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Lillington Parish Magazine St Mary Magdalene’s Church FEBRUARY 2016
Lillington Parish Magazine St Mary Magdalene’s Church
FEBRUARY 2016
1
FROM THE VICARAGE
Those who are generous are blessed
for they share their bread with the poor.
Proverbs 22: 9
Did you know that St Mary Magdalene’s has a ‘Charitable Giving
Policy’? For many years, the church has passed on some of the
money that it receives to Christian charities – some based right on
our doorstep, others working across the world. In addition we raise
money for other charities through our Lent, Harvest and Advent
appeals. Each year in Crosstalk we have published a list of the
charities we have given money to and how much.
Last year, the PCC did a major review of our ‘Charitable Giving
Policy’, and I’d like to share that new policy with you. If you would
like to read the full policy, there is a copy on the noticeboard in the
church porch, but in summary it says that:
As a church we commit ourselves to giving generously to charity and
local good causes, sharing the blessings we have received with the
wider community and those in need.
As part of this generosity we will give a percentage of our annual
income to charity. We will donate 2.5% of our ‘Given Income’
(that’s money given to the church through planned giving including
tax reclaimed, legacies, one-off donations, money donated through
Crosstalk and loose cash at services) and 10% of our ‘Earned
Income’ (that includes rent from Lime Avenue and the Octagon and
church income from weddings and funerals). We will also donate
10% of any profits made at the Summer Fete and Christmas Fair to a
local good cause.
The church will also encourage giving to specific causes and
administer this money. This includes planned appeals, which are
usually a Lent appeal, a Harvest appeal, and an Advent appeal for a
specific charity, as well as giving at times of emergency and giving to
‘one-off’ collections, such as money given to the British Legion at
Remembrance.
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We also decided that it would be good if everyone knew a bit more
about the charities we were supporting, and so this year we plan to
give to twelve charities – one for each month! Nine of these will be
given a donation direct from the church (but you are welcome to add
to that if you would like to) and the other three (at Lent, Harvest,
and Advent) will be raising money from the congregation.
All the charities we support are either Christian based charities or
local good causes. Half the money from the church will go to
overseas charities and half to helping people in the UK. In 2016 the
church will be donating approximately £3800 (based on our 2015
income).
Our first charity of the month was ‘Project Return’. It was featured in
January’s magazine and which will receive £500 from the church.
This month’s charity is ‘Thare Machi Education’ and there is an article
about them in this magazine.
Our church has been richly blessed over the years, and I am amazed
how year by year, even when the budget seems impossible, God
blesses us with the money we need. It is a real joy to be able to
share those blessings with people near and far in very real need.
Proverbs says that those who are generous are blessed and that is
certainly my experience. Thank you for your continued generosity
and I hope you enjoy reading about the charities we are supporting
month by month.
Rev Charlotte Gale, February 2016
FROM THE CHURCH RECORDS
BAPTISMS Dec 13 Polly Rose Hooper
FUNERALS Dec 14 Leslie Cleaver (87)
Dec 15 Lindsay Colley (69)
Dec 30 Gladys Edge (102)
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WARDENS' WORDS I bought my first National Lottery tickets for the
inaugural draw on 19th November 1994 and, against all
reason, was convinced that I was going to win (I didn't
by the way). It is said that the lottery is a tax on the poor, it is
certainly a tax on the overly optimistic. I know a little about
statistics and can work out the odds, but I don't think the
infinitesimal chance of winning strikes home until you realise that you
could select last week's winning numbers for next week's draw and
have as much chance as any other set of numbers selected - and
what are the chances of that!!
Musing, in the early hours of Thursday morning, on the QI report
(roof repairs in particular) I was thinking how much simpler life would
be if money were no object. If I were to win the lottery then I could
pay for the roof myself - after all £60m would go an awfully long
way. With this in mind (God on my side?) and seduced by the
multiple rollover and the fact that there had to be a winner (thus
slightly improving the odds) I purchased my first tickets in 15 years
for the draw on Saturday (9th Jan.) and - much to my surprise .... I
didn't win . So, like Jacob wrestling with an angel (Gen. 32:22-
32), I must return to wrestling with the Listed Places of Worship Roof
Repair Fund application.
The priority for this scheme is to support urgent repairs to roofs and
rainwater disposal systems that are needed within the next 2 years.
The application has to be supported by a recent condition survey
(such as a Quinquennial report) and herein lies our first problem, as
none of the major roofing work listed in the QI report (Oct. 2015) is
deemed to be that urgent. In addition, the report identifies no
problems with roof slope 5 (south facing slope of the nave) but a
recent inspection by Coventry Roofing, has uncovered major issues -
the battens are rotted and broken and are in need of urgent
replacement. I am currently consulting with our church architects on
these matters to see whether the QI report might be updated to
reflect these considerations. Note that only one application can be
submitted and the deadline is 26th February 2016 - no pressure
then!
On a more positive note many of you will have noticed the splendid
new post securing the gate into the lower churchyard - this courtesy
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of Warwick District Council (WDC). WDC will also be carrying out
remedial work on the churchyard wall abutting Church Lane - subject
to Archdeacon approval.
Finally, I am hoping that by the time you read this, the Tower Screen
Extension will be in place - latest eta w/c 18th January.
John Butler
Last month Rev Charlotte asked what you could do to help ‘Love
Lillington’ by praying, giving or taking action. You can help at any
time by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or
phone me on 01926 330919.
This is an exciting new project and on Sunday 28th February at the
9:30 service ‘Love Lillington’ will be officially launched and those who
have volunteered so far will be formally commissioned.
Prayer - If you’d like to receive an e-mail/phone call from time to
time from us about people in need in Lillington, so you can pray for
them, please speak to Caroline Carr or e-mail
[email protected]. If you know of a person
or situation in need of prayer you can also let Caroline know.
Money – Finances are already building up, so we are now ready to
promote Love Lillington to the professionals so that we can offer help
in the Parish.
Action – Training is being planned for volunteers to make them
aware of issues such as confidentiality and their own personal safety.
It is hoped that this will be completed before the service on 28th and
then it will be all systems go!
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I am thankful:
For the wife who says its pizza tonight because she is home with me And not out with someone else.
For the husband who is on the sofa Being a couch potato Because he is at home with me And not out at the pub.
For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes Because it means she is at home and not on the streets.
For the taxes I pay Because it means I am employed.
For the mess to clean after a party Because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
For the clothes that fit a little too snug Because it means I have enough to eat.
For my shadow that watches me at work Because it means I am out in the sunshine.
For a lawn that needs mowing Windows that need cleaning Gutters that need fixing Because it means I have a home.
For all the complaining I hear about the government Because it means we have freedom of speech.
For the parking spot I find at the far end of the car park Because it means I am capable of walking And I have been blessed with transportation.
For my huge heating bill Because it means I am warm.
For the lady behind me in church who sings off key Because it means I can hear.
For the pile of laundry and ironing Because it means I have clothes to wear.
For weariness and aching muscles At the end of the day Because it means I have been capable of working hard.
For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours Because it means I am alive.
And finally, for too much email Because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.
Live well, laugh often and love with all your heart!
Author Unknown (thanks to Rev Rosemary Pantling for
passing it on)
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NEWS FROM ZIMBABWE
Dear friends,
First of all, our very sincere
thanks to everyone who
contributed financially towards
our children’s Christmas Present
Fund. Because of your
generosity we have been able to
purchase each of them a new set
of clothes and shoes and
individual, age-appropriate toys.
These have all been packed,
along with a generous portion of
sweets and chocolates, into new
back-packs. Everything is now
boxed up in one of my guest
rooms ready for distribution in a
few days’ time.
Then, another sincere thank you
to each of you who contributed
towards the leaving gift for
Elaine. At a special appreciation
lunch with our Board of
Management a couple of weeks
ago we were able to bless her
with a solar powered Seiko watch
and a substantial financial gift.
The children presented her with a
set of ceramic coffee mugs which
have photographs of the children
and the Montgomery gardens on
them, and the support staff gave
her a clock. It was a special
occasion, if rather emotional!
She will be leaving us on 31st.
Montgomery has two new family
members to share in our
Christmas celebrations this year:
Unto us, two sons have been
given!
Anopaishe (Given of the Lord)
came into our care at the
beginning of November aged
about 1 month old. He is a
delightful little boy and seems to
have settled well into his new
family.
Then our second son arrived on
November 21st. Pastor and Mrs
Ngwenya have been blessed with
the safe arrival of Isaiah Munesu
(He is with us).
Anopa surrounded by his ‘big sisters and brother’, all thrilled to have a new baby to share with.
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Pray for the Ngwenyas as they
adjust to the new responsibilities
which parenthood brings.
Bridget is still on maternity leave
but will be ‘back in the saddle’ at
the end of January, assisting me
with the preschool, which, until
we make other plans, I will be
covering after Elaine’s departure.
As we close out 2015 and enter
into 2016 there seems to be a
very real sense of hopelessness
and despair settling over the
country. It feels as though
everything is imploding once
again just as it did back in
2008/9.
To be honest, it has not been
easy to keep our own heads
above this during the last few
weeks, and yet underneath the
heaviness, our leadership team
all feel a sense of great
anticipation and excitement at
what 2016 holds.
Please pray with us and for us
that we will be able to keep our
focus in these very difficult times
and that we will be able to hold
out to those around us a beacon
of hope because of His Light in
us. One thing for sure: however
hard the going is here, there’s
always something to make us
smile.
The latest Montgomery corruption
of a great song (Kari Jobe’s
‘Majestic’) came from the mouth
of one of our younger girls
recently. After we had
introduced it into our church
service, Dorica was heard singing
full throttle, with great
conviction, not, ‘How majestic is
Your Name, Jesus’, but ‘How
digestive is Your name, Jesus’!!
Perhaps though, there is a
measure of truth here: If you find
that over this Christmas season
you indulge just a little too much
in the rich goodies and struggle
with heartburn…or if, like us in
Zimbabwe, your heart aches at
times with the apparent
hopelessness of things,
remember, there is an antidote:
Jesus, God with us!
Lesley
Pamela Cummins would like to
thank everyone for their kind wishes
and lovely Christmas Cards.
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STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
We are starting our tour of the windows from the East wall behind
the altar and travelling round the church in a clockwise direction in
the months to come.
In common with most of the
other windows in the church the
stonework is 19th C Victorian
Gothic: It has a two-centred
arch, rere-arch1 supported on
slender columns, deeply splayed
reveals and 14th C style plate
tracery.
The window is divided into three
sections, each telling a different
part of the story of Our Lord’s
earthly progress. From the left
as depicted:
1 Inner arch of a window which differs from the outer side
1. The adoration of the Magi.
It portrays Joseph, Mary and
the infant, Jesus. The three
Kings are standing by and a
donkey is peeping through a
star above their heads.
Below the scene on a red
scroll in gold caps there is a
quotation taken from
Matthew ch2, v10:
‘WHEN THEY SAW THE STAR
THEY REJOICED WITH
EXCEEDING GREAT JOY’
2. The route to Calvary.
Jesus is bent under the
weight of the cross, carried
on his left shoulder. Another
man has his right hand on
the cross, whilst in his left he
holds a rope or reins. Behind
him walks Mary, the mother
of Jesus and behind her is
another figure with a halo. A
roman soldier is mounted on
a horse and carrying a spear.
More helmets, spears and
axes are visible.
Below the scene on a red
scroll in gold coloured caps
there is a quotation taken
from Isaiah ch53, v2:
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‘SURELY HE HATH BORNE
OUR GRIEFS AND CARRIED
OUR SORROWS’
3. The angel appearing to
the women at the tomb.
Pictured are the Virgin Mary
in blue, Mary Magdalene
with a jar and another
woman. Above them are a
doves, lilies and cherubs.
Below the scene on a red
scroll in gold caps there is a
quotation taken from
Matthew ch28, v6:
‘HE IS NOT HERE
HE IS RISEN’
The window was installed in
1885 in memory of George
Unett JP of Castel Froma who
died on 6th November 1881.
This window replaced an earlier
one when the Chancel was
extended. The earlier window
has been installed during the
1850’s and was described in the
invoice as ‘A rich stained glass
window containing the following
subjects, viz. the Baptism, last
supper and Crucifxtion (sic) of
Our saviour, each subject under
rich canopies with the figures of
the twelve Apostles.’ The cost
including the iron guard bars
and fixing the same £80.
Who made the window?
The window was designed and
installed by Clayton & Bell who
were founded in London by John
Richard Clayton and Alfred Bell.
Within a few years the firm
occupied a leading place in
stained glass design and
manufacture. Exceedingly
prolific, and although usually of
high standard, the 'production
line' approach was beginning to
show by the mid-1860s.
In the 1880s the two founders
withdrew from active
participation and Alfred Bell's
eldest son, John Clement,
eventually took over the firm
after his partnership with John
Essex Clayton. Successive
generations kept the firm going
until the death of Michael Farrar
Bell in 1993.
One of their well-known works
is the West Window of King's
College Chapel, Cambridge
(1878) and they designed the
mosaics for each side and
beneath the canopy of the
Albert Memorial.
They also installed the West
Window in our church, but more
of that later in the year!
References:
Crosstalk, July/August 2000 (with thanks to John Nutt)
NADFAS Church Furnishings book 2015
http://stainedglass.llgc.org.uk
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LILLINGTON PARISH CHURCH
CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR VACANCY
16 hours per week (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm –
some flexibility negotiable)
Rate of pay £9.09 per hour
St Mary Magdalene’s is a busy parish church in the central
tradition of the Church of England. Our busy church office, is
based in the church building and is a focal point for church
members and visitors alike.
Could you be the new friendly face of Lillington Parish Church? You
should have excellent people skills and be someone who can relate to
a wide range of people from different backgrounds who contact us in
many different circumstances.
You will be the key person running the church office and therefore
you will be well organised, computer literate (office software) and be
confident when working on your own.
You should share in the particular Christian ethos of St. Mary
Magdalene’s.
For an application form and job description please go to
www.Llillingtonparishchurch.org or email
For more information please contact the current postholder – Anne
Furze on 01926 470449 or the Vicar, Rev Charlotte Gale on 01926
330919
Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday
8th February 2016.
it is anticipated that the post holder will be a regular worshipper of a
Christian community. This post therefore has Genuine Occupational
Requirement under the Equality Act 2010.
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WALKERS GROUP
Walk on January 9th 2016
Ten of us drove to Dunchurch, where we parked
at the Green Man, ordered our lunches, and set
off along the Southam Road to cross the M45, before turning into the
lane serving Toft Alpacas. Overnight rain was turning to light drizzle,
which cleared away fairly quickly to leave us with quite pleasant
walking weather.
From the lane we negotiated the only stile of the walk into a field
(sometimes accommodating alpacas, but not today!) with fine views
down over Draycote Water; we followed a path leading downhill to
exit on the Water’s perimeter path. This provided a firm surface for
walking for about a quarter of a mile before we took a right turn
through a gateway leading to a concrete path uphill to the village of
Thurlaston. We stopped for a break at the bus shelter (no buses on
Saturday, but newspapers for the village residents are delivered
there to be picked up!).
A period of road walking followed as we took the road over the M45
again and up to the old A45 (now B4429) which leads back to
Dunchurch village. We were able to use a footpath beside this; after
about a mile we crossed the road and headed north to meet an old
track known as Northampton Lane. Interesting that in days gone by
this was used to get to Northampton via Crick and West Haddon
rather than the present day route through Daventry. We followed
Northampton Lane eastwards till it met the road from Cawston (the
old Cawston Lane) which we followed back to Dunchurch. Here we
returned to the Green Man to enjoy our lunch.
Bob Cooke
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6th February Walk
The February Walk is from the Old Smithy, Church Lawford. 4.5
miles approximately with two stiles. It was very muddy on the pre-
walk @if more rain@ walk will be subject to change. For more details
contact Sue or John Hollins – tel 773919.
Meet at church 9.30 am on February 6th.
WALKING FOR HEALTH
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more
active, lose weight and become healthier. It's underrated as a form
of exercise, but walking is ideal for people of all ages and fitness
levels who want to be more active.
Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic
illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and
some cancers.
Before you start
A pair of shoes is all the equipment you really need. Any shoes
or trainers that are comfortable, provide adequate support and
don't cause blisters will do.
Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely.
Choose thin layers rather than heavy, chunky clothing.
If you’re walking to work, you can just wear your usual work
clothes with a comfy pair of shoes.
For long walks, you may want to take some water, healthy
snacks, a spare top, sunscreen and a sunhat in a small backpack.
Starting out
Start slowly and try to build your walking regime gradually. To
get the health benefits from walking, it needs to be of moderate-
intensity aerobic activity. In other words, it needs to be faster
than a stroll. One way to tell if you’re doing it right is that you'll
be able to talk, but not sing the words to your favourite hymn!
Try to walk 10,000 steps a day. Most of us walk between 3,000
and 4,000 steps a day anyway, so reaching 10,000 isn't as
daunting as it might sound.
For more information go to http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/getting-
started-guides/pages/getting-started-walking.aspx
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CROSSWORD Answers are in Robin’s Roundup on page 28
Across
1 Success or wealth
(Deuteronomy 28:11) (10)
7 Forbidden fruit for Nazirites
(Numbers 6:3) (7)
8 Concede (Job 27:5) (5)
10 Look at (Psalm 48:13) (4)
11 Much in evidence after
weddings (8)
13 Condense (Job 36:27) (6)
15 Breakwater (6)
17 Give a tan (anag.) (8)
18 More usually now called
Pentecost, — Sunday (4)
21 After living for 365 years, it
was said of him that ‘he
walked with God’ (Genesis
5:23–24) (5)
22 Trampled (Judges 9:27) (7)
23 For example, Miriam,
Deborah (Exodus 15:20;
Judges 4:4) (10)
Down
1 Arrogance (Proverbs 8:13)
(5)
2 Roman poet from first
century BC (4)
3 So rapt (anag.) (6)
4 Declare again (2 Corinthians
2:8) (8)
5 Paul’s ‘fellow worker’, to
whom he sent two epistles
(Romans 16:21) (7)
6 God’s foreseeing care and
protection (Job 10:12) (10)
9 Traditional form of Roman
Catholic Mass (10)
12 ‘The Lord... has given the
— of Israel to David and his
descendants for ever’ (2
Chronicles 13:5) (8)
14 ‘My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God
my — ’ (Luke 1:46–47) (7)
16 The central element in
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream,
identified and interpreted by
Daniel (Daniel 2:31) (6)
19 ‘On this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of — will
not overcome it’ (Matthew
16:18) (5)
20 City where Paul was under
house arrest for two years
(Acts 28:16) (4)
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WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2016 Sat 6th 9:30 Walkers Group meets outside Church. Contact
John & Sue Hollins 773919
Mon 8th 19:45 Lillington Evening Women’s Institute
(Octagon)
Tues 9th Tea time
Pancake Day – go flipping mad!
Sun 14th 18:30 Youth Group meet in Octagon
Sat 20th 10am –12 noon
Coffee Morning in the Octagon – fund raising
for Lillington youth Centre
Tues 23rd 14:00 Tea & Chat in the Octagon – Card making with
Karen and Vivienne.
Sat 27th 10:00 Volunteers training for Love Lillington (date
subject to confirmation
MARCH 2016 Sat 5th 9:30 Walkers Group meets outside Church. Contact
Ted & Sandra Dear 332958
Sat 5th 10:00 Assembling flower posies for Mothering
Sunday – all are welcome
Sun 13th 18:30 Youth Group meet in Octagon
Mon 14th 19:45 Lillington Evening Women’s Institute
(Octagon)
Tues 29th 14:00 Tea & Chat in the Octagon – Enjoy a warm
welcome and meet friends old and new.
Octotots for babies, toddlers and their carers meet on Thursday
mornings during Term time from 10:30 until 12 noon. Contact Revd
Charlotte Gale for more information.
A reminder: Please make Cheques payable to Lillington PCC
For any events you wish to publicise please
contact the Editor or email
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SERVICE DETAILS
SUNDAY WORSHIP – FEBRUARY 2016
Feb 7 Candlemas
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 Morning Praise with Sunday
Club*
18:30 Evensong
Feb 14 First Sunday
of Lent
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 Holy Communion with Prayers for
Healing
Feb 21
Second
Sunday of
Lent
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 Holy Communion with Sunday
Club*
18:30 Evensong
Feb 28 Third Sunday
of Lent
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30
Holy Communion with Sunday
Club*
‘Love Lillington’ launch
11:15 Baptism
A Time for Quiet and Prayer Monday – Thursday, 12.00 – 1.00 pm
(Please use main entrance)
*SUNDAY CLUB
For children of all ages up to 10 years during School Term time.
Children join the main 09:30 service at the beginning and the end,
and leave for a 30 minutes Sunday Club session which has a range of
age appropriate activities
WEEKDAY WORSHIP
Tuesday 23rd February 13:30 Holy Communion
THE CHURCH OFFICE The office is open Monday to Thursday 9.00 am till 1.00 pm
During these hours the church may be used for private prayer -
please use the office entrance.
For Baptism, Weddings and general enquiries please contact the
church office (01926 470449). Outside of office hours please leave a
message on the answer phone and we will get back to you.
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Fund Raising Coffee Morning in the Octagon
Lillington Parish Church - St Mary Magdalene's Vicarage Road, Lillington
Saturday February 20th – 10.00am to 12.00 noon
Please come along, bring your friends and enjoy an hour or so together in a relaxing atmosphere. Coffee, tea and soft drinks will be available and, of course, delicious
cakes and pastries. Great Raffle Prizes!! The purpose of this event is to raise funds to help towards
resurfacing the outside activity area at Lillington Youth Centre. The surface of the outside area is badly in need of
repairs/resurfacing which, when completed, will enable local Lillington young people to enjoy their various activities more. Additional information can be obtained from Gary Timlin,
Youth Worker - [email protected] tel : 01926 428142
If you would like to help on the morning, or have a raffle prize you would like to donate (one of those unwanted Christmas
gifts perhaps?) please speak to Christine Butler (07963 229756) or email : [email protected]
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Evelyn’s Gift |Little Acts of Kindness
Evelyn’s Gift is a small charity that was set up in
memory of our 7 year old daughter. Evelyn died
very suddenly and unexpectedly from an
infection. The shocking tragedy of her death
has impacted on the community at Coten End
School and many others that knew her. I have
been overwhelmed by the kindness and support
from local people for the work that we have
been doing.
The idea behind Evelyn’s Gift is simple – to carry out little acts of
kindness for people in need. Most of our work is local to the
Leamington and Warwick areas, although we have also worked with
Otra Cosa Network to send hundreds of dresses that we made at a
community sewing group to poor children in Peru. Otra Cosa
network is run by Juany and Peter Murphy from Warwick and they
work with volunteers from all over the world to provide women and
children in Peru with education to help them to escape poverty.
Locally, we have worked with women’s refuges for women and
children escaping from domestic violence, Leamington Night Shelter,
children in care and young people in hostel accommodation. For
Refuge, we have provided many items from toiletries to Christmas
presents for both women and children. In some cases, families have
had to leave their belongings behind and so they need basic items.
We have also provided hats, gloves and colouring books and pens.
Visiting Leamington Night Shelter is a truly inspirational experience.
Chris Johnson, Margaret Moore and a team of volunteers provide a
hot meal and a place to sleep two nights a week, throughout the
year, for people in need. We provide them with toiletries and
underwear, a small contribution to their incredible work.
The Mayor of Warwick, Mandy Littlejohn, has raised funds for us over
the Christmas period and she is working with us to decorate a family
room at St Michael’s hospital. The room is currently very functional
and we have offered to improve the facility to make it more family
friendly and a more pleasant environment for patients, visitors and
staff.
A major focus of our work is the promotion of CPR and Lifesaving
training. The charity, Heartstart provide the training, free of charge
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and our role has been to arrange the training, mainly through schools
and community groups. Since we have been promoting the training,
approximately 700 people have been trained. Evelyn could not have
been resuscitated but I know that I did everything that I could and I
don’t know how I would have coped if I had done nothing. I have
been trained on several occasions in CPR and it is my belief that it is
a basic life skill that everyone should have. We can train about 20
people at a time, and all we need is a venue. The session takes
about 1 ½ hours and covers CPR, choking and bleeding. Anyone
interested in booking a course can contact us by email at
On 5th January, Evelyn’s Gift became a registered charity (number
1165015). We have many projects planned for 2016 thanks to the
incredible support from our community and we welcome ideas from
others. We post updates on our Facebook page which can be
accessed without a Facebook account because we have made it an
open community page.
Helen Smith
Charity begins...
I remember the realisation – one might even call it an epiphany at
this time of the year - I had shortly after becoming Treasurer at the
start of 2014. I mentioned it in my presentation at the Annual Parish
meeting in April of that year. I told of my surprise at the generosity
shown by our church and its members to all manner of charities and
good causes. In the intervening two years nothing has changed that
opinion.
As a church we give both as individuals towards specific appeals –
such as the recent Advent appeal (Foundation for the Relief and
Reconciliation in the Middle East – or the snappily named FRRME) –
and also as a church “body” towards selected charities. Our gift to
these charities is called our “charitable giving” and represents a
proportion of the church's income over a year.
If, like I used to be, you're a little in the dark about “charitable
giving” then, hopefully, this will help.
A group called the Charity Committee has the task of allocating a
sum of money to selected charities. In the past, we looked at the
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previous year's income and gave 5 percent of that received from
planned and unplanned giving, cash received in services, and tax
reclaims for any of this that was gift aided. This was then distributed
to the selected charities and cheques were written to them all at the
end of the year.
For 2015, the total was £3555 and the selected charities were shown
in the January magazine. Those who like to check such things will
find out that the total for the eight charities comes to £3288 – a
mistake made by yours truly and which will be rectified! And you
trust me with the church's accounts!
For 2016, we have adopted a new policy which was arrived at after
some lively and interesting discussions in a number of PCC and
charitable giving meetings. It would be fair to say that there were
some divergent views on how and what we should give as a church.
But it would also be fair to say that Rev Charlotte steered us through
some difficult but often enlightening discussions to arrive, after four
draft versions of the policy, to an agreement that better reflects
these divergent views – and probably of those of our church
members.
So what does this all mean?
Well, firstly we regard our income as coming from two distinct
sources: firstly, donations to the church – so, planned giving and one
off donations, cash in services, legacies, donations to Crosstalk and
tax reclaimed on these donations; and secondly, income earned from
activities such as Octagon lettings, weddings and funerals, and rent
receipts from the tenants in the church owned property (34 Lime
Avenue.)
From the first – donations – we would give a smaller amount (2.5
percent) and from the second – income earned – we would give a
larger amount (10 percent.) Broadly speaking, it was felt that
donations to the church were probably intended for the church to
use, though different views meant we arrived at a good old fashioned
English compromise! But this has been countered by including earned
income into the policy and giving the higher percentage.
The charity committee has recently met to decide the beneficiaries of
our charitable giving for 2016 – more on this later. And instead of
writing the cheques at the end of the year, we now intend to write
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one a month throughout the year and back this up with an article
about the charity in Crosstalk.
So... do you think, using this new policy, we end up giving more or
less in our charitable giving? I'd be interested to know what you
think! Answers on a post card, perhaps?
I'll let you into the secret next month - as well as showing you the
other ways we give as individuals throughout the year.
By the way, I'm still waiting for the call from the investments expert.
The request is a serious one. Anyone out there?
Alan Wright, Treasurer
POETRY GROUP
Last year a few of us started reading poetry together. We meet once
a month for about an hour and talk about poems we have found on a
particular theme – none of us are experts! The January meeting was
about the New Year – here is one of the poems we read. If you are
interested the next meeting is on Wednesday 17th February at
3.00pm at 17 Lime Avenue, Lillington. Contact Carol Innes on 01926
831649 if you’re interested.
The End of the Beginning
As the eyes that scan the page
of printed word
See the poem from my soul so
newly heard,
So the lines run free, like
flowing flag unfurled.
Words like these are written
with hope to heal the world.
For if in any verse that’s read,
you recollect
Something of yourself and
makes some marked effect
I too will know achievement of
my own
For what are words if they
cannot be thrown
From the heart into a waiting
pond
That ripples, reaching outward
as each of you respond,
For hidden in each poem is the
seed of your own thought
And if you recognize just
some, closer you’ve been
brought
To the peaceful spirit dwelling
in your heart......
Make not this verse the
ending......
......but make it just the start.
Lynn New
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COOKING WITH CROSSTALK
Continuing our meat free themes from last month!
Courgette and Feta Fritters
2 medium courgettes
¼ tsp salt
4 spring onions (finely sliced)
100 g feta cheese (cut into 1cm cubes)
1 tbsp dried mint
2 medium eggs
60 g plain flour
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 pinch of black pepper
Grate courgette into a bowl and stir in
salt, this helps draw water out of the courgette. Put courgette into a
sieve and allow to drain for 20 min. Squeeze courgettes in a teatowel
to rid of excess water and drain on some kitchen paper.
In a bowl combine all of the ingredients, including the courgettes
until thoroughly mixed. Heat 1 tbsp of sunflower oil in a non-stick
sauté pan on a medium heat. Blob a scoop of the fritter mix into the
pan and flatten slightly. Cook 2-3 min each side until golden. Drain
on a piece of kitchen paper. Keep warm in an oven until all ready.
www.nigella.com
Vegetable enchiladas (serves 4)
4 flour tortillas
75g grated cheddar
Filling:
75g spinach
2tbs oil
8 baby sweetcorn, sliced
25g frozen peas, thawed
1 red pepper, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 leek, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 red chilli, chopped
Salt and pepper
Sauce:
300ml passata
2 shallots, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
300ml vegetable stock
1 tsp caster sugar
1 tsp chilli powder
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1. Make the filling by blanching spinach in a pan of boiling water for
2 minutes, drain well and chop.
2. Heat the oil in a frying pan and sauté the corn, peas, pepper,
carrot, leek, garlic and chilli for 3-4 minutes. Stir in spinach and
season well.
3. Put all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil,
stirring. Cook over a high heat for 20 minutes, stirring, until
thickened and reduced by a
third.
4. Spoon a quarter of the
filing along the centre of
each tortilla.
5. Roll the tortillas around the
filling and placed in an
ovenproof dish, seam side
down.
6. Put the sauce over tortillas and sprinkle the cheese on top. Cook
in a preheated over (180c/350f/Gas 4) for 20 minutes or until the
cheese has melted and browned. Serve immediately.
Chocolate Fudge Pudding
50g Vegetarian margarine,
plus extra for greasing
75g Soft light brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
350ml Milk
50g chopped walnuts
40g plain flour
2 tbsp Cocoa powder
Icing sugar and cocoa powder
to dust
1. Lightly grease a 1 litre ovenproof dish. Cream the sugar and
margarine until fluffy and beat in the eggs.
2. Gradually stir in the milk and add the walnuts
3. Sieve the flour and cocoa powder into the mixture and fold in
gently until well mixed
4. Spoon the mixture into the dish and cook in a preheated oven
(180c/350f/Gas 4) for 35 – 40 minutes or until sponge is cooked.
5. Dust with icing sugar and cocoas powder and serve immediately.
The Enchilada and pudding recipes were found in ‘Classic Vegetarian
Recipes’ (Editor Jo Anne Cox) © 1998
23
Charity of the Month – Thare Machi Education
I first heard about Thare Machi Education
(pronounced tarry matchy), from my friend
Steve Clarke, who is one of the founders of
this Leamington based charity. He’d had an
idea whilst stopped for coffee at a motorway
service station. He wanted to find a way to
use simple technology to provide basic health
education for some of the
world’s poorest people,
especially women and
children. That was nearly
20 years ago.
Today, Thare Machi has 32 lessons in 55 languages – from Acholi to
Zulu – sharing essential health information through DVDs with the
poorest, least educated and most vulnerable people in the world.
It’s such a simple idea and yet so effective. The lessons are on topics
such a HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, diarrhoea, safe water and basic
hygiene – recorded in the community’s own language. They focus on
key facts and are interactive, making them popular with their target
audience, many of whom cannot read or write.
Because it’s so simple, Thare Machi can quickly respond to crisis
situations. 2000 copies of their DVD on‘Avoiding Ebola’ have been
distributed through governmental channels and partner organisations
in Sierra Leone, with an enthusiastic response from the Ministry of
Health and Sanitation. With an estimated 200 people watching
each DVD this means that some 400,000 have been reached. Other
affected countries have also welcomed them.
The DVDs are distributed free through partners such as community
groups, street children’s societies, health clinics, churches, schools
and individuals. They do not need classrooms or training – or anyone
from the charity having to be there. A portable player can be charged
from a car battery.
In the last year, a research project in Rwanda has provided statistical
evidence that the DVDs do work. Cases of childhood illnesses such as
24
diarrhoea were reduced in areas where the Basic Hygiene lesson was
used.
St Mary Magdalene’s church is donating £500 to Thare Machi this
year, as part of our charitable giving. If you would like to add to that,
please put your donation in one of the yellow envelopes and write
Thare Machi on the front – we will make sure it gets to them. If you
want to know more about them or become a volunteer, then have a
look at their website – www.tme.org.uk.
Rev Charlotte Gale
Looking for romance? Sadly, for many of us romance is an elusive
thing. So if you are single, and looking to at
least meet other Christian singles, you may
care to visit the following websites:
www.Christianconnection.co.uk ,
www.christianevents.co.uk, and
www.friends1st.co.uk. They don’t promise
to have the person of your dreams, but, you
never know!
Perhaps you met your current partner
through a dating website – care to share?
CHURCH SIGNS
To err is human …. To Arrrr is pirate!
To a dyslexic Atheist there is a Dog!
Honk if you love Jesus …. Text while driving if you want to meet him
Best Sausage supper in St Louis
Come & Eat
Pastor Thomas Ressler
25
HELEN WALLAM’S
Children in the Bible
Adam and Eve had two sons called Cain and Abel. Cain became a farmer and Abel became a shepherd. One day, they both made offerings to God. Cain brought a gift of his very best crops and Abel brought his best lamb. God was not pleased with Cain, because Cain did not willingly offer his gift to God. Cain became very jealous of Abel.
“Why are you so angry?” God asked him. “If you do not give your gift willingly, you are more likely to do bad things.”
Cain was full of anger and became more jealous of Abel. One day, while they were outside in the fields, Cain argued with Abel and killed his brother.
Afterwards, God asked Cain where his brother was. Cain knew he had done wrong and became frightened and made things worse by saying, “I don’t know. Am I supposed to know where my brother is all of the time?”
God knew everything about what Cain had done. God sent Cain away, as a punishment for what he had done wrong.
26
Place these words from the story onto the grid below:
gifts jealous willing anger wrong
27
TIME TO RETREAT?
Lent is how the Church offers you a 40-day period of renewal each
year. So this Lent, if you feel tired and stressed by the demands of
daily life, why not consider a retreat?
In simplest terms, a retreat is simply stepping aside from your daily
routine for a period of time, usually to reflect and pray about your
life, all within the context of being in a welcoming and peaceful place.
You can go it alone, or with a group. It can last from half a day to a
day, to a week, or even longer. During this time, you can seek God’s
presence, grow deeper in your faith, and come to see yourself and
others more clearly.
You may greatly benefit from a retreat if:
- you need time to get back in touch with your inner self
- you want to learn more about prayer and reflection before God
- you need to prepare for some big challenge/decision in your life
Retreat houses vary from monasteries to modern building complexes.
Most are set in beautiful grounds, with lots of space to wander about
in. Some have libraries, art rooms and prayer rooms. Almost all
provide home cooked food, and many can welcome people with
disabilities.
What is the point of it all? Like pilgrimages, retreats are really a
journey with a sacred purpose that can become transformational for
you. Someone once described a retreat like this: “When we allow
ourselves time, new insights are given… new and old places in our
hearts are visited. Blessings are received and healing acceptance of
memories can take place…”
It is too easy to avoid ourselves, to live life on a shallow basis, and
not ever to allow ourselves time to simply renew our inner selves.
Jesus frequently went off to be alone and pray; He just wanted to be
with his Father. We, too, will benefit from time alone with God.
Retreat information at: www.retreats.org.uk
Locally the Redhill Christian Centre (near Stratford) offers quiet days
and retreats during Lent http://www.redhillcentre.co.uk/redhill/
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ROBIN’S ROUND UP
Looking ahead it seem that Lent is so early this
year that my New Year healthy eating resolutions
will overlap with giving up chocolate and alcohol
for Lent – I’m so looking forward to Easter!
Talking of food there won’t be a pancake party
this year unless someone offers to organise it –
it’s on 9th February!
You can tell the Charity group has been busy – with 2 articles this
month. Read about how we support charities from two different
perspectives (‘From the Vicarage’ and the Treasurer’s article on page
19/20).
I hope that you’ve been enjoying the ‘Days out’ series provided by
Anne Furze and Pat Poulson. They are taking a short break but they
hope to be back again in the near future with lots of ideas for the
summer. Does anybody have a favourite ‘Day Out’ they would like to
share?
Part one of our stained glass windows series has started this month
and will run for the next few editions. Do you have a favourite
window or a story you could tell us about?
Love Lillington is steaming ahead and perhaps you might like to start
Lent by volunteering to Pray, raise money or use your talents as a
volunteer.
Robin
CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS: 1, Prosperity. 7, Raisins. 8, Admit.
10, View. 11, Confetti. 13, Distil. 15, Groyne. 17, Navigate. 18, Whit. 21, Enoch. 22, Trodden. 23, Prophetess. DOWN: 1, Pride. 2, Ovid. 3, Pastor. 4, Reaffirm. 5, Timothy. 6,
Providence. 9, Tridentine. 12, Kingship. 14, Saviour. 16, Statue. 19, Hades. 20, Rome.
DEADLINE Copy for the March 2016 edition is required by 17th February 2016
to Robin Innes (Editor) or to the Parish Office
TOM COLES GAS, PLUMBING & HEATING
Mobile: 07949 288 682
36, Ashdown Close, Coventry, CV3 2PT
All Gas Servicing, Installation, Plumbing and Central Heating Work undertaken
Inner pages are printed on 100%
recycled paper
CONTACTS
Church Office Anne Furze .......................................
470449
Vicar Rev Charlotte Gale (Day off Friday)
[email protected] ..........
330919
Associate Minister Rev Naomi Nixon ............................... 330919
Associate Minister Rev Rosemary Pantling ....................... 316597
Curate Rev Sue Fairhurst .............................. 735254
Reader Roderick Clark .................................. 422994
Churchwarden John Butler ....................................... 779455
Churchwarden Charlotte Sanders .............................. 425642
PCC Secretary Bob Cooke
pccsecretary@lillingtonparishchurch
315890
PCC Treasurer Alan Wright
[email protected] 773786
Stewardship
Secretary
Mike Hyslop ...................................... 883808
Organist /
Choirmaster
Mike King ......................................... 409062
Bell Ringers Richard Taulbut
[email protected] ...........
450977
Servers Jamie Hughes ................................... 315538
Flower Guild Wendy Shear .................................... 330825
Octagon
Secretary
Kate Baker .......................................
425789
Safeguarding
Officer
Carol Innes ...................................... 07758
857740
Sunday Club Church Office .................................... 470449
Walkers Group Bob Cooke
[email protected] .......
315890
Website Manager Diana Taulbut ...................................
450977
Crosstalk Editor Robin Innes ......................................
831649
Crosstalk
Distribution
Jeff Arnold ........................................ 632330
Guides Diana Bull
[email protected] .........
289124
Parish website: www.lillingtonparishchurch.org
