Lymington Parish News - MARCH 2021 60p
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MARCH 2021 60p Lymington Parish News
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Lymington Parish News
St Thomas’ and All Saints’ Churches
St Thomas’ Church All Saints’ Church
St Thomas Street All Saints Road
Lymington Lymington
SO41 9ND SO41 8FD
Services
For details of Sunday and midweek services, please see the Diary inside.
Enquiries
There is a great deal of information to be found on our website:
www.lymingtonchurch.org
To enquire about weddings, baptisms, funerals, church and hall bookings
please contact our Parish Office which is open at St Thomas’ Church,
Monday to Friday, 9.30a.m.—11.30a.m.
You can ‘Meet the Vicar’ by appointment on Tuesday evenings.
Administrator: Mrs Gill Maunder:
office@lymingtonchurch.org 01590 676194
Contacts
Vicar: The Revd Canon Peter Salisbury (day off Friday)
peter@lymingtonchurch.org 01590 673847
Churchwardens: Mr David Bridges, 01590 678732
Mrs Maureen Harris, 01590 674458
Licensed Lay Minister: Mr Malcolm Ward, 01590 679651
Organist & Choir Director: Mr Martin Penrose, ARCO, LTCL,
penrosemusic@aol.com 02380 864439
Verger & Sacristan: Mrs Amanda Dawson 07743 719044
amandarjohnson69@gmail.com
Tower Secretary: Mr Larry Stace, 01590 682417
Magazine
Publication date: 1st of each month. Please submit copy to the Editor by the
6th of the previous month.
Editor and Advertising:
Nigel Mussett, nigelmussett@gmail.com 07531 179544 or 01590 718438
Subscriptions: Mrs Susan Canter-Visscher 01590 679666
Dear Friends,
If you are part of one of our house groups, or you
are engaging with our weekly services on YouTube, you
will know that we have chosen for Lent this year a
series looking at “Paths to Spiritual growth”.
This began with Retreat and is covering Study,
Fasting, Fair Trade, Creativity, Cathedrals and Silence.
Quite a variety! Even this long list represents but a tiny fraction of the ways
in which we can draw closer to God and direct our lives to be more in tune
with God's purposes and promises.
While the lockdown has provided many of us with the opportunity
for time to reflect on these deep issues, it has also made it much harder to
compare notes with other pilgrims on the way. I personally find it much
easier to talk face-to-face rather than over the phone or Zoom, and that is
especially true when there are several people in the conversation.
It has often been said that asking the right questions is the most
important route to growth. We're taking that approach in PCC this month
as together we shall be compiling all the questions we have about what
happens after lockdown. We shall then be whittling them down to the ten
most important questions we need to answer. It's crucial that we don't
miss anything so if you have questions you feel we'll need to address, do
pass them on to me or any other PCC member for consideration for our
top ten.
I'm sure somewhere in that top ten will be questions about how we
can best work together with our neighbours in Pennington. It's been one of
the great benefits of this COVID shake-up that we are now doing so much
together, including praying together and creating worship together on line.
One of the fruitful aspects of Retreat is the idea of the wilderness
experience — time where the comforts and familiar discomforts of home
are stripped away to enable us to engage more deeply with what is going
well and what is leading us away from God. Before we complete this
enforced time of Retreat and wilderness for our two parishes, it will be
important, essential even, to note what we have learnt and shape the
future accordingly. With best wishes, Peter
MARCH EVENTS
To help minimise the risk of infection during the Covid-19 pandemic, public worship is
temporarily suspended following new restrictions imposed in January. St Thomas’ Church
remains open for private prayer each day 10.00a.m. - 4.00p.m. and the following on-line
events are scheduled to take place in March:
WEEKLY ON-LINE EVENTS:
Sunday 10.00a.m. Pennington and Lymington Joint Services
streamed from our shared YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRF1l-cpB5-
rn1o5tUNWUw
followed by Zoom Sunday morning coffee [2]
Monday to Friday: 9.00a.m. Zoom Prayer with Sarah and Jane [1]
Tuesday: 11.00a.m. Taketime Ignatian Meditation
with Sarah [1]
Saturday: 9.00a.m. Prayer for the work of the parish [1]
MONTHLY ON-LINE EVENTS:
Wednesday 10 March Book Club discussion of The Secret Garden
4.00p.m. by Frances Hodgson Burnett [2]
Sunday 21 March 9.00a.m. Messy Church
streamed from our shared YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/channel/UCKRF1l-cpB5-
rn1o5tUNWUw
Wednesday 24 March Book Club discussion of Wilding by Isabella Tree [2]
4.00p.m.
Zoom Details – Prayer [1]
https://us02web.zoom.us/
j/89529902640pwd=QVQxTGxjODdwV3ROT1gxM2NWUjN0dz09
or from a landline phone: 0203 481 5240; Meeting ID: 895 2990 2640:
Passcode: 2020
Zoom Details – Social [2]
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85117060907?
pwd=SThHQWROTGRxSVROMEVVZlprTFJvdz09
or from a landline phone: 0203 481 5240; Meeting ID: 851 1706 0907:
Passcode: coffee
News that fifteen million people in the UK had received their first dose of
vaccine produced a sense of relief; a significant line had been crossed. Despite
that encouragement there remains an unpredictability regarding the end of
lockdown and, perhaps more crucially, what we’ll find as we gradually emerge
from it. We know we cannot expect the old ‘normal’.
Much as we miss all that we value in shared worship within our church
building, many people have found it valuable to visit for quiet prayer and, pre-
Lent, have also appreciated Amanda’s uplifting floral arrangements. However,
the past year has shown, at least to those with access on line, both inspiring
leadership and collaboration between St Mark’s and St Thomas’ and the
imaginative co-production of worship. We have also become aware of the
unexpected ‘virtual’ extension of our parish boundaries as well as the talents
and resourcefulness of many people within each. Those without internet access
have discovered and used other spiritual media resources they hadn’t
considered before - an encouraging demonstration that God can work within
the challenges of our lives.
Progress with our Eco Church project continues well, led by Rosie with
team member Annette Cox, who recently completed the Bishop’s Commission
for Mission ‘Creation Care’. In January the PCC approved more plans to reduce
our carbon footprint. The Gold Award may yet be attainable, though it’s the
changes we are making which are important! Each of us might use Lent to add
one more, however small: ‘eco discipline’ to our lives.
Our historic town centre church building will continue to play an
important part for us and our community. Despite our much reduced financial
resources, it will now undergo expensive but urgent repairs starting with the
roof; scaffolding will appear soon. Notwithstanding this expense, church fabric
maintenance continues to be our obligation.
The west end interface between town and church is an important two-
way path. Further collaboration with SDUD, involving local youth and children’s
design ideas, shows plans (to be available soon) offering a more inviting
approach area while also alleviating the damp in the west wall. The remaining
pollarding of churchyard lime trees will also happen soon if not already
completed. As we dare to look ahead, we can be encouraged by our recent
experience that God uses all situations, and take heart from the adaptations we
have all had to make, and found that we could!
Recovery and renewal will all be a part of our way forward. As Lent
continues, may we each in our times of stepping aside to draw closer to God
grow more aware of how we may be called to further support each other and
our community.
Maureen Harris
THE ORGANIST PIPES UP!
During lockdown Phil Daish-Handy and I have taken the opportunity to
learn some new cello and piano repertoire, which has included Franz Schubert’s
wonderful Arpeggione Sonata.
However, perhaps like me, you will be surprised to learn that there was
once an instrument called the Arpeggione. Invented in Vienna in 1823, it was a
cello-shaped bowed instrument, complete with frets and six strings like a guitar.
It never really took off and its one exponent was Vincent Schuster, for whom
Schubert wrote the Sonata in 1824.
Although there have been one or two reproduction instruments produced
in recent years, the piece is normally performed on the cello or viola these days.
Phil tells me it is rather awkward to play as it lies in the wrong part of the cello’s
register.
- - -
In my last column I spoke about some of the
challenges we have faced keeping our church
music going with the Covid restrictions in place.
My wife Maureen offered to sing the hymn ‘Drop,
drop slow tears’ as a solo for the on-line Ash
Wednesday service. The accompanying photo
shows the lengths we had to go to produce the
recording.
Our bungalow has small rooms and low
ceilings, and so is not the most resonant place in
which to sing. We found it sounded best if she
stood in the downstairs shower and sang by torch-
light – the extractor fan which is linked to the light
makes rather too much noise! Martin Penrose
We should like to wish
Happy March Birthday
to...
Alice Wilshere + Molly Mordaunt
Edward Herbert + Evie Strehlau
Sidney Davis
This month's cover: Close encounter in Denny Wood,
New Forest. Photo: Robert Jones
Sunday 21 March
St Thomas’ Church
Lymington
Armour of God - 3
Breastplate of Right Living
We cannot meet face to face so join us for Worship Songs,
Bible Readings and Craft Activities from 9.00a.m. at:
www.lymingtonchurch.org/messy-church/
To find out more about Messy Church visit: www.messychurch.org.uk
From a Norman Crucifix 1632
St David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire
I am the great sun, but you do not see me.
I am your husband, but you turn away.
I am the captive, but you do not free me.
I am the captain you will not obey.
I am the truth, but you will not believe me.
I am the city where you will not stay.
I am your wife, your child, but you will leave me.
I am the God to whom you will not pray.
I am your council, but you do not hear me.
I am the lover whom you will betray.
I am the victor, but you do not cheer me.
I am the holy dove, whom you will slay.
I am your life, but if you will not name me
Seal up your soul with tears, and never blame me.
Submitted by Willow McDowall
St David’s Cathedral
The Leprosy Mission is promoting The Unconditional Appeal for a period of
three months from 24 January to 24 April 2021 during which time donations will be
doubled by the UK government up to the value of £2M under its UK Aid Match
scheme.
Funds are needed to help build a community “Hub of Hope” in
Mozambique. This will provide the beating heart to a village like Namatua where
Zaina lives. It is a place from which to lead the fight against leprosy; a place where
health workers can be trained in the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy; a place
where people like Zaina can learn to reach out and draw in those who have lost
hope; a place from where change and prosperity can stem and where communities
can unite.
Zaina’s love for people with leprosy
knows no bounds. She goes the extra mile to find
those who are hidden away and fearful, so that
they too can experience the freedom of a new
life. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to reach
someone with leprosy, Zaina’s determination will
see her walk endless miles. After being
diagnosed with leprosy, she was banished into
the bush together with her son by some of the
villagers in Namatua. Before long, her son was
taken from her and, without food and shelter,
Zaina became increasingly weak. But one day her life was turned around by the
kindness of a stranger who built her a hut for shelter and took her to a leprosy
health post where she received treatment. Leprosy Changemakers, trained by The
Leprosy Mission, went to Namatua to teach the villagers about leprosy and how
easily it could be cured. As a result, Zaina was welcomed back into the community
and subsequently trained to become a Leprosy Changemaker herself, bringing
hope to many.
We as a church are invited to support this project. Donations should be
sent to The Leprosy Mission to arrive by 24 April at Goldhay Way, Orton Goldhay,
Peterborough PE2 5GZ, Gift Aided as appropriate. Copies of the gift form may be
obtained from Jenny Jones, the Editor or the Narthex at church.
Jenny JonesGoing for Gold
As we gain points, we are now up to Gold level in the categories of both
Worship and Lifestyle, we’re getting close in Land and Community and
Global Engagement, and thanks to a recent PCC meeting we are making
significant progress on Buildings.
2021 is an important year for the environment. As we become ever more
aware of the state of our planet, both loss of
biodiversity and rising levels of CO2, we must
hope and pray that there will be sufficient
radical action agreed at the climate
conference COP26 (to be held in Glasgow in
November), to keep global temperature level
rise to 2° or preferably 1.5°.
Becoming a Greener Gardener
It’s March, winter is behind us, and it’s time to get sowing and planting.
Whether we tend a few pots or look after a large garden, one way we can all
do our bit for the environment is to think about being ‘greener’ in every
aspect of gardening. Here are a few ideas:
● Adapt to changing weather patterns – with wetter winters and hotter/
drier summers, consider improving drainage, helping water to soak away,
and using plants which tolerate drought (rather than needing lots of water).
Add a water butt (or two). Use mulches to prevent
water loss from the soil and suppress weeds.
● Reducing food, plant and gardening miles – I love
being able to pick my own tomatoes and courgettes in
summer, kale and leeks in winter. Even in pots you can
grow salads, herbs and a few vegetables, so have a go.
We can save ‘plant’ miles by raising plants from seeds
and cuttings, and reduce the need to buy compost by
making our own (or using some from the churchyard!).● Choose peat-free and keep carbon in the ground – if you do buy compost,
choose peat-free. Peatlands reduce flood risk and filter water as well as
providing habitats for plants,
birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
Most importantly, peat bogs are
the world’s carbon sinks, locking
away more carbon than the rest
of the planet’s vegetation com-
bined. Digging up peat releases
carbon, which reacts with air to
create CO2. More brands of com-
post are going peat-free, and the
price is coming down, so it’s now
an easier switch to make.
● Recycling and composting – recycle your pots and trays, use sustainable
materials; make your own compost
using a mixture of ‘greens’ (veg
peelings, grass cuttings, dead plant
material) and browns (chopped
woody plant material, cardboard,
shredded paper).
● Gardening with wildlife – think
about including plants with berries
to feed wildlife; put out water and
food for birds, add a bug hotel, and
leave a few corners untidy. Leave a
hole in your fence to let hedgehogs
wander to other gardens. If you have room, consider putting in a pond. In a
small space even a large tub of water with a few plants will attract life!
● Grow organically – consider making your own plant feed using comfrey or
nettles, or at least use organic fertilisers. Avoid pesticides if you can, and
encourage the birds, hedgehogs and ladybirds which provide natural pest
control.
Rosie WardThis morning
I awoke early
It was still dark
With some small light in the sky
Gently growing.
I rested in the Lord
But it was not sleep he wanted,
A cup of tea perhaps?
Then Bible study?
But No!
At 06.45. precisely
The first bird started singing.
HE wanted ME to TELL YOU!
So here, with my surround sound
Of bird song
I Listen
I write
To tell you
He
Has
NOT
Abandoned his creation !
Abide in me
As I abide in you
Keep still and listen
Hear my voice in the bird song
AND TELL
Sylvia PepinNature Notes
Judas-tree
For a tree whose native habitat is amongst the wooded and rocky hills
of the eastern Mediterranean and across into western Asia, the Judas-tree,
Cercis siliquastrum, is remarkably beautiful. Although only a tree of modest
size, it attracts attention from a distance by virtue of its bright pink blossom
in spring and the reddish-brown fruits which follow in the autumn.
So attractive is the tree that it is little wonder that it has been
extensively planted for ornamental purposes in parks and gardens through-
out the Mediterranean area and, indeed, across Europe so far as the climate
will allow, becoming naturalised in many areas. In Britain it is largely
confined to the south of England, although not in any large numbers.
Specimens are known in Lymington and I have it on good authority that
there was once a Judas-tree in St Thomas’ churchyard, but it blew down
many years ago and has not been replaced.
In France, the tree is called the Tree of Judaea—Arbre de Judée—Judaea
being the area of land between the Dead Sea and the coast, encompassing
both Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It is a protected species in modern day Israel.
An eye-catching display of Judas-tree in full bloom
during April along a street in Catania, Sicily.The Judas-tree is deciduous and the attractive light green leaves have
a long stalk at the top of which is a distinctly heart-shaped blade. Perhaps it
was this feature which prompted the name ‘The Tree of Love’ in France and
Spain—Arbre d’Amour and Árbol del amor—who knows? The leaves appear
just after the first flowers have opened and for much of the time the two
appear together. The delicate pink flowers and gentle leaves may also have
been a factor in providing this alternative name.
The flowers are produced in dense clusters on older wood. The dark
pink flower buds, rich in vitamin C, are slightly acid-sweet to the taste and
can safely be added to make an attractive salad. Each flower is typical of
others in the pea family and the two side (wing) petals overlap the others in
the bud stage. The flower-
ing period can extend from
March through to May.
The fruits are equally
attractive,
Maisie being thin and
almost translucent, with the
seeds visible inside. They
are green at first and then
gradually turn into brown-
ish-red pods which hang
down in clusters. In fact, it
is the fruits which gave rise
to the genus name of Cercis,
from the Greek kerkis,
meaning a shuttle, on A fruiting tree in Lymington
account of the flattened
woody pods resembling a
weaver’s shuttle. The specific name is derived from the Latin siliqua (pod), a
name which is still used in botany to describe the type of fruit found not in
the pea family (Fabaceae/Leguminoseae, where the fruit is a legume) but
the wallflower or cabbage family (Brassicaceae/Cruciferae). The trunk of the
mature tree provides a nicely-grained wood.
In folklore the tree is well known as being the tree on which Judas
Iscariot is said to have hanged himself after he had betrayed Jesus in the
Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14.43-46). The white-coloured flowers (and
there are indeed some white-flowered species) turned pink as they blushed
with shame. But we have no means of verifying this tradition any more than
we have of being able to identify the type of tree which provided the wood
for the cross on which Jesus was crucified. NJM
Annabel & StellaHappy Birthday P10neers!
The Church Mission Society (CMS) celebrates a decade of imagination in
pioneer education! Each year many Pioneer leaders are equipped and supported by
CMS to take creative approaches to mission that can reach people who traditionally
have existed outside the orbit of the church.
The Church of England defines Pioneers as “People called by God, who are
the first to see and creatively respond to the Holy Spirit’s initiatives with those
outside the church; gathering others around them as they seek to establish new
contextual Christian community”.
Just some examples of the initiatives that Pioneer students have set up
include: Sacred Bean - a coffee roasting business that actively involves ex-offenders
and addicts; Clean for Good - an ethical cleaning company; The Henna and Hat Lady
- a shop selling outfits for steampunks (see Google for a description!); a craft beer
business; REVS - a ministry for classic car enthusiasts; a community boxing club. All
of these have been inspired to start and develop innovative approaches to mission
that engage people who would never normally visit a church or come into contact
with Christians.
Jonny Baker, Director of Mission Education at CMS, said, “It’s great to be
celebrating ten years of the Pioneer Mission Leadership programme. CMS has
become a home for Pioneers and we feel honoured that so many more people are
now recognizing their call to be Pioneers and reach out into their communities to
make a difference.”
Baker continued, “Our vision is to see communities of disciples of Jesus grow
where they have not been before, especially in places the church struggles to reach
on it own, and to see initiatives begun that bring good to local communities. Our
passion has always been to develop pioneering mission on the ground and training
is a brilliant way to enable that and develop a community of practice around it.”
It has been said that people who would not normally attend a Sunday service
in church have been following services on their local church website. This would
seem to indicate that there are people who might like an informal Christian contact,
not just while the pandemic lasts but also when church services are once again heldin buildings. Maybe this is an area where Pioneers could be active and show the love
of Jesus. Is this you? Do you feel called to be a Pioneer? If you would like any further
information about the calling of a Pioneer and the teaching offered by CMS, do get
in touch with them at: www.pioneer.churchmissionsociety.org
Pioneer training is just one element of CMS service. The Society is, of course,
still very much involved in training and sending Mission Partners to work both here
in the U.K. and overseas, hence St Thomas’ privileged support for the Peart family
serving in Bolivia. Do please continue to pray for them and their ministry in Santa
Cruz.
Every blessing to you as you consider your own call to be a Pioneer with CMS.
Sandy White
PRAYER THOUGHTS — Correction
We apologise for the fact that the last nine lines of the verse used in
February’s ‘Prayer Thoughts’ were inadvertently omitted at the final
proof stage. The full text should read:
Let your God love you
Be silent.
Be still.
Alone.
Empty,
before your God.
Say nothing.
Ask nothing.
Be silent.
Be still.
Let your God
look upon you.
That is all.
God knows
God understands
God loves you
with an enormous love,
and only wants
to look upon you
with that love.
Quiet.
Still.
Be.
Let your God
love you.PRAYER THOUGHTS
Pandemic Prayer
Lord, there are times when I feel so alone in this pandemic,
when it seems as if the sun
has stopped shining its light on my life,
and constant clouds of worry,
and fear of sickness come crowding in.
Why is it, in these all too frequent moments of anxiety,
it’s so easy for me to forget your promise of peace,
and to remember that I am tenderly carried in your hands,
and held so closely to your heart?
Lord, help me to know
that within all that wearies and worries me,
even there I can find you as a faithful friend on bleak days,
and a sure shelter in times of heightened Covid disquiet.
May you gently fan the flame of faith within me,
so that I will find the courage to put my hand in yours,
and walk with you in quiet certainty
through the seasons of my life with you.
May I recognise your love and your light
in those who share in this perilous pandemic journey,
and encourage me step by step.
May I always have a song of thanks in my heart,
knowing that your loving presence is always with me,
to shelter, to guide and to bless.
Amen.
Loosely based on an original by Deborah Hollamby.
Malcolm WardHeraldry in St Thomas’ Church
25. Lucy Henry Kingston 1852
Hatchment of Lucy
Henry Kingston.
Photo: Siân Overton
Here we have another example of a husband who pre-deceased his
wife. Lucy Henry Kingston was born in 1784 and died in 1852. On 25
September 1812 he married Frances Sophia Rooke. His arms therefore appear
on the right of the shield and his wife’s on the left, the shield itself being
surrounded by a gold border.
The Kingston arms as here depicted comprise a field of black and red,
covered with a pattern of water droplets (gutté d’eau) and charged overall
with a double-tailed lion (lion rampant double queued) whose golden body is
shown covered in black spots (erminois). Erminois in heraldry is one of theseveral types of fur, the most familiar of which is perhaps ermine where the
spots are black on a white field.
The Rooke arms impaled alongside Lucy Kingston’s are those for his
wife Frances, daughter of Sir Giles Rooke M.P. They do, however, differ from
those used by other members of her family in having the red fess decorated
with similarly coloured fleurs-de-lys all facing the same way (flory). I venture
to suggest that this is probably an error on the part of the artist since the other
three hatchments involving members of this branch of the Rooke family show
the fleurs-de-lys arranged according to the blazon given for their arms, that
is, alternately on opposite sides, a condition known as flory counter-flory.
Fess flory Fess counter-flory
The closed steel helmet facing sideways is that of an Esquire and the
wreath is shown in the Kingston livery colours of white and black, a feature
reflected in the colours of the mantling. The motto Fortes fortuna juvat —
”Fortune favours the brave” — is one that has been adopted by some other
families and also by the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (The West Riding).
Lucy Henry Kingston was the eldest son of John Kingston, M.P. for
Lymington 1802-14, and a merchant in London, with substantial interests in
the wine trade in Oporto, Portugal. Lucy was born in 1784, was baptized in St
Pancras Parish Church and later joined the family business. His mother-in-
law was none other than Harriet Sophia Burrard (1764-1839), the elder sister
of Marianne Burrard (1767-1855) who in 1795 had married William Rooke
(1747-1831), brother to Sir Giles Rooke: two Burrard sisters marrying two
Rooke brothers. Furthermore, Frances’ elder sister Harriet Ann had married a
John Kingston, earlier in 1812 (relationship not traced).
Lucy Kingston and his wife had six sons and four daughters, their
eldest son being William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880), a prolific writer,
especially noted for his boys’ adventure stories. He received a mention in a
poem by R. L. Stevenson which prefaced his Treasure Island. He retained close
links with Portugal and was awarded a knighthood of that country for
negotiating a commercial treaty in 1842. His later years were blighted by
financial troubles resting from his publishing activities. Nigel MussettGeneral Update
No. 2
Since our first update in the November issue of Lymington Parish News we
can report that work on plotting the position of memorials in more areas of the
churchyard has progressed well and new members have joined the Project team.
Memorials in three areas (C, E and F) are currently being meticulously
recorded by Rosie, William and Sue. Meanwhile, Nigel has been hard at work
removing or trimming the ivy and brambles from ledgers and chest tombs so that
their inscriptions can be read and transcribed. My task as Co-ordinator has been to
keep abreast of developments and to continue with the task of plotting the positions
of the memorials in the remaining areas and producing plans for future use. All
memorials are being given a unique identification number. The total number of
memorials in all areas, excluding the large Area A which has yet to be surveyed, is
over 1150; this includes the 555 cremation plaques currently in place.
Other recent developments have been correlating the memorials with existing
records held by the church, especially in relation to the burial of ashes. Previous lists
and surveys of the memorials are being identified and scrutinised.
A series of printed information sheets is now available. These give simple
guidance on how best to go about the recording process. Plans of the memorials in
eight of the twelve areas are now available for immediate use.
It is hoped that, with the coming of spring and the easing of lockdown
restrictions, conditions will become more favourable for the task of recording in
the areas not already being investigated. If there are any individuals or small
groups who would be interested in becoming involved with this exciting and
worthwhile task, please contact me — details are given below. We need your
help!
Some individuals or groups might, for example, be interested in tackling
memorials in a selected area or of a particular type, such as chest tombs, ledger
stones, isolated headstones or cremation plaques. It could be part of a community
project, or perhaps as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, or a history or
art project at school or college. Think about it!
The Project is being conducted under the banner of The Friends of St Thomas
Church and the ultimate aim is to present the results of the survey in a user-friendly
publication available to all.
Nigel Mussett
Project Co-ordinator
nigelmussett@gmail.com Tel. 07531 179544
c/o St Thomas Church, Church Street, Lymington SO41 9NDThank you to all those who have so promptly paid their subscriptions for 2021.
For those paying by cheque, please ensure that cheques are payable to
“LYMINGTON P.C.C.”
In future, subscribers might prefer to pay using internet banking. If so,
payments should be made to: “Lymington P.C.C., Sort Code 40-30-36, Account
No. 61223321”, quoting “LPN” as a reference when they do so.Reflections on Certain Psalms — 2
In these times, when, incredibly, over 100,000 people in this
country have died of the Covid-19 plague in the last twelve months,
we have special need of “The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I
lack nothing” - the first words of Psalm 23. In fact, the most popular
animal image in the Psalms, in the Bible and in the teaching of Jesus is
that of the sheep and the keeper of the sheep, the shepherd.
“Feed my lambs... Feed my sheep” is the last commission of
Jesus to his disciple Peter at the end of the four Gospels (John 21.15-
17). Earlier in St John’s Gospel, Jesus had likened himself to a
shepherd, repeating “The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”
and “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10.11 and 15).
In St Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus had compassion for the
multitude, likening them to sheep that have no shepherd (Matthew
9.36). The most developed form of one of his parables, that of the
Lost Sheep, is to be found at Luke 15.3-7.
Within the Psalms, Psalm 95 says: “O come, let us worship and
fall down: and kneel before our Lord our Maker, for he is the Lord our
God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.”
A kindred Psalm, Psalm 100, has: “It is he that hath made us,
and not we ourselves: we are his people and the sheep of his
pasture.”
The psalmist who wrote “The Lord is my shepherd: therefore
can I lack nothing” ended Psalm 23 with the verse “But thy loving-
kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” - words that need nowadays
especially to sink deep into the national mind and consciousness.
William CummingsTHE WRONG END OF THE STICK?
Palm Sunday
It was Palm Sunday but because of a sore throat, seven-year-old
Johnny stayed home from church with his grandmother.
When the family returned home, they were carrying several
palm fronds and Johnny asked them what they were for.
"People held them over Jesus' head as he passed by on his
donkey," explained his father.
"That’s not fair!" fumed Johnny. “The one Sunday I don't go
and he turns up!"Private Hire
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