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50p October/November 2015

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St. Thomas’ Church, Wednesfield Church News

The winning photo from the 2016 Wednesfield Calendar competition, taken by Steve Weston

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St Thomas’ Church News - October/November 2015

St Thomas’ Church, Wednesfield In the Wednesfield Team Ministry

Sundays Weekday communion services 8.00 am Holy Communion Wednesdays: 10.00 am 10.15 am Family Eucharist Fridays: 10.00 am (with Junior Church and Tots Church) 6.30 pm Evening Worship Baptism: Sunday afternoon, monthly

Clergy

For enquiries relating to St Thomas’ please contact: Team Rector: Rev’d Nick Watson 01902 731462 Wednesfield Rectory, 9 Vicarage Road E-mail: [email protected] Curate: Rev’d Ness Tobin E-mail: [email protected] 07854 773432 For enquiries relating to St Alban’s please contact: Team Vicar: Rev’d Sam Leach 01902 732317 St. Alban’s Vicarage, Griffiths Drive, Ashmore Park E-mail: [email protected]

Officers

District Wardens: Mrs Norma Thompson, 17 Frome Drive, Wednesfield 01902 305170 Mr Clive Postle, 118 Amos Lane, Wednesfield 01902 733169

Parish Wardens: Mrs Kathryn Godwin Mrs Veronica Griffiths Organist and Choirmistress: Mrs Gillian Edwards, 16 Greenfield Lane, Fordhouses 01902 783264 Parish Office: St. Thomas’ Church 01902 723310 Secretary: Margaret Walker E-mail: [email protected] The office is normally staffed 9am-12noon on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Requests for Baptisms and Marriage at St Thomas’ – please come to St. Thomas’ Church at 6.30pm on a Friday evening or telephone Reverend Nick Watson on 01902 731462. Do you have an article for the magazine? Or any ideas of what you would like to see included? If so please have a word with Joanna Watson at Church, leave articles in the parish office, or email them to [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]



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A picture is worth a thousand words – at least.

One photograph seemed to change the attitude of – if not the nation – at least the media. I think that the public mood had been getting uneasy with the tone of much of the coverage of the refugee crisis, where the language was all of ‘migrants’ without any thought as to why so many thousands were so desperate to reach Europe in the first place. For months, thousands had been dying in the Mediterranean and Aegean, while we hoped the problem would sort itself out.

Then we saw a picture of Alan Kurdi, the three-year-old Syrian boy whose lifeless body washed up on a Turkish beach. It was apparently Stalin who said ‘One death is a tragedy. A million deaths is a statistic.’ Thankfully we had not yet had a million deaths – but now we had one. And he had a name, a family – mostly dead with him – and a face. And he was three.

The mood, and above all the headlines, changed. More and more people saw the moral and human need to respond with generosity and open hearts; even perhaps with open borders and homes. Our government pledged to accept 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years. It’s a lot of people, but it’s only about half the population of Wednesfield – not an overwhelming number, spread over our whole nation. In our debates and decisions we should perhaps remember the numbers who are in camps in the countries neighbouring Syria. Lebanon, slightly bigger than Cornwall, currently holds 2,000,000 refugees, and I am glad that at least Britain is one of the biggest donors to support them.

I’m not going to suggest a solution to this crisis. I don’t have one. It is massively complicated, and in the end it will only be solved by bringing peace and stability to the Middle East, which has been beyond us for most of recent history. Politicians, economists and aid agencies will all have their wisdom and their voice. But while I don’t know how to solve the problem, I know that we have a problem if we forget that even in Stalin’s million deaths, each one is a unique tragedy. Alan’s death reminded us that each refugee is a person. Each is a child of God. Each is actually quite like you or me.

Over the last year I’ve heard or read several times that one of the greatest gifts Christianity has given to the world is the belief that every life matters; that each person, in whatever circumstance, bears something of the image of God, that every person is loved by God and matters to him. When we let the numbers wipe this truth from our minds, we stop thinking in a Christian way. When we let the numbers wipe this truth from our hearts, we stop letting the Spirit of God in our hearts move us to love and compassion. And we lose something of ourselves, as well as letting down those we reduce to statistics.

When it comes to refugees and ‘migrants’, we have a particular call to care. At Harvest, we traditionally read Deuteronomy 26, where the Israelites are commanded always to remember that they were once migrants, and to provide for the foreigner along with all other people in need as part of the first thing they do with the harvest. The Old Testament comes back to this again and again. God hasn’t changed his mind.

If that wasn’t enough, we worship Jesus, who as a small child was himself a refugee when Joseph and Mary fled from Herod and stayed for some time in Egypt to keep Jesus safe.

None of that tells us how to solve this problem. But it does tell us very clearly how we should approach it – with open, generous heart, and a real desire to do the best we can to help – even at the cost of a bit of our own comfort and wealth as a nation.

The Rev’d Nick Watson

Letter from the Rector

Congratulations to Jill, our newest Lay Minister!

On Saturday 12 September, Jill Ellson was licensed by the Bishops of Lichfield and Wolverhampton to serve as a lay minister in the parish. Jill has already given a great deal of leadership and service to us over the years, particularly through her work with the Mothers’ Union. She will now be concentrating on helping us to build up our life in prayer as a church. Watch this space, and please pray for Jill!

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Tickets will be on sale soon for this year’s Grand Raffle, which will be drawn at the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5th December

Prizes

1st £100 2nd Pamper day for two with afternoon tea 3rd Case of wine 4th Fortnum & Mason champagne and chocolates 5th Chocolate hamper

and lots of other prizes.

Remembrance Sunday, 8 November

This year’s Remembrance Sunday falls on 8 November. As always, we begin our main service early, at 9.30am, so that we can end in time for the silence at 11am by the Cenotaph.

There will also be a short service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Wednesday 11 November at 10.50am. If you are not able to be there, we hope that you will join with us in keeping the silence wherever you are, as close to 11am as is possible.

The Revd Nick Watson

“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord Jeremiah 29 v11 This was the theme of our first “Transform” Youth Worship event in the Centre. There was music, reading, and prayer, and some activities to help us reflect more on these words. And there was pizza and cake too! We’re planning another “Transform” event on Saturday November 28th - look out for more details nearer the time! And whilst it’s aimed at teenagers and young adults, don’t forget that youth isn’t defined by age...

Tuesdays 9.15-11.15am school term time

Tom’s Tots is our baby and toddler group, which meets in the St Thomas Centre. We’ have a lovely ever-increasing group of families coming along to play, chat and do crafts too!

If you are a parent/carer of pre-school children why not come along - or perhaps you have friends or neighbours who might be interested? We ask for £1 per family, including drink and snack, and other refreshments are on sale.

And new helpers are always appreciated!

For more details call Joanna on 01902 731462.

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Christian Aid News

Christian Aid at 70 Christian Aid is marking its 70th anniversary this year, and members of the Wolverhampton Christian Aid Committee will be holding a special anniversary event on Sunday 11th October at the St Thomas Centre starting at 4.30pm. The first part of the commemoration will be an informal get-together with quiz and cakes! We shall take a look back at the work of Christian Aid, locally and internationally, over the years, and David King (Regional Coordinator for Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Birmingham) will talk about Christian Aid’s response to crises such as the plight of refugees.

Then, at 6.30pm, we shall move into St Thomas’ Church for an evening service with a Christian Aid emphasis conducted by Nick. Please join us at one or both of the above. Winter Quiz And now let me proclaim another anniversary: Winter Quiz no. 10 is straining at the leash, eager to snap at your brain cells. Copies will be available for a minimum of £1 (for £2 you get served with fawning courtesy) and you can have until December 15th to wrestle with the questions. First prize is £20 and once again the Essington Fruit Farm has kindly donated meal vouchers for prizes, whilst a bottle of sherry can be won in a lucky draw into which the names of all who return answer sheets (whether high scoring or not) will be entered. Exciting, isn’t it? Christmas Concert The names of Winter Quiz winners will be announced at the Ashmore Park Choir Christmas Concert in St Thomas’ on Tuesday 15th December. Tickets at £5 will be available in November.

Roger Poole

Come and join us for our

Friday 2nd October 7.00 for 7.30pm in the

St Thomas Centre Buffet and entertainment for all the family included (please bring your own drinks)

£4 adult, £2 child Please sign the list in the St Thomas Room if you would like to come.

Harvest Supper

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STUNNING-SILVER-RHINESTONE-DIAMANTE-NUMBER-70-CAKE-PICK-TOPPER-70TH-BIRTHDAY-/331617148821

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Wednesfield Calendar 2016 On sale now! £6 each, or two for £10 Available from: St Thomas’ Church (open most mornings 9-12) Newstop (Wednesfield High Street) Rounds News (Blackhalve Lane) Ashmore Park Hardware (Griffiths Drive) Makes an ideal present so why not buy one for yourself and give one as a gift at Christmas! Many thanks to all those who have made this possible, including: Our judges: Rev Nick Watson Steph Clarke from wv11.co.uk Simon Archer from Wednesfield Magazine Steve Elliott from Steve Elliott Imaging Our advertisers: Flower Power Ashmore Autos MR Brown Wednesfield Radio Cars Biddle Opticians Royal Carpets Essington Fruit Farm Done Bakery Co-op Funeralcare And congratulations to the winning photographers! Here’s a sample of the photos - buy the calendar to see them all! Overall winner: Steve Weston. See the cover of the magazine for his great photo! The other winning photographers are: Tina Johnson, Paul Martin, Jill Ellson, Scott Gittings, Brian Swanson, Paul Nicklin, Lindsey Williams, and Frankie Evans.

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News from St Thomas’ School As the new Head of School at St. Thomas’ C of E Primary School it gives me great pleasure to contribute towards ‘Church News’. I am very happy to have joined such a good school and am very excited to work with the fabulous children and dedicated staff. I look forward to meeting all members of the St. Thomas’ community at upcoming events.

It has been a busy start to the school year at St. Thomas’ C of E Primary School, we have welcomed our new intake of Reception children and some new staff members, including Mrs. Grove our new Reception teacher.

This year we have also changed our Celebration assemblies, they now take place on Monday afternoons. During the assembly we will celebrate the children’s many achievements and award prizes for excellent behaviour. Team points will be announced and a special recognition of Christian Values will be awarded. The parents of children who receive awards in our celebration assembly will also be invited into school to attend. Thank you for your support Mr. J. Spicer

Head of School St. Thomas’ C of E Primary School

I went to visit a bird

sanctuary. I saw an owl.

I had a ride on a horse.

In the holidays I

went out at night.

We went to a show,

the show was good.

In the holidays we

went to Shell Island

it had a beach.

I went to the zoo. I

saw giraffes and

camels.

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From the Church Councils District Church Council (DCC) The DCC met on Tuesday 15 September. As well as receiving reports from groups and committees, the following business was discussed and agreed:

We were pleased to note that we have reduced the deficit on our share payments from over £20,000 to under £6,000.

We await diocesan advice on boiler replacement, and recognised that we will have to rely on overhead heaters for at least the first part of the autumn and winter.

We agreed to renew the lettering on our noticeboards but not to replace the boards themselves, as this would prove expensive for little benefit.

We considered how we benefit from our links and contact with other local churches, and in particular how we see the role of the Deanery in relation to the parish.

We agreed to renew DBS clearances for all involved in work with children and young people. The next meeting of the DCC is on Wednesday 25

th November.

Parochial Church Council (PCC) The PCC met on 22 November. As well as reports from the churches, we considered the following:

The financial position of the parish has improved, with reduced amounts owed to the Diocese on this year’s share. Thanks are due to the treasurers and to everyone who contributes to the funding and the life of the churches.

The sale of the St Chad’s building is now complete, and Rev’d Nick attended a dedication service for its new use as the House of Worship for the Mount Peniel Apostolic Church. After the deduction of legal fees and the payment of historic arrears on the St Alban’s and St Chad’s shares, just over £100,000 remains to be kept in trust for mission work within the parish of Wednesfield.

This means that we are now able to accept a grant from the Lichfield Diocesan Growth Fund, matched from money released by the trustees and a grant from the Educational Charity, to appoint a part-time children’s and families’ worker for the Parish for three years. We agreed to go ahead with this, and to work with the Diocesan children’s adviser to refine a job description and to appoint.

The next meeting of the PCC is on Tuesday 1 December. Please give any items for the agenda to Rev’d Nick or Linda Storr before 20

th November.

Deanery Synod The Synod has not met since the last Magazine. The next meeting of Deanery Synod takes place on Tuesday 20 October. For more information talk to your Synod reps - Philip Douglas, Gareth Evans and Clive Postle.


Games afternoon Sunday 22nd November 3pm-5pm In the St Thomas Centre

Come along and join in the fun. There will be plenty of games available - or bring your own to share! Something for every age! Plus tea, coffee and homemade cake too.

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Would you like to advertise in this space?

This magazine is distributed

throughout Wednesfield and also available to buy in Church.

For more details of terms and rates please contact Margaret Carroll on 01902 732092 or email

[email protected]

M.R.BROWN & SON Quality Carpentry & Building Services

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Fitted kitchens - Worktop joints Fitted bathrooms - Stair spindles

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St Thomas’ Church is on Facebook, and over 400 people like our page! So if you haven’t already, why not join us? www.facebook.com/stthomaschurchwednesfield

SHOPPING? If you feel like a nice cup of coffee (or tea) and a breather, (and a biscuit), why not call in at St. Thomas' Room. Coffee is served from 10.00 –12.00, every Friday and Saturday morning.

Everyone is welcome – just pop in

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A message from the RNIB We are Royal National Institute of Blind People

(RNIB). Are you interested in holding tea parties in your neighbourhoods to help the blind and partially-sighted lead their lives with confidence? Or fancy becoming one of our bucket collection volunteers? If you would like to give time on organising fundraisers or doing research for us, please contact Shad on 0121 665 4252

Coffee,

Cake and

Crafts

In the St Thomas Centre, Church Street, Wednesfield

Everyone is welcome to join us for tea, coffee, cake and a chat. Bring along your current project - all crafts welcome! £2.50 waged, £1 unwaged, including refreshments. For more information please call Joanna on 01902 731462.

On Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm September 16th and 30th October 7th and 21st November 4th and 18th

On Thursday afternoons at 2.30pm September 24th October 1st and 15th November 12th and 26th

10.00am to 3.00pm Saturday 14th November 2015 St Thomas Centre, Church Street, Wednesfield Free admission

Once again we have a wonderful selection of stallholders, almost all of them local to Wednesfield. Please come and visit the fair, and perhaps find something special to buy. Refreshments for sale, including hot pork baps and cakes. Hope to see you there! To book a table email [email protected] or phone 01902 731 462.

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What’s on in… October

We know there’s still quite a bit of 2015 left! But here’s advance notice…

The St Thomas’ Church Events Committee are planning to hold a New Year’s Eve party in the Centre. Details to be finalised - but it’s going to be an evening of friendship and fun for every age.

So rather than sitting at home watching endless “best of 2015” pro-grammes on the TV, come along to the Centre! Bring food to share, bring your own drinks, and bring a CD of your favourite music!

1 Thursday 2.30pm Coffee, Cake and Crafts in the Centre

2 Friday 2.30pm 7.30pm

Holy Communion at Woden Resource Centre Harvest Supper in St Thomas Centre

4 Sunday Trinity 18

8.00am 10.15am 4.30pm 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Holy Baptism Evening Worship

6 Tuesday 9.15am Tom’s Tots – Harvest celebration

7 Wednesday 7.30pm Coffee, Cake and Crafts in the Centre

11 Sunday Trinity 19

8.00am 10.15am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Evening Worship to celebrate the work of Christian Aid

13 Tuesday 9.15am 1.15pm

Tom’s Tots - planes Wood End School Year 2 RE visit to church

14 Wednesday 7.15pm Mothers’ Union in the Centre

15 Thursday 2.30pm 7.30pm

Coffee, Cake and Crafts in the Centre ‘Life to the Full’ evening in the Centre

18 Sunday Trinity 20

8.00am 10.15am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Morning Worship and Junior Church Evening Prayer


Tom’s Tots – pumpkin seed craft Deanery Synod meeting at the Epiphany, Oxley

21 Wednesday 5.00pm 7.30pm

School Governors’ meeting Coffee, Cake and Crafts in the Centre


Charities Committee meeting in St Thomas Room ‘Life to the Full’ evening in the Centre

23 Friday 7.30pm Quiz and Chips evening in the Centre

24 Saturday 10.00am Messy Church in the Centre

25 Sunday Bible Sunday

8.00am 10.00am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Holy Communion

31 Saturday 3.00pm Light Party in the Centre

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What’s on in… November

1 Sunday All Saints

8.00am 10.15am 4.30pm 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Holy Baptism All Souls’ Commemoration Service


Tom’s Tots – bonfire night Events committee meeting


5 Thursday 7.30pm ‘Life to the Full’ evening in the Centre

6 Friday 2.30pm Holy Communion at Woden Resource Centre

8 Sunday Remembrance Sunday

8.00am 9.30am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Eucharist and Remembrance Service Evening worship


Tom’s Tots – snowy days Shared Leadership Team meeting

11 Wednesday 10.50am 7.15pm 7.45pm

Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph Mothers’ Union in the Centre Baptism preparation evening in Church



14 Saturday 10.00am Craft Fair in the Centre

15 Sunday 2 before Advent

8.00am 10.15am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Evening Worship


Tom’s Tots – bird feeders and winter pictures Worship Committee


19 Thursday 7.30pm ‘Life to the Full’ evening in the Centre

22 Sunday Sunday before Advent

8.00am 10.15am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Evening Prayer


Tom’s Tots – Christmas decorations St Thomas Centre Management Committee

25 Wednesday 7.30pm District Church Council Meeting



28 Saturday 11.00am 11.00am

Cystic Fibrosis fundraising event in the Centre St Alban’s Church Christmas Fair

29 Sunday Advent Sunday

8.00am 10.00am 6.30pm

Holy Communion (said) Family Eucharist with Junior Church Evening worship for Advent

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Worldwide President Lynne Tenby has affirmed the commitment of Mothers’ Union to support refugees fleeing conflict and persecution and seeking sanctuary in Europe. Lynne Tenby says “Mothers’ Union has the potential to help churches and communities right at grassroots level, maximise the support they can give – through prayer, through advocacy and through practical support.”

Mothers Union has a long history of helping those fleeing persecution, or conflict or violence. Whilst across many parts of the world: Africa, Oceania, and Asia, Mothers’ Union is experienced in dealing with large-scale crisis of this nature, it is many years since Europe has faced such a crisis.

Mothers’ Union has over 72,000 members in Europe, predominately in Britain and Ireland (around 4 million worldwide) but including small branches in Europe of members who were themselves asylum seekers who fled conflict. Every year Mothers’ Union across the world, most recently in developing countries, brings emergency relief to around 25,000 people through provision of food, basic household provisions of blankets and sleeping bags, cooking utensils, water sanitation kits and soap.

At our last meeting we held our annual Fundraising Auction. A lot of fun was had by all. We managed to raise £105.75p. Many thanks to our resident Auctioneers, Gwen Turner and Carol Trusswell. The funds raised will be used for the work of Mothers’ Union Worldwide.

Our annual Christmas Dinner is taking place on 2nd

December 2015, at Goodyear, Pavilions Restaurant. Cost is as last year, £19 per person. There will be a list on the board in St Thomas’ Room for you to sign your name and make your choices for the meal. All very welcome, if you would like to bring a friend please put their name on the list. Payment for meal please by 1st November, as we have to pay Pavilions Restaurant at least 2 weeks before date of meal, so they can order the food. Thank you.

At our meeting on Wednesday 14th October the speaker will be from The Prince’s Trust. As you may be

aware they use St Thomas’ Centre for training young people and helping them into employment.

At our meeting on Wednesday 11th November the speaker will be Roger Hailwood from The National

Memorial Arboretum .

All welcome to join us at our meetings.

Jill Ellson, Branch Leader

St Thomas Centre, Wednesfield

Are you looking for a venue to hold your party or community project? Then why not come and have a look at the St Thomas Centre

Room hire for all occasions Recently refurbished Fully equipped kitchen facilities Available 7 days a week Competitive rates Capacity for 100 people

For more details and enquiries on how to book please contact Margaret Walker on

01902 723310 or email [email protected]

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If you’re ready to take a new step in your faith and life, then ‘Life to the Full’ may be for you.

Over eight Thursday evenings we’ll look together at the basics of Christianity, from thinking about who Jesus is, through learning about the Bible and prayer to considering how this all works out in the way that we relate to other people.

You won’t be put on the spot or embarrassed, there’s no charge and there’ll be a chance each week to ask your own questions if there’s something you’re wondering about.

If you’d like to be confirmed, this series will get you ready for the confirmation service on 13 December. If you’re just keen to find out more about Christianity or you’d like a refresher course, you’ll find a lot in these evenings to help you.

The first session is on Thursday 15 October, in the St Thomas Centre from 7.30pm-9.00pm.

If you’d like to know more, go to the church website or call Nick on 01902 731 462

Any Questions?

If you’ve got any questions you’d like to ask about faith, God, the Bible, prayer or anything like that - ask away.

I’ll do my best to answer any questions on Facebook or through my blog (www.revnickwatson.wordpress.com) - and if something is asked a few times I’ll print my attempt at an answer here! If you’re not online, then please do leave questions for me at the back of church.

There are a couple of things I’ve been asked recently by more than one person, so here goes…

What is the Apocrypha?

In some Bibles, there’s a section in between the Old and New Testaments called the Apocrypha. They don’t get a good press in some circles. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word ‘Apocryphal’ has come to mean ‘(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true.’ That’s not really fair to the Apocrypha you’ll find in Bibles. They are the books which were included in the Old Testament when it was translated into Greek, which was the version used by most early Christians and Jews outside Palestine in the first century. They weren’t in the original Hebrew Old Testament, which was used by Jews in Palestine - including Jesus. Most of them were written in the last couple of centuries before Jesus’ life, and there are all sorts of things in there. 1 Maccabees is an important book of history that helps us to understand the time of Jesus better. Ecclesiasticus and Wisdom are two books of wise advice which are well worth reading and meditating on. For me, those three books are the highlights.

So in the Church of England, we recognise the Apocrypha as being important and well worth reading - but not as part of the Bible itself, and so not to be used to define our beliefs about God and life.

Why do some crosses have ‘INRI’ written above the figure of Jesus?

The letters ‘INRI’ are the initials of the Latin ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum’ - which means ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’. St John (19:19) tells us that Pontius Pilate had these words written above Jesus’ head on the cross in three languages, so everyone could read them (Latin, Greek, and Hebrew). He meant them as an insult both to Jesus and to the religious leaders, but we take them as a truth he didn’t mean to speak - for all his sneering ‘What is truth?’ cynicism.


Don’t know what to pray for?

Lichfield diocese produces a regular prayer diary, which helps us to pray for other churches in the diocese and throughout the worldwide church. It’s available free of charge online at http://www.lichfield.anglican.org/ourmission/prayer-diary/ (there’s a link on the church website under the first page of the ‘prayer’ section).

From the diocesan website, you can also download a free app for your phone which will bring you daily prayers from this cycle and others you choose. Give it a try!

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@OurCofE - St Thomas’ goes nationwide!

It’s a bit of a long story as to how it happened, but the last week of July I ended up “looking after” the Church of England’s Twitter account, “OurCofE”.

For those of you who haven’t come across Twitter, it’s a way of connecting with people, and communicating with them in 140 characters or less (that includes spaces and punctuation!). You can add photos but then there are even less than 140 characters!

It was always going to be a busy week - Polar Explorers holiday club in the Centre, meeting of the centre management committee, the Prince’s Trust presentation event, craft group was on, and it was magazine printing week, so I was finishing off putting the magazine together, and then we had printer battles! And on a personal level I did two days of work (usually I work 3+) and I went to Joint Replacement School at Solihull Hospital with my aunt, who at that time was planning to have a knee replacement. It was the last day of term at Wodensfield Primary School (where I am chair of governors) so I popped in there, and of course as it was school and university holidays there were three children at home!

Add on to that an awful lot of tweeting - which doesn’t take long but did interrupt the days - and then replying to other people’s tweets to me!

Then of course there were the unplanned events of the week. Nick’s brother and his family “popped in” (they live in North Derbyshire so that doesn’t often happen!). A man from the diocese came to look round the house to see what could be done to improve security following the break-in we had last year. And then most exciting of all was hearing the news that the sale of St Chad’s Church had finally gone through, which had been a real burden for Nick, and now gives us more opportunities. This was so exciting that we found a bottle of champagne, and had curry and champagne on the Friday evening!

It was really interesting to see who replied and commented, and what we ended up chatting about on twitter! Here’s a flavour:

Gill Edwards joined Twitter especially to follow the week - and discovered a selection of church organists who wanted to chat to her!

I wondered how I ended up editing ‘Church News’ which led to a bit of a chat about being a clergy spouse, and the pressures that can bring.

I shared some photos of church, the centre, and Wednesfield more broadly - it was good to dispel some of the views about the Black Country for people who’ve never been!

People were interested in how we raised money for the Centre, and what we use it for. Which led to a bit of a chat about churches running Wedding Fayres! (watch this space…)

I shared photos of the Prince’s Trust event, when the group which met in the centre received their certificates and shared their stories. It made me realise how important their work is, and how good it is that we can support them as a church.

On Wednesday morning I discovered that I really should have done some shopping, so only had a banana for breakfast. This was similar to a well-known tweeting vicar, Rev Kate Botley, who is the vicar on Channel 5’s Gogglebox. As a result there was a lot of retweeting going on and over 1,000 people read that I had only had a banana for breakfast!!!

I tweeted photos from the Holiday Club each day - including sharing photos that a mum sent me each day of her daughter’s holiday scrapbook, where she wrote about Polar Explorers, which was lovely.

Questions people had were fascinating; my favourite was “How do you pronounce Wednesfield?”

I tweeted all through the Sunday service - I was a bit unsure in advance, but a lot of people followed it and some commented how they had felt they were really with us, which was lovely. Although one person was very concerned that the servers have red cassocks - do we have permission for that?!

Whilst it was a particularly busy week, it made me realise quite how busy Rectory life is, and that I (as an individual) and we (as a couple and as a family) need make sure we switch off and relax. Unfortunately it’s been hard to follow up on that!

19


All in all, it was a really good thing to do - and I’ve had lots of comments since from people outside the church who followed the week, and appreciated all the positive things about life in Wednesfield that I shared. There is so much negativity around, it was nice to be positive, and made me value even more all the positive things that are going on in and around St Thomas’. Here are my last few tweets:

If you would like to see the whole of “my week on twitter” then there is a printout of the week’s tweets on the table at the back of church. I suggest you get a large mug of tea or coffee first, there’s quite a lot of it!

Finally, here’s one of the most popular tweets I sent during the week.

Joanna Watson

20


Apple and Pumpkin Day

Craft Fair and Gift Fair SUNDAY 25th. OCTOBER 2015

10.00 AM – 4.00 PM - at -

Essington Fruit Farm Bognop Road, Essington

CRAFTS AND GIFTS FOR ALL TASTES

Samplings Homemade Fudge

Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin Home Bakery

Hallowe’en Pumpkins Face Painting

CARVERY ROAST SERVED 12.00 – 2.30 PM If you wish to join us for lunch please

book in plenty of time

Don’t forget, this is the day when the clocks go back!

For booking details contact Richard Simkin on 01902 735724

21


A New Bishop for the Diocese of Lichfield

When a much loved vicar leaves a parish there will always be a feeling of emptiness mixed with sadness in the immediate aftermath. But there will also be the lingering sense of thanksgiving for a much valued ministry, and for the warm farewells which brought everyone together in celebration and appreciation.

I am sure such feelings are prevalent across our large and diverse Diocese as we adjust to the reality of Bishop Jonathan’s retirement and reflect on the memorable opportunities we have had to come together in a spirit of thanksgiving , most espe-cially as we celebrated the ‘Goodness of God’ in West Bromwich on September 5

th.

Inevitably the question in many minds will be ‘when will we have a new Bishop?’ accompanied by an inter-est in the process by which a new Bishop will be appointed. Although the answer to the question about ‘when’ will frustrate some - for a new Bishop will not be joining us, at best, until well into next year – be re-assured that the process is already well under way.

Indeed many who are reading this will have been directly involved in the process through your participation in the widespread consultation which took place throughout the Deaneries during the summer. Your input has significantly shaped a key document entitled ‘A new Bishop for the Diocese of Lichfield’ which in many ways is similar to the ‘parish profile’ drawn up when parishes are seeking a new Vicar . It presents an in-formative picture of our Diocese, not being afraid to celebrate some of our most distinctive joys and treas-ures or to set out some of our greatest challenges. It concludes with a section setting out the qualities we think are most important in the person we seek as our new Bishop, qualities almost entirely drawn from statements made by those attending the Deanery consultations.

Another significant part of the process has been the election of six members of the Diocesan Vacancy in See Committee, to serve the Diocese on the Crown Nominations Commission, the body which will oversee the appointment process from here on, including the interviewing of the shortlisted candidates early in the New Year. Those who have been elected are a mix of ordained and lay and represent something of the diverse church traditions and contexts which make up our Diocese. Their names are on the Diocesan web-site.

The appointment process has much in common with the sort of methods used to appoint senior leaders in other walks of life but it also has significant differences, most notably in the encouragement to all of us to pray throughout the process.

A man of prayer has left us. Let us show that part of his legacy is a Diocese committed to and united in prayer as we seek God’s will for this appointment.

+Clive Wulfrun Bishop of Wolverhampton

22


From the Parish Registers Holy Baptism ‘Shine as a light in the world, to the glory of God the Father’ 23 August Samuel Mark Kelly, son of Gemma Keimel and Mark Kelly

Maisie Waterfield, daughter of Amy Jones and Simon Waterfield Alfie Graham Durkin, son of Kelly Roberts and Gary Durkin Isaac Tooth, son of Kathryn Willis and Ashley Tooth

6 September Lori Mae Bellingham, daughter of Adele and Karl Bellingham Tegan Bradley, daughter of Nicola and Nicholas Bradley

20 September James McMichael, son of Amanda and Paul McMichael Oliver William Norwood, son of Faye Turner and Stephen Norwood Alice Connie Sidebottom, daughter of Aimée and Philip Sidebottom

Marriage ‘Those whom God has joined together, let no-one put asunder’ 1 August Laura Stacey Cole and James Allen Cooper 8 August Leanne Edwards and Nathan Hollingshead 15 August Susan Denise Allsopp and John Andrew Bulger

Keely Michelle Gee and James Michael Webb 4 September Maxine Ann Fisher and Peter David Gorry 11 September Amanda Jayne Hayner and Darren Graham Hill 12 September Natalie Marie Powell and Neil Anthony Meredith

Marriage thanksgiving and renewal of vows 30 August Rose and Steve Harrison (30 years)

Funerals ‘God will show us the path of life; in his presence is the fullness of joy.’ (Psalm 16:10) 11 August Marjorie Wesley (90)

Patricia Marston (77) 25 August Brian Walker (88) 4 September Maud Leeding (99) 16 September Florence Evans (90)

Dennis Beards (79) 21 September Kathleen Westley (88) 24 September Shaun Donnelly (24) 28 September Thomas Chapman (76) 30 September Sarah Pugh (99)

Celebrating baptism

Each year we welcome around 50 people to the church family in baptism. Most are babies, but some are older children and some adults. It’s a great privilege, and something we should celebrate as a church, though usually we celebrate baptism on Sunday afternoons, and it’s a bit hidden from the rest of church life.

It would help us to celebrate baptism properly – and to welcome the families who come to baptism more effectively – if more people were willing to be involved in the preparation for baptism and in worshipping at the regular baptism services. Would you be willing to help those who are new to church to find their place here? If you think you might be able to help, or would just like to know more about what’s involved, please contact me, Ness Tobin or Sharon Peake.


Welcome to Oliver, James

and Alice!

In Memoriam

In memory of David, our much loved husband and father, from the Richards family.

In loving memory of Peter McConkey from Ann, Clive,

Joy, Neil, Ruth and Adam

In loving memory of Ken Smith from his wife Kath

23


Do you have friends or family in New Cross Hospital? Why not send them a

request?

Ring - (01902) 695099 and ask to be put through to Radio Wulfrun

(Mon-Fri 7-10 pm)

Log on - www.radiowulfrun.co.uk

Write - Radio Wulfrun c/o New Cross Hospital

Wolverhampton WV10 OQP

Text - 07807 539789

If your Group would like us to mention any event "on air", please contact us with details.

PORTLAND EYE CARE

SERVICES LTD Established since 1983

Professional Eye Care for All the Family

NHS/Private sight tests

Free children’s frames with NHS voucher

Fast spectacle repair service

Cataract/Glaucoma screening

Contact lens care and fitting

Home visits arranged

Hearing tests by appointment

Chiropodist

We are an independent Opticians that offer an

extensive range of frames and lenses to suit your

budget and needs.

01902 723898 45 Lichfield Road, Wednesfield

WV11 1TW

24


Essington Fruit Farm 01902 735724

More than just strawberries and right on your doorstep!

Top quality local meats including our own Free Range Pork Fresh Fruit and Veg Home-made cakes

Our famous Carvery Roast every Sunday

Monthly Thursday suppers 6.30 - 8.30

Traditional Farm Cooking in our Country Kitchen Hot dish of the day: Tuesday - Saturday

Carvery Roast Sundays

Opening Hours Shop 9-5 Tuesday - Saturday, 10-3 Sundays

Tearoom 11-3 Tuesday - Sunday

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