The newsletter of the United Reformed Church in Bramhall

NEWS & VIEWSMarch 2020

‘See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.’ Song of Songs 2:11-12

March is the month that I associate with the coming of Spring, my favourite time of the year, and such a relief after the darkness and gloom of Winter. This verse beautifully describes the joy that most of us feel as the days begin to brighten, and Nature starts to awaken once again.

These words also speak to us about a new season in life, one that is filled with hope and expectation. Sometimes we experience the darkness of winter in our lives – maybe in the form of depression, bereavement, chronic illness, family difficulties, financial problems and so on. These long winter months of the soul may seem to last forever. Our joy

disappears, our energy dissipates, our mood is low. A thick black cloud hangs over us and it seems as if the sun will never shine again.

Then we have this reminder that no season lasts for ever. The cold grip of Winter gradually thaws and gives way to warmer days. The sun does shine again, and the temperature rises. Birds sing and flowers blossom. The sap rises. Love is in the air.

And in the spiritual realm the same happens. Eventually we will enter a new season of the soul. Joy returns and life gets back to something like normality. No darkness lasts for ever. We experience our own awakening, a kind of mini resurrection. We start to feel alive again, to see possibilities and to dream again.

In the depths of Winter, we can look ahead to the certainty of Spring. Faith enables us to

When Spring Comes

SUNDAY SERVICES 9.30 am 10.30 am

Refreshments from 9.00am Communion on First Sunday of each month

Cafe WorshipReflective Worship

UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Robins LaneBramhallSK7 2PE

www.urcbramhall.co.ukbramhallurc@btinternet.com

Our church is a member of the URC South Manchester and Cheshire Missional Partnership.

SECRETARY Mr Graham Perkin0161 440 9588gperkin234@gmail.com

OFFICE Fridays 10am - 12 noon 0161 439 4807

TREASURER Mr Joe James0161 439 8241jwjames@talktalk.net

MINISTERIAL CONTACT If you require the support of a minister, please contact Sue Matthews in the first instance0161 439 1066

ROOM BOOKINGS 07909 940819Answerphone checked daily

On Fourth Sunday of each month, the above services are replaced by:10.00 am 4.00 pm

Refreshments from 9.30am Food and Discussion

Informal WorshipPizza Church

March 2020 Page 2

believe that the winter of the soul will soon be past as well. In the darkness we choose to hope in God.

Rev Tony Horsfall of Charis Training for Parish pump

Message from Synod Executive Committee

As Brian Jolly takes up the role of synod moderator the Synod Executive Committee advises that the role of Synod Clerk, which Brian has held until recently, will be taken up on an interim basis by Mike Hart, until the end of 2020. Mike also serves as Synod Treasurer and we are very grateful to Mike for making additional time available for this purpose. During this time the role of the clerk will be reviewed [as part of a review of the synod structure and the services provided by the synod office], and it is intended that a new appointment will be made towards the end of the year. Please do remember Mike in your p r a y e r s a s h e c a r r i e s t h e s e h e a v y responsibilities for us.

Synod News

The next Synod Meeting will take place on Saturday 21st March at St. Andrew & St George URC, Bolton.

The morning part of the day will be devoted to the induction of Rev. Brian Jolly as our new Moderator, with the Synod Business Meeting taking place in the afternoon. There is an open invitation for anyone to attend the induction service. Please talk to Christopher Whitehead or Graham Perkin, if you require any further information.

Sue

Partnership News New Convenor

Rev Dr Adam Scott is now the convenor of our partnership and attended his first Steering Group meeting in January. He is very clear that he is there as a facilitator and is not one of the Ministers in the Partnership.

Marion Tugwood

We are pleased to know that Marion is fully back to work following her recent illness and she thanked everyone for the prayers and the fact that she was in people's thoughts. Once all the Partnerships are commissioned and are up and running she will be with the South Mancheste r and Chesh i re Miss iona l Partnership group 100% of her time rather than the 50% she is at the moment.

Vacancies

The 3 Minister opportunities are now all advertised, and the new moderator is actively canvassing them.

Quiz night

Didsbury Church is going to be holding a quiz night on Friday 24th April; they are hoping that many of the Partnerships Churches will send a team or two to show support. More information will follow shortly.

Mission Event

On the 22nd January I went along to a mission event organised by our mission mentor Dave Fraser, around 15 people attended, and the subject was “How to share our faith”.

Lots of people struggle with having a conversation about their faith especially with people outside of the Church.

This event was about how to have a conversation in an easy and safe way. There is a resource called Faith Pictures that help people tackle this issue and it is something I would like to look at in the coming months in our Church.

Elaine Noden

Norma Fox Update I am writing this on 9th February because so many kind friends have asked me to keep them informed about Norma. It is wonderful and encouraging that so many folks have shown sympathetic concern for Norma’s situation.Norma remains positive and stoical whilst maintaining an interest in everything. She is still at Stepping Hill Hospital awaiting a place at the Devonshire Neuro Rehabilitation Unit where she expects to spend at least eight weeks. Currently Norma has been able to

Church News

March 2020 Page 3

restore a considerable amount of dexterity and manipulation in her hands : she has exercises to increase the strength in her arms and hands but already she has been able to feed herself with some foods.Other lower parts of her body are developing at a much slower rate but we are ever hopeful for any small improvements. Norma leads the positive approach, with family and friends keeping  up some wonderful support and encouragement.Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and the lovely cards which have been sent.We are so blessed with our supportive family and faithful friends, also recognising the highly skilled care which Norma is receiving at Stepping Hill.Thank you to you all.

Howard Fox

Stop Press

Norma has just heard that a place has become available at the Devonshire Neuro-rehabilitation Unit, Cherry Tree Lane, Offerton and she will be moving this week (11th February).

Our thoughts and prayers are with Norma and Howard and we give thanks for the skills of the doctors and nurses who are caring for Norma at this time.

Sue

Bible Study The Bible Study Group meet every first and third Tuesday of the month and are expertly lead by Linda Rayner.

We have just completed following the URC publication called Holly Habits and we are now moving on to look at the Psalms.

Linda always leads an interesting and challenging session and judging by our first session on the Psalms there will be lively discussions and a lot to learn over the coming months.

The Bible study group is formed from members of both Bramhall and Cheadle Hulme Churches and is a friendly and informal group. We would be delighted to welcome new members at any time.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Linda for all the work she does in the preparation for each session and her acceptance and tolerance of the ideas from the group.

To provide an introduction to the Bible study, I have included an item on Psalm 84.

Sue Matthews

Psalm 84 – a Heart for Pilgrimage This psalm is appropriate to think about during Lent, as it was used by pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. It speaks of the journey to find the presence of God in our lives. Where is our heart with God?

A Heart for God’s Presence: ‘How lovely is your dwelling-place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.’ (v1,2). For the psalmist, the Temple is the focus of God’s presence and the place where he longs to be. How much do we long to know God’s presence ourselves? Lent is a time to seek Him through the spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, prayer, fasting, silence and solitude.

A Heart set on Pilgrimage: ‘Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.’ (5,6). Lent reminds us that the Christian life is a journey of faith, which is not always easy. We pass through the valley of Baka, which is the dry desert place in our experience. Here God can seem remote and silent. However, it also the season when we are refreshed by the Holy Spirit filling our lives.

A Heart that’s Undivided: ‘Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.’ (10). We will find a home in God’s presence only with an undivided heart, as we maintain our focus on God and trust him for all we need.

‘Most of Scripture speaks to us; the Psalms speak FOR us.’ (St. Athanasius).

The Revd Canon Paul Hardingham for Parish Pump

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There has been a sustained pattern of donations of food, toiletries and cash for Chelwood which is always gratefully received by the volunteers there. They seek to distribute according to need and the need is considerable! I know that staple foods are always useful to them and the longer the ‘shelf life ‘ remaining on items, the more flexible the volunteers can be. Some goods are more seasonal, however.Please give what you can......everything is most grateful received.

Howard Fox

Comment on our Recent Services My opinion here is written on 10th February 2020 and reflects my personal view, but other folks may also wish to agree with me! I feel very privileged to be in a Church with so much talent. We have had services which have been well thought out and delivered in extremely competent ways. We can all recognise when a job has been thoroughly prepared and it has been obvious that all our Church Leaders have been diligent in this respect.Thank you to you all.

Sincerely,

Howard Fox

Church Family and Friends Message from Muriel Harrison

"I would like to thank you all and say how grateful I am, as it is now 12 months since Arnold died, and I am still receiving prayers, support and love from my many friends at Church.”

Many thanks

Muriel

60 miles for 60 years

The first of Linda’s 60 miles for 60 years walk took place at the beginning of February. Linda was joined by 9 intrepid walkers and 3 dogs, all enjoying fantastic weather, views and chatter in Lyme Park. Linda fortunately arranged for Storm Ciara to delay its arrival until the next day. Linda is raising money for

Dementia Awareness as well as celebrating her birthday.

We wish her well in her endeavours.

Birthday Celebrations

Congratulations to Edith Pickin who is celebrating a significant birthday on March 14th. We hope she has a lovely day.

Sue

The Way of the Cross ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.’ (Luke 9: 23)

These words of Jesus are spoken at a turning point in the gospel. Jesus challenges the disciples about His identity and their commitment to Him: ‘who do the crowds say I am?’ (18). It is at this point that He ‘resolutely set out for Jerusalem’ (9:51). On our journey through Lent, as we look to events of Good Friday and Easter, what are our priorities as Jesus’ disciples to be?

To deny ourselves: this means to saying No to ourselves and Yes to God, as we humbly submit our will to His. Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane ‘not My will but Yours be done.’ (Luke 22:42). It means putting Jesus first in everything: our work, family, ambitions, possessions, marriage, finance and future. We will not be guided by self-interest, but by allowing God to show us how to live in His way.

To take up our cross: this reminds us that the disciple is not immune from suffering, as we follow Jesus along the way of the cross. Just as He carried His cross to Golgotha, we cannot avoid experiencing suffering in a fallen world. Every day we are to live in a way that demonstrates to everyone that we have died to ourselves, our selfish ways and ambitions, and seek to live for God. It means breaking old selfish habits and ways of thinking, as we allow God to renew us by His Spirit.

In all of this we cannot lose, because like Jesus, it is only through death that we find God’s new life. ‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.’ (Jim Elliot)

The Revd Canon Paul Hardingham for Parish Pump

Chelwood Foodbank Plus

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Positive Lent The flyers are now out, and the Box is in the Vestibule ready to receive your gifts.

Remember this is all about Positive Lent so rather than giving up something you like throughout Lent, like chocolate or crisps or going to a coffee shop, give something to the Box to help people who are less fortunate.

Just to remind you, these are the items we are hoping to collect

Let’s see how much we can collect and how many rucksacks we can fill! The items will be given to The Wellspring who will pass them on to people who are living on the streets in Stockport.

Coffee Morning - Christian Aid. A date for your diary Saturday 9th May 10am - 12 pm

Over the last few years Christian Aid in general and in particular our Church have been struggling, during Christian Aid week with regards to the house to house collections, as many people are less able to get out and about in order to do the collection rounds.

The re fo re to he lp w i t h ou r Chu rch contribution, I thought it would be a good idea to kick off Christian Aid week this year with a Coffee morning, giving the proceeds to Christian Aid.

It is something that most people can come along and support and it doubles up with an excuse to have a chat and indulge in a drink and a lovely piece of home-made cake.

So please put it in your diary and maybe bring a friend or two.

CtiBW We are again having a stall on Good Friday 10th April in Bramhall Precinct following the outdoor Service at the Methodist Church. It is a great opportunity to meet the community and show them that the Churches in Bramhall are united and working for them. The stall will be covered from 11am till around 1pm, so anyone who would like to volunteer for an hour or so would be most welcome.

I am also looking for volunteers for Sunday 17th May, this is the day of the Annual Duck Race in Bramhall Park.

CtiBW will again have a marquee on the field at the back of the cafe and the day normally brings around 12,000 people into the park. The last two years have seen our marquee bursting with people, and it is such a joy to be able to witness to all these people. This is a true mission event.

Eco Church Please think carefully about adding to our list of items that could be borrowed by someone in our church community and so save them purchasing something that might only be used once. If you have something that might be suitable, please let me know.

Elaine Noden

News from Elaine Our Mission and Outreach

Worker

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Continuing with our support of Commitment for Life, the URC global justice programme, please find below a prayer to include in your own personal devotionals. As a Church we are Supporting Central America.

March Interfaith Prayers for Peace A Christian prayer for peace

Jesus said: ‘Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you. To those who strike you on the cheek, offer the other also. Give to everyone who begs from you. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.’

A Buddhist prayer for peace

May all beings everywhere plagued with suffering quickly be freed. May the frightened be at peace, and the bound set free. May those who find themselves in a trackless, fearful wilderness – the children, the aged, the unprotected – be protected by beneficent celestials, and swiftly attain Buddhahood.

A Jewish prayer for peace

Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, that we may walk the paths of the Most High. And we sha l l beat our swords in to ploughshares and our spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. And none shall be afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of Hosts has spoken.

A Native American prayer for peace

O Great Spirit of our Ancestors, we raise the pipe to you, to your messengers the four winds, and to Mother Earth who provides for your children. Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love, to respect, to be kind to each other so that they may grow with peace in

mind. Let us learn to share all the good things that you provide for us on this Earth.

A Sikh prayer for peace

God judges us according to our deeds, not by the coat that we wear. Truth is above everything, but higher still is truthful living. Know that we attain God when we love, and only that victory endures in consequence of which no one is defeated.

Amen

60th Annual "World Day of Prayer” Is to be held on Friday 6th March 2.00 pm at Bramhall M e t h o d i s t C h u r c h . Organised by Churches Together in Bramhall & Woodford.

The theme this year is from Zimbabwe and is: "Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk".

The Speaker will be Mary Langton.

Refreshments will be served after the service. 

Come and be part of an international celebration, around the world, which commences after daybreak in Samoa.

Graham Perkin

A Prayer worry!

When my daughter was young, she was glad to say her prayers, but she always worried whether God would know which little girl she was.  One night after the usual ‘Amen’, she dropped her head upon her pillow and closed her eyes. After a moment she said, “Lord! This prayer comes from 203 Seldon Ave. I’ll get you the postcode tomorrow.”

From Parish Pump

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Churches Together in Bramhall & Woodford (CTiBW) Update

CTiBW Prayer Breakfast: The next Prayer Breakfast will be held at St Michaels and All Angels Church, on the 28th March from 8.30am. Please think about coming along and joining other local Christians in Prayer and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Good Friday Services:

The early morning service (9.45am on 10th April) will this year be held at our Church. The service will be led by Christopher Whitehead and Revd Calum Piper from St Michaels and All Angels Church will be the Speaker.

The service will be followed by the Walk of Witness which processes to Bramhall Village for an Open-Air Service, outside the Methodist Church at 11.00am. Last year both services and the walk from Robins Lane to the village were well attended. I do hope you will consider attending one, or why not both, of the services and joining the Walk of Witness this year, as this is one of the few opportunities we have to publicly witness our faith in Bramhall.

Please get in your diary now.

Holiday at Home Summer special:

Monday 17th to Wednesday 19th August 10.30am until 4.00pm

Churches Together in Bramhall in Woodford are once again hosting the Annual Summer Special ‘Holiday at Home’ at the United Reformed Church and this year please note that the dates of the week for the event are once again ‘Monday to Wednesday’.

Holiday at Home is for the senior citizens of our community who do not get out much and perhaps live alone and provides three days of fun, friendship, singing, games, flower arranging, marvellous home cooked lunches …. and a trip to Tatton Park!

Do you know anyone who would benefit from attending?

If so speak to Graham or Carole Perkin.

Can you Help? Help is needed in all sorts of ways from providing transport to get folks from their homes to our Church (and back home again), to helping set up tables or being there during the event acting as stewards and carers.

Help is also needed on the evening of Sunday 16th August from 6.00pm to help move furniture, put out tables/chairs and put up decorations.

If you can help at all, on any of the dates above, (for the whole day, or just a couple of hours), contact Graham or Carole Perkin.

Graham Perkin

Knit and Knatter The ladies of Knit and Kna t te r a re  bus i l y kn i t t ing ch icks for Francis house. I know that some folk think we do lots of “nattering”, we do, but our fingers are busy producing the chicks. If you would like to contribute by knitting or providing a Cadbury’s crème egg, there is a basket in the vestibule for all contributions. Please ask me if you would like a pattern or wool, and join the other ladies knitting chicks. We all miss Norma and we all send her our love and hope that she will soon be amongst us adding to the chatter.

Jean James

Jumble Sale Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to de-clutter that wardrobe and cupboard under the stairs. We will be holding our annual Jumble Sale on Saturday 18 April. Please watch out for the notices requesting help in sorting and selling. Jumble can be left in the Green room from 28 March. If you would like it collected, please give Jean James a ring on 0161 439 8241 to arrange a suitable time.

Let ‘s keep the treasurer happy and find lots of jumble to sell!

Jean James

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Arnold Harrison Muriel has asked for the tribute, written and delivered by Charles Barrowman, at Arnold’s funeral, to be included in this month’s News and Views to mark the anniversary of Arnold”s death.

Arnold was a dear friend to many in our Church community and continues to be sadly missed.

Arnold

I’d like to talk to you about a remarkable man. In fact, the most remarkable person I have ever met.

I have been very fortunate in my life to have met some special people who have left lasting impressions on me that have helped to shape the person I am.

I think of my parents, my brothers – Richard, Ian and Robert; my grandparents; Elaine, Daniel & Amy; and countless friends who have all contributed to my life.

Every so often, however if you are truly fortunate you meet someone who impacts and transforms your life in such a dramatic way that it can be difficult to describe. They leave an impression so strong that your life is for ever changed. Maybe these people are angels, I don’t know. What I do know is that they are sent by God.

I met such a person who I’d like to tell you about. Arnold Harrison.

I first met Arnold when I was about 14 in Bramhall, where I grew up. Arnold was the minister of the local United Reformed Church.

I have told you some of this story before, but a school friend invited me to the local church youth club. Now, the rule for membership was that you had to attend at least one service a month. I thought that can’t be difficult. I didn’t grow up in a church going family, so hadn’t been to church on a regular basis. So, I started attending Sunday services and eventually went every week.

I was a typical 14-year-old, looking to understand what my pathway from childhood to adulthood might be. Then, I listened to what Arnold was saying and it all started to make sense.

It was Arnold who introduced me to God and from that moment my life began to transform, and the pathway became clear. The way he introduced God wasn’t a blinding light or a rushing wind, but as if Arnold was introducing me to a friend.

Over the coming years as I developed a relationship with God, Arnold became my teacher, my guide, my mentor, my support, my challenger and above all my deep, deep friend. A friendship that would continue for many, many years.

Arnold was there at all the important events in my life. He blessed our marriage, in one of the most personal and tender moments of my life. Every word of that blessing; every space between the words; every breath was deeply personal and perfect.

Arnold attended my fathers and mother’s funerals. I remember standing to deliver the reading at my Dad’s funeral and being very nervous. I’d never read at a funeral before, let alone my own father’s funeral. As I stood behind the lectern and looked out, I remembered something Arnold had once told me about speaking in public – find a friendly face towards the back and speak to them. I looked to the back of the crematorium and saw Arnold, who looked back and nodded. In that moment it felt like he was beside me, with his arms around me and I was alright.

In the church in Bramhall I eventually became Youth Club Leader and then an Elder at age 18, again supported and encouraged by Arnold. Now, here I teach the young children and lead a Christian group at work. Had I not met Arnold, none of this would have happened. I feel like he is stood with me now. I owe my Christian life to this man.

Arnold was also a powerful and vocal advocate of women within the church and in particular in the priesthood, so unknown to you Alison, Arnold also impacted on your life.

Very sadly, though, I received a phone call earlier this week to say that my wonderful friend had passed away. So, I stand here heartbroken – my heart is shattered into a thousand pieces at the news.

But I have had time to reflect and as sad as I feel, I feel lifted knowing that one of God’s finest ever servants now sees him face to

March 2020 Page 9

face. Arnold was a man who spent his whole life praising God and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. He affected hundreds and hundreds of lives in the way that I am describing. So, knowing that he spent his whole life glorifying God, he has earned his reward for that devotion.

I spoke to Muriel & Susan, his wife and daughter during the week and asked them if they would approve of me telling you about Arnold. Muriel asked if I would.

I wanted to stand in our church (which he would have loved) in the presence of God to tell you about this truly remarkable man.

I will never forget Arnold and how he made me the person I am today. I owe him everything.

I wanted to thank God for sending Arnold into my life and into the lives of so many people. I want to ask God to watch over and support Muriel, Susan and David, who also invited me into their lives.

Most of all I want to thank Arnold and to say how much I loved him.

God bless you Arnold Harrison.

Charles Barrowman

An Exercise for Anyone Over 59 years (I cannot let those new 60 year olds miss out)

Take a 1 pound potato bag in each hand and hold out both hands for 1 full minute

NOW increase by holding a 2 pound potato bag in each hand for 1 minute

As your practice and confidence increases you can 

NOW increase to a 5 pound potato bag in each hand for 1 minute 

After considerable success at this level, you will be ready to………

NOW increase to a 10 pound potato bag in each hand for 1 minute!

So, finally, make sure you are standing safely on an even surface, then

Put a potato into each bag and see if you can hold them.Howard Fox

Holy Days St David’s Day (1 March): Time for Daffodils

1st March is St David’s Day, and it’s time for the Welsh to wear daffod i l s o r l eeks . Shakespeare called this custom ‘an honourable tradition begun upon an honourable request’ - but nobody knows the reason. Why should a n y o n e h a v e e v e r

‘requested’ that the Welsh wear leeks or daffodils to honour their patron saint? It’s a mystery!

We do know that David - or Dafydd - of Pembrokeshire was a monk and bishop of the 6th century. In the 12th century he was made patron of Wales, and he has the honour of being the only Welsh saint to be canonised and culted in the Western Church. Tradition has it that he was austere with himself, and generous with others - living on water and vegetables (leeks, perhaps?!) and devoting himself to works of mercy. He was much loved.

In art, St David is usually depicted in Episcopal vestments, standing on a mound with a dove at his shoulder, in memory of his share at an important Synod for the Welsh Church, the Synod of Brevi.

From Parish Pump

St Patrick’s Day (17 March): Beloved Apostle to Ireland

St Patrick is the patron saint of I r e l a n d . I f y o u ’ v e e v e r b e e n i n N e w Y o r k o n S t Patr ick’s Day, you’d think he was the patron sa in t o f New York as well...

the flamboyant parade is full of American/Irish razzmatazz.

It’s all a far cry from the hard life of this 5th century humble Christian who became in time

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both bishop and apostle of Ireland. Patrick was born the son of a town councillor in the west of England, between the Severn and the Clyde. But as a young man he was captured by Irish pirates, kidnapped and taken to Ireland, where he was reduced to slavery. He was made to tend his master’s herds.

Desolate and despairing, Patrick turned to prayer. He found God was there for him, even in such desperate circumstances. He spent much time in prayer, and his faith grew and deepened, in contrast to his earlier years, when he “knew not the true God”.

Then, after six gruelling, lonely years he was told in a dream he would soon go to his own country. He either escaped or was freed, made his way to a port 200 miles away and eventually persuaded some sailors to take him with them away from Ireland.

After various adventures in other lands, including near-starvation, Patrick landed on English soil at last, and returned to his family. But he was much changed. He had enjoyed his life of plenty before; now he wanted to devote the rest of his life to Christ. Patrick received some form of training for the priesthood, but not the higher education he really wanted.

But by 435, well-educated or not, Patrick was badly needed. Palladius’ mission to the Irish had failed, and so the Pope sent Patrick back to the land of his slavery. He set up his seat at Armagh, and worked principally in the north. He urged the Irish to greater spirituality, set up a school, and made several missionary journeys.

Patrick’s writings are the first literature certainly identified from the British Church. They reveal sincere simplicity and a deep pastoral care. He wanted to abolish paganism, idolatry, and was ready for imprisonment or death in the following of Christ.

Patrick remains the most popular of the Irish saints. The principal cathedral of New York is dedicated to him, as, of course, is the Anglican cathedral of Dublin.

From Parish Pump

Mothering Sunday (4th Sunday in Lent)

There is an old Jewish saying: God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.

Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods - our human mothers - all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ - as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionately known. It has been celebrated in the UK since at least the 16th century.

In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honour Cybele, Mother of all the Gods. Other pagan festivals in honour of Mother Earth were also celebrated. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival became one honouring Mother Church.

During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmen or working as ‘live-in’ servants were allowed only one holiday a year on which to visit their families - which is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its name. This special day became a day of family rejoicing, and the Lenten fast was broken. In some places the day was called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes called Simnel cakes traditionally eaten on that day.

In recent years the holiday has changed and in many ways now resembles the American Mother’s Day, with families going out to Sunday lunch and generally making a fuss of their mother on the day.

From Parish Pump

Smile Lines Parish Supper Sunday at 5pm – prayer and medication to follow.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Ladies, please don’t forget the Jumble Sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. From Parish Pump

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The Lectionary Readings for March 2020

The readings may not always correspond with those chosen by our preachers, but this information could be used for personal reading.

Sue Matthews

Week beginning First reading Psalm Second reading Gospel

March 1st 20201st Sunday in Lent

Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

Psalm 32 Romans 5:12-19 Matthew 4:1-11

March 8th 20202nd Sunday in Lent

Genesis 12:1-4a Psalm 121 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-19

March 15th 20203rd Sunday in Lent

Exodus 17:1-7 Psalm 958 Romans 5:1-11 John 4:5-42

March 22nd 20204th Sunday in Lent

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Psalm 23 Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41

March 29th 20205th Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Psalm 130 Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45

Prayer Corner Please let me know if you would like any specific prayers added to our prayer corner each month. Sue Matthews

Please pray for all t h o s e w h o a r e a ff e c t e d b y t h e coronavirus

Please pray for the lonely and bereaved

Please pray for our leaders in the URC and in particular our new Moderator

Please pray for the

nurses, doctors and

c a r e r s w h o a r e

looking after many of

our family and friends

Please pray for those p e o p l e w h o a r e homeless and rely on organisations like The Wellspring

Please continue to

pray for family and

friends who are ill, in

hospital or awaiting

test results

March 2020 Page 12

EDITOR

Mrs Sue Matthews

NEWS & VIEWS is published on the last Sunday of each month. The deadline for the next issue is:

Sunday 15th March

Crossword Challenge Across 1 The earth is one (6)4 ‘On a hill far away stood an old — cross’ (6) 7 ‘I am the — vine and my Father is the gardener’ (John 15:1) (4) 8 The Caesar who was Roman Emperor at the time of Jesus’ birth(Luke 2:1) (8) 9 ‘Your — should be the same as that of Christ Jesus’(Philippians 2:5) (8) 13 Jesus said that no one would put a lighted lamp under this(Luke 8:16) (3) 16 Involvement (1 Corinthians 10:16) (13) 17 Armed conflict (2 Chronicles 15:19) (3) 19 Where the Gaderene pigs were feeding (Mark 5:11) (8)24 What jeering youths called Elisha on the road to Bethel (2 Kings 2:23) (8)25 The Venerable — , eighth-century Jarrow ecclesiastical scholar (4) 26 8 Across issued a decree that this should take place (Luke 2:1) (6) 27 Come into prominence (Deuteronomy 13:13) (6)

Down 1 Where some of the seed scattered by the sower fell (Matthew 13:4) (4)2 Sexually immoral person whom God will judge (Hebrews 13:4) (9) 3 Gospel leaflet (5) 4 Physical state of the boy brought to Jesus for healing (Mark 9:18)5 Tugs (anag.) (4) 6 To put forth (5) 10 Nationality associated with St Patrick (5) 11 Leader of the descendants of Kohath (1 Chronicles 15:5) (5) 12 ‘After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping — heel’ (Genesis 25:26) (5) 13 At Dothan the Lord struck the Arameans with — at Elisha’srequest (2 Kings 6:18) (9)

14 ‘Peter, before the cock crows today, you will — three times that you know me’ (Luke22:34) (4) 15 Spit out (Psalm 59:7) (4) 18 ‘When I — , I am still with you’ (Psalm 139:18) (5) 20 Concepts (Acts 17:20) (5) 21 Thyatira’s dealer in purple cloth (Acts 16:14) (5) 22 Does (anag.) (4) 23 The second set of seven cows in Pharaoh’s dream were this (Genesis 41:19) (4)

February crossword answers Across 8, Cross-examined. 9, Ash. 10, Apocrypha. 11, Sci-fi. 13, Typical. 16, Visited. 19, Offer. 22, No account. 24, RAC. 25, Sovereign Lord. Down 1, Oceans. 2, Hophni. 3, Islamist. 4, Exhort. 5, Omar. 6, On spec. 7, Add all. 12, CBI. 14, Plotting. 15, Awe. 16, Vanish. 17, Starve. 18, Daub it. 20, Furrow. 21, Recede. 23, Cure.