Malvern Priory Magazine The Parish Church of St. Mary & St. Michael £1.00 Back in October, a minibus-load of eleven young people and four leaders went to Dudley College to an inspirational event where Malala Yousoufzai, the 19-year-old Nobel Prize winner from Pakistan, was in conversation with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Eleanor King wrote: "To go and see the Archbishop and Malala was an amazing experience that I will probably never have again. It gave me an insight I hadn't thought about before from two very wise people." Tuppence Shaw-Young said it was like being in the presence of a saint! She was deeply impressed by the immense respect the Archbishop had for Malala, and by Malala's own humility. Amelia Walker raced out suddenly at the end and got Malala to autograph her copy of the book! No-one else was allowed to! I'm sure all of us who went would agree that it was a humbling and exhilarating evening. Malala was relaxed, at ease, and often made everyone laugh. She said how hard it still was for her and her family to be away from their own country and home, and how she still couldn't believe the Taliban were so afraid of one school girl that the only answer was to attack her! She spoke passionately about women being empowered through education, and encouraged everyone to do their best in school, as much through learning to live together as a community as passing actual exams. She also told us movingly about how much she had learned from visiting suffering young women in Jordan, Lebanon, and Nigeria. One of the Archbishop's final questions to her was "How would you say young people today can help to bring peace and harmony among different faith groups?" Malala's reply was personal, saying that her own best friend was a white English girl, and that learning the meaning and language of friendship crossed all the barriers of culture and background. Visit your neighbours, interact with people different from yourself, was one of her refrains. The event can still be viewed on the Diocesan website, cofe-worcester.org.uk and if you have not yet read her book "I am Malala", I highly recommend it! Jill Crofton MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH MALALA ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ BUMPER CHRISTMAS ISSUE DEC 2016/JAN 2017 ISSUE
Transcript
Malvern Priory MagazineThe Parish Church of st. Mary & st. Michael
£1.00
Back in October, a minibus-load of eleven young people and four leaders went toDudley College to an inspirational event where Malala Yousoufzai, the 19-year-oldNobel Prize winner from Pakistan, was in conversation with the Archbishop ofCanterbury.
Eleanor King wrote: "To go and see the Archbishop and Malala was an amazing experience that Iwill probably never have again. It gave me an insight I hadn't thought about before from two very wise people."
Tuppence shaw-Young said it was like being in the presence of a saint! she was deeply impressed by the immense respect theArchbishop had for Malala, and by Malala's own humility.
Amelia Walker raced out suddenly at the end and got Malala to autograph her copy of the book! No-one else was allowed to!I'm sure all of us who went would agree that it was a humbling and exhilarating evening. Malala was relaxed, at ease, and
often made everyone laugh. she said how hard it still was for her and her family to be away from their own country and home,and how she still couldn't believe the Taliban were so afraid of one school girl that the only answer was to attack her! she spokepassionately about women being empowered through education, and encouraged everyone to do their best in school, asmuch through learning to live together as a community as passing actual exams. she also told us movingly about how muchshe had learned from visiting suffering young women in Jordan, Lebanon, and Nigeria.
One of the Archbishop's final questions to her was "How would you say young people today can help to bring peace andharmony among different faith groups?" Malala's reply was personal, saying that her own best friend was a white English girl,and that learning the meaning and language of friendship crossed all the barriers of culture and background. Visit yourneighbours, interact with people different from yourself, was one of her refrains.
The event can still be viewed on the Diocesan website, cofe-worcester.org.uk and if you have not yet read her book "I amMalala", I highly recommend it!
Jill Crofton
MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH MALALA
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BUMPERCHRISTMASISSUE
DEC 2016/JAN 2017 IssuE
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IN THIS ISSUEMEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH MALALA
FROM THE VICARAGEFROM THE EDITOR
LUNCH BOX IN THE PRIORY
LUNCH BOX REVIEWS
WHO'S WHO IN THE PRIORY
A LETTER FROM THEBISHOP OF DUDLEY THOUGHT FOR THEMONTH
HALLOWE’EN LIGHTPARTYRECONCILIATION
CHRISTMAS EVENTS ATTHE ELIM ARTS CENTREPRIORY ORGANRECITALS IN 2016VISITING PREACHERS
THE ROLE OF THEORGAN
ANNUAL VISIT TO LEEVALLEY ABBEY, DEVON
CHRISTMAS LUNCH ATTHE ABBEY HOTEL
MISSIONARY LINKS
URGENT REQUESTADVENT COMPLINEWITH REFLECTION
THE FRIENDS’ NEW PRESIDENTWHERE ARE THEY NOW...
INFORMATION
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Welcome to your Bumper Issue of the Priory magazine, covering Advent, Christmasand the New Year. Reception of the new magazine continues to be very favourable,and the new format has meant plenty of lovely colour photos such as those from LeeAbbey. Many of us had a wonderful weekend there.
As we come to the close of this year, many of us may feel that it has been full ofmonumental changes, not all welcome. Old certainties have been shaken to theirfoundations and we move towards an uncertain future politically and probablyglobally. More than ever we realise that we need to trust God. He is there and it is Hisworld.
Next year, 2017, sees the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his statementto the door of Wittenberg Cathedral and saying, ‘I can do no other’. A man of greatfaith who dared to make a bold stand, he started a European conflagration he couldhardly have foreseen. Our partner diocese of Magdeburg will be celebrating andthere will be invitations to join them.
Meanwhile, enjoy the lovely Christmas services and have a peaceful Christmas andNew Year. Our God is lord of all and so we go with confidence into 2017.
Chris Shepherd
Dear Friends,One of my favourite Christmas poems is Advent 1955 by John Betjeman. The poem
starts with the Advent build up to Christmas, and it captures the growing sense ofseasonal excitement, busyness and expectation...
"The Advent wind begins to stirWith sea-like sounds in our Scotch fir,
It's dark at breakfast, dark at tea,And in between we only see
Clouds hurrying across the sky...For now we feel the world spin round
On some momentous journey bound—Journey to what? to whom? to where?
The Advent bells call out 'Prepare,Your world is journeying to the birthOf God made Man for us on earth’."
The poem goes on to reflect—with Betjeman's typical sense of humour—on someof the ways in which we prepare for Christmas. For example, how we send seasonalgreetings (although these days many are sent by electronic means!), many "to peoplethat I scarcely know", and also give presents sometimes with rather mixed motives "tothose to whom we must be pleasant for business reasons".
As Betjeman wryly reflects:
"Some ways indeed are very oddBy which we hail the birth of God."
When Christmas is stripped bare of all the seasonal trimmings, then we finally getto the real heart of Christmas, the wonderful and miraculous point of it all.Betjeman's closing words in Advent 1955 seem to me to sum this up so well:
"A present that cannot be pricedGiven two thousand years ago
Yet if God had not given soHe still would be a distant stranger
And not the Baby in the manger."
Wishing you every joy and blessing in Jesus Christ, God's Christmas gift for all,
John Barr, Vicar
From the VICArAgeDeC 2016/JAN 2017
From the eDItor
GOD'S CHRISTMAS GIFT ...
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LuNCh BoX IN the PrIoryThursday lunchtimes. Bring your own lunch at 12.30 to eat in the Priory. Illustrated talk or concert at 1 pm - 1.30 pm. Tea/Coffee available
Dec 1st - seasonal Concert by Malvern Parish school.
Jan 19th - The Challenges of Foster Care – Ian Brazier, Executive Director,Foster Care Cooperative
Feb 2nd - concert by pupils from Malvern College
Feb 16th - Mucknall Abbey: from Farm to Monastery – Abbot stuart
thursDAy, 20th oCtoBerPoPuLAr LIght musIC By LINktoP Notes
In the latest event of its autumnprogramme, Lunch Box welcomed LinkTop Notes on Thursday 20th October. Theprogramme was wide-ranging includingtalks and recitals and it was with specialpleasure that Anne Eglington introducedthe recorder quartet.
Leader of the group, Tom McCanna,said; ‘We’re called “Link Top Notes”because some of us live near Link Top,and the recorder has some high notes.We’re mainly retired people playing forfun. We prefer light music, rather thanthe Elizabethan or baroque repertorywhich is the staple fare of most amateurrecorder ensembles. We also play oneto a part (like chamber music), whereasmost other groups often have morethan one person on a part (like anorchestra) since I first got the groupgoing a couple of years ago, thepersonnel have fluctuated, with acouple of members dropping outthough ill-health. We all play other
instruments. some of us areconservatoire-trained, while others havelearnt though long experience”.
There was a varied programme includingworks by Joseph Haydn and Vivaldi, andmodern selections by Bernstein andRonald Binge. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic wasalso included. The vote of thanks was
given by Christine sutton who thankedthe quartet for a most interestingperformance and who offered a smallgift in appreciation.
The next Lunch Box will be on Thursday3rd November at 1.00pm when studentsfrom the Chase Academy will be playinga selection of modern and classicalmusic. BYO lunch—refreshmentsavailable from 12.30.
Roger Sutton
GAYNOR-SMITHO W E N & C O.
S O L I C I T O R S
Solicitors andCommissionersfor Oaths
Opening Hours: 9.00 – 5.30pm,MON – FRI. Out of hours: Saturdaymornings by appointment
Left to right: Patricia Calloway, tommcCanna, eileen tomlin, tony Dean
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Just For FuN!'Ladies, don't forget the
rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth
keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.'
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thursDAy, 3rD NoVemBerCoNCert By PuPILs From the ChAse sChooL
On Thursday 3rd November, The Chase school pupilsgave a super lunchtime concert to a delighted audience.The music consisted of well-known pieces forinstrumental groups and some soloists, and includedskyfall (by Adele) sung by Thea Ramsey, AmberleaRoberts, Phoebe Collins, Natalie Ford, Hannah Barber andLauren Lewis-Farley.
Lizzie Jones gave an accomplished rendering of thehaunting song “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables” from LesMiserables; Thea Ramsey (cello), sasha Boyer (guitar),Cerys Wilks, Lucy Colbourne and Elizabeth Newitt (violin)played Pachelbel’s Canon; sasha, Cerys, Thea, Lizzie andAmy Montgomery performed “Let it Be” by Lennon andMcCartney; Lizzie and Natalie sang a duet “No-one isAlone” from Into the Woods by stephen sondheim. Thefinale was “A Wandering Minstrel” from The Mikadoperformed very ably by Fabian sturman dressed inChinese costume complete with conical hat.
Thanks go to Mrs sally Livingstone and Mrs TrudieGarwood-Gowers from The Chase for organising theconcert, which was greatly appreciated by all those whocame along.
Anne Eglington
WorCeSter ConCert ClUB 2016/17 SeaSon
HuNTiNgDON HaLL, DEaNSway,
wORCESTER
4 December 2016 at 3.00pmthe Villiers String Quartet
(James Dickenson, Violin I; tamaki Higashi, Violin II: Carmen flores, Viola & nick Stringfellow, Cello)Concert includes works by Tchaikovsky, Delius and
Brahms
22 January 2017 at 12.00 noonmaSterClaSS:
new venture in collaboration with the elgar School of music.
Trio Epomea will coach students from the School.
22 January 2017 at 3.00pmensemble epomea
(Diane Pascal, Violin; David Yang, Viola; Kenneth Woods, Cello)
Concert includes works by Dohnanyi, Hans Krasa
and Beethoven
26 february 2017 at 3.00pmBenjamin frith – Piano Recital includes works by Haydn,
John Field, Chopin,
Liszt and
Schumann
General InformatIon• Non-members are welcome to all events • Single-ticket prices for
the main series of afternoon concerts are £16; Students £5.00
• Members may bring one guest for £14.
• Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01905 611427
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Just For FuN!JustIN WeLBy, on his recent visit, told the followingstory: he was with his friend the Bishop of London ata rather evangelical ‘gig’ where there was rock musicso loud that he could feel his shirt rippling. he yelled
at the Bishop, who was in front of him, that thedrums were very loud. Without turning or missing a
beat, his friend yelled back, ‘It’s when the drumsstoP, Carruthers, that you have to worry…’
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thursDAy, 17th NoVemBerthe hIstory AND CoNteNts oF eAstNor CAstLe
A Georgian castle with heavy overtones of the GothicRevival, filled with furniture and artefacts from mediaevalItaly; this made for a most interesting talk given to LunchBox on Thursday 17th November by Patricia Wilkin, theCastle’s Head Guide.
she summarised the history of the estate which wasestablished in the late 16th Century when the Cocks familypurchased land in the area. subsequent marriages into thesomers and Nash families helped provide the wealth andsubstance necessary to build the present imposingbuilding, designed to look like one of the medieval castlesguarding the Welsh borders.
The castle was built to the designs of Robert smirke in1812-20. some internal alterations were made by A W NPugin, including the decoration of the Gothic DrawingRoom in 1849-50, and George E Fox made more changes inthe 1860s. It is constructed of ashlar Forest of Dean stone.some of the brass chandeliers were made by the Hardmancompany of Birmingham; John Hardman was Pugin’s son-in-law and lived at nearby Castlemorton.
The castle is now the home of James Hervey-Bathurst whoinherited from his mother, the Hon. Elizabeth Cocks, onlydaughter and heiress of Arthur somers-Cocks, 6th Baronsomers, and is a popular venue for weddings andconferences and home to the Land Rover Experience.
Patricia was introduced by Anne Eglington and the vote ofthanks was given by Christine sutton.
Roger Sutton
PRIORY LUNCH BOXREVIEWS
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Who's Who IN the PrIory
There are some people in the Priorywho you think have been here forever and a day as they are familiarfaces and feel like part of the fabric.Thus it is with the Crookalls, who, Idiscovered, have only been here forsix years, since 2010! We joked that itwas always good to find outinteresting things about peopleBEFORE the funeral… and so I wentto see them in their lovely bungalowin the Link.
What was life like beforemalvern? Monica: We met at sundayschool! After a lot of moving around,much of it caused by the War, weended up both going to school inWestcliff-on-sea, Richard at WestcliffHigh school for Boys, and me at theGirls’ High school. We’ve known eachother for 70 years! Richard: It wasonly in 1945 that my family moved toWestcliff—I was born in Chelsea butalso lived in Hounslow and Bostonand was evacuated to Chippenhamin Wiltshire. I always wanted to go tosea, and started off in HMs Worcesteras a cadet. I sailed with my first shipat 17, and on my last as Chief Officeraged 27, after which I came ashoreinto teaching ships’ Officers for theircertificates. Monica: I trained as anurse at st George’s in London andwent on to do Midwifery. I used tocome home when I had some leave,and would go to church. Richard:When I was on leave and went tochurch I used to see a rather prettynurse who was off duty. Oneparticular summer sunday she had arather fetching summer dress on, so Iasked her whether she would like togo to the pictures. That was about 55years ago.
Richard and Monica married in1961 and went on to have threechildren, Joanna (who lives inLondon), David in Hungerford andPeter, a GP, who with his wifeDeborah is based in Worcester withtheir two daughters Elizabeth andRachel, and who persuaded hisparents to come and live here to benearby. Before that, after aninteresting career in teaching for theMerchant service in various NauticalColleges, Richard had been teachingin Plymouth. Monica had raised herfamily, also being very active in theiruRC church. After early redundancy,Richard became a JP, but you have tostop aged 70! He was also very busyat Trinity Church, and Monica hadspent over 8 years as a Pastoral CareWorker. so they looked forward todoing less.
What brought you to the Priory?Monica: We were always uRC, butPeter’s wife suggested the Priorywhen we started looking around inMalvern, and we were very warmlywelcomed by sue Pain, but notoverwhelmed by anyone wantingour services! We wanted to takesome time out of Church life. We hadprevious connections with Malvernso it seemed the right place to come.
What about your relationshipwith god? Monica: God is alwayswith me, He is a presence. Richard: Ijust feel that things happen, andyou find later that God is behindthem, guiding and enabling.
Favourite scripture? Richard: Wecome from the Old school whereyou learnt great chunks of the Bibleby heart, and I love John 14: ‘In myFather’s house are manymansions’—I could recite the wholechapter! Monica: Ilove Psalm 19 with itsjoy in creation, andfind Proverbsfascinating,particularly Ch 16:31.
And any favouritehymns? Monica: Forme, ‘Just as I amwithout one plea.’ Ialso love the PraiseGroup songs.Richard: I’m moretraditional. I love ‘Theday thou gavest Lord
is ended’ with its wonderfulevocative line about the sun goingdown in one part of the planet andrising elsewhere. Another favouritewhich reminds me of being a sailor,is ‘Eternal Father strong to save’.
Is there anything you arepassionate about? Monica: I can’tbear the dropping of litter! I hatepeople making a mess of our world.I also feel strongly aboutencouraging children in church.Richard: I agree about the litter. Ilove DIY, especially woodwork, andought to go fishing again sometime…
your hopes and desires? Richardand Monica: We both long for peacein the world, and for our sevengrandchildren to succeed in whatthey want to do and to be fulfilled.
What about your roles in thePriory?
Having hoped for time off after 35years, and having previously eachdone many jobs at Trinity Church,the Crookalls are being modest intheir choice of roles now, so are onlydoing: Welcoming, Praise Group,Messy Church, Lifepath, WorshipGroup (helping with the Light Partyrecently for instance) and being partof a House Group. This is I think justa small selection of the things theyhelp with! (I remember also theirwonderful encouragement andsupport of Peter when he was at thePriory)
It was a pleasure to speak to thislovely couple and to find out moreabout their lives. They allowed meto take a picture of their weddingphoto as well as a ‘now’ picture, inwhich they look just as lovely!
Chris Shepherd
MONICA AND RICHARD CROOKALL
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A fable from my childhood came tomind recently. It went something likethis: In the carpenter’s shop the toolswere tetchy. “Brother Hammer, you’retoo noisy.” “Me? Brother Plane’s work isall superficial. No depth.” “Me? BrotherTape Measure is always telling otherswhat to do, measuring us all by his ownstandards.” “Me? It’s Brotherscrewdriver who drives us all crazygoing round in circles.” “Me? sistersandpaper always rubbing the wrongway.” “Me? sister saw goes back andforth endlessly.”
Then the footsteps of the carpentercould be heard and the bickeringceased. When he entered the shop, heput on his apron, went to his bench,and picked up Brother Tape Measure,then Brother Plane, then BrotherHammer and sister screwdriver, thensister saw, and lastly sister sandpaper,whom he used to smooth all the roughedges of the manger he had made. Amanger for a herd of animals to snuffletheir noses in, seeking the oats in thebleak midwinter.
Perhaps through the season ofAdvent we should make a manger inour lives, being guided by he wholearnt these skills in a Nazarethworkshop. Measure where we are inrelation to he who gave the length ofhis. Plane away the places whereforgiveness is needed. Hammer againstthe injustices of the world and screwtogether the fragments in need ofreconciliation. saw away the deadbranches that need to be pruned sothat we might grow.sand the roughedges of ourtongues, ourthoughts, our lack ofgenerosity.
In such a way werespond to theinvitation “come letus walk in the lightof the Lord” andJesus is laid again inthe manger of ourlives and ourcommunities. From
the manger he looks at us, and thewhole world, with eyes of peace andforgiveness and love. Just as he willwhen others use their carpentry skillsto fix a wooden beam to a tree outsidea city wall.
Travel well this Advent in thecompany of the master carpenter andsee again his most amazing creation,not in wood and nails, but in flesh andblood.
Bishop Graham
“In my end is my beginning”.so said T.s. Eliot in his Four Quartets, where he also wrote: “We shall not cease from explorationAnd the end of all our exploringWill be to arrive where we startedAnd know the place for the first time.”
As we approach the end of the old year and the start of thenew, it’s a good time to pause and think about our life’sjourney; and specifically, to take stock of how we are doing inour walk with the Lord. Did we get off to a good start whenwe first came to Christ many years ago, but over the yearshave we, maybe, lost our sense of direction, or wanderedonto paths that seem to have drawn us away from, ratherthan closer to, Jesus? Or can we say, with the Psalmist, “OLORD... MY heart is set on keeping your decrees to the veryend”? (Psalm 119112)
At Christian Baptism the newly baptised person ispresented with a lighted candle with the words, “You havereceived the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days ofyour life”. If you and I are to fulfil our baptismal promises(which, hopefully, we renewed at our Confirmation) then wemust be determined to stay faithful to the Lord Jesus to the
very end of our life. The Liturgy of Baptism is very honestabout the fact that there are plenty of snares andtemptations that could derail us; that’s why we pray for ourdaily renewal in God’s anointing spirit Who empowers us toturn away from sin and turn afresh to Christ moment bymoment.
The Baptism service also reminds us that we need thecompany of Christ’s pilgrim people as we journey on. We’renot meant to be solitary Christians; so why not resolve tomake a top priority in 2017 of ‘being Church’ together,gathering for worship and fellowship, not just on sundaysbut in Home Groups and any other context where we canencourage one another along the Way.
As the old year draws to a close and a new year dawns,Paul’s words in Ephesians 117-19 would be a lovely prayer forPriory people to pray for one another: “May the God of ourLord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give us the Spirit ofwisdom and revelation, so that we may know Him better. Maythe eyes of our hearts be enlightened in order that we may knowthe hope to which He has called us, the riches of His gloriousinheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably greatpower for us who believe.”
Mary Barr
thought For the moNth
A LETTER FROM THE RIGHT REVD GRAHAM USHER,BISHOP OF DUDLEY CreAtINg A mANger IN our LIVes
“ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS”
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Mobile
Foot Carer
HALLOWE’EN LIGHT PARTYTake:• 45 excited children• sparkling team games• Pass the parcel with shining sweets at
every layer• Brilliant parachute games• Lots of space to move around • Glowing pumpkins and fairy lights• Tea with hot dogs and cake• singing songs and listening to a bible
story in torch light
mix it altogether, in our church, on hallowe’en and what do you get?......... the LIght PArty.
The children, parents and helpers had a glorious time celebrating the eve of All saints Day.It was a glowing, fun way to embrace the light that God’s love will shine into our lives whenwe allow him. Hallelujah!
Ruth Pole
reCoNCILIAtIoN:A CoNVersAtIoN For toDAy
sarah hills - Canon for Reconciliation Ministry Coventry Cathedral
sunday 5th February 2017 3pm – 4.30pm The Quaker Meeting House, Orchard Road, Malvern WR14 3DA
Followed by refreshments. All Welcome. Come and hear stories of reconciliation past and present.
Revd Canon Dr sarah Hills has been Canon for Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral since2014. she was born in south Africa, brought up in Northern Ireland, qualifying in medicinefrom the university of sheffield. she worked as a psychiatrist, specialising in psychotherapy
until her ordination in 2007. she was awarded her PhD in the theology of reconciliation at theuniversity of Durham in 2015. she is a Visiting Fellow of st John’s College, Durham, and a
Visiting Practice Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and social Relations at Coventryuniversity. she works and teaches in the areas of conflict and reconciliation in the national
church and internationally, particularly in south Africa with post TRC reconciliation processes.
Organised by Malvern Churches Justice and Peace Group
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ChuCk BLAZe AND the CrADLe oF LIFeAdult £5.00; Children, £3.00; Family £12.00
Tickets available from thesugar Loaf Café or on the door
- - - - - - -monday, 19th December at 7.30pm
Worcester Operatic societyPartnering with Regents students
Present
the gILBert AND suLLIVAN NAtIVIty!Tickets £7.00 (£3 for under 16’s)
Tickets can be reserved - contact 01886 832354and paid for on the door
seasonal refreshments will be available afterwardsand the sugarloaf Café will also be open
PrIory orgANreCItALs IN 2016
Five recitals; total audiences - 510;income raised for the Priory - £1,750;organists - one from Germany, fourfrom the uK including a wonderfulrecital from Peter shepherd. Nextyear’s recitals? Check out the website:www.malvernprioryorgan.org.uk
Geoff Fearnehough
VIsItINgPreAChers IN JANuAry
On sunday 22nd January at 10.30am, on Pulpit Exchange sunday, weshall welcome the Reverend AlisonRichards, a Methodist Minister.
On sunday 29th January at 10.30am, we shall look forward towelcoming as our preacher at theParish Communion the VenerableRobert Jones, Archdeacon ofWorcester.
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These words, from a much-loved hymnbased on Psalm 150, show thatinstruments of music have always playedan important role in the praise of God. Atthe Priory, we are truly blessed with athriving Music Ministry, with choirs,organists, organ scholars and anorchestra. At the centre of this Ministrylies the splendid four-manual, 47-rankedorgan, rebuilt by local firm, Nicholsons,in 2004.
From time to time, I receive bothcompliments and complaints about themusic that we offer at the Priory.Certainly, we all like to know that we areappreciated, and constructive
comments can be very useful as westrive to improve our offerings. Duringmy four years at the helm, I have had afew complaints about the sound level ofthe organ, and am happy to makeknown my thoughts in this short article.
The Priory is a large church, and atypical sunday morning’s congregationcan reach 200. This means that the organneeds to give a good lead in the singingof hymns to people who are more than25 metres away—the length of the Nave.There are at least two schools ofthought, when it comes to the organaccompaniment of hymns. The first isthat the organ should lead the singing,
therefore be relatively loud, so that eachsinger can hear the organ while theysing. The second school suggests thatthe organ should support the singing,and therefore be quieter. As aprofessional musician with muchexperience in all aspects of musicmaking, I can assure you that this secondschool brings about inhibited singing, aspeople do not generally want to lead thesinging themselves, which is what has tohappen when the organ is quieter andcannot be heard over one’s own voice.
However, we are all built differently,and everyone’s comfortable soundthreshold will be different. For thatreason, I never play the organ to itsloudest capabilities during a service,because I am sure that that could beunpleasantly loud for some people. Tothose who do find the organ too loudduring the hymns, I would first suggestthat they try to sit in different parts ofthe Priory, as the further you are awayfrom the organ, generally the less loud itwill be! If this still does not work, docome and talk to me about it. However,organists change the colour anddynamic, the loudness and quietness ofthe organ every verse of a hymn, andtherefore numerous times within anhour-long service, and so a detailedcomment, such as “the last verse of thefirst hymn was too loud for me, and I wassitting in the middle of the Nave on thesouth side” would be most helpful!
The organ voluntaries at the end of theservice will not always please everyone,but many hours of preparation are spentin practising and preparing the music.While I understand that some peoplefeel the need to “let off steam” and chatabout the service or about theirapproaching roast lunch, it is dispiritingto hear people complain that they have“even” had to raise their voices above theorgan in order to continue theirconversations. I would ask that peoplerespect the work that has gone intopreparation of the voluntaries, andrecognise that a church musician haschosen this ministry in order to makeuse of one’s God-given gifts, Ad MajoremDei Gloriam, to the greater glory of God.
Piers Maxim
“LOUD ORGANS HIS GLORY FORTH TELL IN DEEP TONE”the roLe oF the orgAN IN the musIC mINIstry At greAt mALVerN PrIory
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“A weekend at Lee Abbey is refreshing,relaxing, recharging and alsochallenging, enriching and interesting.The recent weekend visit by Priorymembers was all of those for us, assistedby the company, fine Autumnweather—and a very brisk wind on ourfinal walk!” Whether in the worshipsessions, the excellent talks by Wardensimon, at Christ in quiet conversationsat the plentiful meals, bonfire on thebeach, enjoying the refurbishedcorridors and rooms or walking in thewoods, time at Lee Abbey is a precioustime of discovering God, self and otherpeople. We would thoroughlyrecommend Lee Abbey to anyoneseeking to explore their Christian faith.
David and Sarah GuyOn the first weekend of half-term, about
50 members of the Priory congregationagain had the pleasure of going to thisintensely beautiful place. It is always saidthat the boundary between heaven andearth is thin here, and it always weaves itsmagic, as the sun sets over the sea. TheWarden, who is battling cancer, spokewonderfully about Jonah, and the way inwhich God can choose even the mostunwilling to do His bidding. I rememberhis story of God and the scientist.
The scientist says, “I can create as well asYou can.” God says, “Go ahead. You start.”The scientist says, “I'll just take a handfulof this dust.” God says, “Hang on, that'scheating. Get your own dust!”
I didn't get to swim this time, but asBeth explains below, she kayaked!Refreshed with good food and good
ANNUAL VISIT TO LEE VALLEY ABBEY, DEVON
11
ChrIstmAs LuNCh At the ABBey hoteL, mALVerN
moNDAy, 12th DeCemBer 2016and
Presentation on gloucester Cathedral’s ProJeCt PILgrIm -
a vision for social, economic, environmental & spiritual regeneration
This will be given by Anne Cranston, Development Officer for Gloucester Cathedral.
Coffee/tea will be served at 11.00am and the Presentation will begin at 11.30am,followed by Christmas Lunch at 12.45pm.
The price for the event will be £22.50and will include tea/coffee and mints after the meal.
For more information or to reserve a place, please contact Margaret Renneyon 01684 573249 or via email: [email protected]
fellowship, we returned home tocontinue to pray for simon Holland andhis team. They are down on numbers atthe moment and we pray for God'sprovision for the community.
Chris Shepherd_________________
Lee Abbey is an amazing place to restand refresh yourself in body, mind andspirit; it is both calming and welcomingand there are some stunning walksthrough the woods and along the cliffswithin the beautiful grounds. Thecommunity there is so friendly andwelcoming and the youth groups aregreat fun too!! I did a lot of walkingaround the cliffs and through thewoods which were really beautiful andalso very relaxing. I joined the youthgroups for one of the mornings wherea group of us went up to the crossesand made a bonfire which was fun, if abit cold and windy!! suzie and myselfwent kayaking in the sea for which wereceived a few odd looks but it wassuch a nice thing to do, getting close tonature and some exercise in at thesame time!! The weekend was a reallynice mix of relaxation and activity—Ihave thoroughly enjoyed theexperience for a third time.
A really positive atmosphere—I love itthere and would recommend it toanyone thinking about visiting! Manythanks,
Beth Wolff
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Just For FuN!'At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What
is hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.'
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Friends of the Elderly Malvern, providing residential, nursing and dementia care
The Tester family is our new missionarylink working with young people in Lima,Peru. They will be visiting the Priory on11/12th February 2017.
Dear Praying Friends,We are delighted to let you know that on
20th October, Annabelle Rosie Tester wasborn weighing 3.26kg (7lb 3oz) andmeasuring 50.5cm. Mother and baby aredoing very well. Her sisters and parents areequally delighted! We attach a photo of theenlarged family! More news soon.
With love and prayers,Paul, Sarah, Sophia, Emily and Annabelle
Piers Maxim
The Priory’s Directorof Music
is now available to give privatesinging, piano and organ lessons.
Competitive rates; unparalleledexperience in all styles of music
making; all standards, frombeginners to international
not pass this way again" givingobvious pleasure to the
congregation.'
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urgeNt request: housINg NeeDeD INmALVerN For syrIAN reFugees
Malvern has funding in place ready to receive two or three syrian refugeefamilies, but the welcome has been delayed due to lack of suitableaccommodation to rent. spring Housing Association has guaranteed to payfor a five-year let and also to provide internal maintenance for that time.Ideally, we need two-three units within walking distance of shops andschools. If you have any contacts which may be helpful, please get in touchwith Malvern Welcomes syrian Refugees via Ruth Pole [email protected]
whatley recordon solicitors
welcoming town centre offices12, worcester road, Malvern
tel (01684) 892939
Your local lawYerswith a positive approach to help you
Enjoy our range of gluten free,sugar free, wheat free,
dairy free and vegan foods.
We have fresh, ready to eat foods, tarts, wraps, pasties and
amazing vegan cakes!
Visit our website or come and see us for help and advice.
The Bran Tub Wholefoods.Stocking over 4500 lines.
We specialise in allergy and free from diets.
ADVENT COMPLINE WITH REFLECTION
This year, Richard Weatherill (Chair of the Priory's Worship Group, amongother roles) will be giving a series of four Advent reflections at theWednesday evening service ofCompline, which will be takingplace on November 30th,December 7th, 14th and 21ststarting at 7.30 pm. The overalltheme of Richard's reflectionswill be Great Expectations?During this Advent series, weshall be invited to reflect onwhat different 'players' in theChristmas story might havebeen expecting of the Messiah,what our expectations of Jesusare (or should be), and what theBible says about Jesus as theLight of the World.
Following a short introductionand opening prayer, the hymnfor that evening will be sung,followed by the Bible reading,Advent reflection, and a shortperiod for silent meditation. Weshall then conclude with theancient night office of sungCompline. All are most welcometo join in one or more of thisAdvent series, as we prepare forthe celebration of Christmas.Please note that we shall beusing the side door (northtransept) entrance for theseservices.
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Just For FuN!'the Fasting and
Prayer conferenceincludes a meal.'
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WELCOME TO THEBISHOP OF WORCESTERAS THE FRIENDS’ NEWPRESIDENT
It is wonderful news thatthe Bishop of Worcester,the Rt Revd Dr John Inge,has agreed to becomePresident of the Friends ofMalvern Priory. In fact, it isdoubly wonderful for usbecause not only is he ourvery warmly appreciateddiocesan bishop but also,as the Priory looks aheadto the huge challenge of amajor and nationally-important restorationproject, he holds a particular responsibility within theChurch of England as ‘lead bishop for cathedrals and churchbuildings’.
In his letter replying to our invitation to him to becomeour President, Bishop John writes that he is delighted toaccept the invitation, to pray for us as a society as we try todevelop our role and membership in exciting ways, and tobe of whatever other practical help he can. He continues:“The Priory is the jewel in the crown of our built heritage, aswell as being a vibrant centre of Christian worship andservice; I want to do everything I can to support it.”
As a new member of the Friends, the Bishop will now bereceiving his free monthly onlinecopy of this Priory Magazine.so, if you are reading thisarticle, Bishop John, mayyou know again howwelcome you are as ourPresident and howgrateful we all are at thePriory for the assurance ofyour support.
Peter Chappell, Chairman
the Friends of malvern
Priory
Where Are they NoW...
FAMILY EGLINGTON Clare married Michael Obi on
1st October 2016. They live inPutney and both work inLondon, Clare for ParksideClinic and Michael for BrownForman Beverages. Clare wasbaptised in the Priory andsang for several years in thePriory Choir.
After many years ofrunning internationalsporting events andliving all over theworld, much to ourdelight Katherine,Alastair and Hamishmoved to Malvernlast year and run aCommunityTransport businesscalled Driving MissDaisy (see their ad. inthe PrioryMagazine!). Hamish(aged 3½) goes tosomers Park Pre-school.
Oliver Charles Eglingtonwas born to Richard andClare on 8th October—perfect timing so theycould be at Michael andClare’s wedding theweekend before! Richard,Clare and Oliver live inNewcastle upon Tyne,where Richard is ashipping Lawyer withEversheds and Clare is aprimary school teacher.
mAgAZINe CoNtrIButIoNsPlease send all contributions for the magazine by email whenever possible to [email protected] with the deadline of the 10th of the previous month atthe latest. Written articles should be clearly marked "Magazine" and placed in the "M" pigeonhole at the back of the Priory. The deadline for these is the 8th of theprevious month. Contributions should be limited to a maximum of 500 words and, where accompanied by relevant photographs, reduced accordingly. Wherephotographs of young people are provided, please confirm that parental permission has been obtained to publish in this magazine. Articles will also be considered forinclusion on the Priory web site - if for any reason this is not acceptable, please mention when submitting articles. some photographs, especially of young people, maynot be published on the web pages.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission from Malvern Priory
LytteLtoN WeLL (Christian Centre at entrance to Priory)tel: 573702e-mail: [email protected] Enquiries about Priory bookings of the LytteltonRooms should be made at the Priory Parish Office(see contact details)Lyttelton Well Counselling & Listening servicetel: 563456
PrIory PArIsh oFFICeChurch street, Malvern WR14 2AY Church secretary: Mary Weatherilltel: (01684) 561020 (answerphone) email: [email protected] open to Public:Monday 11:00am-12:00 noon; Tuesday 10:00am-12:00 noon; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9:30am-1:00pm
greAt mALVerN PrIory WeBsItewww.greatmalvernpriory.org.uk Webmaster:[email protected] For information on services, events, outreach, peo-ple, history and much more. Members’ section givesaccess to the notice sheet and other informationnot publicly available. Register or Login to access(link at top of all pages except the Home page).
mALVerN PrIory ChurCh
ChurCh orgANIsAtIoNs
Contact: tel:Vicar Rev Canon John Barr [email protected] minister for Children, youth and Families Rev Dr Mary Barr [email protected] in secular employment Rev Dr Alison [email protected] David Webster 833239
Chris shepherd 575884reader emeritus Tony Waters 540068Custos and head Verger Peter Young [email protected] (Priory Vestry)Deputy Custos Robert PayneDirector of music Piers Maxim [email protected] officers Churchwardens: [email protected] Peter Babb [email protected] Jeremy Tudge 574312 PCC Vice-Chairman Robin La Fontaine 592416 PCC hon. secretary Christine Wells 564909PCC hon. treasurer Andrew Horne [email protected] giving Administrator Mike Eglington [email protected] Administrator stuart Wollaston [email protected] roll officer Mike Eglington 567640Local Chaplain to Fire & rescue service and Police Tony Whalley 562897
Contact: tel:Bereavement support group Co-ordinator: Elizabeth Dunnett 563272Bellringers: Gill Munro 07792 727202Children and youth ministry Co-ordinator: Rev Dr Mary Barr 563707Children and youth ministry Administrator: Hilary Babb 568342Choirs Association: Derek Valentine 592673Flower Arrangers Co-ordinator: Ann Oldfield 564500Friends of malvern Priory: Peter Chappell 569276home group Co-ordinator: Ted Crofton 01886 833376magazine editor: Chris shepherd 575884magazine Adverts/Distribution: Roger sutton 565273magazine Compiler: Meryn Nance 892175mothers’ union: Dorothy Knights 561358Newcomers Co-ordinator: sue Pain 564998Parish safeguarding officer: Hilary Babb 568342Pastoral help Co-ordinators: Anne Eglington 567640
sue Pain 564998 Prayer ministry Co-ordinator: Elizabeth Dunnett 563272 Priory Area Links scheme (PALs): Anne Eglington 567640Priory handbell teams: Joan Willis 594570shop Administrator: Huw Foxall [email protected] transport Co-ordinator: Edwina Hawker 567491Visits and events Coordinators: Ann Oldfield / 561020
Peter Young
INFORMATION
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Just For FuN!'Please place your donation
in the envelope along with thedeceased person you want
Discover independent living within a supportive community environment.
Whiston Court is a quality new assisted living development for the over 55s in Worcester, built for Abbeyfield Worcester Society Ltd, a charity dedicated to the needs of older people.
