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Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary

Guild Patrons: The Bishops of Ebbsfleet & Richborough

The Warden, Chaplain Candidates for Ordination Fund & Trustee:

The Reverend Canon Darren Smith,

gsswarden@gmail.com 0121 382 5533

Warden Emeritus:

The Reverend J D Moore

All correspondence to be addressed to Name and Title

Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary

c/o Additional Curates Society, 16 Commercial Street, Birmingham B1 1RS

Secretary-General,

Councillor Chris Barnett

gss.secretarygeneral@gmail.com 07914450992

Secretary-General, Emeritus & Webmaster 07769976151

Grand Councillor Terry Doughty

Treasurer-General & Trustee:

Grand Councillor Nigel Makepeace

gss.treasurergeneral@gmail.com 024 7641 5020

Administrator Candidates for Ordination Fund & Trustee

Councillor Colin Squires;

gsscofsecretary@gmail.com 01444 244 737

Hon Organist:

Councillor Roger Marvin,

rogermarvin1965@gmail.com 0179 7363578

The Server Editor:

Grand Councillor Peter J Keat,

19 Lyndhurst Road, Anns Hill, Gosport, Hants PO12 3QY

gsseditor@gmail.com 02392 582499

Membership Secretary,

Grand Councillor Michael Andrew

34, Brynhyfryd Terrace, Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taff. CF43 4LD

michaeljandrew@btinternet.com 01443 730080

Guild Web Site:- http://guild-of-servers-of-sanctuary.weebly.com

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Items for publication should be received by the second Saturday of

January, April, July and October. Opinions expressed within this

magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the

Guild. Printed by The Additional Curates Society

Contents

Editorial

The Directory

Announcements

Chantry Book

Howard Gadd Memorial Fund

Church of England App

Well Done Gordon

The Soldiers Prayer

The Warden’s Words

News from the Chapters

Little Titch

Cycle of Prayer

Guild Diary

The Day of Syn

Turning East

Ten Top Reasons Why Eve was Created

From Fr. Squire

Hymn or Prayer

A Sense of Humour

After the Cenotaph

S. Matthias

A Branch of the Navy

Just Thoughts

Another Wand of Office

Rush Bearing Ceremonies

The Meaning of the Marigold

Know Your Councillor

And Finally

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6

7

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12

13

16

17

19

20

21

22

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25

26

27

28

29

31

32

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Contents.

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Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters,

As the years go I by I must admit that I am beginning to

become rather concerned over the Ministry of Serving in

the Church of England, our Ministry! This really came home to me a few

months ago when a priest I have known for many years retired into our

Deanery. He decided that the best way to assess where he wished to

worship in the future, was to visit all the eleven different churches in our

Deanery, including the one in which I serve. I met him again several

weeks later and when I asked if he, and his wife, had managed to visit all

the churches in the Deanery; he passed this rather telling comment. “Well

I visited all the churches in the Deanery, whatever their tradition and you

were the only Server I saw”, he has since found a church to his liking in a

neighbouring deanery and helps out there on a regular basis. But what

does this tell us of the Ministry of Serving? There are many churches out

there who have no servers and frankly do not see the need for them!

I must admit that I do despair sometimes as a Chapter Secretary trying to

arrange a future programme when I am greeted with the phrase “Oh! Are

you a new organisation?” and when I tell them that we have been in

existence for over 120 years, and our particular Chapter for 119 they are

surprised. If we are to keep the Guild viable, we all must look towards

spreading the word about the Guild. Easy to say and hard to do I know

and if anyone has any ideas of how we can get the word out to the servers

in the parishes I would love to hear from you. Also, if you know of any

unused medals could you please return them to either Chris or myself.

By the way an audit of paid memberships has revealed that there are

many members who are over five years in arears, if you know anyone like

this please tell them that if the fee is left unpaid we will have to remove

them from the membership and Server list as from 1st January 2020.

Peter

From the Editors’ Desk

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Full Members: David Raynsford-Dyer, Rowan Raynsford-Dyer, Jack

Dalley, Mary Jordan, Jake Walker, Patricia Martin, Stephen Cox, Andrew

Brown, Diane Bowles, Jonathan Roberts, Keith Metcalfe, Emanuel

Stephens.

Probationers: Brian Williams, Jonathan Bardwell, Lynn Hughes, Diane

Bowles, Alexander Gammans, Adrian Beswick.

Priest Associate: Stephen Niechcial, John Cornish,

Faithful Departed: James Horne, Thomas Hall, John Goodwin, Anthony

Hayter, DM Barrow, Chris Verity.

James (Jim) David Horne died in June. He was a

member for many years and was Sacristan and

server in the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court. Jim’s

funeral was held in Christ Church Gosport and at his

request there was a Guild Grand Councillor

assisting at the funeral. May Jim rest in peace.

Eileen Francs Andrews a long time Guild Supporter died on 1st July in her

83rd year. She was attached to the Chapter of S. Lawrence the Deacon,

Reading and regularly attended the Guild Epiphany and Easter Festivals,

health and strength permitting. May she rest in peace.

Cllr. Chris Verity died on 14th July. He was a member of the Church

Union Council, co-author of Being A Server Today He will be sadly missed

by the Guild and all the organisations he worked tirelessly for. May he rest

in peace.

Members News Autumn 2019

The Chantry Book

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Howard Gadd, was Secretary-General to the Guild from 1971 to 1993, and

after his death left some funds to be used in a manner that his trustees

thought he might approve of. These trustees agreed that the interest from

the fund would benefit churches where income is limited and servers are in

need of new robes. There must also be a connection with the Guild of

Servants of the Sanctuary. Grants are available, at the discretion of the

trustees, up to £250.00. All items would belong to the church and not to an

individual. If any church, where there are Guild Members, wishes to have a

little help with their purchase, an application form is available from the

Treasurer-General, Nigel K Makepeace, address on the inside cover.

Amazon Alexa and the Church of England

People may not know the Church of England has its own App on the

Amazon Alexa platform.The idea is to give information to newcomers to

Christianity and spiritual succour for believers.

People with an Echo speaker or Alexa on their phones can access the app by

saying “Alexa open The Church of England”. They can then ask church

questions about God and Jesus or the Sacraments, or ask to hear prayers and

religious reflections.

Instead of normal Alexa voice, the responses were recorded by clergy and

churchgoers, a mix of male and female voices and religious accents.

I spotted this picture on the GSS section of

Facebook and I have to say that it is good to see

Brother Gordon Owen proudly wearing his GSS

shirt at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Well Done Gordon

Church of England App

Howard Gadd Memorial Fund

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Prayer written by a confederate soldier during the American Civil War.

What he says applies to all of us fighting our own private battles in life.

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,

I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health, that I might do greater things,

I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy,

I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I

might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for – but everything that I

had hoped for, I am among all men most richly blessed

Autumn is very much my favourite time of the year, and

certainly from the last few years we have benefitted from a

glorious Saint Luke’s summer, as it is often called. The trees are starting to

take on their golden glow and although we are all fully aware that winter is

quite literally around the corner, there is something particularly special and

unique about this season. How many of our churches will be echoing the

praises of God with that well-known hymn We Plough the fields and

scatter? And of course, that very familiar chorus: All good gifts around us

are sent from heaven above, Then thank the Lord, Oh thank the Lord,

For all of His love. A powerful reminder not only of God’s generous

goodness that he richly bestows on us but the importance of thanksgiving in

all of our lives. One of the things that is apparent to me is that it is easy for

everyone of us to take things for granted. It is only when we lose

something or someone,

The Warden’s Words

The Soldier’s Prayer

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we realise not only what we have had, but what we have lost. I think the

whole concept of Harvest Festival is so important. Increasingly more and

more of us live in cities and we are separated from the whole aspect of

production and growth. But no one should be removed from the

requirement of giving thanks for it should be a basic human characteristic.

In my current role, both as General Secretary of the Additional Curates

Society, but also as Chairman of the Church Union and Treasurer of the

Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, I have been involved for almost 10

years now in the distribution of generous grants and other church requisites

from these particular bodies to churches and individuals and one of the

things that has both shocked and surprised me is how many churches have

been quick to ask but so slow to thank. When I say thank, I don’t mean

thank me because they are not my personal gifts to anyone, but to thank the

charities involved. Perhaps we are living in an age where people think that

there is no need to say thank you. Call me old fashioned but I am firmly of

the opinion that those 2 words go a long way.

In my Annual Report that is often published in this magazine, but

originally delivered to those present at our London Festival, I always try to

make an effort to not only thank Councillors and Trustees of GSS for all of

their work, but I am mindful also of thanking the general membership

because being an Altar Server and a member of GSS requires commitment,

time and energy. None of us are paid for any of this work. We do it freely

and willingly and most especially we do it for God and the building up of

His Kingdom.

There are two particular thank yous I wanted to make because they are

very relevant to us all and have occurred since the last report. The first is I

wanted to thank Terry Doughty who has now reached the decision that he

needs to resign as a Trustee. We did bid Terry farewell as Secretary

General, but he has remained as Trustee since that occasion. He has now

reached the decision that it is right for him to completely step back. I am

particularly mindful of the words of St. John the Baptist who recognised in

his ministry the need to do this on meeting Christ. “I must decrease, He

must increase”. This is an act of generosity on Terry’s part and is yet

another example of how much we should be thankful for. Even though he

hasn’t been Secretary General he has been there still working away for the

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Guild and I think we all know that we can rely upon Terry to continue this

measure of support as he now takes a back seat in the work of the Guild.

We also need to thank Michael Andrew who has agreed to take the role of

Membership Secretary. What we are attempting to do is to consolidate a

number of lists that for one reason or another have sprung up over the years,

in order to first of all give us an accurate picture of those who are fully paid

up members and then secondly to help us focus all of our work and energies

in resourcing and supporting those members, not only through this

magazine but through our other on line communications. This will help us

to be more targeted in our communications and more focused in all of our

works. Michael has started this mammoth task and I am very grateful

indeed to those who are assisting him, no less Chris, Nigel and Peter. This

should indeed benefit our Guild considerably over the coming years.

Finally, brothers and sisters, I am sure I speak on behalf of you all when I

say how grateful we are of our membership of GSS. That gratitude is

expressed not only through your generous subscription, but also through

your attendance at our festivals and local meetings. What I would like to

encourage everyone of us to do is to express that gratitude by also

encouraging others within your church to become members. The GSS has a

proud history and an exciting future and it is incumbent upon us all to

spread the word. With my prayers, blessing and sincere thanks to everyone

of you during this beautiful season of autumn. Best wishes

Father Darren Smith

S. Augustine of Canterbury: In March, for the first time in 16 years we

met in SS. Peter & Paul, Borden. 18 members attended Stations of the

Cross and Benediction. We were led by Fr Colin Johnson, our Assistant

Chaplain. Refreshments were served in The Forge, we hope to return soon.

S. Mildreds – Thanet. The Chapter after some years, decided that there

being problems with S Mildreds Church, Acole so on 17th June we decided

to go next door to S. Catherine’s the Chapter had not been there for ages.

News from the Chapters

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Fr. Stan Evans their Chaplain was pleased how a back-water church had

been so lovingly restored. We were warmly welcomed and in particular

from the assistant curate Fr. Peter Bore who Will be shortly installed as the

incumbent. Fr. Stan led the Office with Fr. Peter preaching. The evening

closed with both lady church wardens supplying us with ample

refreshments.

S. Godric of Finchale County Durham. We

had a wonderful meeting at S. Mary the Virgin,

Horden, in April. Fr Kyle, his servers and the

parish made, us very welcome. Fr Kyle cantored

for the Guild Office and gave Benediction. We

admitted two servers as probationers and are

blessed with the number of probationers this year

and on the 18th May at our S. Godric Festival in

Finchale Priory most will become full members

Lamb of God. S. Matthew Carver Street Sheffield.

Our Preacher for Holy Week and Easter was Bro.

Stephen CR. Following the Solemn Mass on Palm

Sunday the Servers held a lunch, provided by the ladies

of the congregation, enabling all to get to know Bro.

Stephen. We then ran through the Triduum Services

followed by the Guild Office. Fr Naylor presided assisted by Fr Wastie.

S. Joseph of Arimathea, Portsmouth: In May in

Christ Church, Gosport we followed the Stations of the

Resurrection. We are a small Chapter and were

delighted our numbers were doubled by local

parishioners. Everyone took part making it a really

inclusive occasion. Our June meeting was our quiet

evening led by Ven. Gavin Collins in the Old Saxon

church Corhampton. It was an instructive evening and enjoyed by all. The

vicar, Fr. Tony, invited us to be involved in their forthcoming Millennium

celebrations, an offer that we gladly accepted.

S. Werburgh, Stockport. Our AGM was held in February at S. Thomas,

Stockport following a said Guild Office. Bro. Copage was appointed

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Secretary in succession to Bro. Jeremy Wood who has resigned because of

family problems. A programme was agreed with some venues needing

confirmation. In April we joined the congregation of S. James, Gatley for

Stations of the Cross and in May we held a Low Mass in Christ Church,

Moss Side, this was our first visit to this church.

SS Felix and Fursey, Bury St Edmunds. The chapter meets every month

generally on the 2nd Friday, mostly in

country churches where a warm

welcome always awaits. Often these

churches have never experienced

Guild Office, Benediction or a

thurible but generally appreciate it and

often ask to be included in our

forthcoming annual programme. We are also invited to include churches in

Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Our numbers are small but attendance

is rarely less than 20 but can be 40, enjoying worship and fellowship. It is

rewarding that on a Friday evening even in the winter, we are able to

maintain our numbers. All our Officers were re-elected at our AGM in

January, Fr. Carl continues as our Chaplain assisted by Fr. Max and

supported by Fr. Mark who hosts several meetings in the benefices he

oversees. Annually we join with our neighbouring chapters for a joint

meeting. This year we hope to make it a special celebration of all our East

Anglian branches. News of this event to be reported later in the year.

SS. Phillip & Richard, Worthing. On 20th June we admitted full

members, David and Rowan Raynsford-Dyer and Jack Dalley as part of

our Feast of Title Mass at S. Michael and all Angels, Lancing. Fr. Felix

Smith, our Chaplain, led and the event was attended by family, friends

and other members of the chapter. After the mass, at the social we toasted

the new members and we wished them a long

service in the Guild. We had a small number

of our chapter attend the Guild Easter Festival

and AGM for the first time. It was interesting

to meet members from other chapters and to

share our views with the committee as well as

others. We are hoping to attend next year’s

event now we know what it is about.

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S. Chad, Coventry. Some of us attended the Easter Festival and the

following month we attended the Annual May Festival in S. Andrew’s,

Leicester. We were invited to carry the statue of Our Lady in the outside

procession led by a Brass Band. Fr. Lumby celebrated and the Revd.

Simpson preached. We met for hospitality afterwards. Our servers plus

those from S. Dubritius were part of the serving team at a Corpus Christi

Mass in S. Lukes, Coventry. Fr. Oakes celebrated and gave Benediction

assisted by Fr. Coleman, Fr. Bracey preached. Refreshments followed. In

July we met in S. Catherine’s, Burbage, Fr. Stevens led the Office and

Ordinand Nick Baker addressed us, after an outside procession Fr. Hall

gave Benediction. It was a joint meeting of our chapter with S. John the

Divine, Leicester and S. Dubritius, Leamington Spa. We had a social

gathering afterwards thanks to Mary Attenborough and her team.

SS Osmund and Swithun. In May we at met the rural S. Mary and All

Saints, Ellingham, in May we sang the Office in S. Martin’s, Salisbury for

Office with Benediction in a church that even pre-dates the cathedral. In

June we visited S. Mary Magdalene, New Malton for Office and

Benediction. Also the Chapter met for an informal lunch in July.

Between 1970 and 1980 Little Titch made regular appearances in The

Server and now he is back to delight, or annoy, a new congregation.

Little Titch is back !

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October

1 Provincial Group 18 Lincolnshire. Cllr David Boyd.

2 18/139 Our Lady of Lincoln, Lincoln.

3 18/126 S. George, Boston.

4 Diocese of Lincoln.

5 Provincial Group 19 Yorkshire.

6 Trinity 16 For all chapters in abeyance and those struggling to

survive.

7 19/153 S. Paulinus, Mirfield. Let us spread the good news.

8 Diocese of York.

9 Diocese of Leeds.

10 Paulinus Bishop of York. Missionary 644.

11 Diocese of Sheffield.

12 Guild Autumn Festival Cardiff.

13 Trinity 17 For all concerned in the affairs of the world.

14 Provincial Group 20 Northumberland, Tyneside, Durham. Cllr.

Roland Robbins.

15 Diocese of Durham.

16 20/57 S. Godric of Finchdale, Durham.

17 20/128 S. Oswin Northumberland, North Tyneside.

18 S. Luke the Evangelist. For all Doctors and all medical staff.

19 20/307 S. Hilda of Whitby, Scarborough, Whitby.

20 Trinity 18 May we walk in the way of the commandments.

21 Diocese of Newcastle.

22 Diocese of Sodor and Man.

23 Provincial Group 21. Cheshire, Lancashire Cumbria.

24 Diocese of Blackburn.

25 Diocese of Manchester.

26 21/18 Our Lady & S. Barnabas, Lancashire & Furness Area.

27 Trinity 19 Last after Trinity. Bible Sunday.

28 Simon & Jude Apostles. For all lost causes.

29 Diocese of Chester.

30 21/21 S. Francis & S. Chad. South & Mid Cheshire.

31 For all those involved in the production of The Server magazine.

Cycle of Prayer

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November 1 All Saints Day. May we follow them

2 All Souls. For all the faithful departed.

3 4th before Advent. For those who find life difficult to cope with.

4 Diocese of Carlisle.

5 Provincial Group 22 Cornwall. Cllr Sandra Bennett.

6 22/114 Mounts Bay, Penzance.

7 22/170 The Sacred Host. Falmouth, Penryn.

8 22/240 S.Mark Camborne, Redruth.

9 Diocese of Truro.

10 3rd before Advent. Remembrance Sunday. Remembering all

victims of war especially those members of the Guild who lost

their lives in conflict.

11 Diocese of Europe.

12 22/250 Holy Cross, Liskeard.

13 All retired Priests and pastoral workers.

14 EV/G9 Bernard of Clairvaux, Gibraltar.

15 Diocese of Birmingham.

16 We give thanks for the joy and support of our faith.

17 2nd before Advent. All part members of the Guild.

18 PEV Beverley. Rt. Revd. Glyn Webster.

19 PEV Ebbsfleet. Rt. Revd.Dr. Jonathan Goodall.

20 PEV Richborough. Rt. Revd. Norman Banks.

21 We give thanks for all bell ringers.

22 S. Cecilia c230 Patron Saint of Musicians Remembering all

organists and choirs and cantors.

23 Clement Bishop of Rome Martyr c100 Patron Saint of Sailors.

24 Christ the King Next before Advent. For all young people.

25 Isaac Watts, Hymn writer c1748.

26 For all chapters struggling to keep going.

27 We pray for all our brothers and sisters Guild members wherever

they may be.

28 All catholic societies.

29 Day of Intercession and Thanksgiving for Missionary work.

30 S Andrew the Apostle. Patron Saint of Scotland.

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December

1 First Sunday of Advent. The Church's New Year.

2 Scottish Guild of Servers, Council, Warden & Officers.

3 We pray for all Guild Councillors.

4 For all retired Priests and Pastoral workers.

5 The Church of Ireland and all its people.

6 S. Nicholas. Make us mindful of others.

7 S. Ambrose. May we benefit from his teaching.

8 2nd Sunday of Advent. Immaculate conception of Our Lady.

9 The work of the Salvation Army.

10 Anglican Church in Australia. All servers and supporters.

11 All Christian work in Africa.

12 The Anglican Church in Canada. For all servers and supporters.

13 S. Francis Xavier. For the Church in Asia.

14 Those who live alone and unloved give them the strength.

15 3rd Sunday of Advent. Give us patience when we deal with

others.

16 AFZ/100 Sacred Heart, Harare Zimbabwe.

17 For all in hospice, nursing and residential care.

18 For the bereaved.

19 PCCs and their members.

20 For all Lay and Eucharistic ministers

21 Strengthen our faith to receive Him.

22 4th Sunday of Advent. The Coming Christ Child.

23 Give thanks for occasions when we are surprised by the

generosity of others.

24 Christmas Eve. The Most Holy Night.

25 Nativity of Our Lord. The Most Holy & Blessed Festival.

26 S. Stephen the first Martyr. For all Martyrs.

27 S. John the Evangelist. Spread the Word.

28 Holy Innocents. For all God's Children.

29 1st Sunday of Christmas. For His Church throughout the world.

30 The Holy Family. Blessings for relations and friends.

31 Give thanks for the Blessings of 2019.

Corrections, omissions and suggestions to: Angela McMullen,

46 Field House Road, Humberston, Grimsby, DN36 4UJ.

Tel: (01472) 210596 sizzlebeth04@gmail.com

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Saturday 7th September Scottish Guild of Servers Festival and AGM

S. John’s, Princes Street, Edinburgh. Mass 12 noon

GSS Autumn Festival

Saturday 12th October S. German’s, Star Street, Cardiff, CF24 0LA

Solemn Mass Noon Guild Office, Procession & Benediction at 3.00pm

Refreshments: a light buffet available £6.00 each, lunch tickets in advance from

Grand Cllr. Michael Andrew. The buffet with consist of sandwiches, quiche, small

pasties, salad, cake. Tea coffee and soft cold drinks available. Or you can eat your

packed lunch in the hall next to the church. Disabled access is available. Also,

there are a selection of bars and cafes a short distance from the church.

Car parking: there is limited parking at the church, but on street parking is

available in nearby streets, Metal St. usually has parking available.

By train: arrive Cardiff Central station, taxis at the front of the station, a 10-

minute ride. Prebooked Dragon Taxi’s 0290 333333 pickup rear of the station.

By train and walk to church (15mins): on arrival at Cardiff Central cross to

platform 6 and take the train to Cardiff Queen Street, (next station 3mins tickets

cover this journey). From station, turn right in 150 yards turn right at Gregg’s onto

Newport Rd., continue until reaching the former church of St James (tall spire)

then turn right on Glossop Rd. 300 yds. turn left onto Planet St. continue road it

will become Star St. part way along. The church is on the right in approx. 400 yds.

About 15 min. walk. We very much look forward to welcoming you all to Cardiff

and to St. German’s Church. Details and lunch tickets from Grand Cllr. Michael

Andrew, (address on front cover).

The Guild Diary

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The Day of Syn is a biennial festival celebrating the literary works of

(Arthur) Russel Thorndike and the author of the Doctor Syn books about

the smugglers, highwaymen and pirates who infested Romney Marsh. Also

not forgetting the involvement of the local priest. Over the five decades

since its inception The Day of Syn has grown into a two-and-a-bit day

event, and is as often now called Days of Syn. The events are held only on

even years ie 2018 and 2020

In 1964 the PCC of the parish church of SS. Peter and Paul urgently

needed funds to pay for the renewal of the church roof. In order to raise

money the church decided to organise a pageant and fete for the local

village. The idea was that the pageant would bring people into the village

and the fete would enable local charities to have stalls and sideshows

allowing them to raise funds for their own organisations.

Russell Thorndike the creator of Dr Syn permitted the church to use the

title ‘Day of Syn’ for the pageant and fete they were organising. The

pageant and fete continued and in 1966 a committee was formed and today

it is still made up of the P.C.C and local organisations.

The Creator…Russell Thorndike: was born on 6th February 1885 in

Rochester, Kent. He was a British actor and novelist, best

known for the Dr Syn of Romney Marsh novels and

brother of the famous actress Dame Sybil Thorndike. His

first appearance on stage was in Cambridge in 1904. In

1914 joined the army as a trooper in the 1st Westminster

Dragoons but was severely wounded at Gallipoli and he

was discharged and returned to acting. Touring the USA

with his sister a murder took place outside their hotel; the

body was left all night on the street below their window. Unable to sleep,

they passed the time by telling stories and it is said that the character of Dr

Syn was created that night. Russell Thorndyke had a successful life as a

Shakespearean actor, writer and playwright and in 1922 he played the

leading man in his own Dr Syn play which he adapted from his books.

The Day of Syn

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During his lifetime Russell Thorndike created and published seven Dr Syn

novels. He died on the 7th November 1972.

But who was The Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn in these tales?

Dr Syn is the smuggler hero of Russell Thorndike’s novels. The first

book, Doctor Syn: A Tale of the Romney Marsh[ was published in 1915.

The stories are based on the smuggling in the 18th century which took

place on Romney Marsh, where brandy and tobacco were brought in at

night by boat from France. Minor battles were

fought, sometimes at night, between gangs of

smugglers, such as the Hawkhurst Gang and the

Revenue, supported by the army and local militias

in the South, Kent and the West, Sussex.

The Revd. Dr. Christopher Syn was said to be

born in 1729 and is portrayed as a brilliant scholar

from Queen's College, Oxford and having

swashbuckling skills such as riding, fencing,

and seamanship.

He was content to live the quiet life of a country

vicar in Dymchurch – under – the - Wall under

the patronage of Sir Charles Cobtree, the father of

his best friend Anthony Cobtree, until his

beautiful young Spanish wife Imogene was

seduced by and eloped with Nicholas Tappitt,

whom Dr. Syn had considered a close friend. It

was after this that Dr Syn found country life too

quiet and he turned to smuggling as a source of

income and excitement.

There is also a railway locomotive called Dr. Syn

which regularly runs on the nearby Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch

Railway. My family discovered the celebrations of the ‘Day of Syn’ in

Dymchurch many years ago and found it a really good day out and it

sounds as though it still is!

Peter Keat

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Why do we face the east when the Creed is said at the Mass?

This was a move I was taught many years ago when I first became a server

back in 1961 and it is something that I continue to do to this day. But for

some people in the congregation is a puzzle and they wonder why the

choir and the servers do it week by week and at just that part of the

service!

I was taught that it is the same reason as the one

which inspired the medieval church builders to

site each British parish church with the altar at

the east end. Which, as far as I know, is nothing

to do with facing Jerusalem (which seems to

have become a popular misconception), but has

everything to do with the fact that the sun rises

in the east and is therefore the direction of light

and new birth.

Facing East at particular times in a church

service goes back a very long way as from the

second century, a candidate for baptism (who

would be adult) would face westwards to 'renounce the Devil and all his

works' and then to turn eastwards to affirm his belief in Christ. It was also

customary to face eastwards when praying.

In S. Matthew's Gospel Chapter 24 verse 27, Our Lord says, "the Son of

Man will come like lightning which flashes across the whole sky from the

east to the west."

There are also other New Testament references the "dayspring from on

high" (S. Luke 1:78) and the morning star (Rev 22:16). On this basis the

importance of facing east for the statement of faith gradually grew in the

ancient Church and became a common practice in many parts and still is

today.

Turning East - why do we do it?

20

10—God was worried that Adam would frequently become lost in the

Garden because he would not ask for directions.

9—God knew that one day Adam would require someone to locate and

hand him the remote.

8—God knew Adam would never go out and buy himself a new fig leaf

when his wore out and would therefore need Eve to buy one for him.

7– God knew Adam would never be able to make a doctor’s, dentist or

haircut appointment for himself.

6—God knew Adam would never remember which night to put the

rubbish out.

5—God knew if the world was to be populated, men would never be able

to handle the pain and discomfort of childbearing.

4—As the Keeper of the Garden, Adam would never remember where he

left his tools.

3—Apparently, Adam needed someone to blame his troubles on when God

caught him hiding in the garden.

2—As the Bible says, it is not good for man to be alone!

1—When God finished the creation of Adam, he stepped back, scratched

his head, and said “I can do better than that!”

Top 10 Reasons Why Eve Was Created

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From Fr. Geoffrey Squire SSC

As I was leaving the Walsingham Festival in Westminster Abbey, still

wearing my cassock, a young man aged about 22, asked me my name.

I told him and he said that his name was Mohammed and he came

from Iraq to study in London. He said 'I saw the great lady ( the statue

of Our Lady of Walsingham) pointing to her even greater son. I have

been reading the bible that was in my student room so I knew what it

was all about so can you tell me how I can become a Christian?' I took

his email address and telephone number and I got back to him the

following day and put him in contact with a priest near his student flat.

Mohammed duly went to see the priest along with another ex-Muslim

and an ex-Atheist and that priest is now preparing them for Baptism,

confirmation and first-communion and he presented each with a bible

and a crucifix. They have to be careful not to disclose their identity as

they may face a backlash from some. Mohammed is to take the

baptismal name of Peter and his ex-Muslim friend is to take the

baptismal name of Paul. The ex-atheist will retain her name as it is

Mary.

In my experience outdoor processions of witness do work. I can recall

at least 13 people who were led to the faith by a street procession (that

includes me!) plus at least 9 who were restored to the faith after

observing a street procession. Three relate to the procession through

Barnstaple with a pipes & drums band at a GSS festival in 2005. P.S.

I often hand my used copies of papers and magazines to a very elderly,

disabled and housebound priest of the evangelical tradition, who, prior

to ordination was a press editor. On putting a copy of 'The Server' into

his hand he said 'This is one of the best produced magazines that I see

and the content is so interesting even if there are a few things that I

may not entirely agree with'.

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From a 1988 Parish Magazine

Lord of all the Past and Future

And the ever present Now,

We would live by Your commandments.

Teach us, Master,

Teach us How.

Man has sinned through all the ages,

Failing always to comply

With the teachings and example

Of Your Son. Why, Lord, O Why?

Anxiously, we look for guidance,

Knowing that you really care;

Seeking what we need to help us.

Where to find it Lord,

O Where?

While, in hope, we onward journey

Humble though may be our lot,

We would yet do more to serve You.

Show us, please, Lord;

Show us What.

We do not forget the promise

That Your Son would come again.

For two thousand years we've waited;

When will He come, Lord, O When?

'Til that time, we thank and praise You

worshipping Our Lord from Heaven above.

A Hymn or a Prayer ?

23

Our senses of taste, touch, smell, hearing and sight are very precious to us

and rightly so and the sixth sense (intuition, or whatever you wish to call

it) is also very important and remarkably helpful at times. The seventh

sense of which I am thinking is a sense of humour. We

sometimes hear of people who are upset and worried

by the children of members of the congregation

laughing in Church, but does it upset us?

We most certainly need times to be quiet and reflect

and to confess our sins, to praise Him and ask for His

help and comfort to us and to all people. But let's not

be too serious all the time, let's think about the joy He

has given us, the joy that brings happiness and the

happiness that can bring laughter and humour to

relieve the stress we all suffer from at one time or another.

I honestly believe that God has a sense of humour which he has given to

most of us in some measure and especially to certain people like Tommy

Cooper, Ken Dodd, Pam Ayres, Joyce Grenfell and many, many more over

the years.

We know that "All things come of Thee, O Lord!" let us enjoy life more

fully and thank Him for our sense of humour!

It is not widely known that every year, a week after the National Royal

British Legion Remembrance Parade in Whitehall, the Association of

Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (AJEX) then hold their own Annual

Remembrance Ceremony and Parade to the Cenotaph. Congregating at

Horse Guards Parade a large number of marchers gather along with groups

from the JLGB (Jewish Lads and Girls Brigade), all wearing their bright

red cloaks. Once the marchers are assembled the Standard Bearers fly their

A Sense of Humour

After the Cenotaph

24

AJEX standards which, like other Standards are treated with great respect

and reverence.

Then just before 2.30 the parade moves off as an

invited Military Service band leads them to

Whitehall and on to the Cenotaph. The branches of

AJEX come from many areas around the country,

as well as including Jewish Veterans from France,

Gibraltar and Israel. They all proudly carry their

standards ahead of the other marchers.

The parade is attended by many ex-servicemen and women and their

relatives, many of whom are marching in memory of a deceased relative

whilst wearing their medals on

the right-hand side. On arrival at

Whitehall the parade is then

normally inspected by one of the

members of the Royal Family

before they join the wreath party

next to the Cenotaph.

The Ceremony of Remembrance

is conducted by the Chief Rabbi and other leading members of the Jewish

faith and includes many more

prayers than that of the National

Parade the week before,

including the Memorial Prayer

and the Mourner’s Kaddish

which are read in Hebrew and

English. The sound of Jewish

prayer resonating around

Whitehall is always very moving. The wreaths that are laid are in the shape

of a Magen David (Star of David and there are Poppy posies laid in honour

of relatives who served in the armed forces. Once the parade has finished

there is the AJEX Annual Reunion Tea in Northumberland Avenue.

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AJEX has an amazing story to tell. A story that spans over eighty

years. Its current membership includes over 4,000 individuals who

served in the British Armed Forces, either during or after the

Second World War. In the 21st century, AJEX has a very important

role, focusing on three main areas:

REMEMBRANCE for the sacrifices of the PAST

HELP for those in need in the PRESENT

EDUCATION for the FUTURE

Have you ever been in the position where someone is desperately needed -

and you fit the bill perfectly? It is almost as if all your many qualifications

that never made much sense before now make PERFECT sense; and you

sense that you have been chosen by God for the task. If so, then Matthias

is definitely the patron saint for you!

Matthias came into the picture after Judas

committed suicide. The early church was

missing an apostle and so the remaining

apostles prayed for guidance on who to choose

as a replacement for this key role. The

qualifications for the job were specialised; the

person had to have been a follower of Christ

from his Baptism to his Ascension, and a

witness of the Resurrection.

There were two possibilities: Matthias and

Joseph Barabbas. What a choice! Here again, Matthias' experience may

mirror yours: the decision was out of his hands, and up to others. In this

case, the apostles drew straws - and the "lot" fell to Matthias. He had been

Matthias- The Chosen One

26

chosen to replace Judas! The tragedy of a betrayal led to an opportunity for

service by Matthias - and he was well prepared for the task.

Are you prepared for any task that God might suddenly open up before

you? Like the other apostles, Matthias had been in Jerusalem and had

received the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Matthias went on to do a

good job as he went to preach the Good News throughout Judea. Matthias

is an encouragement to us to be faithful in small things- because you never

know what the future might hold.

A Branch of the Royal Navy

I am sure that many of you will have seen in the press or on the television

the return of HMS Queen Elizabeth into Portsmouth Dockyard in May.

But, did you notice that right at the top of the flight deck ramp stood the

ships Chaplain the Reverend Alastair Mansfield dressed in full clerical

dress complete with a cloak and a Canterbury Cap. He also carried a large

branch resembling a trident. This was not an homage to King Neptune nor

has it any biblical or historic meaning. It is just a branch that he had taken

from his back garden and he takes it to sea to remind him of home. He

says that it even sprouted greenery whist deployed in the States

Left: The ship enters Portsmouth. Right Close up of the Chaplain.

Twitter Ads info and privacy

A Branch in the Navy

27

.

Just Thoughts

May the sun bring you new

energy by day, may the moon

softly restore you by night, may

the rain wash away your

worries, may the breeze blow

new strength into your being,

may you walk gently through the

world and know its beauty all

the days of your life.

If I advance follow me. If I stop

push me. If I fail Inspire me.

Never stop doing little things for

others. Sometimes those little

things occupy the biggest part of

their hearts. Open your heart

and feel the love of friends both

seen and unseen, known and

those not yet met. We all take

different paths in life, but no

matter where we go, we take a

little of each other everywhere Choosing to smile even when

you are having a bad day

doesn’t mean you are a fake. It

means you are choosing to

focus on all the reasons you

have to be thankful instead of

all the reasons you have to be

stressed.

Believe everything happens for a

reason. If you get a chance take

it. If it changes your life, let it.

Nobody said life would be easy,

they just promised it would most

likely be worth it.

People will never truly understand something until it happens to

them.

Begin every day with a thankful heart. When something really good

happens in your life, close your eyes and take a picture to remember

it by.

You can’t change what has already happened in your life so don’t

waste your time thinking about it. Move on, let go and get over it. Life

is short. Don’t be afraid to go after what makes you happy.

Spend time with the ones who make you smile, and don’t let negative

people bring you down. If you become fearless, life becomes unlimited.

28

Dave Croft, Honorary Parish Virger of S. Alban the

Martyr, Great Ilford, Diocese of Chelmsford.

Member of the Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary and

Church of England Guild of Vergers.

This article follows on from the writing on

churchwardens in the previous edition of The Server.

Another officer in the church who carries a staff is the

Virger (or Verger in modern parlance). This staff is

the ‘virge’ and can take various shapes and lengths depending on the tastes

of the institution that the virger has been appointed to serve. Thus a virger

is ‘he who carries the virge’.

The office of Virger dates back to mediaeval times and held similar duties

to that of churchwardens at the time. The difference is that church wardens

looked after affairs in parish churches

and vigers were employed by cathedrals.

By all accounts the virge started off as a

mace and would be used, not so much as

to prod lethargic parishioners, but

actually to beat unruly crowds out of the

way ahead of processions. The virges

were top heavy with spikes and flanges

(designed to hurt) so could easily be

swung to hit someone with. Now, the

various hardware at the end of the

virges, developed into the crosses,

shields, mitres and balls that you see

today. Note the difference in lengths –

wands are long enough to reach across

rows of pews to prod parishioners while

virges short enough to give someone a sharp clout. It is also interesting to

note that the gown they wear also is steeped in symbolism. They

developed from being all weather capes and warm

Another Wand of Office

29

enough to wear in unheated drafty cathedrals during the mid-winter into

the ceremonial dress that we see today. Look under a virgers arm and you

will see ‘t-wealth’ openings, for the arms that are unique to virgers gowns–

these serve a practical purpose for ease of donning and taking off to

change duties in the church. Also, the chevrons that you see have

developed out of pockets used to stow sacraments that a lay-person could

not touch so virgers could take them from one priest to another acting as a

courier. Also ribbons would be tied down the length of the extra-long

sleeves so confidential letters (again not to be touched by the laity’s hands)

could be tied by the sending priest and untied at the point of delivery.

That’s just two aspects of the symbolism behind the virger’s gown.

Now the role and duties of the virger has remodelled over the centuries,

from that of the Dean and Chapter’s body guard and footmen, to what it is

today. A current school of thought is that the virger is a butler in God’s

house. Thus, you will see virgers being involved in the technical set-up of

conferences and events through to ensuring the cleaning of church

buildings and silverware. Welcoming visitors, making a cup of tea and

being a listening ear is also a central pillar to a virger’s pastoral ministry.

In the context of being a parish church virger, this means being to the

parish priest what the Bishop’s chaplain is to the Bishop, taking the

priest’s orders and carrying out the reasonable instructions of the

churchwardens. serving at masses and helping the head-server to train new

servers and being the master-of-cermonies for complicated liturgies. Also,

being available to assist with anything the church family needs – and yes

making cups of tea!

All around the country there remain charming and meaningful local

ceremonies. Is there one in your area that you could write about?

In this edition I take a look at a reintroduced event now held in the Lake

District. Originally the floors of Churches were simply of earth, covered in

Rush Bearing Ceremonies

30

rushes, and it was commonplace to bury bodies of parishioners within the

Church as well as in the Churchyard. In ancient times parishioners brought

sweet smelling rushes at the feasts of dedication to strew within the

Church, to purify the air and help insulate the worshippers from the cold

rising up through the ground. This strange festivity eventually gained the

name Rushbearing.

This practice officially stopped in the 1800s, when church floors were

covered with flag stones or similar, but the ancient custom still continues

in five Cumbrian Churches to this day. This is when the wild rushes and

flowers are paraded round the village in procession and ending up being

thrown all over the church floor.

Today ‘rushbearing’ is a cross made of rushes or flowers and carried by

the children of the parish. A procession is led by a band, followed by the

clergy, and then the children of the village and ends at the church with

hymns and prayers.

Traditionally the children of Grasmere and Ambleside are given a piece of

Grasmere gingerbread if they have carried one of the rushes. Some of the

festivals are also accompanied by an afternoon of children’s sports.

There is a mural in S. Mary’s, Ambleside, created in 1944, depicting the

ceremony, by Gordon Ransom, lecturer at The Royal College of Art. It is

26 feet long, and contains 62 figures in four scenes, representing

inhabitants of Ambleside at that period. Also painting of the Grasmere

ceremony by Frank Bramley R.A., who lived in Grasmere, was exhibited

31

at the Royal Academy in 1905, and purchased for the village in 1913. The

picture is now in the care of the National Trust and hangs in Grasmere

Village Hall.

Rush Bearing ceremonies are held in the following churches:-

S. Oswald’s, Grasmere, Saturday nearest to S. Oswald’s day (5th August)

S. Mary’s, Ambleside, The First Saturday in July

S. Columba’s, Warcop, 29th June (a Sunday)

S. Theobold’s, Great Musgrave, First Saturday in July

SS. Mary and Michael’s, Urswick, Sunday nearest S. Michael’s day

(September 29th)

Bro. Mark continues his series on flowers

Aside from being an important part of any organic garden as a pest

deterrent, the Marigold has loftier

meanings such as:

Despair and grief over the loss of

love

The beauty and warmth of the

rising sun

Winning the affections of

someone through hard work

Creativity and the drive to succeed

Desire for wealth

Cruelty and coldness due to jealousy

What does the Marigold flower mean?

32

Sacred offerings to the Gods

Remembering and celebrating the dead

Promoting cheer and good relations in a relationship

Etymological Meaning of the Marigold Flower. The plants commonly

known as Marigolds fall into two major categories based on their scientific

name. The first group includes members from the Calendula family, which

is a Latin name meaning “little clock”. The other Marigolds are from the

Tagetes family instead, a name that comes from a religious prophet named

Tages that influenced Etruscan culture. The common name Marigold comes

from it’s use as an offering to the Virgin Mary in the place of gold coins.

As part of an on-going series using a form of online

interview today we meet Councillor Michael

Rogerson

Editor: Firstly, may I ask you about yourself. Where

were you born and where do you live now? Are you

still working or are you retired? If retired in what line

of work were you employed?

Cllr. I was born in Guildford, Surrey. I live in rural

Surrey, near Epsom. I am retired and most of my working life was in

insurance.

Editor: Apart from your GSS and church work what are your interests?

Cllr. I am a bellringer (a campanologist) and some Sundays, I join other

ringers in calling the faithful to worship, with the sound of church

bells; some evenings mid-week I am at bellringing practices. In Summer

Know Your Councillor

33

months particularly, my Saturdays are governed by ringing for weddings at

different churches and the pay is worth having. I am a linguist,

competentin four major European languages (other than English) and I go

to meetings about that.

Editor Which Chapter do you belong to and what area do you represent?

Cllr. I belong to, and I am secretary of, the Chapter of the Incarnate Word

with St. Alban & St. Edward LG 5/85 and I am Councillor for LG 5/6. My

area comprises predominantly the part of East Surrey in the Southwark

Diocese, with 'glimpses' within the Guildford, Rochester and London

Dioceses.

Editor: Who first introduced you to the Ministry of Serving and when?

Cllr. The late Charles Huggett, who was head server at my original church

of St. Mary's, Burgh Heath, Surrey and a GSS member and I was admitted a

server there on Sunday 22nd June 1958.

Editor: When did you first become a GSS member?

Cllr. I was admitted a probationer on Wednesday 30th December 1959 and

a full member on Saturday 25th February 1961, in my original Chapter of

St. Edward the Confessor, Surrey.

Editor: What aims or ambitions do you have?

Cllr. To do my job as Councillor for as long as I am able, for when the time

comes for me to depart, there may be difficulty in finding anyone to replace

me.

Editor: Have you any suggestions for the smooth running of the Guild?

Cllr. We are living at a time when chapters close and amalgamate, so we

need to keep this situation under review and be adaptable to keep the

'damage' to a minimum.

34

"Somebody has well said that there are only two kinds of

people in this world - there are those who wake up in the

morning and say cheerfully, "Good morning, Lord," and

there are those others who wake up in the morning and say,

"Good Lord, it's morning.”

My 10 year-old niece says her prayers every night and instead of ‘amen’,

she says ‘click, send’.

The Sunday School teacher had her class around her and was teaching the

class about the Easter story and theresurrection of Christ. “What did Jesus

do on this day?” she asked the class; to which there was no response, so she

decided to give the boys and girls a bit of a clue. “The word you want” she

said“starts with the letter R.”

Quick as a flash one boy blurted, “Recycle!”

Seen in a local paper:-

Wanted: Cemetery Superintendent. “Now hiring,” read the classified ad.

“Cemetery superintendent required. The ideal candidate must be able to

supervise in a fast-paced environment.”

The Guild Collect

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to us Thy servants, the spirit of

holy fear: that we, following the example of Thy holy child Samuel, may

faithfully minister before Thee in Thy Sanctuary; through Jesus Christ Thy

Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy

Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.

OBJECTS OF THE GUILD

1. To raise the spiritual tone of altar servers.

2. To promote a conscientious performance of the

duties of altar servers.

3. To encourage more frequent attendance at the

holy Eucharist, in addition to times of duty.

35

Brother, have you been a full member for over

two years and are considering Ordination? If both

answers are yes, the Candidates for Ordination

Fund could assist you financially with an annual

grant. Talk to Cllr Colin Squires whose address is

in the front cover of this magazine

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