This day, Father, may my eyes be opened

to see the beauty in all that is ordinary - yet special-

around me. May the glory of all that you have made

remind me of your presence and lead me closer to you. Amen

www.sleafordparishchurch.co.uk

October

2017

St Denys Bulletin

Prayer for the month of October

Welcome to the October issue of the

St Denys Bulletin

St Denys has a new Prayer Diary, of which you will

find a copy, to keep, inside this issue of the bulletin.

Winter Fayre - please have a look at the page and see if you are able to help with any of the requests

for donations.

ITEMS FOR THE BULLETIN

If you have an item you would like included in the St Denys Bulletin please email to

office.stdenys1@btinternet.com, by the Wednesday before the first Friday of every month. No bulletin in August or January.

FAMILY REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Sunday, 29th October

4pm at St Denys’, Sleaford

This service is open to everyone who wishes to come and pray for a loved one that has died and

to light a candle for them.

The names of all those who have died over the last twelve months will automatically be included on the list that is read out but if you would like the

name of someone else you have lost to be read out, please contact the Parish Office.

We have a list in the office of all those names that have been requested in previous years. To ensure that this list is up to date could you please either

call into the office or email the names of people that you would like included on this list, to check that your names are correct.

Thank you

Parish Administrator

Oct 1st Harvest

8am BCP 10am Holy Communion 6pm Evensong

Oct 8th Patronal Festival

8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 6pm Evensong

Oct 29th Trinity 20 / Bible Sunday 8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion

4pm Family Remembrance 6pm Churches Together

SLEAFORD PARISH CHURCH - OCTOBER SERVICES

Oct 15th Trinity 18

8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 6pm Taizé Oct 22nd Trinity 19

8am Holy Communion 10am Holy Communion 5pm Sunday @ 5 6.45pm Compline Nov 5th All Saints Sunday 8am BCP 10am Holy Communion 6pm Evensong

SUNDAY @ FIVE October 29th

November 26th

Sunday@5 has a contemporary and contemplative feel and is aimed to be accessible to those who don't normally come to church as well as those who have attended for many years. Coffee, hot chocolate and cake served from 4.30pm.

Rev’d Rhona Knight

OTHER SERVICES Each weekday (except Wednesday) at 8.45am Morning

Prayer in St Hugh’s. Every Wednesday at 11am - Holy Communion either in

The Lady Chapel or St Hugh’s The 1st Thursday of every month at 7pm - Holy Communion

VICAR’S LETTER

All is safely gathered in

This is a bold, confident statement in one of the most popular harvest hymns. It is a song of thanksgiving at the conclusion of the harvest – our barns are full, we have food to see us through the winter, all will be well! Thanks be to God!

The next line, however, casts a shadow over this idyllic scene: ‘ere the winter storms begin’! In this line we are not thinking about possibilities but certainties. There will be winter storms! The severity of these storms is not the point: it is the inevitability.

To be caught in the midst of a storm is to experience the sheer power, the force of nature; a consequence is to realise the vulnerability, the fragility of human life. I watched in recent days the video footage of hurricane-force storms that battered and devastated islands of the Caribbean and hit the eastern sea-board of the USA. People were injured, some died; many lost their homes and everything that they owned. For those in Mexico who experienced the recent earthquake (think of a storm within the earth erupting on to the surface) the resultant situation was equally dire.

Hurricanes and tornados do not really feature in British weather reports; earthquakes are both rare and, if they do happen, generally quite small. But winter is still a time of insecurity, of vulnerability: cold, wind, rain, floods… For the most vulnerable in our society (the homeless, the poor, the aged) winter storms are a serious concern.

So, what can we make of this confident statement ‘all is safely gathered in’ that we sing in our harvest hymn? First, it is a song of assurance. God had blessed us through the summer months (the season of growing) and he will not abandon us through the dark months of winter. Secondly, it is a song of the community. It does not say ‘my larder is full: I’m alright’. The fields which provide for the community have been harvested and it is from those communal barns that the community will be fed. Thirdly, it is a hymn of thanksgiving to God: he knows our needs and will provide. But there is the challenge for us, as a community, to ensure that there is provision for all – especially the most vulnerable.

As the colours of the trees mark our transition through autumn into winter, let us never cease to give thanks to God for his goodness but also not to forget the needs of vulnerable people in our communities.

Come, ye thankful people, come, Raise the song of harvest home! All is safely gathered in, Ere the winter storms begin;

God, our Maker, doth provide For our wants to be supplied; Come to God's own temple, come; Raise the song of harvest home!

Fr Philip

INFORMATION AND NOTICES

MOTHERS’ UNION Meetings take place every 4th Tuesday at 2pm in the Church Hall

(except Aug and Dec) Contact through the Parish Office 01529 413607

At our recent meeting, we had a talk about life in China, particularly their way of eating. We learnt that they eat mainly freshly grown produce, cooked in a wok with well-balanced herbs and spices. They eat very little meat. A most interesting afternoon. Our next meeting is on 24th October when we will welcome Elizabeth Page, our Diocesan President, as our speaker.

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER MEETINGS

STANDING COMMITTEE

Monday, 16th October

7pm

ADVERT Do you need your car washed?

Or your grass cut?

I have been selected to go on the Carre’s rugby tour to South Africa in 2020 and I need to raise £2000. If I can do any jobs to help you and raise money for the tour please get in touch.

Hugh Johnson (304348)

EMBRACE the Middle East Coffee Morning

including mulled wine and mince pies will be held in the Parish Hall on Saturday 25th November from 10. 00 to 12.00. Please come along and support us.

Embrace Christmas Catalogue "The Embrace Christmas brochure is at the back of Church. Please have a look through this and if you would like to order anything please see Minyon and we will share the postage. "

Minyon Prescott

Saturday, 4th November 9.30am - 1pm The full list of stalls is at the back of church. Additional help with

the stalls for all or part of the event would also be very much appreciated as we will also be running Explorers for the children in the Parish Centre at the same time.

Winter Fayre 2017

JEWELLERY STALL

We hope to hold another Jewellery stall, so would be grateful for any contributions that you can spare. Many thanks. Helen B Tel: 303443

WINE OR WATER

STALL

Sue and Phil Blackbourn would be grateful for any donations of FULL bottles of wine please.

GRAND DRAW TICKETS Please get your tickets from Brenda Hitchcock

REFRESHMENT STALL

Cakes are requested & will be gratefully received on the day. Please see the list on the noticeboard. Thank you. Pat Hoyland and Jeanne Avidon

BOOK STALL

Donations of

secondhand books please.

OTHER STALLS

Bric a brac

Cakes Tins

CHOCOLATE TOMBOLA

I would be very grateful for any donation to the

Chocolate Tombola stall. These can be left in the office or handed to me. Thank you. Pam Jakeway

St Denys Explorers

FREE and lots of FUN. Please come to the November Explorer’s Church. Meeting at 11am till 1.15pm in The Parish Rooms, St. Denys Church on November 4th. Come early and join in the Winter Fayre and stay for a meal with us after the kid’s craft activities. We are looking at St Paul. St Francis, Mother Julian of Norwich and Mother Theresa, following on with our Saints of Jesus theme. Crafts, stories, games, cooking, singing. Hope to see you there.

INFORMATION AND NOTICES

SLEAFORD KESWICK BIBLE MINISTRY 2017-2018

10th November at 7.30pm Peter Lewis

Peter is a widely-known writer, preacher and conference speak-

er, mainly involved at Corner-stone Church in Nottingham. A large ‘bank’ of his preaching and teaching material is availa-ble on the web in both written and audio form. At present this is mainly in the form of series of sermons on many Bible books which Peter believes is the most important part of his ministry. He preaches systemically through the books of the Bible (expository preaching) applying the ancient text to modern life.

COMMUNICANTS’ GUILD Meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Church Room

Contact Pam on 01529 700105

On 19th September our first meeting after the summer break took the form of a Eucharist in church at which the celebrant was the Vicar. He spoke about Bishop John Coleridge Pattison, first Bishop of Melanesia, who is commemorated on September 20th.

In October, we are looking forward to a talk by former local police inspector, Mr B Rayner, whose subject is “serial killers”. His has called his talk ‘The Merry Widow of Windy Nook’. That meeting is on 18th and members of the congregation who are interested are invited to come along with friends.

Visitors are always welcome, but if you are interested in joining or would like more information, please have a word with leader Pam Jakeway, or just come along to any meeting.

Gill Boutle

SAMARITAN’S

PURSE

Boxes are now

available.

Please collect from

the Parish Office.

INFORMATION AND NOTICES

HOUSE GROUPS

There are two House Groups who meet fortnightly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Please contact terry Regan via the Parish Office.

INFORMATION AND NOTICES

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Bruges visit next year from 26th-30th July. Rev’d Rhona is also hoping to take a group to New Wine next year. The dates for

this are 5th-11th August.

More information on these will be available later in the year.

Intercessions Training Day - 14th Nov at Horncastle. Please let Rev’d Rhona know if you are interested.

ST DENYS’, MEN’S GROUP will meet at the Agra Indian Restaurant on Thursday 12 October 2017 at 7pm. The aim of the group is to have a meal together and talk about what is going on in our lives, in a convivial atmosphere. (It does not exclude football, or rugby, or cricket or politics or faith or anything really) If you would like to attend then please let Al Jenkins know either by email ajenkins016@gmail.com) or see him in church. We are aware that some prefer non-Asian meals. Please be assured that if you would enjoy a European style meal our host will look to accommodate those requests. We hope you can join us. Al.

SLEAFORD HISTORY GROUP

“Social History of Corrugated Iron” by Mr. Ken Hollamby. St. Denys’s Church Room, Thursday, 19 October, at 7.30p.m.

Everybody welcome. [We are assured that this is far more interesting than at first

meets the eye! ]

PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL

ADVENT CAROL SERVICE

Monday 4th December

We are planning a visit to this

event again this year by coach.

The cost is expected to be

£6.50.

If you wish to go please add

your name to the list in the

church

by November 1st at the latest.

Hazel Starks

Renovation of the Rood Screen

The Rood Screen in St Denys consists of two distinct parts, the lower portion believed to be 14th century. In 1918 the eminent architect Sir Ninian Comper restored this at the same time as he added the rood loft and upper portion which is a particularly fine example of detailed woodcarving.

Over time the woodwork had become dull and lifeless, due to thick layers of accumulated dust and dirt. It appears quite likely that the structure may never have been deep cleaned since it was first erected. During the last Quinquennial Inspection in 2016 the architect highlighted this as being in need of urgent attention as the wood was very dry and in danger of splitting or cracking. Also the component parts needed to be checked to ensure they were secure and not in danger of falling.

As a result, the Churchwardens and PCC decided that we should have the whole structure renovated and a Faculty for this was applied for and granted. The task would not be easy due to the sheer height and limited accessibility, requiring suitable scaffolding, etc. The work was carried out by a craftsman from Sleaford-based Northmark. After removing as much loose dirt as possible the woodwork was washed down with a suitable solution and then re-oiled with a natural drying oil which gives a long lasting durable finish. An idea of how dirty the carved wood had become was given by the cleaning fluid, colourless to begin with but rapidly taking on the appearance of black ink! Although the lower level woodwork had not been included in the original specification, the opportunity was taken to clean this as well at no extra cost.

The appearance of this fine example of the woodcarver’s art is now vastly improved and as a finishing touch two new low wattage LED floodlights, provided by a donation, have replaced the old ones. These do not give out any heat, and so do not have an adverse effect on the nearby woodwork. They also consume 90% less power!

The Churchwardens

INSURANCE

The Church's Insurers - Ecclesiastical are celebrating their 130th Anniversary by offering to donate £130 to the church for every new home insurance policy taken out by our congregation up until the 31st May 2018. There is a poster displayed on the board near the North West door about this, and if you would like further details regarding a quote please see Brenda Hitchcock who has the contact number and code to quote. Thank you.

GROUPS MEETING IN THE CHURCH HALL

Group Day Time Frequency

Explorer Scouts Monday 7pm Weekly except Bank holidays and school holidays

Vitality Monday 9.45am and 11am

Weekly

South Lincs Blind Society

Tel: 01205 362654

Monday 2pm The 1st Monday of each month

Weight Watchers Tuesday 10am Weekly all year round

Mothers’ Union Tuesday 2pm Last Tuesday of every month but not Aug or Dec

Communicants’ Guild Tuesday 7pm Monthly on the 3rd Tuesday

Sleaford Museum Trust

Tuesday 7.30pm Alternate months on the 4th Tuesday.

Parent and Toddler Group

Wednesday 9.30am During term time

Sleaford Dementia Support Group

For more details: 07983 588 869

Wednesday 1pm Alternate Wednesdays, 1st and 3rd.

Yoga Wednesday 6.30pm Every Wednesday

Sleaford History Group Thursday 7.30pm Monthly, 3rd Thursday

St Denys Choir Friday 7pm Weekly

St Denys Ringers Friday 7.30pm Weekly

St Denys Explorers Saturday 11am Monthly on the 1st Saturday, No meeting Jan, Apr, Aug and

Sept

Sleaford Widows Group

01526 832935

Saturday 2.30pm Last Saturday in every month except December

BAPTISMS

10th September Laila-Rose Louise Clapton

10th September Bailey Ellis Llewellyn

10th September Aaron Ramsey Edward Millward

24th September Edward Paul Pittam

24th September Logan Peter Pittam

24th September Octavia Saffron Pittam

24th September Everley Rita Spencer

FUNERALS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES

19th September Alfred George Olive

20th September Sheila Janice Cunnington

22nd September Daphne Beatrice Owen

10th October John Brian Carter

Please remember them in your prayers

FROM THE REGISTERS

ONLINE GIVING St Denys has an online giving page. If you would like to make a

donation please follow the link below. www.give.net/sleafordparishchurch

The donation may also be gift aided if required. Any donations will be greatly received to upkeep

Sleaford Parish Church. If you require any more information please call Brenda Hitchcock. 01529 302775

The link is also on the website and the FB page

PATRONAL FESTIVAL THOUGHTS

Last October, Eva and I ventured by Metro line 13 to revisit the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint-Denis, the “mother church”, as it were, of our patron saint’s cult. The building is now gleaming after much [and continuing] restoration, and it was again deeply moving to see what, one trusts, are the relics of St. Denys himself on a special altar at the east end of the choir.

2016 saw the celebration of the 50th. Anniversary of the Diocese of Saint-Denis. This year, on 8 October — the same date as our own patronal festival —

pilgrims from the Cathedral will gather in Montmartre — where Denys was executed - to receive a statue of Denys given by the Carmelite Convent in Frileuse. Then, at 4.30 p.m [local time], the Bishop of Saint-Denis, Pascal Delan-noy, will celebrate solemn mass in the Cathedral.

This Denystide, let us pray for the clergy at the Cathedral: Fathers Jean Jannin, Sostel Boloma, Robert Phalipand Paul Vanderschueren ; the deacons, Patrick Laviolle, Jean Yves Leroy, Phylippe Pavilla, François Quieffin, and Joseph Herveau, and the congregation there.

ST DENYS IN OUR OWN CATHEDRAL

§ Chapel: St. Denys was the original dedication of the present St. George’s/Soldiers’ chapel in the north transept. Somewhere between 1215 and 1222, the Abbot of Bardney gave the Cathedral land in Burton by Lincoln to pay a chaplain to celebrate mass “perpetually” for the departed at the altar of St. Denys.

§13th. century glass: “Angel Choir, south aisle, east window, main-light panel [inv. no.024611]”: this shows Denys, escorted by and angel and carrying his head. § Statue: St. Denys appears above the stall of Welton Rivall [north side of St. Hugh’s choir]. §West portals: Pevsner writes: “For the shafts and the climbing figures Professor Zarnecki has shown as the closest parallel the west portal of Saint-Denis, and this was only completed in 1140”. Bishop Alexander [1123-1148] is credited with this work. [By the way, there is the suggestion that Alexander was buried in St. Denys’s chapel!].

Once again, let us pray for all churches, of whatever tradition, dedicated to Denys, for their clergy and people, be they in this country, the Continent, or even

as far-flung as Guam and Australia!

Douglas Hoare.

BISHOPS’ VISITOR UPDATE

William Alvey School

We are a few weeks into the new school year and everyone is settling into new classes. The new 4 year olds are starting to learn the way of things. They each have an older “buddy” in Y5 to befriend them through the next 2 years and share in some activities together. They have already had a fun Teddy Bears Picnic.

I have been in for Monday's Assembly regularly and reminded the children of all the celebrations for St Denys Day which are approaching - Explorer's church, the date (9th Oct) and when we have Patronal Festival in church this year (8th Oct) as well as the town celebrations on Saturday 14th Oct in the Market Place. The school choirs are singing there. The Vicar has been for the first of his regular visits and talked about “Thankfulness” as part of a theme on Christian values for the assemblies this half term. The Prayer Walks have continued regularly each week with different groups of children. The Parish prayer diary is now on the indoor Prayer Space and the head Teacher also has a copy so school and parish can share prayer topics. This week there were lots of volunteers wanting to go and of all ages so Mr Tapley joined the walk as well. We talked and prayed about a number of things and the recent Mexican earthquake and I showed them a photo of my grand-daughter Gaia with her friends at school and told them the family are all safe in spite of the devastation in Mexico City. Gaia has made a number of brief visits to school when she is in Sleaford so some children and staff remember seeing her.

A group of Y5's (aged 9/10) visited the church on 26th September and we began to look at and learn about the people depicted on our High Altar reredos. They want to find out who they are and what they did. They intend to put on an exhibition in church about what they discover. Do you know who they are? Go up close for a look at them and see if you can find and name the 3 churches that are also pictured.in the background.

Beryl Risdell

Vicar of Sleaford The Rev’d Philip Johnson 01529 304348 revdphilip@aol.com

Assistant Curate The Rev’d Rhona Knight 01529 300237 revrhona@btinternet.com

Rural Dean The Rev’d Christine Pennock 01526 832643

Vicar of Quarrington The Rev’d Mark Thomson 01529 306776

Churchwardens Richard Clash 07714 565678 Philip Starks 01529 307144

Director of Music David Prescott 01529 304581 david@djprescott.uk

SLEAFORD PARISH CHURCH

CONTACTS

Lincolnshire Co-operative Ltd Sleaford Funeral Home

Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons Tel: 01529 306311

PCC Treasurer Brenda Hitchcock 01529 302775

The Parish Office Parish Administrator Paula Ireland Parish Office Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9am—12pm 01529 413607 office.stdenys1@btconnect.com The Parish Office Market Place SLEAFORD NG34 7SH Registered charity No: 1127600 www.sleafordparishchurch.co.uk

Sleaford Parish Church To hire the Church Hall or The Peake Room please enquire at the Parish Office. Baptism and wedding application forms may be downloaded from the website. Enquiries to the Parish Office.