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August/September 2014 50p

Connecting the church and community in East Hull

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The Editor Writes......

On Tolkien and Hull...

Mike leaned forward earnestly

“Actually, I decided to link the centenary of the beginning of WW1 with

the fact that J.R.R. Tolkien himself convalesced in Hull during it. Perhaps

we’ll never know how much inspiration he drew from this area but I had a

mental picture of his hobbit marching from Middle Earth and passing a

signpost to Hull. I used the dark wood to represent war, all twisted,

blackened and entangling !.”

“Gosh. That’s deep Mike.”

Mike shrugged and drank his coffee.

“Well, you know—we arty types.”

I sighed. “Quite.”

“When was Tolkien in Hull anyway?”

“1917” I replied.

“Hey, that will link rather well with Hull’s City of Culture status” said

Mike.

“Can ‘t say I noticed.” I fibbed.

“I shouldn’t worry” said Mike, “I expect they’ll have a decent Editor by then!”

I was seated with the Echo’s chief illustrator, over a welcome mug of coffee.

Here was my chance to shine as a magazine interviewer.

“So Mike, why did you decide to paint that particular picture for our latest

cover?” I waited pen and pad poised.

Mike: “Because you asked me to!”

I sighed, I could see that Mike hadn’t played the interview game much. I

tried again.

Me: “I am supposed to be interviewing you. I am attempting to explore those

vibrant creative processes emanating from and suffusing your artistic

mind!”

Mike (looking surprised): “Oh, er... yes... right... fire away then!”

Me: “Is it perhaps to do with the fact that this year marks the 60th anniver-

sary of the publication of Lord of the Rings?”

Mike: “Is it?”

Me: “Obviously not!”

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TOLKIEN AND

THEOLOGY © Rev. Aian MacPherson

When asked to write a brief article about JRR Tolkien and theology I was delighted. Having read the Silmarillion twice, the Hobbit at least four times and the Lord of the Rings six (without counting the many times I've listened to the BBC radio 4 abridged version on audio cassette) you could say that I'm something of a fan! Some of you may have guessed by now that I am also quite a fan of theology. I sat down at my desk. How, in a few hundred words, can you begin such a task? My an-swer… To begin with I will make no apology for use of the names of characters, races or places from Tolkien's work, if I succeed in raising your interest you must delve into it yourself to learn more. Then you must know two things. First, Tolkien, a devout Catholic, has at least in a broad sense implanted a great deal of theology in his writing. Secondly, he was a great critic of analogy in writing.

Tolkien wrote knowing that epic works of fiction have applicability to the world; the fantasy world of Middle Earth for example is a canvas from which to draw many themes. The fairy story and the epic myth were Tolkien vehicles to explore and express truth. But, Tolkien sees this applicability as lying in the freedom of the reader. Analogy, in which there is a like for like comparison, for example the claim that the Ring is a symbol for the power of nuclear weapons, or that the hobbits represent English people, would have been highly distasteful to Tolkien. Tolkien saw analogy as the forced domination of the author. We may dismiss any simplistic analogy or like-for-like comparisons between his work and the world. Next we must choose a theme. Some have argued that the main theme of the Lord of the Rings is death. Tolkien coined the word ‘eucatastrophe’ for the sudden good that comes about to the protagonist in the face of certain doom that is common within the myth genre: but also said that the Incarnation is the eucatastrophe of "human history" and the Resurrection the eucatastrophe of the Incarnation. Suffice to say there

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are many themes we could choose. However with my remaining words we will pick the theme of the landscape of

Middle Earth.

In the work of Tolkien the landscape is itself a character. This is clearly seen in ‘Leaf by Niggle’ where the seemingly fictional landscape painted by the artist, Niggle, turns out to be only a reflection of a real land. The hobbits, probably Tolkien's most famous creation, are themselves immigrants to the Shire, and though the Shire suits them ideally the entire status of hobbits in the world seems to be that of newcomers. The elves, who are the first people of the world, have the place of asylum seekers and pilgrims, they are constantly departing from the world and going into the West. Where the elves do settle, their work is always to maintain the world as though time did not pass, and yet this work is ultimately seen as futile as each time they move on time quickly moves in and washes away their labours. Even the human peoples of the story tell this tale of transitory existence; the Numenoreans came from the West, the Rohirrim from the North. Gandalf the wizard is known as

the Grey Pilgrim and has no permanent abode whereas Saraman the White after settling in one place becomes corrupted. Aragorn, the true king, spent many years wandering in the wild in a quest to setup a new kingdom out of the ashes of the old, whereas the steward who lives in the tower wishes that things would remain as they had been in his father's day, and succumbs to the insanity of believing he could control his own fate by choosing the time and place of his death. All this adds up to a sense that no one possesses the land, the wise realise that they are guests and not owners. This sense of the independence of the world is I think most clearly seen in three places. First in the questing party's

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attempt to climb Caradhras, a mountain which defeats them quite deliberately, we see the arbitrary or indifferent force of nature. Caradhras does not serve the dark Lord, nor does it allow ‘the good guys’ to pass. We sometimes need to be humble in the face of nature. Secondly the Ents, the tree herders - who look like giant walking trees themselves - come to the rescue both as part of the main storyline of The Lord of the Rings, and play a further part that is only expanded in the appendix. Ents also receive a number of references in the Silmarillion. They represent a more deliberate and less arbitrary use of the power of nature, stirred to wrath by the unjust felling of trees. Again they are not on the side of the elves, dwarves or men but stand against wanton destruction. They are not a power that can be wielded; even the oldest elf is young compared to the Ents who count time by the rise and fall of mountains. Finally Tom Bombadil represents something of the spirit of nature. He is the closest thing in Tolkien's mythological world to what I think Tolkien himself would regard as a fairy.

He is the free spirit, he does not own the land because that would be a burden, but he is the master of himself. He cannot be quenched, conquered or controlled, he is not trustworthy simply because he is not tied down to the worries or responsibilities of ownership. He is a most fascinating and mysterious character, he calls himself eldest; there is a sense in which he is perhaps life in its raw form so nothing can come before him save the creator. What am I suggesting is the theological merit of this view of the landscape? It recalls the fact that the world is gift, given by God the Creator. It gives us a place in that landscape but as stewards and not as owners. We have responsibility to care for the world which is at least equal to our rights to dispose of it. Tolkien's epic fantasy and his depiction of nature reminds us, as does St Paul, the book of Job and the Psalms, that we should stand in awe of the world God has created. Awe is both a recognition of nature's beauty and majesty but also of its power, of its indifference to our brief lives. Ultimately, we may also see nature's ability to

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Finally, it might recall to our minds that we are but visitors to this planet, as Hebrews said of Abraham: he lived in tents because he knew he was a visitor, he was hoping for a better home, a heavenly home. In Tolkien this comes out as the journey to the West, to the undying lands. It is expressed by the seemingly nomadic or new, status of almost all of the free peoples whilst the dark Lord and those like him seek to own, possess, fortify, and hoard the world, even if it results in suffocation of life. Be kind to the visitor in the gates of your city says the Lord and remember that you were strangers in Egypt. Tolkien in his epic way reminds us that the world is not our own, it is God’s and He has given it as a gift to us, yes, but also to itself.

redress the balance as a result of global warming. Catastrophic effects may yet over take those who have had scant regard for the life balance of the world, and natures wrath may still become as evident to us as it was to Saraman as he watched his industrial world crumble before the wrath of the Ents.

DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.......

WEDNESDAY 17th SEPTEMBER 2014

To the editor—drypoolecho@gmail.com

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It was graduation day and the degree presentation ceremony was about to commence. The hall was filled with nervously chattering students dressed in a range of coloured robes and traditional hats. Around them proud parents brushed away their tears and smiled like never before. It was a sight of glorious happiness that managed to make all those years of hard work so very worthwhile. However a new ruling had been imposed upon the college that prohibited prayer or any reference to God or religions in the graduation ceremony – lest it should upset any unbelievers who may be present. The opening speeches were inspirational and challenging but, in accordance with the new ruling, no one asked for divine blessings on the graduates or their families. Then it was the turn of each graduate to come forward and receive their scroll, after which they gave a few words of thanks followed by gentle applause. Finally the time came for the last graduate to proudly walk to the microphone to voice his thanks to the entire assembly.

some seconds he stood perfectly still and silent as if he was slowly taking a deep breath. Then suddenly his speech came out in the form of an amplified thunderous sneeze that echoed around the hall! Immediately the rest of the graduates leapt to their feet and, in unison, they bellowed out GOD BLESS YOU! at which the entire audience exploded into lasting applause.

The graduating students had found a new and unique way to invoke God’s blessing on their future, which was not banned in the newly issued regulations, whilst demonstrating that God can never

be excluded from any part of our lives.

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THE WALK OF FAITH—PART 6

On the sixth day of my walk across the country I was a mere four miles from the edge of the Pennines. My planned campsite was only eight miles away. But the Pennines still had one final challenge left. Leaving the caravan ,where I was offered a free bed for the night, I continued to walk ever east ward. Soon I arrived at a big decision in the form of a very high and steep hill. I was heading for Penistone, 2 miles over the hill or 5 miles around it. I was carrying a lot of heavy gear. Putting my best foot forward I decided that a one hour walk was better than two. Reaching the top of the hill I felt the worst was behind me, so was the best. I remained on the hill top for over an hour, the 180 degree view was breathtaking.

Despite the morning being a little overcast the visibility was up to ten miles. As I continued to take numerous photographs the clouds began to break up. Going over the was most rewarding. After a gentle downhill walk I arrived in the beautiful market town of Penistone. I was now over halfway home. Four more walking days left, but I had fallen behind unless I could pull something out of the bag it would take me five more days. This would make me a day late for work. The big question was, could I make up the time? And if so how? The story isn't finished yet, there's still more remarkable events to read about. You can read the whole story in my book Walking Home, available soon.

Inspired by the Faith Walker? Join the St John’s Challenge! St John’s fundraisers are currently planning their own sponsored walking challenge, the ultimate aim being to complete the Lykewake walk during the Summer of 2015. In preparation, 20 additional walks are being planned from late August 2014 for varying ages and abilities from family strolls of under 5 miles up to the major 42 miles in 24 hours challenge. We already have 2 walkers aiming to complete all these walks—a total of 300 miles each. It would be wonderful to build a team that could bring this to a shared 1000 miles! A meeting is being planned for 4th August at 7.30pm. For more details email Christine Brain. chrissie_b@rocketmail.com

© Dave Chapman

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Greetings from Maridi Diocese. After much prayer and heart searching over many months, at the end of May I made the decision that I will cease my work in Maridi Diocese and as Principal of Chaima Christian Institute in December this year at the end of this present academic year. I will then return to UK and do a further four months final home leave after which I will cease to be a CMS Mission Partner. It has not been an easy decision to make after 16 very happy years but I have experienced deep peace since I made the decision. I will be 60 in September this year and so still have 8 years before I am due to retire. I will be free from May 2015 and am praying that God will provide me with work with a stipend/salary within the Church of England. I am ready for a new challenge.

EVACUATION Due to insecurity which broke out overnight in Maridi on July 3rd the seven American missionaries who are with us in the diocese decided to evacuate and called for an AIM Air plane to come and collect them. Permission to land was refused by the local government so they had to wait a further three days before permission was given. They chartered a ten seater plane and asked me if I wanted

Trisha Wick, Principal of the Chaima Christian Institute at Maridi in South Sudan and former vicar of Victoria Dock Church is the parish CMS mission partner. Here’s a round-up of her latest news.

a seat. I said no as normally we stay put unless the Bishop tells us to leave. However, the Bishop was anticipating that the situation in Maridi may well deteriorate before it improved. He knew I was due to leave on July 31st to come for a months holiday in UK and he feared it might be some time before any more planes would be allowed to land. So he suggested I take one of the seats on the plane. I did and flew onwards to UK,

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and if they can return to Maridi. Now the semester has finished all staff are now taking a three week break. On July 24th registration for the next semester will commence. We are praying for 100 students to be studying next semester which will commence on August 11th. As well as renovations to the buildings, the Institute has recently been connected to the water supply. We hope that by the end of the year it will also be connected to the electricity. This is very important as we would like to be able to offer evening classes. The computer room now has ceiling boards, new burglar proof metal door and windows, a new concrete floor and new equipment including whiteboard, printer and another computer. We are also to take out a contract for regular computer maintenance with a local company headed up by our computer tutor. Lynn Treneary our short term CMS mission partner has completed her year of teaching English and is to be replaced by two part time tutors - Esta and Alonga. We also appreciated Robin Minney, a retired CMS mission partner, who recently came and taught the theology students for a month. We are planning to develop our basic agriculture course into a full year certificate

hence arriving a month earlier than expected. It was not easy leaving all my friends behind but thankfully so far Maridi has remained mostly calm apart from a couple of small incidents. However, many people ran to the bush in fear and are still there. Maridi is very tense and a slight provocation could mean more fighting erupting. Western Equatoria had escaped most of the insecurity since December 2013 but after the problem in Maridi which initially was just a disagreement in a bar, trouble could easily spread further afield. There are many tensions between those who support the government and those who support the rebels of Riak Machar. I still hope to return and arrive back in Maridi on September 11th as planned. OTHER NEWS

We successfully completed the first semester of this year with exams held during the last week of June. Of the 92 students we have about 70 sat for their ex-ams. A few dropped out due to failure to pay their fees and those who were soldiers also dropped out due to non pay-ment of salaries since January this year and also due to being sent to fight elsewhere. They hope to continue with their studies once salaries are paid

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course and then offer it to Diploma level. Rains have been good and the Institute farm is hoping for a bumper harvest this year. Due to a generous grant we have bought many course text books for the library. The Deputy Principal's house has a new latrine and bathing room and we have now repaired a total of nine student houses. The theology students have made and burned 4,000 bricks which will be used to build a couple more houses for new

theology students who we hope will soon join us. By the time I return in September I will have missed the first month of the new semester so please pray for those who are running the Institute in my absence, particularly Eli and Titus. Your prayers are very much appreciated. God bless Trisha Wick

EACH AND

EVERY ONE © Heather Clarke

Whilst staying in North Yorkshire recently, we were there for the Tour de France. I am not a cycling enthusiast. In fact I can barely ride a bike. However, you could not possibly have been around up there without learning something of the race and being drawn into the atmosphere. For months, every town and village has been decorated up with coloured flags, yellow bunting, painted-up yellow bikes and even some scarecrow riders. The race officials who spoke on TV were overwhelmed by the effort that everyone had put in. I don’t think they had even seen the like in France. On the day,

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thousands turned out to find a viewing point and to wait for the riders to pass. It was a spectacle with a long caravan of vehicles, some decorated like the floats we see in such processions, coming along a good while before the racers. Freebies were flung from these vehicles into the crowd and we ended up with some Yorkshire tea and a sun hat. The riders came and went and everyone shouted and cheered. The sun shone and it was a good afternoon. We had watched the race from a village with barriers along each side of the road but others had found different vantage points along the way. There were passes through the hills where people lined the route and even encroached well onto the road. The next morning our vicar told us how she had looked across to one such hillside route in the distance as it snaked upwards and onwards. The road is narrow and is flanked by the green hills as far as the eye can see. On any normal day, that is what you see. On that day when she had looked, she was able to see amid the green, a multi-coloured ribbon bordering

the road. This multi-coloured border was made up of spectators waiting. It was not possible to make out individual people but just a mass of coloured dots, she said and each tiny, tiny dot was a person. In the grand scheme of things of rolling hills in this beautiful world, we appear as almost insignificant dots. And yet! And yet, our vicar told us, God cares for each and every one of us – every single little dot and he says to each one of us, ‘Come to me.’

‘Isn’t this amazing? She asked.

Isn’t it just? I had to agree.

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THE

SYMBOLISM

OF IT ALL

(ONE MAN’S

REFLECTION ON IT)

© Shane Blades

Symbolism: Something that represents, or stands for, or is thought to typify, something else by association, resemblance or convention. For example-the dove is a symbol of peace. (Lexical databases 1984)

For me it was the service at the Millennium chapel, of peace and forgiveness, that etched itself deepest into my memory of the day. We had agreed to meet up with our friends from St. Martin’s, York having arranged to visit the National Arboretum together. Malcolm had suggested that we all arrive before 11am, thus making time to attend the church service prior to looking around

the vast site. I, in my unofficial capacity as St. John’s roving ambassador, had been only too happy to agree on behalf of Jamie and Christine. And so it was that we set off at 7am (known to Christine as “the middle of the night”) and met at the appointed time. Having greeted each other, we headed for the chapel. It was an imposing building. Not because of it size but because of its wooden construction. Twelve stout pillars of Douglas fir supported it, each representing one of the twelve apostles. Each also bore a carving of that particular disciple. But what I liked was the fact that it had no cornerstone, promoting the concept “that Christ is our cornerstone”

CROSS OF NAILS VISIT TO THE

NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM PART 2

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The service was brief but

moving in such brevity. A

member of staff spoke

passionately, and yet quietly,

about the reasons the

arboretum came into being.

Peace and reconciliation

seemed to underpin everything.

Little wonder then that the two

Cross of Nails church groups

had chosen to attend, on the

anniversary of the bombing of

St. Martin’s in 1942. At the

chapel’s first conception it was

decided that it would be the one

place in the United Kingdom,

that the two minute silence

would be observed every day of

the year. Poignantly, and

because of the chapel’s

construction, a light shines onto

the altar at 11am every day. All

those in the chapel at that time

are invited to stop in silence and

remember all who have lost

their lives in conflict. This we

did, each keeping their

remembrances to themselves. I

thought of my German relatives

who had died in the” Great

War”. How strange then that all

my English ones returned.

Next Issue: The symbolism of

the Millennium Chapel.

The National Memorial Arboretum is located at Alrewas near Tamworth in Staffordshire and is easily accessible from the A38. The site is open daily from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day), in Winter the grounds close at dusk but the Visitor Centre remains open until 5pm. There is a daily Act of Remembrance at 10.50 am in the Millennium Chapel. Entry is free although parking costs £3.00 per day. Various tours are available for a small charge including guided walks, buggy tours and a land train. For more information visit www.thenma.org.uk or tel. 01283 792333

INTERESTED IN VISITING THE ARBORETUM?

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ORDINATION © Rev. Aian MacPherson

What does it feel like to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England? In one sense you may as well ask what it feels like to be baptised. If I am a priest it is only because I am a part of the holy nation and royal priesthood of all the baptised church. It is first as part of the church and only secondly to the church that I am a priest. When you were baptised, if you can remember the event at all, how did you feel? Maybe you had a powerful experience of the Spirit anointing your ministry. Maybe it was a joyful occasion. Maybe it was a bad day but getting baptised was still a good thing. And maybe you were a screaming baby. None of us are made instantly perfect but hopefully all of us, from our baptism onwards, walk the path of pilgrimage, following behind Jesus as his disciple. None of us really understand what God is doing for us when we are baptised, we just know that it is right to follow Jesus and receive it from God as a gift. Ordination as a priest has been

an interesting experience to reflect on. By dint of personality I spent my retreat studying perhaps a little too hard, thinking a little bit too much rather than relaxing in the time I was given to just be with God. We live and learn! I had the opportunity to talk through some things with the Bishop designate of Whitby, and found him to be wise and helpful. (If he ever reads this let me assure you now I'm not fishing for brownie points). A little over 24 hours in I began to relax. My reading continued but was now a little more enjoyable, in reading theology I often find my mind opened to God speaking. I put the book down - The Wound of Knowledge by Rowan Williams, very good, enlightening, thought-provoking, deep and at times a little impenetrable - and I picked up the ordination service. I can assure you it was not the first

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promises I was so scared of knowing after all God had called. Then Archbishop says ‘pray earnestly for the gift of the Holy Spirit’ and so I do. The time comes and I walk the steps and kneel before the Bishop and a few people gather around me and lay their hands on me. Prayerful men and women pray and the Archbishop asks that I be anointed for servicing God's church, he signs my hands and head with the oil of gladness; he prays that I would be kept in the joy and simplicity of the gospel. I didn't feel a thunderbolt, but I did suddenly feel a lot lighter, the piano slid to the floor and melted into a spring shower and the promise of a rainbow for hope. None of us really understand what God is doing for us when we are ordained, we just know that it is right to follow Jesus and receive it from God as a gift.

time I had read the promises I would be making a day later. But I was suddenly struck by those promises in a new way, particularly when I read that the people to whom I ministered were Christ's own bought with his blood and so to Christ I would be answerable! Crash

A piano fell through the ceiling. Bang

It landed on my shoulders Crack

My back took the strain, barely. The next morning getting ready in York Minster I felt physically sick. I don't mean to doubt God, and I know that where God calls he also equips, but maybe the church and I had got it wrong; maybe God hadn't called me. After all, have they really read what they're asking me to do? Or that I could have any part of doing it, even with God's help?! The organ pipes up, the procession sets off, hymns sung and prayers prayed. I made the

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It was a great pleasure for me to meet three members of the St John's congregation (Shane, Allyson & Christine) at our Discover Torch conference on 5th July, along with delegates from other churches in the Hull area. Their enthusiasm was amazing as they engaged with the issues of how churches should respond to the

needs of people who are experiencing sight loss.

The conference began with myself (James Seager, Area Presence Developer) highlighting the local needs. I explained that there are nearly 19,000 people living in Hull and East Riding who have significant sight loss which greatly impacts their day-to-day living. The impact on practical tasks (cooking, cleaning, etc.), worship (reading song words and liturgy) and relationships can be huge. This provides a challenge for both communities and churches, as we seek to include those with sight loss fully and enable them to

contribute to community living.

David Palmer (Torch Regional Leader) continued by explaining about Torch's work. David emphasised four main areas: Accessible literature in large print, braille and audio. This includes

outreach material such as Alpha courses, etc. Fellowship groups and other peer support for those who have

lost, or are losing, their sight, providing a safe place to explore the Christian faith.

Holidays at the Torch Holiday & Retreat Centre, and other loca-tions, designed to provide a refreshing, all-inclusive break for peo-ple experiencing sight loss.

International work in 100 countries, providing Christian maga-zines and lending libraries in accessible media.

DISCOVER TORCH

CONFERENCE

© James Seager

Mobilising the Church to care about and reach people who

are experiencing sight loss in Hull the and East Riding

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He also spoke about Torch's Foursight programme that offers a range of resources to churches. This includes training and presenta-tions for churches, and 'Worship for All', an online resource that tran-scribes song words or liturgy into large print or braille ready files for

printing.

Following some practical training on how it feels to lose your sight, Debra Chand (National Presence Leader) spoke about Torch's new outreach project called Journeying With. The project trains teams of local volunteer befrienders and links them with people who have re-cently been diagnosed with significant visual impairment. Building good connections with the NHS, eye clinics, social services and local sight agencies is an important part to ensure a steady stream of re-

ferrals to the scheme.

The penultimate session of the morning included some personal thoughts on sight loss from Malcolm McLellan, who is a member of a church in Doncaster and is blind. Malcolm explained how he has sometimes felt left out. However, his church has done some small, yet significant things which has encouraged him in his faith, for ex-ample, by providing a buddy to help him get around and printing wor-ship resources in Braille, using Torch’s Worship For All service, so

that he can fully participate in worship.

After a Q&A session and workshop, I rounded off the morning by

asking delegates to consider doing three things.

Consider whether they would like to become a volunteer as we

develop our work in partnership with local churches.

Talk to their churches about signing up for Foursight, which is

completely free (see torchtrust.org).

Arrange a meeting between their church leader(s) and myself, to

discuss the potential of Torch partnering with their local church.

It was a great privilege meeting some of your congregation and sense their desire to engage in this significant area of work. I look forward to seeing how support for people with sight loss develops in Hull and East Riding, and how Torch might partner with churches

such as St John's in this meaningful mission.

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Every householder in Britain is being asked to turn out their lights at 11pm on 4th August, to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The nationwide event is based on the famous comment attributed to Sir Edward Grey, the Foreign Secretary, on the eve of the conflict in 1914. He said: “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” He made the remark the day before war was declared, as he gazed across St James’s Park from his window at the Foreign Office at the gas lamps being lit. The switch-off is being called Lights Out, and is backed by the Government as “one of the most dramatic UK-wide events ever organised.” Throughout the UK, everyone is being invited to “turn off their lights and to replace them with one single light, to remember a day that changed the world forever.”

The ‘Lights Out’ will take place at the same time as a candlelit vigil of

prayers, readings and music held in Westminster Abbey. There

candles will be extinguished one by one until a single flame is

snuffed out at 11pm. More details at: www.centenarynews.com

Ed: It would be wonderful for our parish to take part and take time

out in our own homes to pray for peace. Marks and Spencer are

selling a special commemorative candle promoting the “Lights Out”

event, but most of you already have a candle to light at home.

4TH AUGUST

TIME FOR

LIGHTS OUT!

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Man was made in His image, first came Adam and then Eve. These, as far as I can see were the arguments against women bishops. My view is that women in a lot of ways have been classed as second class citizens for far too long. Not that long ago women in this country had no right to vote. I see only good coming from this vote, we live in a world now of more equality where women and men share a lot of the biggest jobs in the world, whether that may be in government, big business or sport and now I feel that the Church Synod has seen that we live in a different world and not an archaic old fashioned view where men only should have the biggest views and opinions. Only time will tell if women bishops will be a success and that this is the will of God. I hope this move will make the church more open and not frowned upon and that we can move on as a stronger more unified church. These are my views and I am not saying I am right. I will be happy to answer any questions and I am sure the Echo will be happy to publish any rebuttle or difference of opinion. This was just a single Christian’s view. Thank You.

ON

FEMALE

BISHOPS © Jamie Scott

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They say a week is a long time

in politics. The week following

Jesus' resurrection had to feel

even longer for the disciples in

the Gospel according to John

(20.19-29).

On that first day of the week,

the disciples met together in a

house. They were afraid, so they

locked the doors. Now, Thomas

wasn't with them for some

reason. But, despite the locked

doors, the risen Jesus came and

stood among the ten disciples

who were there and said 'Peace

be with you', and they were glad

when they saw the Lord.

At some point later, Thomas

came to the house, and the ten

disciples said to him, 'We have

seen the Lord'. But he would not

believe them. He said: 'Unless I

see the mark of the nails in his

hands, and put my finger in the

mark of the nails and my hand

in his side, I will not believe.' And

that is why he is often referred to

as Doubting Thomas, the apostle

whose feast we celebrate on the

3rd of July. But I don't think that's

terribly fair to Thomas. What's

most important about Thomas in

this passage is not his doubting,

but rather his dissenting.

Dissenting Thomas I might call

him instead, because, in his

conscience, he could not believe

what he had been told. And I

think that is important, and I think

that Jesus thinks it is important,

too. More on that in a moment.

Now, what is important for us

present-day disciples of Jesus,

as General Synod votes on

giving final approval to the

possibility of ordaining women to

the episcopate, is what John the

Evangelist says next, namely, 'A

week later Jesus' disciples were

again in the house, and Thomas

was with them.' That week had

to have been a long week. The

ten disciples who had seen

Jesus were convinced of his

resurrection. Thomas was not.

They could not disagree more

about something more

fundamental. Yet they stayed

together. The ten didn't

excommunicate Thomas, and

Thomas didn't leave. Their love

for one another, their bonds of

affection, had to have been more

important to them than their

disagreement. And in that sense,

LOVE AND DISAGREEMENT

© Rt Revd Glyn Webster, Bishop of Beverley Reproduced with kind permission from the York Diocese newsletter

23

they were all truly Jesus'

disciples, for, as Jesus had said

after he had washed the

disciples feet, 'I give you a new

commandment, that you love

one another. Just as I have

loved you, you also should love

one another. By this everyone

will know that you are my

disciples, if you have love for

one another'. (John 13.34-5)

I think that this might point to

the reason Jesus appeared to

some but not all of his disciples

on that first day of the week, and

then gave them all a week to live

in difference together, to see

what they would do. Would the

ten say to Thomas, 'Because

you do not believe, you have no

part with us?' Or would Thomas

say to the ten: 'Because I do not

believe, I have no part with you?'

No. No-one said anything of the

sort. They stayed together.

After that week, Jesus then

appeared to all of them,

including Thomas, and Thomas,

the supposedly Doubting

Thomas, (and this is why that

name makes no sense) then

made the greatest Christological

confession recorded in the

Scriptures saying, 'My Lord and

my God!', something it took the

rest of the Church until the

mid-Fifth Century to realise for

themselves.

We, in the Church of England,

are at a point in our discipleship

not too dissimilar from that of the

eleven after Jesus' resurrection.

We disagree about something

important. Some of us favour the

possibility of ordaining women to

the episcopate. Some of us do

not. Will those who favour this

possibility make room for those

who do not, as the ten did for

Thomas? Will those who do not

favour this possibility stay in the

Church, as Thomas did in that

house? I hope and pray that we

all will, make room for one

another and stay together.

Just as Thomas was as much

a true disciple of Jesus as the

ten were - he was the one who

had said previously, 'Let us also

go, that we may die with

him' (John 11.16) - so are

Anglicans who disagree with the

ordination of women to the

episcopate as much loyal

Anglicans as those who agree

with the ordination of women to

the episcopate.

Love is indeed stronger than

death, as Jesus' resurrection

proves. It is also stronger than

difference, as the disciples

staying together proves. May

everyone know us all, despite

our disagreement, as the

disciples of Jesus by our love for

one another.

24

AUTISM AND

THE CHURCH

© Holly Grant Reproduced with kind permission from the York Diocese newsletter

To people with autism, the world is a sea of people, places and events which they can struggle to make sense of. As a developmental disability, autism affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It's a spectrum condition, so while it affects people in different ways, it often causes difficulties with understanding and processing language. The Revd Alison Hutchinson, assistant priest of a group of five churches on the edge of Teesside, has a son with Asperger syndrome, which is a form of autism. On talking about her experience of her son's condition, she says, "At times it has been very difficult because he has presented some challenges. Initially it was about having a child that had certain behavioural problems that I

didn't understand, and discovering what was actually wrong." As people with autism struggle with social interaction and are often misunderstood, it's important for congregations to know how to make them feel welcome and part of the Body of Christ. Alison says, "People should be aware of anyone in their congregations with autism, and support them by talking to them and asking parents with autistic children how best to approach their child, and hopefully as they get more familiar with what's going on it'll become easier for them. "One of the things about autism is that it's not immediately obvious that there's something wrong, so as a parent, people

25

can assume that your child is just naughty or strange. Fortunately, people are becoming more aware of autism and Asperger syndrome, and the church has generally been very good with our children, which has helped our son and enabled him to have good relationships with people. He often gives people hugs. People on the autistic spectrum can be affectionate." Before Alison was ordained, she was a psychiatric nurse. As well as being able to utilise the experience of her son's condition into a church setting, her work as an ex-nurse has

also been very beneficial in this way. She says, "I used to work on wards and dealt with crisis, so I suppose it's been helpful in the way that it's made me more understanding and calm when dealing with people with problems. "Everybody is an individual with or without autism, so people can best support those with autism by listening to them, communicating clearly with them, and asking them if they need any help with anything they're finding difficult, as well as perhaps tasking somebody in the congregation to sit with them and help them."

Dear Father in Heaven please hear my prayer. I have seen terrible sorrow in many different countries around the world. People being ruthlessly murdered in Israel with bombings and retribution killings putting people in desperate danger. The shooting down of a plane in the Ukraine killing all on board just because it came from Russian airspace into Ukranian airspace. Please let me ask you Father for your love to be put into the hearts of all those people who are causing this horrendous hurt and sorrow. All across the world people are dying without having to. Please look after your children and help them out of whatever may be harming them; whether it is war, poverty, disease or oppression. For far too long the news has been getting worse globally and locally so I say this prayer for peace. In the loving name of your begotten son Jesus Christ.

AMEN

A PRAYER FOR PEACE © Jamie Scott

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GEOFF HOWLETT’S CD REVIEW

ARTIST: IAN YATES TITLE: DNA (www.7coremusic.co.uk)

Over the last 4 years, Ian Yates' releases have consistently scored high marks from media reviewers. His fresh, exciting approach to the Contemporary Christian Music scene has been a breath of fresh air,

especially here in the UK. This new release features his trademark marriage of enthralling keyboard work, with sparkling guitars, and songs that contain pure and simple messages, all wrapped up in a contemporary style. The opening 'Freedom Song' lifted my heart as

soon as it began to play. A wonderful intro, leading into a fantastic song about the Spirit of God. It would have been my choice as a single but, for the moment, that honour goes to 'Fullness'. In itself, it's a another good song, and reminded me very much of The Killers. 'Christ in Me' tells that everything Ian does, is centred on Christ,

while 'Innocent' is slightly more sedate in pace, as he sings about Jesus dying for us. There are far too many highlights on this album to mention individually, but the slower 'God I Need You' does deserve a mention. It's about falling down at the feet of God in thanks and

praise, and Ian's vocals and guitar work provide real power to the song. "Your love has rescued me, your love has set me free". Simple words, but well written into the song 'Rescued Me'. Similarly, 'Spinning' contains the lyrics "Your Love is like a tidal

wave". That's how we should all feel about receiving His love. There's some of the best guitar work on the album

here, and the result is a great pop song. In fact, all the songs combine to make this one, great album!

27

The veterans’ weekend started at 10am on the Saturday morning. We arrived not long after 10am and the park was full already. There was so much to see and do. For the kids there was a mock sand pit, a Punch and Judy show and plenty of fairground rides. There were ww1 battle grounds with regular re-enactments of the war and at the other side of the park there was a mock re-enactment of the civil war. The music on the main stage was popular and gathered quite a crowd as they played classic tunes from the 40’s and they were accompanied by a jive dance troupe. In the main showground arena there were displays by the “White Helmets” army motorcycle display team and the birds of prey from Eagle Eye Falconry also did a show. At just gone 3pm on the Sunday there was a spectacular fly past by the Battle of Britain Memorial team, which comprised of a Hurricane, a Spitfire and a Lancaster bomber. Which was made extra special as this year is the centenary of ww1. Followed by the Red Arrows flying over just before 4pm. Both produced magnificent flying displays. The weather stayed pleasant and both days produced a spectacular turnout of revellers.

All in all both days were very pleasant and enjoyable.

(See over for more photos of the weekend...)

EAST PARK

VETERANS’

WEEKEND © Wendi Clark

28

CELEBRATING

BISHOP

CROWTHER

© Christine Brain

On 29th June, Canterbury Cathedral held a special service commemorating the consecration of Samuel Ajayi Crowther as a bishop. Many of you will be familiar with Bishop Crowther who is remembered in a beautiful stained glass window at St Columba. In true Echo style, Shane and I (along with Dave Chapman, who is always happy to join in with a crazy idea) set off at the crack of dawn for a day trip to Canterbury. After a hectic Saturday, I was expecting to be pretty exhausted by the time I deposited my passengers in the centre of Canterbury at around 10am. Still, I thought, the sermon will be long and boring so I could have a nap later—how wrong I was! The service was at 3.15pm so after a little sight-seeing, lots of coffee and a delicious lunch from ‘Canterbury’s best fish and chip shop’, we filed into the cathedral

and took up residence somewhere towards the back where we could snooze if we finally succumbed to exhaustion and began to flick through the order of service which was a beautiful blend of traditional and African style worship. The building was a riot of colour, full of African dignitaries in their national costumes. The real highlight though, was the sermon I had planned to sleep through. Given by Archbishop Welby himself, it challenged the somewhat inflated idea that many of us may have about the first black Anglican bishop. You would have thought such an occurrence would be a cause for celebration, and of course, had it happened now, it would have been. In 1864, however, the Church was steeped in the culture of the day, where black people were not treated with the same respect they would be given today. Amidst the celebration, the Archbishop humbly apologised for the ways in which the Church had failed Bishop Crowther, by its attitude and the lack of support he was given in his ministry as a bishop. Not the glorious testimony of a trailblazer I had expected,

29

the history to him. Aside from the moving ser-mon, the service did carry a celebratory air and there was a reception afterwards and Dave managed to capture the event spectacularly on his camera (all he needed was a press pass!). Certainly well worth 10 hours driving and a few days of exhaustion

Bishop Crowther ewas the exception and there was not another black bishop for some time after. I know Shane intends to explore his life more in a future issue and I will leave

30

The magazine team recently enjoyed a day out to the East Park Veterans Weekend. Lot’s of fun was had by all, with displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the White Helmets Motorcycle Team, a brief flypast by the Red Arrows and exhibits by various re-enactment groups from different eras. If you missed it this year, pop it in your diary for 2015 now.

31

The magazine team recently enjoyed a day out to the East Park Veterans Weekend. Lot’s of fun was had by all, with displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the White Helmets Motorcycle Team, a brief flypast by the Red Arrows and exhibits by various re-enactment groups from different eras. If you missed it this year, pop it in your diary for 2015 now.

32

SLOW TO SAY

YES TO GOD?

© Rev. Canon Trisha Wick

Born and brought up in Surrey I had a very happy and loving family childhood. On leaving secondary school I had a three month period at Eastbourne Teacher Training College and it was there in 1973 that I became a Christian. Teaching was not to become my career and I returned to Dorking and qualified as a Horse Riding Instructress at Dorking Riding School. I loved my work there and when God started telling me he wanted me to go into fulltime Christian work, I ignored him for nearly two years. Eventually I realized I would only be truly happy if I did what God wanted. This then entailed three years at London Bible College where I was awarded an Honours Degree in Theology. Having applied for ordination I was turned down due to being ‘ a bit young and too happy with life’! I was advised to go and work for a few years. After a spell as a Nursing Auxiliary and then a Home Help, I then went to work

as a Lay Assistant for three years at St. Luke’s Church in Bolton. I was then accepted for ordination training and went to Oak Hill College in London for two years. I was ordained as a deacon in 1987 and Priest in 1994 (one of the first women in the country to be Priested). In 1987 I returned to St. Luke’s Church in Bolton where I was involved in planting two new congregations. I was very reluctant to move on from Bolton and once again dragged my heels with God. In 1991 I moved to Hull and planted a church on a new housing estate on Victoria Dock. During my ministry in Bolton and in Hull I had the opportunity to visit Kenya on three occasions and also Nigeria. I fell in love with Africa. While ministering in Hull I felt God was saying to me

33

that my next step was to go and work for him overseas as a missionary. I was interviewed by three mission organizations one of which was CMS. CMS said they felt I could be used in South Sudan. However, they warned me it was a place of war, poverty and suffering. I prayed and asked God to send me somewhere ‘nice’. Once again I was slow to say yes to God and took six months before I agreed to go. I then spent the next sixteen years based in Maridi Diocese in South Sudan and I can truly say they have been the best sixteen years of my life despite my hesitation to come. God had gone before. I spent ten happy years as a Manager for the programme of Theological Education by Extension and revived a programme which was almost dead. In 2009 I was appointed as the Diocesan Coordinator for Discipleship and Training and also made Pastor in Charge of the English Service in the Cathedral. Another new challenge came in 2013 when I was appointed Principal of Chaima Christian Institute in Maridi – the Diocesan Training College. The Institute was very down and I built it up again and was delighted when it was

announced that it was to be-come one of the Faculties for the new University of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan and Sudan. Becoming a University is an exciting new phase for the life of the Institute but requires a Principal with a long term commitment to see this through and I felt this was not me. With eight years to retirement I feel God is calling me back to parish work in UK and also to be closer to my family, particularly my mother whose health is deteriorating. I will leave Maridi in December 2014 and return to UK. What is the next step for me? I am ready for a new challenge and believe God will open a new door for me. However, this time I can’t be too slow in saying yes to God as time is short with retirement looming!

34

Here is the 8th in a 12-part series to mark the Centenary of the beginning of the First World War. They are written by David Winter, a former Head of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC, and will run throughout the year. We have seen how the songs of the music halls mirrored - and even shaped - the public mood about the war. At the same time some of the finest young British poets were serving at the front, writing poetry that they never expected to be published, storing it in diaries or in letters home. Among them were probably the greatest of the war poets, Wilfred Owen, and the most widely known to generations of poetry lovers, Rupert Brooke. Laurence Binyon was not a soldier but an Oxford academic, who in the early months of the War wrote a poem which contains surely the best known lines of any poem in English:

They grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Brooke’s ‘The Soldier’ - ‘If I should die think only this of me’ - is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving sonnet, suggesting that had he lived he would have held a high place among English lyric poets. But today it is the anger, frustration and utter despair of his fellow poets in the trenches which has made their work memorable. Owen’s ‘Anthem for Doomed Youth’, or his even angrier ‘Dulci et decorum est’ - a bitter rejection of the notion that it is ‘sweet and honourable to die for your country’ - powerfully capture the horror of war. Many of them, including Brooke, Owen and Rosenberg, were killed in action, Owen in the last few days of the War. For the most part it was probably a decade after its end before their truthful but deeply disturbing work began to be fully recognised and honoured. It’s not surprising that in the aftermath of war, with virtually every family in the country bereaved, the preference was to

THE WAR POETS

35

remember acts of valour and the hard-won victory rather than the slaughter and suffering that it entailed. The hymn ‘O Valiant Hearts’ was enormously popular at that time: ‘In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land/ commits her children to thy gracious hand’.

This year many people are turning again to the Great War poets - several new collections have been published. There are a few women among them - Muriel Stuart’s ‘Forgotten Dead, I salute you’ - and powerful poetry by men like Siegfried Sassoon (‘Everyone Sang’), Isaac Rosenberg (‘Returning, we heard the larks’) and A.E. Housman (‘Here dead we lie’).

It may be that only now, a

century later, can we see the

strange paradox that the most

brutal of wars could also

produce wonderful acts of

valour and self-sacrifice, and the

muddy trenches of battle some

of the finest poetry of modern

times.

Sudoku

36

THE LORD OF THE RINGS

60 YEARS ON

© Tim Lenton

admired the creation of other worlds, Tolkien, with his deep knowledge of ancient languages and myths, was your man. Within sixteen months the rest of the story was on the streets and devoured by eager readers. Many suggested that it was a kind of retelling of the victorious struggle against the Nazis, or that the One Ring symbolised the atomic bomb, with its capacity to destroy the world. But it was in fact deeper than that, containing a devastating depiction of the seductive nature of evil. Although this undoubtedly stems from Tolkien's strong Roman Catholic faith, his worlds and the creatures who inhabit them – hobbits, elves, dwarves, wizards, orcs and so on – are a product of his tremendous narrative power.

Some will dismiss Lord of the

Rings as tales told to children,

signifying nothing. But if so, they

are closing the door on

something quite extraordinary

that throws unexpected and

penetrating light on what it is to

be human in the world we

inhabit.

For lovers of fantasy, it’s hard to imagine a world without J R R Tolkien, creator of the epic and much-imitated Lord of the Rings. Nowadays the story is known widely as a film trilogy, but the three-volume novel made just as much of an impact 60 years ago when the first part was published (on July 21). Word-generated images were the thing in those pre-computer days, and Tolkien was a master of that. He was no great speaker, though, having a tendency to mumble, and his son Christopher soon took over the readings in those famous Oxford Inkling sessions, where giants such as C S Lewis were eager listeners. Not everyone was entranced, of course. It was probably Hugo Dyson who made the famous “Not another elf” remark (or words to that effect). But if you

You may have noticed that this issue of the Echo has a slight flavour of Middle Earth, this month is the 60th Anniversary of Lord of The Rings...

37

“They won’t come back” said Freddie the frog with a croak. He had just come back after a swim in the small puddle behind the trees when he heard the toys talking. “Now what are we going to do?” Cried Rachel “Don’t cry,” said Bramley, “we’ll find something”. All the time Sally the swallow was sat up in the tree listening to them, she flew down to where they all sat. “Hello my name is Sally” she said holding her wing out and taking a bow. “Hello” replied Bramley “I’m Bramley, this is Rachel, Steve and Freddie” he said pointing to everyone. “I’ve been sat in the tree listening” Said Sally “I’m sorry to tell you that the children don’t live at number 3 anymore they’ve moved away, nobody lives there now” “Oh!” said Steve as his smile faded and it turned into a frown. “What shall we do, What shall we do?” croaked Freddie hopping around. “I think I’d better take you to see the Professor” said Sally. “Who’s the professor?” sniffed Rachel “He’s the wise old owl who lives in that tree over there” Replied Sally pointing to a large old looking tree. The toys all began their walk across the garden to the tree where the professor lived. Rachel was young and her little legs soon grew tired. “Bramley I’m tired” she said with a yawn. Steve stopped and said, “why don’t you climb on and I’ll drive you there?” “Yes I think I will thank you Steve.” She said as she was helped up by Bramley and Freddie.

THE ADVENTURES

OF

BRAMLEY BEAR

PART 2

© Wendi Clark

38

Think of a Butterfly just hatched from his shell, to a new and exciting world of colours and smells. Now he can fly, but doesn't know why! He hops from leaf to leaf, when before he crawled along the floor. Soon he spreads his wings and feels the air on them for the first

time. If only I could fly he thinks with a sigh.

Just then the breeze of the Lord rushes by, so very gentle, but just enough to give him lift. At first he is scared, "where, how and why", he says in a faint cry. But very soon the breeze dies down, and he feels a fall, dropping so slowly like a leaf, he starts to believe, "if only

I could flap my wings maybe I could go so high"

He looks to the sky so big and blue, flaps his wings then he flew. What once seemed scary is no more, he had some faith and no longer walks along the floor.

FLYING ON THE BREEZE OF THE LORD

© D. Chapman

Eventually they arrived at the Professor’s house. Sally flew up to the door and called for the Professor. They all gasped as the biggest bird that they had ever seen came flying down to sit on an old branch. “Twit Twoo, what is your problem?” he asked.” It had better be good, I only come out at night and now I’ve been woken up” “Oh we’re terribly sorry” said Steve “my friends and I belong to two children who used to live at that house” he said pointing in the direction of the house,

“Sally has told that the family have moved away and now we have no

home, please can you help us?” sobbed Rachel.

Read Bramley next month to find out if they get home...

39

The next Tuesday afternoon saw the minibus with its excited lady passengers driving to the meeting. Meeting and greeting their friends from the mission, you might wonder if there would be any work done, but Laura from the Bright Hour soon had things under control and the ladies settled down to see slides of what they would think of as their village. The collection of huts, the children playing, but no grass, and the bushes and shrubs were stunted and broken. Outside one of the huts, a lady was pounding some corn or maize to make a kind of porridge which would probably be their

one meal of the day. The lady had a baby in a sling on her back that rocked the baby with the rhythm of her work. The ladies were quiet at the end of the slides, thinking of what they had seen. Then Father Jones introduced Tony Harman, the young man who hoped to work and help the people of Santu. Funds would help build a school, which would need everything from basics such as a crayon for every child, clothing would be wonderful and if possible a nurse from the little township to check the childrens’ health. Yes, the ladies from the Bright Hour and the home wanted to help, now they must decide how to raise the funds. That night Mabel was reading the leaflet from Tony Harman, which pictured a smiling little boy. Surely it should be every child’s right to have food to eat, clean water to drink and medical attention! Maybe what Mabel and her friends could provide was only a drop in the ocean. Joseph, for that is how Mabel thought of him, might even have a football. What a day that would be, and Mabel and her friends would try to see it happen.

40

The Rectory, St. James the Least

1st August 2014

My dear Nephew Christopher,

Well, at least you tried. Filling in for another colleague who was away on holiday was kind of you; that it was somewhere with a high church tradition was adventurous of you. But just because something is worth doing, must you do it to such excess?

I can remember the first time I saw you having to use incense; you held the thurible as though you had just been presented with a dead rat. This time, however, I am told that you heated so much charcoal that the congregation thought you were going to hold a barbecue rather than burn incense.

The church warden was impressed with how quickly everyone knelt down as you went by. If it was in more of an effort to stay clear of your thurible than to pray; well never mind, at least they were on their knees. And I am entirely on your side; you were not to know that their new fire protection system included automatic sprinklers, activated when too much smoke is detected. I am sure most of them would have dried out by Evensong.

ON THE PERILS OF SWINGING INCENSE

Drypool Echo: Family Fun

41

You told me that you had not been sure what to do with the thurible when you reach the front. But swinging it so enthusiastically that the chain broke and catapulted several pounds weight of red hot brass through one of their stained glass windows was really not the best solution. Never mind. I am sure the insurance company will be sympathetic.

But surely you knew that smells also implies bells? So why the panic when the server rang the bells in your ear beside the altar? To have promptly dropped the chalice and shouted ‘fire!’ was surely something of an over-reaction? Especially as it meant that the verger re-started the sprinkler system. I am told that several in the congregation left church looking as if they had taken part in a mass baptism, involving full immersion whilst fully clothed.

I am told that you actually even wore full robes, rather than your customary T-shirt and jeans. Just one tip: should you ever wear them again, you might wish to wear the chasuble right side out. But that is a small point compared to the ‘hat’, as you called it. My dear nephew, wherever did you get it from? That is only worn by a bishop – and even then, the two tabs hang at the back, not over your face.

I am told that some of the congregation feared that in some frightful ‘fresh expression’ of episcopal rule, you had suddenly been handed control of the diocese. With the Church of England in its present woeful state, I suppose anything is possible.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

© Rev. Dr. Gary Bowness

Drypool Echo: Family Fun

42 Drypool Echo: Family Fun

43 Drypool Echo: Family Fun

1 Of Moses (6) 4 ‘You have been weighed on the — and found wanting’ (Daniel 5:27) (6) 7 Where Jesus performed the first of his miraculous signs (John 2:11) (4) 8 Roman emperor who ordered all the Jews to leave Rome (Acts 18:2) (8) 9 Member of a conservative Jewish party in the Sanhedrin which believed there was no resurrection (Acts 23:8) (8) 13 South London Mission (1,1,1) 16 Sure of one’s own ability (2 Corinthians 11:17) (4-9) 17 ‘At this the man’s face fell. He went away — , because he had great wealth’ (Mark 10:22) (3) 19 Airs used (anag.) (8) 24 ‘The Lord is my — , I shall not be in want’ (Psalm 23:1) (8) 25 ‘He has sent me to — up the broken-hearted’ (Isaiah 61:1) (4) 26 At or towards the rear of a ship (6) 27 Cross-carrying evangelist and world traveller, — Blessitt (6)

1 Ridicule (Luke 18:32) (4) 2 Encased in strapped-on light shoes (Song of Songs 7:1) (9) 3 Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union (1,1,1,1,1) 4 ‘Father, give me my — of your estate’ (Luke 15:12) (5) 5 Assistant (4) 6 On a par (John 5:18) (5) 10 Credo (anag.) (5) 11 Beaten with a rod (5) 12 The fourth of Job’s ‘comforters’, who deferred making his contribution because of his junior status (Job 32:6) (5) 13 Chosen as a temple attendant, he was described by Ezra as ‘a capable man’ (Ezra 8:18) (9) 14 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where — and rust destroy’ (Matthew 6:19) (4) 15 Employs (4) 18 Associated with penitence for sins, along with sackcloth (Matthew 11:21) (5) 20 Association of South-East Asian Nations (1,1,1,1,1) 21 Sub-continent to which Baptist missionary pioneer William Carey devoted his life (5) 22 Recess at east end of a church (4) 23 One of the nine sons of Beriah (1 Chronicles 8:15) (4)

44 Drypool Echo: Family Fun

45 Drypool Echo: Family Fun

46

NEWS FROM OUR PARISH ROVING REPORTER...

MOTHERS’ UNION

At the July Mothers’ Union meeting we welcomed ten members of Beverley Minsters branch. The meeting opened with a time of worship led by Phil. This was followed by Jean Clark sharing details of the recent prison volunteers award, which was on display on our Mothers Union table. Then Freda Watson, branch leader at Beverley, updated us about the AGM she had just attended in Dublin, which was very interesting and informative. She told us the prison award was also mentioned there. This was followed by a ‘walk with Hannah’, which was an activity connected to verses in 1 Samuel. It gave us opportunities to prayerfully and creatively reflect on seven different aspects which were set out on tables around the church, helping us as Mothers Union members to see how we can respond to each of them. Each one was colour co-ordinated and we could add a different coloured ribbon to our bookmark to take away and remind us about which each of them represented. Thanks go to Sandra for all her hard work involved with setting up this project for us, which had been promoted at the York MU Diocesan Council meeting. Refreshments were on offer throughout and there was also time for a cuppa at the end before our guests returned to Beverley by minibus, with a promise that we can make a return visit to them next year. Jean Clark

On Tuesday 2nd September a coffee afternoon will be held, from 2-4pm, at St. Columba church.

Money raised will be given to the Bible Society. Everyone is

welcome and support of this event will be much appreciated.

CHARITY COFFEE AFTERNOON

47

BAPTISMS

Ava Marie Betts Anton Wesley Monteiro

Sophia Rebecca-Jo Palmer

St Columba

\

1. You spend the first two years of their life teaching them to walk and

talk. Then you spend the next 16 telling them to sit down and be quiet.

2. Grandchildren are God's reward for not killing your own children.

3. Mothers of teens now know why some animals eat their young.

4. Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for

word what you shouldn't have said

5. The main purpose of holding children's parties is to remind yourself

that there are children even more awful than your own.

AS YOU ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN DURING THE

HOLIDAYS REMEMBER...

48

Under 14s

East Hull A.R.L.F.C. Have recently won the Under 14s League Cup.

They played East Leeds Under 14s team at the Batley Bulldogs

RLFC ground. The final score was East Leeds 4—East Hull 36.

Well done East Hull!

Some other scores for the East Hull teams are:

Under 13s

The Under 13s played at home and had a massive victory over Hull

Victoria Titans, 46-0.

Under 12s

The Under 12s played away at Skirlaugh Bulls and also scored a

victory of 14-22.

Upcoming Fixtures

Under 13s Away at Myton Warriors

Under 11s Away at Hull All Blacks

Under 17s Away at Dewsbury Celtic

EAST HULL

A.R.L.F.C.

NEWS © Wendi Clark

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50

51

Spring Harvest 2015

Immeasurably More

In 2015 we'll be looking at Ephesians 3:20-21, and exploring the potential of a God of immeasurably more. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. " Ephesians 3:20-21 Spring Harvest is an annual all age Christian conference held at Butlins in Minehead & Skegness with all the facilities that Butlins has to offer. Its a great week of excellent Bible study, worship and a whole range of seminars. You choose how much or how little you want to go to. Ask anyone who has been before what it is like. Cost would be £269 and that is for 4 nights from Mon 6 to Fri 10 April 2015 bed, breakfast and evening meal. An opportunity exists to share a 2-bedroom chalet as part of our Parish party going to Skegness. For more details on Spring Harvest go to www.springharvest.org. If interested email Martin Houlton at tenfoot@tenfoot.karoo.co.uk

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Regular Services & Worship—All Welcome! St Columba, Holderness Road/Laburnum Avenue, Hull Sundays 10.30 am Mid-week Communion Tuesdays 9 am St John, Rosmead Street, Hull Sundays 10.30 am Mid-week Communion Wednesdays 9.30 am Informal Parish Prayer & Praise—2nd Sunday 7.30pm Victoria Dock, Southbridge Road, Hull Sundays 10.45 am

Knitwits: Wednesdays at 1.30pm Contact Liz Pacey on 705723 See separate listing for details of Summer programme.

St Columba

Community Drop-in Day Tuesdays 9.30am—2.30pm Closed Tuesday 26th August Community Garden Chairobics Police & Council Advice Debt Advice Breakfast & Lunches Support And much more...

ALL WELCOME

St John

Child Dynamix Youth Group: Mondays 5.30—8pm

St John

Drypool Echo: Directory

NB: Due to Summer Holidays, unless specified here or overleaf please check with individual venues which groups are running during August.

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Total Praise Gospel Choir: Do you love to sing or worship? Total Praise is on the lookout for new members. Every Thursday (Term Time) Doors open 7.30pm for coffee & chat, 8pm rehearsal There will be some meetings over the summer holidays, email totalpraisehull@gmail.com for details All Welcome

St John

Youth Cell: (Parish Youth Group) Thursdays 5—7pm

Contact Rev. Aian Macpherson on

07929 733555 for details

Playgroups/ Mother & Toddler Groups: Starting Blocks Tuesdays 10—11.30 am Term time & half term holidays Play, craft, songs, bible stories, prayer and spirituality for toddlers. Healthy snack. Free but donations and participation welcome. See over for summer programme.

St Columba

Alphabet Mondays Mondays 9.30 – 11.15 am Crafts, activities and singing time. No need to book during term time but booking essential during school holidays. £1.50 per family, includes fruit, toast & drink plus hot drinks (Lynsey & Steve 07891 368434 Surestart Toddler Soft Play Wednesday 1.30-2.30pm Thursday 10-11am

St John

Drypool Echo: Directory

Hull Regency Dancers: Dancing Jane Austen would have enjoyed Fridays 7—9pm No Meeting 8th & 15th August No Previous knowledge necessary Everyone Welcome

St Columba

Church Open for Coffee, Tea and Toast: Wednesdays 10.00 am—12 noon All Welcome, play area for small children

St Columba

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Saturday 2nd August

Summer Fayre at St. John's, 11 am to 3 pm.

Tuesday 5th August

Starting Blocks Streetlife Museum Picnic

meet outside Streetlife at 10.30.

Tuesday 12th August

Starting Blocks members invited to go to Open Church at

St. John's 10am—3pm toys available and café open.

Tuesday 19th August

Starting Blocks Teddy Bears Picnic East Park

meet by entrance to animal enclosure at 10.30.

Don't forget your teddy!

Wednesday 27th August

Pizza Praise 10:30 am to 1 pm

18th, 19th and 20th September

Heritage Weekend, St. Columba's will be open and

Regency Dancers in Whitefriargate.

Sunday 28th September

St Columba's Harvest Festival.

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KNITWITS SUMMER 2014 Wednesday 1.30 – 3.30 at St Columba

(unless otherwise stated)

July 23rd Including Crochet Workshop

With Holy Trinity’s Serena

July 30th Afternoon tea out at The Ritz August 6th

At Home: Tea with Holy Trinity August 13th “Stashbusters are Us” August 20th “Stashbusters are Us”: Part 2

August 27th NB NO MEETING Sept 3rd Invitation to join St Columba’s Mothers’ Union. Our very own talented Elaine C will be demonstrating the art of Corn Dolly making. All welcome Sept 10th, Sept 24th: Normal service will resume!!

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Clergy: Rev. Phil Goodey, Team Rector (St Columba) The Rectory, 139 Laburnum Avenue, Hull, HU8 8PA Tel. 786553 email: phil.goodey@gmail.com Rev. Martyn Westby, Team Vicar (St John) 383 Southcoates Lane, Hull, HU9 Tel. 781090 Rev. Aian MacPherson, Curate 2 Harcourt Drive, Hull, HU9 Tel. 07929 733555

Readers: Margaret Liversedge (Tel. 588537) Liz Pacey (Tel. 705723) Graham Wragg (Tel. 223050) Dave Norton (Tel. 803736)

Drypool Echo: Directory

Wardens: St Columba

Liz Harrison (Tel. 797110) John Saunderson (Tel. 784774) St John Lynsey Maughan Lorraine Iveson Victoria Dock

Richard Boniface Graham Wragg

57 Drypool Echo: Directory

Parish Office: Drypool Rectory, 139 Laburnum Avenue, Hull, HU8 8PA Open Tuesday 7.00—8.00pm & Friday 10.30am—12.00noon Email: drypoolpcc@drypoolpcc.karoo.co.uk Website: www.drypoolparish.org.uk

Magazine Team:

Shane Blades, Editor 26 Linkfield Road, Hotham Road North, Hull, HU5 4NN Tel. 07949 040495 email: drypoolecho@gmail.com

Carole Harvey, Rep (St Columba) Tel. 07733 222727

Jamie Scott, Rep (St John—Church) jamiescottinhull@gmail.com

Elaine Galloway, Rep (Victoria Dock) Tel. 224959 email: drypoolpcc@drypoolpcc.karoo.co.uk

Allyson Brain, Rep (St John—Community) allyg1978@hotmail.co.uk

Wendi Clark, Rep (Sports) wendiclark16@gmail.coms

Christine Brain, Page-setting & Design Michael Foottit, Cover Illustration

Community Centre: St John’s Church, Rosmead Street, Hull, HU9 2TA

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Shane and Jamie show their appreciation for Antoine’s worship style!!

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Views expressed in this publication are those of the contributors and are not necessarily shared by the editorial team or the parish staff.

Summer 2014 © The Drypool Parish MMXIIII

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