DECEMBER/JANUARY 2020 50p
M a ga z i n e
PA R I S H L I F E
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Church Office Open 9am-12 noon Monday-Friday 721248
For Clergy, Janet Henderson, Diane Letheren
Website www.kendalparishchurch.co.uk
Email [email protected]
Address Kirkland, Kendal LA9 5AF
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Dear Friends,
As I write we are in the middle of yet another election campaign!
Despite the good motives of so many and their desire to make things
better, power (and its pursuit) is a tricky and dangerous thing. Power
gives us the ability to get things done, but it is too often used to help
some triumph at the expense of others.
Advent and Christmas help us to reflect on power. Through Advent and
Christmas, we prepare for the coming of the King of Kings. We
remember not only his coming to Bethlehem, but get ready for his
coming again as Lord of All. Advent is about a future event more than
the remembrance of one that has been. The Bible uses names for Jesus
which might make even the President of the USA blush. “Wonderful,
Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ““Of the
increase of his rule and peace,” says Isaiah, “there will be no end.”
In Jesus, we see how power should be exercised. Though he is God, he
is prepared to be born as a humble and vulnerable child. He kneels to
wash his disciples’ feet. It is only at the point at which his actions and
words can no longer be mistaken for a power grab that Jesus admits to
being the Messiah. In God’s economy, power is not about defeating
others. It is not about glorifying oneself and lording it over others.
Power, in God’s way, is humble. It brings peace and the flourishing of all
creation. This true peace is the hope of Advent, and the culmination of
that first Christmas.
As I try and work out who to vote for and what sort of country I want
us to be, I give thanks that, ultimately, God is in charge. I give thanks
that, in the midst of anxiety and trouble, all power is given to Jesus and
that I know how he uses power. I give thanks that this ruler is good and
gentle, and that he brings healing and wholeness. I pray that the rulers of
this, and other nations, will learn again and again from him, and will seek
the wisdom and courage he can give.
And what of my own response to this ruler? This King born to a poor
couple in a room away from home, who brings healing and hope to the
lost, who submits himself to be executed as a criminal for the mistakes
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of all humanity, and who defeats even death for the love of us. It is
surely to give him all the praise he is due. One of my sons has a
favourite song which says it all:
If creation sings Your praises so will I
If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
Or, to quote that wonderful Advent hymn:
Yea, Amen, let all adore thee,
high on thine eternal throne;
Saviour, take the power and glory,
claim the kingdom for thine own:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou shalt reign and thou alone.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year,
Rob
Thank you.
Earlier this year, we asked everyone to consider their giving again for the
year. Individual letters will be going out in the new year, but we wanted to
say thank you now to all those who responded so generously. The
increase in giving, particularly through changes to standing orders, have
made a big difference to our shared finances as a church for this financial
year. Thank you.
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CAROL SINGING IN RESIDENTIAL HOMES
It has been a long-standing tradition to arrange carol singing in the residential
homes to which we minister in the lead up to Christmas. We have arranged
singing at the following ones on the dates and times shown –
Summerhill – Monday 16th December at 11am
Riverside – Monday 16th December at 11am
Heron Hill – Tuesday 17th December at 11am
Edgecombe Court – Wednesday 18th December at 10am
Stonecross – Wednesday 18th December at 11.30am
Gillingreane – Wednesday 18th December at 3pm
Unfortunately some of the dates clash but we have had to fit in with the busy
schedule at each of these homes.
It would be lovely to have a good number of singers at each venue to share in
this important and valued outreach, which is greatly appreciated by both
residents and staff alike.
If you would like to join us please see the sign-up sheet on the Information
Point and add your name where you can. Meanwhile if you have any queries
the contacts are Arthur Moss (Summerhill), Mary Brown (Heron Hill), Michael
Hunter (Edgecombe Court), Philip Heyes (Gillingreane) and myself
(Stonecross and Riverside)
Many thanks,
Ashley
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MOTHERS UNION REPORT 2019 Our busy and interesting year began with Jenny Parker demonstrating the Art
of Lacemaking. She did this by the use of visual aids showing her using lots of
different techniques and these were portrayed on the large TV screen so that
we all could see all the intricate steps taken. She had also brought many
samples for us all to look at and she had set up a sample piece so that
members could have a go at lacemaking - a very informative afternoon.
February saw Jean Turnbull speak about “Childhood in South Lakeland in the
early 20th Century” through people she had interviewed. This encouraged
some of our own members to relate some of their own childhood memories.
On the 25th February some of us attended the Deanery meeting in
Milnthorpe.
On the 1st March we hosted the World Day of Prayer at 2.00pm in our
church in collaboration with Sue Rowley. This was very well attended by all
the other M.U. branches in our Deanery. On the 13th March we had a
“Quiet Afternoon” with Tom Thompson.
Also in March we served Lent Lunch in the Parish Hall, attended the Lady
Day Service at the St. George’s Church and we all gathered in the Vestry to
prepare the posies for Mothering Sunday.
David Richardson came and spoke about “Emma” in April and in May, Bruce
and Friends did their usual Tom, Dick and Harry routine - a real treat for all
with their musical memories.
The June the Mother’s Union Lunch at
Stonecross Manor was a chance to meet up
with Anne Wodeman who has taken on the
role of Deanery Leader for our area in place
of Annette Brown and also fellow members
from the other branches. On the 12th June
Helen Evans, Regional Fundraising Manager
for Barnardos, explained what help there
was for young people with problems.
The Summer Outing in July took us up to
Lazonby to meet up with Mark Houston at
St. Nicholas Church .
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We took communion with Mark and then drove up to Houghton Hall near
Carlisle to have lunch and look around the Garden Centre before leaving to
come home via Bassenthwaite Lake.
After the Summer Break in September David Ratcliffe came to tell us all about
the “Shoe Box Appeal” and his visits to meet up with the people who receive
them.
Jane Conlon, former M.U. Diocesan President and Janice Eadington, our new
Diocesan President, presented a workshop in October, on M.U.L.O.A. which
stands for Mother’s Union Listen, Observe, Action. They gave us a biblical
situation where a couple of people acted it out and then the rest of the
members who had been put into groups worked through the Listen, Observe
and Action points and it was surprising how many points were brought up.
Jane and Janice were very pleased with the outcome and the involvement that
had come from the various groups. These results were all going to be fed back
to M.U. Headquarters. They were also very impressed with the involvement
that some of our members have in various other projects happening in the
church.
After the A.G.M we prepare oranges for the Christingle Service and are then
getting our Christmas Tree ready for the Annual Christmas Tree Festival
where we are sponsoring the Hydrotherapy Pool again.
Our Christmas Party is Wednesday 11th December.
We enrolled 2 new members this year which makes our membership for 2019,
33. Unfortunately 2 of our members have left the district, we wish them well
but they will be missed.
We meet the second Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm in the Vestry.
This year on behalf of the Mother’s Union we have sent Baptism Anniversary
cards to the families as follows: 5th Year - 73, 4th Year - 66, 3rd Year - 49,
2nd Year - 35 and the 1st Year - 23.
Joan Carnaffin
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Working with the Vulnerable –
Some of our Near Neighbours
If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to
them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill”, and yet you do not supply
their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no
works, is dead. James 2.15-17
We get used from our TV screens to hearing about the great need of
many who live in other parts of the world: their suffering may stem
from natural disaster, war or injustice. We admire the work of
different individuals and charities who try to bring peace, help and
justice to those in such situations but sometimes they can seem very
distant.
But we do not have to travel a long distance to find others with major
needs. Springfield provides accommodation and support for women
at risk of homelessness because they are fleeing domestic abuse. It is the only dedicated women’s refuge in Cumbria. The women come
from many different parts of the country. Springfield also offers an
outreach service and has a community programme.
Manna House provides advice, advocacy and a drop-in support
centre for those who are homeless, vulnerably housed, lonely or just
needing help. Many of those it helps may face various social challenges.
As well as its paid staff (one of whom is a member of KPC), Manna
House has a large number of volunteers who provide help in any num-
ber of different ways.
The Winter Shelter, coordinated by Manna House staff but run by
volunteers (many from local churches but others without any church
affiliation), runs from the beginning of December to the beginning of
March and provides a good meal and overnight accommodation to
those who are homeless. This year the different days of the week finds
it at 7 different venues – 6 churches and 1 local government one.
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So how is KPC involved with those who are locally ‘on the margins’ in these
ways?
All feature very regularly in our prayers – both through our Prayer Diary and in
our corporate prayers on Sundays.
Some KPC members volunteer at Manna House or with the Night Shelter.
By KPC’s Mission Notice Board there are boxes for donations for the work of
both Springfield and Manna House. Practical donations for both organisations
are always needed.
KPC members provide the main courses for the Sunday evening Night Shelter.
A list is on the Information Point in Church – there are still vacancies which
need filling.
Thank you to everyone who has helped in any way so far in these areas.
Michael Hunter
Just Suppose….
If you had lived in Bethlehem
All those years ago.
Would you have opened up your
home
To strangers at the door
If you had been a shepherd boy
On the dark side of the hill,
Would you have left your sheep and
lambs
And run to find the Child?
If you had been a wise man
Travelling afar,
Would you have gone to Bethlehem
Following a star?
If Mary came to Kendal
With Joseph at her side,
Would we open up our homes
And throw the doorway wide?
Or would we look suspiciously
And leave them standing there,
The Baby born to save us all
But we’ve no room to spare.
Once a year at Christmas time
We hear again the story.
But is that all He means to us
The wondrous King of Glory
Patricia Hovey
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God Outdoors
Looking back, highlights from the
past few weeks include... God
Outdoors, where we spent an
enjoyable morning in Dog Kennel
Wood pond dipping, making bird
feeders, going on a tree trail,
making leaf hedgehogs, singing
and thinking about where God is
and how he is always with us; and
the KPC Youth Group visit to X
Height indoor climbing near
Lancaster (which was a bit high!)
and McDonalds. We also
enjoyed firework and Poppy
painting and thinking about how fireworks and illuminations need darkness so
we can see them properly and how in 'dark' times we need the light of Jesus
and often through these times we can experience Him more clearly and grow
closer to him.
In December there is lots to look
forward to....Toddlers are having a party
with Santa and a visit to the Christmas
trees in Church, Messy Church is going
Christmas crazy (thank you for all the
cardboard tube donations!) and Messy
Vintage are having a Christingle at
Stonecross Care Home with the year 6's
and a toddler nativity. We are also having a
Messy Church does Messy Vintage and
inviting our families to join us at Summerhill
nursing home for a Christmas themed
afternoon Messy Church style! Do look
out for our Bible themed welcome
tree..contributed to by all our groups!!
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Where Is God....?
In the fallen leaves
Beside the still
small waters
Catch him in the
breeze
Swirling and twisting...
or in each breathe...
....making things new.
God Outdoors Nov 2019
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The course runs on Monday evenings 7.30pm-9.00pm
It runs from 13th January until February 24th with a
half-term break on February17th
At Holmcroft 13 Castle Road Kendal LA9 7AU
For more information please contact
Rev. Mat Ineson 07398 252715
email: vicar @crosscrake.church
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Weekly Gentle Exercise Class at Kendal Par-
ish Church Hall on Thursdays from 10.30 am-11.45 am. Come along, have some fun and try
t h i s p r e d o m i n a n t l y c h a i r b a s e d exercise class followed by tea and chat. It will
help improve your mobility, muscle strength and balance, as we also do some balance exercises behind the chair. Only £2.50! Hope to see you there! Last
session before Christmas is 19th Dec and will restart on 9th January. There will be no class on 12th December due to the election.
Over 50s Walking Netball. Weekly sessions at Kendal Leisure Centre from
3.30pm – 4. 30pm. Walking Netball is a slower version of the game; it is netball, but at a walking pace. The game has been designed so that anyone can play it
regardless of age or fitness level. Come and give it a go. We are always looking for new members. £2.05 per session. To register your interest call Age UK on 01539
728118. Last session before Christmas is 17th December and will restart on 7th January. No session on 21st January.
IT Drop - In Sessions South Lakes Foyer, Kendal - 1st Monday of the month
and Age UK Finkle Street - 3rd Thursday of the Month from 1.30pm-3.30pm. Volunteers will offer support with any queries or problems regarding Laptops,
Tablets or Smart Phones.
Mindful Meditation – Going Deeper on Mondays 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th January & 3rd, 10th, 24th Feb & 2nd March from 2pm- 3.30pm in The
Detached Room, Castle Street Centre, Kendal. If you have already followed an introductory course or already meditate, you may like to spend some time
deepening your practice. Come and meditate in a group where you'll be able to participate in: longer meditations and with reduced guidance, walking
meditation, mindful movement, poetry and music. Suggested donation of £2,50 per session. For more information and to book your place, please contact Age UK
South Lakeland on 01539 728118.
Chat and Craft - a monthly craft session on the first Friday of each month (6th December and 3rd January) from 10.30- 12.noon at Kendal Town Hall. Come
along and enjoy a sociable morning of chat, craft, and creativity. Bring along your own craft, knitting, sewing or art projects. These sessions are incorporated into
our monthly Age UK coffee morning.
Snooker, Pool, Dominoes and Darts Group meets at the Albion Social and Snooker Club on Sandes Avenue in Kendal every Thursday 1.30pm-3.30pm.
Come along and join us for a sociable afternoon and a very warm welcome !
To find out about any of the above or any services which Age UK South Lakeland can offer older people, or if you would like to volunteer for us please call us on
01539 728118.
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Churchwardens’ Fund for Education and Training?
At times various members of the congregation become
involved in Education and Training opportunities from which
both they and the church benefit.
The Churchwardens are aware that this may involve some
occasional extra expense for the individual. Unfortunately
there are no funds within the present church accounts to
help.
We have decided to create a fund which will be ‘ring fenced’
within the church accounts the Vicar being solely responsible
for its distribution.
This Coffee Morning on January 11th is in aid of this project.
So there we are, a new venture and one which we
hope members of the congregation will support.
Dick, Joan, David R. & David D.
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News for churches
There’s a lot happening this month! The handmade petition is being
exhibited in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey. Standing Strong
events have been happening throughout the UK and Ireland. And, like a huge
snowball rolling down a hill, Christmas is on its way! It’s a joyous time for
churches, but also a lot of hard work is going on.
As always, we’re so grateful for the faithful support of churches in the UK
and Ireland. Don’t forget, as well as the goodies in this email, there are
resources for all age groups on our website. So please share this email with
others in your church who might be interested.
PRAY FOR THE IMPACT OF THE SEE. CHANGE. PETITION
Last month we told you about the huge number of handmade petition
squares we had received expressing solidarity and support for persecuted
Christian women. (The total has gone up again, by the way - we’re now at
an astonishing 16,000 fabric squares!) A huge selection of these wonderful
petitions are on public display in Westminster Abbey’s Chapter House from
17-24 November 2019.
As well as the handmade petitions, on
display will also be Tears of Gold
portraits and self-portraits of Nigerian
women who have experienced
persecution. The Chapter House can be
accessed free of charge via the cloisters
entrance of the Abbey. You can find
more information about the exhibition opening times on our website.
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Wherever you are, please pray for the
impact of this exhibition. We’ve created a
downloadable prayer guide to help
churches pray across the week.
Please also pray that we can present the
petition to the UK Government. Unfortunately, due to the coming
election, the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict (PSVI) conference at
which we were planning to present the petition has been postponed.
Please pray with us that we can present the petition to the Government
after the election, and that it will influence those who have the power
to bring about change for the women the handmade petition represents.
Many of you have raised your voices in support of our persecuted
sisters by signing the handmade petition and participating in our See.
Change Campaign. Let’s continue to raise our voices in prayer as well.
STAND WITH CHRISTIANS IN SYRIA THIS CHRISTMAS
Signs of Hope: The Open Doors Carol Sheet 2019 features the lyrics to
nine well-known carols and includes inspiring stories, and a reflection on
why people choose to follow Christ despite the cost. But along with the
carol sheet, there are also other resources to help you stand with the
persecuted church throughout Advent.
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There are four Stories of Hope to tell on Sundays throughout December while
lighting the Advent candle, and videos featuring Christmas Bible readings by
Christians in Syria. There’s even a video of children in Aleppo singing a
Christmas song. (Among the young carol singers is Abraham, who features in
the Signs of Hope Carol Sheet.)
For children and families there’s
the Be a Sign of Hope activity to
help you to walk and pray with
Abraham and his mother Jina. God
with us, a Christmas themed youth
session outline is the perfect
pre-Christmas gift for all busy
youth workers. And don’t forget
the carol sheet has a cut out star
that you can hang on the tree and
use to send a Christmas message to Syrian Christians.
You can order the song sheets and download all the additional resources from
the website. Your support makes a real difference, so please continue to stand
with Syria this Christmas and be a Sign of Hope.
INVITE YOUR MP TO THE WORLD WATCH LIST LAUNCH
The 2020 World Watch List launches on 15 January. If you received our
November magazine, you should have also received a tear-off
invitation enabling you to invite your MP to this event. Please do this if you can,
it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to raise awareness of the needs of the
persecuted church, and encourage key decision makers to do more to support
our brothers and sisters around the world.
You can find out more about all our church resources on our website. And if
your church is supporting Open Doors, please write in and let us know what
you are doing. You never know who you might inspire!
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Sunday Services – December 2019
Sunday 1st December - The First Sunday of Advent – Advent Sunday
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Choral Communion (BCP)
11.15am The Gathering
4.00pm Christingle
6.00pm Advent Carol Service
Sunday 8th December - The Second Sunday of Advent
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
11.15am The Gathering
2.00pm Kentdale District Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Carol service
6.00pm Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 15th December - The Third Sunday of Advent
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
11.15am The Gathering
6.00pm Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 22nd December - The Fourth Sunday of Advent
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
11.15am The Gathering
6.00pm A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Tuesday 24th December - Christmas Eve 4.00pm Family Crib Service 11.15pm Midnight Communion (Common Worship)
Wednesday 25th December – Christmas Day 9.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
Sunday 29th December - The First Sunday of Christmas
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
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Sunday 5th January - The Epiphany
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Epiphany Carol Service
11.15am The Gathering
6.00pm Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 12th January – The Second Sunday of Epiphany
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
11.15am The Gathering
6.00pm Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 19th January - The Third Sunday of Epiphany
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
11.15am The Gathering
6.00pm Evensong (BCP)
Sunday 26th January - The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30am Parish Communion (Common Worship)
11.15am The Gathering
6.00pm Evensong (BCP)
From the Registers
Baptisms
3rd November Elsie Rose Waller & Jessica Magean
17th November William Hayton & Esme Maxwell
Weddings
23rd November Graham Nelson and Gina Townley
Funerals
4th November Ann Holden
14th November Alan Billington
15th November Hilda Taylor
26th November Phyllis Alice Travis
28th November Andrew Wilkinson
29th November Val Carradus © Holy Trinity Kendal Parish Church 2019 Any views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the editors or the Anglican Parish Church
Worship
Sundays
Holy Communion (BCP) 8.00am
Parish Communion (Common Worship) 9.30am
(most 1st Sundays Choral Communion)
The Gathering 11.15am
(Café Church 1st Sundays; with Communion most 2nd & 4th Sundays)
Evensong 6.00pm
Mid Week
Morning Prayer Tuesday, Thursday 9.00am
Morning Prayer Wednesday 10.00am
Meditation Tuesday 10.00am
Holy Communion (BCP) Thursday 10.30am
Kendal Tea Service (Dementia Friendly) 2.30pm
3rd Thursday
(Saints Days and Holy Days as announced)
Kendal’s oldest building, one of England’s widest churches
Lots to see - open daily for visiting, worship and prayer
Details in the porch and at kendalparishchurch.co.uk