Church Roles & Responsibilities - FELLOWSHIP - July 2020 - Dalton Parish
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
St. Mary
St. Peter
In the Parish of Dalton-in-Furness,
Newton, and Ireleth with Askam.
50p
July 2020
Church Roles & Responsibilities ~
FELLOWSHIP
Adverts
Electrical Contractors
re-wires
T 01229 833616
showers
M 0775 2583072 domestic appliances
www.ladybirdshomecare.co.uk alarms
sockets
lighting
Little and Caine Ltd 24hr call out
St. Margaret’s
48 Ulverston Road
Dalton-in-Furness
Funeral Director
Monumental Service Call today on 01229
846782
Limousine Hire for 24 hour
veterinary care
131 Market Street
Dalton In Furness
SWEETIE PIES
Hot & Cold Takeaways
Sweets and Treats
Freshly ground coffee
Sweet cart hire
Telephone: 462564 Outside catering
Email: dalton@littleandcaine.co.uk 07902165997
38 Chapel Street
Website: www.littleandcaine.co.uk Dalton in Furness
Safe, High quality,
compassionate
Home care through-
out Furness and the
South Lakes areas.
Telephone: 01229 468 546
Website: www.mshhealthcare.co.uk
Email: Info@mshhealthcare.co.uk
TRINITY
Fellowship
The last three months have been unprecedented for many of us. Some of us
have been lucky enough to have left our houses, some have not. I, for one,
would have been lost without my iPad to keep up with what was happening
with my family, in the church, in Mothers’ Union, in the town, in the world.
We have coped—but we have lacked the Fellowship. We miss talking to our
family and friends face to face where we cannot hug or kiss. Virtual face to
face, smiles and air kisses are all well and good but they do not fulfil the real
thing.
Those who have been shielding and do not have modern technology must, at
times, felt cut off. I do hope they have been contacted by someone so they
have not been overlooked.
Ruth and Aimee have been great at organising as much help as possible with
services, emails, letters, getting people to phone those who are on their own.
Even helping the community with hosting the food hub in the church centre.
I have just* come in from standing on our doorstep for a 2 minute silence for
the Flynn family. It didn't matter that it was raining or blowing a hoolie. I’m still
breathing, there are three people and a dog that aren’t. While there I also
thought about Merril who died exactly a year ago. All are now in God’s
keeping. Unfortunately I couldn’t hear our church bell. Hopefully it will not be
long before the bell-ringers are back in the tower ringing for the glory of God.
Barbara Irwin
*11.05 28/6/2020
1
FROM THE VICARAGE
During these last 3 months (as I write) we have had
lots of time to think about our lives, our relationships,
our faith and the world. I don’t know about you but I
have got used to this different way of life. Some of it is
good and some not so good.
For me I have missed the physical contact with
people, those close to me, my own family who live
separate from me, and those I come into contact with
though pastoral occasions - when taking funerals. We
have only been able so far to arrange funerals
through telephone conversations, not meeting the family till the day of the
funeral, at the graveside or at the crematorium. And then no shaking hands
no comforting hugs, no hand on the shoulder. People have understood and
after all we are safeguarding one another in the way we are adhering to the
social distancing.
We’ve come to a particular place now in our journey through COVID 19. The
lockdown is easing even more. In the middle of June some of our churches
were opened for private prayer. I was pleased that we could do that at St
Mary’s, with safeguards in place, especially when the news of the devastating
accident in Dalton hit the headlines. We felt that all we could do was invite
people to ‘take a moment’ and if they wanted to do that in a place that has
been set aside for prayer.
I had hoped, that on this journey, of restrictions being lifted. I had also hoped
that I might have been able to write about how we would begin to open our
buildings for worship again. I hope it will not be long before we can begin to
meet again. Perhaps in this waiting time we can take a moment to look back
but also begin to look forward.
Perhaps we can pause and ask ourselves some questions before we rush
into the future without thinking what we might have learnt or need to learn
from this present experience.
There are some things we need to accept; the journey of recovery will be
slower than our journey into lockdown. Life is not going to be a quick return to
the old normal, but rather a new living with the virus, certainly for the rest of
this year and even perhaps through next year. Lockdown has been difficult for
many but has also brought new insights, opportunities and priorities to the
surface.
As individuals and together as Church it might be good for us to
2
contemplate, to reflect carefully on lessons learned and next steps. In the
diocese we have been asked to look at this through a ‘lens’. It will not just be
about opening our buildings, but what might the Church – that is God’s
people, look like and be doing and praying for as we navigate together in this
changed world.
It centres around 4 principles, ‘follow daily’, ‘speak boldly’, ‘care deeply’ and
‘tread gently’.
‘follow daily’ is about what it means to follow Jesus and how do we grow in
faith.
‘speak boldly’, how do we share our faith in the ordinariness of life
‘care deeply’, how do we listen to our communities and respond to their
needs.
‘tread gently’, how do we strive to care for creation?
In each of these we might ask ourselves some questions as we look back
over the last months and forward to the future; what has been lost? What has
stopped that we can let go of? What has stopped that we need to renew?
What have we discovered that we need to respond to? What is positive and
emerging that needs to be developed and resourced?
For example, care deeply – as a church in Dalton we have hosted the food
hub, working with members of our local community not primarily church
people to support our community. This has been a good thing how do we
continue to serve and work together in this way.
Tread gently, many people have realised that in a world locked down
creation can blossom and thrive, less air pollution, and in the main more
concern for creation. How do we hold on to that and even support it in how
we live out lives or work to ‘renew the life if the earth’?
God for all,
you reached out to the world in your Son Jesus Christ.
Help us to reach out in faith and love and witness to all.
God for all, you send your Holy Spirit
to empower and gift your Church.
By your Spirit help us grow in unity,
grow as followers of Jesus Christ,
and grow in your kingdom
in Cumbria and in this world.
Amen
Ruth
3
New Archbishop of York to be
confirmed
Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell
will be confirmed as the 98th
Archbishop of York this month.
The service, at 11am on Thursday
9th July, will be broadcast entirely
via video conference due to the
Coronavirus restrictions.
The service, which had been due
to take place in York Minster, will
be in two parts. A legal ceremony
with readings, prayers and music,
will be followed by a film marking
the start of Bishop Stephen’s
ministry as Archbishop of York.
The service will be available on the
Church of England website.
Arrangements for Bishop
‘Safe spaces’ in Boots Stephen’s enthronement service
will be announced later in the year.
Boots has become one of the first
high street stores to create ‘safe
spaces’ to help victims of domestic Peace be with you
abuse who need help during the (Jn 20:24-31, 14:5,11:16)
coronavirus lockdown.
Through absence,
The pharmacy chain, which is the Through doubt,
biggest retailer of its kind in the UK, Through questions
has opened consultation rooms in And fears,
its 2,400 high street stores. People Through locked doors
who have been unable to seek help And longing
while trapped at home with an abu- Jesus comes.
sive partner can access these ‘safe His risen presence
space’ rooms. Bringing blessing,
Hope and healing,
There they will find posters provid- Restoration
ing the phone numbers of the key And His precious,
support services, as well as help- Faith-affirming
lines whom they can call without Gift of peace.
fear of their abuser eavesdropping
on them. By Daphne Kitching
4
The deadline for the SEPTEMBER
issue of NEW LIFE is
FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH
THEME ‘Church Roles & Responsibilities
~ Outreach’
Church website -
www.daltonparish.co.uk
Facebook -
St. Mary’s Church, Dalton-in-Furness
@daltonstmary
Twitter -
twitter.com/St Mary’s Dalton @daltonstmary
What’s on in Dalton Parish @What’sDalton
Coronavirus: For the first time in Beware
history, we can help save the hu- As you prepare for the school holi-
man race by lying in front of the TV days, remember this: children are
and doing nothing. Let’s not mess natural mimics. They act like us in
this one up! spite of all our attempts to teach
them good manners.
Religious Exam answers
.In the first book of the Bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the world so
he took the Sabbath off.
5
6
Buy your Carpet in the comfort of your own home!
UNIT 1 CROOKLANDS BUSINESS PARK, ULVERSTON ROAD, DALTON
HOME CARPET SERVICE— 1000’S OF PATTERNS AVAILABLE
FREE: * ESTIMATING * PLANNING * FITTING
For an appointment to suit you:- Tel: 01229 463146 Mobile: 07967884719
No expensive showrooms * keeps prices low
Stately Gates
Ornamental Ironsmiths
AUTOMATED
PEDESTRIAN
ESTATE GATES
SECURITY FENCING
Contact Levi for a free quote
Tel; 01229 462646
Billings Rd, Dalton
www.statelygates.co.uk
Multi Award Winning Accountancy
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Year End Accounts
Business Insurance
Business Growth Specialist
"I worried about getting my accounts in a muddle. But Tracy and her
team sorted me out and explained what I need to do to keep my
accounts up to date. They are always there if I have a question -
nothing is too much trouble."
Sharon Jackson Bay Web Designs
TI Accountancy Limited
75-77 Buccleuch Street,
Barrow-in-Furness,
PLEASE TELL THE ADVERTISERS Cumbria. LA14 1QQ
IN THIS MAGAZINE YOU HAVE Phone: 01229 813388
Email: admin@tiaccountancy.co.uk
SEEN THEIR ADVERT HERE. www.tiaccountancy.co.uk
THEY HAVE SUPPORTED US
PLEASE SUPPORT THEM.
7
see if others have used the site and
what their experience was. If you
decide to go ahead with the
purchase, use a credit card if you
have one, other payment providers
may not provide the same
protection.
3 - Unsolicited calls and browser
pop-ups offering tech support
PUBLIC INFORMATION Never install any software, or grant
remote access to your computer, as
Criminals are exploiting the COVID- a result of a cold call. Remember,
19 pandemic to try and get their legitimate organisations would never
hands on your money and personal contact you out of the blue to ask for
information. To date, Action Fraud financial details such as your PIN or
has received reports from 2,378 full banking password.
victims of Coronavirus-related
scams, with the total losses NHS Test and Trace scams:
reaching over £7 million. The NHS Test and Trace service
plays an important role in the fight
How you can protect yourself against coronavirus and it’s vital the
from Coronavirus-related scams: public have confidence and trust in
There are some simple steps you the service. However, we
can take that will protect you from understand the concerns people
the most common Coronavirus- have about the opportunity for
related scams. Here’s what need to criminals to commit scams.
do:
What you need to know:
1 - Watch out for scam messages Contact tracers will only call you
Your bank, or other official from the number 0300 013 5000.
organisations, won’t ask you to Anyone who does not wish to talk
share personal information over over the phone can request the
email or text. If you receive an email NHS Test and Trace service to send
you’re not quite sure about, forward an email or text instead, inviting
it to the Suspicious Email Reporting them to log into the web-based
Service (SERS): service.
report@phishing.gov.uk
All text or emails sent by NHS Test
2 - Shopping online and Trace will ask people to sign
If you're making a purchase from a into the contact tracing website and
company or person you don't know will provide you with a unique
and trust, carry out some research reference number.
first, for example, by checking to
8We would advise people to type the On Governments and tax
web address https://contact- The easiest way to figure the cost
tracing.phe.gov.uk directly into their of living is to take your income and
browser, followed by the unique add 20 percent.
reference number given to you, The political pot never boils much.
rather than clicking on any link The old applesauce is only
provided in the message. warmed over.
A politician is a person who urges
The NHS Test and Trace service you to vote for him, and then
will never: sends you a bill for doing it.
• ask you to dial a premium rate I believe we should all pay our tax
number to speak to them (for bill with a smile. I tried -- but they
example, those starting 09 or 087) wanted cash.
• ask you to make any form of
payment or purchase a product or Why Jesus walked on water
any kind A tourist, planning a trip to the Ho-
• ask for any details about your ly Land, was aghast when he
bank account found it would cost £50 an hour to
rent a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
• ask for your social media "Goodness,” he objected to the
identities or login details, or those of
travel agent. “In England it would
your contacts
not have been more than £20.”
• ask you for any passwords or "That might be true," said the trav-
PINs, or ask you to set up any el agent, "but you have to take into
passwords or PINs over the phone account that the Sea of Galilee is
• ask you to download any water on which our Lord Himself
software to your PC or ask you to walked."
hand over control of your PC, "Well, at £50 an hour for a boat,"
smartphone or tablet to anyone else said the tourist, “it's no wonder He
walked."
• ask you to access any website
that does not belong to the
government or NHS Lesson
All of us could take a lesson from
If you think you have been a victim of the weather. It pays no attention to
fraud, please report it to Action Fraud criticism.
at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
or by calling 0300 123 2040. If you
live in Scotland, please report directly Incomplete
to Police Scotland by calling 101. I'm not a complete idiot. Some
parts are missing.
Religious Exam answers
.Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah’s wife was Joan of
Ark. Noah built and ark and the animals came on in pears.
9Local is back!
Odd things have been happening to For decades, we’ve been hearing
my world in these past weeks of about globalization, and how the
lockdown. world is a much more connected
place. It is, and the internet has kept
It’s got bigger. I’ve been speaking many vital businesses running these
regularly via the web with friends in past weeks.
Australia and the United States.
Worshippers from Canada and But we’ve also come to value what’s
South Africa are taking part in our on our doorstep and in our local
online church services. Other streets.
churches are telling the same
stories, with increasing numbers of Neighbours have become more
people logging on. important. We’re valuing local
shops, pubs and restaurants, parks
It’s got smaller. Even with the relax- and open spaces. All the people
ation of regulations, many people working hard to keep local services
are still working from home, home- going.
schooling and mostly exercising
within walking or cycling distance Christianity is now a major global
from where they live. religion, with billions of followers
around the world. But it began local.
It’s got faster. Arrangements for a It began with Jesus Christ, travelling
funeral in my family were speeded by foot, preaching and healing
up, with registration and funeral around a small area of the middle
planning carried out over the phone. east. From its local roots, the faith
A doctor’s appointment by spread around the world.
telephone significantly cut down
waiting time. Today, churches around the world
are deeply rooted in their local
It’s got slower. Shopping takes communities and are seeking to
longer with queues that people follow Christ’s example of love and
would have complained about caring.
before the lockdown. The shops
have done a great job to keep the Each of us is rooted into our family,
shelves stocked and maintain social into our key relationships and into
distancing. where we live.
I’ve been thinking about what the During this pandemic, each of these
long-term impact of the Covid-19 has grown in importance.
lockdown might be. One of the key
outcomes is that local is back.
Religious Exam answers
Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the apostles.
10The Coronavirus, Church &
You Survey
You are invited to take part in this The sermon
national survey…details below A little girl became restless as the
preacher’s sermon dragged on and
We have developed a survey over on. Finally, she leaned over to her
the last few weeks in discussion mother and whispered, “Mummy, if
with bishops, clergy and lay people we give him some money now, will
which we hope will enable you to he let us go?”
record your experience of the pan-
demic, the ministry you have given Warning
or received, and what you think will A little girl was watching her parents
happen to churches in a post- dress for a party. When she saw her
pandemic world. father donning his dinner jacket, she
objected. “Oh Daddy, you shouldn't
This is an online survey, which we wear that suit.”
estimate it will take you about 20-30 Bemused, her father asked why not.
minutes to complete. The little girl explained: “Because
you know that it always gives you a
The survey can be completed on headache the next morning.”
mobile phones, though it is more
quickly completed on devices with
larger screens such as tablets or Family Bible surprise
computers. You can access using A little boy was fascinated as he
the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ fingered through the pages of the
ycsq9fy2 old family Bible. Suddenly, an old
leaf that had been pressed between
Please forward this link to any the pages fluttered out. “Mum, come
churches or churchgoers you feel quick!” he cried. “I think I just found
might want to take part in the survey Adam's underwear!”
and support this research. We
should have some initial results
within a few weeks and will make Funeral
these available as widely as we can. While walking through the
churchyard one day, our minister
The Revd Professor Andrew Village, came across his six-year-old son
York St John University burying a dead sparrow. With
a.village@yorksj.ac.uk sonorous dignity the son was using
the prayer that he thought his father
The Revd Canon Professor Leslie J. always said: “Glory be unto the
Francis, Faaather, and unto the Sonnn, and
Visiting Professor York St John Uni- into the hole he goooes.”
versity
11Coronavirus and our young Good tips to help you avoid
people the virus
A recent survey by the Prince’s If you receive a package in the post,
Trust has found increased levels of it is a good idea to leave it alone for
anxiety among young people 72 hours before opening it, in order
because of the crisis. Half of them to reduce the risk of infection.
say that finding a job now felt
‘impossible’. That is just one of a number of tips
which the website
Seven out of ten young people www.germdefence.org is offering to
reported feeling that their life is “on anyone who wants to reduce their
hold”, and a third feel that every- risk of infection transmission.
thing they have worked for was now
“going to waste”. Germdefence.org is run by
researchers from the universities of
Jonathan Townsend, UK chief Bath, Bristol and Southampton, who
executive of the Prince’s Trust, are working closely with Public
says: “An alarming proportion of Health England.
young people are feeling increased
levels of anxiety, and fears are
building about their future. We Your garden is good for you
cannot allow this crisis to cripple the
aspirations and prospects of our Spending time in your garden will do
nation’s young people.” your wellbeing as much good as if
you were living in a wealthy
neighbourhood.
Over-65s go shopping online
So says a recent study by the
When you can’t go out, go University of Exeter and the Royal
shopping. That seems to be the Horticultural Society (RHS). It has
decision of many people over 65. found that 71 per cent of people
who used their garden went on to
Record numbers of over-65s have report good general health, as
signed up for online banking, compared to 61 per cent who did
according to recent data from not use their outdoor space. A
Halifax. And they are now shopping similar difference in wellbeing was
online twice as much as a year ago, seen between the highest and
after being forced to stay home lowest income groups.
during lockdown.
The study also found that those of
Overall, the proportion of us who love our gardens are far
transactions being made online by more likely to have greater levels of
those over the age of 65 has physical activity and much higher
doubled, climbing from 20 per cent psychological wellbeing.
to 40 per cent.
12Coronavirus and local
churches
‘Going to church’ is not what it God has sent or allowed this world-
used to be. With our church build- wide plague.
ings closed, many of us now ‘go’ to
What about the negative aspects
services transmitted via YouTube or
other social media. They last only of online services?
about 45 minutes, half the length of
Middle-class and/or resource domi-
a normal Sunday church service.
nance. Many churchgoing people,
Some churches also transmit a daily particularly the elderly and less well-
off, do not have a smart phone, a
prayer slot, or provide a children’s
programme on line once or twice a tablet or computer.
week. All such seem to be popular
Primacy within the preaching is not
and attract those who may well not
have visited the relevant church for known. How far the Gospel is actu-
years! ally being preached is unknown;
how many people are coming to
So – what are the positives in all faith is unknown.
this? For there are some!
Long-term impact uncertain. Online
Many non-regular church people services cannot give the connected-
watching. It would seem that many ness of face-to-face interaction,
people in isolation are watching though they may suggest a wider
these streamed services at home, and simpler framework for the fu-
many more than usually attend the ture. They cannot help loneliness to
the same extent, nor can the minis-
church in question. Many churches
are reporting increases from viewing ter get to know people personally.
of 20%, 50% or even 100%.
One probable long-term implica-
Advantages of social media view- tion
ing. It is easier to ‘attend’, especial-
Helpful service supports faith im-
ly for the elderly or disabled, and
you can have a cup of tea alongside age. Churches which are now serv-
you if you wish! ing their local community, especially
with meals, food banks, and other
Popularity of format. Some say they like services, are building an image
like the ‘personal’ approach with the of love and care. Finance for such
preacher as he/she seems just a is often being donated by the
couple of feet away, which means churches, and volunteers are com-
the sermon is more likely to be lis- ing forward. Those churches which
do the most are likely to emerge the
tened to! It’s usually shorter also. It
may help bring calm to worried peo- stronger, or at least more respected
ple. Some may be seeking answers than they were.
from the Christian faith as to why
13MOTHERS’ UNION
FELLOW
Doris
Committee
Mothers’ Union is a Christian Worldwide
organization with over 4 million members in
80 countries. Our members are not all
mothers, or even all women. They are single,
married, parents, grandparents, or young
adults just beginning to express their social
conscience. MU provides a network through
which they can serve Christ in their own
community—through prayer, financial support
and actively working at the grassroots level in
programmes that meet local needs. We aim
to help people to understand Christ’s teaching
on marriage and offer support to couples to
help them build a strong family life.
Our branch, led by Doris Hall, is committee
run. We plan the programme together yearly.
The meetings are open to anyone—visitors
are always welcome. We start with a short
service then go on to the speaker or activity.
At the end we have refreshments and a chat.
We also go out into the community to eat
together a few times..
Projects that members take part in—we
provide FGH with gowns for still born babies,
hats for newborns, cross in pockets and
emergency bags (through church). We knit
balaclavas for the Seamen, fiddle muffs and
blankets for those with dementia, and provide
toiletries for women’s refuges. We also
contribute funds towards larger projects in the
Diocese.
M.U. is not just about having cups of tea,
making cakes or knitting, our branch is a
friendly one offering support, fellowship, and
friendship. We are always delighted to
welcome new members for more information
contact Doris on 462742 or contact any
committee member.
14WSHIP
MEDITATION
Alison
The meditation group meets once a
week to do Christian meditation. We
are part of the world community for
Christian meditation that was
rediscovered by John Main, a
Benedictine monk, and is now an
international organisation with a
centre in Bonnevaux France. It is
also ecumenical and welcomes
different people to join in.
Our group starts at 2.15pm on a
Monday. We say some opening
prayers and listen to some teaching
on meditation. This leads into a time
of meditation. We use a prayer word
called a mantra to help us to spend
time in silence. We often listen to
some Taizé music or a chant. Before
leading into some intercession
prayers before we say the grace and
finish at about 3.30pm.
This type of meditation is not a
technique but a type of quiet prayer
that goes right back to the Desert
Fathers. Our group is part of a larger
group of mediators in Cumbria. We
organise quiet days, teaching days,
Mystic days and weekend retreats
each year.
If you would like to try this type of
prayer contact Alison MacMahon for
further information on 343621.
15C of E has been
‘astonishingly present’ England will emerge from this
stronger than it has been for a long
During the coronavirus crisis, the while.
Church of England has been
accused of “vacating the public Bishop Stephen Cottrell,
square or of being absent.” Archbishop of York Designate, was
writing in the Daily Telegraph on
So wrote Bishop Stephen Cottrell, 12th May 2020.
Archbishop of York Designate, in a
recent article for one of the national
newspapers. But he goes on: “I
simply do not recognise (this). The
Church of England has been
astonishingly present, albeit in
many new and remarkable ways.”
The Bishop then gave many
examples of various local churches
who have reacted with positive
action during the crisis. Some have
started food banks, helped
refugees and asylum seekers, set
up telephone prayer services, The reasons for going to
started zoom Bible groups, or church
organised children and youth
events online. Strange times we are living through.
The future consequences of corona-
“These stories are being replicated virus are going to be challenging, to
up and down the country,” he say the least. How will our churches
continued. “Most astonishing of all, fare when our buildings are allowed
plenty of churches report very to re-open?
large numbers of people joining
their streamed services. One could say that the reasons for
churchgoing can be put into three
“Of course, we long for our church slots, ‘Culture’, ‘Faith’ and
buildings to reopen. But when they ‘Community’. Many churchgoers
do, it won’t be business as usual – would probably recognise in them-
partly because we are discovering selves elements of more than one.
new ways of serving our
communities. Culture is for those who feel com-
fortable in church. They like the his-
“When we do return to the sacred, tory, the language, the buildings, the
beautiful space of our church liturgy and the music, which have
buildings, with all their vital and probably been a part of their lives
much-missed resonances of since they were children. All hold
continuity, I believe the Church of comforting memories.
16world, will need to know our an-
Faith is a link with the meaning of swer to its call. To thrive, it needs
life and its eternal promise, some- us back.
where to seek guidance through
worship and sacrament, and on
which to lean in times of trouble. A
belief in the words of Jesus that they
are not on their own, even if some-
times it feels like it in this world.
Community is for those who like
coming to church or being associat-
ed with it as a flying buttress (a Sit where you like
phrase of Winston Churchill, who Whilst serving as church usher, I
described himself as someone who was carrying out our tradition of es-
supports the church from the out- corting parishioners to their seats
side). They don't have to have a before the service began. After I
commitment to the faith of the returned to the entrance of the
Church but are sympathetic and sanctuary to escort the next party, I
don't mind being with those who do. greeted two strangers and asked
where they would like to sit. Look-
It is likely that the ‘old normality’ will
not be the ‘new normality’ and this ing confused, the young man smiled
provokes a few thoughts: and said, "Non-smoking, please."
* How many people, now out of the
habit of regular community worship, Toothy grin
will wish to return to it? While working for an organisation
* How many people on the periphery that delivers lunches to the elderly, I
of church life, will come back to it, at used to take my four-year-old
least in the short term? daughter on my afternoon rounds.
* How many of those who have had She was unfailingly intrigued by the
a regular commitment to the church, various appliances of old age, par-
for example by serving at the altar ticularly the canes, walkers and
or in its refectories, singing in choirs, wheelchairs.
doing flowers, ringing bells and pol- One day I found her staring at a pair
ishing brasses will feel that this is a of false teeth soaking in a glass. As
good time to make a break and do I braced myself for the inevitable
something different?
barrage of questions, she merely
whispered, 'The tooth fairy will nev-
As church people, we must consider
where we go from here. The er believe this!'
Church, everywhere in the infected
Religious Exam answers
.The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert afterwards, Moses went up to
mount cyanide to get the ten commandments..
17St James the Least
On the perils of the Ladies’ Guild annual outing…
The Rectory, St James the Least of All
My dear Nephew Darren
And so once again we start the annual round of parish treats. While the bell-
ringers prefer public houses, and the choirboys want fast food outlets, the
Ladies’ Guild are centred on lavatories. The itinerary is unchangeable: Coach
drive to coffee stop and lavatory. Coach drive to luncheon stop and lavatory.
Coach drive to some arbitrary attraction – provided it has a tea shop and lav-
atory. Coach trip home with a lavatory (stop en route).
A sub-committee will have been hard at work for the previous six months de-
ciding where to visit. The most disastrous course of action is to present the
group with a choice; if two options are provided, they will attract almost equal
numbers in favour, thus ensuring that half of the group will rejoice in saying
throughout the day that the other option would have been preferable. When it
comes to decision-making, Stalin had a lot going for him.
My predecessor in this parish left me a terrible legacy; he always accompa-
nied the Guild on their day out, thus obliging me to do the same. I do, howev-
er, travel equipped with armaments. “The Times” crossword rules out any
possibility of conversation for at least the first two hours. Three years ago,
Mrs Phillips had the audacity to look over my shoulder and give me 12
across; she will not make that mistake again. A brief nap after these intellec-
tual exertions, assuring those around me that I am meditating on the theme
for next Sunday’s sermon, ensures a morning almost free from having to
comment on the weather, other members of the party, or why I so rarely drop
in on the Pram Service.
The ideal destination is one where I have a clerical colleague, so while the
ladies wander about, shop and analyse why I still wear the same suit I arrived
in 30 years ago, we have an agreeable afternoon assassinating the charac-
ters of bishops and archdeacons and bemoaning the standards of a new gen-
eration of curates. After our different therapies, we all re-assemble at the
coach for the return journey.
Naturally, there is the traditional wait for those who have forgotten where the
coach park is. As far as I am concerned, a deficit of less than 10% should be
entirely acceptable. I can think of several husbands who may be rather thank-
ful that their wives may not be back as soon as they had feared.
Our ladies return, invigorated with the thought of all the bits of information
18about other members in the party that can be discreetly shared over the tele-
phone, while I am exhausted from 12 hours of attempting to be polite. Mean-
while the sub-committee gets a date in the diary for planning next year’s lava-
torial sequence.
Your loving uncle,
Eustace
Say it slow
On a beautiful late summer's day, Environmentally friendly
two American tourists were driving transport
through Wales. They reached Llan- While driving in the countryside, a
fairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobw family caught up to an old farmer
yllllantysiliogogoch (yes, that place and his horse-drawn cart. The
in Wales) and stopped for lunch. farmer obviously had a sense of
Still gazing in fascination at the humour, because attached to the
place name on the sign outside, one back of the carriage was a hand
of the tourists approached the wait- printed sign: ‘Ecologically efficient
ress and said: "Before we order, I vehicle: Runs on oats and grass.
wonder if you could settle an argu- Caution: Do not step in exhaust.’
ment for us. Can you pronounce
where we are, very, very, very slow-
ly? Simplify
“Sure,” the girl shrugged. She
leaned over the counter and said: A businessman was telling his friend
"Burrr-gurrr-king". about the worries plaguing him, de-
claring: “They are beginning to
smother me, dozens closing in from
Choice all sides.”
A father was standing at the edge of “The thing to do,” consoled the
a cliff admiring the sea below, the friend, “is to simplify your problems.
sandwiches clutched in his hand. Lump together the related ones.
His son approached him and tugged That’s what I did, and now I have
at his coat. “Mum says it is not safe only three problems: nagging credi-
here,” the boy said, “and that you tors, profitless business, and the
are either to come away, or else fact that I’m broke.”
give me the sandwiches.”
Religious Exam answers
.The first commandments was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.
20
19
26MEETING THE CHALLENGE
APRIL APRIL
Stewardship 1418.50 Heat/Light/Water 183.31
Open 0.00 Maintenance 80.00
Special Services 0.00 AltarReq/Vestments 0.00
Baptism collections 0.00 Organists 0.00
Wedding collections 0.00 Insurance 694.81
Funeral collections 0.00 Parish Share 3516.83
Interest 4.35 Grounds 705.00
Admin Support 0.00 Travel 108.86
Use of centre 0.00 Phone/Postage 62.30
Coffee/tea 0.00 Office Requirements 200.65
Unity lottery 219.00 Fees & Subs 0.00
Fundraising 1646.91 Mission 0.00
BBCouncil 0.00 Misc. 336.00
Garden Fund 0.00 St Peter's Loan 400.00
Misc 0.00 Youth 0.00
Wedding fees 0.00 Retired clergy fees 0.00
Funeral fees 299.00 Verger Fees 70.00
Bells fees 0.00
Assigned Fees 1346.33
INCOME 3587.76 EXPENDITURE 7704.09
Religious Exam answers
.The seventh commandment is Thou shalt not admit adultery.
21
27
20Sea Sunday – 12th July
Look around your home. How much of the contents in your cupboards, ward-
robe, rooms, and even garage came to you over the seas, via the great mer-
chant ships? What would your home be like without them?
Yet when did you last give a thought to the people who bring them to you? It
is a curious fact that seafarers are one of the most important, and yet invisible
people groups in our society. We all of us depend on them to fill our homes
and businesses with an endless variety of goods, and yet we never see them,
never speak to them, and rarely even remember their existence.
It suddenly makes Sea Sunday seem good sense: an annual opportunity to
give thanks for the seafarers of the world, and to pray for their personal well-
being. For going to sea is a lonely occupation. It separates families for
months on end. It can sometimes be dangerous, and is always physically
demanding work. So this month, on Sea Sunday, let’s pause and give thanks
to God for the seafarers of the world. Let’s remember how their work so en-
riches our lives. Let’s pray for them, for their families, and let’s support the
organisations that offer them care and support through their chaplaincy work.
In doing so, we will join with thousands of other Christians, from London to
Lagos, Manila to Melbourne and Durban to Dunkerque, who each year re-
member the seafarers who make our prosperity possible.
Mitre
A High Church bishop once found
his mitre needed reversing during
the service, having been replaced
on his head back to front. A server
realised his predicament and started
to turn it round for the bishop.
“Steady on there, lad,” said the
bishop. “It doesn’t screw on, you
know.”
21Editor: Nigel Beeton writes: ‘In Acts
10:9-16 we read of how Peter went This drew a sharp response from
up on a roof to pray and, while do- God,
ing so, was shown a vison of all “Who do you think you are?
kinds of food specifically banned in “What food did you expect, perhaps
Leviticus. God, of course, was pre- “A bowl of caviar?
paring Peter for ministry to the Gen- “A champagne sorbet? Quails’
tiles, starting with Cornelius, but the eggs?
lesson about God cutting through “And then a nice cigar?
our prejudices is a very valuable “No! Food that I’ve declared is good
one. “You have no right to bar!”
I'm not sure if God uses sarcasm as
depicted in verse three, but then He So help us Father, as we seek
does use rather heavy irony, such Your guidance from above;
as in his dealings with Job. Perhaps Our prejudices, fears, and sins -
God needs to show me a vision of Those may you rid us of!
curbing my tendency to see the fun- But may your Holy Spirit come
ny side of things!’ Upon us, like a dove
That we may very clearly see
The visions of your love.
Peter’s Vision By Nigel Beeton
Peter knelt upon a roof –
He’d gone up there to pray;
He’d gone to seek his Father’s face Editor: Nigel Beeton writes: ‘This
In the middle of the day. year, we don't have a gardener to
He saw a sheet of dodgy food help us with our biggish garden. My
And heard an angel say, shortfalls as a gardener are becom-
“I know you’re hungry, Peter, so ing all too apparent!’
Come, eat your fill today!”
A Garden Mystery By Nigel Beeton
But Peter gazed with horror at
This gift of food, divine; A garden is a mystery
Filled with things he mustn’t eat It makes me question ‘why?’
Like birds, and prawns, and swine. The plants I nurture with such care
“I can’t eat that!” he said to God, Just shrivel up and die?
“Leviticus’ line: While seeds that I don’t know about
“I may not eat this kind of stuff All vigorously thrive
“Not now, nor any time!” And grow like fabled beanstalks
From cracks within my drive!
Religious Exam answers
When Mary heard she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the magna carta.
22Psalm 23 has been a source of strength for thousands of years. Many
find it helpful today.
When we are isolated and alone, we remember God is with us; we place
our hands in his hands…
> The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
When we are tired and confused…
> He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still wa-
ters;
When we are worn out with worry…
> He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
When we are sick and afraid and if we lose those we love…
> Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you
are with me; your rod and your staff - they comfort me.
When we face difficulties today and we hope for a better tomorrow…
> You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
In the face of trouble & difficulty of all kinds, we remember Jesus’ promise
of life beyond death…
> Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.
Bible verses used here are NRSV, the commentary is by the Rt Revd Dr Ste-
ven Croft, Bishop of Oxford.
23)
ADVERTS For quality fresh flowers
Aimee of Dalton
79a Market St, Dalton - Tel:
462402
AERIALEK BEDDALLS
24 Hour Answer Service
THE NORTH’S LEADING AERIAL
Market Street
AND SATELLITE SERVICE & MAIN Newspapers, Toys, Cards, Sweets
AGENTS FOR FREEVIEW BOXES
56 Market Street, Dalton in Furness Tel: 462258
42-44 Ulverston Rd,
Dalton-in-Furness
Cumbria LA15 8EF Bliss hair design
Tel: 01229 463168 & Bliss beauty
19 Ruskin Avenue
Dalton
aerialek.ltd@btconnect.com cumbria
£10 OFF with this leaflet* 1 leaflet per job
01229 464912
JLH CHORLEY,
Funeral Services, Paul Braithwaite
Independent Family Business, PAINTER & DECORATOR
28 Myrtle Terrace,
Dalton in Furness. TEL: 07743 418260
Our Family, paulb7025@gmail.com
Helping yours
24 Hour service, All types of contract undertaken
At all times
Telephone 01229-463166
Mobile 07719337666
Email louis.chorley@sky.com
24)
New version of Apostles’ Creed The queue
When our church began live While waiting in a long queue early
streaming its services, our minister one morning for the supermarket to
was at first a bit nervous. Still, he open for us ‘seniors’, I was sur-
kept his cool, and you would never prised to see a young man saunter
have known he was struggling until along and try to cut in at the front of
he reached the Apostles’ Creed. the queue. A furious old lady waved
Then he firmly announced that her cane at him, and he quickly
Jesus was..."confused by the Holy backed away.
Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary..."
A moment later, the young man tried
New style of prayer again. He managed to dodge the old
Our minister is still getting used to lady, but then two old men started
live streaming our church services. shouting at him. Again, the young
Last Sunday he invited us to join man backed away.
him digitally in prayer by saying
firmly: "Let's bow our eyes and close But he wasn’t giving up, and soon
our heads." the young man approached the
queue for the third time. By now, all
Crazy? of us pensioners were ready for him,
Our minister wanted the title of his an angry wall of opposition.
next sermon to be posted ahead of
time on the church website. He rang The young man stood there for a
our church warden and said that the moment, and then shrugged his
title was to be: ‘Are Ministers shoulders. "If you people won't let
Crazy?’ me unlock the door, none of you will
Not hearing this as a question, the ever get in to shop."
church warden dutifully posted: ‘Our
Minister's Crazy.’
Distancing
Seagull need to practice social-distancing -
A father was at the beach with his from my refrigerator.
children when the four-year-old son
ran up to him, grabbed his hand,
and led him to the shore where a Expectant
seagull lay dead in the sand. The rector of a church had just
"Daddy, what happened to him?" made the happy announcement that
"He died and went to heaven," the a member of the congregation was
father replied. The boy thought a with child. Then he reminisced a bit:
moment and then asked: "Why did ‘As far as I know, there have been
God throw him back down?" no pregnancies in this church for
years - until I arrived!’
Religious Exam answers
.The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still
and he obeyed him.
25What effect will coronavirus
have on society?
Patterns in the Psalms – a colour-
ing book The Office for National Statistics
SPCK, £9.99 (ONS) has found that, following an
initial period of great anxiety and
This summer, if you have time on confusion, now almost half the pop-
your hands, why not colour your ulation understands that life will not
way through the beautiful imagery of return to normal within the next six
the Psalms? months.
This book contains 30 illustrations Other findings include:
with a corresponding verse, all de-
signed to appeal to an adult market. 75 per cent of us are “very worried”
The designs include animals, flow- or “somewhat worried” about the
ers, leaves, waves, stars and other effect that coronavirus is having on
patterns. Readers can enjoy the our lives now.
creativity and freedom of adding
colour to these intricate designs, Many parents have struggled with
whilst scripture provides inspiration home schooling, with 33 per cent
and reflection for each page. saying it has put a strain on family
relationships.
The Link-It-Up Bible
By Bob Hartman, SPCK, £9.99 41 per cent of us expect our finan-
cial situation to get worse over the
Highly visual and interactive, this next 12 months.
book of more than 60 stories, high-
lights the links between stories and 41 per cent of us think that the well-
draws attention to the wider themes being of our child or children is be-
of the Bible. ing negatively affected.
With arrows zipping across the But it is not all bleak – a huge 57 per
page, pull-out text boxes asking the cent of us think that Britain will be
reader questions and illustration more united in the future, and 67 per
elements bringing each story to life, cent of us say that Britain will be
this book sees the whole Bible kinder after coronavirus. That is
linked up and connected to show good news!
the bigger story at work - and the
God behind it all.
26FOOD FOR THOUGHT…..
Probably you all have your own recipes for that
cooling summer drink! Is it alcoholic or not?
We don’t only need food to be sustained, we need
water as well. Most people reading this are not in a
place where water is scarce. We turn on the tap and
out it flows. How differently would be live if we Summer punch
needed to walk for miles to get water? Next time you take a drink how does it
taste? How does it feel as you swallow it? Many of us who live in places of
plentiful supply don’t drink enough water through the day, (me especially) and
our bodies have to work harder than they would if they were well hydrated.
We simply don’t attend to our body’s real needs. We often don’t attend to the
needs of our souls, either. Jesus tells us that the water he gives will become
a spring in our souls, gushing up to eternal life. May we, like the woman at
the well, drink of this water always.
What do you do on holiday?
Planning your itinerary by Caroline Hodgson:-
“Your sightseeing schedule might include the world’s great museums,
galleries, historic buildings and churches, but why not include active,
worshipping church communities in your itinerary? It’s a great idea to do a bit
of internet research before you go away, to find out whether there is a church
near where you are visiting, and what the service times are.
For years Laura and Fiona have spent their holidays at their villa in the
Algarve. A while ago they started attending the local church. It isn’t their
usual denomination and, although their Portuguese has improved over time,
in the early years they didn’t understand a single word of the liturgy. From
the outset, however, they found it wonderful and enriching to soak up the
atmosphere of worship and connect with a different Christian community.
Now they have many good friends in the congregation, and say it feels like
“church from church”.
Religious Exam answers
David was a Hebrew King who was skilled at playing the liar. He fought the
Finkelsteins, a race of people who lived in biblical times.
27PARISH RECORDS
Funerals
Graveside Funeral
May 20th Edwina May HORNBY (91)
June 23rd Brenda GRAY (83)
Barrow Crematorium
June 9th Gwennie ETHERIDGE (90)
June 22nd Raymond SPENCER (71)
Trevelyan Chapel
June 18th Dorothy CORBETT (81)
How do you live your Dash?
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a
friend.
He referred to the dates on his coffin, from the begin-
ning...to the end.
He noted that first came his date of birth and spoke of the
following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all was the dash be-
tween those years.
For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive
on earth…
and now only those who loved him know what that little
line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own: the cars...the
house...the cash,
what matters is how we live and love, and how we spend
our dash.
Religious Exam answers
.Solomon, one of Davids sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.
28BROWN COW INN
Call Rebecca or Rachel for a free,
Adverts no obligation chat / visit to discover
our highly competitive rates.
Goose Green, Dalton-in-Furness
Serving home made meals Rebecca: 01229 823342 /
07534835487
11.30am-9pm and Rachel: 01229 467974 /
traditional Sunday lunch. 07734345003
Beer garden. Functions. happyhomes2015@aol.co.uk
Holiday Cottage &
Apartment available.
Tel: 462553 THE HAT BOX
www.browncowinndalton.co.uk 07895780200
Bespoke & Designer
DALTON LEISURE CENTRE Hats and Fascinators made to order
WARM WATER
For Hire and sale
SWIMMING POOL By appointment only
SPLASH ZONE 17 Upper Brook Street
PADDLING POOL Ulverston
3 SQUASH COURTS
WEIGHTS GYM
& CV GYM, SPINNING
CAFÉ
FAMILY CHANGING ROOMS
CONCESSIONS
(INCLUDING FAMILY TICKET)
CHILDRENS OUTSIDE PLAYGROUND
Chapel St. Dalton-in-Furness
Tel: 463125
DALTON-IN-FURNESS
TEL./FAX. 01229 467109
www.thefulloctave.co.uk
E-Mail: longlanegarage@yahoo.co.uk
Billings road off Long Lane
Dalton-in-Furness LA13 0SGCentre Bookings:
Vicar: Sylvia Stoker (467173)
Rev Canon Ruth Crossley
The Vicarage, Market Place Church Meditation Group:
(462526) 2.15-4pm Lady Chapel
Email: vicar@daltonparish.co.uk Alison MacMahon (343621)
Organisations meeting in The Centre:
Contact: “Business Hour” for both
Mothers’ Union:
churches—each MONDAY EVENING Branch Leader: Mrs. Doris Hall
5pm—6pm in St. Mary’s Church (462742)
Centre (located behind St. Mary’s Second Monday of the month at 7pm
church) First Wednesday of the month at 2pm
Phone: 462526 Sunday School:
E-mail: admin@daltonparish.co.uk Sunday Morning 9.30—10.30am
‘Serendipity’:
Curate: Monday from 9.30am—11.00am
Rev Amiee Lynch (836332) ‘Rhythm Time’
Email: revdalynch@gmail.com Friday from 9am—12 noon
Dalton Local History Society:
Churchwardens: 1st Wednesday of Month 8pm
St. Mary’s:
Mrs. Joan Milburn (828509) Church Schools:
Mrs. Barbara Irwin (467470) St. Mary, Dalton Head: Lynda Woodburn
St. Peter’s (462729)
Mrs. Beverley Louw (07841380801) St. Peter, Ireleth Head: Rachael McFarlane
(462753)
Church Council Officers:
Secretary: Jackie Barnsfield Other Organizations:
(585452) Uniformed Groups:
Treasurer: Jacqueline Preston Rainbows, Brownies, Guides
(464584) Contact: Mrs. Alison Wall (464559)
Stewardship: Mrs. Jill Corris Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts,
(464349) Scout Network:
Electoral Roll: Jennifer Tomlinson Contact: Jane Thatcher GSL 1st Duddon
(468273) (07557507418)
Verger: Mrs. Kathleen Churchman
(466474)
SERVICES FOR THE MONTH
St. Mary Organist:
Every Sunday at St. Mary’s:
Choir: Practice
St. Peter Organist: 9.30am Parish Communion
Every Sunday at St. Peter’s:
Bell Ringers: 11.15 am Parish Communion
Contact: Jacqueline Preston (464584) Every Wednesday at St. Mary’s:
Practice - Tuesday from 7.30pm in the 10.30am Holy Communion
Tower 2nd Sunday of the Month
8am BCP Holy Communion
Magazine: Messy Church
Editor: Barbara Irwin (467470)
E-mail: attillahun@tiscali.co.uk
2nd Sunday of the Month at 3pmYou can also read
