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Church and Community News February The monthly magazine of Price 2021 St Blasius Old Parish Church Free online
To Advertise Here Contact Pam Dana (01983) 863189
St. Blasius Old Parish Church
Magazine
SHARING GOD’S LOVE FOR ALL
Worshipping, Serving, Growing
TOGETHER
— CHURCH SERVICES —
We warmly invite you to join us - See details on Page 4
For enquiries relating to Banns and Marriage services, Baptisms and Funerals
please contact: Revd. Jonathan Hall (details below)
Priest-in-Charge Revd. Jonathan Hall Tel: 402480
rev.jonathanhall@btinternet.com
Local Minister: Revd. Tony Richards. Tel: 863607
Churchwardens: Mr. Robert Crawley. Tel: 868436
(Vacant)
Hon. Secretary: (Vacant)
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Robert Crawley. Tel: 868436
Safeguarding Miss. Pam Dana Tel: 863189
Deanery Synod Members: Mrs. Karen Crowhurst. Tel: 867727
Miss Pam Dana Tel: 863189
Freewill Offering: Mr. Robert Crawley and
Mrs. Joan Roberts. Tel: 864299
Magazine Editor: Mrs. Erica Hall Tel: 402480
editor.shanklinchimes@gmail.com
Magazine Advertising: Miss. Pam Dana. Tel: 863189
Electoral Roll Secretary: Mrs Annette Richards Tel: 863607
Children’s Society: Mrs. Pat Dean. Tel: 868342
Cost of Magazine: 80p per copy. £9.00 yearly. £17.00 by post.
St Blasius Old Parish Church, Church Road, Shanklin, PO37 6QY
website: www.st-blasius-church.org.uk
1
Prayers of Longing… During this time when we are not able to meet
together in Church to share in times of
worship, our own personal prayer lives have become even more important. That is
one of the reasons for choosing the study book “The Prayers of Jesus” as the focus
for our Lent Groups this year. The aim of the sessions spread over six weeks will be
to help us each deepen our relationship with God though prayer. (You can find details
of the programme, later in the magazine).
Hopefully the weekly worship material published on the St Blasius website and sent
to individuals by email has helped us each to have a focus for our own personal
reflection and prayer. One of the things that I have valued most about the online
material, is the variety of hymns and music which is available through YouTube. There
is an amazing wealth of music, songs and traditional hymns, recorded by professional
musicians, church choirs and individuals. Some of these are recordings of events and
services held in churches or concert halls before the coronavirus pandemic; others
have been made during the pandemic by individuals or groups who have come
together as a “virtual” choir or orchestra. As we journey together through these
uncertain and challenging times, there is something immensely encouraging about
seeing a screen full of faces, singing the words of a song or hymn as they share their
faith and trust in God.
One of the hymns that has spoken to me in particular in recent months is the modern
hymn “Longing for light,” which express a hope for peace, justice and healing in the
brokenness in our world. It was written by Bernadette Farrell, who is a British Catholic
hymn writer born in West Yorkshire in 1957. Since the 1970s, she has become
well-known across all Christian denominations for her challenging texts and
memorable melodies. She says, however, that “writing wasn't my intention or plan.
It was a practical response to the needs around me” – as this hymn demonstrates.
Each verse of this hymn follows a similar pattern, moving from a statement of what
many long for yet don’t have – basic human rights and the fundamentals of everyday
living – to our commitment to share what we do have and respond to the needs of
others. In this way, we the hymn expresses the hope that we may be a ‘light for the
world to see, servants endeavouring to make Christ’s kingdom visible on earth.”
Bernadette’s personal commitment to social action is seen in her work as a
community organiser for South London Citizens, part of Citizens UK – an organisation
that seeks to empower groups and individuals to work together to change their
communities for the best.
As we begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday (17th February), I hope and pray
that we will each be able to echo in our hearts a prayer of longing – a longing for a
2
deepening of our faith and trust in God, a longing for hope where there is despair, a
longing for light wherever there is darkness, a longing for healing in the brokenness
of our world, a longing to share in making God’s love real and tangible for all.
Wishing you God’s blessings,
Reverend Jonathan Hall,
Priest in Charge of St Blasius Church, Shanklin and St John’s Sandown
Longing for Light
By Bernadette Farrell
Longing for light, we wait in darkness.
Longing for truth, we turn to you.
Make us your own, your holy people,
light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled.
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has power to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Longing for food, many are hungry.
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us your bread, broken for others,
shared until all are fed.
Longing for shelter, many are homeless.
Longing for warmth, many are cold.
Make us your building, sheltering others,
walls made of living stone.
Many the gifts, many the people,
many the hearts that yearn to belong.
Let us be servants to one another,
making your kingdom come.
3
CHURCH SERVICES IN FEBRUARY
Details of any changes
will be published on the St. Blasius website
and Facebook page
SERVICES IN CHURCH ARE SUSPENDED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Due to the Coronavirus
You are warmly invited to
Join in with our Services at home
Worship material including
Prayers, readings, reflections and hymns is
Available on our Church website
Sunday 7th February
St Blasius Patronal Festival
10.30am
We are all invited to come together for a special Celebration Service
by ZOOM
The service will include
music, readings, reflections, spiritual communion and prayers,
followed by a time of fellowship over tea and coffee
for those who would like to stay and chat.
The ZOOM link will be sent by email with the weekly Church Family News
AND/OR by request from rev.jonathanhall@btinternet.com
4PRAYERS FOR THE MONTH
The Sunday and Special Collects for this month
(with endings omitted)
7th February- ST BLASIUS
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of your people,
as we remember and give thanks for the witness of your servant St Blasius,
who gave his life for the sake of the Gospel;
grant that we may rejoice in your peace in this present life,
and come to share in the life of your Heavenly Kingdom...
14th February - Sunday before Lent
Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross:
give us grace to perceive his glory,
that we may be strengthened to suffer with him
and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory…
17th February ASH WEDNESDAY
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we,
worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness…
21st February - First Sunday of Lent
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness,
and was tempted as we are, yet without sin:
give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit;
and, as you know our weakness,
so may we know your power to save…
28th Febuary- Second Sunday of Lent
Almighty God,
you show to those who are in error the light of your truth,
that they may return to the way of righteousness:
grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion,
that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession,
and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same…
5Book Review
Veg in One Bed
By Huw Richards
ISBN: 9780241376522
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd
If you have ever been tempted to try to grow
your own vegetables but have never quite
known how to start, this book could be just
the guide that you need. Huw Richards shows
how, using just one raised bed, almost twenty
different vegetables can be grown during a
year.
He explains how to organise planting over the year, so that all parts of the raised
bed are productive and the soil is enriched by compost which is incorporated into
the soil without the effort of digging! A month by month guide to sewing,
transplanting and harvesting vegetables throughout the year.
Huw shares tips to make gardening more rewarding and clever techniques which
he has learnt over his time as a gardener. This book was published in 2019, when
he was only twenty. He puts himself in the shoes of a beginner gardener, showing
them how do carry out the basic skills without overwhelming them with too much
initial information.
WANTED!
Your ideas!
We want this magazine to be really interesting and informative.
During the Pandemic, online publications are an important way of
keeping our communities in touch.
Please send in your comments, feedback and ideas to the editor at :
editor.shanklinchimes@gmail.com
6Thanking Key Workers
The Mothers' Union is running a scheme to say thank you to Key Workers in the UK
and Ireland, who have given so much to keep us safe and well. Through the,
‘Thank you Key Workers Appeal’, they have secured funding to provide activity
hampers, experience days and short breaks to Key Workers and their families.
Through this project, we thank those who have made sacrifices of quality family
time during these difficult days. For more information visit the Mother’s Union
website:
https://www.mothersunion.org/
Unfortunately, the temporary closure of the online shop and sales office had to be
extended, due to the impact of the essential national lockdown restrictions which
have caused delays to the schedule.
The Mother’s Union online shop will be reopening on 1st February 2021.
“We look forward to welcoming you back with our NEW Spring range and greeting
card collection in February. “ Thank you, MU Retail
From the Mother’s Union Mid-day Prayers for February 2021
God’s Eternal Word
From the very beginning was
Your Word which spoke this world into being,
Your Word which thunders from the skies,
Your Word which flows like mountain streams,
Your Word which whispers in morning breeze,
Your Word revealed through kings and prophets,
Your Word revealed through Angels' praise,
Your Word revealed in humble service,
Your Word revealed through a tiny child,
Your Word alive from the beginning of all things
and to eternity.
John Birch
7FESTIVALS IN FEBRUARY
From the Church of England Calendar: Major Festivals in bold
1 Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, c.525
2 The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
3 St. Blasius, Bishop and Martyr; Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg,
Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865
4 Gilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189
6 The Martyrs of Japan, 1597
10 Scholastica, sister of Benedict, Abbess of Plombariola, c.543
14 Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885
14 Valentine, Martyr at Rome, c.269
15 Sigfrid, Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045
15 Thomas Bray, Priest, Founder of the SPCK and the SPG, 1730
17 ASH WEDNESDAY , the beginning of Lent
17 Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977
23 Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c.155
27 George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633
Remembering our Patron - St Blasius
The picture on the Front Cover of our magazine this month shows a display that
Pam Dana kindly prepared for our Patronal Festival Service in 2019, to remind us
of aspects of the life of St Blasius:
The fishbone reminds us of the boy with the bone stuck in his throat who St Blasius
miraculously healed. And the reasons why St Blasius became the patron saint of
sore throats.
The candles remind us of the candles brought to St Blasius in prison as an offering
of thanks by the mother of the son who was healed.
The wool comb reminds us of the instrument with which St Blasius was tortured
and the reason why he became the patron saint of wool combers.
As we remember St Blasius this year, let us give thanks that he took the teaching
and example of Jesus seriously, and put it into practice in a way that helped many
others to come to know and love God.
Let us pray that in recalling his life, we may be inspired afresh to affirm our faith in
God, renew our sense of hope that God is alongside us in all of life’s challenges and
commit ourselves again to following in the way of love that Christ calls his followers
to in every age.
8Inter-Diocesan West Africa Link
Our diocese has had strong links with Anglican churches, schools and communities
in Ghana as part of the Inter-Diocesan West Africa Link (IDWAL) for 40 years. IDWAL
was formed in 1978 as the organisation to sustain those links between churchgoers
in Chichester, Guildford and Portsmouth dioceses with Anglican Christians in West
Africa. Since 1998, our links have been primarily with Ghana.
Churchgoers from our diocese have regularly visited Ghana, and we have welcomed
people from Ghana here. We also collaborate on projects, pray for each other and
learn valuable insights from each other, with individuals keeping in touch with their
friends in many different ways. The idea is to mutually support each other in Christian
faith and mission. Around 40 parishes and schools have active links.
Update from our Link Parish…
Each parish is encouraged to foster links with
a parish in Ghana. Many of you will know that
St Blasius Church has for a number of years
been linked with the parish of St Andrew's
Church, Techiman, where the Parish Priest is
Father Dominic Apraku. Although in recent
years, communication has proved difficult,
emails were exchanged over the Christmas and
New Year period. Very sadly, Father Dominic’s
sister died during Advent - our thoughts and
prayers are with him following his
bereavement. Coronavirus is having a
significant impact on the the church in Ghana,
both financially and in terms of mission and
ministry. Father Dominic expressed thanks for
the money that the PCC of St Blasius sent early
in the New Year to support the work of St
Andrew’s Church in Techiman. The sum of
£205 had been raised through specific
fundraising by members of St Blasius over a period of time, but unfortunately it had
not been possible to transfer these funds until a secure method of transfer had been
established. Please hold Father Dominic and all the members of St Andrew’s Church
in your thoughts and prayers, especially during this difficult and challenging time of
the coronavirus pandemic.
9Looking ahead to LENT…
Ash Wednesday, 17th February, marks the
beginning of Lent. It is traditional during this
season of preparation for the celebration of
Easter to set aside time for personal prayer and
reflection. A regular pattern of prayer helps to
strengthen and sustain our faith and assure us of
God’s presence with us every moment of every day.
Although prayer is fundamental to building our
relationship with God – it is something that many
of us struggle with –
● that might be because we find it difficult to
create the time and space to be still in God’s
presence
● Or it might be that there are so many issues and concerns going around in our
minds that we don’t know where to begin.
● Or it might be difficulty with finding the right words, or prioritizing the things we
feel that we should bring before God.
The aim of the Lent Programme this year, is to help each of us to deepen our own
relationship with God through prayer. We will be holding Lent Groups via Zoom,
starting on Ash Wednesday 17th February and Thursday 18th February. Using a study
guide written by Amy Boucher Pye, we will be reflecting on “The Prayers of Jesus”
and exploring ways in which we can deepen our own personal prayer lives.
Although the study book can be used as a guide for personal reflection, the six group
sessions, will include Bible study, music and discussion and offer time for reflection.
The study books, priced at £6 each, are available from Reverend Jonathan Hall
by email : rev.jonathanhall@btinternet.com – or Tel: (01983) 402480.
(The books will be posted to you).
We will hold two groups running in parallel, if numbers permit – It would be really
helpful if you could indicate as soon as possible which of the two days you would be
available so that we can plan appropriately.
10Temporary and Permanent by Nikita Gill
Most people in your life were only meant for dreams, and summer laughter.
They stay till the wind changes, the tides turn, or disappear with the first snow.
And then there are some that were forged to weather blizzards and pain with you.
They were cast in iron, set in gold and never ever leave you to face anything alone.
Know who those people are.
And love them the way they deserve.
Not everyone in your life is temporary.
A few are as permanent as love is old.
Nikita Gill is a British-Indian poet, playwright and illustrator living in the south of
England. She has published five collections of poetry. Her most recent book, a novel
in verse called The Girl and the Goddess was published by Ebury on national Poetry
Day 2020.
11The Spring term of 2021 has certainly
presented many different challenges for all
schools. The national lockdown, which began
St Blasius on 4th January, has meant staff and children
Primary Academy adjusting to a mix of face-to-face teaching in
school, for the children of key workers and
those who are vulnerable, and online teaching
of lessons for those at home. The worship theme chosen this term -
ENDURANCE - seems especially appropriate.
The Principal of the Academy writes in a recent newsletter…
Learning at home will obviously need to keep going for quite a while longer.
Thank you to everyone that is persevering with this.
Those children who are in school have been working on a number of
interesting topics. Year 2 have been learning about Australia and as part of
the topic we looked at Aboriginal Art: what they painted, the style and
pattern, and the creatures they put in the pictures. They had a template of a
gecko to draw round, then they decorated the shape, added it to the blue
background and painted details in the aboriginal style. They were all very
proud of the their pictures!
The staff at the academy all send their best wishes to you all and we will be
continuing to work hard for the next two weeks until we get a well deserved
break at half term. At least there will be no remote learning that week for
you to look forward to!
Mrs Mobley
Principal St Blasius Shanklin C of E Primary Academy.
The school prayer for this term:
Dear God,
We thank you for people who inspire us with their courage, perseverance
and concern for others.
In our prayers today, we remember those who are ill or in pain.
Give them courage and comfort when they struggle to keep going.
Amen
The deadline for the March issue is Wednesday 18th February
12Eco tips for a Greener February
This month our eco tips have a St. Valentine’s Day theme.
However, this year, perhaps our ‘Valentines’ could also be
more than just the traditional romantic messages? Perhaps
becoming little messages of hope and encouragement to
anyone we know who would be delighted by a little
surprise that will brighten their day.
A simple home-made card could be a lovely way of saying “I’m thinking of
you today”. Using up little scraps of paper and card and using your
imagination can be a creative, relaxing and calming time, too. You will also
know that your card is unique!
A good ‘old fashioned’ letter to a friend, neighbour, or relation will let them
know you are thinking of them and help them to feel loved and special. Or,
try writing a poem - it doesn’t need to sound like a sonnet by Shakespeare -
it’s the thought that counts!
If you are giving fresh, cut flowers, look out for from Fairtrade blooms in
supermarkets, or online. A pot plant will last longer than cut flowers and
some can be planted out in the garden, as the weather gets warmer. Through a
charity such as The Woodland Trust, you could pay for a native tree to be
planted in a protected woodland, as a lasting gift for future generations.
Another idea is to make hearts out of ‘Seed Paper’. Seed paper is easy, if a bit
messy to make, and the paper heart shapes can be planted in an indoor pot, or
in the garden. There are lots of videos online showing how to do this. You
will need flower seeds, from packets, or saved from last year’s flowers to add
to a mixture of torn scrap paper and water. Tear pieces of paper into bowl of
water. Mix in blender, or more slowly by hand. Strain the paper mix and add
the seeds. Gently mix with wooden spoon. Strain through a metal sieve.
Smooth out to create a paper sheet. Allow to dry and cut out heart shapes.
Sadly, the chocolate trade has a reputation for bad ethics, from unfair working
conditions and pay, to the use of palm oil. Look for a Fairtrade
chocolate. Divine chocolate is Fairtrade and owned by the farmers that
produce the cocoa beans. Their chocolates are free from palm oil and wrapped
in plastic-free packaging, ticking all the eco Valentines boxes!
A simple “I love you” with breakfast in bed can be real treat! Or finally,
most environmentally friendly of all, just looking up at the stars and taking a
moment to be thankful together.
13It is often said that the way to the heart of your beloved is through the offering of
culinary delights! Well, here is a tried and tested recipe, guaranteed to make
anyone’s mouth water. Based on a recipe for Flapjacks taken from the BeRo
Centenary Edition Cook Book, this old teatime favourite has been adapted to make
it even more delicious!. Although the sugar content has been halved, the addition
of fruit and muesli makes it even more moreish! I hope that you will enjoy it just as
much as Erica and I do…
Ingredients
Butter or Margarine 8oz (200g)
Golden Syrup 2 table spoons
Caster Sugar 4 oz (100g)
Alpen muesli 10 oz (250g)
Self-raising flour 4 oz (100g)
Dates or Dried Banana
(Chopped) 4 oz (100g)
Method
1. Gently melt the butter or margarine and syrup in a saucepan.
2. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pour the melted margarine and syrup over the dry ingredients and mix
together well with a wooden spoon.
4. Line a greased Swiss Roll tin with greaseproof paper and lightly grease.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the tin and press down with the spoon.
6. Bake in a moderate oven at 190 C (375 F) for about 20 minutes.
7. Tip out of tin and cut into fingers while warm and leave on a wire tray to
cool. Store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy!
This recipe makes about 14 slices
14He Knows No Winter
By Sudie Stuart Hager
He knows no winter, he who loves the soil,
For, stormy days, when he is free from toil,
He plans his summer crops, selects his seeds
From bright-paged catalogues for garden needs.
When looking out upon frost-silvered fields,
He visualizes autumn's golden yields;
He sees in snow and sleet and icy rain
Precious moisture for his early grain;
He hears spring-heralds in the storm's turmoil
He knows no winter, he who loves the soil.
15Thank You
Dear Friends
We were deeply moved by the beautiful
flowers and cards we have received from
Hazel's friends at St Blasius.
Hazel has been a huge part of our family and
will be sadly missed.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Best wishes
June, Andrew and Matt Knowler
16Don’t Delete me yet!
Please forward this magazine
electronically to
someone else to enjoy.Printed by Beardsalls.co - Tel: (01983) 717265
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