This year Remembrance Sunday (11th November) marks the centenary of the end of World War One. Of the 65 million men who were mobilized, 8.5 million were killed and a further 21 million wounded. How should we celebrate this anniversary? In remembering the armistice, our response should be to desire Micah’s vision of universal peace in our world: ‘Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.’ (Micah 4:3). However, why keep asking God for peace, when we continue to see such violence and unrest in our world? The Bible makes it clear that peace is not just the absence of war or being untroubled. It means being in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, with other people and with wider society. Micah’s words are looking to end of time when God will make all things new in His universal kingdom. However, these promises also speak to us now. The ministry of Jesus demonstrated the kingdom or reign of God breaking into the everyday, as He healed the sick and brought reconciliation and hope. The end of the centenary of World War 1 is a time to consider peace. Although the war did not bring a lasting peace to the world, for the Christian there’s a deeper lesson: peace begins with the From the editor
Transcript
This year Remembrance Sunday (11th November) marks the centenary of the end of World War One. Of the 65 million men who were mobilized, 8.5 million were killed and a further 21 million wounded.
How should we celebrate this anniversary? In remembering the armistice, our response should be to desire Micah’s vision of universal peace in our world: ‘Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.’ (Micah 4:3).
However, why keep asking God for peace, when we continue to see such violence and unrest in our world? The Bible makes it clear that peace is not just the absence of war or being untroubled. It means being in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ, with other people and with wider society.
Micah’s words are looking to end of time when God will make all things new in His universal kingdom. However, these promises also speak to us now. The ministry of Jesus demonstrated the kingdom or reign of God breaking into the everyday, as He healed the sick and brought reconciliation and hope.
The end of the centenary of World War 1 is a time to consider peace. Although the war did not bring a lasting peace to the world, for the Christian there’s a deeper lesson: peace begins with the healing of hearts, the restoring of relationships and with a deep, costly commitment to justice.
From the editor
Hello Everyone,
Here we are nearly at the end of the year and many of us are asking where 2018 has gone!Personally, my year started fabulously well with the birth of our 2nd granddaughter, Emily Joy, in February. She’s an IVF baby so is very special.I’ve never pushed my faith on anyone, so I have never suggested baptism to either of my children for their own children, although they were both baptised at St Peter’s. My first granddaughter was baptised last year at St Nicholas.After I recently completed The Parish Profile I asked my son to look over it with his graphic design hat on and tweak it before I submitted it to the Diocese.A few days later I think he liked what he saw in the profile because he asked about getting Emily baptised at our church and this went ahead on 7th October, Paul’s wife’s birthday. We had a fantastic day. The church was packed with family and friends. Godparents were chosen with care. Canon Dick Cartmell took the service and it was fabulous, a mix of seriousness and with funny moments too.Emily wore a christening gown handed down in her Mum’s family and her shawl had a great significance for my husband and myself. Derrik and myself met at school when we were sixteen but because I went away to college we didn’t get married until we were twenty-three. I was busy establishing my career and we were moving into our own family house so didn’t have our first baby until I was twenty-nine. Derrik was an only child and his mum was thrilled when I was expecting her first grandchild. She spent my pregnancy knitting cardigans, bootees and hats, blankets and shawls and saving to buy us a pram. Every week she would arrive with something else for the baby to be!
Sandra’s letter
Unfortunately, six weeks before the baby was born, and in her early fifties, she had a massive heart attack and died. I sometimes wonder if the excitement of her expected grandchild was too much to bear. The shawl in the photo is the one she knit for the baby she never saw forty years ago. A little piece of her at her great grandchild’s special day.
As we enter into our 10th month of Interregnum God has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us every step of the way.
Each and everyone of us are valuable in Gods eyes and we can all work together to spread the Good News to our community.
During the recent Harvest / Flower Festivals God’s power was demonstrated in our many gifts that He has given us: Carole for the beautiful flower arrangements; Bernice, Dorothy and others the baking; Ruth organising all the Rota's and the Harvest Festival programme, and all the people who volunteered to be on the rota's.
The Harvest service saw record numbers of children attending and every child certainly felt the love of God.
The adults – well, how empowered were you? what did God say to you that day?
The Jacobs join and auction; all the afore mentioned people and Joanne and David, there certainly was love shared amongst us and we raised a lot of money for The Bishops appeal and Salvation Army too.
On the Monday evening Bishop Jill visited our beautiful church and along with Sandra, Ruth, Trudie and myself came to pray for the Holy Spirit to
A message from Karen
cleanse all our past sins and also to empower every member of our congregation.
Bishop Jill has fanned the flame of this church family, as happened in 2001 during the fan the Flame campaign.
As we approach Advent, one of the church's busiest times of the year, I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to Fan the Flame in this church family.
So come and see what God has planned for St Nicholas and have your say on the qualities you would like our next priest to possess.
Christ be our light one to another in Jesus's name. Amen
On October 4th October we welcomed an interesting talk on the work of the Civic Society at the afternoon meeting.The evening meeting on 11th October had an illuminated talk on the work of the Rotary Club. Many thanks to all the speakers.
On 10th 0ctober an Indoors members tea party was held at Christ Church. Many thanks go to Christ Church for their hospitality and to Dorothy for once again organising gifts for the over 85s.
On November 1st the afternoon meeting will hear a talk on Fleetwood Memorial Park at 2.30 pm - all welcome.
The evening meeting is being held this month on November 22nd at 7.30 pm. We will be welcoming Carole Pilling who will be demonstrating decorating Christmas Wreaths. Again, everyone welcome.
Mothers Union is supplying a Christmas Hamper for the Christmas Raffle at Church to be drawn on December 20th. We would appreciate donations for the hamper (either monetary or foodstuff) from members.
Mothers’ Union Notes
Baptisms
September 30th Joseph Junior Turner aged 8 yearsSeptember 30th Harper Bee aged 1 yearOctober 7th Emily Joy Foulkes aged 10 months
Caterers look no further than us to provide your food in a very
pleasant environment.
Also available for private parties (minimum 15)
Call Linda on 07932959008 to make enquiries or book a reservation
A big thank you to Carole and to all who contributed in any way to the Flower Festival weekend. The sponsors of the floral arrangements were extremely generous, and our church looked beautiful. The stewards in church and the helpers in the café were invaluable, and, despite the atrocious weather on the Friday and Saturday, we were kept reasonably busy with visitors from local churches and across the diocese.
Harvest/ Flower Festival Weekend
The breakdown of the financial receipts/payments is as shown below:-
Sponsors of arrangements - £900Takings in the café - £100Donations in church - £194Sale of arrangements - £ 76 Total - £1270
Purchase of flowers - £270Profit for church - £1000
On the Sunday of the Flower festival weekend we held our harvest festival celebrations. We were joined by several of our own children and the Rainbowgroup who meet in our hall each Friday, all joining in with a special presentation of word and song. This was a very happy service led by Rev’d Ian Files.
After the presentation of gifts, we went to the hall for a harvest lunch and auction. This raised £257 which is to be divided between the Salvation Army and the Bishop’s Appeal (for Kids in Kailahun – giving orphaned children the skills to work the land, and to help the brazil nut harvest in Brazil)
St Nicholas Harvest (by David Ashworth)
It’s Sunday morning, we’re ready for Harvest,With flowers, decorations and the Church at its best.People arrive, take seats and prepare,Rainbows and other children are there.
Hymns had been chosen with children in mind,To help them sing them, which was so kind.A hymn with actions and animals too,Made choir members look like they came from a zoo.The children joined in with fun and with smiles,This hymn was the best, the best by miles.
The gifts to be blessed to the Altar were brought,So many donations, who would have thought?The donations to be auctioned, for money to raise,But also, to give God thanks and give praise.
After the service we went into the hall,To have food and drink and a bit of a ball.Well I say ball, but it was to have some fun.Auctioning the gifts when the food was done.
Well to have some fun and try make it funny, With an aim in mind to make as much money.For the Salvation Army, the Bishops charity too,For the good work the organisations do.
The auction started with an enthusiastic bid,Who’ll give me a fiver, who’ll raise to six quid.The hands were flying, the shouts were loud,It might be a small but a generous crowd.
The chocolate was popular and anything sweet,This kind of donation had the kids on their feet.The bids came in fast and they came in plenty,Daniel bid two pound and raised to six-twenty.
The one for me was the big doggy hamper,But this didn’t make our Brampton scamper.Lucky for him Joy had his interest at heart,And was keen to bid, right from the start.She wasn’t alone, Ruth came in even higher,But Paula went big attempting to be the buyer.Standing by her guns, the last bid came from Joy,To seal the deal for Brampton her very good Boy.
We had so much fun, it had me in tears,The bids were won with laughter and cheers.With bellies full, with wallets and purses not so,We said thanks for supporting and mind how you go.
Results from last month’s 100 Club draws are as follows:
1st prize (£10) 2nd Prize (£5) 3rd Prize (£5)
Sept 30th Shirley Kershaw David Meekins Ruth Aspinall
October 6th David Meekins Maureen Siddall Ruth Aspinall
October 13th Daniel Ashworth Nancy Burr Rosie
October 20th Dorothy Angel Gerald Mathias Maureen Siddall
Accounts
Treasurer’s accounts (PCC account) for September 2018
Opening balance £243.60 Closing balance £ 1994.14
Payments in £4835.29 Payments out £ 3084.75
Receipts for September 2018 Payments for September 2018
Transferred from deposit account 2000.00 Parish share 2000.00Sunday collections 789.43 Hall cleaning (August) 120.00Baptism collections 60.04 Verger fees (August 25th) 40.00Memorial Book 60.00 Parish Pump (magazine resource) 42.99Hall lets 502.50 Vicarage water 55.56100 Club 175.00 Church insurance 168.36Safari Lunch 300.00 Council Tax 254.00Coffee morning 70.00 Total GP (church gas & electrics) 48.77Sunday teas 26.82 Total GP (hall gas & electrics) 71.02Magazine donations 3.00 Hall insurance 120.42Donations towards extra parish share 255.00 Weekly sheets 19.88Bind us together breakfast 17.50 Rev Keith 37.00Wedding fees 576.00 Fr Tom 73.00
Rev’d Hannah 33.754835.29 3084.75
Money matters
Join us at our monthly coffee morning for a drink and a chat
Entrance : £1: Coffee: Biscuits: Raffle
Thursday November 15th from 10.00 am
In the Jubilee Room
Support the local food bank.
Bring gifts of food to church or give cash donations to Muriel. Thank you
Items for next month’s magazine by
Sunday November 18th
Please
Calendar for November
Thursday 1st. 2.30 pm MU meeting
Friday 2nd. 10.30 am All Soul’s Requiem said mass
Sunday 4th. 9.00 am Said Mass 10.30 am Sung Mass 12 noon Holy Baptism
Tuesday 6th 10.00 am Prayer Circle10.30 am MU Committee meeting 2.00 pm Mass 2.30 pm Ladies’ Fellowship
Sunday 11th. 9.00 am Said Mass NO 10.30 am MASS (Remembrance Sunday)
Tuesday 13th. 2.00 pm Mass 2.30 pm Ladies’ Fellowship
Thursday 15th. 10.00 am Coffee morning
Sunday 18th. 9.00 am Said Mass10.30 am Sung Mass 2.00 pm Holy Baptism
Tuesday 20th. 2.00 pm Mass 2.30 pm Ladies’ Fellowship
Wednesday 21st. 9.30 am Church cleaning
Thursday 22nd. 7.30 pm EMU’s meeting
Sunday 25th. 9.00 am Said Mass 10.30 am Sung Mass
Tuesday 27th. 2.00 pm Mass 2.30 pm Ladies’ Fellowship
November 1918
I received this e mail recently and so include the copies of the 2 poems mentioned:
Dear Mrs Aspinall,A friend of mine in your area has suggested that I send you a copy of one of my most recent poems about the Great War for your magazine.
'Ambulance Train Sixteen' Is about one coach of a train used on the Western Front to carry our Wounded back to the Channel Ports, and later returned to normal service in the UK in 1921.
Some of your readers may have had family members who were carried on it, or others like it.
I have also attached another example of my work, about one of the 250,000 boys, who raised their age, to fight on the Front. (The youngest was just 12).
They will appear in my 3rd book due in November.
AMBULANCE TRAIN SIXTEEN.Oh coach, so clean in Summery green;
I met you once, as 'Ambulance Train 16'.
You carried soldiers just like me;
craving smokes and cups of tea.
I lay there bloodied in a trance;
as you bravely crossed the fields of France.
Our cries and supplications filled the night;
our wounds had given nurses such a fright.
Men whose youth were spent in sport;
now cowering at every noise's report.
Broken on the Somme, or shattered Ypres;
what horrors will their minds now keep?
Yet 'Train Sixteen', our saviour trundles on;
-collecting wounded from the Front, through Rouen.
The Army Ambulance worked its deeds;
though bomb and shell, your path impedes.
"It's a blighty one for you my lad;
but poor Bertie here's, been driven mad.
The awful wounds you have to bear,
will bring so often, an unkind stare".
But more work yet, you must confront;
repatriating troops, Russia's POWs from the Eastern Front.
Doing what it always takes;
defeated and herded, from the Masurian Lakes.
Tireless nurses and bearers lost their youth;
only they will know the truth.
Safe, back in England from all the hum;
broken lives and nightmares to overcome.
And so now, as I board the 09.42;
the memories flow and I remember you.
In peacetime colours you smartly gleam;
as tired old soldiers now commute, from Cheam.
BY JACK D. HARRISON.
WED 12-09-2018.
POPPIES IN A FIELD.Poppies in a field, for the boy no longer here;he sailed for the Western Front without any fear.Peaceful was the image in his head that day;just turned twelve, as he lay in the newly cut hay.
And now turned fourteen, he's gone, having lied about his age;Recruiting Sergeants didn't care, as the boy signed the page.So many of these boys, joined up, forsaking favourite toys;Like Pied Pipers, the call of the guns led them to the noise.
A hundred years ago this morning;he left his trench, the July day was dawning.They trample the Poppies all around;as allied shells and mortar, pound the German ground.
Quickly over the top he went, the Officer was keen to teach;but the bullet with his name on it, was not yet in the breech."Not too fast, keep the line straight";he heard the Lieutenant’s call, not daring then to wait.
Across the broken ground they stare;resilient Poppies still defiant, here and there.He passed what resembled Tommy McAid;still missing from last night's trench raid.
They tread the hell of 'No-man's Land', the gallant lines progress;amongst them, blasts artillery shells, causing Shellshock and distress.Then Private Muller from the Rhine, replaced the magazine;the bullet with his name on it, the boy had never seen.
And now our boy has fallen in the same old way;The French field reminds him of that newly cut hay.He'll never get a chance to write;to explain to grieving parents, "it's alright".
His blood now feeds the Poppies here;Poppies in that field, for the boy no longer here.
By JACK D. HARRISON.(In memory of Grandad, who spent time on the Somme; and to the 250,000
boys who lied about their age; to get into The Great War].
Two more poems about this time of year
Remembrance Sunday
Televisions relay the programmeAs thousands attend the Albert Hall,Music plays and prayers are utteredWaiting for the poppy fall.
Young men and boys of tender age,We must remember what it costAs they fought to save our country,Some came home, and some were lost.
Wars will always be amongst usDeath and darkness, dread and fear,But one day this all will vanishWhen the Prince of Peace is here.
Headstones
The rows of headstones silent standTheir message clear, though mute;That we, in Britain’s peaceful landMust silently salute.
Our peace was bought at dreadful priceThrough rain and fear and mud –World conflict fought not once but twiceSo twice the cost in blood.
Each headstone bears a single nameA single husband, son,Who, when the call to duty cameThey did what must be done.
So, think upon those rows of stonesBe silent, still as theyRemind us of those silent homesFrom when they went away.
Yes, spare a while to think of themIt’s just two minutes’ time;And say aloud, just once againThat well-remembered rhyme:They grow not old as we grow old,Nor do the years condemn;But as the days and nights unfold,We will remember them.
Dates for your diaries
As we approach the busy Advent/ Christmas season here are some events which will happen in December.Put them on your calendar and please try to support us.
Sunday December 2nd. 6.30 pm Fleetwood Churches Together Advent Carol Service at St Nicholas followed by Refreshments.
Thursday Dec 6th. Afternoon MU Christmas outing
Sunday Dec 9th. 7.30 pm Patronal Festival led by Bishop Jill Followed by refreshments.
Tuesday Dec 11th. 6.00 pm Christmas concert with local schools
Thursday Dec 13th. Evening MU meal
Thursday Dec 18th. 10.00 am Christmas coffee morning with GrandDraw and Christmas 100 club
Wednesday Dec 24th. 6.00 pm Crib service and First mass of Christmas
Thursdays at 9.30 am, 5 pm and
7 pm
In the Broadway Rooms, St Nicholas’ Church, Highbury Avenue.
Telephone Stacey on 07891 125525 or Emma on 07725 839798
Orange cake
Ingredients
125g butter softened
¼ cup milk
¼ cup orange juice
2 eggs
¾ cup caster sugar
1 ½ cups of self- raising flour sifted
1tbs orange zest finely grated
Orange icing
1/3 cup butter softened
1 ½ cups icing sugar sifted
2 tbs orange juice to taste
½ tsp orange zest finely grated
Method
1. Combine all cake ingredients and beat thoroughly for 3 minutes2. Pour mixture into a greased 20cm x 10 cm loaf or 20cm ring tin3. Bake in the centre of a 180C oven for 30 – 40 minutes4. Turn on to a wire rack and allow to cool5. Mix orange icing ingredients together in a bowl, then ice cake
Recipe of the month
Somebody playing the fool is usually an irritating character, although not necessarily in a harmful way. This is a biblical expression with its origins in the book of Samuel 26:21.
The story tells of King Saul, who admits to following David and trying to have him killed. ’I have sinned, return, my son David. I will no more do you harm because my soul is precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have played the fool and have erred exceedingly.’
Although in Saul’s case playing the fool had had a sinister intention, in modern times t is not regarded with anything like the seriousness of trying to have somebody killed.
How did it originate
Feast of Christ the King
This is the last Sunday in the churches year before Advent begins the next year. This year it will be celebrated on Sunday November 25th.
Prayer to our God and King
Lord Jesus, King Jesus,
In this world of trouble, we thank you that you have overcome the world! You understand the mess we are in and offer us hope and a future. We may not see how to go forward, or how to solve the problems that surround us and those we care about and those who suffer, but you are sovereign over all situations and circumstances. We can trust you, our King and our Saviour. In your name we give thanks and stand with confidence and strength to face each day.Amen.
Worried son
As my five-year-old son and I were heading to McDonald's one day, we passed a car accident. Usually when we see something terrible like that, we say a prayer for whoever might be hurt, so I pointed and said to my son, 'We should pray.'
From the back seat I heard his earnest voice: 'Dear God, please don't let those cars block the entrance to McDonald's.'
Died in the services
Little Alex was staring up at the large brass plaque that hung on the side wall of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and they seemed to fascinate the seven-year old. “All those names,” he said to the minister. “Who are they?”
“Well, they were people who used to go to this church,” explained the minister. “This is a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the services."
Soberly, they stood together, staring at the large plaque. Little Alex's voice was barely audible when he asked, "Which service, the 9 o’clock, or the 11 o’clock?”
Last chance?
The minister was very ill and was told by his doctor not to have too many visitors. However, when his agnostic friend called, he was allowed to see the minister.
'Well, it’s like this,' said the minister. 'I feel confident that I shall see members of my church in heaven, but I was worried that this might be my last chance to see you!'
Say that again?
A woman telephoned her bank and spoke to the accountant who looked after her holdings. 'I want to make some changes,' she said.
The accountant asked for more details. 'Are you interested in Conversion or Redemption?' he asked.
'Good heavens,' came the reply. 'I must have got the wrong number. I wanted the Bank of England, not the Church of England.'
Top job
Our local vicar thinks very highly of my father. He’s given him a job so important that he has 500 people under him. My father is cutting the grass in the churchyard.
Smile Lines
What bishops do
We were celebrating the 100th anniversary of our church, and several former priests and the bishop were in attendance. At one point, our minister had the children gather at the altar for a talk about the importance of the day. He began by asking, 'Does anyone know what the bishop does?'
There was silence. Finally, one little boy ventured: 'He's the one you can move diagonally.'
When children tell Bible stories (real-life efforts that didn’t quite make it...)
* St John, the blacksmith, dumped water on Jesus’ head.
* Jesus ruled that 'a man doth not live by sweat alone.'
* It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance.
* The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.
* One of the opossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.
As for those signs found outside churches:
* Church carpark sign...FOR MEMBERS ONLY. Trespassers will be baptised!!
* No God - No Peace. Know God - Know Peace.
* Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!
* When the restaurant next to a church put out a big sign with red letters that said, ‘Open Sundays’, the church reciprocated with its own message: ‘We are open on Sundays, too. And we have live music.’
* A singing group called ‘The Resurrection’ was scheduled to sing at a church. When a big snowstorm postponed the performance, the minister fixed the outside sign to read,
‘Resurrection is postponed - due to snow.’
* Come in and pray today. Beat the Christmas rush!
* Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm next Wednesday in the church lounge. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
* Thursday at 10am there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All those wishing to become Little Mothers are asked to go and see our new minister in the vicarage....
Wordsearch
For Britain, the First World War began on 4th August 1914 and ended on 11th November 1918. At the start, the British Government asked for 100,000 volunteers to join the Army. 750,000 applied in the very first month. An estimated 250,000 British boys lied about their age to join up. The youngest caught was just 12 - he was sent home. Average life expectancy in the trenches was just six weeks. In all, 65 million men from 30 countries fought in the First World War. More than nine million fighting men were killed during the conflict, a third of them through disease. At least 750,000 of these were British. The Victoria Cross, the highest military award, was awarded 628 times in the First World War.
First War August November volunteersJoin army lied order youngest World average life expectancy trenchesSix weeks million countries fighting Victoria cross Killed conflict disease
