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PARISH NEWS December 2012 - January 2013 HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Bradford on Avon photo:Bryan Harris
PARISH NEWSDecember 2012 - January 2013
HOLY TRINITY CHURCHBradford on Avon
phot
o:Br
yan
Har
ris
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Priest in Charge The Revd Joanna Abecassis [email protected] Woolley Street, BoA, 864444
Churchwardens Trevor Ford 25 Downavon, BoA, 862240Judith Holland 23 Avonfield Avenue, BoA, 866215
Assistant Wardens David Emerson, David Milne, Brian Netley, Val Payne, John Woods
Retired Clergy The Ven John Burgess, Canon David Driscoll, The Revd Alun Glyn-Jones,Canon Peter Hardman, The Revd Jim Hill, The Rt Revd Bill Ind, The Revd Angela Onions,The Ven Ian Stanes The Revd Karl Wiggins, Canon Humphrey York.
Lay Ministers Graham Dove (licensed) 868654Dr Malcolm Walsh (retired)
Director of Music Tom Pelham 07922 849982
Times of Services (Check Bulletins and notices or Church web site)
Sundays 8am Eucharist (Traditional language)
9.30am Sung Eucharist (coffee afterwards)
6pm Evensong, Compline, etc
Weekday Eucharist 10am Wednesdays
12 noon Fridays (Traditional language) with lunch out afterwards
Daily (apart from Sundays) Morning and Evening Prayer at 8.30am and 5.30pm (please enter via the north door opposite the Saxon Church, and check Bulletin for any cancellations)
Opening times April to September: the church is usually open to visitors on weekdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Times of MeetingsChoir Practice 6.30pm Church, Tuesdays
Team Trinity 9.30am Guide HQ (1�� and 2ⁿ� Sundays in the
month, September to July, except Easter)
Mothers’ Union 7.30pm 3�� Thursday, Cedar Court, Berryfield Road, BoA.
Saxon Club 2 – 4pm Every Tuesday except August, United Church Hall
Bell Practice 7.30–9pm 2ⁿ� and 4�� Mondays
Holy Trinity Web-site www.brad-avon-ht.org.ukDiocese Web-site www.salisbury.anglican.org.uk
Weekly Bulletin Notices to Trevor Ford not later than Wednesday for the following Sunday.
Please let the Priest in Charge, LLM or Churchwardens know if someoneneeds visiting at home or in hospital.
DIRECTORY
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DIARY FOR DECEMBER2 SUNDAY THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10am Bradford Group Sung Eucharist with Bishop Nicholas
6pm BACT Candlelit Advent Carol Service
4 Tuesday (until 9 Sunday) 9.30am - 6pm Christmas Tree Festival (opens 11am on Sunday 9 December)
6 Thursday 8pm Contemplative Hour St Mary Tory
7 Friday 7.30pm Bradford Choral Society Christmas Concert
9 SUNDAY THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9.30am Tree Festival Sung Eucharist
6pm Evensong Christ Church
14 Friday 3.45pm 'Wriggle and Worship' for 7-year-olds and under
16 SUNDAY THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9.30am 'Sing Hosanna' Eucharist with Nativity Tableau (and sherry and mince pies!)
6pm Taizé Service with Prayers for Hope and Health
18 Tuesday 7pm St Laurence School Carol Service
20 Thursday 10.30am Fitzmaurice School Carol Service
7.30pm Mothers' Union Readings and Music for Christmas Cedar Court
23 SUNDAY THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9.30am Sung Eucharist
12 noon Service of Blessing and Thanksgiving for Frederika Liberty Peters St Mary Tory
6pm Candlelit Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
SEE PAGE 9 FOR CHRISTMAS SERVICES
30 SUNDAY THE FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
8am No Service today
10am Eucharist with Carols and Christmas Readings
WEEKLY GROUPS
Monday 7.30pm (fortnightly) 'Faith Explored' (for venue ring 868654)
Tuesday 10.30am mainly music (a group for young children
– school terms only)
Thursday 11am 'Faith Explored' (except 27 December) Vicarage, 18A, Woolley Street
There will be no Parish News in January
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DIARY FOR JANUARY
Parish News copy date for February is 20th January
3 Thursday 8pm Contemplative Hour St Mary Tory
6 SUNDAY THE EPIPHANY
9.30am Festival Sung Eucharist (with incense)
6pm Compline
11 Friday 3.45pm 'Wriggle and Worship' for 7-year-olds and under
13 SUNDAY THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST
9.30am Sung Eucharist
6pm Evensong Christ Church
16 Wednesday 7pm Eucharist and PCC Meeting Vicarage
20 SUNDAY THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
9.30am 'Sing Hosanna' Eucharist
6.30pm Ordination of the Revd Philip Elliott as priest Holy Trinity, Weymouth (No evening service at Holy Trinity)
24 Thursday 7.30pm Mothers' Union Eucharist and AGM
27 SUNDAY THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY
9.30am Sung Eucharist
6pm Education Sunday Schools' Songs of Praise
WEEKLY GROUPS
Monday 7.30pm (fortnightly) 'Faith Explored' (for venue ring 868654)
Tuesday 10.30am mainly music (a group for young children – school terms only)
Thursday 11am 'Faith Explored' (except 3 & 17 January) Vicarage, 18A, Woolley Street
Church Tea and Coffee Rota: VacancyA vacancy will occur in the New Year for someone to coordinate the Sundaytea and coffee rota for church. Elaine Giles has fulfilled this rôle for the lastcouple of years but owing to a planned visit to Australia and a four-month tripon her narrow boat (to include Graham) she will not be around much next year.The rôle is not arduous – compiling a rota twice a year and buying supplies.If you are interested please speak to Elaine or ring on 868654.
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Writing for the Decemberand January 'Bumper Issue'of Parish News in mid-
November, strange as it might seem,is perhaps a good way ofanticipating these great Festivals ofthe Church which lie ahead. For thatis of course one of the great joys ofAdvent, as we are first deeplychallenged, we wrestle as did Jacobwith his angel, we negotiate the oddtouch of the ‘refiner's fire’, and thenwe are ready and prepared tocelebrate the immensity of the sheerjoy that is Christmas.
For many of us in the church that‘refiner's fire’ is very real as we wrestlewith the aftermath of the GeneralSynod vote on women bishops. For me,it is the stark revelation to the world ofthe extraordinary way in which theSynod works that is so shocking. Forsuch a major decision for the whole ofthe Church of England to rest upon thevotes of a handful of lay people, whovoted it down, as against the expresswill of 42 out of 44 Diocesan Synods,our two Archbishops, our Archbishopelect, the House of Bishops and theHouse of Clergy is very disturbing. AndI would most certainly feel thatwhatever the issue. But… being a glasshalf-full person, and a passionatebeliever in the John 12.24 ‘grain ofwheat’ theory, I feel convinced that'Christmas Day' – the light shining inthe Advent darkness – will come, andperhaps we shall all be stronger for thispainful experience for the church. As
ever we are called to live out thosekingdom values – and pray for our newArchbishop Justin, giving thanks toGod for his gifts and experience as areconciler.
So, once again, “for all that hasbeen, thanks, for all that shall be, yes!”
n A huge thank you to Bryan andAnn for a brilliant year's ParishNews (and web site) – and GetWell Soon, Ann!
n A huge thank you to Judith andTrevor as Churchwardens, and toour Assistant Churchwardens whohave been such a help whileTrevor has been ill.And we look ahead to….
n A fantastic Christmas Tree Festival,4��-9�� December
n Glorious Christmas celebrations atchurch and in our community
n A year of rich, innovative andcreative music with our newDirector of Music, Tom Pelham
n The ordination of Philip Elliott aspriest on 20�� January inWeymouth
n Two new Head teachers and anEducation Sunday Songs of Praiseto welcome them
n The formation of a new beneficewith Westwood and Wingfieldand closer collaboration withinthe Bradford Group Ministry
With my love and prayers and everyblessing.
HAPPY ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Team Trinity News
This year we shall be performing the 'Nativity'in Church on 16th December. The children chosethe parts they wanted to play and rehearsalsstart on the first Sunday in December. It wasencouraging that we have enough children to filleach part but we would always welcome morechildren to be kings, shepherds and angels. We are also taking partin the Christmas Tree Festival and have started making our treeornaments. The children really do enjoy singing each Sunday at 'TeamTrinity' and have asked if they can sing one of their favourite songsto the congregation. Hopefully we can arrange this for one of the'Sing Hosanna' services in the New Year. We now have twelvechildren on the 'Team Trinity' register so numbers are growing.
June Harrison
FROM THE REGISTERS
Baptisms
Theodore Alexander Crymble November 18th
Funerals
Minnie Elizabeth Bradley November 1st (Semington)
William Graham ('Bill') Taylor November 23rd (Thanksgiving service)
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November's meeting, onceagain at Cedar Court, provedto be very entertaining.
After Chris opened with prayer, aretired Wiltshire Fire Chief, JohnCraig, spoke to the members underthe title ‘Going to blazes’. He saidfrom the outset that there was agloomy side to the work of the Fireand Rescue Service but on the basisthat laughter was the best medicinehe proposed to look at the moreamusing side of the work and fromthat point onwards he had us all institches telling us tales from his longexperience in the Service. He hadserved in Leicester, Suffolk, WestSussex and Wiltshire and broughtwith him his helmet and axe but hisfirst tale of rescuing a horse from aswimming pool involved neither ofthese. In fact he had to strip to hisunderwear and plunge in with thehorse. The water was freezing andwhen they got the horse out theywere so concerned to revive it thathis freezing state was totallyforgotten! Happily he and the horsesurvived. He went on to relate otheranimal rescues including one of amallard frozen in what an RSPCAInspector thought was a lake (hewas a stranger to the area) only todiscover that having crawled acrossthe ice very carefully, he wasactually in a Tesco car park!
He spoke fondly and amusinglyabout his time in W. Sussex, especiallyArundel and his association with theDowager Duchess of Norfolk. He alsotold us the tale of a Retained fireman'swife so geared up to getting herhusband off to do his duty with acolleague that she forgot to put anyclothes on - a tale which quickly wentthe rounds of the stations in W.Sussex!
He told us about working with theAmericans and how they lost a veryexpensive piece of equipment, whichwas designed to go anywhere, in aswamp in Tunstall Forest where it liesto this day. Other tales of hisadventures in America and Swedenkept the laughter going right up to theend. Jackie gave the vote of thanksand Marlene and Heather served ourrefreshments. Mary Dawson providedthe flowers which were won by avisitor.
Sylvia & Ian Stanes
(Future calendar dates on page 8)
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DIOCESAN MUSIC IN WORSHIP DAY10th April, Wiltshire Music Centre
Those of us who went to this Music inWorship Day found it wonderfully inspiring.
The keynote address by Andrew Mariestackled full on the problem churches have todayin finding words and music which are in tune withthe ambient music of our age but which are notsimplistic or hackneyed, stereotypical, 60s WestCoast, woolly-jumpered American.
Throughout the day we were able to participate in workshops whichintroduced us to some beautiful new music and words and different ways ofusing them, particularly in congregational singing.
The final service was a montage of words and music from these workshops.The Minstrel Gallery provided back-up when we weren't singingunaccompanied.
Altogether a thought-provoking and re-assuring day. There is high-quality,simple new music out there if only we make time to find it and incorporate it inour own worship.
To find out more, visit the Diocesan web site at:
http://www.salisbury.anglican.org/worship/music/music-in-worship-dayMargaret Harris
Mothers’ Union calendar dates coming up include:-27th November, St John's Upper Studley, 7.30pm, A Text Auction
5th December, St James Trowbridge, 2.30pm, Service
20th December, Cedar Court, Carols and Readings for Christmas
17th January 2013, Mothers' Union Dinner
24th January 2013, Communion and AGM in Church
9th March 2013, Salisbury Cathedral, Festival Service
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HOLY TRINITY PARISH CHURCH BRADFORD ON AVON
CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2012
SUNDAY, 16 DECEMBER9.30am 'Sing Hosanna' Eucharist with Nativity Tableau
SUNDAY, 23 DECEMBER6.00pm Traditional Candlelit Service of
Nine Lessons and Carols
CHRISTMAS EVE3.00pm Crib and Christingle Service
please come dressed as your favourite Nativitycharacter!
11.15pm Midnight Mass
CHRISTMAS DAY8.00am Eucharist
10.00am 'Sing Hosanna' Eucharist with Carols
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THE SAXON CHURCHFriday 16�� November was a memorable day in Bradford on Avon when thenew John Maine sculpture on the east wall of the chancel of the SaxonChurch was dedicated by the suffragan Bishop of Ramsbury, the Rt RevdDr Edward Condry.
The church was full to capacity with all thosewho, over the years, have maintained the buildingand its curtilage. Joanna's service was impressive,with prayers and hymns spanning the centuries,the theme being ‘living stones’.
The local churches who use the Saxon Churchwere represented. It was good to see the bishop,and the clergy from the Greek Orthodox, RomanCatholic and Lutheran churches sitting together.
The afternoon ended with a warm gathering fortea and cakes in Holy Trinity.
Our grateful thanks to all who contributed.Saxon Church Trustees
The Design of the New Work for the East Wall ofthe Saxon Church
The first stage was to spendtime in and around theremarkable Saxon church and
to absorb the atmosphere andintensity of the spaces contained bythe powerful use of stone. Manywho have visited this small churchremember a sense of calm and recallthe dense cave-like interior as acentre for contemplation. In spite ofcenturies of neglect as a religioussite, the building retains a strongsense of its original purpose. Todaymuch of the Saxon decoration canonly be imagined, but the two
carvings of angels and the sensitiverelief on the slab which now formsthe altar, suggest two parallelapproaches to stone carving, the onevigorous and the other delicate. Themain impact is now made by theunadorned walls and narrow roundedarches. On the exterior walls thelanguage of circles is developedfurther in the blind arcading andstrapwork.
My initial concern was to reinforcethe simplicity of the building, to add anelement at the far end which wouldemphasise the central axis yet keep a
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sense of the whole.This work is at thefocal point forservices within thechurch.
I felt that there hadbeen confusion in thesetting of the recentstonework above thealtar. At first I thoughtthat the complex ofold and new stonessuggesting a Saxoncross should be removed completelyand replaced by a simple panel, like areredos, with subtle relief carving.However when I took this further Irealised I had set up a conflict with thecharacter of the Saxon carved panel of
the altar. Also the ambient light levelsmade it difficult to see the proposedrelief work clearly.
This led me to revise my thoughtsabout removing the authentic Saxonlower fragment (set into the wall butnot in an original location). I began tothink about this corbel-like stone asremaining in situ but no longerabutting any new stonework. Instead Ideveloped a twisting ring to be carvedin stone which would encircle theintersection of the cross much higherup the wall. This would be acompletely new element: in addition Iwanted to link the new ring to the
lower historical relic,but without joiningpieces physically. Iwanted a differentcharacter for thistransitional stone,and was keen toavoid a furthercarved piece. Thiswas resolved when Idiscovered afragment of a fossiltree which will be akind of steppingstone between theSaxon carving andthe new stone ring.The lower stone was
carved a thousand years ago, thecentral fossil was shaped 150 millionyears ago and the Doulting stone ringabove was carved this year.
John Maine RA.photos: Bryan Harris
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As we make our plans for Christmas, thank you to all theladies who have knitted lovely sheep. The crib will begin itstravels round the children's homes at the beginning ofAdvent, December 2ⁿ�, so if there are any more sheep outthere wanting to join the flock please let me have themsoon.
The mainly music organisation is always at hand to help andadvise us and phones me about every three months to encourage us on ourway. Our former ‘area coach’ in Australia has recently been replaced by BarbaraLast in Scotland and she and I had a long chat last Wednesday. She wanted toknow all about us: how we started and how things are going, whether therewere any problems she could advise on etc. The material they have sent us is soexcellent that we are running well, but while we may not need help it is alwayswarming to know that we are part of a larger organisation that cares about usand prays for us.
We now have so many songs in our repertoire that there are still a few wehave not sung since the summer, so we are staying with what we know whilethe new families catch up. The older children remember them all better than Ido!
Visitors are always welcome at 10.30am every Tuesday in term time exceptwhile the Christmas Tree Festival is on. Do come and see us; it is good fun.
Kate Wiggins
‘CARITAS’ TREE OF LIFE ADVENT PROJECTThe Tree of Life stood, so we are told, inthe middle of the Garden of Eden. Ourchurch greetings Tree of Life stands inthe centre of our church at the crossing.Let us make it come alive by adding to itone of the leaves, fruits or flowers fromthe basket on the table. Write on it yourChristmas greetings to your churchfriends – or, better still, make your ownappropriate decoration (we'll supply thestickers).
Your donation (we suggest £1 minimum)will go again to Children's Relief Bethlehem. The Caritas Baby Hospital iscurrently facing huge bills in replacing its antiquated plumbing. We raised £172last year. Let's try to double that this Advent.
Charities Group
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Kathleen Thompson would like to send Christmas greetings to all her friends atHoly Trinity Church and to thank all those who have sent good wishes and visitedher at Avon Park. She misses all members of the Choir with whom she has sungfor many years, and sends them her very good wishes for this coming Advent andChristmas season. She would also like to thank everyone at Holy Trinity for theircard of good wishes on her 90th birthday and all other friends who haveremembered her on her birthday. We all miss you too, Kathleen, and wish you the joy of Christmas in the comingof the Christ Child. Muriel
In 2012 participants from Holy Trinity church raised
£469Half of this comes back to the church and the other half goes to
support the work of the Wiltshire Historic Churches TrustWith Gi� Aid added, the total raised in Wiltshire should come
to over
£44,000A big Thank-you to all riders, striders, sponsors, parish
organizers and those who manned churches and providedrefreshments.
The Children's Society are holding anafternoon tea at The Lambert Centre onMonday, 10th December, from 2.00pm ‘till4pm.
We shall be having a raffle and table-topsale. We also plan to open collection boxes,so if any of you have one, please bring it along, we would love to see you.
Anne Carter.
Frances Taylor wishes everybody a happy Christmas. She has lost her sight andwill not be able to send any Christmas cards this year. But she does thankeverybody for their love and support on the death of Bill, and for their presence atthe Service in Celebration of his life. Sue Lavis
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CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVALHoly Trinity Church Bradford on Avon
4th – 9th December 2012
Church Open:Tuesday 4th December until Saturday 8th December
9.30am until 6pmSunday 9th December, 11.00am to 6pm
Live Music by local performers and choirsRefreshments available Free Entry
Donations welcomedBradford Choral Christmas Concert 7.30pm Friday 7th Dec(tickets still available)
Christmas Tree Festival Sung Eucharist 9.30am Sunday 9th DecOrganised by the Friends of Holy Trinity to help maintain andimprove this beautiful Church .
Please note that we urgently need help to make this year's festival even moreenjoyable than last year's. Do please contact:
n Jackie Easby if you would like to join our growing list of musicalperformers
n David Milne to help with stewarding – a two-hour stint to help create awarm and welcoming atmosphere (no need to wrap up, the Church willbe warm)
n Joan Finch to help with refreshments – tea and coffee in the morning andmulled wine and mince pies in the afternoon.
n John Cox to stage a tree.As part of the festival, there will be a concert by Bradford Choral on Fridayevening 7th December at 7.30pm (see notice on page 15) and the Choral will bejoining the Holy Trinity Choristers for a special Christmas Tree Festival SungEucharist at 9.30am on Sunday 9th December.
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A CHRISTMAS CONCERTwith Carols
Programme includesThe Christmas Story by Heinrich Schütz
and traditional carols for choir and audience
Holy Trinity Church, Bradford on AvonFriday 7�� December at 7.30pm
Tickets £10 (half price for children), available from members,Ex Libris Bookshop, or at the door.
Tree musicThis year, live music makes an appearance at the Christmas Tree Festival toprovide even more enjoyment for our many visitors. At the time of writing,five performances have been scheduled, featuring a broad range of musicfrom Bacharach to Bach on a wide variety of instruments from recorders tothe accordion. Perhaps you know of some talented individual or group who would like toperform at the Festival? We may still have spaces, so please contact Jackie [email protected] or call 07708 331389. Thank you.
Jackie Easby
Singers are Top of the TreeAfter singing in last year's colourful Christmas Tree Festival in Holy TrinityChurch, Bradford on Avon, local community choir Bradford Choral will againbe hosting a concert of Christmas music including carols for the audience tosing. Last year the choir donated a tree which was voted the best in thefestival and so is keen to keep up the good work for this year's festivalwhich will take place from 4�� to 9�� December. Says chairman MeganJones “We always enjoy singing in Holy Trinity church and the Christmastrees create a great atmosphere. We do hope local people will come andjoin us as we celebrate the beginning of the festive season.”
Megan Jones (01225 862670) and Simon Little (07836 224029)
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REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE, 11-11-2012
On the bright, crisp morning of 11�� November, the first time since2007 that Remembrance Day has occurred on a Sunday, HolyTrinity again hosted the Town Remembrance Service and the
church was, as always, more than full to capacity.
In her sermon Joanna spoke movingly of our inter-dependence on one another, quoting John Donne’sMeditation XVII – No man is an island. Later, inWestburyGardens, the useof a satisfactoryPA system,provided by TomRockliffe viaTonyHaffenden’s
contacts in the BoA Community AreaNetwork , made it possible, perhaps for thefirst time ever, to hear the words of theservice at the War Memorial. And thetiming was impeccable – the first stroke ofeleven ringing out just as the final note ofthe bugler’s Last Post died away.
One familiar bemedalled figure missingfrom the church this year for the first time
Meditation XVIINo man is an island,
Entire of itself.Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thy friend’sOr of thine own were.
Each man's death diminishes me,For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to knowFor whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.John Donne
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was Norman Hanney, nowresident in Slough. However,thanks to Ann Clarke, his formerneighbour, we have a photo ofNorman, wearing his impressivearray of medals for RemembranceDay at his care home this year.
Bryan Harris
EASY FUNDS FOR HOLY TRINITYIn the March 2012 issue of Parish News, Judith Holland told us about aneasy way for us to raise funds for Holy Trinity by shopping on-line. Theidea is that when you buy anything online, if you do it via theeasyfundraising web site, most of the major retailers – Amazon, JohnLewis, M & S, Argos, for example, but there are hundreds of others – willdonate something up to 5% of your order to a cause of your choice. TheFriends of Holy Trinity is registered as a 'cause' on this web site. Pleasetake a look at it: www.easyfundraising.org.uk.
What you do is first register your name and email address and your cause(ie. Friends of Holy Trinity, BoA) and then go shopping. Funds are only raisedvia this web site, so always go to easyfundraising first before choosing yourdesired retailer . You can receive a weekly email which is a useful reminder toshop via easy fundraising.
Although The Friends has been a registered cause for nearly a year, we havenot done very well in making use of this source of cash for the church.Remember, it costs you nothing, but it can be very productive if enough of usdo even a small amount of shopping in this way.
So go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk , sign up and start shopping for HolyTrinity.
Bryan Harris
Shhh!A teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to the village Christmascarol service: “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?”One bright little girl replied, “Because so many people are sleeping.”
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WelcomeIt was good to welcome back Trevor Ford and Chris Hodge.
Churchwardens' and Fabric Report
n Judith reported that she had been busy completing outstanding projects:
n the floor immediately inside the South doors had been repaired;
n the churchyard had had a lot of work done to it (including a scrub of theslippery steps to the North door, and cleaning and bulb-changing of lights);and a tree survey had also been carried out (see November Parish News),and the necessary works would be completed as soon as permission wasgranted;
nWiltshire Council had repaired the loose stone on the path;
n the front wall of the Parish Office had been repaired and painted;
n the church clock had returned from Cumbria and it was good to hear itschime again;
nother outstanding 'Urgent' Quinquennial works had also been carried outwith leaks repaired in both SW and NE turrets.
n Judith also presented a Report on the Sound System, having sought theadvice of two experts who had visited the church. The PCC authorised herto continue and cost the research (eg. new and better microphones,improved wiring), and then for the Standing Committee to give the go-ahead for the works. It was also noted that careful and sensitive use of boththe control-console and the microphones was essential.
Treasurer's Reportn Jeremy reported that we were just holding our own, but that Joan Fletcher's
legacy was extremely useful. It was agreed to retain 10% in the revenueaccount.
nThe share for 2013 is slightly down at £68,744.
nPam was not at the meeting, but had said that responses were still comingin. She had however given Joanna a list of 5 new names and 34 who hadincreased their giving which was excellent news, and Joanna had written toall of these.
nGraham explained to the PCC that he was now able to close some of theold Charities' Accounts (see board in choir vestry) and that (a few forms on)we would now be able to use the remaining funds for similar communitypurposes.
WorshipnWe briefly reviewed recent and forthcoming worship, and Joanna said that
REPORT FROM THE PCC MEETING OF 14TH NOV. 2012
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the Ven Alan Jeans would be coming for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday andfor an Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday.
n Joanna said that she had been meeting with Westwood and Wingfield, andthat she would be going to Wingfield for their 9.30am service once a month,and on to the 11am at Westwood every Sunday. The evening pattern for thebenefice, to which the PCC agreed, would be: 1st Sunday – Compline (HT),2nd Sunday – Evensong (CC), 3rd Sunday – Evensong (WW), 4th Sunday –Evensong (HT) and 5th Sunday – Songs of Praise.
n It was good to report that Tom Pelham was now firmly installed as Directorof Music and all was going very well.
The PaintingThe PCC reaffirmed that the Chair and Churchwardens had authority to sign ontheir behalf and discussed the present situation, which has to remainconfidential.
Mission and the communitynWe agreed to give £100 to each charity that the church was supporting,
starting with the Harvest SEED Project.
nThe Buildings Group submitted a Report and we agreed that they shouldcontinue towards the point of talking to architects.
nThere would be an Education Sunday Songs of Praise on 27th January towelcome our two new Head teachers.
nThe Pastoral Care Team was now ready to be launched, following two verysuccessful initial meetings. The names to follow soon (see page 20).
Bradford Group MinistryThere had been a very successful and well-attended meeting in October, but ithad been agreed that for the time being we would just seek an administrator forour benefice alone.
Fees for 2013We discussed the new diocesan regime for fees for weddings and funerals,where there will be far more accountability; but no new practices will be neededin our case. Joanna also pointed out that the national fees for both diocese andPCC had increased substantially for 2013. We agreed to leave the fees set byHoly Trinity PCC the same, except that we would no longer charge an extravideo fee for weddings.
Please also see the full Minutes on the board at the back of church. The nextPCC meeting will take place on Wednesday, 16�� January.
Joanna Abecassis
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Joanna Abecassis
Anne Carter
Graham Dove
Joan Finch
Marlene Haffenden
Tony Haffenden
Chris Hodge
Evelyn Humphrey
Heather Knight
Sue Lavis
Val Payne
David Rawstron
Hazel Rawstron
Sylvia Stanes
PASTORAL CARE TEAM MEMBERS
DOUBTERS WELCOMEI was interested to read in the July 2012 Parish News about ‘The Rise of theNones’, and the reaction from Philip Clayton of the School of Theology inNorth Carolina who advocates “a radically different solution – The EmergingChurch”. My main reaction was of surprise, since the suggestion did not reallyseem to me radical at all. Those of you who have read my previous articleabout Science and Religion (Parish News, May 2012) will know that I believethat even those who have a faith and come to church still have doubts, someof which obviously will be more significant than others; I believe that we allhave to feel our way to 'The Truth', which inevitably involves doubts.
There are many ways that people view religion. Surveys are very variable,depending on who is asked what, where and when, but overall they seem to showthat very roughly half of the population at least still believe that there is a God.When asked why, they talk about conscience, our duty to others, or thosemoments when something else seems to be happening even if they are not quitesure what that is. This could be a beautiful moment in nature, a happy momentthat seems more than happiness, or an intensely sad occasion that is tinged withsomething more, such as hope and peace.
People who say they have no religious affiliation then are mostly not againstreligion, but are doubters. They are being surprisingly honest, and represent a realchallenge to those of us who have some faith. With reducing church rolls ofincreasingly older people the ‘overt’ doubters force us to go back to basics. I amnot of an aggressive, evangelical disposition, but we clearly have to go out and sellChristianity harder. I still think that this is best achieved by making andmaintaining the church as an integral part of the community and a resource,particularly at moments of crisis when it can make a real difference. Somehow wehave to tap more effectively into those feelings that most people have that thereis more to life than the daily grind and material prosperity. Our challenge is to helppeople to see that it is worth going on from this to find a faith, and then the needto gather together for mutual support and instruction from those who havestudied more and/or have acquired knowledge by experience.
Nicholas Nutt
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Local member churches and organisations were representedby 15 attendees at the meeting on 21�� November,including Joanna and three other Holy Trinity members.
The meeting was held in the Friends' Meeting House,Whiteheads Lane.
At 7pm Judith Hammond (Quakers) briefly addressed the meeting about thesituation in Israel and Palestine. She then showed a very hard-hitting andinformative video; an address by Miko Peled who is the Israeli son of General Peledwho governed troops in the conflicts of 1947 and 1967. Miko is now a US resident,but during the video went to great lengths to explain why oppressed Palestiniansare firing rockets into Israel, and how, in the same way that Apartheid was broughtto an end in South Africa, the Jewish pursuit of Zionism should be brought to anend to allow two peoples of fairly similar background to leave peaceably anddemocratically together. This excellent video is available to buy for £5, so pleaseask me or Malcolm Walsh if you would like one.
Following prayers said by Joanna (Holy Trinity), the acceptance of apologies,and the agreement of the previous minutes, the following items were discussed:-
1. The matter of Election of BACT Officers would be re‐addressed after theend of January, as per the previous agreement.
2. The Secretary, Wendy Brown (Christ Church), will buy a Christmas tree torepresent BACT at the Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival this year.
3. One World Week will require a fresh approach and much more detailedplanning for next year if it is to achieve the success of previous years. Alsoa Community Service, possibly to be held annually, perhaps in St Margaret'sHall or Westbury Gardens, will need greater BACT and member churchparticipation and commitment. The local Ministry group will discuss thesematters.
4. The BACT Harvest Lunch was an outstanding success and notes have beentaken to ensure an even more successful event next year.
5. There was a most gratifying attendance at the Remembrance Day Serviceand at the War Memorial on November 11�� – a truly Civic occasion.
The Treasurer (Reg Green – Christ Church) advised that BACT funds were ingood shape for the forthcoming Lent Course expenses. Clearly our financialmanagement is at its best when we learned that the Harvest Lunch costs were£796, and ticket sales for the event amounted to £788. Excellent budgeting!
2013 Lent Course – Canon David Driscoll (Holy Trinity) advised that, havingcompleted the core documentation, Resource Sheets for the Group Leadershad now been produced so that detailed preparation can take place.
(Continued on page 22)
Bradford Area Churches Together
22
Publicity Leaflet – A quote has been received for 5,000 BACT publicity leafletsfor distribution throughout the town. However, responses for detailedinformation from churches have not been good. The matter would be re-visited next year, also the possibility of using the Town web site to publicisechurch activities and service times.
Meal Train – A ‘Meal Train’ is the act oforganising meal‐giving around significantlife events. When a friend is in need,everyone says “What can I do to helpout?” The answer is usually to help them with a meal. When many friends givea meal, this is a meal train. Friends going through a difficult or challengingtime, because of a birth, surgery, illness, etc., could use some help. BACT isconsidering taking up this worthwhile community initiative, but there isnothing to stop two or three members of the Holy Trinity congregation fromorganising occasional meals for those in special need, just by occasionallyadding one more plate to the household's needs. Getting a Meal Train goingfor Christmas would be really great. Please see me, or visitwww.mealtrain.com if you are interested. This web site shows how to helpeliminate the confusion related to meal giving. No longer are questions like;What do they like? When are they available? What have they already had? leftunanswered. Providing each meal giver with this information will help simplifythe process so they can focus on supporting others with meals.
News from Churches
Advent Sunday: 2ⁿ� December, BACT Advent Carol Service. All welcome atHoly Trinity 6.00pm
Holy Trinity Christmas Tree Festival: 4��-9�� December: Will run for a longerperiod this year. 50 Trees have been promised and Bradford Choral Society willbe giving a concert on the evening of Friday 7��. It is hoped that Holy Trinitychoir will be singing carols on some days. Free admission, with refreshmentsavailable in the church. More information from John Cox on 864270.
Wriggle and Worship at Holy Trinity: For children pre-school to about 7 yrs.Lots of fun, Bible stories, painting and noise.
Date of next BACT Meeting: Wednesday 23�� January at 7.00pm, Friends'Meeting House. Whiteheads Lane. Jim Clarke (Faithworks) will give a presentationabout the Faithworks group, with an update about the excellent work of our localDebt Advisory Service. If any parishioner would like to attend and would like a lift,please let me or Malcolm Walsh know. Malcolm will be the BACT representativeduring the winter months while we are visiting family in Australia, for which Isincerely thank him.
David Rawstron
23
Deanery Synod met at StJohn's, Upper Studley, onOctober 25��. Thirty nine
people attended; nine clergy andthirty laity, including visitors curiousto see just what happens at DeanerySynod. The meeting was welcomedby Roy Brown, the Lay Chairmanand Selina Deacon of St John's saidthe opening prayers.
The Treasurer, David Robinson,told the meeting that share for 2012was nearly 70% paid against theDiocesan average of 74%. Three PCCshad paid in full, and only one wasbelow 50%. As ever David asked thatPCCs with difficulties in paying shareshould contact him as soon aspossible.
Share for 2013 had beenannounced. There was an overallincrease across the Deanery of £30,124to £648,180, but there were bothincreases and reductions in individualshare payments. David's chief pointwas that an analysis of 2011 PCCaccounts showed a severe shortfall incontributions per member. Theaverage giving was only £276 perperson, whereas the figure needed tobe £350, excluding events.
There was £1,260 in the Deaneryaccount, and requests should be madeto David Robinson. There was a
possibility of a restricted fund for tripsto Kadugli if PCCs wished for this.
The Aldhelm Course had started atWinsley on Wednesday evenings.Currently there are only six peopleattending this interesting courseexploring our faith. For further detailssee the web site:http://www.salisbury.anglican.org/learning/discipleship/fgw
David Lewis gave an interestingshort talk on the current situation inThe Sudan and the requests made byBishop Andudu, whose report hadbeen circulated. Synod decided to helpprovide a computer with a solarcharger, and that the Mothers' Unionwould help provide a grinder. If it werepossible a young student namedIshmael would be helped throughTheological College and teachers inRefugee Camps would be supported.The Deanery would contribute £400.PCCs were asked to send any moneyraised direct to David who can becontacted [email protected]. Davidcan also be contacted for the PrayerCycle for the Deanery/Sudan link.
The Rural Dean, Andrew Evans,talked about the new arrangementsfor the paying of fees for baptisms,weddings and funeral. PCCs needed tonominate a
(Continued on page 24)
BRADFORD DEANERY SYNOD REPORTNotes from a meeting on Thursday October 25th 2012
at St John's church, Upper Studley
24
person to make returns to the Dioceseon at least a quarterly basis. The end ofOctober was the original deadline, sothis should be done as soon aspossible.
The Deanery Plan was accepted,though comments and changes werewelcome. Please send these either toAndrew Evans or Anne Willis, fromwhom copies of The Plan may beobtained.
Helen Begley talked about StarChristian Healing which will be startingin Melksham in January. A Power Pointpresentation of this extremelyinteresting and useful work should beavailable. Please contact the DeanerySecretary.
A programme of training for LayPastoral Assistants will be offeredwithin the Deanery in the spring ofnext year. Training consists of 10sessions, lasting around 2 hours eachand, on completion of trainingcandidates will be commissioned andlicensed by the Bishop. Details of thetraining content, venue and dates willbe circulated to Incumbents in the nearfuture so that they may nominate
candidates. Such nominations shouldbe approved by PCC.
There is a new Diocesan Childrenand Young People's strategy andBarbara Meardon and LizzieWhitbread can be contacted aboutthis. Seehttp://www.salisbury.anglican.org/parishes/cypaf
Confirmation will be at Hilperton onNovember 24�� at 3pm; numbersplease to Stephen Ball.
Synod agreed to send a letter ofwelcome to the new Archdeacon ofWilts, Ruth Worsley, and suggestedthat she be asked to address Synod on‘What does an Archdeacon do?’ Formore details see:http://www.salisbury.anglican.org/news/new-archdeacon-of-wilts-appointed
The quiet Garden at Great Chalfieldis open from 9.30am every firstTuesday, except in January andAugust.
The next Deanery Synod will be onTuesday February 5��, venue to beannounced. Do come along if you can;it can be very interesting.
Anne Willis, Deanery Secretary
US electionsEdward Hale, while chaplain of the US Senate, was once asked if he prayedfor the senators. He quickly replied, “No. After getting to know thesenators, I pray for the people.”
The human race seems to have improved everything but people.
25
The word ‘Christingle’ actually means‘Christ Light’, and celebrates the light ofJesus coming into the world. Stories ofhow the Christingle began look back tothe Moravian Church, which is found inthe Czech Republic. The Moravians haveheld Christingle services for more than200 years and, according to them, this ishow the first Christingle might have beenmade.
Many years ago the children in avillage were asked to bring a Christmasgift to put beside the crib in the church.One family was very poor, and had nomoney for gifts, but the three childrenwere still determined to take something.The only nice thing they had was anorange, so they decided to give theChrist-child that. But then theydiscovered the top was going green, sothe eldest cut it out, and put a candle inthe hole. To add some colour, one of thegirls took a red ribbon from her hair andtied it around the middle of the orange. Itwas hard to make the ribbon stay still, sothey fastened it in place with toothpicks.The toothpicks looked a bit bare, so theyoungest child added some raisins tothem.
The children took their decoratedorange lantern to the church for theChristmas Mass. The other childrensneered at their meagre gift, but thepriest seized upon it with joy. He held itup as an example of the trueunderstanding of the meaning ofChristmas, for the following reasons: theorange is round, like the world; the candlegives us light in the darkness, like the loveof God; the red ribbon goes round the‘world’, as a symbol of Christ's blood,given for everyone; the four sticks pointin all directions, and symbolize that Godis over all: North, South, East and West;and the fruit and nuts remind us of God'sblessings.
The Children's Society first introducedthe Christingle Service to The Church ofEngland in 1968, and it has since becomea popular event in the church calendar.This candlelit celebration is an ideal wayto share the key messages of theChristian faith, while helping to raise vitalfunds to help vulnerable children acrossthe country. Visit:www.childrenssociety.org.uk
Source: Parish PumpPhotos: Christingle at Holy Trinity,
from Jon Durrant’s church video
CHRISTMAS: THE STORY OF THE CHRISTINGLE
26
SEED PROJECT UPDATEWe have had exciting news from Marie Nazombe (Joanna's daughter). Shewrites:
I am delighted to announce that (thanks to a generous donor)we are now able to offer match funding for the first £200 ofnew monthly donations set up in aid of The SEED Project. This means that, if you set up a monthly donation to SEEDnow, our generous donor will match it, donating the samemonthly amount as yours. The donor will only give as much as our supporters do, sowe need your help to unlock up to a fantastic £400 per month to bring a(sustainably) better quality of life for Zimbabwean communities!
It would be wonderful if, by the New Year, 12 new supporters from HolyTrinity could help the SEED Project to kick-start this amazingly generousopportunity.
As Marie says:Regular donations are the holy grail of charity work; they help us tobudget and plan, as well as enabling innovation and flexible response toneed. Your support is needed now, and will be used responsibly toempower Zimbabwean communities to build their own way out of poverty.
(There is a SEED Project donation form on pages 27 and 28)One training scheme currently being supported by SEED involves teaching
a group of adults on Harare's outskirts how to make peanut butter andwashing-up liquid. They are very motivated, says Marie, and are alreadysaving to set up their own business making and selling these products whentheir training is complete.
Marie asks for our prayers for this scheme and for their two full-timeZimbabwean staff, Robert and Nyasha, their Zimbabwean Trustees, Jonathan,Emilia and Cuan, as well as the communities with whom they will be working.
If you would like to learn more about the political background and thetensions and dangers that exist in Zimbabwe and that SEED Projectworkers have to struggle with please look at the article on the web site:
http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96514/ZIMBABWE‐The‐politics‐of‐suffering
Let us who have the blessings of security, political stability and materialcomfort do what we can to help Marie and Jackson in their work for peoplewho have none of these things and fill in a monthly donation form right away.
Margaret Harris, Charities Co-ordinator
27
SEED
28
SEED
29
FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITYFish ‘n’ Chip Supper & Team Quiz
On Saturday 17�� November, 56 quizzersformed ten teams in a friendly but hard-fought quiz competition in the United Church
Hall. The team from Westwood were welcomedbefore battle commenced.
Unfortunately, the quizmaster gavesome incorrect answers to the very firstquestion and was strongly challengedfrom some serious team members. Headmitted defeat and following thisinitial hiccup the event ran fairlysmoothly. There were categories ofmainly ten questions including Science,Music, Sport, Television andGeography. During the interval, fish ‘n’chips were enjoyed and John Cox drew the raffle. The Revd Angela Onions haddone her usual persuasive selling of tickets and a magnificent profit of £70 was
made.
The winning team was the Bell ringers,led by Anne Willis, who won by a substantialmargin – congratulations to them.
Thanks to all those who supported theevent and to those who helped on theevening and donated raffle prizes. StationPlace did a sterling job in producing 58 fish'n’ chip suppers on time and to an excellent
standard.
The overall profit for the evening was £180.Mike Fuller
Visiting Father ChristmasA mother took her young daughter to visit Father Christmas in his grotto at thegarden centre. He greeted the youngster merrily, and asked: “And what wouldyou like for Christmas?”The little girl stared at him, open mouthed with horror. Then she gasped: “Didn'tyou get my email??!!”
BH
BH
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Hello, avid readers of HolyTrinity Church Parish News.You will recall (?) that back
in our August edition in the BACTreport by David Rawstron, Davidmentioned that planning had begunfor the 2013 Lent course. This wouldbe a course designed by BACT underthe leadership of David Driscoll tobe based around the Five Marks ofMission. You had a further update inOctober, saying that coursemeetings would be on Sundayafternoons, hosted, in turn, at ourvarious churches. Then, inNovember, we were reminded of theSwanwick Declaration in 1987, whenour churches declared their readinessto commit themselves to each otherunder God and their desire tobecome more united in faith,communion, pastoral care andmission. We have taken this to heartin planning our Lent 2013 course,which is intended to have practicaloutcomes. So here is the news forwhich you have all been waiting.
The course will be on Sundayafternoons, starting 17�� February andrunning through to 17�� March. Eachweek will look at one of the five marksof mission, taken in order. After anopening prayer, the Leader will spendabout 20 minutes introducing eachsession. In this, building upon what hasalready gone before, s/he will bring toour attention current thinking on thetopic and ideas for us to use in our
subsequent discussion groups. Weshall then divide into these smallergroups to address specific topics ortasks, relevant locally to theappropriate mark of mission.
Following a tea break, the groupswill re-assemble to consider givenbiblical texts and relate theirunderstanding of those texts to whatthey had considered before the teainterval, thus relating theology topractice for this place at this time.Each group can then decide on what itwishes to share with the other groupsin a plenary session. We then return toa general meeting to share ideas onwhat we consider important for us tocarry forward in the Bradford areatoday.
The meeting then concludes with ashort act of worship in a styleappropriate to the hosting churchcongregation, thus experiencing eachother's chosen forms of worship.
But these meetings of our churchestogether should not just stop at theend of this worship. So we shall begiven various activities to undertake toexplore exactly what is going on in ourarea relevant to our church's missionbefore our next meet-up.
Now here are some reminders. Thefive marks of mission are:
1. To proclaim the good news ofthe Kingdom.
2. To teach, baptise, and nurture
THE BACT LENT COURSE, 2013
31
new believers.
3. To respond to human need byloving service.
4. To seek to transform the unjuststructures of society.
5. To strive to safeguard theintegrity of creation and sustain& renew the life of the earth.
The intent is that the whole coursewill not be just a talking shop butwill come up with some concrete
suggestions to be undertaken by thechurches in the Bradford area tofulfil our missionary imperative. So,Christians, contact your BACTrepresentative NOW to indicateinterest in being a group leader, orjust to take part and pray for itssuccess. The course will be what youmake it.
Malcolm Walsh
GENESIS, CHAPTER 2½2½: 1 After a while it came to pass that Adam'sguardian angel came to the Lord and said: “Lord, Adamhas become filled with pride. He struts and preens like apeacock and believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog hasindeed taught him that he is loved, but no one hastaught him humility.”
2½: 2 And the Lord said: “No Problem. I will create forhim a companion who will be with him for ever and whowill see him as he is. The companion will remind him ofhis limitations so he will know he is not worthy of adoration.”
2½: 3 And God created Cat to be a companion toAdam. And Cat would not obey Adam.
2½: 4 And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, hewas reminded that he was not the supreme being.And Adam learned humility.
2½: 5 And God was pleased.
2½: 6 And Adam was greatly improved.
2½: 7 And the cat did not care one way or the other.Malcolm Walsh
The rôles of Dog and Cat are played, respectively, by Daisy (Erin and Chris’sdog) and Jacks (Graham and Elaine’s cat)..
The story of mankind started in a garden and ended in revelations. Oscar Wilde.
32
What would you think if youwere a paediatrician andyou found a newly
published text book in which theauthor affirmed on the first pagethat babies were delivered bystorks?! Or if you were anastronomer and found a newastronomy text book which beganwith the assertion that the sun,planets and stars all revolved aroundthe earth – the Ptolemaic system?Professionals would of course givesuch books short shrift. And yet the‘text-book’ for 21�� CenturyChristians, our Holy Bible, beginswith a description of how the earthwas created by God in six days andhow Adam was created fromdust, and Eve from oneof his ribs, – well,you know all ofthis becausesections of thebook of Genesisare regularlyread to us inchurch, and weacknowledgethis as being‘The Word of theLord’. Creationistsand otherfundamentalist Christiansects certainly believe thatGenesis chapter 1 is an exactdescription of the creation and thatthis is indeed the Word of Godtransmitted via Moses, despite the
manyinconsistencies,in the face ofplentifulscientificevidence of a totally differentcreation story, and despitephilological evidence that this bookand the rest of the so-called Booksof Moses were the work of severaldifferent authors and are nothingwhatever to do with Moses.
One can't fault the motives of thevarious writers of Genesis who, whenthe Hebrews were living in forced exilebeside the rivers of Babylon more thantwo and half thousand years ago, farfrom the root of their faith – the
Temple in Jerusalem,attempted to write down
what previously hadbeen an oral
tradition and,presumably, feltthe need at theoutset to makesome sort ofstatement abouthow it all began.
In attempting toestablish a
monotheistic creationstory, by contrast with
the polytheistic myth ofIsrael's historic enemy, Babylon, theauthors borrowed themes fromMesopotamian mythology, adaptingthem to Israel's belief in one God. Butthe ‘editors’ of Genesis made a real
HOW IT ALL BEGAN?
33
hash of it! The first five chapterscontain two different versions of thecreation story and three differentversions of the creation of mankind,without any apparent attempt toreconcile the variations.
In our Monday evening FaithExplored group we recently, atMalcolm's suggestion, spent anevening discussing the first threechapters of Genesis. Malcolm pointedout that these three chapters, far frombeing irrelevant to Christians,effectively contain the quintessentialfeatures of the Trinity. First, there isGod himself. Then there is the Spirit ofGod, moving over the face of thewaters. And since God ‘spoke’ thecreated world into existence – ‘Godsaid, “Let there be light”’, etc. – there isthe Word, or the Logos which, as StJohn reminds us, became flesh (inJesus Christ) and made his dwellingamong us. We even have a hint ofplurality in verse 26 of chapter 1 whenGod said: “Let us make man in ourimage.” However, before getting tooexcited about this, we have to acceptthat while the Hebrew word for God,‘Elohim’, is indeed a plural masculinenoun, Bible usage suggests that thisplural form indicates honour andrespect, perhaps like saying, “God ofgods.”
In recent issues of Parish News,both Alan Knight (April 2012 PN, p22)and Nick Nutt (May 2012 PN, p25)have commented on the question ofhow we should view Genesis. Both areinclined to credit the writers of the
book with a remarkable degree ofinsight into what actually occurred ‘Inthe beginning’ if we accept that theyhad no real knowledge (in modernterms) of cosmology and genetics, andwere therefore, necessarily,constrained to contract the time-scalefrom billions of years to six days. Nickis even able to concede that theirdescription was allegorical, and thatthey were ‘truly inspired’, despite thefact that they were largely borrowingfrom the mythologies of othercivilizations – the similarities betweenthe Genesis account and the muchearlier Babylonian Enuma Elish arequite striking.
There have been many attempts byrational thinkers to try to reconcile theGenesis account of creation withdeveloping scientific knowledge. In the18�� Century, for example, a Swissscientist, Jean-André de Luc, who wasa leading figure in developing what isnow the science of geology, explainedthe six days of the ‘Mosaic’ creation interms of epochs preceding thepresent-day state of the world.Although the match was imperfect, deLuc's ideas were very reasonable forhis time.
Others have followed his example.A few years ago an Australianbiologist, Andrew Parker, who claimsnot have had a strong religious faith,published a book entitled The GenesisEnigma: Why The Bible Is ScientificallyAccurate, the main premise of which isthat, when the book of Genesis is readfiguratively, the (Continued on page 34)
34
sequence of events appears to matchreasonably closely our modernreconstruction of earth history. The ‘bigbang’ corresponds to the events on Day1 – ‘Let there be light’ – the formation ofan earth without form, and void. Thenthere is the vital water and the dry land,and then vegetation appears – grass,herbs and trees, which Parker interpretsto mean photosynthesising life ingeneral, necessary before plant-eatinganimals could exist.
There is some confusion about dayfour, when the sun and the moon arecreated and night and day areseparated, because light was alreadycreated on day 1. Parker fudges thisissue slightly by suggesting that whatevolved next was vision and until visionexisted, there was no day or night. Andthe evolution of vision is the reason forthe explosive development of life formsin the Cambrian era, initially in the seasand subsequently on land and in the air.After the biblical ‘sea monsters’ comethe birds, the animals, cattle, and onlyafter that do we come to the creation ofmankind.
So with a little adjustment at theedges we see that the creationchronology of Genesis could be said todescribe events that took the scientificcommunity several thousand years toidentify and piece together. Parker's'Genesis Enigma', then, is to explainhow is it that an ancient, pre‐scientifictext could ‘accurately’ – his word –describe the early geological andbiological history of earth. Like NickNutt, he sees in this match between
scripture and science possible evidenceof divine inspiration. This is a complexand controversial claim, and at least onereviewer thought that the argumentshould really have stopped therebecause Parker then extrapolates whathe considers to be his success inreconciling Genesis with modernscience to argue that the entire Bible isabsolutely accurate.
What, though, should we do aboutthe naïve and confused account of thecreation as given to us by the writers ofGenesis? Well, for a start, perhaps thechurch ought to consider whetherextended readings from Genesis reallyneed to be included in the Lectionary.But perhaps a more serious concern iswhat the church does with the Genesisaccount. A mythical or ‘allegorical’creation story is all very well as anextended metaphor – the biblicalequivalent of babies being delivered bystorks – but when men create churchdoctrine/dogma, like that of original sin(no. 9 of The 39 Articles), for example,out of the clearly mythical Adam, Eve,serpent and ‘apple’ story, that surelycannot be acceptable.
Bryan Harris
35
November has been a busy month at St Laurence. Year 11 mockexams are at the end of the month and revision is a priority forthis year as the summer of 2013 approaches.
Year 7 are off to see The Lion King in Bristol and Inter House sports are alsotaking place. Last week a moving Collective Worship was orchestrated bymembers of the 6�� form and containing original music by another 6�� former.Another non-uniform day for Children in Need gives us an opportunity toconsider the lives of other children in the UK and around the world. There is agroup off to Malaysia next week and tutors will be reporting on the generalprogress of students in their charge. The school will be closed to students on28�� November for teacher training.
The season of Advent will be celebrated with our end of term Assembly andwith one or two talks to groups of students about the importance of this seasonto Christians. It will also be acknowledged with a Music and RE trip to BuckfastAbbey in Devon.
On December 7�� is the SLSA Fashion Show to which all are welcome andtickets will be available from the school. There is a GCSE presentation eveningon 4�� December and one for A-level presentations on 17�� December, both at7.30pm. It is good to acknowledge success in our school. In these last twoweeks there will be assemblies throughout the school for merits in progress,effort, community and achievement for all our students.
Our annual carol service will be on 18�� December in Holy Trinity church towhich, again space permitting, all are welcome and it is one of the most joyousoccasions of the year.
The school will break up on 19�� December for the holidays and will be backon 8�� January 2013.
Looking forward, our school production in February 2013 will be LesMiserables. Tickets should be booked early.
May we take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear to all in Bradford on Avon and surrounding areas and all who have aconnection with our school.
Lorraine MarlowBe Spirited Co-Ordinator
36
Crossword solutionsAcross1, Lame. 3, Obtained. 8, Omit. 9, Merchant. 11, Burdensome. 14, Crafty. 15, Please.17, Blacksmith. 20, Splendid. 21, Tier. 22, Singeing. 23, Hand.Down1, Look back. 2, Main road. 4, Breast. 5, Accomplish. 6, Near. 7, Date. 10, Pestilence.12, Basilica. 13, Tethered. 16, Action. 18, Asa's. 19, Clan.
WILTSHIRE BUTTERFLIES, November 2012
We are now approaching the end of what has been one of thepoorest butterfly years for some time. A few species benefitedfrom some brief warm, even hot, sunny periods in the spring
(remember the drought!) but the generally cool, wet summer depleted thenumbers of many species. A warmer period in August and Septemberfavoured some of the later flying species and Red Admirals, SmallTortoiseshells, Peacocks and Commas were frequently seen prior toentering hibernation for the winter.
A few reports received for November have been late Red Admirals nectaringat ivy flowers – I saw my last along the canal towpath on 8��, one was seenWootton Bassett on 11�� and one at Coate Water, near Swindon on 18��. In aTisbury garden a Small Tortoiseshell was seen on 10�� and a Comma on 14��,both nectaring at flowers. Single Brimstones were seen at Hullavington nearChippenham on 3��, and south of Salisbury at Pepperbox Hill and Alderbury,both on 14��. This compared with last year when several species extended theirflight periods until well into the month.
Marlene Haffenden reported a butterfly flying around in church during themainly music group meeting on 13�� while the children were pinning paperbutterflies onto cards! It was probably a Small Tortoiseshell but possibly aPeacock, preparing to hibernate in the building. We shall probably see it againduring the Christmas services when the heating system will arouse it intoactivity.
A comprehensive 60+ page report will be produced early next year, givingdetails of the 2012 fortunes of all Wiltshire's 45 species and copies will beavailable for £4.50 should you be interested in purchasing a copy.
My next report will be for the February 2013 issue of Parish News which willbe a very brief affair.
© Mike FullerWiltshire Butterfly Recorder
37
FOR PRAYER IN DECEMBER
We pray for:� Those who have suffered as a result of the recent flooding� The homeless� Our new Director of Music and the Choir� The Archbishop of Canterbury
AND IN JANUARY� The ringers� The Bradford Group Ministry� The servers� The Bishop of Ramsbury
Saxon Club ProgrammeWe meet in the United Church Hall at 2 pm on Tuesdays.
You are very welcome to join us.Dec 4th Christmas Tree Festival
Dec 11th Saxon Club lunch at The Swan
Dec 18th Carols and mince pies
Jan 8th Malcolm Walsh – Life in the Country
Jan 15th to be announced
Jan 22nd Steph Noble – Amnesty International
Jan 29th Irene Palmer – Embroidery
Bradford on Avon District LinkGood Neighbour volunteers
available to help you.If you have a problem getting to a hospital or doctor’s appointment,
shopping, or just visiting a friend…
Phone LINK: 07957 367124
38
Quick Crossword The Bible version is the NIV
Clues across1 'The blind receive sight, the - walk'
(Luke 7:22) (4)3 Got (Philippians 3:12) (8)8 Leave out (Jeremiah 26:2) (4)9 Castigated for using dishonest scales
(Hosea 12:7) (8)11 Weighty (1 John 5:3) (10)14 'Now the serpent was more - than
any of the wild animals the Lord Godhad made' (Genesis 3:1) (6)
15 'Those controlled by the sinful naturecannot - God' (Romans 8:8) (6)
17 Because Israel lacked one of these,tools had to be sharpened by thePhilistines (1 Samuel 13:19) (10)
20 In his vision of the two eagles andthe vine, this is how Ezekieldescribed the latter (Ezekiel 17:8)(8)
21 Rite (anag.) (4)22 Nine gigs (anag.) (8)23 'The eye cannot say to the - , "I
don't need you"' (1 Corinthians12:21) (4)
Clues down1 'Flee for your lives! Don't - - , anddon't stop anywhere in the plain!'(Genesis 19:17) (4,4)2 Principal thoroughfare (Numbers20:19) (4,4)4 'The tax collector... beat his - andsaid, "God have mercy on me, a sinner"'(Luke 18:13) (6)5 'The zeal of the Lord Almighty will -this' (2 Kings 19:31) (10)6 'The day of the Lord is - for allnations' (Obadiah 15) (4)7 Specified day (Acts 21:26) (4)10 Deadly epidemic (Deuteronomy32:24) (10)12 Roman Catholic church which hasspecial ceremonial rights (8)13 Tied up (2 Kings 7:10) (8)16 In his speech to the Sanhedrin,Stephen described Moses as 'powerful inspeech and - ' (Acts 7:22) (6)18 'Although he did not remove the highplaces, - heart was fully committed tothe Lord all his life' (1 Kings 15:14) (4)19 Tribe (Deuteronomy 29:18) (4)
Source: Parish PumpSolutions on page 36
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THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
THE STANDING COMMITTEE Chairman, Churchwardens, LLM and Treasurer
CHURCHWARDENS EMERITINorman Hanney, Jeremy Lavis, Mike Fuller, Anne Carter, Tony Haffenden, Joan Finch.
THE FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Patron: Dr Alex Moulton Chairman: John CoxSecretaries: Mike and Jenny FullerTreasurer: John WoodsCommittee: Anne Carter, Tony Haffenden, Chris Hodge, Jeremy Lavis, Revd Angela Onions, Raymond WinrowEx officio: Judith Holland, Trevor Ford
PARISH NEWS
Editors: Ann Holland (862731) & Bryan Harris (863011)e-mail: [email protected]
Distribution: John and Beryl Cox (864270)Subscriptions Collector: Mary Ford (862240)Price: Annual subscription £5.00 in advance .
BRADFORD GROUP MINISTRYThis comprises the three benefices of Holy Trinity, North Bradford on Avon and Villages(Christ Church, Monkton Farleigh, South Wraxall and Winsley), Westwood and Wingfield.The benefice of North Bradford on Avon and Villages was formally created in May 2011although the parishes had been working together from May 2010.The clergy meetregularly for prayer and shared planning, and there is an informal Group Councilconsisting of the licensed clergy and churchwardens, with Licensed Lay Ministers.
Anne Carter June Harrison* David Rawstron
Graham Dove Chris Hodge (Secretary) Erin Shields-Pett (co-opted)
Mary Ford Ann Holland Malcolm Walsh*
Marlene Haffenden* Jeremy Lavis (Treasurer) Anne Willis*
Pam Harman Brian Netley Peter Wills
Margaret Harris Sue Platt
*Deanery Synod representative
Members
OfficersThe Revd Joanna Abecassis, ChairmanJudith Holland (Churchwarden), Deputy ChairmanTrevor Ford (Churchwarden)
The cover picture on the printed version of Parish News is from a drawing by Jonathan Pomroy.
Printed at the Parish Office, 18A Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon.
Parish News also appears (in colour) on the Holy Trinity web site: www.brad-avon-ht.org.uk/. Previousissues of the magazine can also be found in the magazine archive on the church web site.
OTHER OFFICERS AND ORGANIZERS
PCC Secretary Chris Hodge 284440 PCC Treasurer Jeremy Lavis 863600 Bellringers Phil Gaisford 863538 Bookstall Rev Angela Onions 309001 Brass Cleaning Chris Hodge 284440 Coffee on Sunday Elaine Giles 868654 Church Stewards David Milne 864341
Director of Music Tom Pelham 07922 849982Display Co-ordinator Revd Angela Onions 309001Electoral Roll Officer Alan Knight 860991Flowers Jonquil Burgess 868905Foodbank Margaret & Bryan Harris 863011Guides & Brownies Bryony Green 865820
email: [email protected] Mothers’ Union Ian & Sylvia Stanes 309036 MU Prayer Circle Chris Hodge 284440 Publicity Officer vacant Servers Mary Ford 862240
Saxon Club Revd Angela Onions 309001Saxon Church and St Mary Tory Trustees: Chairman Anna Tanfield (all bookings) 863819 Secretary Diana Shaw Stewart 863253 Treasurer Jeremy Lavis 863600
Sidesmen Rota Judith Holland 866215 Stewardship Secretary Pam Harman 866995 Street Market: Community Stalls John Cox 864270 Church Stalls John Woods 863298 Communications Jackie Easby 863014 Team Trinity June Harrison 863745
Parish Representatives on other organisations: Bradford Group Council: The Churchwardens Children’s Society: Anne Carter Christian Aid: Jonquil Burgess Deanery Synod: June Harrison, Marlene Haffenden, Malcolm Walsh; Anne Willis Diocesan Synod: Anne Willis BoA Churches Together: David Rawstron St Laurence School: The Revd Joanna Abecassis
and Heather Knight (Foundation Governors)
The Chapel of St Mary Tory Inset: East window by Mark Angus
The Saxon church of St Laurence
