TEAM TALK

The Magazine of the Parish of St. Aidan and the

Parish of St. George with St. Luke and St. Perran

‘O come let us adore Him’ Dec 2013/Jan 2014

SUNDAY WORSHIP IN SOUTH BARROW

1st December 1st December 1st December 1st December 8.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Perran’s 9.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Aidan’s 11am All-age Worship with Baptisms at St. George’s 3pm3pm3pm3pm Messy Church at St. GeorgeMessy Church at St. GeorgeMessy Church at St. GeorgeMessy Church at St. George’’’’s s s s 8th December8th December8th December8th December 8.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Perran’s 9.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Aidan’s 10.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. George’s 15th December 15th December 15th December 15th December 8.30am Morning Worship (CW) at St. Perran’s 9.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Aidan’s 3pm3pm3pm3pm Team Candlelit Carol Service atTeam Candlelit Carol Service atTeam Candlelit Carol Service atTeam Candlelit Carol Service at St. GeorgeSt. GeorgeSt. GeorgeSt. George’’’’s (with Dalton Town Band)s (with Dalton Town Band)s (with Dalton Town Band)s (with Dalton Town Band) followed by Christmas Teafollowed by Christmas Teafollowed by Christmas Teafollowed by Christmas Tea 22nd December 22nd December 22nd December 22nd December 9.30am Holy Communion at St. Aidan’s 10.30am Holy Communion at St. George’s 4.30pm Nativity Service at St. Perran’s 29th December 29th December 29th December 29th December 10.30am10.30am10.30am10.30am Holy Communion at St. GeorgeHoly Communion at St. GeorgeHoly Communion at St. GeorgeHoly Communion at St. George’’’’s s s s 5th January 5th January 5th January 5th January 8.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Perran’s 9.30am Morning Worship (CW) at St. Aidan’s 10.30am Holy Communion at St. George’s 12th January 12th January 12th January 12th January 8.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Perran’s 9.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Aidan’s 10.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. George’s 19th January 19th January 19th January 19th January 10.30am10.30am10.30am10.30am Team Service with Holy Communion Team Service with Holy Communion Team Service with Holy Communion Team Service with Holy Communion at St. Perranat St. Perranat St. Perranat St. Perran’’’’s.s.s.s. Preacher: Revd. Richard TealPreacher: Revd. Richard TealPreacher: Revd. Richard TealPreacher: Revd. Richard Teal 26th January26th January26th January26th January 8.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Perran’s 9.30am Holy Communion (CW) at St. Aidan’s 10.30am All-age Worship with Baptisms at St. George’s

Refreshments served after all services at St. AidanRefreshments served after all services at St. AidanRefreshments served after all services at St. AidanRefreshments served after all services at St. Aidan’’’’s and St. Georges and St. Georges and St. Georges and St. George’’’’ssss

CHANGES TO WORSHIP IN SOUTH BARROW

At the Vision evenings held at St. Perran’s in September, we set ourselves two goals - to develop a more diverse pattern of worship in our churches to develop a more diverse pattern of worship in our churches to develop a more diverse pattern of worship in our churches to develop a more diverse pattern of worship in our churches for our current members for our current members for our current members for our current members and to grow a new form of worship service for to grow a new form of worship service for to grow a new form of worship service for to grow a new form of worship service for people in our community not yet engaged in church.people in our community not yet engaged in church.people in our community not yet engaged in church.people in our community not yet engaged in church. As part of this ‘process’, the respective PCCs have agreed unanimously that: St GeorgeSt GeorgeSt GeorgeSt George’’’’s Alls Alls Alls All----age Service (with Baptisms) will be on the last Sunday of age Service (with Baptisms) will be on the last Sunday of age Service (with Baptisms) will be on the last Sunday of age Service (with Baptisms) will be on the last Sunday of each month from January 2014each month from January 2014each month from January 2014each month from January 2014 All morning services at St GeorgeAll morning services at St GeorgeAll morning services at St GeorgeAll morning services at St George’’’’s will be at 10.30am from 8th Decembers will be at 10.30am from 8th Decembers will be at 10.30am from 8th Decembers will be at 10.30am from 8th December From January 2014, St. AidanFrom January 2014, St. AidanFrom January 2014, St. AidanFrom January 2014, St. Aidan’’’’s will have a Service of Morning Prayer on s will have a Service of Morning Prayer on s will have a Service of Morning Prayer on s will have a Service of Morning Prayer on the first Sunday of each month the first Sunday of each month the first Sunday of each month the first Sunday of each month ---- the service time will remain at 9.30amthe service time will remain at 9.30amthe service time will remain at 9.30amthe service time will remain at 9.30am Tea and coffee will be served after all Sunday morning services atTea and coffee will be served after all Sunday morning services atTea and coffee will be served after all Sunday morning services atTea and coffee will be served after all Sunday morning services at St. AidanSt. AidanSt. AidanSt. Aidan’’’’s and St. Georges and St. Georges and St. Georges and St. George’’’’s s s s All Team Services will be at 10.30am from January 2014 and will continue All Team Services will be at 10.30am from January 2014 and will continue All Team Services will be at 10.30am from January 2014 and will continue All Team Services will be at 10.30am from January 2014 and will continue to happen on the third Sunday of each month, rotating around the Team.to happen on the third Sunday of each month, rotating around the Team.to happen on the third Sunday of each month, rotating around the Team.to happen on the third Sunday of each month, rotating around the Team. From January 2014, a midFrom January 2014, a midFrom January 2014, a midFrom January 2014, a mid----week Holy Communion Service will be held atweek Holy Communion Service will be held atweek Holy Communion Service will be held atweek Holy Communion Service will be held at St. PerranSt. PerranSt. PerranSt. Perran’’’’s at 11am on the first and third Thursdays of each month (after s at 11am on the first and third Thursdays of each month (after s at 11am on the first and third Thursdays of each month (after s at 11am on the first and third Thursdays of each month (after the Thursday Coffee Morning).the Thursday Coffee Morning).the Thursday Coffee Morning).the Thursday Coffee Morning). The first midThe first midThe first midThe first mid----week Communion will be on 16th Januaryweek Communion will be on 16th Januaryweek Communion will be on 16th Januaryweek Communion will be on 16th January The MidThe MidThe MidThe Mid----week Holy Communion each Wednesday at St. Aidanweek Holy Communion each Wednesday at St. Aidanweek Holy Communion each Wednesday at St. Aidanweek Holy Communion each Wednesday at St. Aidan’’’’s will s will s will s will continue at 10amcontinue at 10amcontinue at 10amcontinue at 10am Messy Church was launched at St. GeorgeMessy Church was launched at St. GeorgeMessy Church was launched at St. GeorgeMessy Church was launched at St. George’’’’s in October, and has already s in October, and has already s in October, and has already s in October, and has already proved popular with a number of young families outside the church.proved popular with a number of young families outside the church.proved popular with a number of young families outside the church.proved popular with a number of young families outside the church. We would hope to launch Messy Church (or something similar) atWe would hope to launch Messy Church (or something similar) atWe would hope to launch Messy Church (or something similar) atWe would hope to launch Messy Church (or something similar) at St. AidanSt. AidanSt. AidanSt. Aidan’’’’s once the proposed refurbishment of the church and hall iss once the proposed refurbishment of the church and hall iss once the proposed refurbishment of the church and hall iss once the proposed refurbishment of the church and hall is complete. complete. complete. complete. These plans provide a framework in order to realise our goals, which are deemed necessary in order for us to continue to value all that we hold dear while being outward-looking in order for others to know God’s love and good purpose for their lives.

AFTERNOON CONCERTAFTERNOON CONCERTAFTERNOON CONCERTAFTERNOON CONCERT AND TEA AND TEA AND TEA AND TEA

Sunday 8th December Sunday 8th December Sunday 8th December Sunday 8th December

2pm to 4pm at St Aidan2pm to 4pm at St Aidan2pm to 4pm at St Aidan2pm to 4pm at St Aidan’’’’s Halls Halls Halls Hall

A new singing for fun group ’THE CO-OPERATIVE SINGERS’, along with old favourites ‘STANZA’ will perform

Tickets only £4 (includingTickets only £4 (includingTickets only £4 (includingTickets only £4 (including

Afternoon Tea) fromAfternoon Tea) fromAfternoon Tea) fromAfternoon Tea) from Dorothy Baines or Pat CrooksDorothy Baines or Pat CrooksDorothy Baines or Pat CrooksDorothy Baines or Pat Crooks

SOUTH BARROW TEAM REGISTER

Baptisms (at St. GeorgeBaptisms (at St. GeorgeBaptisms (at St. GeorgeBaptisms (at St. George’’’’s Church, unless otherwise stated)s Church, unless otherwise stated)s Church, unless otherwise stated)s Church, unless otherwise stated) 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November Spencer McKinley ALSOPALSOPALSOPALSOP - born 11th April 2011 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November Arthur McKinley ALSOPALSOPALSOPALSOP - born 1st February 2013 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November Joshua Liam BROWNBROWNBROWNBROWN - born 17th October 2006 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November 3rd November Lily-Mae BROWNBROWNBROWNBROWN - born 31st July 2013 Funerals (at Thorncliffe Crematorium, unless otherwise stated)Funerals (at Thorncliffe Crematorium, unless otherwise stated)Funerals (at Thorncliffe Crematorium, unless otherwise stated)Funerals (at Thorncliffe Crematorium, unless otherwise stated) We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of: 2nd November2nd November2nd November2nd November Fred CARRADUSCARRADUSCARRADUSCARRADUS - aged 66 14th November14th November14th November14th November Patricia TAYLORTAYLORTAYLORTAYLOR - aged 75 25th November25th November25th November25th November Isabella TYSONTYSONTYSONTYSON - aged 85 25th November25th November25th November25th November Joyce BARKERBARKERBARKERBARKER - aged 92 26th November26th November26th November26th November Margaret ANDERSONANDERSONANDERSONANDERSON - aged 88 27th November27th November27th November27th November Maureen BRAND BRAND BRAND BRAND - aged 77; at St George’s Church Enquiries about Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child, Baptism, Weddings, Renewal of Marriage Vows and Funerals should be directed to the Reverends Gary Cregeen, Jo Northey or Matt Hornby.

ST. GEORGEST. GEORGEST. GEORGEST. GEORGE’’’’SSSS CHRISTMAS FAIRCHRISTMAS FAIRCHRISTMAS FAIRCHRISTMAS FAIR

Saturday 7th December Saturday 7th December Saturday 7th December Saturday 7th December

1pm to 3pm at St George1pm to 3pm at St George1pm to 3pm at St George1pm to 3pm at St George’’’’s Halls Halls Halls Hall

Jewellery - Books Clothes - Home-made jams

Cards - Bottle Stall Home-made cakes - Tombola Mince pies - and much more!

Come along and invite your Come along and invite your Come along and invite your Come along and invite your

friends and neighbours!friends and neighbours!friends and neighbours!friends and neighbours!

CHRISTMAS

CROSSWORD

ACROSSACROSSACROSSACROSS 1111 Jesus' birthplace (9) 5555 Herod slew the children of this age and under (3) 8888 Peter quoted his words on the day of Pentecost (4) 9999 "A ___ shaken with the wind" (4) 10101010 "Ye shall find ___ babe wrapped in swaddling clothes" (3) 12121212 The year from Jesus' birth (2) 14141414 Anna was of this tribe (as recorded in Luke) (4) 15151515 "Behold, a ___ shall be with child" (6) 20202020 "Fruits ___ for repentance" (4) 21212121 The wise men came from here (4) 22222222 "He shall reign of the house of ___ for ever" (5) 23232323 A female ancestor of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 1 (4) 25252525 The amount of manna to be gathered per person (4) 27272727 He multiplied the widow's oil (6) 30303030 "As soon as the voice of thy salvation sounded in mine ___" (4) 32323232 An altar meaning witness (Joshua 22) (2) 33333333 To increase (3)

35353535 Malarial fever (4) 36363636 To guide (4) 38383838 There was no room here (3) 39393939 They went to see the baby Jesus (9) DOWNDOWNDOWNDOWN 1111 "Mary, of whom was __ Jesus" (4) 2222 Jesus' age when taken to Jerusalem (6) 3333 Jesus did not do this in the wilderness (3) 4444 Adam's wife (3) 5555 "Mary was espoused ___ Joseph" (2) 6666 "They that ___ soft clothing are in kings' houses" (4) 7777 Zacharias said, "I am an ___ man" (3) 8888 Grandson of 23 (5) 11111111 A place near Bethel (3) 13131313 "A pair of turtle doves ___ two young pigeons" (2) 16161616 "That ___ might be fulfilled" (2) 17171717 "The ___ of God was upon him" (5) 18181818 Mother-in-law of 23 (5) 19191919 This went before the wise men (4) 20202020 The mother of Jesus (4) 24242424 He was king at the time of Jesus' birth (5) 25252525 "___ that one would hear me!" (2) 26262626 Jesus was laid in this (6) 28282828 The spirit did this to Jesus in the wilderness (3) 29292929 Thus (2) 30303030 The first garden (4) 31313131 "Where is he that is born king of the ___?" (4) 32323232 A priest in the time of Samuel (3) 33333333 A tree of the olive family (3) 34343434 To put into water (3) 37373737 "___ angel of the Lord appeareth" (2)

ST. GEORGE’S LADIES’ GUILD

report written by Dorothy Thistlethwaite

Our speaker in October was Revd Jo Northey; she spoke about an initiative to bring more children and adults into the church called ‘Messy Church’. The first ‘Messy’ took place at St George’s in October and was well attended, not least by lots of young families who don’t normally attend church. As Jo spoke, I was reminded of when we were children, there was no Messy Church then but a normal Sunday morning was when Dad took us to church; we’d slip out to Sunday School when the sermon began. Sometimes we would also go to church on Sunday evening too. This year our annual weekend away took us to Chester. After morning coffee at Crooklands we made our way to Ormskirk - for two of us the priority was not shopping at ‘Marks & Sparks’ but to buy a poppy as it was the remembrance weekend. Sadly, we have lost some members recently - we remember their families and friends in our prayers. Finally, we wish all our members a happy and peaceful Christmas.

ST. LUKE’S MOTHERS’ UNION

report written by Doreen Finch

On 31st October, the Revd Jo Northey came to speak to us about children and church and she talked about the good work done through Messy Church. Jo. asked for our help on the first Sunday of each month; those of us who have helped found it very worthwhile and much appreciated by parents and children. On November 14th we had an afternoon of wartime memories and remembrance poems. We were very young at the time but remember donning siren suits and going to the Anderson shelter in the garden or to the brick shelters in the back streets. Some were evacuated and some had evacuees in their homes. Some, sadly, lost family members and others were bombed out. This was a period we hope will never come again but we remember the way people pulled together. We meet on 2nd December for the Deanery Carol Service in St George’s; the service will be led by Gary, our Team Rector. We are hosting this service for MU members from Barrow and Furness deaneries so please remember to bring some mince pies & shortbread!

ST GEORGE’S RAINBOWS

We've opened a brand new Rainbows Unit at St. George's! Rainbows is all about developing self-confidence, building friendships, learning new things and having fun - girls get their hands dirty with arts and crafts, trying out cooking and playing games. Rainbows is all about learning by doing, take part in lots of different activities with girls their own age (5-7 years old). The unit opened on 6th November 2013, and will meet betweenThe unit opened on 6th November 2013, and will meet betweenThe unit opened on 6th November 2013, and will meet betweenThe unit opened on 6th November 2013, and will meet between 4.30pm and 5.30pm each Wednesday (term4.30pm and 5.30pm each Wednesday (term4.30pm and 5.30pm each Wednesday (term4.30pm and 5.30pm each Wednesday (term----time only).time only).time only).time only). If you have family, friends or neighbours with girls aged between 5 and 7, please tell them about St George’s Rainbows. For more information on our unit, please contact Claire Coram at rainbows.leaders@gmail.comrainbows.leaders@gmail.comrainbows.leaders@gmail.comrainbows.leaders@gmail.com

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

A big thank you to those who provided gift-filled shoeboxes -23 were collected in total from the South Barrow Team; each one will bring joy and hope to a needy child this Christmas. In the Barrow and Furness area, an amazing 1010 boxes were donated In the Barrow and Furness area, an amazing 1010 boxes were donated In the Barrow and Furness area, an amazing 1010 boxes were donated In the Barrow and Furness area, an amazing 1010 boxes were donated ---- an increase of 410 boxes on the 600 given in 2012! an increase of 410 boxes on the 600 given in 2012! an increase of 410 boxes on the 600 given in 2012! an increase of 410 boxes on the 600 given in 2012! The local co-ordinator of Samaritan’s Purse, Mark Callaghan, has been in touch and says, “I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone that got involved with Operation Christmas Child this year. On behalf of Samaritan’s Purse I would like to say well done to everyone that has contributed to the campaign this year. Please continue to pray for the safe passage of the boxes to the Ukraine and for the children and their families that receive the boxes.”

‘O COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD!’

written by the Team Rector, Revd. Gary Cregeen

‘‘‘‘Christmas is being crucified by Christmas is being crucified by Christmas is being crucified by Christmas is being crucified by white, middlewhite, middlewhite, middlewhite, middle----class doclass doclass doclass do----goodersgoodersgoodersgooders’’’’ this was the headline of an article by Jeff Randall which appeared in The Daily Telegraph. He argues that Christmas, as a Christian festival, is being hijacked by those who disguise themselves as being ‘multi-cultural’ but whose agenda is primarily to eradicate our Christian heritage. He suggests that strident secularists are intent on turning Christianity into a crime in order to promote their own vacuous “ethical” code – he goes on, ‘The teaching of Christianity offends them, so they seek to remove all traces of it from public life’. And we see evidence of this secularist agenda when councillors, such as those in Birmingham, try to re-brand Christmas in favour of something more multi-cultural, even pagan, such as ‘Winterval’. On the flip-side I admire Carlisle City Council, who must be congratulated on their Christmas display – not least with the Nativity again being the centrepiece of this year’s lights. Yet, these two differing responses to Christmas by Birmingham and Carlisle City Council are but a reflection of the two responses towards Jesus which are recorded in Matthew’s Gospel and ‘The Visit of the Magi’. Whenever I read Matthew 2:1-12 I am always struck by the persistencepersistencepersistencepersistence of both the MagiMagiMagiMagi and

King HerodKing HerodKing HerodKing Herod. However, the focus of their persistence was very different - not unlike the two opposing re-sponses to Jesus Christ which we encounter today. THE MAGITHE MAGITHE MAGITHE MAGI Surprisingly these worshippers of the King of the Jews were not Jews themselves. They are Gentiles.They are Gentiles.They are Gentiles.They are Gentiles. ‘Magi’ is a Babylonian word meaning ‘astrologers’. And these Magi or Wise men almost certainly were astrologers from the lands east of Judah, probably Babylon. (modern day Iraq). The homagehomagehomagehomage of the Magi had a greater significance than these non-Jewish visitors from the East could have imagined. Their actions reveal a dawning recognition of Jesus’ true identity. ‘Bowing low’ before Him demonstrated humble submissionhumble submissionhumble submissionhumble submission which provides us with a picture of Jesus, developed by Matthew, as the One to whom every knee should bow. Upon arriving in Jerusalem the Magi asked “Where is the One who is born king of the Jews?” They don’t ask whether such a person has been born - they know! However, their search understandably took them to Herod’s palace in Jerusalem, to those whom they thought would ‘know’ but found ignorance. They assumed that the One whose birth was heralded by a

star would be found near the centre of power but He wasn’t. We can well imagine what a disappointment it may have been when they found a cottage was His palace and His own poor mother tending to Him, rather than numerous courtiers! However, these were wise men and saw through this veil and were not baffled by what awaited them in Bethlehem. Having been supernaturally guided to the place where Jesus was the Magi presented themselves first, and then their gifts, to Him. The Magi ‘‘‘‘fell down and paid homage to Himfell down and paid homage to Himfell down and paid homage to Himfell down and paid homage to Him’’’’ despite the poverty of His surroundings. Interestingly, we do not read that they gave such honour to Herod despite his royal grandeur! It is amazing that the Magi should embark on this costly journey, led by an extraordinary star such as had not been seen before - the star signified something extraordinary and uncommon. They could have thought: ‘If such a prince be born we will hear of him shortly in our own country, we’ll pay our homage to him then.’ But no, they desired to be acquainted with Him as soon as possible and took a long journey to enquire after Him. Those who truly Those who truly Those who truly Those who truly seek Christ will pay no regard to seek Christ will pay no regard to seek Christ will pay no regard to seek Christ will pay no regard to pains and perils in seeking after pains and perils in seeking after pains and perils in seeking after pains and perils in seeking after Him. Him. Him. Him. Which is a very different response than that of... HEROD AND THE HIERARCHYHEROD AND THE HIERARCHYHEROD AND THE HIERARCHYHEROD AND THE HIERARCHY The persistent seeking and submissive worship of the Magi is in stark contrast to the antagonism of Herod, and the apathy of the hierarchy in Jerusalem. The Wise

Men came from a far away country to worship Christ, while the Jews, His kinsmen, wouldn’t even go to the next town to meet Him! Yet this apathy did not deter the wise men. Unlike the Magi Herod and his council showed not devotion to Jesus; instead they were hostile or indifferent towards Him. We are told that Herod was ‘greatly troubled and all Jerusalem with him’. Herod was now an old man, he’d been on the throne for 35 years, while this new king was newly born. Yet, Herod felt deeply threatened and so feared the loss of his own authority that he plotted to eradicate the threat by an act of genocide - by killing all the baby boys of Bethlehem. Herod was what we might describe as ‘‘‘‘shaken but not stirredshaken but not stirredshaken but not stirredshaken but not stirred’’’’ - shaken by news of the Messiah’s birth but not stirred to seek Him, find Him and worship Him.. We may dislike Herod but we must be careful not to be like him; for whenever we hold Jesus at arms length, when we have no real appreciation of who this King really is - then we’re behaving no differently to Herod. The events recorded for us in Matthew 2 reveal various responses to Jesus which still prevail. There are many today who are as unmoved by Jesus as the people in Israel at the time of His birth. There are still those who are hostile towards Him as King Herod was. However, there are also millions of people who, like the Magi, continue to ‘give homage’ to Jesus today. But what about you and me as we approach Christmas 2013 AD? Like the ‘persistent’ Magi, wise people still seek Jesus.

BARROW FOODBANK NEWS

October facts and figuresOctober facts and figuresOctober facts and figuresOctober facts and figures 296 people - 201 adults and 95 children - were fed 8736.3kg of food was received 3655.1 kg was given out The amount of food donated in October was staggering, due to the many church and school harvest festivals, and really shows how much people in this area care for each other. Three bakeries now give fresh bread, buns etc., which are frozen and given out to clients, making the three days food allowance go a little further. The Foodbank would like to give clients a little extra at Christmas this year, as they did last year, when it was much appreciated. If you can help, please give whatever you can from the list below: Tinned ham, vegetables, fruit, custard and cream Christmas cake and pudding, biscuits, large bars of chocolate, boxes of chocolates or sweets and toiletries Selection boxes, sweets and gifts for children who may not have much to open on Christmas Day. Please pray for the ever increasing number of homeless in our area, those who have had their benefits sanctioned or delayed, those suffering through illness or loneliness and the volunteers who work tirelessly for others. If you would like to volunteer to help at the Foodbank, please ring Anne Anne Anne Anne Mills Mills Mills Mills on 01229 34343601229 34343601229 34343601229 343436, who would be delighted to hear from you.

‘‘‘‘VOCEVOCEVOCEVOCE’ ’ ’ ’ IN CONCERTIN CONCERTIN CONCERTIN CONCERT Friday 31st January Friday 31st January Friday 31st January Friday 31st January ---- 7.30 pm at St. George7.30 pm at St. George7.30 pm at St. George7.30 pm at St. George’’’’s Churchs Churchs Churchs Church

Tickets only £7 (includes refreshments)Tickets only £7 (includes refreshments)Tickets only £7 (includes refreshments)Tickets only £7 (includes refreshments)

Available from Jean Mease and Geraldine SouthamAvailable from Jean Mease and Geraldine SouthamAvailable from Jean Mease and Geraldine SouthamAvailable from Jean Mease and Geraldine Southam

ST. LUKE’S WOMENS’ FELLOWSHIP

report written by Pat Hughes

On 21st November we welcomed our friend, Wilf Cooper; he comes along each year to read some of his lovely poems, which he has written himself. The poems all have a story to tell and we had a pleasant afternoon with Wilf. On 24th October we had our autumn meal out at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, which was very enjoyable. On December 5th we have a ‘surprise meeting’ - at the moment the speaker who was meant to join us is unable to come at this time, but we will have a good social time together, this being our last meeting before Christmas. We meet on January 9th for a ‘Musical Interlude’ and on 23rd January we look forward to welcoming Gary, our Team Rector. Finally, we wish everyone a very happy, peaceful Christmas.

ST. GEORGE’S MOTHERS’ UNION

report written by Sylvia Groves

At our 8th October meeting Gary Cregeen, our Vicar, gave a talk about a prison placement he did while training for the ministry; he talked with great insight and humour - it was very enjoyable and informative. This was a ‘spontaneous talk’ as the powerpoint projector wouldn’t work and so the intended presentation ’Letter From Laos’ will be deferred to a later date. Our November meeting welcomed a representative from the Multicultural Society in Barrow, Muay Green; she gave us a greater understanding of people leaving their own countries and making a life and home in a country with different customs, food, language and attitudes. She talked of the loneliness and isolation felt when unable to speak the language, not knowing how to meet people they are unable to converse with; trying to buy food in shops. She told how they cope and help each other, and how they have a network of people helping in Barrow. 10th December is our next meeting, which is the Christmas Tea when the children from St George’s School sing for us.

CURATE’S COMMENT

‘NEW YEAR; NEW BEGINNINGS’

written by Assistant Curate, Revd. Matt Hornby

A double December/January magazine is a good time to think about new beginnings. Advent is the new liturgical year, and January sees the new calendar year. Christmas also marks new birth, a new era of God's plan and good news for all. Two things are striking in the way the Gospels tell the Christmas story. It's new, but it's also old. First, the Christmas story is new. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of a new era. Jesus brings peace, goodwill and forgiveness of sins in a way that was not possible before. He, and only he, is God's Word made flesh. Yet Christmas is also the fulfilment of an old story. Notice how the gospel writers keep referring to the Old Testament to explain the significance of Jesus' birth. Matthew quotes from the prophets Isaiah, Micah and Jeremiah, and Luke from Malachi. Matthew draws parallels between Jesus and Moses, the rescuer of God's people. Both Matthew and Luke refer to Abraham and David, the human founder of God's people and their greatest king. John begins his account of Jesus' birth with the words “in the beginning.” This presents Jesus' birth as part of a story that goes back to the beginning of Genesis, to the beginning of creation. So with the birth of Jesus, something decisively new happens.

Jesus is greater than Abraham, than Moses, than David, than any prophet. Yet what Jesus does is in continuity with Abraham, Moses, David and the prophets. Jesus does not nullify the Old Testament; he fulfils it. Christianity, then, is about new beginnings. Jesus offers new life and a fresh start. Yet it is also about God's one big story that started before the creation of the world and will last until the end of time. Christianity is about newness, and about the fulfilment of the old. So as Christians, we are called to make a new beginning. Yet we are also called to treasure the old. We must do both. It is dangerous to do one and not the other. We are not called to preserve tradition merely for its own sake. But neither should we embrace newness merely because it is new. As a church family, we are starting several new things. Yet we hope that they will fulfil everything that is good about our old traditions. Our Mission Action Plan commits us to a diversity of worship styles. This isn't about getting rid of old hymns and bringing in all new songs. It's about expressing the timeless truths of the Christian faith in a variety of ways. This variety will include all that is best about the old ways of worship. And it involves new ways, which appeal to those who do not currently come to traditional

church. It involves new and old. The building project at St Aidan's also reflects this. We want to repair and restore St Aidan's. Yet we also want to make it a better building than it ever was. As individuals, God similarly calls us both to make a new beginning and also to treasure what is good about the old. Speaking personally, I know God wants me to try new things, to take risks for him, to fight old sins and to break old bad habits. Yet I am also the person God has made

me, with the gifts he has given me, in the place and in the network of relationships in which he has put me. Both new and old can feel overwhelming. We may feel like we cannot escape from our past. A new future can seem frightening. Yet the birth of Jesus shows us that God has made a new beginning that is in continuity with the past. Jesus is an example of how to fulfil the old and how to embrace the new. He is also the one who gives us the power to follow him in doing the same.

TEAM TALK - NEXT ISSUE

The next edition of Team Talk will be publishedThe next edition of Team Talk will be publishedThe next edition of Team Talk will be publishedThe next edition of Team Talk will be published in Februaryin Februaryin Februaryin February

News items and articles should be forwarded toNews items and articles should be forwarded toNews items and articles should be forwarded toNews items and articles should be forwarded to

Revd. Gary Cregeen by Wednesday 15th January at the latest.Revd. Gary Cregeen by Wednesday 15th January at the latest.Revd. Gary Cregeen by Wednesday 15th January at the latest.Revd. Gary Cregeen by Wednesday 15th January at the latest.

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ChequesChequesChequesCheques should be made payable to ‘St George with St Luke PCCSt George with St Luke PCCSt George with St Luke PCCSt George with St Luke PCC’

and forwarded to

Pat Hughes, 24 Kent Street, BarrowPat Hughes, 24 Kent Street, BarrowPat Hughes, 24 Kent Street, BarrowPat Hughes, 24 Kent Street, Barrow----inininin----Furness, LA13 9 QTFurness, LA13 9 QTFurness, LA13 9 QTFurness, LA13 9 QT.

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ST. GEORGE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

report written by Sandra Adams

St George's School supports several local charities these include, riding for the Disabled, the local Hospice, the Food Bank, Comic Relief and re-cently selling poppies for the British Legion. In October, school had a biscuit sale raising the magnificent amount of £98.00 for Breast Cancer. Reception Class had a visit to the Whacky Warehouse, improving their skills while enjoying running and climbing. Nursery also had a learning experience when they visited Roose Library. Great news! St Georges has been named ‘The Cool School’ by The Bay Radio after making contact with staff member Nicky Gwynne. On 4th December Danny Matthews from The Bay will visit school and will highlight what our school has to offer, this will be through chatting to a handful of pupils, which means rather than staff talking about school life it will come straight for the children. This sounds great fun and the children are looking forward to the visit. Also on December 4th, the school choir along with Roose Choir will be singing carols after school at Furness General Hospital. The children are also going to sing at St George’s Nursing Home, this will happen at some point during December. The toddlers will hold their Christmas party on 6th December, while on the 10th children from Nursery and Reception will be presenting their Nativity at 2 pm in school. Lots of Christmas presents can be found in the Christmas Fair being held in school on December 11th at 2:30pm; while Christmas dinner is served to our children on the 12th. On 17th December the children, both infant and junior will be performing their Christmas concert in church at 1:30pm, all are welcome to join. School will break up on Dec 19th at 1:30 pm. Staff, children and governors from St George’s wish everybody a happy and peaceful Christmas.

MESSY CHURCHMESSY CHURCHMESSY CHURCHMESSY CHURCH

Resumes onResumes onResumes onResumes on Sunday 2nd FebruarySunday 2nd FebruarySunday 2nd FebruarySunday 2nd February

3 pm at St. George3 pm at St. George3 pm at St. George3 pm at St. George’’’’s Halls Halls Halls Hall

Christmas 2013Christmas 2013Christmas 2013Christmas 2013

Sunday 15th DecemberSunday 15th DecemberSunday 15th DecemberSunday 15th December Team Carols by Candlelight with Dalton Town BandTeam Carols by Candlelight with Dalton Town BandTeam Carols by Candlelight with Dalton Town BandTeam Carols by Candlelight with Dalton Town Band

3pm at St. George3pm at St. George3pm at St. George3pm at St. George’’’’s Churchs Churchs Churchs Church Followed by Christmas Tea

(bring and share)

Sunday 22nd DecemberSunday 22nd DecemberSunday 22nd DecemberSunday 22nd December Holy Communion with Carols Holy Communion with Carols Holy Communion with Carols Holy Communion with Carols 9.30am at St. Aidan’s Church

10.30am at St. George’s Church

Team Nativity ServiceTeam Nativity ServiceTeam Nativity ServiceTeam Nativity Service 4.30pm at St Perran’s Church

followed by refreshments

Tuesday 24th DecemberTuesday 24th DecemberTuesday 24th DecemberTuesday 24th December Candlelit Christingle, with Holy Communion Candlelit Christingle, with Holy Communion Candlelit Christingle, with Holy Communion Candlelit Christingle, with Holy Communion

4pm at St. George’s Church

Candlelit Midnight Communion Candlelit Midnight Communion Candlelit Midnight Communion Candlelit Midnight Communion 11pm at St. George’s Church

Wednesday 25th DecemberWednesday 25th DecemberWednesday 25th DecemberWednesday 25th December

Christmas Day WorshipChristmas Day WorshipChristmas Day WorshipChristmas Day Worship with Holy Communionwith Holy Communionwith Holy Communionwith Holy Communion

10 am at St. Aidan’s Church

Sunday 29th DecemberSunday 29th DecemberSunday 29th DecemberSunday 29th December End of Year ServiceEnd of Year ServiceEnd of Year ServiceEnd of Year Service

with Holy Communion with Holy Communion with Holy Communion with Holy Communion 10.30 am at St. George’s Church

Come and celebrateCome and celebrateCome and celebrateCome and celebrate Christmas with us Christmas with us Christmas with us Christmas with us ---- please invite friends please invite friends please invite friends please invite friends

and familyand familyand familyand family

TEAM CONTACT DETAILS

all telephone numbers begin 01229

Team RectorTeam RectorTeam RectorTeam Rector Revd. Gary Cregeen, The Rectory, 98 Roose Road, and Rural Dean and Rural Dean and Rural Dean and Rural Dean LA13 9RL of Barrowof Barrowof Barrowof Barrow 877367 gary@sbtchurches.co.uk Team VicarTeam VicarTeam VicarTeam Vicar Vacant Assistant CuratesAssistant CuratesAssistant CuratesAssistant Curates Revd Jo Northey, 36 Thorncliffe Road, LA14 1BX 826487 Jo@sbtchurches.co.uk Revd Matt Hornby, The Vicarage, 98a Roose Road , LA13 9RL 877755 matt@sbtchurches.co.uk ChurchwardensChurchwardensChurchwardensChurchwardens Ted Fenton (St George’s w. St Luke’s and St Perran’s) 820408 Peter Gardner (St Aidan’s) 825870 Jean Mease (St George’s w. St Luke’s and St Perran’s) 829923 Geraldine Southam (St George’s w. St Luke’s and St Perran’s) 466327 Madge Wignall (St Aidan’s) 820484 PCC TreasurersPCC TreasurersPCC TreasurersPCC Treasurers Pat Liddicott (St George’s w. St Luke’s and St Perran’s) Sheila Darlington (St Aidan’s) 839563 PCC SecretariesPCC SecretariesPCC SecretariesPCC Secretaries Alison Otto (St George’s w. St Luke’s and St Perran’s) 825802 Carole Williamson (St Aidan’s) 826017 VergersVergersVergersVergers Geraldine Southam (St George’s w. St Luke’s and St Perran’s) 466327 Keith Cockburn (St Aidan’s) 826692 Hall Lettings Secretaries:Hall Lettings Secretaries:Hall Lettings Secretaries:Hall Lettings Secretaries: Ted and Ruth Fenton (St George’s and St Perran’s) 820408 Keith Cockburn (St Aidan’s) 826692 Weekly Team NewsletterWeekly Team NewsletterWeekly Team NewsletterWeekly Team Newsletter Judy Cowsill 829710