Q42013 mag december

Shepherd’s WatchThe magazine for and by the people of the Good Shepherd

www.goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk

December 201360pA Forgotten War, pg 7Christmas Fayre, pg 13Advent: Beach-Hut Calendar, pg 14Goat curry and more, pg 24Cyprus Pilgrimage-In the footsteps of … pg 25Our church and the Web, pg 31The Unconditional Gift, pg 33

Merry Christmas &A Happy New Year to All

And the angels sang …

Every year our parishioners visit and sing carols in rest-homes in the par-ish. It’s like angels singing to baby Jesus, almost! The joy and the season ofChristmas is often set in the context of angels. Not all accept or believe inangels, but we cannot help using their symbolism.All prefer to be regarded as an angel!

Christmas and angels often go together. The Christmas message is some-how wrapped in angelic garments. Light, heavenly, joyful and singing. Thereis always a lighter side of life which we all need. Christmas is the seasonwhen we live those magic moments. This season of joy transports us intothe ecstasy of transcendental world.

Christmas evokes in us those angelic sentiments making us feel like chil-dren even though we have become adults. Christmas does makes us feelangelic.

If that passage from our childhood to human consciousness is a mystery, itis equally true when we are transported back to that state of blissful igno-rance of a child at Christmas. It is so very unlike the animal world! That di-vine instinct only proves how we are able to meet God and how God meetsus. Christmas is a great opportunity to meet God and our neighbour bybecoming like angels, even by singing for ourselves and for others!

As I invite you to join us in singing this season whether in church or else-where, I wish that every carol make you more angelic, happy and divine.Merry Christmas!

Fr Felix

While every effort is made to ensure all information in Shepherd’s Watch iscorrect, neither the Parochial Church Council nor the individual contribu-tors can be held responsible or accept liability for any errors and/oromissions.The PCC does not endorse the companies, products and services that ap-pear in Shepherd’s Watch.Responsibility for any loss, damage or distress resulting from the use of orreliance on any information in Shepherd’s Watch, however caused, isdisclaimed by the Parochial Church Council.

Vicar

Revd. Felix MascarenhasThe Vicarage, 272 Dyke RoadBrighton BN1 5AE

Deacon

Helen Rawlings6 Beacon Hill

Ovingdean, BrightonBN2 7BN Tel 07967695753

Associate Curate

Revd Christyan James14 St Mary’s SquareBrighton BN2 1FZTel 07595910443; 241753

[email protected]

Reader

Michael Miller

Michael Miller68 Ainsworth AvenueOvingdean, BrightonBN2 7BG Tel (01273) [email protected]

Page 2 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013Office

Page 3 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013

ChurchwardensJames Baxter 14 Radinden Manor Road Hove, BN3 6NH,Tel.07595831508;[email protected] Stevens 2 Shirley Road Hove BN3 6NN Tel 01273 555197([email protected])

Parish OfficeThe Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.30 to10.30. The Parish Office telephone number is (01273) 553747

And the angels sang …

Every year our parishioners visit and sing carols in rest-homes in the par-ish. It’s like angels singing to baby Jesus, almost! The joy and the season ofChristmas is often set in the context of angels. Not all accept or believe inangels, but we cannot help using their symbolism.All prefer to be regarded as an angel!

Christmas and angels often go together. The Christmas message is some-how wrapped in angelic garments. Light, heavenly, joyful and singing. Thereis always a lighter side of life which we all need. Christmas is the seasonwhen we live those magic moments. This season of joy transports us intothe ecstasy of transcendental world.

Christmas evokes in us those angelic sentiments making us feel like chil-dren even though we have become adults. Christmas does makes us feelangelic.

If that passage from our childhood to human consciousness is a mystery, itis equally true when we are transported back to that state of blissful igno-rance of a child at Christmas. It is so very unlike the animal world! That di-vine instinct only proves how we are able to meet God and how God meetsus. Christmas is a great opportunity to meet God and our neighbour bybecoming like angels, even by singing for ourselves and for others!

As I invite you to join us in singing this season whether in church or else-where, I wish that every carol make you more angelic, happy and divine.Merry Christmas!

Fr Felix

While every effort is made to ensure all information in Shepherd’s Watch iscorrect, neither the Parochial Church Council nor the individual contribu-tors can be held responsible or accept liability for any errors and/oromissions.The PCC does not endorse the companies, products and services that ap-pear in Shepherd’s Watch.Responsibility for any loss, damage or distress resulting from the use of orreliance on any information in Shepherd’s Watch, however caused, isdisclaimed by the Parochial Church Council.

Vicar

Revd. Felix MascarenhasThe Vicarage, 272 Dyke RoadBrighton BN1 5AE

Deacon

Helen Rawlings6 Beacon Hill

Ovingdean, BrightonBN2 7BN Tel 07967695753

Associate Curate

Revd Christyan James14 St Mary’s SquareBrighton BN2 1FZTel 07595910443; 241753

[email protected]

Reader

Michael Miller

Michael Miller68 Ainsworth AvenueOvingdean, BrightonBN2 7BG Tel (01273) [email protected]

Page 2 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013Office


ChurchwardensJames Baxter 14 Radinden Manor Road Hove, BN3 6NH,Tel.07595831508;[email protected] Stevens 2 Shirley Road Hove BN3 6NN Tel 01273 555197([email protected])

Parish OfficeThe Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.30 to10.30. The Parish Office telephone number is (01273) 553747

Church Developments

I am sorry to announce that the organisers of the ‘Singing for Pleasure– Juniors’, which was advertised in the last issue of 'Shepherd'sWatch', were obliged to defer the start due to initial lack of response.However, I am pleased to report that their 'taster session' for the club,which is primarily for children aged 7-11, will take place at 10 am onSaturday 11 January 2014.

The organisers have indicated that pre-registration is required to en-able them to properly prepare for this session e.g. they need to deter-mine how many copies of songs and seats are needed. In this connec-tion please contact 01273 555089 or email [email protected]

Although they have already received a significant number ofenquiries, concerning what appears to be an exciting venture, it willassist if I can determine the level of interest at the Good Shepherd. Inthe circumstances if you know of any children that would like to joina singing club for a sing along to their favourite pop songs, from: Glee,Hit it, Smash, Disney, Hairspray and lots more - please let me know.

By now you will be aware that the Brighton Craft Fair will be usingthe church on the third Saturday of each month – opening time10 am.

The services of Slimming World are available on Thursdays withmorning and evening sessions.The U3A are offering Italian classes in the church to theirmembers on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. If you areinterested please call Janis Jefferson on 01273 324060 or Sue Os-mond (teacher) on 01273680707 for further details.

As at the time of writing plans are in hand to provide a small kitchenarea and storage facilities at the back of the church which will enableus to stage events in the church, without the need to transfer to thehall and will be of benefit to people or organisations hiring the prem-ises. Having said that, you will be pleased to learn that any alterationsto the building have toundergo rigorous vetting by the Church Authorities and require theinput of our architect and production drawings. It follows that anywork will be tasteful and well considered.

You will be kept advised of developments. In the meantime if any of youknow a choir, orchestra or other group that needs a venue to practice orperform please let me know. I can be contacted on 01273 553807 [email protected].

Neil Kelly

Pastoral CareIt has become apparent that the church needs a coordinator of transport forthose who find it difficult to get to services and other functions. Janet Annishas kindly agreed to take on this role.

Any one needing a lift , and anyone willing to give a lift occasionally ormore regularly, please contact Janet on 700070 (phone) or email [email protected]

Margy Weir

Page 4 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013 Page 5 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013

N Battrick

Painter and DecoratorProperty Maintenance and

all Exterior and Interior Work

RELIABILITY andQUALITY GUARANTEEDYour Local Tradesman

Estimates FreeTel 01435 831645

0776564128907801420828

The Little Lambs(Parents and Toddler Group)

Meets on Wednesday in the ChurchHall from 1.30 - 3pm.

Contact:Jane: 07980564849

Catherine:07807510873

Brownies7-10 years

Meet on Tuesday evening in theChurch Hall. Please contact Tessa

Pacey (01273) 551298

Church Developments

I am sorry to announce that the organisers of the ‘Singing for Pleasure– Juniors’, which was advertised in the last issue of 'Shepherd'sWatch', were obliged to defer the start due to initial lack of response.However, I am pleased to report that their 'taster session' for the club,which is primarily for children aged 7-11, will take place at 10 am onSaturday 11 January 2014.

The organisers have indicated that pre-registration is required to en-able them to properly prepare for this session e.g. they need to deter-mine how many copies of songs and seats are needed. In this connec-tion please contact 01273 555089 or email [email protected]

Although they have already received a significant number ofenquiries, concerning what appears to be an exciting venture, it willassist if I can determine the level of interest at the Good Shepherd. Inthe circumstances if you know of any children that would like to joina singing club for a sing along to their favourite pop songs, from: Glee,Hit it, Smash, Disney, Hairspray and lots more - please let me know.

By now you will be aware that the Brighton Craft Fair will be usingthe church on the third Saturday of each month – opening time10 am.

The services of Slimming World are available on Thursdays withmorning and evening sessions.The U3A are offering Italian classes in the church to theirmembers on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. If you areinterested please call Janis Jefferson on 01273 324060 or Sue Os-mond (teacher) on 01273680707 for further details.

As at the time of writing plans are in hand to provide a small kitchenarea and storage facilities at the back of the church which will enableus to stage events in the church, without the need to transfer to thehall and will be of benefit to people or organisations hiring the prem-ises. Having said that, you will be pleased to learn that any alterationsto the building have toundergo rigorous vetting by the Church Authorities and require theinput of our architect and production drawings. It follows that anywork will be tasteful and well considered.

You will be kept advised of developments. In the meantime if any of youknow a choir, orchestra or other group that needs a venue to practice orperform please let me know. I can be contacted on 01273 553807 [email protected].

Neil Kelly

Pastoral CareIt has become apparent that the church needs a coordinator of transport forthose who find it difficult to get to services and other functions. Janet Annishas kindly agreed to take on this role.

Any one needing a lift , and anyone willing to give a lift occasionally ormore regularly, please contact Janet on 700070 (phone) or email [email protected]

Margy Weir


N Battrick

Painter and DecoratorProperty Maintenance and

all Exterior and Interior Work

RELIABILITY andQUALITY GUARANTEEDYour Local Tradesman

Estimates FreeTel 01435 831645

0776564128907801420828

The Little Lambs(Parents and Toddler Group)

Meets on Wednesday in the ChurchHall from 1.30 - 3pm.

Contact:Jane: 07980564849

Catherine:07807510873

Brownies7-10 years

Meet on Tuesday evening in theChurch Hall. Please contact Tessa

Pacey (01273) 551298


From The Stewardship Secretary

Dear Readers

I am pleased to report very positively regarding the outcome of the appealearlier this year for an increase in regular donations. Regular donors com-prise the core of the Good Shepherd’s income and I am most grateful for theresponse. In particular I wish to thank the thirty-four persons who havejoined the centrally run Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). This is a tremendouslaunch for the initiative.

By the end of October the number of regular donors had increased by some10%, and other donors may be in the PGS pipeline. The total uplift in givingover 2012 is at present showing an increase of between £4000 and £5000.Although at the close of the year donations will still fall short of the sum weare asked to pay to the Diocese as our annual contribution, it is neverthe-less a very creditable outcome.

As you will realise we shall have to rely more and more on our church andhall lettings to ensure that all our financial costs are met. Work is pro-gressing towards making our church better suited to accommodating meet-ings, concerts, exhibitions and other appropriate events. Such projects arenow common throughout the Diocese.

I trust that you will bear with me in asking those of you who have notjoined the PGS to give it further consideration. If every regular donor werein the scheme it would improve the cash flow to the Treasurer, as Gift Aid(where appropriate) would be added to monthly payments. In addition, thePGS gives the donor the option of authorising an annual cost of living uplift.Lastly, it also frees the Stewardship Secretary of the need to keep additionalrecords, leaving him more time to explore more imaginative ways of raisingincome!

Again, many thanks to you all, and may you all have a joyful Christmas andpeaceful New Year.

David Nissen

A Forgotten War

VJ Day. 15th August 1945. I was at the start of a 3 day railjourney across the breadth of India from west to east. Destination un-known. Purpose of journey unknown. I was one of a draft of 150 techni-cians serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).We were all AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicles) specialists, My own particu-lar speciality was the electrical systems of Sherman and Churchill TanksA fortnight previously we had disembarked from a troopship at Bombay(now Mumbai) While temporarily quartered at atransit camp near Bombay, we heard news of the Hiroshima and Nagasakiatomic bombs.

Now the locomotive drawing the long troop train was laboriously huffingand puffing up the face of the Western Ghats, themountain range which bordered the Deccan, the vast plateau which coveredmuch of central India.. Eventually the climbing stopped and we were pro-gressing on the level. Our first stop was a brief one at the garrison town ofPoona (now Pune.) A man at the railway station told us that Japan had ca-pitulated, the war was over.

Thousands of British, Commonwealth and Indian troops had been gatheredfor an assault on the mainland of Malaya, the British Colony that had beenoccupied by Japanese forces for 3 years. We were told that we had beenbound for Madras on the east coast where we would join an armoured divi-sion and spend a month on combined operations training involving landingfrom landing craft etc. and then we would invade Malaya.No war, therefore no attack on Malaya. Obviously a major rethink was nec-essary. We never did reach Madras but were put down at Secunderbad, inthe middle of the Deccan. That night, we slept under canvas at yet anothertransit camp. It was in the middle of the Monsoon so things were some-what wet!

Many British personnel were being repatriated to be demobilised.Some had been in the Far East for up to 6 years without seeing theirfamilies. The Burma campaign had lasted 3 years, one of the longestduring the war. The Indian Army were losing many of their most longserving and experienced people.


From The Stewardship Secretary

Dear Readers

I am pleased to report very positively regarding the outcome of the appealearlier this year for an increase in regular donations. Regular donors com-prise the core of the Good Shepherd’s income and I am most grateful for theresponse. In particular I wish to thank the thirty-four persons who havejoined the centrally run Parish Giving Scheme (PGS). This is a tremendouslaunch for the initiative.

By the end of October the number of regular donors had increased by some10%, and other donors may be in the PGS pipeline. The total uplift in givingover 2012 is at present showing an increase of between £4000 and £5000.Although at the close of the year donations will still fall short of the sum weare asked to pay to the Diocese as our annual contribution, it is neverthe-less a very creditable outcome.

As you will realise we shall have to rely more and more on our church andhall lettings to ensure that all our financial costs are met. Work is pro-gressing towards making our church better suited to accommodating meet-ings, concerts, exhibitions and other appropriate events. Such projects arenow common throughout the Diocese.

I trust that you will bear with me in asking those of you who have notjoined the PGS to give it further consideration. If every regular donor werein the scheme it would improve the cash flow to the Treasurer, as Gift Aid(where appropriate) would be added to monthly payments. In addition, thePGS gives the donor the option of authorising an annual cost of living uplift.Lastly, it also frees the Stewardship Secretary of the need to keep additionalrecords, leaving him more time to explore more imaginative ways of raisingincome!

Again, many thanks to you all, and may you all have a joyful Christmas andpeaceful New Year.

David Nissen

A Forgotten War

VJ Day. 15th August 1945. I was at the start of a 3 day railjourney across the breadth of India from west to east. Destination un-known. Purpose of journey unknown. I was one of a draft of 150 techni-cians serving with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).We were all AFV (Armoured Fighting Vehicles) specialists, My own particu-lar speciality was the electrical systems of Sherman and Churchill TanksA fortnight previously we had disembarked from a troopship at Bombay(now Mumbai) While temporarily quartered at atransit camp near Bombay, we heard news of the Hiroshima and Nagasakiatomic bombs.

Now the locomotive drawing the long troop train was laboriously huffingand puffing up the face of the Western Ghats, themountain range which bordered the Deccan, the vast plateau which coveredmuch of central India.. Eventually the climbing stopped and we were pro-gressing on the level. Our first stop was a brief one at the garrison town ofPoona (now Pune.) A man at the railway station told us that Japan had ca-pitulated, the war was over.

Thousands of British, Commonwealth and Indian troops had been gatheredfor an assault on the mainland of Malaya, the British Colony that had beenoccupied by Japanese forces for 3 years. We were told that we had beenbound for Madras on the east coast where we would join an armoured divi-sion and spend a month on combined operations training involving landingfrom landing craft etc. and then we would invade Malaya.No war, therefore no attack on Malaya. Obviously a major rethink was nec-essary. We never did reach Madras but were put down at Secunderbad, inthe middle of the Deccan. That night, we slept under canvas at yet anothertransit camp. It was in the middle of the Monsoon so things were some-what wet!

Many British personnel were being repatriated to be demobilised.Some had been in the Far East for up to 6 years without seeing theirfamilies. The Burma campaign had lasted 3 years, one of the longestduring the war. The Indian Army were losing many of their most longserving and experienced people.

The result as far as I was concerned was I was transferred to theIndian Army equivalent of REME, the Indian Electrical andMechanical Engineers.(IEME). In a trice, I was promoted fromcraftsman to Sergeant! I had barely time to sew my Sergeantsstripes on when I was boarding another train for a 36 hourjourney to Bangalore in the south.

I joined a small workshop company which was in the 26thIndian Division. My new colleagues had been in the Burma cam-paign and had only just been withdrawn from there.The official language used by the Indian Army at that time wasRoman Urdu – Urdu written in the Roman alphabet and notArabic script which reads from right to left of the page. I knewnot a word of it and had to pick it up as I went along.

Fortunately, most of the NCO`s spoke English. The companywas a mixture of faiths, Christian, Hindu, Moslem and Sikh.Whenever one of the faiths had a festival we all joined in andcelebrated with a feast – Christmas, Diwali, Eid and GuruNanak`s birthday. (Founder of Sikhism.)

Soon, we were off, by road, in a long convoy, on a 2 day journeyto Madras. (It seems I shall be ending up there after all.) Wewere to embark on a LST (Landing Ship Tank). The Division hadbeen ordered to proceed to the island of Sumatra, part of theDutch East Indies. A colony of Holland, it had been occupied byJapan since 1942. Our orders were to release Allied Prisoners ofWar and civilian internees, disarm the occupying Japaneseforces and send them back to Japan. Some individual Japanesewould be retained and tried for war crimes. If found guilty, theywould face execution. The Dutch did not have the resources orpersonnel to do the job themselvesHowever, the Indonesian people had different ideas, they did notwant the Dutch back, and they wanted independence. Theydeclared war on Britain and Holland. So began the IndonesianWar of Independence, (to be continued)

Robin Clark

The 12 Days of Christmas

The true love of the song refers to God....The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.The three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.The four colley birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark,Luke and John.The five golden rings recalled the Torah or law, the first fivebooks of the Old Testament.The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.The seven swans a-swimming represented the seven gifts ofthe Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation,contribution, leadership and mercy.The eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.The nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the HolySpirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith-fulness, gentleness and self control.The ten lords a-leaping were the 10 commandments.The eleven pipers piping stood for the 11 faithful disciples.The twelve drummers drumming symbolised the 12 points ofbelief in the Apostle’s Creed.

The 12 Days of Christmas – Take 2

People often wonder when the 12 days of Christmas really beginand end....

Years ago, Christmas started at sunset on 24 December. Thiswas thought to be Christmas Evening (Christmas Eve) andChristmas would continue until nightfall on 25 December, whichstarted St Stephen’s Day – the first of the 12 days of Christmas.Thus, the 12th night after Christmas would have been the eve-ning before 6 January, the 12th and final day of the Christmasseason.

Confused? The actual date has caused much confusion over theyears because our modern understanding of the words eve andnight are different to what our ancient ancestors thought them


The result as far as I was concerned was I was transferred to theIndian Army equivalent of REME, the Indian Electrical andMechanical Engineers.(IEME). In a trice, I was promoted fromcraftsman to Sergeant! I had barely time to sew my Sergeantsstripes on when I was boarding another train for a 36 hourjourney to Bangalore in the south.

I joined a small workshop company which was in the 26thIndian Division. My new colleagues had been in the Burma cam-paign and had only just been withdrawn from there.The official language used by the Indian Army at that time wasRoman Urdu – Urdu written in the Roman alphabet and notArabic script which reads from right to left of the page. I knewnot a word of it and had to pick it up as I went along.

Fortunately, most of the NCO`s spoke English. The companywas a mixture of faiths, Christian, Hindu, Moslem and Sikh.Whenever one of the faiths had a festival we all joined in andcelebrated with a feast – Christmas, Diwali, Eid and GuruNanak`s birthday. (Founder of Sikhism.)

Soon, we were off, by road, in a long convoy, on a 2 day journeyto Madras. (It seems I shall be ending up there after all.) Wewere to embark on a LST (Landing Ship Tank). The Division hadbeen ordered to proceed to the island of Sumatra, part of theDutch East Indies. A colony of Holland, it had been occupied byJapan since 1942. Our orders were to release Allied Prisoners ofWar and civilian internees, disarm the occupying Japaneseforces and send them back to Japan. Some individual Japanesewould be retained and tried for war crimes. If found guilty, theywould face execution. The Dutch did not have the resources orpersonnel to do the job themselvesHowever, the Indonesian people had different ideas, they did notwant the Dutch back, and they wanted independence. Theydeclared war on Britain and Holland. So began the IndonesianWar of Independence, (to be continued)

Robin Clark

The 12 Days of Christmas

The true love of the song refers to God....The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.The three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.The four colley birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark,Luke and John.The five golden rings recalled the Torah or law, the first fivebooks of the Old Testament.The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.The seven swans a-swimming represented the seven gifts ofthe Holy Spirit: prophecy, serving, teaching, exhortation,contribution, leadership and mercy.The eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.The nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the HolySpirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith-fulness, gentleness and self control.The ten lords a-leaping were the 10 commandments.The eleven pipers piping stood for the 11 faithful disciples.The twelve drummers drumming symbolised the 12 points ofbelief in the Apostle’s Creed.

The 12 Days of Christmas – Take 2

People often wonder when the 12 days of Christmas really beginand end....

Years ago, Christmas started at sunset on 24 December. Thiswas thought to be Christmas Evening (Christmas Eve) andChristmas would continue until nightfall on 25 December, whichstarted St Stephen’s Day – the first of the 12 days of Christmas.Thus, the 12th night after Christmas would have been the eve-ning before 6 January, the 12th and final day of the Christmasseason.

Confused? The actual date has caused much confusion over theyears because our modern understanding of the words eve andnight are different to what our ancient ancestors thought them


Page 11 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013Page 10 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013

Page 11 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013Page 10 The Good Shepherd Magazine Dec 2013

to be. So the 12 days are the last six days of December and the first sixdays of January. But the 12 nights are the last seven night of Decemberand the first five nights of January!

Christmas decorations should be taken down on the evening of 5 January,ready for the arrival of the Wise Men on 6 January, the Feast of the Epiph-any. Any Christmas decorations not taken down by the 12th night shouldstay up until Candlemas on 2 February.

Bells

The Good Shepherd bells will ring out over Christmas as usual. As well asringing on Sundays we will ring before the Carol Service on 22 December,on Christmas Eve for Midnight Mass and maybe for the Crib Service and onChristmas morning. We hope to have a full band to call you to worship atthis joyous time of year. There will also be a Peal for Advent rung by ringersfrom across Sussex on the morning of Wednesday 11 December.

Unfortunately, enthusiastic young visitors to the tower during the Fun Dayhave damaged our 2 bell demonstration models. Would anybody with deftfingers and some superglue mend them for us? If you think you can helpplease contact Pat on 555954 (email : [email protected] )

All members of the Good Shepherd band wish you a very happy Christmasand many blessings in 2014.

Pat Hunter

Church of the Good ShepherdChurch of the Good ShepherdChurch of the Good ShepherdChristmas FayreChristmas FayreChristmas Fayre

Church Hall, Dyke RoadChurch Hall, Dyke RoadChurch Hall, Dyke RoadSaturday 7th December

10.30 - 1.00pm******************************

HandicraftsHandicraftsHandicrafts --- Gifts Gifts Gifts --- Cards CakesCards CakesCards Cakes --- Jams Jams Jams ---Chutneys and lots moreChutneys and lots moreChutneys and lots more

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

Refreshments Available Refreshments Available Refreshments Available***************************************************

Tombola Tombola Tombola

Silent AuctionSilent AuctionSilent Auction


to be. So the 12 days are the last six days of December and the first sixdays of January. But the 12 nights are the last seven night of Decemberand the first five nights of January!

Christmas decorations should be taken down on the evening of 5 January,ready for the arrival of the Wise Men on 6 January, the Feast of the Epiph-any. Any Christmas decorations not taken down by the 12th night shouldstay up until Candlemas on 2 February.

Bells

The Good Shepherd bells will ring out over Christmas as usual. As well asringing on Sundays we will ring before the Carol Service on 22 December,on Christmas Eve for Midnight Mass and maybe for the Crib Service and onChristmas morning. We hope to have a full band to call you to worship atthis joyous time of year. There will also be a Peal for Advent rung by ringersfrom across Sussex on the morning of Wednesday 11 December.

Unfortunately, enthusiastic young visitors to the tower during the Fun Dayhave damaged our 2 bell demonstration models. Would anybody with deftfingers and some superglue mend them for us? If you think you can helpplease contact Pat on 555954 (email : [email protected] )

All members of the Good Shepherd band wish you a very happy Christmasand many blessings in 2014.

Pat Hunter

Church of the Good ShepherdChurch of the Good ShepherdChurch of the Good ShepherdChristmas FayreChristmas FayreChristmas Fayre

Church Hall, Dyke RoadChurch Hall, Dyke RoadChurch Hall, Dyke RoadSaturday 7th December

10.30 - 1.00pm******************************

HandicraftsHandicraftsHandicrafts --- Gifts Gifts Gifts --- Cards CakesCards CakesCards Cakes --- Jams Jams Jams ---Chutneys and lots moreChutneys and lots moreChutneys and lots more

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

Refreshments Available Refreshments Available Refreshments Available***************************************************

Tombola Tombola Tombola

Silent AuctionSilent AuctionSilent Auction


Mothers' Union Dec 2013-Feb 2014

Sat 7th Dec 9am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thurs 12th December 12.30pm Christmas Lunch at the Withdean Sports-man

Sat 4th Jan 9am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thurs 9th Jan 12.45pm Talk Time led by Pat Hunter at 29 The Martlet, Hovefollowed by snack lunch.

Sat 1st Feb 9am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thurs 13th Feb 12.45pm Talk Time led by Pauline Nissen at 1 Shirley Road,Hove followed by snack lunch

Thurs 27th Feb 7.30pm Annual General Meeting at 7 The Paddock Hove fol-lowed by Bring and Buy.

Christine James

Advent Beach-Hut Calendar

This year Time for God at the Good Shepherd are taking part in the annualBeach Hut Advent Calendar, which is run every year by Martin Poole ofBeyond Church www.beyondchurch.co.ukThe theme this year is the ABC of Advent, running in order with the days.We have chosen the 20th December, the letter T, for Time for God as wewait expectantly for the coming of the Christ child.The beach huts are open for one hour every evening from 5.30 to 6.30 withwarming mulled wine and mince pies on offer.Please come along and support Time for God at Hut number 264, 5.30pmon Friday 20th December.. Deacon Helen

Visit to The National Gallery, LondonOn Thursday the 14th November I led a group of 14 of us around the Na-tional Gallery following the Life of Christ through a series of paintings; link-ing scripture passages and some prayers to the pictures we viewed. We hadthe chance to compare some different treatments of the same subject, forexample the beautifuldevotional Wilton Diptych depicting three English Kings before the infantChrist to the grotesque figures in Brueghel’s

‘Adoration of the Kings’. With a coffee break we completed the tour at about1.15 in time to have lunch before meeting up again to catch the train homeat 3.I believe the visual arts provide a valid and accessible way to study theol-ogy, or to put it another way, to think about the nature of God and Christstimulated by the artists’ interpretation.I do hope everyone had a good time looking at pictures with me; I receivedthe following in an email from Ian Hill: “Many thanks for a super day, weboth enjoyed our trip immensely. It was a first for me to have a conductedtour of an art gallery let alone such an important one.It amazed me to appreciate the detail and implications once you grasped myattention; normally I would have just said “That looks nice” and moved on.”If you missed this trip and would like to go on another occasion then pleaselet me know. I will arrange another, probably sometime in February.

Deacon Helen

Brighton & Hove City Mission Basics BankHarvest time is an important and very busy time for the Basics Food Bank.Throughout September and October deliveries and collections come fromchurches and schools across Sussex. The staff of volunteers at the BasicsBank are always amazed and so thankful for the generosity that is shown atthis time of year, and so very necessary as the demand for their serviceshasincreased substantially. Hurstpierpoint College had to bring their very gen-erous contribution in a truck!The challenge now is to ensure supplies meet the growing need during 2014so please continue to add to the hamper (now sited in the church porch).Many of you will bring an item on a weekly basis and in this way we areable to make a regular delivery to the Basics Bank.A list of those items which are required will be found in the lid of the ham-per – tea, coffee, tins (vegetables, soups, beans, meat, fish), packets of cere-als, pasta, rice, and toiletries are always needed. If you are unable to carryheavy tins and packets to church, please speak to me and I can arrange tocollect, or you can make a donation to the Basics Bank and I will pass thison or buy goods on your behalf. As always, our very grateful thanks foryour support to this worthy cause.

Janet Annis


Mothers' Union Dec 2013-Feb 2014

Sat 7th Dec 9am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thurs 12th December 12.30pm Christmas Lunch at the Withdean Sports-man

Sat 4th Jan 9am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thurs 9th Jan 12.45pm Talk Time led by Pat Hunter at 29 The Martlet, Hovefollowed by snack lunch.

Sat 1st Feb 9am Corporate Communion in the Holy Redeemer Chapel

Thurs 13th Feb 12.45pm Talk Time led by Pauline Nissen at 1 Shirley Road,Hove followed by snack lunch

Thurs 27th Feb 7.30pm Annual General Meeting at 7 The Paddock Hove fol-lowed by Bring and Buy.

Christine James

Advent Beach-Hut Calendar

This year Time for God at the Good Shepherd are taking part in the annualBeach Hut Advent Calendar, which is run every year by Martin Poole ofBeyond Church www.beyondchurch.co.ukThe theme this year is the ABC of Advent, running in order with the days.We have chosen the 20th December, the letter T, for Time for God as wewait expectantly for the coming of the Christ child.The beach huts are open for one hour every evening from 5.30 to 6.30 withwarming mulled wine and mince pies on offer.Please come along and support Time for God at Hut number 264, 5.30pmon Friday 20th December.. Deacon Helen

Visit to The National Gallery, LondonOn Thursday the 14th November I led a group of 14 of us around the Na-tional Gallery following the Life of Christ through a series of paintings; link-ing scripture passages and some prayers to the pictures we viewed. We hadthe chance to compare some different treatments of the same subject, forexample the beautifuldevotional Wilton Diptych depicting three English Kings before the infantChrist to the grotesque figures in Brueghel’s

‘Adoration of the Kings’. With a coffee break we completed the tour at about1.15 in time to have lunch before meeting up again to catch the train homeat 3.I believe the visual arts provide a valid and accessible way to study theol-ogy, or to put it another way, to think about the nature of God and Christstimulated by the artists’ interpretation.I do hope everyone had a good time looking at pictures with me; I receivedthe following in an email from Ian Hill: “Many thanks for a super day, weboth enjoyed our trip immensely. It was a first for me to have a conductedtour of an art gallery let alone such an important one.It amazed me to appreciate the detail and implications once you grasped myattention; normally I would have just said “That looks nice” and moved on.”If you missed this trip and would like to go on another occasion then pleaselet me know. I will arrange another, probably sometime in February.

Deacon Helen

Brighton & Hove City Mission Basics BankHarvest time is an important and very busy time for the Basics Food Bank.Throughout September and October deliveries and collections come fromchurches and schools across Sussex. The staff of volunteers at the BasicsBank are always amazed and so thankful for the generosity that is shown atthis time of year, and so very necessary as the demand for their serviceshasincreased substantially. Hurstpierpoint College had to bring their very gen-erous contribution in a truck!The challenge now is to ensure supplies meet the growing need during 2014so please continue to add to the hamper (now sited in the church porch).Many of you will bring an item on a weekly basis and in this way we areable to make a regular delivery to the Basics Bank.A list of those items which are required will be found in the lid of the ham-per – tea, coffee, tins (vegetables, soups, beans, meat, fish), packets of cere-als, pasta, rice, and toiletries are always needed. If you are unable to carryheavy tins and packets to church, please speak to me and I can arrange tocollect, or you can make a donation to the Basics Bank and I will pass thison or buy goods on your behalf. As always, our very grateful thanks foryour support to this worthy cause.

Janet Annis



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HOPSCOTCH

Jo HallingOperations Director

9, Aymer Road,Hove, East Sussex BN3 4GB

Tel: 01273 385577 [email protected]

www.hopscotch.uk.com

DAVID FORGHAMACCOUNTANCY SERVICES

I am a qualified accountantproviding a professional service to meetindividual client needs

Sole traders/partnership accounts Personal tax returns Limited company accounts Bookkeeping/Vat Returns Management accounts

Reasonable rates, no vat charged!

For details please contact David Forgham

on 07887 902963 [email protected]


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E D D I E L A N C A S T E RG A R D E N S E R V I C E S

FENCING & REPAIRS

DECKING, GATES & SHEDS BUILT

LANDSCAPING

LAWN MOWING SERVICE

TREES REMOVED OR PRUNED

HEDGE TRIMMING

GREEN WASTE COLLECTIONS

POWER JET CLEANING

SEASONED LOGS SUPPLIED

01273 38067107787 155811

www.eddielancaster.co.uk

FREE ESTIMATES

9 FOXHUNTERS ROAD, PORTSLADE, BN41 2RY

Pop, bang, whizz and crackling…a round up of social events

If you went into the vicarage garden on Sunday 18 August you would havebeen greeted with the delicious smell of roasting pork. It was time for theannual hymns and pimms event which had the addition of a hog roast thisyear.We were blessed with sunny, if a little windy, weather. 98 people boughttickets so we had a very full garden. Congregation members put in bids fortheir favourite hymns, 10 were sung in total with a mixture of recorded andlive music to accompany us.The pimms was made and served by John and Christine James, they did agreat job and certainly know how to make a really nice strong glass ofpimms!The hog was beautiful, moist and tender with brilliant crackling, it wasaccompanied by apple sauce, stuffing and salad plus a bread roll.A week or so ago we held a very successful bonfire party, complete withsome fabulous fireworks and food. 70 people 'ohhed and ahhhed' at the fire-works before eating jacket potatoes with chilli or beans followed by a fewsweet treats. Coming up we have the 9 Lessons and Carols plus the Chil-dren's Christmas party with a visit from you know who. In January every-one is nvited to the social committee 'Get to Know You' breakfast’, so thereis plenty to look forward to.

Louise Hotchkiss

Update On IZULU Orphans Projects, South Africa

Since I reported last in the September issue of this magazine, several eventshave taken place with this charity project that we support.Here in Brighton we held another very successful fundraising Coffee Morn-ing in September at Liz and Ian Hill’s house. Although the weather was notgood like last year, we managed to accommodate everyone in the house.Over £700 was raised at this event and together with a very generous £500donation from an individual and £300 that we had collected in various waysthroughout the year, we were able to forward £1,500 to the charity in Octo-ber – much needed and appreciated funds for their ongoing work.At the project in KwaZulu-Natal, the second support centre built atNgqamzana, in the tribal lands near Empangeni, was opened in July andthe administration operations have been transferred to this new centre as itis better placed in the middle of the tribal homelands where those helpedlive. This centre includes a room, which is used as a crèche during the dayand a homework room after school where children can receive help withtheir school work/projects. Also on this site is a soup kitchen where eligibleorphans can receive a cooked meal every day.


In late September, our Deacon at the Good Shepherd, Helen Rawlings,whilst visiting Durban for a conference, was able to travel to Empangeniand spend a day at the project to see at first hand the work that goes onthere. Helen writes:“It was a real privilege for me to visit and see first hand this project in ac-tion. At the Project Centre I delivered much appreciated clothing and gifts,both from here and from the conference I attended. I saw the soup kitchenin action and took part in a service where I was impressed by the beautifulsinging. I was lucky enough to stay with Shelley Bain, mother of the pro-jects founder, who took me out visiting homes in the district to see howvaluable aid from the project is used. Shelley saw an old man shufflingalong the rough road and immediately stopped and gave him a zimmerframe from her truck; he gratefully went off so fast with his new walking aidI just wished I’d had my camcorder ready. Shelley’s dedication and commit-ment to the work of carrying on what her son started is truly inspirational”We have created an information board at the back of church where you canread more about the charity – please do not hesitate to get in touch with ei-ther Colin or myself if you want to know more. Or visitwww.izuluorphanprojects.co.za or their Facebook page.

Janet Annis

The Lovey FoundationDavid Stevens

On Saturday 14 September about 80 members of the congregation andother friends of the Foundation came together in the Church Hall. After adelicious Caribbean meal of chicken, rice, plantains and a hottish(!) sauce,we settled down to listen to some poetry readings.Yaa Asare had persuaded 2 renowned poets, John Agard and Grace Nicholsto come and read some of their own works. John kept food in our thoughtswith an amusing poem about Puddings (Forever Afters) and then moved onto memories of the Empire Windrush and the interweaving of cultures inthe English Language.Grace gave us her poems on Autumn and Winter which was very apt for arather blowy evening, and about being “mugged” on Brighton seafront by aseagull stealing a doughnut. Her show stopper was however her poemabout a spider and the summoning up of courage to capture it, a problemthat affected many present.John’s imagination took us to a meeting of Handel and Jimmy Hendricks,who had lived in the same house in London and he then lauded the Englishlove of a cup of tea.

Pop, bang, whizz and crackling…a round up of social events

If you went into the vicarage garden on Sunday 18 August you would havebeen greeted with the delicious smell of roasting pork. It was time for theannual hymns and pimms event which had the addition of a hog roast thisyear.We were blessed with sunny, if a little windy, weather. 98 people boughttickets so we had a very full garden. Congregation members put in bids fortheir favourite hymns, 10 were sung in total with a mixture of recorded andlive music to accompany us.The pimms was made and served by John and Christine James, they did agreat job and certainly know how to make a really nice strong glass ofpimms!The hog was beautiful, moist and tender with brilliant crackling, it wasaccompanied by apple sauce, stuffing and salad plus a bread roll.A week or so ago we held a very successful bonfire party, complete withsome fabulous fireworks and food. 70 people 'ohhed and ahhhed' at the fire-works before eating jacket potatoes with chilli or beans followed by a fewsweet treats. Coming up we have the 9 Lessons and Carols plus the Chil-dren's Christmas party with a visit from you know who. In January every-one is nvited to the social committee 'Get to Know You' breakfast’, so thereis plenty to look forward to.

Louise Hotchkiss

Update On IZULU Orphans Projects, South Africa

Since I reported last in the September issue of this magazine, several eventshave taken place with this charity project that we support.Here in Brighton we held another very successful fundraising Coffee Morn-ing in September at Liz and Ian Hill’s house. Although the weather was notgood like last year, we managed to accommodate everyone in the house.Over £700 was raised at this event and together with a very generous £500donation from an individual and £300 that we had collected in various waysthroughout the year, we were able to forward £1,500 to the charity in Octo-ber – much needed and appreciated funds for their ongoing work.At the project in KwaZulu-Natal, the second support centre built atNgqamzana, in the tribal lands near Empangeni, was opened in July andthe administration operations have been transferred to this new centre as itis better placed in the middle of the tribal homelands where those helpedlive. This centre includes a room, which is used as a crèche during the dayand a homework room after school where children can receive help withtheir school work/projects. Also on this site is a soup kitchen where eligibleorphans can receive a cooked meal every day.


In late September, our Deacon at the Good Shepherd, Helen Rawlings,whilst visiting Durban for a conference, was able to travel to Empangeniand spend a day at the project to see at first hand the work that goes onthere. Helen writes:“It was a real privilege for me to visit and see first hand this project in ac-tion. At the Project Centre I delivered much appreciated clothing and gifts,both from here and from the conference I attended. I saw the soup kitchenin action and took part in a service where I was impressed by the beautifulsinging. I was lucky enough to stay with Shelley Bain, mother of the pro-jects founder, who took me out visiting homes in the district to see howvaluable aid from the project is used. Shelley saw an old man shufflingalong the rough road and immediately stopped and gave him a zimmerframe from her truck; he gratefully went off so fast with his new walking aidI just wished I’d had my camcorder ready. Shelley’s dedication and commit-ment to the work of carrying on what her son started is truly inspirational”We have created an information board at the back of church where you canread more about the charity – please do not hesitate to get in touch with ei-ther Colin or myself if you want to know more. Or visitwww.izuluorphanprojects.co.za or their Facebook page.

Janet Annis

The Lovey FoundationDavid Stevens

On Saturday 14 September about 80 members of the congregation andother friends of the Foundation came together in the Church Hall. After adelicious Caribbean meal of chicken, rice, plantains and a hottish(!) sauce,we settled down to listen to some poetry readings.Yaa Asare had persuaded 2 renowned poets, John Agard and Grace Nicholsto come and read some of their own works. John kept food in our thoughtswith an amusing poem about Puddings (Forever Afters) and then moved onto memories of the Empire Windrush and the interweaving of cultures inthe English Language.Grace gave us her poems on Autumn and Winter which was very apt for arather blowy evening, and about being “mugged” on Brighton seafront by aseagull stealing a doughnut. Her show stopper was however her poemabout a spider and the summoning up of courage to capture it, a problemthat affected many present.John’s imagination took us to a meeting of Handel and Jimmy Hendricks,who had lived in the same house in London and he then lauded the Englishlove of a cup of tea.

Grace left us with advice on crossing the street in Delhi and, with Johnaccompanying her on the Ocarina, a South American wind instrument,closed the evening with a walk through a forest.All the poems were met with great applause and, where appropriate, laugh-ter. Both John and Grace added to the enjoyment of the poems by the en-thusiasm and emotion put into the readings and it was easy to see whythey both have won prestigious awards for their work, too many to detailhere.The evening raised about £715.00 for the Foundation which assists familiesin buying uniforms, bags, books and other equipment to enable their chil-dren to go to school rather than work in the fields or break stones and chopfirewood. We can certainly feel that the proceeds of a very enjoyable eve-ning for us will be put to very good use in Ghana.Thanks are due to Yaa for organising the evening, her partner Ray for thecooking and everyone else who assisted.

GOAT CURRY and MORE

The Flier promised an African-Caribbean Harvest Supper but how many ofthe 60 attending were expecting the delicacy of Goat Curry? Well, it wasone of the items on the Menu, the others being Jerk Chicken and avegetarian option.Everyone agreed that the food was delicious, spicy but not too hot.After the meal, catered by Cummin Up, we were persuaded on to the DanceFloor by Ernest Kwame Obeng who taught us various African dance moves,with varying levels of success. His enthusiasm got the majority of thosepresent on the floor and we all enjoyed the exercise! Ernest was backedwith African music from DJ Tony KalumeIn a break in the dancing, we were given a quiz on African related subjects,from geography to famous men and women, set by Pat and Ronnie Hunter.Much scratching of the heads took place and the winners, friends of Yaa,had 36 out of 40. The second place was claimed by Geoffrey Theobald andTricia Stevens.Then it was back to the dancing and more strenuous moves. Surprisinglyno complaints were heard on Sunday of any aches and pains!The only damper on the evening was the absence of Yaa who had gone toJapan to be with her daughter who had had a serious accident. We werepleased to learn that Lauren is making a recovery. It certainly was aHarvest Supper with a difference and raised £300 for the Lovey Founda-tion. Many thanks to all involved in the organisation and execution of theevening.

David Stevens

CYPRUS PILGRIMAGE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL

Our easyJet plane touched down at Paphos after a four-hour flight that wasuneventful. However the next week was anything but…..We were greetedwarmly by Peter and Margaret Rose in the Cypriot afternoon sunshine.Their impeccable organisation (helped by years of local knowledge andexperience) included an information pack containing a detailed itineraryand well-researched historical background material. They even added theservices of a local guide Thalia (graduate in literature and French). Suchpainstaking attention to detail left little to chance. Thus they beckoned uson a journey back in time. We were agog with anticipation!

The first evening witnessed our pilgrim’s baptismal initiation by the RightReverend Michael Lewis, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, whose talk im-mersed us into the Christian history of the island – a scintillating tour deforce spanning two millennia. What an aperitif to whet our pilgrim’sappetite!

Thalia (one of the three Graces in Greek mythology) reminded us of thelikely route that Paul and Barnabas took on their first missionary journeybetween AD45 – 49 (Acts 13 and 14). The first leg involved footslogging thelength of Cyprus from Salamis in the east to Paphos in the west – some 125miles that would have taken a week or more. The likely route was along the1st century south coast Roman road that passed through the importantcities and cult centres of the island (that Augustus Caesar had made aprovince under a proconsul in 22BC). These would have included Citium(present day Kition in Larnaca), Amathus (eastern Limassol), Curium(Kurion), finally travelling past Aphrodite’s birthplace before reachingPaphos.

Although Acts mentions only Salamis and Paphos, Paul and Barnabas(a native Jew of Cyprus) probably stayed the night at church houses ownedby fellow Christians who had fled to the island because of persecution fol-lowing the martyrdom of Stephen c. AD32 in Jerusalem (Acts 11:19).Saul, who approved of the killing (Acts 8:1), became a persecutor of thechurch


Grace left us with advice on crossing the street in Delhi and, with Johnaccompanying her on the Ocarina, a South American wind instrument,closed the evening with a walk through a forest.All the poems were met with great applause and, where appropriate, laugh-ter. Both John and Grace added to the enjoyment of the poems by the en-thusiasm and emotion put into the readings and it was easy to see whythey both have won prestigious awards for their work, too many to detailhere.The evening raised about £715.00 for the Foundation which assists familiesin buying uniforms, bags, books and other equipment to enable their chil-dren to go to school rather than work in the fields or break stones and chopfirewood. We can certainly feel that the proceeds of a very enjoyable eve-ning for us will be put to very good use in Ghana.Thanks are due to Yaa for organising the evening, her partner Ray for thecooking and everyone else who assisted.

GOAT CURRY and MORE

The Flier promised an African-Caribbean Harvest Supper but how many ofthe 60 attending were expecting the delicacy of Goat Curry? Well, it wasone of the items on the Menu, the others being Jerk Chicken and avegetarian option.Everyone agreed that the food was delicious, spicy but not too hot.After the meal, catered by Cummin Up, we were persuaded on to the DanceFloor by Ernest Kwame Obeng who taught us various African dance moves,with varying levels of success. His enthusiasm got the majority of thosepresent on the floor and we all enjoyed the exercise! Ernest was backedwith African music from DJ Tony KalumeIn a break in the dancing, we were given a quiz on African related subjects,from geography to famous men and women, set by Pat and Ronnie Hunter.Much scratching of the heads took place and the winners, friends of Yaa,had 36 out of 40. The second place was claimed by Geoffrey Theobald andTricia Stevens.Then it was back to the dancing and more strenuous moves. Surprisinglyno complaints were heard on Sunday of any aches and pains!The only damper on the evening was the absence of Yaa who had gone toJapan to be with her daughter who had had a serious accident. We werepleased to learn that Lauren is making a recovery. It certainly was aHarvest Supper with a difference and raised £300 for the Lovey Founda-tion. Many thanks to all involved in the organisation and execution of theevening.

David Stevens

CYPRUS PILGRIMAGE IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL

Our easyJet plane touched down at Paphos after a four-hour flight that wasuneventful. However the next week was anything but…..We were greetedwarmly by Peter and Margaret Rose in the Cypriot afternoon sunshine.Their impeccable organisation (helped by years of local knowledge andexperience) included an information pack containing a detailed itineraryand well-researched historical background material. They even added theservices of a local guide Thalia (graduate in literature and French). Suchpainstaking attention to detail left little to chance. Thus they beckoned uson a journey back in time. We were agog with anticipation!

The first evening witnessed our pilgrim’s baptismal initiation by the RightReverend Michael Lewis, Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, whose talk im-mersed us into the Christian history of the island – a scintillating tour deforce spanning two millennia. What an aperitif to whet our pilgrim’sappetite!

Thalia (one of the three Graces in Greek mythology) reminded us of thelikely route that Paul and Barnabas took on their first missionary journeybetween AD45 – 49 (Acts 13 and 14). The first leg involved footslogging thelength of Cyprus from Salamis in the east to Paphos in the west – some 125miles that would have taken a week or more. The likely route was along the1st century south coast Roman road that passed through the importantcities and cult centres of the island (that Augustus Caesar had made aprovince under a proconsul in 22BC). These would have included Citium(present day Kition in Larnaca), Amathus (eastern Limassol), Curium(Kurion), finally travelling past Aphrodite’s birthplace before reachingPaphos.

Although Acts mentions only Salamis and Paphos, Paul and Barnabas(a native Jew of Cyprus) probably stayed the night at church houses ownedby fellow Christians who had fled to the island because of persecution fol-lowing the martyrdom of Stephen c. AD32 in Jerusalem (Acts 11:19).Saul, who approved of the killing (Acts 8:1), became a persecutor of thechurch


to a bygone era.After leaving Salamis an early port ofcall for Paul and Barnabas en route toPaphos may have been Kition some 45miles west. Here we learnt that, ac-cording to Eastern Orthodox tradition,Lazarus of Bethany, after being raisedfrom the dead by Jesus, (John 11:1-44), was forced to flee to Cyprus be-cause of plots against his life. He wasappointed Bishop of Kition by Paul andBarnabas and tradition suggests thathis sisters Mary and Martha visited him there. He died 30 years later andthe Church of St Lazarus was built over his tomb.

Travelling onwards for some 25 miles they would have encountered the cul-tic sanctuary of Aphrodite at Amathus – now inruins. A further day’s journey and another sanctuary would have jarredtheir sensitivities – the Temple of Apollo – near Kurion with its Greco-Roman theatre (this has now been restored to accommodate live theatreand musical performances).Their final 36 mile Augustan road to Paphos wound past the rock formationof Aphrodite’s birthplace, made famous in Botticelli’s painting “The birth ofVenus” (the Roman equivalent of Aphrodite). Legend has it that swimminground the rocks at full moon endows one with eternal youthful beauty. Co-incidentally, we visited the place on full moon day but none of the pilgrimparty was zealous enough to venture into the sea (“the water was too cold”)!

By contrast, the proselytising zeal of the two intrepid travellers spurredthem on their final leg to Paphos, Roman capital of Cyprus. Here they weresummoned by the intelligent proconsul, Sergius Paulus, anxious to hearthe word of God. But a Jewish magician and false prophet, Bar-Jesus,(Elymas in Greek), attendant of the proconsul, tried to prevent his conver-sion (Acts 13:6-12). Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, temporarily blinded the

before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus c. AD34.

Saul of Tarsus changed his Jewish name to the Greco-Roman Paul in Cy-prus to facilitate preaching to the Gentiles. He and Barnabas were commis-sioned by the Holy Spirit for the evangelisation of Gentiles in foreign lands(Acts 13:2-3). Thus they departed c. AD45 from Antioch in Syria (modernAntakya, southern Turkey) where the Jesus followers were first calledChristians (Acts 11:26) to the nearby Mediterranean port of Seleucia. Theyset sail to Salamis. There they proclaimed the word of God in the syna-gogues and John Mark (the evangelist and cousin of Barnabas) acted astheir assistant (Acts 13:4-5).

At Salamis lies the tomb of StBarnabas. Christian tradition iden-tifies him as the founder of theCypriot Church and describes howin AD61 he was dragged out of thesynagogue, tortured and thenstoned to death. John Markinterred the body at a location thatlay hidden for four centuries. InAD480 Archbishop Anthemios hada dream revealing thelocation of the body with Matthew’sGospel on his chest. Anthemios founded the Church of St. Barnabas. Theoriginal building was replaced by the present 18th century church/monastery which is now an icon museum that still retains an air of sanctityand remains a place of pilgrimage. We paid our respects at the nearby sep-ulchre below the chapel and Reader Michael led us in reverent remem-brance of the patron Saint of Cyprus.

While in the vicinity we availed ourselves of the opportunity of seeing exca-vated Roman ruins of ancient Salamis which was devastated by a majorearthquake in the 4th century, though the restored amphitheatre and gym-nasium remain silent witnesses


to a bygone era.After leaving Salamis an early port ofcall for Paul and Barnabas en route toPaphos may have been Kition some 45miles west. Here we learnt that, ac-cording to Eastern Orthodox tradition,Lazarus of Bethany, after being raisedfrom the dead by Jesus, (John 11:1-44), was forced to flee to Cyprus be-cause of plots against his life. He wasappointed Bishop of Kition by Paul andBarnabas and tradition suggests thathis sisters Mary and Martha visited him there. He died 30 years later andthe Church of St Lazarus was built over his tomb.

Travelling onwards for some 25 miles they would have encountered the cul-tic sanctuary of Aphrodite at Amathus – now inruins. A further day’s journey and another sanctuary would have jarredtheir sensitivities – the Temple of Apollo – near Kurion with its Greco-Roman theatre (this has now been restored to accommodate live theatreand musical performances).Their final 36 mile Augustan road to Paphos wound past the rock formationof Aphrodite’s birthplace, made famous in Botticelli’s painting “The birth ofVenus” (the Roman equivalent of Aphrodite). Legend has it that swimminground the rocks at full moon endows one with eternal youthful beauty. Co-incidentally, we visited the place on full moon day but none of the pilgrimparty was zealous enough to venture into the sea (“the water was too cold”)!

By contrast, the proselytising zeal of the two intrepid travellers spurredthem on their final leg to Paphos, Roman capital of Cyprus. Here they weresummoned by the intelligent proconsul, Sergius Paulus, anxious to hearthe word of God. But a Jewish magician and false prophet, Bar-Jesus,(Elymas in Greek), attendant of the proconsul, tried to prevent his conver-sion (Acts 13:6-12). Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, temporarily blinded the

before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus c. AD34.

Saul of Tarsus changed his Jewish name to the Greco-Roman Paul in Cy-prus to facilitate preaching to the Gentiles. He and Barnabas were commis-sioned by the Holy Spirit for the evangelisation of Gentiles in foreign lands(Acts 13:2-3). Thus they departed c. AD45 from Antioch in Syria (modernAntakya, southern Turkey) where the Jesus followers were first calledChristians (Acts 11:26) to the nearby Mediterranean port of Seleucia. Theyset sail to Salamis. There they proclaimed the word of God in the syna-gogues and John Mark (the evangelist and cousin of Barnabas) acted astheir assistant (Acts 13:4-5).

At Salamis lies the tomb of StBarnabas. Christian tradition iden-tifies him as the founder of theCypriot Church and describes howin AD61 he was dragged out of thesynagogue, tortured and thenstoned to death. John Markinterred the body at a location thatlay hidden for four centuries. InAD480 Archbishop Anthemios hada dream revealing thelocation of the body with Matthew’sGospel on his chest. Anthemios founded the Church of St. Barnabas. Theoriginal building was replaced by the present 18th century church/monastery which is now an icon museum that still retains an air of sanctityand remains a place of pilgrimage. We paid our respects at the nearby sep-ulchre below the chapel and Reader Michael led us in reverent remem-brance of the patron Saint of Cyprus.

While in the vicinity we availed ourselves of the opportunity of seeing exca-vated Roman ruins of ancient Salamis which was devastated by a majorearthquake in the 4th century, though the restored amphitheatre and gym-nasium remain silent witnesses


sorcerer. The proconsul, having witnessed this awe-inspiring feat, believedand thus became the first Christian ruler of a Roman province (c. AD47).This first miracle of Paul marks his name change from Saul in the NewTestament. Today, the proconsul’s villa is part of an archaeological parkdesignated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

As pilgrims we also gathered at St. Paul’s Pillar in front of the ruins of a 4th

century Christian basilica. Here the Apostle was allegedly tied and floggedfor his faith, as he often was (2 Cor 11: 24). We were led in prayer by Dea-con Helen commemorating Paul’s apostleship, suffering and martyrdom inRome (c. AD67) for the Faith. At the nearby Church of Ayia Kyriaki (c.AD1500), our group was warmly welcomed and we attended a SundayEucharist service (with Confirmation) celebrated by Bishop Michael.

On our final day Rev. Fr. Felix officiated at a Service stressing our own cul-ture of faith that Paul and Barnabas had left behind. Having completed thefirst leg of their mission in Cyprus they left Paphos sailing north to Perga inPamphylia and beyond to spread the Gospel in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).We, too, after an eight-day pilgrimage, left in our easyJet time machineflying back to England in the 21st century.

We have come back with fresh insights and a deeper awareness of St Paul’slegacy. His Apostleship to the Gentiles explained the Faith as“Christocentric” – embracing Jesus Christ as Saviour to us all. This tent-maker, an educated Pharisee, and passionate missionary was the first greatChristian theologian who has 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament at-tributed to him. He has certainly left an enduring legacy 2000 years later toalmost 2.2 billion (32%) of the world’s population.

We are, indeed, most grateful to Peter and Margaret for, what was by all ac-counts, a labour of love enabling us all to cherish such treasured memories.

Dr Luke Fernandes

OUR REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES:

8am, Holy Communion and 10.15am, Parish Eucharist. Also at 10.15am,“Time for God”, informal worship for all, in the Church HallOn the 3rd Sunday of each month there is a single Family Eucharist inChurch at 10.15Eucharist: Thursday at 10.30am followed by Coffee and onSaturday at 9am

December 20131st : Advent I, Advent Reflections, 5pmChristmas Show, Pre-Prep Lancing school,10.15am2nd : Tea Club, 1.30pm7th : Christmas Fayre, 10am to 1pm, in the Hall7th :Brighton Chamber Choir in Concert, 7pm11th : B&H J Girls School Carol Concert, 4pm13th :Lancing Prep School Carol Concert, 2pm13th : Light up a Life, A service of Remembrance, 7pm14th : Brighton Voices in Concert, 3pm15th : Children’s Christmas party, 12pm17th :Stanford Junior (3 & 4), Carol Concert, 2pm18th :Stanford Junior (5 & 6), Carol Concert, 2pm22nd :Carol Service, 5pm24th : Christmas eve, Crib Service, 6pm24th : Midnight Mass, 11.30pm25th :Eucharist, 8am and Family Eucharist, 10.15am

January 20145th : EPIPHANY20th : Grub Club

February 20142nd : Candlemas, Christingle & FIRST COMMUNIONS, 10.15am3rd Tea Club, 1.30pm17th : Grub Club16th : Brownies’ Sunday (Family Eucharist)10.15am


sorcerer. The proconsul, having witnessed this awe-inspiring feat, believedand thus became the first Christian ruler of a Roman province (c. AD47).This first miracle of Paul marks his name change from Saul in the NewTestament. Today, the proconsul’s villa is part of an archaeological parkdesignated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

As pilgrims we also gathered at St. Paul’s Pillar in front of the ruins of a 4th

century Christian basilica. Here the Apostle was allegedly tied and floggedfor his faith, as he often was (2 Cor 11: 24). We were led in prayer by Dea-con Helen commemorating Paul’s apostleship, suffering and martyrdom inRome (c. AD67) for the Faith. At the nearby Church of Ayia Kyriaki (c.AD1500), our group was warmly welcomed and we attended a SundayEucharist service (with Confirmation) celebrated by Bishop Michael.

On our final day Rev. Fr. Felix officiated at a Service stressing our own cul-ture of faith that Paul and Barnabas had left behind. Having completed thefirst leg of their mission in Cyprus they left Paphos sailing north to Perga inPamphylia and beyond to spread the Gospel in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).We, too, after an eight-day pilgrimage, left in our easyJet time machineflying back to England in the 21st century.

We have come back with fresh insights and a deeper awareness of St Paul’slegacy. His Apostleship to the Gentiles explained the Faith as“Christocentric” – embracing Jesus Christ as Saviour to us all. This tent-maker, an educated Pharisee, and passionate missionary was the first greatChristian theologian who has 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament at-tributed to him. He has certainly left an enduring legacy 2000 years later toalmost 2.2 billion (32%) of the world’s population.

We are, indeed, most grateful to Peter and Margaret for, what was by all ac-counts, a labour of love enabling us all to cherish such treasured memories.

Dr Luke Fernandes

OUR REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES:

8am, Holy Communion and 10.15am, Parish Eucharist. Also at 10.15am,“Time for God”, informal worship for all, in the Church HallOn the 3rd Sunday of each month there is a single Family Eucharist inChurch at 10.15Eucharist: Thursday at 10.30am followed by Coffee and onSaturday at 9am

December 20131st : Advent I, Advent Reflections, 5pmChristmas Show, Pre-Prep Lancing school,10.15am2nd : Tea Club, 1.30pm7th : Christmas Fayre, 10am to 1pm, in the Hall7th :Brighton Chamber Choir in Concert, 7pm11th : B&H J Girls School Carol Concert, 4pm13th :Lancing Prep School Carol Concert, 2pm13th : Light up a Life, A service of Remembrance, 7pm14th : Brighton Voices in Concert, 3pm15th : Children’s Christmas party, 12pm17th :Stanford Junior (3 & 4), Carol Concert, 2pm18th :Stanford Junior (5 & 6), Carol Concert, 2pm22nd :Carol Service, 5pm24th : Christmas eve, Crib Service, 6pm24th : Midnight Mass, 11.30pm25th :Eucharist, 8am and Family Eucharist, 10.15am

January 20145th : EPIPHANY20th : Grub Club

February 20142nd : Candlemas, Christingle & FIRST COMMUNIONS, 10.15am3rd Tea Club, 1.30pm17th : Grub Club16th : Brownies’ Sunday (Family Eucharist)10.15am


Our Church and the web

It is now nearly three years since we launched our new web site. Manypeople already visit it regularly, but if you don’t here’s why you should andhow you can help the site grow.

The front page of the site is updated every week to give details of the forth-coming Sunday services. Each Saturday we upload the next day’s weeklysheet so you can check out the hymns, readings and notices; when there isa family or other special service we upload the complete service sheet. Andlinks to these sheets (back to 2011) are maintained in the “archive” sectionof the site.

The front page also has the latest news and events, with relevant links, andpoints the reader to our picture and document archives. There are forexample many pictures relating to the African charities we support – theLovey Foundation and iZulu – and you can see pictures from the recent Cy-prus Pilgrimage. Documents available include Parish magazines, newslet-ters and previous years’ Christmas Cards.

Donations

A new addition to the site has been the facility to accept donations on-linethrough BT MyDonate. This is not a replacement for our established meansof giving, but it means that people who live away from Brighton who are incontact with the Church can simply make an on-line donation using theirdebit or credit card.

Members' pages

When I developed the site, the PCC said that we should have an area spe-cifically for Church members. The thinking was that this would provide anadditional source of information on rotas etc and would also provide the fa-cility to hold papers relating to the PCC and its sub-committees. Many rotasare now on the site, but to date only PCC documents are available on thesite – other committee chairs please note!


Free Estimates Free Estimates

R. L A N C A S T E R

PROPERTYMAINTENANCE

67 BROOMFIELD DRIVE,MILE OAK, PORTSLADE01273 419914; 07512012937

Interior & Exterior PaintingFull Property Maintenance

Guttering & FasciasPVC & Timber Windows Supplied & Fitted

Locks FittedCarpet Cleaning

-----------------------------------------------

Marianne FarleyCleaning Service

01273 595740 or 07961 566539Any Time

Domestic & Commercial CleansHourly & Set Price Rates

Builder CleansMoving In/Out Cleans

Carpet Cleaning

Our Church and the web

It is now nearly three years since we launched our new web site. Manypeople already visit it regularly, but if you don’t here’s why you should andhow you can help the site grow.

The front page of the site is updated every week to give details of the forth-coming Sunday services. Each Saturday we upload the next day’s weeklysheet so you can check out the hymns, readings and notices; when there isa family or other special service we upload the complete service sheet. Andlinks to these sheets (back to 2011) are maintained in the “archive” sectionof the site.

The front page also has the latest news and events, with relevant links, andpoints the reader to our picture and document archives. There are forexample many pictures relating to the African charities we support – theLovey Foundation and iZulu – and you can see pictures from the recent Cy-prus Pilgrimage. Documents available include Parish magazines, newslet-ters and previous years’ Christmas Cards.

Donations

A new addition to the site has been the facility to accept donations on-linethrough BT MyDonate. This is not a replacement for our established meansof giving, but it means that people who live away from Brighton who are incontact with the Church can simply make an on-line donation using theirdebit or credit card.

Members' pages

When I developed the site, the PCC said that we should have an area spe-cifically for Church members. The thinking was that this would provide anadditional source of information on rotas etc and would also provide the fa-cility to hold papers relating to the PCC and its sub-committees. Many rotasare now on the site, but to date only PCC documents are available on thesite – other committee chairs please note!


Free Estimates Free Estimates

R. L A N C A S T E R

PROPERTYMAINTENANCE

67 BROOMFIELD DRIVE,MILE OAK, PORTSLADE01273 419914; 07512012937

Interior & Exterior PaintingFull Property Maintenance

Guttering & FasciasPVC & Timber Windows Supplied & Fitted

Locks FittedCarpet Cleaning

-----------------------------------------------

Marianne FarleyCleaning Service

01273 595740 or 07961 566539Any Time

Domestic & Commercial CleansHourly & Set Price Rates

Builder CleansMoving In/Out Cleans

Carpet Cleaning

The PCC wanted a degree of “protection” to be given to the Mem-bers' Pages. They asked that this should be at two levels: a gen-eral username/password to access most of the members' areaand more specific combinations for some purposes, for examplefor access to PCC documents and to see the Ministers of Com-munion rota (which contains some details of vulnerable adultswho we visit).

I have published the general members' access details widely. Toremind you the username is cgs11 and password 11sheep. Thereis a fair amount of open information on the front page of themembers' area and also a form anyone can fill in to requestaccess details.

If you are a member of the PCC or a Minister of Communion, youwill have been given a special password; this not only gives youaccess to the area relevant to you, it also provides general accessto the members' area

I do hope you will browse through the web site, where I am sureyou will find other important areas, for example: the In Memor-iam pages which have details and pictures of some of those whoare no longer with us (including a record of ashes interred in theStoneham memorial garden); Time for God, including a link tothe presence on Facebook; past and forthcoming events, and aChurch calendar'

For younger people social media such as Facebook and Twitterare an essential means of communication. Time for God man-ages our presence on Facebook. Twitter lets us send short mes-sages to all those who “follow” us. So if you have a Twitter ac-count please follow us at @GoodShepherdBtn (the Diocese fol-lows us and has even retweeted one of our tweets).

Help needed

Web sites and social media are an increasingly important meansof communications for any organisation. But to be effective theymust be kept up to date. As the content of our site grows, this


becomes difficult for one or two people to manage. Apart frommyself, the people that work on the site regularly are MichaelMiller (front page) and Sheenah Richardson (Church hall pages).Deacon Helen is also beginning to build her page and one or twoothers add content to specific pages.

What we need now is help in three areas: PCC sub-committeescan think about how they can use the web site and whether oneof the members can take on responsibility for editing their pages;I would welcome one or two volunteers to concentrate on editingand updating an individual section of the site; and we needsomeone to review the site regularly to make sure pages do notgo out of date and links make sense. And where I have alreadygiven you editorial “privileges” please think whether you aremaking the most of the pages that are available to you.

So I hope this article has convinced the sceptics that there ismuch of value and use on the Good Shepherd web site. At pre-sent we get around 250 “hits” a week. These include one personmaking several visits and are small beer compared to the BBCweb site. But these hits still represent an important addition toour outreach.

If you have not so far looked at the site please go towww.goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk to see what is available.

Peter Rose

THE UNCONDITIONAL GIFT

It was one of those moments I had been dreading. My twelveyear old grandson wanted help with his religious studies. ‘Canyou tell me in a few words’ he asked, ‘what is the purpose of lifefor a Christian?’

How could I explain to anyone, let alone a child, that life itselfhas no purpose? I proceeded with what I thought would be ahelpful and meaningful explanation along the following lines.


The PCC wanted a degree of “protection” to be given to the Mem-bers' Pages. They asked that this should be at two levels: a gen-eral username/password to access most of the members' areaand more specific combinations for some purposes, for examplefor access to PCC documents and to see the Ministers of Com-munion rota (which contains some details of vulnerable adultswho we visit).

I have published the general members' access details widely. Toremind you the username is cgs11 and password 11sheep. Thereis a fair amount of open information on the front page of themembers' area and also a form anyone can fill in to requestaccess details.

If you are a member of the PCC or a Minister of Communion, youwill have been given a special password; this not only gives youaccess to the area relevant to you, it also provides general accessto the members' area

I do hope you will browse through the web site, where I am sureyou will find other important areas, for example: the In Memor-iam pages which have details and pictures of some of those whoare no longer with us (including a record of ashes interred in theStoneham memorial garden); Time for God, including a link tothe presence on Facebook; past and forthcoming events, and aChurch calendar'

For younger people social media such as Facebook and Twitterare an essential means of communication. Time for God man-ages our presence on Facebook. Twitter lets us send short mes-sages to all those who “follow” us. So if you have a Twitter ac-count please follow us at @GoodShepherdBtn (the Diocese fol-lows us and has even retweeted one of our tweets).

Help needed

Web sites and social media are an increasingly important meansof communications for any organisation. But to be effective theymust be kept up to date. As the content of our site grows, this


becomes difficult for one or two people to manage. Apart frommyself, the people that work on the site regularly are MichaelMiller (front page) and Sheenah Richardson (Church hall pages).Deacon Helen is also beginning to build her page and one or twoothers add content to specific pages.

What we need now is help in three areas: PCC sub-committeescan think about how they can use the web site and whether oneof the members can take on responsibility for editing their pages;I would welcome one or two volunteers to concentrate on editingand updating an individual section of the site; and we needsomeone to review the site regularly to make sure pages do notgo out of date and links make sense. And where I have alreadygiven you editorial “privileges” please think whether you aremaking the most of the pages that are available to you.

So I hope this article has convinced the sceptics that there ismuch of value and use on the Good Shepherd web site. At pre-sent we get around 250 “hits” a week. These include one personmaking several visits and are small beer compared to the BBCweb site. But these hits still represent an important addition toour outreach.

If you have not so far looked at the site please go towww.goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk to see what is available.

Peter Rose

THE UNCONDITIONAL GIFT

It was one of those moments I had been dreading. My twelveyear old grandson wanted help with his religious studies. ‘Canyou tell me in a few words’ he asked, ‘what is the purpose of lifefor a Christian?’

How could I explain to anyone, let alone a child, that life itselfhas no purpose? I proceeded with what I thought would be ahelpful and meaningful explanation along the following lines.


When you put on your shoes and go out of the house it is for avariety of different reasons. It may be to play in the park, to goto school, or to meet friends in town. Each reason is the purposefor leaving, but ‘leaving’ is like ‘living’, it merely describes a stateor an action, but it lacks a purpose until we give it one. ‘Life’and ‘living’ are similar words. It is for ourselves to find purposeor we would not be able to live. Life is like a book with blankpages. Each one of us must fill in the pages as we travel alongour life span.

I refrained from introducing God as he had explained that hewas a convinced atheist. He appeared to be satisfied with myexplanation, but he had been set the task of writing up hisinvestigations and produced the following text at school:

When Christians leave the house they do so for good reasons’.

This is, of course, a good recommendation for believers but arather incomplete explanation of Christian doctrine. No doubthe will raise this and similar challenging questions again, andperhaps I will add something on the following lines for him toconsider.

Atheists see life as an aspect of the universe but Christians,whilst not in disagreement, take this a step further by regardingit as a gift. At this point I suspect that many atheists would alsobe in agreement. A gift is something given freely, unilaterallyand unconditionally. There are no restrictions on how we liveour lives, save those imposed by our environment and man-made laws. Life is simply ‘being’ and is celebrated by Christiansas a gift from God. The state of being bears no imprint ofpurpose, but the Biblical account of creation does contain themysterious words that humankind is made ‘in the image of God’.These words, difficult as they are to interpret, still ring down theages. I believe that at the core of our being there is what, forlack of better words, I can only describe as ‘the human factor’where the font of truth, justice, love and mercy resides. As StPaul might say, ‘the greatest of these is love’. This is God’s im-age reflected in us.

What guidance, then, can we find to frame our purposes forliving? It is here that Jesus comes to our aid as the person whounderstands more than anyone what lies at the core of ourhumanity. Jesus in his life and death reveals the power of love,and how we should put this love into action.

Christmas is approaching. It is a time for us to rejoice in theknowledge that life is a wonderful, complete and unconditionalgift. We have no need to look over our shoulders in fear of avengeful deity or retribution in any after-life. To the contrary, weshould look forward joyfully in the light of Christ’s presence andteaching. Let us then exchange presents as tokens of ourunconditional love for one another – free of any purpose orreservation – and rejoice in the great gift of love which isChristmas.

David Nissen

TEA CLUBThe Tea Club has had another very enjoyable November outingto Ditchling Garden centre on a beautiful, sunny, afternoon tosee the Christmas decorations, get ideas for presents and enjoytea and cakes or whatever took their fancy. A big thank you toour volunteer drivers, without you these outings could not takeplace. Next month on December 2nd, we are looking forward toour annual party and being entertained by the wonderful youngpeople from Lancing Prep, it is always one of the highlights of theyear. There will be no meeting in January but in February wewill have Gentle Exercises which had to be postponed and inMarch, an exciting new event, a fish and chip lunch followed bya talk on the Fishermens Mission by Deacon Helen. We are ex-pecting this to be very popular and will let everyone know all thedetails later on. We welcome new members at any time, justcome along to the Church Hall at 1.30pm on the first Monday ofevery month except January and August. We send our bestwishes to our friends who haven’t been very well lately and wisheveryone a happy, blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy NewYear.

Marguerite Harland..


When you put on your shoes and go out of the house it is for avariety of different reasons. It may be to play in the park, to goto school, or to meet friends in town. Each reason is the purposefor leaving, but ‘leaving’ is like ‘living’, it merely describes a stateor an action, but it lacks a purpose until we give it one. ‘Life’and ‘living’ are similar words. It is for ourselves to find purposeor we would not be able to live. Life is like a book with blankpages. Each one of us must fill in the pages as we travel alongour life span.

I refrained from introducing God as he had explained that hewas a convinced atheist. He appeared to be satisfied with myexplanation, but he had been set the task of writing up hisinvestigations and produced the following text at school:

When Christians leave the house they do so for good reasons’.

This is, of course, a good recommendation for believers but arather incomplete explanation of Christian doctrine. No doubthe will raise this and similar challenging questions again, andperhaps I will add something on the following lines for him toconsider.

Atheists see life as an aspect of the universe but Christians,whilst not in disagreement, take this a step further by regardingit as a gift. At this point I suspect that many atheists would alsobe in agreement. A gift is something given freely, unilaterallyand unconditionally. There are no restrictions on how we liveour lives, save those imposed by our environment and man-made laws. Life is simply ‘being’ and is celebrated by Christiansas a gift from God. The state of being bears no imprint ofpurpose, but the Biblical account of creation does contain themysterious words that humankind is made ‘in the image of God’.These words, difficult as they are to interpret, still ring down theages. I believe that at the core of our being there is what, forlack of better words, I can only describe as ‘the human factor’where the font of truth, justice, love and mercy resides. As StPaul might say, ‘the greatest of these is love’. This is God’s im-age reflected in us.

What guidance, then, can we find to frame our purposes forliving? It is here that Jesus comes to our aid as the person whounderstands more than anyone what lies at the core of ourhumanity. Jesus in his life and death reveals the power of love,and how we should put this love into action.

Christmas is approaching. It is a time for us to rejoice in theknowledge that life is a wonderful, complete and unconditionalgift. We have no need to look over our shoulders in fear of avengeful deity or retribution in any after-life. To the contrary, weshould look forward joyfully in the light of Christ’s presence andteaching. Let us then exchange presents as tokens of ourunconditional love for one another – free of any purpose orreservation – and rejoice in the great gift of love which isChristmas.

David Nissen

TEA CLUBThe Tea Club has had another very enjoyable November outingto Ditchling Garden centre on a beautiful, sunny, afternoon tosee the Christmas decorations, get ideas for presents and enjoytea and cakes or whatever took their fancy. A big thank you toour volunteer drivers, without you these outings could not takeplace. Next month on December 2nd, we are looking forward toour annual party and being entertained by the wonderful youngpeople from Lancing Prep, it is always one of the highlights of theyear. There will be no meeting in January but in February wewill have Gentle Exercises which had to be postponed and inMarch, an exciting new event, a fish and chip lunch followed bya talk on the Fishermens Mission by Deacon Helen. We are ex-pecting this to be very popular and will let everyone know all thedetails later on. We welcome new members at any time, justcome along to the Church Hall at 1.30pm on the first Monday ofevery month except January and August. We send our bestwishes to our friends who haven’t been very well lately and wisheveryone a happy, blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy NewYear.

Marguerite Harland..


Our Service TimesSunday Worship

8am Holy Communion10:15 Sung Eucharist*10:15 Time for God**

6.30pm: check on the web*On the 3rd Sunday of eachmonth this will be a FamilyEucharist to which children areparticularly welcome.** Time for God” Services areheld in the Church Hall.

Weekday EucharistThursday:10:30am

Saturday: 9am=====================

MagazineContributions to the magazineare welcome. Please leave copyat the back of Church by 15th ofevery Feb., May, Aug. and Nov.or [email protected] or to The Vicar—————————————-

Tea ClubMeets on the first Monday ofthe month at 1.30pm. We wel-come all who are 50 years plus,and would like some company.Just come along. Tel. Margue-rite Harland 503040;[email protected]

Hall Bookings:Tel. Sheena on 07932591172

or [email protected]

Grub ClubMeets on third Monday of themonth. All welcome. Please con-tact Daisy Walpole at (508600)or Pat Hunter at (555954)

ChoirChoir practice: Sunday morningat 9. All are welcome. Pleasecontact: Derek Froud (681007)

FlowersIf you would like to donate anarrangement in memory ofsomeone or help with the flowerarranging, please contactchurch office 882987.

Stewardship SecretaryDavid Nissen1 Shirley Road, Hove, BN3 6NNTel (01273) [email protected]

Bell RingingRinging practice every Tuesdayevening in the Tower. New ring-ers are always welcome. Pleasecontact Pat Hunter (555954)

Notice-boardsInformation (lists and posters)for the notice boards may beplaced in the tray in the churchporch windowsill or contactGloria Cruttenden (505225).
