september 29th michael and all angels...ack in the 1970s robert pirsig wrote zen and the art of...

www.stmichaelmaryjohn.org.uk

September 29th - Michael and All Angels

www.stmichaelmaryjohn.org.uk 2

Rector: The Venerable Simon Baker,

Archdeacon of Lichfield

10 Mawgan Drive, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 9SD.

Tel: 01543 416232

Email: [email protected]

Day Off: Friday

Associate Minister (Part-time): The Revd. Linda Collins

17, Leyfields, Lichfield, Staffs, WS13 7NJ.

Tel: 07915 091128


Days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Curate: The Revd. Melanie Clark

25 Lister Avenue, Streethay, Lichfield, WS13 8FY Tel: 07751 072332


Associate Minister (NSM Part-time): The Revd. Ruth Bull 36 Broadlands Rise, LICHFIELD, Staffs, WS14 9SF


Assistant Minister (NSM)

The Revd. Stephen Barton The Master’s House, St John’s Hospital, St John Street, LICHFIELD WS13 6PB Email: [email protected]

Assistant Minister (PTO) The Revd. Jeyan Anketell 7 Wissage Lane, LICHFIELD, Staffs, WS13 6DQ Tel: 01543 268897 Email: [email protected]

Assistant Minister (PTO)

The Revd Chris Baker 15 Saddlers Close, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14 9ZW Tel: 01543 256320 Email: [email protected]

Assistant Minister (PTO)

The Revd Christine Polhill Little Hayes, Beaudesert, Cannock Wood, Staffs WS15 4JJ Tel: 01543 674474

Reader: Lesley Allen 21 Boley Close, LICHFIELD, Staffs, WS14 9AR

Tel: 01543 251654


Reader: Phil Clayton 23 Follows End, Burntwood, Staffs, WS7 3QZ

Tel: 01543 308331

E-mail: [email protected]

Reader: Trevor James 36 Heritage Court, LICHFIELD, Staffs, WS14 9ST

Tel: 01543 258434

Reader: Peter Salt 7 Redlock Field, Lichfield WS14 OAB

Tel: 01543 250723


Reader: Alan Toplis Streethay Lodge, Streethay, LICHFIELD, Staffs, WS13 8LR

Tel: 01543 414651


United Benefice Office St Michael’s Church, Church St, LICHFIELD, Staffs, WS13 6ED Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri CLOSED Thursdays 9.00 am to 12.00 noon. Tel: 01543 262211


St Michael’s Church

Church Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6ED

St John’s Church

Green Lane, Wall, Staffordshire, WS14 0AS

mailto:[email protected]











Reflections for September

In the middle of August I finally got Diana’s Morris Minor open tourer on the road. I bought the car back in 2002 as an abandoned project from someone who no longer had the heart and enthusiasm to deal with all the rust. They had gone some way with restoring the car and I discovered that the engine had been rebuilt and was sound. But the floor was rusted through and the seats were rotten; the wings were falling off and the paint was faded or not really there at all. It was a hopeless case – next stop the scrapyard. It seemed so sad that this poor car was going to be abandoned that I paid up and trailered it away. I knew it would be a long job but I didn’t reckon on 16 years. And the truth is that even when you think you have finished a classic car, you never have: it’s a life time project. Bearings need regular greasing and there are always strange noises to be investigated and remedied.

There are times when restoration is fun and satisfying – solid metal and gleaming chrome. There are other times when it is not – rusted on bolts and weld burns on your arms.

Back in the 1970s Robert Pirsig wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. (The title is probably the most well- known thing about the book). Among many things, the author describes two “philosophical” approaches to riding and maintaining motorcycles. His friend John chooses not to learn how to maintain his expensive new motorbike. He hopes for the best and when something goes wrong he has to call out professional mechanics to repair it. The narrator on the other hand, has an old classic ‘bike which he learns to repair and maintain himself, addressing the problems as they come along and learning from experience.

Maybe there is room for a new book Christian Faith and the art of Morris Minor Restoration – probably not.


On the other hand there are some parallels between classic car and ‘bike restoration and real life. Any project that is worthwhile is worth spending time and effort on: whether it is friendship, marriage, faith or a particular skill. You could just trust that everything will be fine but, most of the time, attention and effort are needed. Along with the delights and the successes there will be the frustrations and the times you feel that it is not worth carrying on. But we do carry on with the most precious things in our lives. There is nothing sadder than that any of these should be put aside as “abandoned project”.

Of course it is hard to pursue the things we really value on our own. We need others because they are in the relationships we are working at, or they are the people who love us and support us. Years ago when I got our Morris Minor, you really had to buy books to tell you what to do – or hope that someone nearby would lend a hand. In recent years you can discuss your challenges on websites and blogs and there is a great on-line community urging you on to finish your project. I think that church is like that too: a great fellowship of people all working at their life projects, relationships and dreams – with varying success - but all together supportive of each other in good times and difficult; hoping and praying to live our lives in the love of God and by walking with Jesus. That’s what faith is – the commitment to grow our lives, individually and together assured that the life of each one of us is a worthwhile project, precious in God’s eyes.

If you want to read and see more of our Morris Minor restoration then you can look up

www.morrisminorowners.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=3803

Simon


Collect for September 29th Michael & All Angels

Everlasting God,

you have ordained and constituted

the ministries of angels and mortals in wonderful order:

grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven,

so, at your command,

they may help and defend us on earth;

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Parish Surgery For Baptisms, Banns and Weddings, staff are available at the Parish Office in St Michael’s Church, Church Street on the 1st

and 3rd Monday evenings in the month by appointment only. Please telephone 01543 262211 or email [email protected] to make an appointment.


CHAD BLOG—LICHFIELD DIOCESE NEWS The Bishop of Stafford’s pas-toral letter for August 2018

Visiting so many different church families I am very aware of the variety of talent with which God has blessed our Diocese but as we are re-minded every year, Britain’s Got Talent!

2018 has seen the 12th series of this popular ITV television show and many would say that the final was the most exciting ever – so many really good acts and such a variety of skills, it was impossible to predict the final outcome. However, it will be remembered as the year when ‘inclusion’ became a reality rather than a well-meaning intention.

The winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2018 was Lee Ridley from the other Newcastle (that city further up the country from our own Newcastle Under Lyme!). Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of six months, Lee has been unable to speak for over 30 years and so pre-programmes his comedy routines into a voice synthesiser. Calling himself ‘Lost Voice Guy’, both his content and timing are incredible and he won the competition on his own merit rather than through some kind of sympathy vote.

Similarly the person who came second, Robert White from West Sussex, describes himself as ‘the only gay, aspergic, quarter-Welsh comic on the British comedy circuit’ and clearly came so close to winning because of the quality of his act – which brought both the judges and the audience to their feet with appreciation of his chaotic comedy style and improvised music skills.


I would suggest that until very recently neither of these two men would have been included in such a popular programme on mainstream television let alone receive the millions of votes that resulted in them winning the top two places.

Put this within the wider context of a theatrical movement that is urging directors to cast more women over the age of 35, black and minority ethnic actors, those from the LGBT+ community and those living with physical and mental challenges into leading acting roles both in theatre and on television, and we could justifiably say that there is genuine sense of a cultural change slowly evolving in the entertainment industry in this country.

Recently Zoe Hemming came to a Bishop’s Staff Meeting and shared with us some of her excellent ministry as our Diocesan Enabling Officer. At one level this is about the practicalities of making our churches accessible for all but if we are really going to be true to the theological belief that the love of Jesus Christ is for everyone then it is more about promoting cultural change within the Church. It is recognising what people can do rather than what others think they cannot do. It is accepting that we are all ‘different’ but then rejoicing in our differences because together we can be so much more effective for Christ by complementing each other and sharing the individual gifts that God has given to us.

Often this cultural change can start to grow from us simply being more aware of others. Mike Bridgewater is helping many of us to think creatively about how our churches can embrace those living with dementia and those caring for them. The Café that is now run in Holy Trinity Chesterton is one of the friendliest places I have visited and everyone is made to feel really welcome and included. There is sharing of food, friendship and a lot of laughter.

I believe that the culture is changing, both within our churches and the wider society in which we serve, but there is still a long way to go. It is significant that both Lee Ridley and Robert White are comedians


Deadlines!

Magazine: Usually 2nd Sunday

every Month. Contact David Bull

Pew Sheet: 7:30am

every Thursday Morning. Contact Parish Office

and use laughter as a way of forming a relationship with their audience and we can learn from their example. Laughing with one another rather than at one another is an important way of enabling us to build the kind of church where genuinely all feel welcome.

There have been times when the Christian Church in our country led society. Perhaps we have to have the humility to admit that possibly God is at present working through society and leading the Church into respecting and rejoicing in the diversity of God’s creation. No wonder Jesus urged us to be like ‘little children’ who of course are constantly learning and who learn best when lessons are fun!

Wishing you much laughter and every blessing,

+Geoff Bishop of Stafford

Links to more info on Zoe Hemming’s Enabling Church ministry across the Diocese and Mike Bridgwater and colleagues’ Dementia-friendly Churches ministry in the three episcopal areas can be found at www.lichfield.anglican.org/open_to_all.

http://www.lichfield.anglican.org/open_to_all


CHILDREN’S SERVICES & ACTIVITIES

First Steps

Monday 10th Sept.

10am St Michael’s

Family Praise Sunday 9th September

10am St Michael’s

Come and join us at our …

MESSY CHURCH for craft, story, song and food on

SUNDAY 16th SEPTEMBER

4.30 – 5.45pm

in St Michael’s Church Hall Ages 0-11 yrs. welcome


Annual Report for

Junior Praise at St Michael’s.

Child: (looking into dark, cold, damp church): Who lives here? Parent: God lives here. Child: (after moment’s thought) Why doesn’t he move?

That’s definitely NOT us! We aim for our Sunday 10am service to be a warm,

welcoming and worshipping place for everyone! So, our Junior Praise leaders

provide a lovely space for friendship, fun and learning a little more about our

relationship with God for our younger members – aged 0 upwards! We work on

the premise that enjoying being in church, that sense of being part of a large

family and forming friendships in a secure and welcoming environment, will lay

the foundations for growth in discipleship in the future.

Our activities in the Fellowship Corner, often quite simple, along with the

stories about Jesus, provide the springboard for the questions that only young

children can ask! The leaders find it to be varied and unpredictable in every

way, sometimes one child, sometimes lots! Parents and carers chip in, and

friendships grow there too.

Our provision for young children and their families is the future of the church,

and we are extremely grateful to those faithful folk who help with Junior Praise.

We are always looking for more folk to help out on the rota with this rewarding

area of our church life and fellowship. Do get in touch if you’d like to know a

little more.

Linda


Regular Services and Worship in the Benefice

Music in the Benefice


Wednesdays 6.30pm Girls Choir 7.15pm Other parts & St Michael’s Singers

Monday before 2nd Sunday 7:30pm Music Group

Parish Surgery Every 1st and 3rd Monday by Appoint-

ment from 6:30pm at the Parish office

in St Michael’s Church. Please call

01543 262211

Bells Practice Every Thurs 7:30pm, St Michael’s

Baptism Preparation First Tuesday at

8:00pm at St Michael’s

Regular Services at St John’s

Sundays @ 10am

1st Sunday - Holy Communion 2nd Sunday - Holy Communion 3rd Sunday - Morning Prayer 4th Sunday - Holy Communion 5th Sunday - Wall Praise

Baptism @ 11.30am 4th Sunday

Other Services at St Michael’s

Sundays 1st Sunday 12:30pm

Holy Baptism

2nd Sunday 6:00pm

Holy Communion

3rd Sunday 4:30pm Church Hall

Messy Church

4th Sunday 6:00pm

Choral Evensong

Tuesday

School Service

Wednesday

9:30am Holy Communion

Regular Services at St Michael’s

Sundays 8:00am Holy Communion

10:00am Holy Communion

2nd Sunday 10:00am Family Praise

Prayer Group, St Michael’s

1st Wednesday of the month

Contact June Frayn (264920)

Brenda Liptrot (251863)


Church Festival Flowers

Patronal Festival - Friday September 28th from 9am

Harvest Festival - Saturday October 13th from 9am

We will be decorating St Michael's Church on the

above dates and would welcome all who would like

to help on either or both of those mornings.

If you wish to make a donation in memory of a

loved one, please put the money, the name of the

person and your message into a blue Gift Aid

envelope and mark it “Church Flowers”.

All donations must be received by October 7th.


Camas Notes 2018

By the time you read these notes we’ll be at Camas or may even have returned. Our dates this year are Sunday 26 August to Saturday 1 September. Camas has changed its format slightly to suit the mainly Scottish clients and now starts on a Monday, finishing on Saturday. That means we travel up on Sunday, rather than Friday, stay one night at the Oban Youth Hostel, have five nights at Camas on Mull and back on the next Saturday – doing the return travel in one day. We’re planning a trip to Iona to see the Abbey and have some time on its beautiful beaches. I’m still asked, “Why go all that way, rather than the Peak District, Snowdon or the Lakes?” One of the reasons lies in this picture, which you’ve seen many times before. The peace and isolation bring the

young people back year after year. They are busy at Camas but are able to escape the busyness of their lives in Lichfield, with the constant pressures of social media. Also Camas is still the cheapest option as all the facilities are on site and included in the fee.

The one extra we pay for is to go mackerel fishing with our friend Mark Jardine on the B Marie and for many that’s the highlight of the trip. I’m already beginning to tingle at the thought of another Camas and I know that the young people feel the same. We are a smaller party this time, just 18, mainly because the only available week is so close to the start of the new school year. We were


18 strong ten years ago and there is a certain intimacy with that size of group, rather than the 27 or 28 attending recently. We are evenly split between male and female and have three Young Leaders this year: Brigid Ray from the Girls’ Choir, Tom Braddock, former senior chorister, and Sean Adams from Wade Street Church. Only three people are new this year and the youngest at 13, Chelsea and Harriett, are both veterans from 2016. That means we are older and more experienced than usual. The Future. This is definitely my last year at Camas (although I hope to go on running the programme) and Beth Knox, who has been with me since 2007, has agreed that we should share our last Camas to-gether! The photograph shows Beth on the B Marie with Mark and

her friend Sophie in 2016. I’m pleased to say that we have a number of Choir mums & dads who are keen to go in 2020 and there are several former young leaders, like Joe Sneddon, who are in-terested in showing them the ropes. Having parents along will slightly change the at-mosphere, but it seems to be the way ahead. Ted Green


Camas Grand Raffle Results 2018

Arthur Price £40 Vouchers 524 Peter Salt Litre Bottle of Bell’s Whisky 833 Kerrie Begley Hamper 679 Elizabeth & Ray Allen Kwik-Fit Wheel Alignment 636 Alan Toplis Litre Bottle of Cream Sherry 371 Alison Stevens Fairtrade Hamper 023 Joyce Frost Kwik-Fit MOT 224 Frazer Sneddon Bottle Lindeman’s Shiraz 609 Mike Sheridan-Jones Silks’ Hairdressing Voucher £20 298 K Newcombe (c/o Harvey) Gentleman’s Watch 097 Betty Richmond Bottle of Chianti 503 Shirley Trelfa Tori Scented Candle 822 Paul Causer (c/o Braddock) Silks’ Hairdressing Voucher £20 574 Margaret Goodwin Cuff Links & Socks from Michael 840 Chelsea Begley Arthur Price £10 Voucher 284 S Taylor (c/o Harvey) Electrical Items & Toys 086 Lesley Allen La Maison Toiletries 532 Joan Sharman White Scents Toiletries 174 Andrew Saunders Scented Candle & Toiletries 368 Simon Collins Thorntons’ Summer Selection 359 Peter Boggis Family Circle Biscuits 168 Tanya (c/o Saunders) Kitchen Items & Coffee 657 Audrey Dudley Holdall & Contents 066 Ray Allen Hope La Cyprus Red Wine 231 Joe Sneddon

The Camas Group would like to thank all the Lichfield Firms named above that have supported us in 2018, also the Diocesan St Jude’s

Trust and Lichfield City Council for making grants.


Saint Michael

Michael, Hebrew Mikhaʾel, Arabic Mīkāl or Mīkhāʾīl, also called St. Mi-

chael the Archangel, in the Bible and in the Qurʾān, one of the

archangels. He is repeatedly depicted as the “great captain,” the

leader of the heavenly hosts, and the

warrior helping the children of Israel.

Early in the history of the Christian church

he came to be regarded as the helper of

the church’s armies against the heathen

and against the attacks of the Devil. He

holds the secret of the mighty “word” by

the utterance of which God created

heaven and earth and was “the angel who

spoke [to Moses] at Mount Sinai” (Acts

7:38). The numerous representations of

Michael in art reflect his character as a

warrior: he is shown with a sword, in

combat with or triumph over a dragon,

from the story in the Book of Revelation

(Apocalypse).

The feast of St. Michael, which originated in Phrygia, is kept on

September 29 in the West, where it is also known as Michaelmas.

Most Eastern Orthodox churches commemorate St. Michael and the

other angels on November 8, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo

archangel

St. Michael, wood, paint, and gilding, Spanish, c. 1530; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.

Photograph by Katie Chao. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, The Cloisters Collection, 1953 (53.65)

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Quran


Church honours him on the 12th of each month. In the Roman

Catholic Church the feast of the Appearing (or Apparition) of

St. Michael the Archangel is kept on May 8. According to legend, this

appearance took place on Mount Gargano, in Apulia, about 492, and

the mountain became an important medieval pilgrimage site.

A formal prayer to St. Michael originated with Pope Leo XIII in 1886.

During the Middle Ages, Michaelmas was a great religious feast and

many popular traditions grew up around the day, which coincided with

the harvest in much of western Europe. In England it was the custom

to eat goose on Michaelmas, which was supposed to protect against

financial need for the next year. In Ireland, finding a ring hidden in a

Michaelmas pie meant that one would soon be married.

To find out more visit the Encyclopaedia Britannica's website

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Michaelmas#ref185424

A child with a drum and other members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrating the feast of St. Mi-chael the Archangel in Turmi, Ethiopia.

© demidoffaleks/iStock.com


United Benefice Walking Group

We had an enjoyable walk at Little Hay in July. The weather was sunny for much of the walk; and windy- my hat blew away, but it was well retrieved by Martin!. It was good to see the pretty countryside in and around Little Hay; and the fabulous, clear views. We received a great welcome from The Hollybush pub. A good variety of cakes and very enjoyable lunches were provided.


SEPTEMBER WALK

The walk at Shustoke on Sat 15th September will be between 3 and 4 miles long. There are no stiles. After meeting at St. Michael's church at 10am we will drive to Shustoke church, a village the other side of Coleshill. Shustoke church is about 1 mile East of the main village. We shall walk to the North of the reservoir and visit the Plough Inn for lunch at approx 1pm. After lunch we shall walk South of the reservoir back to our cars. There will be no stop for morning coffee. There are likely to be several stops in order to explain the history of the parish which I find very interesting.

The Plague was influential. Also Sir William Dugdale who published Antiquities of Warwickshire in 1655 was born and died in the parish. He was also the father-in-law of Elias Ashmole, after Elias took his third wife, Elizabeth.

Brian Homewood

There will be an opportunity for you to bring your own tea/coffee which we shall have at Shustoke Church Car Park before the start of the walk.

Ray Allen 01543 251654


St. Michael's Churchyard A job for life?

As one of Ray Allen's churchyard working party, I am to be found on the outer pavement scraping moss and ivy off a churchyard wall. I have been doing it for so long I term it as trying to dust the Great Wall of China! Others in the group bend to plant, weed, and remove briars and ivy from around graves but a knee problem sends me to work on the wall. So, thank you to the nice people of Lichfield who stop their cars or walk by and compliment us on the ongoing transformation of the churchyard and the re-emergence of monuments. What we are doing is being noticed.

We meet for this work for three hours once a month (with a break for tea, coffee and cake) so if you would care to join us, please look for Ray's announcement of dates in the magazine.

Maureen Brand

The Churchyard Working Party will next meet on

Saturday September 8th., from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

We will be continuing to remove brambles from headstones and moss from the Church Boundary Wall. Please join us if you can. You will be very welcome.

Ray Allen 251654


The Marriage of Joanne Allen and Peter Hanke Our daughter Joanne married Peter at St. John's Church, Bethesda, Washington DC., on Saturday June 16th. It was a beautiful sunny day and a wonderful occasion that we shall always treasure. The Wedding Service was led jointly by Joanne's Rector, Sari, and Peter's Rector, Ed.

The Church is fortunate in having a large hall and other rooms and a beautiful garden. This meant that photographs could be taken both inside and outside the Church; and the Wedding Reception could be held in the Church Hall.

A small number of friends and family were able to come to Washington for the wedding. Many other family members and friends from England came to the wedding blessing at St. Michael's on Sunday August 5th. Many thanks to Reverend Linda for the beautiful way in which she conducted the Blessing of Joanne and Peter's Marriage. On behalf of Joanne and Peter we would like to thank all those who gave cards and messages of support to them as they start their married life together in their new home in Washington.


The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support is just on the horizon

and once again we are joining in at

St Michael’s Church.

Our coffee morning will be on

Saturday, 29th September at 10.30am.

The church will be open all day, as part of the Patronal Festival weekend and we will keep serving

coffee and cake until the cake runs out!

Bring a cake along or come and buy a slice and enjoy the company.

Everyone welcome!

St Michael-on-Greenhill


‘September Song’

A concert of light music for the Autumn season with the Needwood Singers, conducted by Margaret Langford,

and St Michael’s Girls Choir.

Saturday September 29th 7pm, at St Michael’s Church 2018.

Tickets £10 to include drinks and nibbles.

Please do your best support this concert over our Patronal weekend. The church will be looking splendid and all proceeds

from the sale of tickets are going to be shared between our church and the Needwood Singers.

If you would like to purchase a ticket, please see Sue Jones or any choir member following the service over coffee or phone

Sue on 01543 415242.

Patronal Festival 2018 SERVICE on SUNDAY 30th SEPTEMBER

10am Breakfast & Sunday Papers

11am Patronal Service– Preacher

The Venerable Paul Thomas

Archdeacon of Salop

12 noon Lunch


St. Michael's Film Club

Refreshments £2.50 from 1.00pm. St. Michael’s Church Hall (behind Aldi). All welcome.

Contact: Parish Office 01543 262211

1. Breathe (116 min. Cert 12. Drama 2018.)

Set in the 50s/60s, a warm, uplifting, funny and tear -jerking story following the life of Robin Cavendish who contracts polio. Stars Hugh Bonneville, Claire

Foy, Tom Hollander. Based on true events.

Monday September 3rd.

2. Murder on the Orient Express (111 min. Cert 12. Drama 2017.)

Classic Agatha Christie with opulent set and a twist! Stars Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp –

stellar cast! Not based on true events.

Monday October 1st.

1.30pm start


The Post

The Post is a political

drama directed by Steven

Spielberg and starring

Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. It tells the true story of The Washington

Post’s battle to publish extracts from classified documents regarding

the USA’s 30-year involvement in the Vietnam war.

The New York Times obtains leaked documents that show that

successive Presidents dating back to Truman continued to support the

Vietnam war in order to protect their own political reputations. It

publishes a number of articles exposing the government’s long

running deception of the American public but is prevented from

disclosing further information by a court injunction brought by the

Nixon administration.

The leaked papers are then copied to The Washington Post whose

reporters, headed by Ben Bradlee (played by Tom Hanks), search

through the papers looking for headline stories. Their lawyers advise

against publication lest charges are brought against the newspaper

and against them personally.

The ultimate decision over whether to publish lies with Katharine

Graham (played by Meryl Streep), the owner of The Washington Post.

She faces a dilemma as the consequence of publication could result in

the closure of the newspaper and a possible prison sentence for

herself. She decides to run the story.

The White House retaliates and representatives of both newspapers

appear before the Supreme Court to plead their right to publish. The

Court rules 6 – 3 in their favour.


President Nixon demands that The Washington Post should be banned

from the White House. One year later, a security guard discovers a

break in at the Watergate complex.

The clash of idealism against pragmatism is common in Spielberg films,

i.e. the brave souls ready to stand up for what is right against the

vastly bigger forces pressing them to back down. But there is an added

quality of topicality given that it is a story of a Republican president

(in this case, Nixon) at war with the press.

However, the central story is the transformation of Katharine Graham

from a hesitant, self-doubting person to a decisive, steely woman who

refuses to be pushed around. Throughout the film she is repeatedly

shown as the only woman in a room full of men; interrupted, talked

over and down to by men until she finds the strength to assert herself

and make the most difficult and courageous decision of her life.

Kay Martin

A reminder to all that our next meeting will be a service

in church on September 24th to which all are welcome.

During September Caroline will be collecting items for

prisoners in Swinfen and would be grateful to receive

jig-saws up to 500 pieces, puzzle and colouring books

and pencil crayons.


LICHFIELD WILDLIFE GROUP The Lichfield Wildlife Group will be holding an event

on Monday 10th September at 7:45,

at Wade Street Church, Frog Lane, Lichfield WS13 6HL

in which Andy Holt will be showing his award winning film ‘Dragonfly’.

Cost £3:00

Non members welcome.

Peter Norbury (Programme Secretary Lichfield Wildlife Group)


Lichfield and District

RSPB LOCAL GROUP

Join us on our leisurely 2 hour birdwatching walks where we visit

local reserves and countryside to observe birds and wildlife, which

gives you an opportunity to get some gentle exercise and hopefully

learn how to identify those little brown jobs that we see around.

Walks start at 10am at the starting point. Can also share transport

from Lichfield. All you need is stout footwear, weatherproof clothing

and ideally a pair of binoculars.

Our 2018 Autumn programme is:

20th September - Fradley Junction 19th October - RSPB Sandwell Valley 27th November - Ladywalk reserve 17th December - RSPB Middleton Lakes

******************************

“Wildlife Kate”

On Tuesday, 11th September at Lichfield Guildhall, Kate MacRae will

talk about “creating and filming your own wildlife garden”

Kate has appeared on BBC Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Coun-

tryfile. She has set up cameras in her own garden near Lichfield,

which she has transformed into a wildlife haven.

7.30pm to 9.30pm, with a break for refreshements and a chat. £3.

For more information on any of these events, call Dennis Muxworthy

on 0121 353 6886 or email [email protected]


Please make cheques payable to

‘PCC of St Michael and St Mary’


FLOODLIGHTING

Sponsor St Michael’s floodlights to mark a special occasion or

remember a loved one!

Your donation will brighten up the skies

over Lichfield for the night.

Contact the United Benefice Office

on 01543 262211

Time to reflect upon ...


WALL NEWS


I almost went to church last night

I almost went to church last night, But couldn’t find the time. So much to do in the garden To have left it would have been a crime. So I dug, and hoed and weeded And went wearily to bed, But I made a resolution, I’d go next week instead! I almost went to Church last night, But some old friends of mine came And to have closed the door on them Would have been an awful shame. So we talked and chatted and gossiped Until the goodbyes were said, But I made a resolution, I’d go next week instead. I almost went to church last night But my favourite programme was on, And by the time it was finished The time for church was gone. So I sat before the telly Until the set was dead, But I made a resolution, I’d go next week instead.


I almost went to church last night But I left it rather late, And unpunctuality Is a thing I really hate. So I sat before the fire Took up a book and read, But I made a resolution I’d go next week instead. I almost went to church last night But a certain preacher was there, And for his kind of preaching I didn’t really care. So rather than go to church And come back with a heavy head, I made a resolution I’d go next week instead. I almost went to church last night But found it was too late. The church was locked and silent And “For Sale” was on the gate. Oh, the remorse, which now I felt, The little church was dead, And I – Yes I – had caused it By going next week instead!

Anon

Submitted by Christine Gilbert


St Michael’s Rota – September 2018

Sunday 8.00 am

2 Sept 9 Sept 16 Sept 23 Sept 30 Sept

Sidesperson Sandy Baker Martin Dewes

Sandy Baker Brian Smith David Bull

Sunday 10.00 am

2 Sept 9 Sept Family Praise

16 Sept

23 Sept

30 Sept Michaelmas

Welcomers Anne Ling-wood

Maureen Brand

Shirley Trelfa Mary and Robert McAllester Jones

Brenda Eley

Sidespersons Joan and Ken Shar-man

Viv and Ste-phen Oliver

Barbara Homewood Pat Toplis

Judy and Mike Godfrey

Ray Allen David Rock

Reader Ted Green Angela Bur-gess

Mike Godfrey Kay Martin

Servers Kay Martin Elizabeth Allen

Maggie Easton Peter Salt

Phil Clayton Elizabeth Salt

Phil Clayton Kay Martin

Communion Assistant

Elizabeth Allen

Maggie Easton

Elizabeth Salt Sheila Vaughan

Intercessor Caroline Green

Stephen Bar-ton

Phil Clayton Trevor James

Coffee Caroline Green Brenda Eley

Elizabeth Allen Trish Jones

Alison An-ketell Judy Godfrey

Brenda Lip-trot Pam Towle

Lynn and Da-vid Edge

Healing Alan Toplis David Easton

Transport Betty Brad-bury

Ray Allen Martin Dewes

Elizabeth Al-len

Brenda Lip-trot

Flowers Caroline Green

Caroline Green

Anne What-son

Anne What-son

Patronal flowers

Sunday 12.30 pm

2 September Baptism

Sunday 6.00 pm

9 September Communion

23 September Evensong

Reader Kay Martin Sidesperson Lyn Shiel Margaret Frean

Intercessor Lynn Edge Reader Lyn Shiel Margaret Frean

Server Kay Martin Comm Assistant Elizabeth Allen


From the Registers Baptism

Wedding

At Rest

St John’s 29th July Tess Emilia Savvides 7 mths

St John’s 29th July Louisa Belle Savvides 2 yrs

St John’s 5th August Emily Marie Watton 4 mths

St Michael's 5th August Daisy May Harley 1 Yr

St Michael's 5th August Joseph Anthony Miller 5 mths

St Michael's 5th August Georgia Grace Smith 2 mths

St Michael’s 2nd August Edward Stock & Katie Allen

St Michael’s 23rd July Irene May ‘Rene’ Wiggin 95

St Michael’s 14th August Raymond George Booth 74

St Michael’s 20th August Mary Elizabeth Myra Free 66

St John’s 21st August Reginald ‘Gordon’ Goodwin 94


Bible Readings Sunday 30th September St Michael & All Angles [White] Readings TBA @ St Michael’s Sunday 7th October 19th Sunday after Trinity [Green] Hebrews 1.1-4;2.5-12 Mark 10.2-16 @ St John’s Sunday 7th October Harvest Service [Green] 1 Timothy 6.6-10 Matthew 6.25-33 @ St Michael’s Sunday 14th October Harvest Service [Green] 1 Timothy 6.6-10 Matthew 6.25-33 @ St John’s Sunday 14th October Harvest Service [Green] Hebrews 4.12-end Mark 10.17-31

Sunday 2nd September 14th Sunday after Trinity [Green] James 1.17—end Mark 7.1-8,14,15,21-23 Sunday 9th September 15th Sunday after Trinity [Green] James 2.1-10 [11-13] 14-17 Mark 7.24—end Sunday 16th September 16th Sunday after Trinity [Green] James 3.1-12 Mark 8.27-end Sunday 23rd September 17th Sunday after Trinity [Green] James 3.13-4.3, 7-8a Mark 9.30-37 Sunday 23rd September EVENSONG 17th Sunday after Trinity [Green] Exodus 19.10– end Matthew 8.23-end


And Finally:

Whatever you are,

be a good one.

Abraham Lincoln

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Who’s Who

St Michaels PCC

Churchwardens: Lyn Shiel 320437

Sue Jones 415242

Assistant Wardens: June Frayn 264920

Caroline Green 262342

David Easton 255308

Treasurer: Viv Oliver 258054

PCC Secretary: Phil Clayton 263244

Stewardship Recorder: David Athersmith 255979

Electoral Roll Officer: Mike Godfrey 264255

St John’s PCC

Churchwardens: Christine Higgs 410351

John Alsop 480240

Assistant Churchwarden: Linda Rubisch 481294

Treasurer: Sheila Irvine 252982

PCC Secretary: Christine Higgs 410351

Assistant Treasurer & Electoral Roll: Linda Rubisch 481294

PCC Lay Vice Chair: Christine Higgs 410351


Verger: Lynn Rock 252634 or 07765 312411

Sacristan and Head Server: Maggie Easton

255308

Organist and Choirmaster: Peter Hawks-worth 251938 or 07771 986538

Music Group: Richard Brooks 07918 906 350

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Pastoral Care: Peter Salt 250723

Flowers: Diana Baker 01543 416232

Safeguarding: Maureen Brand 264880

Junior Praise: Viv Oliver 258054

Bellringers: Gillian Eastwood 480017, Thursdays, 7:30pm to 8:55pm. [email protected]

Mothers Union: Caroline Green 262342

Social Team: Contact via the office 262211

St John’s Church, Wall

Verger: Hilary Barker 480220

Pastoral Care: Christine Gilbert 07821 987999

Safeguarding: Maureen Brand 264880

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Scouting and Guiding

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Hannah Heath 07854 824443

Brownies: Julie Cragg 301098 Guides: Lisa Webb 07900 164587





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