Prestbury Parish Magazine

Pushing Boundaries

In February the days lengthen and so, as the word indicates, LENT begins. Each time it comes round we are given a chance to know more of God and give to him more of ourselves and our love. That is the positive and liberating purpose of keeping Lent. This time of year is always forward looking – an invitation to adventure – to go beyond where we are. Some things during Lent will be repetition – but never mere repetition – rather they will be a creative and more disciplined doing of what lies at the core of Christian discipleship.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the courageous Lutheran pastor writing from his prison cell in 1944, said of our various Christian observances: In our traditional rites and ceremonies we are groping after something new and revolutionary without being able to understand it or utter it yet. That is our own fault. During these years the Church has fought for self-preservation as though it were an end in itself, and has thereby lost its chance to speak a word of reconciliation to mankind and the world at large. So our traditional language must perforce become powerless and remain silent, and our Christianity today will be confined to praying for and doing right by our fellow human beings. Christian thinking and speaking and organisation must be reborn out of this praying and action. Those words remain thought provoking. They push the boundaries and clarify much of what the churches have been struggling with in our lifetime.

Another courageous Christian of our own time, who wrote from her convent cell, discovered much the same sense of forward direction in her Christian Life. Mother Mary Clare said: God’s call is to radical service. At the moment when we finally see him face to face, Christ will not ask us whether or not we have supported the established order of things, worn ourselves out with activities, kept the hierarchical structures intact, pleased everybody. His question will be that of Jesus to Simon Peter on the day of his resurrection, whether or not we have loved Christ and fed his flock.

Looking back, every Lent will have been less successful than we would have liked. In the famous phrase, yes we will have missed the mark. But we face the truth to set us free. Truth is never discouraging precisely because it opens up the chance to start again. Here is the way to find hope and rebuild our intentions. Jesus’ words spur us on, anyone who wishes to be a follower of mine must leave self behind; he must take up his cross, and come with me (Mark 8:34).

All we shall be doing in our congregations between now and Easter should help us to attend more closely to the call of Jesus and respond better to him. Daily prayer; definite, directed study; conversations and encouragement from our companions who share with us the bread of life; all provide vision, strength and determination. Through Lent we travel together not alone.

Fr Paul

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New Team Vicar

We didn’t think we would be able to interview just one candidate but Bishop Michael thought otherwise (thank goodness!) and we now look forward to welcoming Fr Daniel Papworth who will become Team Vicar designate in the proposed North Cheltenham Team Ministry.  Fr Daniel will live in Prestbury Vicarage and will be licensed by Bishop Michael at a service in St Mary’s on Wednesday 30 January at 7.30pm.  Please make a note of this date!

Fr Michael

Fr Daniel Papworth

I am thirty eight years old and have been ordained for eight and a half years. I was brought up as a Roman Catholic and made my own response to Christ at the age of twenty-one. My first degree, Environmental Science, was in Plymouth, where I remained for a further two years, working for the City Council and attending St Jude’s Church. I then went to North Devon to work as a member of the Lee Abbey Community for a further two years, during which time I began exploring ordination in the Church of England.

I have worked as a Lay Assistant in Berkshire and, following ordination, in parishes in Cardiff and Somerset. I have spent the last three and a half years as an NHS Chaplain in Dudley and Exeter. I am excited by the combination of continuity and change that the parishes of North Cheltenham seek to embody. I feel it is vital that we reach out to people in a way that shows them the timeless relevance of the Christian gospel, inviting people to encounter God’s love and trusting his work in, and through, us.

My licensing service takes place at St Mary’s Church, Prestbury, at 7.30pm on Wednesday 30th January. I look forward to meeting you all.

Fr Daniel

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Synergy

Last term members of Synergy (young people aged 13 and over) looked at the topic ‘How does God heal today?’. They thought about how God works through ordinary people to heal others. The young people wrote these two short prayers:

Clare Wyatt

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Prestbury and Pittville Youth Update

Our main event this term is our ‘re-create’ project exploring the theme of ‘our world’ through creative arts. The focal point will be a residential weekend at Viney Hill, 29th February to 2nd March, attended by young people from across the groups. Please pray for all those involved in the project that they may be open to the wonder of God-given creativity.

Another exciting development has been the way in which members of different groups within PPY have connected with each other and had a chance to experience something of the Christian message. Please pray that Christian leaders and young people would communicate the love of God clearly in what we do and say.

For more info about PPY and the youth work please contact

Andy Macauly (520534)

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Confirmation Service

On 24th November 2007 Liz Bennett and Dyan Campling from Celebrate! and Kathryn Thomas, also from St Mary’s, were confirmed by Bishop Michael in Gloucester Cathedral.

Our three were part of a group of forty-seven candidates being confirmed that day, which Bishop Michael described as ‘a bumper crop’.

The cathedral was beautifully lit for the ceremony, which involved Bishop Michael leading the candidates on a journey around the cathedral to represent the journey through faith and life. Our three were accompanied by Father Michael, who acted as our ‘minder’!

We started at the door of the cathedral before moving to the front of the cathedral for confirmation and then to the altar for first communion. The candidates then returned to the door with lighted candles to the spontaneous applause of the large congregation.

It was a very beautiful and moving service with the choir and organ music being particularly memorable and it made a lasting impression on us and our sponsors Sue Read, Sharon Macauly and Jean Pritchard alike.

Dyan Campling

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Lent 2008 – ‘Drop a Tin in the Bin’ Appeal

During Lent this year we are asking members of all three churches to ‘Drop a tin in the bin’. We will be collecting the tins of food for Cheltenham Open Door in Grosvenor Street, which is within the parish of All Saints’.

Cheltenham Open Door is a local charity working to relieve poverty, hardship and social or emotional distress. They aim to serve those whom life’s circumstances have deprived of the comforts and security most of us take for granted, by offering them hospitality, warmth and food and somewhere to relax.

Some have lost their jobs through injury or sickness and are not fit to work again. Some read and write only with great difficulty. Some are chronic mental patients resettled into the community without the support they need to make sure they take their medicine regularly. Some are in a programme to get off drugs. Many come from broken homes, or were in care as children or experienced broken relationships. Some are sleeping rough.

Cheltenham Open Door is open all the year round and operates from 39 Grosvenor Street. There are showers and a clothes store, and a professional chiropodist attends every few weeks.

What we are asking of you is during Lent to put a tin of food each week in the box at the back of church and thereby help Cheltenham Open Door to help others.

Raymond Hunt, Homeless Officer, All Saints’ Church

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Education and Nurture across the Team

Following the November Team-wide Education and Nurture Group meeting, the proposed future programme got off to a good start with Rachel Murray’s workshop offering help and encouragement to current and prospective lesson-readers. Twelve people from All Saints’ had a very profitable morning and benefited from Rachel’s expertise, which she will be happy to share on another occasion, if members from other churches in the Team would find this helpful.

The Iona Workshop at Holy Name Hall also went ahead successfully on Advent Sunday, but apart from these two occasions, the best-laid plans of mice and men really did go awry, with unexpected events leading to a number of unavoidable changes.

In November, the failure of heating at All Saints’ caused Father Brian Torode’s presentation on Pilgrimage and Medieval Gloucester, to be postponed until the Spring. A date for this will be announced nearer the time.

With the end of 2007 fast approaching, plans for the Epiphany Event to be led by Father Tim underwent urgent rearrangement. When the time came, a joint presentation of Kings or Commoners? by John Elliott, Frances Murton, Jennifer Swinbank and Andy Hughes was ably abetted by Karen Winder on flip-chart and David Smart at the organ. Thanks are due to Janet’s catering team, and to all whose participation on the day helped to make the afternoon a success. We have since been glad to learn that Father Tim is now recovering well.

It was a great disappointment to discover that our planned study of Narnia will have to be deferred until 2009 due to the postponed publication of Hilary Brand’s accompanying book. As a result, House Groups will now be meeting to look at the Lord’s Prayer, using the 2008 York Course. Please speak to Colin Holman, Margaret Compton or Jennifer Swinbank if you have any queries.

A booking has been made for a Team-wide Quiet Day at Nympsfield on Saturday 9th May. Please reserve this date in your diaries and watch for further information in the Pew-sheet and the Magazine.

Jen Swinbank

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12 Months of the Year

The Bereavement Support Scheme in Prestbury

February is a time to look forward, to Lent first, and Easter, and then to spring. The obvious time to think about our parish bereavement support is not now but in the autumn, around All Souls’ tide, when we hold a Memorial Service for those who have died during the year. Yet autumn and spring alike, every week of the year, brings the grief of bereavement to someone in the parish.

In Prestbury we have a team of lay people who assist the clergy in supporting the bereaved. The group was set up in the autumn of 1996 when a dozen of us met for three training evenings provided through the diocese. About half of that original group are still part of the team, and as others have retired, we have recruited and trained fresh people, so our numbers have remained fairly constant.

Immediate support for the bereaved family in the early days and weeks after someone dies is still the care of our priests. Our role as lay supporters begins later, after a month or more; following the funeral the clergy tell us of any family members living in the parish, and one of us will get in touch. We cover all funerals conducted by our parish clergy, whether or not the family worship in our churches. We hope also to offer support to people in the congregations when they lose someone, perhaps a parent, whose funeral takes place elsewhere; but we are not always aware when this happens, so if someone you know is in this position, please tell one of the clergy.

Everyone’s needs are different, and how much or how little support we give is up to the bereaved person. We may make one visit or several, or it may be just a phone call. Be it much or little, almost everyone is pleased and comforted to know that ‘someone out there cares’, and for many in the wider parish we bring a new appreciation of a caring church.

Our main role is to listen, allowing a bereaved person to talk about what has happened and to express their feelings. There is no pressure for anyone to disclose more than they want to, and any confidences are safe with us. We are not counsellors, and we do not pretend to have all the answers, but we can often bring comfort and reassurance, just by our presence and our acceptance of them and their situation.

We have been commissioned to take on this work as representatives of the church in this place; we value your continuing support, and your prayers.

Beryl Elliott

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The ‘Real Christmas’ at St Mary’s

Between 2 and 5 o’clock on Saturday 8th December St Mary’s church became a focal point for anyone from Prestbury and elsewhere to meet and enjoy some unhurried moments of Christmas preparation and reflection.

The tree had been put up, and was resplendent with lights and decorations, the lowest ones being hung by children. There were supplying cards, gifts and decorations, some of which were beautifully carved in olive wood by Palestinians in Bethlehem.

Father Michael conducted opening prayers, and then came a selection of musical entertainment. Firstly Frances and Ruth with the recorder ensemble played Christmas carols and other seasonal pieces; then members of the choir sang carols, and lastly the handbell ringers, Matthew joining them for the first time.

With these lovely sounds around us, in a completely informal atmosphere, a very pleasant afternoon was enjoyed by many people, some from our congregations, some visitors, some helpers. There was much industrious preparation of oranges and sweets for the Christingle Service the next day, undertaken by cheerful young Mums and others, mainly from Celebrate!. To cap all of this, mulled wine, tea, coffee and delicious Christmas goodies were served at tables around the Church, allowing time for people to have a chat. This was organized and facilitated by Lynda and Shirley and their refreshments team; our thanks to them, to the music makers and to all who helped to make this a time of ‘real’ Christmas preparation.

Gill Ashman

See photographs
 

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Chaotic Carol Service

No, that’s being rude, though Neil would probably agree with me. Out of the apparent chaos Neil Jones, Reader at Elmstone Hardwicke, masterminded a wonderful Carol Service in St Mary Magdalene’s on Christmas Eve.

The church is built in such a way that whichever half you sit in, you cannot see the front of the other half, so the focus of the action had to be constantly moving. The ‘small’ crib figures were arranged under the altar Front Right (the Victorian bit), where the children also lit the Advent candles. The children and Neil then moved across to set up a ‘real-life’ crib in the much older Front Left. Real-life figures were gathered up from all parts of the church – a local farming family were the shepherds; parish councillors and churchwardens were hauled out of the congregation as ‘wise’ men and women.

After each reading the music group (Liz and Ruth on flute and clarinet, Sarah and me on violin and viola, all held together by Marion at the organ) accompanied another carol. Neil delivered his ‘sermon’ in stages throughout the service from wherever he happened to be – back, front or middle of either half (the wonders of a roving microphone!) – and led prayers from the cross aisle at the centre of the church.

After the final blessing and carol who should appear ho-ho-ing Back Left but Father Christmas himself, resplendent in red suit and white beard, complete with sack of gifts! The evening ended with mince pies and mulled wine for all. Actually the evening ended with sweeping the floor front to back, both halves, but it all adds to the sense of belonging!

Frances Murton

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Epiphany Supper 2008

Everyone
Present enjoyed another
Idyllic
Popular
Happy
Amazing
Nutritious
Yearly supper event

Thank you to the organisers, cooks, entertainers, furniture removers, priests and anyone else who made the Epiphany supper such a wonderful event for all who attended. We are looking forward to next year’s.

Marion Godden

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Epiphany Party

From the time we arrived, being greeted in the porch by about eight young boys (who were they?), to the time we left, three hours or so later, it was pleasure all the way. Candle-lit tables were all ready and soon friendly groups were awaiting – what?

Father Stephen from St Peter’s was our host for the evening. After his introductions and grace there followed a choice of main course – beef, chicken, vegetarian – even gluten-free, plus wine, all served swiftly and efficiently. After ‘seconds’ (and even thirds in some cases!!) tables were cleared cheerfully and we moved on to the entertainment.

Father John introduced our entertainment, but where were the other men of the parishes? All ten items were delivered by women. If anyone had tried to arrange a varied and interesting programme they couldn’t have bettered what the volunteers produced. Musical, humorous, serious – it was very enjoyable.

Lynda Hodges and Avril Keen serving David Price
Photograph by Brian Wood

Then came our dessert. A delightful roulade and an up-market apple crumble. Again, seconds – and thirds – were consumed enthusiastically. All the cooks, servers, helpers and entertainers deserve our heart-felt thanks for yet another success for the Prestbury Team.

Gillian Jackson

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Christmas Cards – or not?

Going into church on the Sunday after Christmas, I was struck by the number of Christmas cards lying on the foyer table, which had obviously not reached their intended recipient before Christmas. This got me thinking.

I would like to propose that for Christmas 2008, we hold an embargo on Christmas cards. They are a pain to write, a nuisance to deliver, and although pretty to look at, serve no real purpose after January 6th. They also have to be disposed of, or sent for recycling, once the Christmas period is over.

I suggest that, instead, everyone gives the money that they would have spent on Church Christmas cards to me, and I will, in consultation with Paddy Spurgeon, use the Christian Aid Christmas Catalogue to donate gifts to worthy causes overseas. We already do this at my workplace, and over the last three years have given two sheep; a hen, a rooster and twenty chicks; and (this year) a pair of goats.

This is a very advance notice, and is just to see how people feel about this. I will write again in the October magazine to remind you and confirm that it is going ahead. I would propose to start collecting money from 1st November 2008. In the meantime, if you have any views or comments, please contact me at St Nicolas’

Jackie Smith

Alternative Christmas Card

Thank you to all who took part in the alternative Christmas Card scheme at St Mary’s instead of sending individual cards. We collected £155 for World Vision.

Margaret Holman

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St Mary’s Repairs

photograph by Ken Bradbury

Much of the work going on in St Mary’s, though essential, is rather mundane, such as the replacing of floor tiles and roof tiles. However one thing that will hardly be seen by anybody is quite magnificent and that is a new oak door for the boiler house. The picture shows Francisco Ferrolho the carpenter and joiner (on the left) and Chris Newcombe, mason. They had a problem getting the door down the very steep steps then horror! They found that it would have to be cut out to make room for the gas pipe and electric cable. Francisco was quite upset with having to disfigure his masterpiece, but it had to be! It is sad that few people will see the detail of the door with beautiful chamfering and elegant air vents.

Ken Bradbury

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A Pilgrimage to Holy Russia

Last autumn I was privileged to join a group visiting Russia. We divided our time between Moscow, St Petersburg and the places that make up the ‘Golden Triangle’, so saw some of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in the country. Each is different, but many have an entire wall of gold framed icons and a central carved and gilded screen hiding the High Altar, and yet more gold on the faces of the pillars and forming the candelabra.

On two occasions we were able to attend services in the Russian Orthodox tradition. There were no pews or seats in the cathedrals. The congregation of all ages stood throughout, facing the central golden screen, the iconostasis, from behind which the celebrant intoned the liturgy. At the climax of the service, the doors in the elaborate screen opened to reveal the priest and his acolytes, and there was a beautiful burst of singing from an invisible choir. There were no books or prayer sheets, but the people were sufficiently familiar with the ritual to be able to bow and make verbal responses throughout.

My lasting impression is one of a sense of deep spirituality, surrounded as I was in that truly beautiful setting by such devotion. I was both humbled and moved. Now that the Church has returned to its former place in Russian life the Sunday schools are full, and many parents who missed any kind of spiritual education in their own childhood now learn alongside their children.

Sue Fairclough

Seen on a church notice board as I travelled round the Caribbean island of St Kitts on the sugar train:

No God, no peace;
Know God, know peace.

Sue Read

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Pilgrimage to Walsingham – July 2008

Planning will begin this month for the Gloucester City Centre Benefice’s annual pilgrimage to Walsingham. Over the years we have been joined by members of other churches in and around Gloucester and we are more than happy to extend that invitation to anyone from the Prestbury and All Saints’ parishes who would like to join us this time.

The pilgrimage is a mid-week one and this year will be from Monday 7th July until Friday 11th July. Travel is by coach and, as a guide, the cost last year was £260 per person inclusive of full-board accommodation, coach fare and a ploughman’s lunch on the way there and back.

For further information or to express an interest please contact Fr Stephen Eldridge at St Peter’s Vicarage on 01242 524369 a soon as possible.

Fr Stephen

NB We are not running our own pilgrimage to Walsingham this year, as we were unable to book the weekend we wanted. We have just had confirmation that our next Prestbury and All Saints’ Team pilgrimage is booked to take place between 1st and 4th May 2009.

Colin Holman

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Why Me, God?

‘…God is greater than any mortal. Why do you contend against him, saying, “He will answer none of my words”? For God speaks in one way, and in two, though people do not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on mortals, while they slumber on their beds, then he opens their ears, and terrifies them with warnings, that he may turn them aside from their deeds, and keep them from pride, to spare their souls from the Pit…
      … then he prays to God, and is accepted by him, he comes into his presence with joy, and God repays him for his righteousness. That person sings to others and says, “I sinned, and perverted what was right, and it was not paid back to me. He has redeemed my soul from going down to the Pit, and my life shall see the light.”’
Job 33:12b-17, 26-28

There is a time in every person’s life, when for whatever reason, they are suddenly snatched out of their comfort zone (by illness, the death of a loved one or a similar tragedy), and they are faced instantly with the complete unknown. They are left completely unaware of how to react, how to carry on even, in some cases, and the most common question is ‘Why me God?’.

In a way this must have been how Job felt, to have had ‘everything’ one day, and then to have it all taken away from him, including his own health. His friends ridicule him, his wife mocks him and there appears to be nobody ‘on his side’. And yet he does not blame God! Rather he blames himself, and tries to search for what he has done wrong to so upset God. He is so convinced of this that he will not accept that he is merely being tested, and that God is prepared to listen to him. In Job 40 v.8 God says, ‘Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be justified?’.

This is a mistake we all make, by trying to go it alone, by thinking that we have to fight our battles ourselves, keeping a stiff upper lip! We pray and ask God for the strength to continue this fight, when, in fact, it may well be that God would rather we were weak and relied completely on him. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11 v.30, ‘If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.’.

One cold winter’s afternoon, not long ago, I was stood outside St Nicolas’ waiting to see if someone would come for Evening Prayer. As I stood there, there were the lights of cars hurrying past, the surrounding houses were lit up, there was even an aeroplane in the sky. It struck me that this is how it must feel not to know God; to see the whole world rushing by and to be ‘locked out’ from the one thing where there is an unending supply of comfort. To be out in the cold, unaware that there is always ‘help at hand’; not perhaps, in the way that we expect, but in a way that eventually is more beneficial to our spiritual journey. As David says in Psalm 18 v.6, ‘In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.’ God does answer our prayers, but probably not in the way we want, or in the time span that we expect.

In the meantime, as we wait and pray, this passage from Hebrews 12 v.12-14 ‘Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.’.

Liz Greenhow

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An invitation for you, family & friends to: All Age Fun Afternoon Saturday 2 February 4 - 6 pm St Nicolas’ Church, Swindon Lane Games and creative challenges for all ages Bring and share Tea Short time of Worship Please bring a small plate of party food to share! Hot & Cold drinks provided There is no charge for the event. Under 11s must be accompanied by an adult For more information: Andy Macauly (01242) 520534

Women’s World Day of Prayer

A Study Day will be held on Friday 1st February between 10.30am – 3.00pm in the Friends’ Meeting House, Warwick Place, Cheltenham. The cost is £3; tea and coffee will be provided. Bring a packed lunch.

Town-wide Services will take place on 7th March 2008. This year’s Service takes the theme God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding and comes from Guyana.

Jen Swinbank

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St Mary’s Bakestall

Thank you to all who baked, brought or bought last year. Altogether we made £443, which we shared between the following charities:

The next bakestall will be on Sunday 17th February, proceeds to Care International, and we welcome cakes and other contributions from those whose surnames start with N-Z.

Margaret Waker & Linda Matthews

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Prestbury Mothers’ Union

Our February meeting will take place on Tuesday 26th February at 7.30pm at St Nicolas’ Church. It will be a short AGM followed by a Eucharist conducted by Fr Michael. We will renew promises and any new (or old!) members are most welcome to join us. For further information ring me on 674959.

Marion Beagley

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Thursday Morning Eucharist at St Mary’s

At the 10.30am Thursday Eucharist at St Mary’s we raised £350 last year for the Church Heating Fund. After the service we meet socially for a cup of coffee and biscuits, for which we usually pay 50p. We started this function on 18th February 1999 and we first of all raised £500 for Let the Children Live!, and then in November 2000 started raising money for St Mary’s Heating Fund.

Thank you to everybody who has supported us, whether by donation or by helping in any way. A great achievement and a much warmer church. It would be nice to see some new people joining with us for this lovely half-hour service on Thursdays, after all, only half an hour out of your week. Do join us, you are sure of a warm welcome.

Doreen Morris

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Christmas Collections

Thank you to all who contributed to the collections at the Christmas services. £600 (half the proceeds) has been sent to the Alice Glenister Foundation.

The Children’s Society at St Nicolas’

Very many thanks to all box holders, who helped to collect a total of £442 during 2007. Thanks also to Enid Cowley, who patiently helps me to count all those pennies. I’ll be glad to open your boxes again: please give them to me or Enid on a Sunday morning or telephone and I will be glad to collect.

Janet White

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