December/January 2014
THE LINK
The Parish Magazine for the parishes of
St Catherine and Holy Trinity Ventnor and St Boniface Bonchurch
Sunday Services Please see inside Link for details of Sunday Services for
St Catherine‟s, St Boniface and Holy Trinity
Midweek Services
St Catherine‟s Wednesday - 10.30am Holy Communion
Holy Trinity Thursday - 10.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Morning Prayer Tuesday - Bonchurch Old Church - 8am
Wednesday - St Catherine's Church and Thursday Holy Trinity Church -- 9am
Friday - Bonchurch Parish Church - 8.30am
All Welcome
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Articles for the February Magazine should be handed to the
Editorial team by January 12th please. You can hand it in at the
Hub or email to Joan Garlick or Chris Maguire at
Size format for Link pages A5 - GILL Sans MT - font size 11
Hand written reports/articles are accepted if you do not have access
to a computer.
The Julian Group Meets at The Hub in St Catherine’s Church on the
First Friday of each month. 2pm. Encouraging people to practise contemplative prayer in their daily lives,
Contact: Hilary Davis - 855797.
All welcome.
Editorial Team:-
Holy Trinity Church - Gill Chaloner …. 854659
St Catherine's Church - Chris Maguire…..852121
St Boniface Church ...........................
SOCIAL EVENTS
In order to avoid clashes when organising your
social event at St. Catherine’s, St. Boniface or Holy
Trinity, please make sure that you contact Ann or Alan
Dyson to check the availability of your venue.
Details: Tel: 861496
E-mail: [email protected]
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Dear Friends,
By the time Christmas comes around Sarah and I will have been in Ventnor and
Bonchurch for 6 months. One of the more distinctive things I‟ve noticed about
Ventnor is the Timebank, details of which you will find elsewhere in the magazine.
To me it‟s a novel way of matching up people who want to give of their time and
skills to those who need help. Interestingly, I‟ve heard that it‟s harder to find people
who need help than those prepared to give it! Do get in touch with Julia if you or
others known to you come into the second category.
Giving and receiving are at the heart of the story which we tell once again at
Christmas. We say in the midnight service: „From eternity to eternity you are God,
and now we see you as a new born child.‟ As a tiny baby Jesus would have been
completely helpless and at the mercy of everyone, some of whom (eg King Herod)
wanted to do him harm. Becoming helpless was part of God‟s plan of salvation. As
we sing every Christmas: „He was little, weak and helpless, tears and smiles like us
he knew.‟ Or, in the words of St Athanasius, „He became what we are in order that
we become what he is.‟ Because of this, we should never be afraid or ashamed of
seeking and receiving help when we need it, any more than young children are.
Yet God in Christ did not only receive, he also gave. „You know the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor‟ (2
Cor 8:9). God, the creator of all things, reduced himself to the status of human
being to show us what he was like. Not content to just speak to us, he became one
of us. In giving himself in this way he exposed himself to all the world had to throw
at him, as we recall every Easter.
God calls us to mirror this giving with our money and in in our lives. This
Christmas we‟ll be thinking very much of those poor people in the Philippines who
have had their lives turned upside down by the Typhoon. We are collecting for
them in church and around the town as well as praying for them and all who help
them. Yet we can give to people locally too, in all kinds of ways. We can offer our
services to them Timebank, or we could simply give our time in hospitality to
people in our streets. For it is in those dark streets that „shineth the everlasting
night.‟
I do hope you‟ll be able to join us for the many Christmas events in our churches.
On 6th and 7th Dec St Catherine‟s hosts the Christmas Fair, complete with trees
from around the community. On 13th the Undercliff Singers sing a Christmas
Concert at Holy Trinity. On the 15th(3pm) the Orpheus Singers lead us carols at
Bonchurch. Then there is the town Carol Service (22nd), the Crib Services on
Christmas Eve, a Christingle service shared with St Wilfrid‟s (15th 4pm) as well as
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midnight and Christmas morning worship. We will be taking the message of
Christmas into the pubs and the Residential Homes as well as on the streets
through our carol-singing. Do join us in some of these.
Yet singing and speaking God‟s praise is not enough. Let us show it and speak it and
live it and breathe it by the way we live our lives. A Happy Christmas and a peaceful
New Year to you all.
Hugh
VICARAGE CHRISTMAS SOCIAL
People from all 3 churches are very welcome at the Vicarage, Maples Drive
on Sat 14th Dec, either between 11am and 1pm for coffee and mince pies or
in the evening between 7.30 and 9.30 for drinks and nibbles. Nearer the time
there will be notices in all 3 churches for people to sign up for when they
hope to come.
Sunday 22nd : 6.30pm Town Carol Service St Catherine’s Church Christmas Eve: 4pm Bonchurch Crib Service 4pm St Catherine’s Crib Service 11.30pm Midnight Eucharist Holy Trinity 11.30 pm Midnight Eucharist Bonchurch Christmas Morning: 10.30 Family Communion St Catherine’s 10.30 Holy Communion St Boniface Bonchurch
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St. Catherine’S newS
Greetings, and Happy Christmas and New Year!
Finally, the Christmas season has arrived, and the Church is preparing to celebrate
the Advent, or First Coming, of Jesus – God in human form – in Bethlehem Epaphrah
(House of Bread). We all know the familiar story and we have the elements
re-enacted by the services, the candles and giving and receiving of gifts. Although
Biblical scholars now recognise that Jesus was born in the late autumn, between 7
and 2 BC, we have Jesus‟ Official Birthday, on the 25th December because of an edict
from the Emperor Constantine (the first accredited Christian Roman Emperor),
rather like the Queen‟s Official Birthday.
But whatever the discussion concerning the veracity of date, it cannot be denied that
His Advent was prophesised some 800 years previously, with unerring accuracy,
primarily in Isaiah. We hear these prophecies from Isaiah every year and just accept
the claims, because we believe that His birth happened. But why should that be,
when there are so many other prophecies concerning the future of Israel‟s and
humankind‟s fate stated in the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, which are
either glossed over or ignored? Is it because of the symbology that is used and not
understood, descriptions of times that can stretch credibility, or simply because they
are so frightening?
Simply put, the Bible is over two-thirds prophetic in nature, and seen as a reliable
history (as the Hebrew chroniclers had to be as accurate as possible, and the Roman
historian Josephus Flavius – a Romanised Jew who was the Official Historian of the
Emperor - tended to confirm many of the writings), one may be reasonably assured
of the Bible‟s truthfulness, especially as the Dead Sea Scrolls continue to also confirm
the writings.
In this time of Advent, we can be assured that the events we celebrate are true and
indicate the Bible is reliable, and if that can be taken as read, then we can be sure
that the other prophetic books can be also. However, I understand that
interpretation can be subjective to the times and conditions, but I personally believe
that they need to be taken in context – such as Daniel‟s prophecy of men going back
and forth across the face of the earth, and that knowledge will increase. In the last
2000 years that has slowly happened, but it is only in the last 150 years, and since the
1900s, that such things have literally exploded, and a brief review of modern history
will confirm as such. All I am suggesting is that prophecy should not be lightly
regarded or ignored. But I will leave such considerations to the reader. But keep in
mind that Isaiah not only predicted Jesus‟ birth, but His death and in what manner it
would take – so did David in his Psalms.
The fact is, prophecy is seen as „scary‟ because it describes doom and gloom, the „end
of the world‟. However, this is not the purpose of prophecy as many different
prophets, like Jeremiah, Amos and Joel quite often spoke God‟s word into the
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situation that was current, such as Jeremiah‟s message to King Zedekiah and his
prophets (Jer. 28 – 29). But prophecy is always a message of hope and restoration,
as it was indeed the case, and God, if He is God, will keep His word. This is the
purpose of prophecy, and the culmination will be realised in Jesus Christ, the
reason why we celebrate His birth and renew our hope in this New Year and those
to come.
As to that, I wish and pray that all will have a Happy Christmas and New Year!
Chris Maguire
The News –
The Hub - as ever, the Hub continues to offer an outreach to the town of Ventnor,
with a welcoming atmosphere with Fairtrade coffee and homemade cakes, and the
Fairtrade Goods and Bookshop, which feature gifts and cards, including Advent
Calendars and Christmas Cards. Christmas orders may be taken for same, or
bought over the counter. We remain open every weekday and weekend morning,
and on Sundays after the 10:30 a.m. service.
Remembrance Service – The Service was held on the 10/11/13. All of the
representatives of the Town Council, and other groups, were in attendance at this
Service, with their wreaths which were laid at the foot of the Sanctuary and, later, at
the Town Cenotaph, accompanied by the Last Post, and the Lowering of the Flags
(British Legion, and both Scout Packs of Ventnor). With a full church, everyone
walked to the Cenotaph, led by the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, and there
were many passer-bys who followed and stayed, despite the wind, but no rain
thankfully, to give their respects. Thank you all who both took part and helped
prepare the church, and were in also in attendance at both parts of the ceremony.
Hilary Davis took a special service on the 11/11/13 at the Legion, which properly
recognised the Two-Minute Silence at 11 a.m., which was observed across the
country, which went well, despite the turn in the weather.
Ghana Trip – David Tamcken has recently returned from Ghana and presented a
most interesting talk, on the 17th November at the Family Service, about the current
situations in the areas of Wenchi, Wa and Tamale, Fr. Moses‟ work, and that the site
of the well that the Doughnut Club has raised £500 for (and it would be great to
raise another £500 to pay for the full cost of the well!) has been identified – thanks
to the industrious efforts of Ghanaian ants, and seven blokes standing around a hole!
Not wishing to steal David‟s thunder, do ask him about the ants, and read his
reports when printed in this magazine! All of that, and the building of a new High
School and its provision of equipment. Please remember to buy a few extra things –
pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, maths kits, exercise books, colouring pencils, and
reading glasses from Poundland (yes, I‟m plugging them, as they have good value
items useful for Ghana!) when you‟re there next!
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Don‟t forget to pick up your free copy of
The Pompey Chimes
Lights Of Love Service – this will have taken place at St. Catherine‟s on the 28th
November, organised by the EMB Hospice. I hope that all who attended will be
especially comforted by this Service, especially at this poignant time of year.
Home Groups – these are continuing until further notice. Please consider
whether you would benefit by being part of one of the three groups (details in the
Sunday Notes and the Link), to deepen your walk with the Lord and understanding
of the Bible. You don‟t need to be a Scholar, but your being in a Group will be
most welcome!
Two Things – (1) We are collecting woollen knitted items for refugees of the
Syrian Crisis, especially the children. For a hot Middle Eastern country, it can get
very cold around this time of year, so knitted squares that can be adapted for ap-
propriate use will be both useful and welcome. A box is at the back of the church
for this very purpose. (2) As you know, the Philippines has been hit by one of the
biggest storms it has experienced in living memory, even scouring whole towns,
with many affected by loss of homes, livelihoods and lives. Clean water is in short
supply, as are the basics which we all take for granted here in the UK. We have a
bucket into which donations can be put (and is emptied regularly) in the Hub and
the church during and after services. It is realised that these times are hard, and
especially at this time, but any loose change will be gratefully appreciated.
Ventnor Christmas Carols – we will be holding the Town Christmas Carols at
the Central Car Park this month – watch the Sunday Notes for further details if
you want to lend your voice to raising Christmas Praises!
By now, we will be in the midst of our Christmas celebrations including the Tree
Festival and St. Catherine‟s Christmas Fair, which I hope you have attended, or
even took part. Don‟t forget to read the notices and service times in this Issue,
and on the Sunday Notes, and pick your double issue of the Pompey Chimes!
STOP PRESS! –
Our Vicar Hugh Wright, and his wife Sarah, cordially invite all Parishioners and
guests back tom his gaff for coffee and cake between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., or mince
pies, drinkies and nibbles between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. at The Vicarage, Maples
Drive, Ventnor, on the 14th December. Sign up soon so they know how much to
get in!
Chris Maguire
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Holy Trinity Times CHRISTMAS
Although I live in a small flat, I very often lose things! Usually it‟s because I‟ve taken
something out of its usual place and put it “in a safe place”! And, (of course) as
soon as it‟s in that “safe place”, I forget where it is!
I sometimes think that Christmas can be like that. We take Christmas out of where
it SHOULD be, in the centre of all we do and plan, and put it “in a safe place”,
where it can‟t disturb our thinking or stop us having our celebrations. I‟m as fond
of the trappings of Christmas as anyone; I like to plan presents and stockings (yes,
in my family, adults as well as children hang up a stocking!), I put up a tree and
decorate it, and I enjoy writing and receiving Christmas cards. I like seeing the
family (not that I need Christmas as an excuse for that!) and I‟m happy planning
Christmas menus. All these things still bring a sense of enjoyment and excitement, a
feeling that hasn‟t changed since I was a child.
But without the “reason for the season”, as someone once wrote, the enjoyment
has something missing. If we‟ve taken the thoughts of a weary couple on a long
journey, or an unglamorous birth at the back of an inn, or rough shepherds
following a strange message, or unknown strangers travelling from afar, and put
them “in a safe place”, where they can‟t make us remember what Christmas is
really all about, then we‟ve lost the plot entirely! Even the well-worn words, “The
Christmas Story” put this remarkable event “in a safe place” where it only appears
in children‟s books, Nativity Plays, beautiful paintings or on Christmas cards. The
earth-shaking magnitude of God coming to Earth as one of US is something that is
at the heart of all that we believe and all that we do at Christmas.
And not just at Christmas, either, but all through the year, as we celebrate the
height and depth and breadth of a love that is too great for us even to begin to
appreciate.
Truly, (to paraphrase a well-known car sticker) “Christmas is for life, not just for
Christmas”!
I wish you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas, and a Joyful New Year.
Gill
One of my “rituals” at this time of year is to transfer my old diary to my new one,
ready for the First Sunday in Advent, when my diary begins. It‟s quite a
thought-provoking process, as I mull over the events of the last year and start
putting dates in my diary for 2014! My diary‟s not just an events calendar, but a sort
of Portable Brain with all sorts of lists (you know me!) of names, numbers,
addresses, facts and quotes in the back. So….as I scribbled industriously in my new
diary, the following poem came to mind…..
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DIARY DITTY
I‟m changing over diaries,
Another New Year‟s here!
There‟s some things that are bound to please
And others that I fear.
Some dates already in there,
And many more to add,
Occasions that a family shares
Events that may be sad.
Some names with us no longer,
Though new ones there instead,
Close friendships getting stronger,
Plus books that I have read.
And lists (of course!) of birthdays,
Of dates already fixed,
There‟s meetings, Sundays, fun-days,
The choice is pretty mixed!
All SORTS of things are listed,
(The rag-bag of my mind!)
But if it‟s ever missed
Or I leave it (Help!) behind,
Then doubt and desperation
Take over in my brain.
And NOTHING brings elation
Until it‟s found again!!
GHANA NEWS.
You have just got time to send Christmas cards by Air Mail to Ghana, though
surface mail is too late. If you at Holy Trinity would like to send any to the
Cathedral at Tamale, the address is:
The Bishop, Dean Clergy and Congregation,
Bishop Aglionby Memorial Cathedral,
Anglican Diocese of Tamale,
P.O. Box 110,
TAMALE,
N/R GHANA,
W. Africa.
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It‟s good to see David back from his visit; his news of various people, places and
projects can be read elsewhere in the Link.
And in the ALPHABET OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, we have reached
(Heaven help me!) Q!
Qorban, a Hebrew word sometimes spelled as “Corban”, which means
altar-offerings or free-will gifts. Jesus refers to it in Mark 7, verse 11, when he
objects to people letting Qorban take precedence over the duty of looking after
parents.
Quasimodo Sunday, mentioned by Maurice Slattery in a sermon, when we all
thought that he was joking, on Low Sunday, the Sunday after Easter. It is , in fact,
named after the first few verses that used to be sung before Holy Communion on
that Sunday. In this case it was 1 Peter 2 verse 2, “Quasi modo geniti…”, “as new-
born babes….”
Queen Anne’s Bounty, a fund founded by Queen Anne in 1704 to receive the
tithes and other money which had been confiscated from the Church by Henry VIII.
She gave them back to the Church of England to be used to increase the wages of
poor clergy. Since then, grants from Parliament and other donations have been
added, until in 1948 Queen Anne‟s Bounty and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners
were combined to make the Church Commissioners, who are still in charge of
Clergy stipends and pensions today.
The Qumran Scrolls, also called the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in a cave
between 1947 and 1956. They probably belonged to the library of a Jewish
community who lived in a kind of monastery at Qumran around the beginning of the
Christian era.. They were almost certainly hidden when the destruction of the
building was threatened during the First Jewish Revolt against the Romans (A.D. 66-
70)
Abbe Michel Quoist, who in 1954 wrote a book of meditations called “Prayers of
Life”, which, when translated into English in 1963, became very popular with
Christians of all denominations. I have a copy, and though parts of it have become
dated, a lot of it is very thought-provoking.
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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday, December 1st Advent Sunday
Friday, December 5th, Saturday, December 6th,
St Catherine‟s Christmas Fair, 10.30 to 3.00 p.m. each day.
Friday, December 13th, Undercliff Singers Christmas Concert and
Organ Recital at Holy Trinity, 7.00 p.m.
Friday, December 13th, Street Pastors out in Ventnor.
Saturday, December 14th Carols in the Park. Time to be announced.
Sunday, December 15th, Orpheus Singers at Bonchurch Parish Church,
Nine Lessons and Carols, 3.00p.m.
Sunday, December 22nd Carols by Candlelight, Town Carol Service,
St Catherine‟s Church 6.30 p.m.
Christmas Services at all our three churches will appear on a separate
leaflet. Other dates are yet to be confirmed…please keep an eye out
for posters and the pew leaflet each Sunday.
Sun 15th December at 4pm
Christingle service at
St Wilfrid’s Hall
All Welcome
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Don‟t forget to pick up your free copy of the
December/January
The Pompey Chimes
News ~ hot from Ghana And it was hot!! 38 degrees C was normal ~ so it was a warm welcome at
Wenchi.
St Paul's Wenchi has a new minister, Rev Thomas Adjei. He is in his first
parish, having completed 3 years theological training at the St Nicholas
Seminary in Cape Coast. Thomas will earn his family income as a health
worker at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital.
Edward Tontoh is the ever-dependable church warden at St Pauls. He and
Thomas need our prayers as they seek to encourage the congregation after
what has been a difficult inter-regnum.
St Paul's School at Wenchi continues to be one of the most popular in the
area, with good results.
The library/workshop building has stalled a bit over the last year, but is none-
the-less nearly ready for use. Hopefully we can encourage Thomas (with the help of Barnabas, who is nearby) to complete the job.
Moses at Wa continues his diligent and cheerful ministry, in the most difficult
circumstances. His home is basic and quite inadequate, and his task as parish
minister and archdeacon nigh impossible, with a huge area and no effective
transport.
The well site at Wichau-Boa has been selected by the engineer and agreed
with the village chief. It is estimated that water is 12 metres down, and
work on the project can commence as soon as sufficient funds are available.
We met Bishop Emmanuel, who was in good form, though not walking freely,
and using a stick. His retirement home is looking good, though there is still
work to be done.
David Tamcken
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What could Ventnor Timebank bring to you?
Since the Timebank was launched last year it has signed 60+ local members,
helped local people access services ranging from literacy, CV writing, basic
gardening and interior design. It has helped local groups by providing cakes
for events, new volunteers and by accessing professional design services.
At Ventnor Timebank, we try to promote the ethos of Timebanking, it is
about local support. We trade in hours, so members give an hour and gain an
hour, which can be saved, donated or spent claiming rewards like DVD hire
from the library or tickets for Cineworld.
There are people listed with the bank who will walk dogs and change library
books but we don‟t have any people that need this help but we believe they
are out there, so please help us to find people that could benefit.
If you would like to join us or can think of someone that would benefit from
joining us, please do get in touch with Julia on 852753 or find us online at
www.ventnortimebank.org. Even our website was built by a volunteer!
A workshop for intercessors and
people who read in church
with Revd Ruth Tuschling, diocesan spirituality adviser
St Peter’s Church, Havenstreet, IoW
Wednesday 22nd January 2014
7.30-9.00 (coffee from 7.00)
A space in which to think about what goes on in the liturgy and how the part
we play fits into the greater whole.
A mix of input, discussion and practical work.
You will come away feeling more confident about why you do what you do as
well as how you do it.
See Hugh if you‟d like to come.
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The HUB Coffee Shop 10.30 - 12.30 Monday - Saturday
For Cards - Gifts - Books - Fairtrade goods.
Christmas Cards - Advent Calendars
other Christmas goodies in now!
Listening for Life We are planning to hold a listening course at St Catherine's Church starting next
February. It will be held in the Hub, on 4 Thursday evenings from 7pm ~ 9.30pm.
The dates will be ~ February 6th, 13th and 27th, and March 6th. If you are inter-
ested or need more information, please contact
Shirley Tamcken 07972837129. …........
Listening for Life
Essential Skills for a Healthier World
Listening for Life equips people to make a positive difference in their world through
developing good attitudes and skills in listening,
to others, to themselves and to God.
The course will look at this three dimensional way of listening.
Listening to others
an awareness of good listening.
the skills of active listening. an understanding of how such skills can be effective and foster health and healing in
everyday life at home, at work and in the church.
Listening to ourselves
learning to quieten ourselves before God.
becoming aware of our natural listening style. exploring our own thoughts and feelings.
Listening to God
experiencing different ways of praying: with the Bible; through meditation or silence; and through our own senses, e.g. through pictures and
music.
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News from St Boniface and Bonchurch
15th December - 3pm
The Orpheus choir will be
performing a Traditional Nine
lessons and carols service at
St Boniface Church
For further information contact: Andy Chilton - 853663
Bonchurch Community Association events:
Fund Raising Shop ( Old Post Office) - 14th and 21st December
12:30 - 4pm
Preserves - Christmas Stockings - Gifts - Bonchurch Calendars
15th December 5:30pm
Turn on Christmas Lights at Bonchurch Pond.
21st December 6:30pm
Carols at the Pond with the Shanklin Brass Band.
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baby
tree
Jesus
nativity
shepherd
angels
donkey
sheep
inn
manger
mary
virgin
joseph
star
hallelujah
turkey
holly
presents
mistletoe
stuffing
Pudding - carols - heavenlyhost
Foodbank Please think of those in need over the Christmas period.
All non perishable items welcome. Drop off points St Catherine‟s
Church - Holy Trinity Church and St Boniface Church.
The Spar Shop also have a collection box.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE SUPPORT
YOU HAVE GIVEN IN 2013
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Ventnor's October Weather
Rainfall of 135.4mm (5.33") was 150% of the average of 90.37mm (3.56"). This
was the fourth wettest October in the last 30 years. The wettest day (since
September last year) was the 27th with 32.0mm (1.26"). The mean
temperature of 14.5C (58F) was well above the average of 13.0C (55F). The
average maximum temperature was 17C (63F). The hottest day was the 2nd
with 21C (70F), 2 days had more than 20C (68F). The average minimum
temperature was 12.C (54F). The coldest night was the 10th with 6.2C (43F).
Thanks to Mike Wood for our weather information.
The Friends of St Catherine’s Church A fine summer made 2013 a very good year for generating electricity from the
solar panels which now adorn a hidden recess on the Church roof. They cost almost
£13,000 to install and have now been fully paid for by the Church with strong
support from the Friends of St Catherine‟s. From now onwards all the money from
the sale of surplus electricity will go directly to the Church and, in a good year, this
could produce extra income of about £1,500. That is very good news when the cost
of gas and electricity continue to rise.
The Friends concentrate their efforts on raising money towards Church
projects, particularly those that support community use of the Church and the
preservation of the Building. This year we have been able to repay £3,000 to
Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust who provided an interest-free
loan towards the renovation of the Church Tower. Various fund-raising events
contributed towards this achievement, particularly the 24 Hour Music Event in June
which raised over £1,300.
We would like to encourage all members of the congregation to join the Friends
of St Catherine‟s Church and support our efforts to strengthen links with the local
community. Membership leaflets are always available at the back of the Church. The
work we do can be summed up in the words of our recently adopted „Mission
Statement‟ – The Friends seek to encourage local people to join with the Church
congregation in preserving, maintaining and improving the fabric and contents of the
Church Building and Grounds. Our aim is for St Catherine‟s Church to be at the
heart of the community and a focal point for Christian worship, ceremonies and
social events.
Gordon Pollard, Secretary
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HOME GROUPS Monday Afternoon 4.00 - 5.30pm
Chris Maguire 852121 or Hilary 855797 - The Troubadour Café,
Monday Evening 7.45pm
Jenny Hopkins-Holder. 852575 Belhaven, Castle Road.
Tuesday Evening 8.00pm
We meet at St Andrew's, Belgrave Rd, Ventnor at 8pm
on Tuesdays. Please see David Tamcken or Mick & Nava (852680)
for more information
Mid winter break. Please phone above contacts to find out when the Home
Groups will be gathering in December and January
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PRAYER CHAIN
All requests for the Prayer Chain
should be first directed to
Kizzie Baker on 853779
BEREAVEMENT GROUP….Can we help you?
We are aware that there are a number of people who have been
bereaved and might like someone to talk to.
If this is YOU or someone you know, please contact any of the
Bereavement Group from St Catherine‟s, Holy Trinity and
St Boniface, by telephoning 857795 (outside Hub hours you can
leave a message) or visit the Hub at St Catherine‟s any morning
between 10.30 and 12.30. If you‟d rather leave a note, there‟s a
box in the Coffee Shop. Anything you wish to discuss will be
treated with absolute confidentiality.
From St Francis Primary School, Ventnor.
We are taking our Year 6 classes on a residential visit to London in 2014 as a
significant number of our children have not visited and experienced our capital
city. A number of the children are from families of limited income and as a
school serving the local community we would not like them to feel that they
could not participate due to the cost. The cost of this trip is £200 per pupil.
The activities that they will participate in include: Sleeping on HMS Belfast, a visit
to the Harry Potter Studios, a visit to the Science Museum, a Big Bus tour of
London, a river, a river tour and a visit to the theatre to see a show.
Many of the children have not experienced a trip away from the Isle of Wight or
even away from home and we feel that this is an important opportunity for
them. If you are able to offer a donation of any kind to assist it would be most
appreciated.
Kind regards. Miss Angela Hewkin. Head teacher.
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We remember with love and affection
those who have died recently,
especially we pray for their families.
And we pray for those newly baptised.
We pray for those
recently married.
We pray for those who will be on their own
this Christmas.
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December Worship
December 1st The First Sunday of Advent.
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30 a.m. Morning Worship, St Catherine‟s Church.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, St Boniface Church.
December 8th The Second Sunday of Advent.
9.30 a.m. Morning Worship, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, St Catherine‟s Church.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, St Boniface Church.
6.30 p.m. Holy Communion (sung), Holy Trinity Church
December 15th The Third Sunday of Advent.
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30 Holy Communion, St Catherine‟s Church.
(Please note change)
10.30 Holy Communion, St Boniface Church.
December 22nd The Fourth Sunday of Advent.
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30.a.m. Family and all-age worship, St Catherine‟s
Church (Please note change)
10.30 a.m. Morning Worship, St Boniface Church.
6.30 p.m. Carols by Candlelight, St Catherine‟s Church.
December 29th The First Sunday after Christmas.
10.30.a.m. JOINT SERVICE, Holy Trinity Church.
No services at other churches.
Services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in all three
churches will appear elsewhere on the Christmas leaflet.
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Bible Readings for December
(The Lectionary returns to Year A)
December 1st The First Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11 to end.
St. Matthew 24:36-44
December 8th The Second Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
St. Matthew 3:1-12
December 15th The Third Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 35: 1-10
James 5:7-10
St. Matthew 11:2-11
December 22nd The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
St. Matthew 1:18 to end
December 29th The First Sunday of Christmas.
Isaiah 63: 7-9
Hebrews 2:10 to end
St. Matthew 2:13 to end.
26
January Worship
January 5th The Second Sunday of Christmas
The Eve of the Epiphany
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30 a.m. Morning Worship, St Catherine‟s Church.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, St Boniface Church.
6.30 p.m. Epiphany Carol Service, St Boniface Church.
January 12th The Baptism of Christ.
9.30 a.m. Morning Worship, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30 a.m .Holy Communion, St Catherine‟s Church.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, St Boniface Church.
6.30 p.m. Holy Communion (sung), Holy Trinity Church
January 19th The Second Sunday of Epiphany
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Church
10.30 a.m. Family and all-age worship, St Catherine‟s
Church.
10.30.a.m.Holy Communion, St Boniface Church.
January 26th The Third Sunday of Epiphany.
9.30 a.m. Holy Communion, Holy Trinity Church.
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion, St Catherine‟s Church
10.30 a.m. Morning Worship, St Boniface Church.
27
Bible Readings for January
January 5th The Second Sunday of Christmas
Readings for the Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
St. Matthew 2:1-12
January 12th The Baptism of Christ.
Isaiah 42:1-9
Acts 10:34-43
St. Matthew 3:13-end.
January 19th The Second Sunday of Epiphany
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
St. John 1:29-42
January 26th The Third Sunday of Epiphany
Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
St. Matthew 4:12-23
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Ventnor & Bonchurch Parish website address
www.ventnorcofe2.btck.co.uk Email: [email protected]
Churchwardens
St Catherine’s Chris Maguire 852121
John Holder 852575
Holy Trinity Tim Slade 853504
Robin Oakley 854584
St Boniface Jonny Fitzgerald Bond 854824
Lyn Ridler-Lee 404508
Come and join us carol singing in the pubs, starting
at The Crab and Lobster on December 18th at 8pm.
Also, people are welcome to join us for carol singing in
Residential Homes: 19th December 11am Downside and
2pm Byrne Hill; 20th December 10.30am Excelsior.
Then we join our fellow Christians singing in the
Central Cark Park on Saturday 21st at 11am.
The Ministry Team:-
Revd Hugh Wright 853729
Email: [email protected]
David Tamcken Reader 863215
Hilary Davis Reader 855797
Jenny Hopkins Holder Reader 852575
Gill Chaloner Reader 854659