Rushen Parish Magazine - January 2018 - A Very Happy New Year
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Rushen Parish Magazine
January 2018
A Very Happy New Year
2
Contact Details for Rushen Parish
Vicar:
Rev’d Joe Heaton (rev.joeheaton@gmail.com) 832275
Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary
Readers:
Mrs Margaret Galloway
Mrs June Harper
Mrs Wendy Heaton
Mr Harry Dawson
Mr Adam Kelly
Active Clergy
Rev Roger Harper
Rev John Gulland
Rev Brian Shephard
Retired Clergy:
Canon John Sheen
Church Wardens:
Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627
Mr Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488/422737
Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770
Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974/495630
PCC Secretary:
Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539
Port Erin
PCC Treasurer:
Mr Stephen Curtis, Clybane Cottage, Phildraw Road, 823475
Ballasalla
Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer
for Children and Vulnerable People:
Mrs Claire Jennings, admin@rushenparish.org.uk 830850
More contact details on the inside of the back cover
3
As I write this the fire in California still rages. People have lost their homes, perhaps their
livelihood, and at this time there seems no end to the destruction to come as the fire
wreaks havoc on every piece of land it touches. Despite this appalling situation I was
touched by one man who, despite his own danger, showed true compassion towards a
hare which appeared to be running into the fire ravaged countryside. His despair and
distress were apparent, but despite his concern for the hare’s safety, and that of his own,
he ran into the fire and rescued the animal. As far as I am concerned the man, whoever
he is, deserves recognition for his courageous deed.
Prior to Christmas there were many television programmes which sought to find
someone who could achieve the best, either in their own field, or outside their comfort
zone. BBC’s ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ was won by Sir Mo Farah, the ‘X-Factor’, by a
pop-group named Rak-Su, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ by Joe McFadden, ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get
Me Out of Here’ by Georgia Toffolo, and ‘The Apprentice’ by two people named Sarah
Lynn and James White. I have no doubt there will be other reality television programmes
where well-known, and perhaps some less known personalities, will show that they have
got what it takes to bring out the best in them. Nonetheless they will all have tried their
best to achieve something that they never thought they were capable of doing.
At the beginning of this new year some of us will have made one or more resolutions
which are probably aimed at changing something about ourselves, or about our approach
to life or to other people. Some people scoff at this and probably indicate that resolutions
are all too often broken, and in some respects, they might be right. They are, however,
rather negative in their outward thinking, and perhaps they ought to try making one or
two for themselves. I am sure that we all strive to be better people both at home and
elsewhere. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone in the world vowed to do just this? I
admire people who strive to be better in their outlook towards life itself. I am sure that
inwardly they feel quite proud, and I know that outwardly they will appear to others to
be a credit to themselves, and to their loved ones.
Whatever our aspirations for this new year, let’s hope that at the end of it we may have
performed a deed of courage, like the man and with the hare; proved that we can do
something out of our comfort zones, like the reality stars, or just become better people,
who are loved both at home and in the outside world. I am sure we could all strive to be
one of these!
I wish you all a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
David
4
The River-Bank Preacher
“A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way for the
Lord’ (Matthew 3:3)
Just as we face a New Year right now, so the ancient people
of God were facing a new era altogether around the year 30
AD, as a man of fire made his presence felt, out by the river
Jordan.
Since the departure of Israel’s last recognised prophet 400 years earlier, no definitive
preached word had been heard in Judea. And then – in came this wild man from the
wilderness - all hair and leather! What schooling had he received, apart from heaven
itself?
History has indeed served us at times with powerful preachers, albeit possessing minimal
academic credentials! One such was the unschooled D.L. Moody of Chicago in the 19 th
century – whose last-ever letter contained 38 spelling mistakes. Yet millions responded
to his riveting messages, both sides of the Atlantic. London’s Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury
- the influential Ashley Cooper – compared him favourably with Britain’s supposedly top
preacher, Canon Liddon of St Paul’s Cathedral. “Moody will do more in an hour,” said
Shaftesbury, “than Canon Liddon in a century!”
So it had to be with John the Baptist. There in Judea a new class of religious leadership
had formed, in the Pharisees and Sadducees – but they were formal, dry and overlaid
with tedious platitudes.
Now here was a man who was evidently the Elijah-like messenger foretold in the last
sentence of the Old Testament; a man who would ‘turn hearts’ and baptise the
repentant, there by the banks of the Jordan. And Jesus Himself arrived – not that HE
needed to repent… but His stepping into the water seemed to be identifying Him with
the suffering, sinful humanity He had come to save. Indeed, it was He whom John was
promoting.
‘A voice crying in the wilderness’ - that’s all John ever claimed to be (Isaiah 40:3), as He
prepared the way for Jesus.
Let’s pray for the preachers around us this year – that the authority of their opened
Bibles and the centrality of Christ may characterise their ministry – from Week One!
Prebendary Richard Bewes
5
Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s
On the 12th December, a delicious lunch at Bradda Glen
Restaurant was enjoyed by 25 of us. We thank the staff for
their attention. Many thanks are also due to Sue Bould for her
efficient organisation. During the last few meetings Audrey
and Olive have occasionally joined us, and we are pleased that
David has been able to bring Pauline along too. June, and her
husband Colin, are back on the island and she says that she
now regards Port Erin as her home.
Sue Maddrell and Barbara Qualtrough have had recent cataract operations and they are
both very pleased with the results.
We trust that you have all had a lovely Christmas with family and friends, and that the
church services have held a special meaning for you this year. It was good that Pat
Thomson was able to represent the Ladies Working Party by reading one of the lessons at
the Carol Service on 17th December 2017 at Kirk Christ.
As we approach the new year, and with all that may bring, whether good or bad, may we
know God’s presence with us at all times, and that He will give us strength day by day. I
read recently that if only we could see others as God sees them, what a difference that
would make to our relationships and how we treat others. The following two quotations
sum it up so well:
‘There is so much good in the worst of us,
and so much bad in the best of us,
that it ill behaves any of us
to find fault with the rest of us.’
and:
‘Do all the good you can,
To all the people you can,
In all the ways you can,
As long as ever you can.’
May God always direct us in His ways.
The next Ladies Working Party meeting is on Tuesday 9th January 2018 in St Mary’s Church
Hall at 2.15pm. You are all most welcome.
A very Happy and Peaceful New Year to you all.
God Bless
Margaret Moore
6
7
HOME FREED: the theology of decluttering
Part 1: Goal!
Forgetting what what
Forgetting lies behind, I press onItowards
lies behind, the towards
press on goal. (Phil
3:13)
the goal. (Phil 3:13)
An important aspect of spirituality is to live in the present,
An important
without letting the aspect
past holdofyou
spirituality
captive, or is
thetofuture
live in
make
the present,
you anxious. without letting the past hold you
captive, or the future make you anxious.
But in a house full of clutter, paying close attention to what is immediately in front of you
may be the last thing you want to do! Heaps of clutter demand attention, because it
occupies the space you need But
to in a house
work full itofhides
in, because clutter, paying close
the important thing you are
attention to what is immediately in falling
looking for, because it is difficult to keep clean, because you literally risk frontover
of you
it and
may
injuring yourself if you don't pay be the last thing you want to do! Heaps
attention.
of clutter demand attention, because it
The desire to clear clutter and live more simply can be strong, but people often don't
occupies the space you need to work in,
know how to begin. Just throw it all away and start again? There may be treasures buried
because it hides the important thing you are
in the junk! (And anyway, recycling is more responsible than simple disposal.)
looking for, because it is difficult to keep clean,
For the past decade, I havebecause youpeople
been helping literally risk falling
to declutter their over
homesit and
andalso to
organise what they want to injuring
keep. No yourself
matter howif the
youprocess
don't ends,
pay decluttering
attention. always
begins the same way – we set a goal. What are you aiming to achieve? What will be the
end result?
The desire to clear clutter and live more simply
can
Your goal provides motivation, be strong,
a sense butwhen
of purpose people often
the mess don't
is at know
its worst. With no
how to begin. Just throw it all away and start
goal, you might just move stuff from one place to another, without sorting through it. One
room is cleared, but anotheragain?
is newlyThere may
cluttered! So,be
it istreasures
better to goburied
throughinthings
the by
type – shoes, tools, pans, books,
junk!and(And
so on anyway,
– rather than room by room.
recycling is more For example, do
you really need 20 pairs of responsible
shoes, and eightthan
screwdrivers? If your goal is to keep only
simple disposal.)
things you use at least once every year, then the answer becomes easier.
For the
Often clutter is inherited. Although youpast
don'tdecade,
really wantI it,
have
therebeen helping
is a sense of obligation,
peopleif you
guilt, or fear of what might happen to declutter
give anythingtheir
away.homes
So, partand alsogoal
of your to could
include a change of attitude.organize what
Pray you will they
be able to want to keep.
see things for whatNothey
matter
really are.
Pray for wisdom as you choose howwhat to process
the keep. Pray ends,
that youdecluttering
can open your always
hands to let go
of what you do not need. Pray begins the same way – we set a goal. Whatthat
for perseverance until your goal is reached. Remember
clutter is as much in the mindare
as inyou
the home.
aiming to achieve? What will be the
end result?
Then begin. Gather your possessions into ‘like’ groups, and look at each thing in turn.
Make positive choices. How will this possession help you to reach your goal? Surround
Your
yourself with beautiful, useful goal
things that provides
make livingmotivation,
in the momentaasense
joy and of
a delight.
Take the rest down to the nearest
purpose charity
whenshopthe
– where
mess they
is may well
at its go on With
worst. to lightno
up
someone else’s life. goal, you might just move stuff from one place
Jane Brocklehurst
to another, without sorting through it. One
room is cleared, but another is newly cluttered!
8
News from St Catherine’s
I wish everyone in the parish a very happy and
healthy new year.
The contractors left St Catherine’s Church grounds
at the end of November which enabled the
Christmas tree to be erected on time.
An enjoyable afternoon tea took place on 25 th November which was arranged by the
social committee. I would personally like to thank the social committee for its
organisation, stall holders, helpers in the kitchen, and others, who worked so hard to
make it such a success. I would also like to thank Dessi Robinson for his talk, and all those
who supported the event and enjoyed the tea, talk, and fellowship together.
The Advent Meal on 3rd December was attended by more people than last year. Again, I
would like to thank those who helped in any way.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who have supported the events held at St
Catherine’s during the past year.
Gerry Callister
Garry Ion Update November
2017
Garry writes:
'There has been good progress of projects - schools’ construction and
various hospital projects around the country - though some work is a
few weeks behind programme. This isn't so much because of my
absence but due to heavy rains over the past few months. That said,
the rain clouds have dispersed this week and it is feeling much more like the dry season,
weather usually expected in December.
As Zimbabwe sees the back of Robert Mugabe, here in Kampala President Yoweri Museveni,
74 years old, is tabling a bill to see the Ugandan constitution changed to lift the age limit
(75) for presidential candidates. As the constitution stands, Museveni cannot run in the next
elections, scheduled for 2021. As you can imagine it is causing some (so far mostly peaceful)
demonstration in the city.
Please pray for mission hospitals around Uganda as they take extra patients due to the
strike action of medical workers in government hospitals. Rugarama hospital in S.W.
Uganda, where we are extending the maternity, is very busy and so is Kiwoko Hospital,
where we are redeveloping the Outpatients.'
Brian and Kathleen Trustrum
9
January Crossword
Across 4 ‘And there were shepherds living out in the
fields nearby, keeping watch over their —
8 How the Abyss (NIV) is described
at night’ (Luke 2:8) (6)
in the Authorized Version
5 United Society for Christian Literature
(Revelation 9:1) (10,3)
(1,1,1,1)
9 Frozen water (Ezekiel 1:22) (3)
6 ‘If he refuses to listen even to the church,
10 The Ten Commandments (9)
treat him as you would — — or a tax
11 In Roman Catholic theology,
collector’ (Matthew 18:17) (1,5)
neither heaven nor hell (5)
7 Where Paul was taken when things became
13 Des cons (anag.) (7)
difficult for him in Berea
16 ‘Though [your sins] are red as —,
(Acts 17:15) (6)
they shall be like wool’
12 Istituto per le Opere di Religione
(Isaiah 1:18) (7)
(Vatican Bank) (1,1,1)
19 Keen (Romans 1:15) (5)
14 ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a
22 Repugnant, loathsome
new —; the old has gone, the new has
(Jeremiah 24:9) (9)
come!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17) (8)
24 Drink like an animal
15 Used to colour ram skins red for use in the
(Judges 7:5) (3)
tabernacle (Exodus 25:5) (3)
25 First and last
16 Vat car (anag.) (6)
(Revelation 22:13) (5,3,5)
17 ‘Be joyful — —, patient in affliction, faithful
Down in prayer’ (Romans 12:12) (6)
18 ‘The parts that are unpresentable are
1 Father of Ahi, a Gadite
treated with special modesty, while our
(1 Chronicles 5:15) (6)
presentable parts — — special treatment’
2 Where David found the stone with
(1 Corinthians 12:23) (4,2)
which he killed Goliath
20 Ancient rowing boat (Isaiah 33:21) (6)
(1 Samuel 17:40) (6)
21 Say again (2 Corinthians 11:16) (6)
3 ‘Hour by hour fresh lips are
23 What Jesus did in the synagogue in
making thy — doings heard on
Nazareth after he stood up (Luke 4:16) (4)
high’ (8)
10
December Crossword Solution December Sudoku Solutions
I have to apologise for setting two rather
difficult puzzles for you to solve in
November. The number of entries I received
reflected how hard they were. I have
addressed this issue and the puzzles in this
magazine should be easier. The winner of
November’s competition was Graham
McFarlane and he received his prize of £5
by hand when I met him at the Ladies
Working Party on 5th December. (Editor)
An excellent New Year’s Resolution for
everybody
Here is something very easy, and very good, for
you to do this year: simply eat more slowly. It
could save your life. Recent research in Japan has
found that diners who gobble their food quickly
are five times more likely to develop metabolic
syndrome, the name for a cluster of dangerous
health problems such as high blood pressure,
diabetes and obesity. Those of us who eat quickly
are also more than three times more likely to gain
weight. Scientists believe that eating quickly
prevents the brain from noticing when the body
has taken in too many calories. Unused calories
are then stored as fat, which places pressure on
the heart. Eating fast also appears to cause spikes
of blood sugar, which can stop insulin from
working effectively. Metabolic syndrome affects
one in four adults in Britain.11
Diary of a Momentous Year:
January 1918: STALEMATE
1918 was the final year of the Great War. This year, Canon
David Winter will look back on highlights of those critical 12
months, when the very shape of modern world history was
being hammered out on the battlefields.
In January 1918, my mother was working as a telephonist in London. My father, whom she
had yet to meet, was somewhere on the Western Front in France serving in the Royal Army
Medical Corps as a stretcher-bearer. Decades later they spoke of the helpless mood of
people, as the War simply became a permanent feature of life.
Whatever had happened to ‘over by Christmas’? The front line stayed more or less where it
had been for years. Yet week by week the official Gazette published page upon page of
British casualties. People at home were still reeling from the appalling slaughter of the
battle of Passchendaele. No one seemed to know what to do about it. Even the most gung-
ho generals had stopped thinking that the next great offensive would defeat the German
army and bring the war to an end. Food was becoming scarce, but hope was even scarcer –
and that was as true for the enemy as for the Allies.
However, there were the Americans. They had arrived late in the War (in April 1917), just a
few months before Russia retired from it, battered and bruised and without huge swathes
of its former territory. No one was quite sure what the Americans would do, but in the first
month of 1918 – the 8th of January, to be precise – Allied questions were dramatically
answered. In a speech to Congress, President Woodrow Wilson spelt out Fourteen
Principles which America considered fundamental to a peaceful solution of the seemingly
endless war in Europe.
The ‘principles’ included several based on the those of the American Constitution –
democracy, freedom from oppression and self-determination. But he also raised issues of
free trade between nations, freedom of navigation and a requirement for an all-round and
significant disarmament – ‘no more than is necessary for defence’. He touched, too, on a
contentious issue that is often overlooked in the background of this war – competitive
colonialism. Britain, Germany and France all held large parts of Africa and defended their
‘right’ to do so vigorously.
Woodrow Wyatt’s Fourteen Principles certainly lifted many hearts in Britain. At least
someone in power was talking about peace-making rather than victory. Governments were
cautious, but an influential voice had crossed the Atlantic. Was it possible that in these
Principles there was a key that might eventually unlock the Gate of Peace?12
Happy New Year.
From
Perfectplants.co.uk
Herbs Robins
An on-line shop offering delivery to your door of plants, gifts and
accessories: Tel: 01323 833479
The new year is a great time to take stock of things in the garden. During January, people
tend to resolve to do all sorts of things that they feel they ‘ought’ to undertake. But
here’s some suggestions of things you might ‘want’ to engage in. Call them ‘resolutions’ if
you wish, these might help you to turn over a new leaf in 2018:
• Spend more time in the garden, but less time actually gardening. i.e. enjoy just
being in the garden without feeling the need to work in it.
• Grow your own! You don’t need a full-sized allotment or even a vegetable bed.
Resolve to make a start with just a herb basket or a potato planting bag, for
example. Once you’ve started to grow organic produce, you’ll want to do more!
• Find natural solutions to age-old problems. Cut down on chemical use! Slugs,
snails and plant pests can all be dealt with efficient by wildlife. Attract birds to
your garden and they will eat aphids; ants; snails and more. Include a pond to
attract frogs and toads and allow them to take care of the slugs. Position bird
feeders near plants that need a bit of help. Between courses the tits can snack
on your plant pests.
• Join in the Big Garden Birdwatch. It takes place from 27-29 January. Visit
www.rspb.org.uk for details.
• Don’t be too tidy. Resolve to leave areas of wilderness -it’s far better for wildlife.
• Plant a tree, if you can possibly manage it. Trees are the spice of life.
Here’s a list of the most common new year resolutions – and you’ll see that you can
address most of them through gardening:
1. Take more exercise.
2. Lose weight.
3. Eat more healthily.
4. Take up a hobby or learn a new skill.
5. Pay attention to personal wellbeing.
Perfect Plants Ltd is an on-line supplier of garden plants, house plants, garden
equipment, furniture and gifts for all seasons, not just Christmas.
www.perfectplants.co.uk13
18 January - Amy Carmichael
(Founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship)
Not many teenagers, on becoming a Christian, will devote
themselves to winning others for Christ in a foreign land.
Amy was such a person. She left Britain to live in a tiny
village in Southern India. Here, for the next 56 years, Amy
rescued hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children, and
served her Lord in Dohnavur.
Amy Wilson Carmichael had been born in Ireland on 16th December 1867, into a devout
Presbyterian family in Belfast. When she was 16, Amy had become a Christian, and
decided to start a mission for mill girls. When she came into contact with the Keswick
movement, she sensed a call to serve abroad.
At first, Amy planned to go to China, but ill health prevented her from travelling. Later,
for 15 months, she worked in Japan, but the climate was detrimental to her health. In
1895, she went to India to evangelise around Bangalore, and then, in order to escape
rising political violence, she moved on to Dohnavur.
Here she met a girl called Preena, who had escaped being a slave in a Hindu temple. From
that moment, Amy knew she had found her true calling. She dedicated the rest of her life
to rescuing girls and boys who had been given by parents or relatives to serve in the
temple as prostitutes.
Amy donned Indian dress and learnt about the Hindu culture and showed the love of
Christ through her compassion. Overcoming much hardship and danger, Amy expanded
her evangelistic work to establish a centre for homes, schools and a hospital. The
Dohnavur Fellowship still continues today.
In 1931, Amy suffered a severe injury that virtually confined her to bed for the next 20
years. Despite this, she wrote 13 of her 35 books and many thousands of letters. Amy
based her life on prayer and trusted God for all her needs. She died on 18 th January, aged
83.
Parish Pump
Incentive to succeed
An old gentleman was on the operating table awaiting surgery. He had insisted that his
son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the
anaesthesia, he asked to speak to his son, to encourage him. 'Don't be nervous, do your
best and just remember, if it doesn't go well, and something happens to me, your mother
is going to come and live with you and your wife.'14
All in the month of January
400 years ago, on 4th Jan 1618, Francis Bacon became Lord
Chancellor of England.
175 years ago, on 2nd Jan 1843, Wagner’s opera ‘The Flying
Dutchman’ was first performed, in Germany.
150 years ago, on 8th Jan 1868, Sir Frank Dyson, British
Astronomer Royal (1910-33), was born. His observations
during the 1919 solar eclipse helped support Einstein’s theory
of general relativity. He also introduced the Greenwich time signal ‘pips’.
125 years ago, on 14th - 16th Jan 1893, the Independent Labour Party was founded in the
UK. It was led by Keir Hardie and was a precursor to the Labour Party (founded 1900).
100 years ago, from Jan1918 to Dec 1920, the 1918 ‘flu pandemic took place. About 500
million people were infected and 50 – 100 million people died (5%of the global population).
90 years ago, on 2nd Jan 1928, the BBC radio broadcast its first Daily Service – a 15 minute
daily religious service. It is still running today. Also, on 11th Jan 1928, Thomas Hardy, British
novelist and poet died. (Wrote Far from the Madding Crowd, the Mayor of Casterbridge,
Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Jude the Obscure, etc)
75 years ago, from 24th to 31st Jan 1943, the battle of Stalingrad took place. Adolf Hitler
ordered the German 6th army to keep fighting to the death, even though they had no
chance. `But German Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus finally surrendered.
60 years ago, on 1st Jan 1958, the European Economic Community (EEC) began operating.
It was incorporated into the European Union (EU) in 1993 as the European Community (EC).
50 years ago, on 2nd Jan 1968, South African cardiac surgeon Christiaan Barnard performed
the world’s second human heart transplant. The patient lived for 19 months.
30 years ago, on 3rd Jan 1988, Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s longest-serving Prime
Minister of the 20th century.
25 years ago, on 1st Jan 1993, the European Single Market was established.
20 years ago, on 17th Jan 1998, news of the Monica Lewinsky scandal became public. US
President Bill Clinton was accused of having an affair with former White House intern
Monica Lewinsky. Also, in Jan 1998, the film Titanic was released in the UK.
15 years ago, on 31st Jan 2003, British-born terrorist Richard Reid (the ‘shoe bomber’) was
sentenced to life imprisonment for attempting to blow up a transatlantic flight using
explosives concealed in his shoes.
10 years ago, on 11th Jan 2008, Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand mountaineer and Antarctic
explorer, died. He and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay were the first two people to
conquer Mount Everest.15
Ponder aNew David Pickup, a solicitor, has a light-
hearted look at foreign travel this
Linger not at His Manger;
month…
New journeying lies ahead.
Presents and gifts were timely – Some modern tips for the
Now, leave the incarnate bed. Wise Men’s journey
Suppose you are going abroad, to pay your
Thus, mission is completed;
respects to a newly born royal baby. But the
Slowly development grows.
country you visit is under foreign occupation,
And life streams on regardless, and you don’t know where the baby is. What
As the bigger picture shows. can you do to make sure you are successful?
Therefore, think on! Mindful be! When travelling abroad in foreign places, first
Of the scribe and Pharisee; think carefully about your transport – how many
Atep Of
out!
the desperate and poor;
camels will you really need? How will you feed
them on the way? And what about relying solely
Of the cross’s agony.
on the stars at night for navigation? Would a
Satnav during the day help things along a bit?
Believe in its salvation;
Step out! with banner unfurled, When you arrive in the country, be sensitive to
With strong determination the political situation. It may be unwise to go
To this topsy-turvy world! straight to the authorities and ask them where
their future king has just been born. This can
make leaders uneasy, and can even get innocent
Season of celebration.
people killed. Also, be aware of the country’s
Amen! May this ever be –
attitude to different gods, especially if you have
Unprecedented freedom,
gone along intending to worship one in
New born for mankind to see. particular.
Linger not at the manger, Don’t worry if you are given only part of an
In sentimental awe – address, say, only the name of the town where
The ‘gauntlet’s down’ before us the baby may be. Go there, and trust that
somehow you will feel ‘led’ to the right house.
God’s kingdom to restore!
Sadly, crime is common in many foreign cities,
Go – therefore, teach all nations,
so if you are carrying expensive presents like
baptising them in the name of
gold or frankincense, it is best to keep them out
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit. of sight. A coat with large pockets, or even a
Matthew 28:19 loose cape, will work fine.
Margaret Couper If any problems arise after you find the baby and
pay your respects, don’t hang about. Pay
Diet attention to that nightmare you had last night,
If you make a New Year’s resolution and get out of the country before you are
to eat a healthy diet, and you keep arrested. Be happy to take a different route
it, you won’t actually live longer, but home. After all, it is all under the same stars.
it will seem longer. Above all, be wise, and have a Happy New Year!16
From the Registers
Baptism (November 2017)
Sunday 26th November Ella Louise Hargreaves
Kirk Christ @ 9.30am
Wedding (November 2017)
Saturday 4th November Lucy Anne Pairman & Jason Leigh O’Connor
Kirk Christ @ 2.00pm
Funeral (November 2017)
Thursday 30th November Muriel Jackson
Kirk Christ @
Prayer at Epiphany
Lord of all, Creator of all:
Please shine your light into this dark world. Reveal yourself afresh we pray. Bring new
sight and understanding to eyes blinded by commercialism, materialism, self-seeking and
cynicism. At the start of this New Year, Lord, soften hearts and give wisdom, so that
many will search and find you, just as the wise men searched and found you. And for we
who already know and love you, Lord, shine on us that we might reflect your light and
make a difference, day by day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Safeguarding Have you ever wondered where
The Parish of Rushen is committed to the the name ‘Jesus’ comes from?
safeguarding, nurture and care of everyone
The name Jesus is a transliteration
within our church community. If you, or
someone you know, are concerned that a child of a name that occurs in several
or vulnerable adult is at risk or has been languages. It is of Hebrew origin,
harmed, or are concerned about the behaviour ‘Yehosua’, or Joshua. Or there is the
of someone towards children or vulnerable Hebrew-Aramaic form, ‘Yesua’. In
adults, please contact:
Greek, it became ‘Ἰησοῦς’ (Iēsoûs),
Rushen Parish Safeguarding Officer, Claire and in Latin it became ‘Iesus’.
Jennings (Tel. 830850) or (*) the Diocesan
Safeguarding Adviser, Rev. Jo Dudley, as soon The meaning of the name is
as possible Tel: 01624 861989/Mobile: 07624 ‘Yahweh delivers’ or ‘Yahweh
411989/Email: jo@jdudley.plus.com Rev
rescues’, or ‘Yahweh is salvation’.
Dudley may be contacted at any time for all
enquiries relating to Safeguarding. (*) No wonder the angel Gabriel in Luke
1:26-33 told Mary to name her baby
A copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy is
available on the Diocesan website: Jesus: “because He will save His
http://www.sodorandman.im/safeguarding_in people from their sins”.
clusion (*) This information may have changed17
Rushen Mothers’ Union
When Elsie and Judy arrived at St Mary’s Church Hall, prior to the
branch’s Christmas Party, they discovered that the heating was not
working. However, after collecting heaters from the vestry, the hall did
begin to warm up a little, and the singing carols during the proceedings,
helped to warm up those present! Members enjoyed the readings, some
of which were funny and some thoughtful.
As always, the buffet table was full and there was laughter when members pulled the
crackers kindly brought by Jane. I would like to thank Valerie Vaughan who played for the
carol singing.
All of the branch members sent their love and best wishes to everyone for a happy and
healthy new year.
The next branch meeting will be held in St Catherine’s Church Hall on Monday 8 th January
2018. Valerie Vaughan will lead the meeting, and the speaker will be Mrs Jacki Frear. The
subject will be “20th Century Martyrs”. Guests are welcome.
Elsie Faragher
Jon Barwood
My name is Jon Barwood and I commenced part-time training for
Ordained Ministry with the All Saints Centre for Mission and
Ministry in September 2017.
I am continuing to work in the financial services sector whilst I
train, and I will be beginning a six-month placement in Rushen
Parish in January.
As part of my placement I will assist with worship, preach and generally look to involve
myself in as many aspects of parish life as time will allow.
I live in Glen Maye with my wife Michelle and my ten-year-old son Henry. In my spare
time I enjoy reading, listening to popular and classical music, walking and watching
rugby union.
I very much look forward to meeting you all in January!
Jon18
‘He gave us eyes to see them’ - The Cross
For 2018, the Rev Michael Burgess is going to explore symbols
of the Christian faith as found in works of art.
When we enter a church or cathedral, we are greeted with an
array of signs and symbols linked to the history and worship of
Christianity. During this year we shall explore their meaning
as reflected in works of art. From the 5 th century the cross has been the central symbol of
Jesus. Churches would often have a rood screen showing the crucified Saviour, and at the
east end a cross on the altar as the sign of victory and life.
In the Vatican there are four rooms that have majestic frescoes by Raphael and his
assistants. In the Stanza di Constantino Giulio Romano and others painted the Vision of
the Cross from 1520-1524 to a design by Raphael. In 312 as Constantine was about to go
into battle against Maxentius, a cross appeared in the sky with the message from God ‘By
this sign, conquer.’ The cross became the standard for his army, and Constantine went on
to win the battle of Milvian Bridge. It is an amazing scene depicted in the fresco with a
pope on either side of Constantine and his soldiers. We see a dragon flying high, but he is
no match for the cross that shines out to all below.
It is a sign of blessing, victory, and triumph. That mood is caught up in hymns we sing: ‘In
the cross of Christ I glory’ and ‘Lift high the cross.’ As we enter this new year, we can give
thanks that we received the sign of the cross at our baptism, and are blessed with that
sign at each service. For Christians the cross is rooted in earth, but reaches to heaven,
with its horizontal arms opened out to embrace the world. As we journey through this
year, amid whatever meets us, may we hold fast to the cross in our hearts and minds –
and find their confidence and hope in the victory of God’s life and love.
The boyfriend
At the start of the New Year, my boyfriend had moved his house and job. I decided to ring
him to see how he was settling in. To my astonishment, a woman picked up the phone.
‘Is Mike there?’ I asked.
‘He's in the shower,’ she responded, with some hesitation.
In the shower?! ‘Please tell him his girlfriend called,’ I said frostily, and hung up.
When he didn't return the call, I got more and more angry, and finally dialled again. This
time a man answered. ‘This is Mike,’ he said.
‘You're not my boyfriend!’ I exclaimed. ‘I’ve got the wrong number.’
‘I know,’ he replied. ‘That's what I've been trying to tell my wife for the past half-hour.’19 Children’s Page
20
The Story Behind the Hymn
In 1880, Dr. Jeremiah Rankin, Pastor
God be of First Congregational Church in
with you Washington, D.C., was looking for a
farewell hymn to close the worship
till we service. “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
was a possibility, but he wanted
meet something less formal—more
engaging.
again
Not finding the hymn he was looking
for, he set out to write it. He took a
God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsel’s guide, uphold you, dictionary from his bookshelf, and
With His sheep securely fold you, began looking at words such as
God be with you till we meet again. “farewell” and “goodbye” to see if
Till we meet, till we meet, they would spark his imagination.
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; The definition that he found for
Till we meet, till we meet, “goodbye” included the words “God
God be with you till we meet again. be with you”—and so a hymn was
God be with you till we meet again, born.
’Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still divide you, Dr. Rankin wrote a verse and chorus
God be with you till we meet again. for his new hymn, and sent them to
Till we meet, till we meet, two people asking for a tune. He
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; chose the tune written by William
Till we meet, till we meet, Tomer, a part-time church musician,
God be with you till we meet again. and was so enthusiastic that he sat
God be with you till we meet again, down and wrote seven more verses.
When life’s perils thick confound you, Ira Sankey, the music director for
Put His arms unfailing round you, Dwight L. Moody, learned of the
God be with you till we meet again. hymn and began using it as a closing
Till we meet, till we meet, hymn in Moody’s evangelistic
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; services, popularising it worldwide.
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again. “God Be with You” is a simple hymn
God be with you till we meet again, that uses a good deal of repetition
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you, throughout. Perhaps that is part of its
Smite death’s threatening wave before you, charm. It is like a simple prayer—
God be with you till we meet again. words from the heart—expressing
Till we meet, till we meet, again and again the lovely sentiment,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; “God be with you till we meet again.”
Till we meet, till we meet,
Richard Niell Donovan
God be with you till we meet again.21
Rushen Parish Prayer Diary
Dear Father, as we stand together on the
threshold of a new year, we ask that you
watch over us in the year ahead; guide us
when we falter; and re-direct us when we
lose our way. But above all, pour down on
the whole world Your Love and Peace, so
that all may know that you are our Father,
and Lord of all. Amen
January 2018
This is your invitation to pray day by day for:
1st A happy and peaceful year ahead
2nd Preparations being made for the return to work and school
3rd Play and Praise which takes place today in St Mary’s Church at 2pm
4th People in residential care homes across the island
5th People awaiting treatment in our hospital
6th Wildlife throughout the island as it seeks food and shelter during the winter
7th Those who enjoy watching and/or partaking in sporting activities
8th Travellers having to drive on sometime treacherous roads during the wintertime
9th The work of the Royal Lifeboat Institution
10th People who live in isolation with little contact with the outside world
11th Noble’s Hospital and the doctors and nurses dedicated to making people well
12th All people who are expected to work outside in adverse weather conditions
13th Those who entertain whether on the stage or on television
14th People who are suffering financial hardship after the Christmas season
15th Everyone who has a birthday this month
16th The PCC meeting taking place at 7.00pm in St Catherine’s Church Hall this evening
17th New mothers and fathers looking after their children
18th The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity which commences today
19th Music and the part it plays in everyone’s life whether it is modern or classical
20th Messy Church and its continued success in bringing Jesus into people’s lives
21st The beauty of this wonderful island on which we live
22nd People mourning the loss of loved ones
23rd All the Home Groups which meet each week throughout the parish
24th The Diocese of Sodor and Man and the work undertaken by all employees
25th The Headteacher and staff of Rushen Primary School
26th The weekly prayer group which meet on Fridays throughout the year
27th The Headteacher and staff of Scoill-Phurt-le-Moirrey
28th Those parishioners who read the lessons or intercede at services in the parish
29th The work of aid organisations at home and overseas
30th The Ladies Working Party and its charitable work in the parish
31st Ourselves and our quest to serve God in as many ways possible22
Services January 2018
3rd January 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW)
2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise
7th January 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion
(Epiphany 1) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW)
11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW)
11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW)
3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
14th January 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW)
(Epiphany 2) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service
11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW)
3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
21st January 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP)
(Epiphany 3) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW)
11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW)
11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service + Baptism (CW)
3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP)
28th January 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW)
(Epiphany 4) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW)
11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW)
3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
4th February 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion
(Epiphany 5) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW)
11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW)
11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW)
3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
7th February 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW)
2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise
(Dates and times of services correct at time of publication)
(CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer23
Contact Details for Rushen Parish
St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:
Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545
St Mary’s Ladies Working Party
Mrs Susan Maddrell, Athol Lodge, Fistard, Port St Mary 833151
Miss Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399
St Mary’s Hall Bookings:
Mr G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627
St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:
Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627
Web Site/E-mail:
www.rushenparish.org.uk admin@rushenparish.org.uk
Magazine Editor
Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539
Ballafesson, Port Erin
e-mail: dbow43@manx.net
Articles for the magazine should be submitted to the editor no later
than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.
Parish Director of Music:
Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143
Churchyard Enquiries:
Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770
or Mr G Callister: 474924/83462724
January 2018 Sudoku Competition
I must apologise for setting some rather hard puzzles in November and December. This
was reflected in the number of entries I received. Consequently, I have set you easy and
moderate puzzles for you to solve, and will continue to do so during the rest of this year.
The usual rules apply with your entries having to be in my hands no later than the last
Friday in January. The draw will take place on the Saturday or Sunday that follows, and
the winner notified by post, or in person, during the following week. As usual there is a
prize of £5 for the person who submits the winning entry. The very best of luck! (Editor)You can also read
