a role he filled again at Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953. He wrote a song, “We Wait for Thy Loving Kindness, O God”, especially for the wedding.

Elizabeth and Philip had got engaged secretly in 1946, but their engagement was not announced officially until July 9th, 1947.

Tim Lenton

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Across

1 He was replaced as king of Judah by his uncle Mattaniah (2 Kings 24:17) (10)

7 ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... who for the joy set before him — the cross’ (Hebrews 12:2) (7)

8 Relieved (5) 10 Impetuous (Acts 19:36) (4) 11 Surprised and alarmed (Luke 24:37) (8) 13 ‘It is — for a camel to go through the eye of

a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God’ (Mark 10:25) (6)

15 Directions for the conduct of a church service (6)

17 One of the acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19) (8)

18 and 20 Down ‘She began to wet his — with her tears. Then she wiped them with her —’ (Luke 7:38) (4,4)

21 ‘We will all be changed, in a flash, in the twinkling of an —, — the last trumpet’ (1 Corinthians 15:51–52) (3,2)

22 ‘But he replied, “Lord, I am — — go with you to prison and to death”’ (Luke 22:33) (5,2)

23 Third person of the Trinity (2 Corinthians 13:14) (4,6)

November Crossword

Down

1 He betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3) (5) 2 Paul’s assurance to the Philippian jailer:

‘Don’t — yourself! We are all here!’ (Acts 16:28) (4)

3 ‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this — the whole — of man’ (Ecclesiastes 12:13) (2,4)

4 The sort of giver God loves (2 Corinthians 9:7) (8)

5 Sun rail (anag.) (7) 6 Naboth, the ill-fated vineyard owner,

was one (1 Kings 21:1) (10) 9 Paul said of young widows, ‘When their

sensual desires overcome their — to Christ, they want to marry’ (1 Timothy 5:11) (10)

12 This was how Joseph of Arimathea practised his discipleship ‘because he feared the Jews’ (John 19:38) (8)

14 Mop ruse (anag.) (7) 16 Foment (Philippians 1:17) (4,2) 19 Where Joseph and Mary escaped to

with the baby Jesus (Matthew 2:14) (5) 20 See 18 Across

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September Crossword Solution

September Sudoku Solutions

The winner of the September Sudoku competition was Barbara Qualtrough. I placed the reverse side of each of the 15 entries on to the floor and asked my wife Pauline to pick up one of them. She chose Barbara’s entry. The £5 prize money was sent to her through the post. Thank you everyone for entering.

All in the mind

A leader in a Christian Science church was talking to a member of his congregation: ‘And how is your husband today?’ The reply came: ‘I'm afraid he's very ill.’ ‘No, no,’ corrected the leader, ‘You shouldn't say that - you should say that he's under the impression that he's very ill.’

The woman nodded in agreement, ‘Yes, I'll remember next time.’ A few weeks later the leader saw the woman again. ‘And how is your husband at the moment?’ ‘Well’, she replied, ‘now he's under the impression that he's dead!’

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living in villages scattered around the island and survive by fishing in the Lake and subsistence farming. A few work in the small tourist industry and for the local government and schools. Healthcare is minimal and many of the people are amazingly, this small island has a cathedral which they’d only just finished building in 1903. It’s an Anglican cathedral and Mozambique was a Portuguese – and therefore Roman Catholic – colony. We took a boat to visit the cathedral and on the beaches the men were drying last night’s catch of small fishes – a bit like whitebait – to be packed up and shipped to the mainland for sale. Many of the fishing boats had unusual names – one or two had Bible references. We saw one called: “Jehovah-jireh” and quoting Genesis 22:14. When Roger looked it up it was a reference to the place where Abraham was to have sacrificed Isaac, which seemed strange at first, until you realised that the boat was really called: “the Lord will provide”. The cathedral is huge – made of red brick – with chapter house, priest’s house and bishop’s house – and a lovely, peaceful cloister garden – and a clinic and guest house. Inside it had several side chapels – and a lady chapel which would have held about 100 people. The man showing us around said that there was a morning mass at 7.30 every day in one of the side chapels. There is a mass every Sunday – starting at 7.30 before the heat of the day and lasting between 3 and 4 hours! And how many people attend? Bearing in mind it’s an early service and there are no roads, no public transport and everyone walks to church - the average Sunday attendance is 2,000 people!! At this point we began to think that it was about time the Africans came to us to teach us about mission!! But it didn’t end there – that evening at the lodge – one of the waitresses – Modesta – brought her village choir to sing to us. They were accompanied by African drummers – with their complex and unusual rhythm – an almost primeval sound in the darkening sky by the lakeshore at sunset. They sang in their language – apart from one song in English – but it was clear that what they sang were Gospel songs – with lots of references to Jehovah and Jesu and praising the Lord.

Continued on Page 12

Roger and I have just returned from a visit to Africa, which included time spent on Likoma Island in Lake Malawi and we thought you would like to share our experience of mission – Malawi-style!

Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Likoma is about a quarter of the size of the Isle of Man and has a population of about 10,000 – 11,000. The people are poor,

Mission Malawi-Style

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The next night a waiter – Martin – brought his band to entertain us – drums and a guitar this time – as well as singers. During the last song Martin persuaded us to dance with him and his friends so sunset found us dancing and singing an African gospel song on a sandy beach in the middle of Lake Malawi. It was a very long way from afternoon prayer according to the Book of Common Prayer, certainly a very long way from our usual restrained churchmanship, but it was the most joyful expression of God’s glory we’d heard in a very long time.

June and Roger Harper

Time to pray for the Persecuted Church

5th November is this year’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). It is a ‘day’ when Christians around the world are being asked to join in prayer for their suffering brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are just some examples of what Christians are facing:

India: In late September, a church in the southern state of Karnataka was broken into and items inside, including Bibles, were set on fire. “By the time I reached [the church], everything had turned to ashes,” said Pastor Vaddar Nagaraja. As well as Bibles and Christian literature, the furniture and the church’s P.A. system were set ablaze. (Barnabas Fund: https://barnabasfund.org/) Nigeria: Hundreds of Christians have been killed by Fulani militia in central Nigeria. Men, women and children are being murdered, their land taken away and their homes destroyed. These Internally Displaced Persons then flee to a number of camps, where life is very harsh, and disease rampant. (Christian Solidarity Worldwide: http://www.csw.org.uk/home.htm) China: Chinese authorities in several provinces have banned children from attending church. Recently more than 100 churches in Zhejiang province were notified that minors would not be permitted to participate in religious activities, including Sunday School or summer camps, even if accompanying their parents. Meanwhile, all the activities of believers who are part of China’s flourishing “house church” movement are already illegal. (Barnabas Fund: https://barnabasfund.org/) Kenya: Four gunmen attacked St Paul’s Anglican Church in Ukunda, south-east Kenya, while a service was taking place. Just as the pastor was about to begin his sermon, gunshots were heard outside. Two policemen were killed. It has been suggested that

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militants from the Somali-based terror group Al Shabaab were behind the attack. Barnabas Fund: https://barnabasfund.org/

Sudan: In a recent open letter to the United Nations, the international organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted the ongoing persecution and suffering of Christians in (north) Sudan. The letter stated: “The [Sudanese] government continues to restrict freedom of religion and belief. In early 2017, officials in Khartoum announced they would demolish at least 27 churches within Khartoum. In May the Sudanese Church of Christ building in Soba Aradi was demolished without notice by security officials. The church was the sole remaining Christian place of worship in the Soda Aradi district. Officials have also prohibited construction of new churches under the rationale that no new churches are needed due to the secession of South Sudan and the presumed exodus of ethnic Southerners, who were predominantly Christian.” On 5th November, please pray for these suffering Christians, and millions like them.

True charity towards children ‘in need’

November not only sees ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ but also ‘Children in Need’. We take it for granted now – the show-biz glamour, the clips of ingenious fund-raising enterprises, the cheering audience and, of course, the regular announcement to loud applause of the growing total already donated to the cause. When the BBC first proposed it, there were some misgivings. Was this really an appropriate use of entertainment? Would it deflect money from the established charities? Would it simply become a vehicle for celebrities to show off? Well, it’s been around now for 37 years, and raised over £600 million pounds for disabled and disadvantaged children around the world. It has, of course, had its celebrities – who could forget Terry Wogan’s years as its mischievous chief presenter? But there has been no evidence that it has diminished the role of major charities. In fact, it has probably introduced millions of people to the experience of giving to charity.

I was at the BBC when it began and recall all those misgivings. One year at a management meeting someone asked why we didn’t have ‘Old People in Need’? The answer was that the plight of children more readily touched people’s hearts, but that once they had experienced the joy of giving all those other causes would benefit. And so it has proved.

There is a prayer in Common Worship that speaks of our world ‘torn apart by the ravages of sin’. In my head I always add, ‘and held together by the gifts of grace’. I honestly think ‘Children in Need’ is one of those.

David Winter

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75 years ago, following Britain’s victory at the Second Battle of El Alamein, Winston Churchill announced: ‘This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.’

70 years ago, on 20th Nov 1947, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) married Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey in London. (Philip had been given the title Duke of Edinburgh by King George VI the previous day.)

65 years ago, on 1st Nov 1952, the USA carried out the first successful detonation of a hydrogen bomb, in a test on the Pacific island of Elugelab, Marshall Islands. The island was destroyed and no longer exists. Also, on 25th Nov 1952, the world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap, by Agatha Christie, opened in London. (It is still running.)

50 years ago, on 18th Nov 1967, during the massive foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the movement of all farm animals was banned in England and Wales. Also, on 27th Nov 1967, French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain’s application to join the Common Market. (de Gaulle resigned from office in 1969 and Britain reapplied and was accepted. It joined the EEC – now the EU – in 1973.)

40 years ago, between 14th Nov to 12th Jan ’78, British firefighters went on strike for the first time, demanding a 30% pay increase. Their duties were taken over by the British Army, using Green Goddess fire-engines. Also, on 19th Nov 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat became the first Arab leader to make an official visit to Israel. On 20th Nov he became the first Arab leader to address Israel’s parliament, the Knesset.

30 years ago, on 8th Nov 1987, the Remembrance Day bombing in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, took place. 11 people were killed and 63 injured when an IRA bomb exploded during a Remembrance Day service. Also, on 18th Nov 1987, King’s Cross underground station fire in London took place. 31 people were killed and more than 60 injured when a fire broke out in an escalator shaft and spread to the ticket hall.

25 years ago, on 11th Nov 1992, the General Synod of the Church of England voted to allow women to become priests. (The first women were ordained as priests in March 1994.) Also, on 12th Nov 1992, the first episode of the TV comedy series ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ was broadcast in the UK. Also, on 20th Nov 1992, the Windsor Castle fire took place. A fire broke out in a private chapel and spread to a large part of the building. Damage was extensive and took five years to repair, at a cost of £40million. Buckingham Palace was opened to the public for the first time to help raise the money.

All in the month of November

150 years ago, on 7th Nov 1867, Marie Curie, the Polish-born French physicist and chemist, was born. She was joint winner of the 1903 Nobel Prize for Physics, and winner of the 1911 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for her work on radioactivity.

100 years ago, on 2nd Nov 1917, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration which confirmed its support for the establishment of a national home in Palestine for the Jewish people.

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Was this really an appropriate use of entertainment? Would it deflect money from the established charities? Would it simply become a vehicle for celebrities to show off?

Well, it’s been around now for 37 years, and raised over £600 million pounds for disabled and disadvantaged children around the world. It has, of course, had its celebrities – who could forget Terry Wogan’s years as its mischievous chief presenter? But there has been no evidence that it has diminished the role of major charities. In fact, it has probably introduced millions of people to the experience of giving to charity.

I was at the BBC when it began and recall all those misgivings. One year at a management meeting someone asked why we didn’t have ‘Old People in Need’? The answer was that the plight of children more readily touched people’s hearts, but that once they had experienced the joy of giving all those other causes would benefit. And so it has proved.

There is a prayer in Common Worship that speaks of our world ‘torn apart by the ravages of sin’. In my head I always add, ‘and held together by the gifts of grace’. I honestly think ‘Children in Need’ is one of those.

David Winter

True charity towards children

November not only sees ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ but also ‘Children in Need’. We take it for granted now – the show-biz glamour, the clips of ingenious fund-raising enterprises, the cheering audience and, of course, the regular announcement to loud applause of the growing total already donated to the cause. When the BBC first proposed it, there were some misgivings.

20 years ago, on 12th Nov 1997, Brazil’s Supreme Court rejected Britain’s request to extradite ‘Great Train Robber’ Ron from prison in 2009 due to his declining health and died in Dec 2013.)

15 years ago, on 25th Nov 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was established in the USA. 10 years ago, on 3rd Nov 2007, the death of Martin Meehan, Irish republican and Sinn Fein politician, took place. He was the first person to be convicted of membership of the Provisional IRA and spent 18 years in prison.

Parish Pump

Morning

There are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good morning, Lord,’ and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, ‘Good Lord, it's morning.’

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From the Registers

Baptism (September 2017) Sunday 3rd September 2017 Rachel Evans

St Peter’s Church @ 3.15pm

Weddings (September 2017) Saturday 2nd September Ashleigh Jane Owen & Daryl Ashley Blake St Mary’s Church @ 1.30pm Saturday 9th September Rachel Evans & James Ivan Ward

St Peter’s Church @ 2.00pm

Safeguarding

The Parish of Rushen is committed to the safeguarding, nurture and care of everyone within our church community. If you, or someone you know, are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk or has been harmed, or are concerned about the behaviour of someone towards children or vulnerable adults, please contact:

Rushen Parish Safeguarding Officer, Claire Jennings (Tel. 830850) or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Rev. Jo Dudley, as soon as possible Tel: 01624 861989/Mobile: 07624 411989/Email: jo@jdudley.plus.com Rev Dudley may be contacted at any time for all enquiries relating to Safeguarding.

A copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy is available on the Diocesan website: http://www.sodorandman.im/safeguarding_inclusion

Exam help

In the examination paper, the professor wanted us to sign a form stating that we had not received any outside assistance. Unsure of whether he should sign the form, a student stated that he had prayed for the assistance of God. The professor carefully studied the answer page and then said, ‘You can sign it with a clear conscience. God certainly did not assist you.’

Praying for a brother A small boy badly wanted a baby brother, so his dad suggested he pray every night for one. The boy prayed earnestly, night after night, but his prayers seemingly weren't answered. After a few weeks, he didn't bother to ask anymore.

Some months later, his dad said they were going to see his mum in the hospital and he was going to get a big surprise. When they got to the room, the little boy saw his mother holding two babies. ‘Well, what do you think about having twin brothers?’ his dad asked.

The little boy thought for a moment and replied, ‘It's a good thing I stopped praying when I did.’

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Rushen Mothers’ Union

Members gave a warm welcome to our speaker Judith Ley from Manx Radio. Judith has been to our meetings before and we knew we were in for a treat with her “Tales from Behind the Mike”. Mrs Sue Maddrell gave a sincere vote of thanks. The meeting was led by Mrs Pat Thomson and Mrs Margaret Couper played the piano for our two hymns, Mrs Sue Bould read two delightful poems. Mrs Jane Gunn gave

a report from the council meeting. The Mothers’ Union is hoping to fund the decoration of two rooms at the Women’s

Refuge, and envelopes were provided in case members wished to give a donation. This will be taken to the Advent Service on 5th December at St Peter’s Church Onchan.

A leaflet had been received from Mary Sumner House asking if members had seen the film “Victoria and Abdul” and reminding us that Queen Victoria was our first Royal Patron.

This had been a lively and busy meeting and we were all ready for a cup of tea and biscuit!

Our next meeting is on Monday 13th November in St Catherine’s’ Church Hall at 2pm.

Elsie Faragher

Look after trees!

By Perfectplants.co.uk: an on-line shop offering delivery to your door of plants, gifts and garden equipment: Tel: 01323 833479 The dark, mysterious, and fiery month of November is upon us and as we look to the skies to enjoy the spectacle of fireworks we will, hopefully, also notice the skeletal framework of beautiful trees that forms part of our heritage. On the Isle of Man, the biggest challenge to young trees is wind and livestock, but once they have grown past their juvenile stage they are more able to withstand both.

Beech, ash, hornbeam, lime, field maple, sweet chestnut, walnut, crab apple, wild plum and pear are represented in good numbers. It is now known that pine woodland once covered a large area of the island after the ice age but now the tree coverage as a proportion of land mass is only around six per cent. This is less than half that of mainland UK and a tree-planting programme is under implementation. The aim is to improve the visual beauty of this wonderful place and encourage biodiversity at the same time.

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Trees are essential for helping with flood control as roots help to slow the rate that rain drains off the land into rivers and the drainage network. There is absolutely no doubt that trees can help mediate the natural ebb and flow experienced as a result of climate and that rainforest destruction across the world has made flash flooding a real threat to many different countries.

But over the last few years, trees have faced ever-growing threats that are likely to change the mix of woodland in the future. The numbers of tree pests and diseases has grown alarmingly on mainland UK. According to Forestry Commission figures there were just five outbreaks in 32 years up to the year 2002 but since then there have been at least 17 serious tree disease outbreaks.

Ash dieback (Chalara) is now found across the UK and has now been identified on the Isle of Man. In Denmark some 90% of ash are thought to have been affected. Some UK ash seems to be showing a degree of tolerance but it is thought that the true impact won’t be known for 50 years or so. Larch, sweet chestnut, beech and rhododendron are being attacked by Phytophthora, a plant pathogen that also kills oak trees. Fortunately the windy weather on the Isle of Man seems to have kept Dutch Elm disease at bay but the island is always at risk from contamination from pathogens such as sweet chestnut blight which is said to be highly aggressive; the oriental chestnut gall wasp; oak processionary moth with its hairy caterpillars that can also cause human health problems; acute oak decline which is characterised by dark fluid oozing from cracks in the bark and a fungus known as red band needle blight which largely affects pine.

The Woodland Trust is now offering specially tailored ‘Targeting Tree Disease’ packs for those looking to plant a mix of alternative native broadleaf species. There are also FREE tree packs for schools and communities including a hedge pack; year-round colour pack and a wildlife tree pack. Funding from DEFRA and lead partners has enabled the UKs largest woodland conservation charity to give away at least 100,000 trees per year until 2020. Applications online, visit: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

What can we all do to safeguard the trees we love to see? Avoid imported trees and support home-grown nurseries; familiarise yourself with trees and report any perceived health problems to the Forestry Commission (www.forestry.gov.uk, go to tree alert); consider asking for a tree preservation order (TPO) to be placed on trees that you consider worthy of note (more information at www.treecouncil.org.uk); plant a tree or two!

Perfect Plants Ltd is an on-line supplier of garden plants and house plants. Also, garden equipment, furniture and gifts. www.perfectplants.co.uk

Careful! There was a very gracious lady who was mailing an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. ‘Is there anything breakable in here?’ asked the postal clerk.

The lady thought for a moment, and replied: ‘Only the Ten Commandments.’

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Children’s Page

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O valiant hearts who to your glory came Through dust of conflict and through battle flame; Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved, Your memory hallowed in the land you loved. Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war As who had heard God’s message from afar; All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave, To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save. Splendid you passed, the great surrender made; Into the light that nevermore shall fade; Deep your contentment in that blest abode, Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God. Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still, Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill, While in the frailty of our human clay, Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way. Still stands His Cross from that dread hour to this, Like some bright star above the dark abyss; Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries. These were His servants, in His steps they trod, Following through death the martyred Son of God: Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice. O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead, Whose cross has bought them and Whose staff has led, In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.

O Valiant Hearts

Remembrance Day services have their own particular music – hymns that are rarely sung at any other time. This is especially true of the hymn O Valiant Hearts, which has words written by a Herefordshire MP, to a tune by a vicar from the same county. '"O Valiant Hearts" is a hymn remembering the fallen of the First World War. Words were taken from a poem by Sir John Stanhope Arkwright (1872-1954), published in 'The Supreme Sacrifice, and other Poems in Time of War (1919). It was set to music by the Rev. Dr. Charles Harris, Vicar of Colwall, Herefordshire 1909-1929. The poem was later included as a hymn in both editions of the hymn book Songs of Praise. For the first edition, published in 1925, the music was set to a traditional tune, 'Valour', arranged by Vaughan Williams. In the second, larger edition of Songs of Praise, published in 1931, Gustav Holst composed the tune 'Valiant Hearts' especially for the hymn. In Songs of Praise Discussed, Valiant Hearts is described as 'a good bold tune, in triple time, with a suggestion of bell-chimes in the repeated first phrase, an effect which is enhanced by the nature of the accompaniment to the alternative unison version'. The alternative unison version referred to is written for verses 3 and 7.' However, it is to the Harris tune that the hymn is now always sung. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that the later tunes mentioned above ever gained any popularity. A very early recording (to Harris's beloved tune) by the boy soprano Harold Langston was played at the Aldershot Tattoo in 1930 to vast crowds.

The Story Behind the Hymn

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Rushen Parish Prayer Diary

Help me to live each day Quietly, easily,

To lean on your great strength Trustfully, restfully,

To await the unfolding of Your will Patiently, joyously, To face tomorrow

Confidently, courageously Amen

November 2017 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:

1st All saints, known or unknown, now in heaven 2nd People we have known and loved, but no longer see 3rd Christians around the world 4th Children who are affected when families break up 5th Safety for all those involved in firework and bonfire celebrations 6th The work of the British Legion in preparation for Remembrance Sunday 7th The Ladies Working Party meeting today, and the wonderful work it does for the parish 8th Older people who need warmth as winter approaches 9th The refugees seeking better opportunities for themselves 10th The Coffee Morning taking place in St Mary’s Church Hall this morning 11th The Armistice which is remembered today 12th The work of charities both at home and overseas 13th Those who died in two world wars and subsequent conflicts to give us freedom 14th Fishermen who risk their lives to provide us with food to eat 15th Those who are ill, or in hospital, and the people who look after them 16th Babies born today and the families into which they are born 17th The importance of the Bible as a teaching aid for all Christians 18th People in prison seeking to improve their lives 19th Our congregations throughout Rushen which meet in fellowship and faith each Sunday 20th Preparations for Christmas in shops and other retail outlets 21st The PCC meeting taking place in St Catherine’s Church Hall this evening 22nd Couples who are preparing for marriage at some point in the future 23rd Those who intercede at our services throughout the parish 24th People who are suffering hardship through loss of earnings 25th The Autumn Afternoon Tea taking place in St Catherine’s Church Hall today. 26th Christ the King – the last Sunday of the church year 27th Preparations throughout the parish for our Christmas services 28th Our PCC Treasurer, Stephen Curtis, for the work he does in maintaining our finances 29th Voluntary helpers in schools who give their time to help the children 30th Saint Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland, and brother of St Peter the Apostle

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1st November 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

5th November 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (4 before Advent) 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

12th November 10.45am Kirk Christ Remembrance Service (Remembrance) 10.55am St Catherine’s Joint Communion Service (*) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

(*) Joint Service with St Mary’s congregation

19th November 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (2 before Advent) 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP)

26th November 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) (Christ the King) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

3rd December 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (Advent 1) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 6.30pm Advent Meal 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

6th December 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

10th December 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Advent 2) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 4pm St Catherine’s Christingle Service

(CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer

Services November 2017

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Contact Details for Rushen Parish

St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:

Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545

St Mary’s Ladies Working Party

Mrs Susan Maddrell, Athol Lodge, Fistard, Port St Mary 833151

Miss Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399

St Mary’s Hall Bookings:

Mr G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:

Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Web Site/E-mail:

www.rushenparish.org.uk admin@rushenparish.org.uk

Magazine Editor

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Ballafesson, Port Erin e-mail: dbow43@manx.net

Articles for the magazine should be submitted to the editor no later

than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.

Parish Director of Music:

Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143

Churchyard Enquiries:

Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770

or Mr G Callister: 474924/834627

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I had a comment from one of the regular contributors of this competition who told me that he had completed each of the two October’s puzzles in 15 minutes. Consequently, this month’s puzzles should be harder. Please let me know if you think they are! The usual rules for entry apply. You can send them to me through the post, or post them through my letter box. Or hand them to one of the wardens. You don’t have to do both puzzles to enter. The closing date is Wednesday 29th November 2017. £5 will be sent to the winner.

November Sudoku Competition