All Saints Guildford www.allsaintschurchgfd.org.uk - December 2020
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All Saints Guildford
www.allsaintschurchgfd.org.uk
Vicarage Gate, Guildford, GU2 7QJ
Registered Charity no. 1149709
December 2020
50p
Who’s Who
Vicar Revd Beverly Watson 841970
beverlyannewatson@btinternet.com 07547 416721
Church Office Trish Tye 563173
Monday - Thursday allsaintschurchgfd@gmail.com
9am – 12 noon
Licensed David Barclay 572244
Lay Minister yalcrab5@me.com
Licensed Lay Minis- Alison Moulden 565385
ter in training agi.moulden@gmail.com
Organist & Choir Jeremy Barham - j.barham@surrey.ac.uk
Director
Church Wardens Carolyn Nicholls - nicholls.carolyn@hotmail.com 825340
Henrietta Harding - allsaintschurchgfd@gmail.com 458064
Deputy Richard Hemingway - hemingway427@btinternet.com 570742
Church Warden
Sacristan Henrietta Harding- allsaintschurchgfd@gmail.com 458064
Music Group Leader Amber Payne –musicgroup@allsaintschurchgfd.org.uk 506245
PCC Secretary Trish Tye - secretary.allsaintsguildford@gmail.com
PCC Treasurer Christopher Lambert - clambert31@outlook.com 537456
Lay Pastoral Richard Hemingway 570742
Assistants hemingway427@btinternet.com
Marguerite Barclay - barstmary@outlook.com 572244
Safeguarding Julie Lodge 568857
Coordinator safeguardingallsaintsguildford@gmail.com
Children and Young Jeanette Whiteman 534317
People jeanette.whiteman@gmail.com
Children’s Church Julie Lodge 568857
lodgejac@gmail.com
Toddler Group Vanessa Homer
toddlersallsaintsguildford@gmail.com
Church Hall Hire Evelynne Gunn - bookings.allsaints@gmail.com 562652
Church Flowers Sue Hemingway - hemingway427@btinternet.com 570742
Magazine Team Editor: Angela Rose -angelasrose@btinternet.com 537757
Production: Jo Smalley - joannapearce@live.co.uk and 455006
Trish Tye - trish.tye@gmail.com 562652
Angeline Lee - angeline@email.com 07917800804
Typing: Yvonne Quittenton 825340
yvonne@quittenton.uk
Advertising: Carolyn Nicholls
nicholls.carolyn@hotmail.com 571792
Subscriptions/Distribution:
Sylvia & Robin Holdsworth - robin@calax.com
We are always very grateful for contributions to the magazine, so if you would like to have a
say, please do get in touch. Please email articles to allsaintsmag@gmail.com by the
15th of the previous month, or submit them for typing via Yvonne Quittenton by the 10th.
2
What next for the magazine?
Dear Reader,
You will know that, during the pandemic, we
moved the magazine online as well as
printing it when we can. .
As a reader, you now have some choices:
I currently subscribe I don’t subscribe
You may wish to continue If you’d like to pay for a paper
receiving a printed copy. If that’s copy to be delivered to your door
the case, you need do nothing. (within the parish) for 50p/
The magazine will be delivered to month then fill in this
your door. subscription form:
bit.ly/allsaints-mag.
Rather view the magazine online?
Just let us know by contacting If you enjoy reading the online
Robin at robin@calax.com or by version, and would like to have a
phone on 571792. From January reminder when it’s published,
2021, we’ll cease to collect your please fill in this contact form:
subs. If you’d like us to email you bit.ly/as-mag-notify.
when the magazine is online
(normally by the last Sunday of
the previous month) then please
complete this contact form:
bit.ly/as-mag-notify.
We’re sure that you are looking forward to 2021 and praying that it will
better than 2020. Fortunately, despite the lockdowns, the monthly
production and publication of our Parish Magazine continued. As you
know, we have been telling you about the options that will be available
from January 2021 to receive the magazine. This is just to remind you
that if you have opted for a hard copy, your distributor will soon be
calling on you for your 2021 subscription of £6.
3
All Saints’ services and opening times
All Saints has now returned to a normal pattern of worship, with a few
changes due to things we have learnt over lockdown.
Morning prayer continues to take place Monday to Wednesday in
the church at 9.15am.
Thursday Communion continues to take place on Thursdays in the
church at 9.15am.
An 8am Service of Holy Communion is held in church each Sunday
(the fourth Sunday will use the Book of Common Prayer).
Our 10am Sunday Services follow this pattern:
First Sunday: Altogether Worship
Second, fourth and fifth Sundays - Family Communion
Third Sunday: Morning Worship, following the style of the online
services we’ve enjoyed over lockdown.
Each Sunday, we will continue with ‘Tea-Time Church’ at 4pm.
We will continue to have an online service option when we can. This
may be in the form of a ‘live’ service or a recorded service.
We will continue the ‘Dial All Saints’ service, for those who wish to
have an at-home audio option (phone 01483 600674. Calls cost the
same as a local call).
The church building is now open seven days a week.
On the following page, there are some notes and guidance to help us
return safely to a more normal pattern of worship.
4
Keeping safe
We ask that everyone wears a face covering during the service. Those
who are taking a lead (service leader, preacher, readers, intercessors,
singers) may take their masks off while speaking or singing.
We will arrange groups of chairs set two metres apart. The Warden
will make a decision as to when the church is full.
A Warden or sides-person will direct you to appropriate seats for you
or your family group.
We will place the Orders of Service on your seats before you arrive,
and these will be ‘quarantined’ after each service. You’ll also find a
news sheet on your seat which we ask you to take with you when you
leave.
You may wish to pick up a kneeler on your way into church, for use
during the service.
If you’re taking Communion, the President will bring the bread to
you, rather than you coming to the rail to receive. There will be no
wine distributed to the congregation.
We ask that you leave promptly at the end of each service, either via
the Reading Room or via the main front entrance. We’ll ask you to
leave a row at a time.
We all love to have a chat after church and we ask you to do this
outside and socially distanced.
If you come by car, please don’t park near the church doors unless
you are using the ‘disabled’ space.
These points are complementary to our risk assessment, which you’ll find
on the website.
5
Thoughts from the Vicarage
One of my favourite images of the Nativity is this
one – by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, in the Cathe-
dral Church of St. Philip in Birmingham. Burne-
Jones (1833 – 1898) was a Birmingham born
artist and designer, associated with the Pre-
Raphaelite movement; and he became involved
with the rejuvenation of the tradition of stained
glass art in Britain. Burne-Jones teamed up with
William Morris, who turned his designs into re-
ality; and their windows can be seen in several
churches in Birmingham, London, Cambridge, Oxford and elsewhere in
the country.
This particular stained glass win-
dow is part of a set of three win-
dows in the extended chancel in Bir-
mingham Cathedral: the Nativity,
the Crucifixion and the Ascension.
At the west end of the building
there’s a complementary window:
the Last Judgment.
When I was a curate in Aston, it was
a short cycle to the Cathedral and I
would often go and stand in awe of
the colours and vibrancy of these
windows. If you ever have the
chance to visit – especially on a sun-
ny day – it’s very well worth doing.
The colours – reds, blues, golds and
whites – fill the space with an ex-
traordinary light; and I would simp-
ly stand or sit in what felt like a
deeply sacred space.
What I particularly like about this window, the Nativity, is the way Mary
stands in awe too – as she watches her beautiful child sleeping. In most
Nativity scenes, Mary is pictured holding her child; it’s a deeply seated
instinct to do so, and in these Covid times I know that one of the great
challenges for grandparents has been not being able to hold their grand-
6
children; it’s such a core instinct. But Mary here stands in awe of her
child. It’s as if he’s too precious even to touch, too perfect to disturb, so
perfect that all she can do is simply look on in wonder. And in the silence
of the painting, you feel this child is also too beautiful for words.
There’s something about that sense of awe and wonder that I find deeply
moving. We too are called to contemplate the Christ-child; to kneel down
and worship, recognising that here is the greatest treasure of all; to offer
our lives in devotion to him, just as his mother Mary was called to do.
Beverly Watson
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window’s hue,
A Baby in an ox’s stall.
from John Betjeman’s ‘Christmas’
‘Doors open’ on December 1st
Come along to the online Christmas Fayre to buy some amazing home
produced items. From Christmas cards to chocolate cake, from face masks
to fuzzy bags - there’s sure to be something you’ll like!
See everything here:
allsaintschurchgfd.org.uk/news/christmas-fayre.php
7
Mission Focus: Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy
Guildford Town Centre Chaplaincy (GTCC), including Street Angels, ex-
ists to provide support and care for anyone who, for whatever reason,
finds themselves in a vulnerable state.
GTCC currently run three distinct projects within Guildford:
The Street Angels teams are well-
known in Guildford’s town centre
streets late on a Friday and Saturday
night for their calming presence, of-
fering practical care and support for
anyone in their time of need. They
are working in partnership with the
other services to enable people to
get home safely.
They wear distinctive coats with a
bright yellow angel, so people can
easily recognise them, when needed, and they look to see if anyone in
town needs their support. They patrol on foot and have direct contact by
radio with each other, the team base, door staff, CCTV and the police.
A small act of kindness can make a real difference to the evening of
someone in need and sometimes, their input can be life changing. A typi-
cal night might involve ensuring people get home safely, reuniting lost
friends, tending to those who have drunk too much, cleaning up broken
glass, giving food to the homeless, giving out flip-flops, referring people
to other support services to meet their long-term needs, and working
alongside the police and emergency services to resolve problems. Street
Angels give out lollipops as a friendly gesture, which, as one of our vol-
unteers describes, “builds a trusting, confident and supportive relation-
ship. A drink of water and a lollipop, and some sugar goes into the sys-
tem, helps to sober people up…then you can help them to get safely into
a cab.”
Community Angels is a befriending project for vulnerable adults of any
age. This may include those who face loneliness, isolation, illness or oth-
er personal difficulties. Volunteers visit people in their homes, providing
companionship and support to reconnect with the local community.
Support is personalised and may range from chatting over a cup of tea to
going for walks, trying a new activity, or accessing other types of help.
8
Some adults may require short-term sup-
port through a difficult time, whilst others
may benefit from longer term visits.
The Volunteer Chaplains provide spiritual
and emotional support in the workplace
and public spaces such as shopping cen-
tres, the police station and the hospital.
They provide a listening ear for employees
according to their need and to enhance a
sense of well-being for individuals and the
organisation they work for. They provide
an opportunity for someone to off-load worries, frustrations, concerns
and reactions to events in their personal and work life. They are availa-
ble for deeper one-to-one discussions on personal, family, or work-
related issues, and offer support to companies, particularly in times of
change and stress. The service is free and available to everyone of all
faiths and none, and of course all conversations are kept strictly confi-
dential.
GTCC and all its projects relies on generous giving from local church
communities, organisations and individual donations. However, the real
support comes from people getting involved either by giving their time
volunteering on one of the projects, or dedicating time to pray for our
town and the work GTCC does.
After an enforced break due to coronavirus, the much-loved Guildford
Street Angels resumed their duties at the end of July, providing a calm-
ing presence and a listening ear. Initially, the volunteer Angels were out
supporting anyone who became vulnerable at the earlier time of 8pm
until midnight, on Fridays and Saturdays, as many venues were operat-
ing shorter hours. In August they wrote “We are looking forward to
working with others to help people ‘Be Cautious, Be Calm, Be Kind’
when enjoying a night out – working together to get our town back on
its feet, as safely as possible”. Unfortunately they had to stop again with
the second lockdown. However they are still able to support those who
are vulnerable around our town through the Community Angels, who
have seen a 300% increase in referrals since the beginning of lockdown.
For more information about this valuable work in our community, or to
find out about volunteering, please visit their website at gtcc.org.uk.
Carolyn Nicholls
9
Parish Profile: The Reverend Wayne Hawkins
All Saints parish is delighted to welcome
Wayne and his family to Onslow Village.
Wayne has very kindly written the profile be-
low.
Please allow me to introduce myself….
My name is Wayne Hawkins and I moved to
East Meads in Onslow Village at the end of
July with my family. Some of you may be
aware that Guildford United Reformed
Church (URC) has its church house in Onslow
Village and I have come to be the new minis-
ter at the URC, which is located on Ports-
mouth Road. I moved to Guildford with my
wife Lesley, our two children Taylor and Samuel and our pet dogs (two
Shih Tzus: Alfie and Nya, and Milo, a Chihuahua).
My wife is an Occupational Therapist and has been appointed to a job at
the Farnham Road Hospital. Our eldest child Taylor is a student at Guild-
ford College and Samuel is attending school at Kings College.
I am originally from Swindon in Wiltshire and Lesley is from Chelten-
ham. We moved to Guildford from Southam, Warwickshire (not far from
Leamington Spa) where we had lived for twenty years. I had been the
minister at Southam and then we stayed there when I went to work for
an international charity called the Council for World Mission where I
worked for twelve years. I ended in a senior management position which
involved lots of travel to some interesting places and projects, for exam-
ple: Taiwan, Kiribati, Singapore, Malawi, Guyana and Fiji to name a few.
I spent quite a bit of time working from the head office in Singapore
which was interesting and allowed me to perfect my use of chopsticks!
Prior to living in Southam I had been a minister in Scunthorpe, North
Lincolnshire. Immediately before that, I went to theological college in
Birmingham. We are very pleased to have settled into Guildford though
we are still relying on our sat nav and Google Maps to find our way
round. As you may appreciate, at some points it was uncertain whether
we would move at all this year, but we did and are grateful to the church
and our Onslow Village neighbours for their kind welcome. People have
been very kind and welcoming as we settle in, albeit in difficult times.
10We are delighted to be working at Guildford URC where I have joined a
team of committed staff and volunteers who are working hard to serve
the neighbourhood and Guildford communities. The church is home to
many community groups, societies and choirs as well as a strong and
vibrant congregation. Along with the church, I am passionate about in-
cluding all people in the life of the church and was delighted that the
church registered for same-sex marriage. We are working to build up
the inclusion of all people in the church, especially LGBTQI+.
As a family we all enjoy music; Taylor and I play the piano, with varying
degrees of tunefulness, Lesley plays the oboe and Sam has been learning
the guitar. In the past, some of us have been involved in choral music. I
enjoy reading and you can often find me on a day off in a coffee shop or
park with a good book.
We look forward to getting to know people in Onslow Village in the com-
ing months and years. If you see us walking the dogs or generally look-
ing lost, do stop to say hello! Thanks for including me in the magazine…
Wayne Hawkins
The Cathedral will ‘Light up a Life’
Every year Phyllis Tuckwell invites
you to find comfort and support at
their ‘Light up a Life’ celebrations.
Due to the coronavirus restrictions
this year they have to forgo their
usual annual Tree Lighting Service
at their Farnham hospice, but, in
conjunction with Guildford
Cathedral, they are replacing this
with an online event to be
streamed live on Monday 7th
December. This will show the Cathedral illuminated with the image of a
giant Christmas tree and with the names of those who have had a light
dedicated to their memory. The impressive illumination will then be
projected for two further nights (Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th
December), remembering those who are loved, but no longer with us.
You are welcome to visit the Cathedral on Tuesday and Wednesday
between 6pm and 10.30pm to view the illumination, following all social
distancing guidelines.
11News from Dear Friends...
This month we hear from Pippa Ford who was a curate at All Saints until
April 2019.
Hello to everyone at All Saints.
It seems in some ways not that long ago
that I left, but then when we look back over the
last year and a half much has happened for us
all. I do hope you are all coping in the midst of
this pandemic. I often think of you all and thank
God wholeheartedly for the time I spent with
you, and for everything I learnt during my time
at All Saints.
As you know I moved to Christ Church in
Woking in April 2019, which was my home
church. Not long after arriving, the vicar, Peter Harwood, announced that he
had been appointed for a job in the Diocese. I was then asked by him, and
Bishop Jo, to not apply for a vicar’s post myself at that time but to stay and
look after the church during the interregnum. For those of you that know
Christ Church you will be aware that was a big ask – it is a large town centre
church with three businesses attached – conferencing, a cafe, and a
bookshop.
I was excited but also a bit daunted by the prospect of gently guiding such a
large church through their interregnum. We also had had a new curate start
that summer and, because I was able to stay, she was also allowed to stay at
the church and meet with Peter periodically for input.
I knew that I needed resourcing by God for this time and so I signed up for
the Evening School at Eastgate Church in Kent. It is a place where they
expect to encounter God through His words, His works and His wonders.
This regular time of encountering the goodness of God, as well as my own
devotional time with God, resourced me for the journey ahead.
Since I was not the vicar, I felt it was appropriate to just set an interregnum
sized vision - which was Fun, Friendship and Faith. So, we had fun with each
other and God, we deepened our friendships with God, each other and with
those outside the church, and we went deeper in our faith through studying
God’s word together and strengthening our prayer life.
Our faith further deepened together as we also had to walk through a
difficult season of lament as three young men, known to us, died in tragic
12circumstances, in the course of six months. It was amazing to see the church
really supporting each other and new relationships developing during this
time.
There is a big team at Christ Church and, by working together and following
God’s way through, we made it to the end of the interregnum, and
amazingly, the church had grown by 50 people.
Then our lovely new vicar, Adrian Beavis, started at the church the week of
lockdown – poor guy! He has done an incredible and faith-filled job leading
the church during this time. It has been a pleasure to work with him and to
learn from him.
However, because of the pandemic, I was unable to apply for a vicar’s post
as most Dioceses paused their appointment processes. So instead I got very
involved here in Woking. I had already stepped up to be moderator of
Churches Together in Woking and we held a prayer time in the Town
Square for Woking with all the church leaders at Pentecost. I had also got
involved at the planning stage for something known as ROC – Redeeming
our Communities. We held a ROC conversation with nearly 200 people in
early March and looked together at how best to serve the needs of the
community. There were members of the council, the police, headteachers,
healthcare providers, charities and Christian agencies present. From that
conversation we then have been focussed on the three main areas of need –
Mental Health and Wellbeing, Youth Provision and Social Isolation. It has
been amazing to lead the Mental Health group and to watch God develop the
synergies between the council, the local healthcare trust, Woking Mind and
many others. There are many exciting initiatives planned.
Then, a couple of months ago, the appointment processes for job
applications was restarted and I am delighted to share with you all that I
have been appointed Vicar of St Michael’s, Camberley. I had such a sense of
calling and peace – even during the interview – it felt totally right.
Interestingly 60% of the parish is the commercial, business and council
areas, and because of my experience both with ROC and prayer ministry in
shops this aspect of the role felt a really good fit.
But the part I am most excited about is the wonderful church community.
They are very friendly and, having had the same great vicar for 25 years,
they have expressed a desire to move forwards and to go on an adventure
with God. I feel very humbled but delighted that God has called me to be
part of their journey and to encourage them to reach out more widely into
the community too. I will probably be starting there towards the end of
February 2021 as the vicarage needs some work first.
13Finally, I can’t give an update without including my lovely family.
Emily completed her degree by sitting her finals here at home during
lockdown. She got a first class honours from King’s College London in
French and German, and is now at Clare College, Cambridge doing an MPhil
in International Development.
James is doing well at school and also has a lovely girlfriend. He is studying
Art, Product Design and Maths and would like to study Graphic Design at
University. Both his lower sixth and upper sixth study have been quite
disrupted by the pandemic so we are waiting to see what the plans are for
exams next summer.
Then, of course, the lovely Obi. He misses all his friends at All Saints –
especially Trish’s treats that she always had for him in her office! - but he is
delighted that the garden at the vicarage in Camberley is quite literally the
size of a football pitch – running around there should wear him out!
It has been so lovely to have the opportunity to bring you all up to date, so
thank you to Trish and Beverly for that.
I would love to come and pay a visit at some point in the New Year when
restrictions allow and please know that you are all often in my prayers.
With much love, Pippa
Onslow Village Residents’ Association
Zoom talk on Climate Change
Tuesday 8th December, 7.45pm
Climate Change - In an effort to get back to-
wards normal, Onslow Village Residents’ Associ-
ation is holding the first of, it is hoped, more reg-
ular talks. Our speaker is Graham Brown, a
member of the Climate Reality Project, an inter-
national network of speakers who spread the
truth about climate change and the importance
of implementing solutions together. He is a member of the Surrey Cli-
mate Commission and a former advisor to the Department of Energy and
Climate Change.
If you are interested in the Zoom talk please email Ray Briggs at
ray-gwgc@hotmail.com
14Mince Meat
A number of years ago, when many family members were still with us,
Christmas cake, Christmas pudding and mince pies were part of Christmas.
Now it is my brother in law and me who are the only ones who like them. So,
I present my mince meat recipe in memory of Christmas past!
This recipe makes 4 x 370g jars.
175g currants 175g raisins
175g sultanas 175g dried cranberries
100g mixed peel 125g butter, cubed
1 small cooking apple, peeled and chopped 50g whole almonds, chopped
225g light muscovado sugar ½ teaspn ground cinnamon
1 teaspn mixed spice Finely grated rind and juice of
200 ml brandy, rum or sherry 1 lemon
1. Measure all the ingredients, except the alcohol, into a large pan. Heat
gently, allowing the butter to melt, then simmer very gently stirring
occasionally, for 10 minutes.
2. Allow the mixture to cool completely then stir in the alcohol.
3. Spoon the mincemeat into sterilised jars. Seal tightly and store.
With thanks to Mary Berry
15Christmas Away from Home
Three members of our magazine team tell us about a Christmas that they
have spent abroad. First up, Jo Smalley, one of our Production Editors.,
who spent a Christmas in Patagonia.
Our Patagonian Christmas
I love a traditional Christmas and, for me, I think the best place to
celebrate is probably here in the UK, with my family. But spending
Christmas away from home has also been pretty magical in our
experience – perhaps because when you take away all the ‘trimmings’,
you can clearly see what matters most to you and to the people you’re
with.
After we got married in September 2014, Phil and I took a six month
honeymoon. So, Christmas that year was certainly going to be different,
and really quite special as we just had each other for company. We
arrived in the port city of Puerto Natales, in Chile’s Patagonia region,
around 400 miles north-west of Cape Horn, on the 23rd of December. I
quote from my journal: “Having not booked anywhere to stay, as we
walk from the bus station my heart is sinking. What is this desolate
place? We end up checking in at ‘The Shed’: smells of wood and has no
heating. We spend the afternoon trawling round every hostel in town as
The Shed, as it turns out, is only free for one night…” If you know me
and Phil, you might understand our preference for spontaneous travel…
we’re not great planners ahead, but this certainly made life tricky
sometimes! I can laugh now, but I remember feeling quite low at the
time, and very, very far from home. Not the fairy-tale Christmas that
we’d perhaps imagined.
Things turned out really well though, as they often do.
On Christmas Eve we found a lovely cosy room with
bright conservatory, looking out onto a pretty garden.
We bought a few sprigs of greenery from a florist,
propped it up in a borrowed vase and decorated it
with tinsel and sweets from the local pound shop. You
can’t celebrate Christmas without a tree! The rest of
the day was spent wrapping presents, reading and
listening to Christmas tunes in the conservatory – blissful. The final
entry in my journal on Christmas Eve reads “I could just stay here
forever.” Isn’t it amazing how our fortunes can change so quickly?
16It was lovely waking up on Christmas Day. We
opened our presents, then put on the best clothes
our rucksacks could offer and walked into town to
the Catholic church – the Paroquia Maria
Auxiliadora. What a beautiful building, painted pale
yellow and overlooking a pretty square. Inside was
modern, warm and comfortable, with a huge
painting over the altar which had been installed
just the previous week. It was a LONG ceremony!
There were a couple of songs, totally unknown to
us, and with no order of service or hymn book, we hummed along as best
we could. When we left, the priest and a few others spoke to us warmly
– it was lovely to feel genuinely welcomed on this special day when we
were so far from home.
Now, I love a turkey lunch but, very occasionally, I think it’s worth
having a change. Phil and I settled down in the conservatory with cured
ham, melon, a sourdough baguette and the
poshest cheese we could find. Michael
Buble sang for us, we enjoyed a bottle of
local sparkling wine and it really was a
fabulous and memorable Christmas lunch.
We sat in the garden, surrounded by the
four friendly resident dogs, to Facetime
our families. Years later, I don’t recall
exactly how this felt, but I’m reminded by
my journal: “It’s nice to see everyone back home, but a bit sad. I don’t
want to spend too many Christmases away.” Dinner that evening at a
Patagonian grill was unforgettable. Vegetarians,
turn away…the lamb was roasted whole on an
open fire a couple of metres from our table. It
was HOT in there! But food like we’ve never
tasted; a real treat. The evening ended with a
Pisco sour – a cocktail originally from Peru but
typical in Chile, made from Pisco, egg white,
lemon juice and syrup. When in Rome…
During our time away, Phil and I travelled
through some incredibly striking landscapes. One
highlight was the Torres del Paine National Park,
20 miles from Puerto Natales, where we headed
17on Boxing Day for three days. The walking is pretty challenging, not
least because of the relentless, cold wind, but mountains, glaciers and
turquoise lakes keep you going. A very special ending to our Christmas
away from home.
Now, Robin Holdsworth, who organises the distribution of the magazine,
tells us of a Christmas in Dubai.
A Memorable Carol Concert
We were invited to our children’s first carol service. It was not held in a
cathedral, in a church or in a chapel but in the open air outside their new
partially built school. We joined the other proud parents soon after six in
the evening to watch the proceedings with our torches and participate
when asked. A brass band with their glittering instruments accompanied
the children as they heartily sang the newly learned Christmas carols.
I should mention that this was not a school with a tarmacked playground
but one with an area of rolled sand as it was being constructed in the
then desert sands of Dubai. I turned away from the school for a moment
and there was a remoteness in the open desert which gave rise to
thoughts of what had happened almost two thousand years ago. I could
see a few flickering lights in the distance and the odd camel wandering
nearby.
The brass band was the Dubai Police band, resplendent in their smart
uniforms, who were desperate to please the expatriates with their
playing of what were clearly unfamiliar tunes. All was going well until a
wind began to whip up the loose sand. At the same time, the starlit sky
disappeared behind some very thick clouds.
We were all singing The First Nowell, with its many verses when the first
droplets of water fell onto our hymn sheets. The band had gained
confidence and was by now playing with much gusto under their
conductor from Pakistan, who sported a wonderful handlebar
moustache. Soon the droplets became continuous and grew in size. As
the rain began to fall, parents started to run for cover under the school’s
barasti lean-tos which were normally used to offer some shade from the
hot sun for the children during their morning breaks. The movement of
the parents initiated a rapid change in the tempo of the music. Faster
and faster it went until the trombonist extended his slide a little too
exuberantly and was left holding it in one hand with the mouthpiece still
making some peculiar hooting noises.
18At this point the band ceased playing and shuffled to join the parents
under the barasti shelter. Unfortunately, the rain continued for some
time, so it was decided to move inside the school, tramping in wet sand
with us. The bemused band members carried their wet instruments
with them and joined us in the school. Fortunately, we had found a
classroom with a piano in it. After moving all the furniture, the room,
decorated with paintings done by five year olds of Christmas, was just
big enough for children, parents and bandsmen to squeeze in together.
The headmistress, Miss Blue, who sat at the piano decided to shorten
the proceedings and announced that we should all sing only one more
carol – O Come All Ye Faithful - which just seemed most appropriate.
And finally, Angela Rose, our Editor, tells us of Christmas as a child in an
army family.
An Army Christmas
I have very patchy, though happy, memories of Christmases as a child.
As a family, we moved so much due to my father’s job as an army officer
and had no more than two Christmases in any one place. Once we went
to boarding school, my sister and I at 11, my brothers at seven, we often
went home to a different house, place and even country! The houses,
however, often had the same feel, as army furniture, carpets, curtains
etc tended to be uniform wherever you went. There was great
excitement on what were called the ‘lollipop’ flights, taking school
children home to their families.
I remember one Christmas in particular. My sister and I were in the
Brownies and living in Osnabruck at the time, an army base in Germany.
The children’s party was held in a large room on the first or second floor
of a barrack block. It was a fabulous event with a memorable highlight.
Excitement was rising in expectation of Santa’s arrival when suddenly
there was a tremendous noise outside and to our amazement a
helicopter was hovering outside the window! From the door came
Father Christmas who abseiled down to the ground bringing, of course,
a present for every child. I don’t think it occurred to any of us to
question the mode of transport; helicopters were every day to us.
Our parents worked hard to make Christmas fun. It began when the ham
and tongue were cooked the day before. They were for breakfast on
Christmas Day - how we managed lunch as well I do not know. The
NAAFI store always made sure traditional English goodies were
available, a logistical feat.
19We, of course, woke early to find small stockings on the ends of our beds
but a different coloured string for each of us led around the house to a
much bigger stocking at the end. Church was an important part of the
day, bringing the community together. Afterwards, extra people came
for lunch. My parents invited the duty officer and others who had duties
to perform over the festive season and could not get home. We were
already a family of six, so my mother had to cook enormous amounts.
This is still our idea of Christmas – a large number of people around the
table enjoying each other’s company. This year, of course, we are unsure
what kind of Christmas is going to be possible, but it will surely be a time
of hardship and anxiety for many. Amongst those who feature in our
thoughts, let us remember our military personnel too.
Taken from the poem ‘Soldiers’ Christmas’ by Ted L. Glines
Here at home with Christmas cheer
In this fun time of the year,
Let's pause a bit from what we've planned,
Singing songs - with praises ... and
Send a loving hug to soldiers dear.
(Chorus)
Ring the bells and praise the Lord
For our soldiers' love outpoured,
Post their names upon your tree
As they fight to keep us free.
Remember their gift forevermore.
The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.
R Sockman
20Christmas Trivia!
1. What product was invented by a sweet maker from London called
Tom Smith?
2. Which X Factor winner sang the UK's Christmas number one song in
2014?
3. How many points does a snowflake have?
4. What did Prince Albert bring from Germany and introduce to Britain
in the early 1840s?
5. Which Christian feast day is also known as Three Kings Day?
6. What is the best selling Christmas song in the world?
7. In which country is Santa known as Babbo Natale?
8. Who is the main character in 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens?
9. Traditionally, it is said to be bad luck to take Christmas decorations
down after which night?
10. Who played Susan Walker in the 1994 movie 'Miracle of 34th Street'?
11. Which American President banned Christmas trees from the White
House at the beginning of the 1900s?
12. What part of a Christingle represents the blood of Christ?
13. Which traditional Christmas carol was composed by James Pierpont?
14. In 1898, what was issued by Canada in order to commemorate
Christmas?
15. What are commonly thought to be the names of the 3 wise men?
16. Which popular Christmas plant originates from Mexico and has large,
bright red bracts?
17. Paul Young sang the opening line to which popular Christmas song of
1984?
18. What date is Heiligabend celebrated in Germany?
19. Which Christmas poem was originally called 'A Visit from Santa
Nicholas'?
20. Complete Scrooge's famous catchphrase, 'Bah...'?
(answers on page 40)
21Virtually gone! (in more ways than one…)
Alison has worshipped at All Saints for many
years and is currently training to be a Licensed
Lay Minister (LLM). Here Alison tells us about
the next stage of her training.
It feels extraordinary, after nearly four years of
my life, to consider that I might ever actually
NOT be on the LLM course, but in fact the time
is fast approaching and the end is coming into
view. I started back on the course in
September by returning to Year 3, the final
year, after taking 12 months’ pause to give
time to activism in the environmental and
human emergencies we face. Now I’m back in the realm of Assignment
Portfolios being handed in for assessment in a few short months, and the
course being ‘virtually gone’.
Between now and then I also have to
squeeze in a placement in another church.
Shortly after Christmas I will be leaving the
cyber-space that is currently All Saints’
worship community, to join a different
cyber congregation – so this time it will be
me that is ‘virtually gone’!
I am thrilled to be joining St John’s Stoke for
three months from January to Easter. I hold
out hope that at some point in that time I
might actually meet the vicar, and some of
the congregation, but we are at the mercy of this virus, not in control of
it, and I have no idea what form the placement will actually take. I do
know that St John’s is a thriving, spirit-led church with lots of families
and a very outward-facing view of discipleship. They instantly sprang
into action at the start of the last lockdown, cooking meals for hundreds
of people in the area that were suffering from the pandemic in different
ways. I really look forward to being part of that witness; experiencing
different ways of doing things and being challenged by some alternative
theology to what we might be used to here. I’ll also relish the chance to
catch up with William, who, you may remember, came to us on
placement a couple of years ago from St John’s.
22It will be strange to hand everything over, step back, and be an observer
for a while. I am really excited about learning from others in a new
place, making friends and settling into a different theology, a different
way of seeing God. I wonder what God might want me to glimpse or
experience in the time I am there. I know there will be a deepening of
faith, a real resonance of experience, and I hope I will be a better future
minister for it.
But I will miss All Saints so much in the time away. Happily, I bump into
so many people these days on The Mount in our lockdown-exercise-
slots, that it might not feel too much of a wrench! And I’ll tell you all
about it when I get back…
Alison Moulden
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas
from everyone at All Saints’ Church
23Christmas Services at All Saints
Here’s what’s happening at All Saints’ Church in December. Why not put
these dates in your diary now?
To manage numbers and to keep our building safe, we’re asking you to
register for a free ticket for our larger Services. Links to the tickets are
shown here or, if you prefer, contact Trish in the parish office
(on 01483 563173) and she will book a ticket for you.
Please book a free ticket for Messy Christingle at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/125901379415
24Please book a free ticket for the Carol Service at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/125903255025
Morning Worship with Nativity A contemporary service with our
Worship Band, featuring a short
Sunday 20th December at 10am
nativity play.
Please book a free ticket for the Christmas Eve Crib Service at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/125912715321
Please book a free ticket for Family Communion on Christmas Day at:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/125918598919
25Church Flowers
Usually, we put fresh flowers in the church every
week, except in Advent and Lent but we have had
a few gaps this year!
The people on the rota are asked to provide one
pedestal by the altar, two or three times a year.
At Easter, Harvest and Christmas a team gets
together to do some extra arrangements.
We are happy to do
flowers for weddings
and other special
occasions. We would
ask you to pay for
your flowers and to add a donation to cover the
cost of materials.
I used to rely on donations from the
congregation to cover materials all the year and
flowers for festivals, but we now have a PCC
budget to use if that doesn't work. However,
donations are always welcome and I shall
probably be asking for them for lilies at Easter
as usual.
I hope you notice the flowers in the church and enjoy them. We enjoy doing
them! I shall very soon be planning the rota for next year and I should be
delighted if anyone would like to join the list.
Sue Hemingway ( Tel: 01483 570742).
26The Celtic Saints
Across the Irish Sea they came in waves,
Riding foam-tipped crests of wind-whipped seas,
Blown by the westerlies to rugged shores;
Each voyage against the ocean’s restless surge
A miracle on millstone, currach, coracle
Making landfall on the coast of Pembrokeshire.
Clinging to vertiginous cliff-edges
They built their tiny chapel sanctuaries
Each stone a mark of gratitude
For safe deliverance from the tempest’s roar;
And from Saint Bride’s Bay’s sheltering arms
Their fiery faith ignited Celtic Wales.
We also need our sheltered, secret spaces,
Clinging to the edge of storm-wracked worlds;
Wild seas the one side, wilderness the other:
Abode of monsters, giants and demon hordes.
In these thin places, heaven is held close
And fire ignited to enflame the world.
Peter Wilkinson
27Christmas Cancelled? Not like in the 1640s...
There has been a lot of talk of Christmas being cancelled. How Christmas
must be saved.
Of course Christmas will go ahead as sure as Monday will go ahead, or
next Spring will appear again (not soon enough). Although with limited
pantos, carol services or office parties, this Christmas will certainly look
unusual.
But nearly four centuries ago, Christmas was indeed cancelled. It stayed
illegal for a decade and a half. As now, drastic new laws banned certain
gatherings. Back then though, this came from very different motives.
The Puritans were in power, and they took against a few particular
aspects of the church. They shunned Catholicism, including its Mass, so a
festival named after ‘Christ’s Mass’ was bound to be in the firing line.
They took against the adoration of Mary, so the Nativity story was
downplayed. They detested saints, including St Nicholas, who wasn’t
quite associated with Christmas yet, but delivered the odd present in
early December. Humbug indeed.
Christmas had become a rather drunken affair anyway. It wasn’t the
homely cosy season it would become. Besides, why commemorate the
birth of Christ at all? The only birthdays in the Bible were those of
Pharaoh and Herod, who both celebrated with executions. Not a ringing
endorsement for a birthday do.
Scotland outlawed Christmas in 1640, and it wasn’t officially
reintroduced there till 1958. (They had Hogmanay; they didn’t miss it.)
In 1643, the English Puritan government needed Scottish military aid, so
in return they promised to reform the Church of England a little more.
So that Christmas, word spread that good Puritan shopkeepers should
open as usual on December 25th, and that Puritan churches should
remain closed. Everyday folk had to pick a side: to celebrate Christmas
or not? Satirist John Taylor mourned its loss: “Thus are the merry lords
of misrule suppressed by the mad lords of bad rule at Westminster.” The
Lord of Misrule had been a festive favourite – a mock king of the season
bringing the party atmosphere... till now.
A year later, Christmas Day 1644 fell on a Sunday, meaning a different
test: food. Sunday was a fasting day, but Christmas was a feasting day, so
eating a dinner oddly became a political protest. Non-conformist
28minister Hezekiah Woodward labelled Christmas Day: “The old
Heathens’ Feasting Day... the Profane Man’s Ranting Day... the
Superstitious Man’s Idol Day... the True Christian Man’s Fasting Day...”
None of these caught on.
Christmas 1645 went one step further: it simply didn’t exist. Some
celebrated, but it was no longer an official celebration. Parliament sat,
though some MPs were seen yawning, kept up all night by rebellious
carol-singers outside their windows.
1646 saw Christmas riots, on both sides. Pro-Christmas protestors
confronted shopkeepers who dared open their shops on December 25th.
The poor especially missed their festival, enjoying an annual break from
the norm. Christmas also symbolised the noble ideals Cromwell and his
cronies were trying to quash.
In 1647, a law was passed banning anything to do with Christmas. It was
no longer enough to ignore it; it would no longer be tolerated. Daring
defenders of the festive season covertly decorated public places, draping
evergreens under the cover of darkness. The Lord Mayor of London rode
around the city the next day, setting fire to any decorations he saw.
Attending church became risky business. Armed guards confronted
those taking Christmas communion, aiming muskets at those taking the
bread and wine, before arresting them.
For years after, riots broke out this time of year, especially in the east of
England. In Ipswich, one protester known only as ‘Christmas’ was killed
by a soldier. In Canterbury, Christmas supporters seized control of the
city for weeks, in a last stand to protect the festival.
Old Father Christmas himself became the face of political propaganda: a
symbol of nostalgic old England in this time of Christmaslessness.
Pamphlets illustrated this bearded winter guest as happy, if not yet jolly
(wait a couple of centuries for that), contrasted with miserable Puritans.
A much-loved dish was banned too: the Christmas pie. It was huge and
crib-shaped (or coffin-shaped, representing two sides of Jesus’ life), so
therefore idolatrous, especially when decorated with a pastry model of
the infant Jesus. England’s food fans were an enterprising bunch though.
They changed the pie’s shape and shrank it to something more bite-
sized, more easily hidden in case caught out (stuff into mouth; mumble,
“Who me?” while spraying crumbs at the officer in question). The name
29had to change too, so the new improved smaller pies were named after
the mincemeat that was sometimes inside. The mince pie was born.
Christmas pie consumption on December 25th is still officially illegal in
England. The government hasn’t bothered overturning it, because no
one’s really eating Christmas pies any more. Plus they’ve got other brand
new Christmas laws to uphold, from three households-a-meeting to the
Rule of Six geese-a-laying to five gold tiers (Scotland only, and yes
they’ve finally reinstated Christmas).
Oh, Christmas did return by the way, when the monarchy came back in
1660. All these unusual periods come to an end.
Christmas may have changed over the years, but it’s the unexpected
events that provoke change and innovation. If the Puritans hadn’t
banned Christmas, we wouldn’t have mince pies to guzzle. Arguably too
they helped shift Christmas away from being a drunken street party,
instead ushering the festivity into the home, to become something more
domesticated and family-based.
Whatever you’re doing this Christmas (or allowed to do), learn from our
ancestors of the 1640s: Don’t have a riot. Have a mince pie.
Adapted by Onslow Village resident Paul Kerensa, from his book ‘Hark! The
Biography of Christmas’ (£7.99), available in all open bookshops or from
Paul direct on paul@paulkerensa.com
30The Mystery of the New Noisy Neighbour
By Dai Woolridge, Bible Society, £2
This children’s story places a mouse detec-
tive at the heart of the action in Bethlehem,
and he slowly discovers who Jesus really is:
Emmanuel, Rescuer and King. It is perfect to
give to children.
37 Kings and a Budgerigar
By Richard Littledale, Authentic, £7.99
For many of us, putting out a crib set is one of our
treasured Christmas traditions. But what do these
scenes really tell us about the original Christmas sto-
ry? Richard Littledale, a regular contributor to Daily
Service and Sunday Worship on BBC Radio 4, shares
reflections, Bible readings and prayers for each day of
Advent, based on his own personal collection of nativ-
ity sets from around the world. Just like unexpectedly
finding a figure of a budgerigar in one of his nativity sets, this accessible
devotional will surprise you anew as you see the familiar nativity story
with fresh eyes.
Let it Slow – an Advent calendar with a difference-
By Stephen Cottrell, CHP, £6.99
Christmas is one of the most joyful times of year, and it
can also be one of the most stressful. This understand-
ing and uplifting book offers another way to approach
Christmas, and to discover how its joys and promises
can restore our lives, not add to their burdens.
31The New Jerusalem
Transcribed from ‘Thought for The Day’, BBC Radio 4.
The subject of this thought walked up to me as I sat outside an empty pub
reading about the prime minister’s vision of a New Jerusalem. As I sat there
pondering the idea of a perfect society, a man held out a copy of The Big
Issue crammed into a plastic cover and asked if I’d like to buy one. I had no
cash and he had no PIN machine so he watched over my things as I went to
the ATM. The man, whose name was Francis, sat with me for a bit. He shared
the salient facts of his life: a peripatetic childhood, a stint in the army, and
alcoholism. He said he’d been in a hotel for the last three months courtesy of
the government scheme ‘Everyone In’ but the scheme had come to an end
and he was now back on the streets. He thanked me and set off in search of
the next sale and to try and find a bed before the sun went down. He couldn’t
wait for the New Jerusalem, for now this old city would have to do.
The phrase, the New Jerusalem, first appears in a wild and intense vision
had by the prophet Ezekiel, part visionary fancy, part practical hope. It walks
a thin line between the literal and the metaphorical. It even comes complete
with architectural plans for a heavenly city. Its prominent feature is that God
lives there and walks its streets. The city reappears in the Book of Revelation
where John sees a place where there is no pain, no suffering and presumably
no-one needs a bed for the night because the sun never sets there.
Throughout history some have tried to build a New Jerusalem, alcoves and
all. It was a driving theme for the puritans in colonising the new England.
And just a few streets from where I met Francis, the Knights Templar built
their temple the same distance from St Paul’s as the Holy Sepulchre was
from the temple in Jerusalem.
Others had taken the spirit if not the letter of the vision most notably in the
New Jerusalem pledged by the post-war government that saw the creation of
the welfare state. It is perhaps William Blake’s Jerusalem that conveys the
idea most potently. In a poem that is both a hope and a question he asks ‘was
Jerusalem builded here?’ The realistic answer to this is ‘no’, an optimistic
answer is ‘not yet’.
Some will not cease from the mental fight of trying or hoping. My guess is we
will know the New Jerusalem when we see it. Its streets don’t have to be
paved with gold but it has to be a place where a Francis doesn’t have to beg
to get a bed before the sun goes down. It has to be a place where ‘everyone
in’ means everyone.
Rhidian Brook
32Colour-in Christmas
33Say Hello to the All Saints’ Worship Band!
The All Saints’ Worship Band has been playing in all sorts of guises over the
last few months. In this first article, we hear a little about some of the
members and why they like being in the band.
Our band has seven singers; soprano, alto and tenor. Our instruments
include keyboard, piano, recorder, drums, percussion, electric and acoustic
guitars, cello, violin and bass guitar. When allowed again, bassoon and flute
too– but you might hear them in virtual performances!
There’s many more in the band than mentioned here today and we hope to
bring them all to you over the next few magazine issues.
So, let’s meet Amber (singer and bassoon), Ellie (singer and flute) and Andy
(singer and bass)….
Hello, I’m Amber and I am the Musical Worship Leader for the band at All
Saints. I’ve been in this role since September and it’s been so much fun!
There’s something about restarting a music group in
the midst of a pandemic that suddenly highlights how
valuable it really is. With the ever-changing
coronavirus restrictions, we’ve had to adapt, with
distancing, no wind instruments etc. It has been a
very interesting challenge, but I think we’ve also
evolved in many other ways too! We are making more
use of the sound system in the church, trying new
music and new combinations of instruments.
One thing I’ve personally really enjoyed is that I get to
choose the music we play, which means I often get to put in my favourites!
We already have a great bank of Altogether Worship songs, so I’ve been
using them as well as adding in new songs, on average one per service.
Whilst as a group we play more modern worship music, I also try to make
sure that we also sometimes take on more traditional material, with our
modern ensemble. Music in church is a vital part of worship and whilst we
are unable to sing together as a congregation, still being able to bring music
to a service is even more special.
Working with the whole group - that, like the whole of All Saints, has people
of all ages, musical abilities and a variety of instruments, - has been
amazing. I feel very privileged and thankful to work with a group of
dedicated and talented people, and to have their support in my new role.
Hi, I’m Ellie and I have enjoyed singing for as long as I can remember. When
34lockdown started and I had to stop singing in choirs I got really down,
although online choir with the parents isn’t too bad! After I was asked to
sing in the band at our church my spirits lifted considerably. There is truly
nothing better than singing with people. I find that making music is
something that can bring everyone together and singing in the band is
something I look forward to all the time. I never realised how much I would
miss singing with other people until it happened,
but now I can truly enjoy it again.
Hi, I’m Andy. I picked up a musical instrument for
the first time three years ago – a guitar. I started to
play bass about a year ago and now play this in our
band.
I count myself very lucky to play in the band with
the little experience I
have. It’s a great place to
learn. There are four songs to play every couple of
weeks so it really brings you on. I especially like
creating the bass part, which I do with the help of my
guitar teacher.
It’s definitely a challenge playing live or recording with
the band. I really enjoy learning the place I have in the
band and the part I contribute. There’s nothing like
playing your little bit in the band and helping make a
great sound that people like to listen to. I’d thoroughly recommend getting
involved if you are learning to play. There are very experienced musicians
in the band that help and our band leader, Amber, is such an
encouragement.
If anybody has any questions or suggestions about the music and the band
or is interested in getting involved, please don’t hesitate to email Amber at
musicgroup@allsaintschurchgfd.org.uk.
Believe in God and you’ll believe in miracles.
Believe in the baby of Bethlehem, and you’ll experience one.
Anon
35Pilgrim Course: a review
Greetings!
You’re probably wondering “Who this woman is
writing?”! Well my name is Annie Twidell and,
originally from Lancashire, I have lived in Guildford
since 1981. I retired last October after 39 years as a
nurse in the NHS.
I am a member of Merrow Gospel choir (new
members always welcome!) and I became friends with
Claire Byrnes, Nigel and Alice. I was looking for a
church for my 89 year old father with easy access and
traditional worship for Christmas Day and Claire suggested All Saints.
Although I’m used to a more evangelical church I was brought up with
traditional worship. The first thing that hit me walking into church on
Christmas Day 2019 was the welcome and general buzz of friendliness. I
enjoyed celebrating Christmas with those there and decided to return on
the Sunday.
Claire and I decided to join the Lent course in the vicarage and I met
about 16 people there. We then had to go online as a result of
coronavirus but I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Beverly has a natural
and encouraging style of leadership which facilitated interesting
evenings.
I subsequently signed up for first Pilgrim Course entitled ‘Turning to
Christ’ and over six weeks we explored what Christians believe. Pilgrim
course is a Church of England initiative with two stages; Follow and
Grow. There are four courses for each of the two stages. There were 20+
of us at different stages on our Christian journeys who joined via Zoom.
The format is the same for the eight courses and published in an A5 book
which starts with an introduction.
Each session has an aim but before we got to that Beverly welcomed us
individually as we appeared on Zoom. It is strange that I have got to
know a number of people that I have never met in person. I am of an
outgoing nature and talk to anyone but even so, it was lovely to be made
so welcome.
We muted ourselves whilst the opening prayers were read and we
responded. After a short conversation on the previous week we moved
36You can also read
