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Number 197 April 2020 50p
Website: www.bromleyparishchurch.org
News of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
BROMLEY PARISH CHURCH
Church Road Bromley BR2 OEG
"Proclaiming the Word and Work of God"
Member of Churches Together in Central Bromley
the Contacts & Editorial April 2020 Vicar Reverend James Harratt vicar@bromleyparishchurch.org Churchwardens Martin Cleveland Anne Horner-Tree wardens@bromleyparishchurch.org Parish Office Hours: 9:30am to 12 noon 020 8464 5244 – please use this number for all enquiries Contact: Lynn Hedges, Parish Administrator administrator@bromleyparishchurch.org For contributions to the Key, or if you would like to receive the Key by email, please contact thekeyeditor@gmail.com Dear Reader, I hope you are all staying safe and well. As you probably know by now, we are no longer allowed to worship together at our Church (full update follows on the next page). But this doesn’t mean anyone is for- gotten. Matt and Donya are leading a Viral Kindness campaign to make sure everyone has the practical help they need, and the pasto- ral team continue their work also. This magazine will hopefully reach you by email, and I have put some extra resources in here for you to use at home—extra prayers, some Bible quotes you may find of comfort, extra puzzles, and my own sug- gestions of how to stay occupied! Stay positive, and I look forward to seeing you all in person very soon. Lots of love Lisa xxx
the Covid-19 April 2020 Latest Update - Church building now closed This evening the Bishop of Rochester, in conjunction with the other Bish- ops of the dioceses covering Greater London has asked that with imme- diate effect all public access to church buildings is to cease. I recognise that this seems a drastic step but the decision has been taken to save lives, as the transmission of COVID 19 picks up speed in greater Lon- don. From tomorrow (23rd March), therefore, Ss. Peter & Paul will not be open to the public for private prayer. I will continue to say morning and evening prayer in the building for as long as I am able, and to share the Wednesday and Sunday Eucharists with you via social media. At this time it is more important than ever that we continue to pray. To that extent I have now produced a booklet of simple services of prayer for morning and evening, alongside a prayer calendar. It can be down- loaded in pdf format by clicking on this link. I will be using this at 8.30am and 5.15pm each day, you would be very welcome to join in from your home. If you know of anyone who would like to use it but does not have computer access let me know and I will send a printed copy in the post. As Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. May we know the peace of God in these troubling times. Rev. James Harratt Vicar 22nd March 2020
the Sermon April 2020 This sermon was kindly provided to the Key by Canon Paul. Gospel : John 4 v 5-42 Lent 3 2020 I don’t suppose any of you counted the number of words in today’s Gos- pel but my computer’s Word Count told me there were 781 – and I am very grateful to Peter for reading them all! Words figure prominently in the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well out- side Sychar. Words count in at least three misunderstandings in this long passage – all of them hinging on words. First there is the misunderstand- ing around the word “water” in the first part as Jesus defines the living water gushing up to eternal life which the woman can only see as well water which has to be fetched laboriously time and time again in the dai- ly drudgery of her life. Then there is the misunderstanding around the word “husband” in the second part which leads to a very personal ex- change in which Jesus goes beyond the traditional differences between Jew and Samaritan and reveals Himself to the woman as Messiah. Final- ly there is the misunderstanding around the word “food” prompted by the disciples urging Jesus to eat, whereupon Jesus differentiates between food on the natural level as something to eat and food on the spiritual level which is doing the will of God. Yes words count! But how many words do we actually need in our daily living? Google re- ports research that indicates that the average woman speaks around 5000 words per day whereas the average male speaks around 2000. I won’t make any comment on that! How many words do we actually need in our daily living? How many of these are unnecessary, repetitive or friv- olous? How many words do we need in our Christian living? How many words do we need in our Christian worship? How many words do we need to speak meaningfully of God’s relationship with us in Christ and of our relationship with God? Richard Carter is a priest on the staff of St .Martin-in-the-Field and he has just written a superb book entitled “The City is my Monastery” – a book full of wisdom and poems and meditations which we are using as our Lent book at Bromley College. In the introduction to his book Richard establishes the need for only two words in describing both God’s
the Sermon April 2020 relationship with us and our relationship with God -the two words: “being with” He suggests that these two words say everything there is to be said about God and about us : being with. So he goes on in his book to ex- plore how we encounter this mutual “being with” in six different ways, based on his experience at St. Martin’s. In silence as we wait upon God. In service as we seek to face the challenges of society. In Scripture as we receive the revelation of God. In sacrament as we feed on God. In acts of sharing as we live out our lives in community. In sabbath living as we rest in wonder at God’s activity. In staying as we seek to extend our experience of being with God, so that in the end we discover the joy of being with God eternally as the community we are building on earth is continued in heaven. Being with -these two words contain everything we can express about God and his relationship with us and everything we should be as Christ’s disciples living our lives in the service of others. Two words– not learned theological words though we have plenty of those, not long complicated technical words though we have plenty of those. Just two ut- terly simple words, two everyday words, two words that are out in the open, two words we all recognise and use. The two words “being with”. These two words sum up the encounters in today’s Gospel – the woman being with Jesus, Jesus being with the woman, the disciples being with Jesus, Jesus being with the disciples. You and me being with Jesus, Jesus being with you and me. And that being with is never static but always dynamic and life-giving – water that is a spring gushing up to eternal life, bread that is the bread of life. I don’t suppose any of you have been counting the number of words in my sermon today! But my computer’s word count told me that there were 785, just four more than the Gospel. But let’s not worry about the numeri- cal word count – what matters is that the words count – particularly the two that count for everything as we live the Christian life and make our pilgrimage towards the place where we shall experience fully that “being with” God that fills the restlessness of our hearts in time and in eternity.
the Visit to Christchurch April 2020 As some of you may know, members of our congregation Matt and Donya re- cently went on a trip to New Zealand! Matt kindly wrote an article for the Key about their visit to Christchurch, a community rebuilt after disaster. Thank you Matt for sharing this. On the 22nd February 2011 at 12.51pm, Christchurch in New Zealand was struck by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale. About six months before there had been an earthquake of 7.1 magnitude about 40 miles away which had shaken the city during the night. The quake on the 22 nd February partially destroyed the city and 185 people lost their lives – most in a language school that was housed in the Canterbury TV centre. Christ- church’s local port at Lyttelton was also destroyed. Donya and I visited Christchurch this year just after the 9th anniversary of the earthquake. The destruction was still evident with large residential areas (the red zone) demolished and cleared but left to grow wild with the roads and electricity poles marking out the streets. In the central business district there were two blocks which had been cleared and now formed a car parking area and a park. There were also condemned multistory buildings still waiting to be demolished and the foundation of an old high rise now filled with water and acting as home for the threatened black billed gull. About 80% of the buildings in the city centre had been or are due to be demolished. But there were also signs of recovery with a lot of new glass fronted shops and office blocks, and the old tramlines restored as a tourist attraction. The art deco New Regent’s Street had also been rebuilt.
the Visit to Christchurch April 2020 Both the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals were badly damaged in the earth- quake. The Catholic cathedral lost both domed towers either side of west en- trance and the statue of the Virgin Mary above the portal apparently rotated 180 degrees. The Anglican cathedral lost nearly all of its west face and there were cracks evident in its wall above the hoardings which surrounded it. I did not realise that it had once had a spire until I saw pictures later – this was 63 metres tall and had completely vanished. There was also a modern visitors centre next to the cathedral which had been built in 1995 and was boarded up. The cathedral was deconsecrated in November 2011 but, 9 years after the earthquake, remains propped up. A short walk away from the old cathedral is the ‘transitional’ cathedral also known as the ‘cardboard’ cathedral. Following the earth- quake, Shigeru Ban, who is a Japanese archi- tect and is described as a ‘disaster architect’, was invited to Christchurch. Ban had previous- ly designed churches in Japan following earth- quakes there and he was asked to design a temporary cathedral for Christchurch. The foundation is a concrete slab and eight ship- ping containers form the nave walls and also act as rooms. (Shipping containers are a com- mon sight in Christchurch as they are stuffed with bales of straw and used as buttresses to support buildings.) Ninety six cardboard tubes form the roof as an A-frame – hence the nick- name. At the altar end of the cathedral the peak of the building rises to 21metres but at the entrance the peak is lower as the tubes are more widely laid. (Oddly I thought that the cathedral faced south but I was using the compass on my iphone!) The 60cm tubes are reinforced with laminated wood beams howev- er, because local manufacturers could not produce cardboard tubes thick enough. These tubes have a two inch gap between them which allows the
the Visit to Christchurch April 2020 light to filter in through the polycarbon translucent roof. Above the entrance to the church is a large stained glass window. We thought it was simple and rather beau- tiful. The cardboard theme is carried on in the furniture as both the pascal candle and the font appeared to have cardboard tubes as stands. The overall effect is a light and airy building with the cathedral pointing to the sky above the altar. The ‘cardboard’ cathedral can apparently seat 700 people. Because there are no pews the space can also be converted to a conference centre. The guide who wel- comed us also said that the temperature is fairly consistent and that it is not cold in winter. However the question remains as to whether to build a new cathedral and what to do with the destroyed cathedral which was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who later built St Pancras railway station in London. The land was gifted to the church to build a city around the cathedral. The ‘old’ cathedral was completed in 1904. The Great Christchurch Building Trust want the cathedral rebuilt seeing it as a key part of the city’s heritage. The cost or restoration has been estimated to be £34 million by the GCBT or up to £112 million by the Diocese. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has also spoken out, saying Christchurch should not cling to history and not “be boring”, suggesting instead following Coventry Cathedral’s example of incorporating historic ruins into a new building. If a new one is built the ‘cardboard’ cathedral will be retained as a parish church.
the Visit to Christchurch April 2020 Personally I think that the congregation will find it hard to return to the old Vic- torian cathedral. The ‘transitional’ cathedral is stunning and inspiring and illus- trates how building design and materials have changed. Hopefully the Dio- cese will be brave and go for another bold and permanent vision.
the Easter in Art—postponed April 2020
NEWS RELEASE: 17 MARCH 2020
THEATRICAL RELEASE OF EXHIBITION ON SCREEN’S LATEST
FILM EASTER IN ART
POSTPONED UNTIL EASTER 2021
Seventh Art Productions announces today that due to recent events sur-
rounding the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the release of the film
Easter in Art has been postponed until Easter 2021.
Phil Grabsky, Seventh Art Productions CEO and the film’s director says:
“As a result of the isolation measures being instructed by governments
worldwide, more than half our cinema partners globally have already
closed and many more are expected to join them in the coming weeks.
In light of these closures and the risks faced by public gatherings at this
time, we have made what we deemed the necessary, though by no
means easy, decision to push the theatrical release of Easter in Art back
to an anticipated release date of 23 March 2021.”
“As film producers and distributors we continue to review all aspects of
our operation to ensure we continue to deliver the highest quality films to
you with as little interruption as possible. We appreciate your patience
and cooperation through these unprecedented times.”
The next film in the Exhibition on Screen Series, Frida Kahlo, remains
scheduled for release in July, and production is continuing on the forth-
coming eighth season which will launch in October 2020.the Regular Events April 2020
Lychgate Lunches
Alternate Wednesdays at 12 noon,
£4 including coffee held at
Bromley Parish Churchthe Advertisements April 2020
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the Parish Profile April 2020 Many of you will have already seen this, but here is a reminder of the action being taken in our parish to help people through the current pandemic. Coronavirus is a big worry for us all particularly with the government sug- gesting that people may have to self-isolate for three months. Bromley Parish Church is looking to set up a network by which we can support each other. We already have the pastoral care team and this network would be an extension of that where we might provide practical support as well. Firstly we need your support. Would you be able to: • Shop for essential food? • Make a friendly phone call? • Collect and post mail? • Deliver urgent supplies? We envisage that you would not come into direct contact with people if you were delivering or collecting items. You would drop or collect the goods outside of the house. If you were buying goods then the person would have to agree a method by which to pay you back. Please let us know if you would be able to do any of these things. We need to know your name, phone number, email address and how you may help. Secondly we need to know who may need this kind of support. A lot of members of the congregation may have family or friends who are able to provide support but if the friends or family have to self-isolate then they lose this support. If you are self –isolating then you may wish to phone
the Parish Profile April 2020 and check on others. We are proposing that members of the church can contact us in the first instance so we can then ask specific volunteers to deal with their needs. We feel that this would be easiest by email and have set up this email address in order to be contacted: viralkindness@bromleyparishchurch.org . We will need the person’s name, phone number, email address and the type of help they require. They will also need to know that this infor- mation may need to be shared with other members of BPC. We do not know what the ‘need’ will be at present but hope that by providing a way of communication we will reduce the pressure on the pastoral team. Hopefully this ‘need’ will only be for the next month and then we will rename the email address! To quote Paul Alton’s last sermon; “With the love of God but the hand- washing of Pontius Pilate.” Matt and Donya Young Editor: A prayer to support these acts of kindness. Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us to love our neighbour, and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you. In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick, and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. Amen.
the Easter April 2020
Regular readers will know I usually choose a Holy Day to include—an ac-
count of someone who could be inspirational to us.
However, as we face the prospect of not being together for Holy Week, alt-
hough we will of course still be part of the global Christian family at this time, I
wanted to include the following articles instead to cover important dates in the
Easter period. I hope this can support your worship in some way over this un-
usual time.
5 April - Palm Sunday: Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when the Church remembers how
Jesus arrived at the gates of Jerusalem just a few days before the Pass-
over was due to be held. He was the Messiah come to his own people in
their capital city, and yet he came in humility, riding on a young donkey,
not in triumph, riding on a war-horse.
As Jesus entered the city, the crowds gave him a rapturous welcome,
throwing palm fronds into his path. They knew his reputation as a healer,
and welcomed him. But sadly the welcome was short-lived and shallow,
for Jerusalem would soon reject her Messiah, and put him to death. On
this day churches worldwide will distribute little crosses made from palm
fronds in memory of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.
This helpful overview is an edited version of an article that comes from:
https://christianity.org.uk/article/the-first-easter.
Saint’s Day plus Picture Parable, Puzzle, Mouse Makes and Poems
and Prayers are courtesy of Parish Pump unless stated otherwise.the Easter April 2020 9 April - Maundy Thursday: time to wash feet Maundy Thursday is famous for two things. The first is one of the final acts that Jesus did before his death: the washing of his own disciples’ feet. (see John 13) Jesus washed his disciples’ feet for a purpose: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one anoth- er.” His disciples were to love through service, not domination, of one anoth- er. In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is ‘mandatum novum do vobis’. The word ‘mundy’ is thus a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or command). The ceremony of the ‘washing of the feet’ of members of the congregation came to be an important part of the liturgy (regular worship) of the medieval church, symbolising the humility of the clergy, in obedience to the example of Christ. But Thursday was also important because it was on that night that Jesus first introduced the Lord’s Supper, or what we nowadays call Holy Communion. Jesus and his close friends had met in a secret upper room to share the Passover meal together - for the last time. And there Jesus transformed the Passover into the Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘this is my body’ and ‘this is my blood’ as he, the Lamb of God, prepared to die for the sins of the whole world. John’s gospel makes it clear that the Last Supper took place the evening BE- FORE the regular Passover meal, and that later Jesus died at the same time that the Passover lambs were killed.
the Easter April 2020 10 April - Good Friday: Jesus and the thieves on the Cross Luke’s account of the crucifixion (Luke 23:32-43) emphasises the mocking of the crowd, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself’ (35,37,39). In their view a Messiah does not hang on a cross and suffer. In considering the two men who was crucified with Jesus, we are also confronted with the issue of how Jesus secures salvation for us. The words of one of those crucified with Jesus reflected the crowd’s taunts: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.’ He highlights the question of Jesus’ identity: how can He save others, when He cannot save himself from death? He failed to see that the cross itself was the means of salvation. So - what kind of Messiah was Jesus? The other criminal’s response in his last moments is a moving expression of faith. When challenging the other man, he spoke of the utter injustice of the crucifixion: ‘this man has done nothing wrong.’ He perceived the truth that Je- sus was indeed the Messiah. In a wonderful picture of grace, ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom’, the second thief confessed his guilt and secured Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy. In reply, Jesus promised the man life from the moment of death; ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’ Jesus used the picture of a walled garden to help the man understand his promise of protection and security in God’s love and acceptance eternally. Each one of us has to choose how we react to Jesus on the cross. Do we want him to ‘remember’ us when He comes into his kingdom, or not? If you were to die tonight, how confident would you be of going to be with Jesus? ‘For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.’ (1 Peter 3:18).
the Easter April 2020 12 April – EASTER: the most joyful day of the year Easter is the most joyful day of the year for Christians. Christ has died for our sins. We are forgiven. Christ has risen! We are redeemed! We can look forward to an eternity in His joy! Hallelujah! The Good News of Jesus Christ is a message so simple that you can explain it to someone in a few minutes. It is so profound that for the rest of their lives they will still be ‘growing’ in their Christian walk with God. Why does the date move around so much? Because the date of Passover moves around, and according to the biblical account, Easter is tied to the Passover. Passover celebrates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt and it lasts for seven days, from the middle of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which equates to late March or early April. Sir Isaac Newton was one of the first to use the Hebrew lunar calendar to come up with firm dates for Good Friday: Friday 7 April 30 AD or Friday 3 April, 33 AD, with Easter Day falling two days later. Modern scholars continue to think these the most likely. Most people will tell you that Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, which is broadly true. But the precise calcula- tions are complicated and involve something called an ‘ecclesiastical full moon’, which is not the same as the moon in the sky. The earliest possible date for Easter in the West is 22 March, which last fell in 1818. The latest is 25 April, which last happened in 1943. Why the name, ‘Easter’? In almost every European language, the festival’s name comes from ‘Pesach’, the Hebrew word for Passover. The Germanic word ‘Easter’, however, seems to come from Eostre, a Saxon fertility goddess mentioned by the Venerable Bede. He thought that the Saxons worshipped her in ‘Eostur month’, but may have confused her with the classical dawn goddesses like Eos and Aurora, whose names mean ‘shining in the east’. So, Easter might have meant simply ‘beginning month’ – a good time for starting up again after a long winter. Finally, why Easter eggs? On one hand, they are an ancient symbol of birth in most European cultures. On the other hand, hens start laying regularly again each Spring. Since eggs were forbidden during Lent, it’s easy to see how decorating and eating them became a practical way to celebrate Easter.
the Daily habits April 2020 What can you do with your day? Of course many people are still going to work, working from home, or homeschooling. But it is still a challenge to spend a lot of time in our own company. Many charities, companies and individuals are coming up with inventive ways to allow people to get in- volved in social things from their own homes. Here are a few of the ex- amples I have heard about, but think about your hobbies and likes, and Google it—the likelihood is someone out there has thought of a way it can carry on! Look out for birds or wildlife in your garden. You can get help with identi- fication from charities such as the RSPB, or even join their online com- munity to chat about what you see. Try online exercise classes that you can join in with from home—there is a lot of content on YouTube for this and you can find something to suit any level, many do not require any equipment or vast amounts of space. A huge number of apps or online games have made their features free to use for the moment. So whether it’s traditional board games, brainteas- ers, word games, puzzles you enjoy, there’s probably an online version. You can often play by yourself or with other people. Virtual socialising: Try using video chat with friends so that they can be present in your living room. Lots of online applications exist for this pur- pose. Cook or bake: provided you have the ingredients, try that new recipe you never have the time for. Work on crafts: I am finding it really helpful to have projects to focus my unexpected spare time on. You could do all sorts, especially with Easter coming, for example making greetings cards, or paper flowers to bright- en up your desk.
the Daily habits April 2020 Write: There may well be an idea for a novel in your head that you never got round to writing. Go for it! If not, perhaps try a gratitude journal. Each day, write down 3 things you are thankful for on that day. Get musical: Listen to or sing a few of your favourite songs. You could even sing with your neighbours out of the window! Probably best to ask them first… Some musicians are also live-streaming gigs online. Learn something: There are always online courses available, but again many have been made free of charge at this time. Perhaps see if you can learn a new skill or language, or research something you’re interest- ed in? Read: If there is a book sitting on the shelf unread, this may be a good time to pick it up. And finally, do a little self-care: I am always an advocate for this, but hav- ing a little more time (without our commutes, or school runs) may open up an opportunity to do things we don’t normally prioritise. Have a relax- ing bath, use that fancy moisturiser you got for Christmas, go to bed a lit- tle earlier. And a note for those who are working: Our thoughts are with you. Thank you for keeping us functioning. Thank you especially to healthcare workers, medical researchers, food retail or production workers, refuse collectors, pharmacists, teachers, delivery drivers, warehouse operatives, volunteers. We could not keep going without you. There are prayers especially for you towards the end of the magazine and I ask all readers to pray for you. Remember you de- serve self-care too and you have our gratitude and utmost respect.
the Noticeboard April 2020 Please use this space to pass messages on to the Church community – whether it is a prayer request, a thank you, a craft idea, a recipe... If you have a recipe for an item or using ingredients that begin with the letter ‘H’, please send to thekeyeditor@gmail.com for the May edition! Would anyone like to have a go at playing handbells? There is no upper age limit ... anyone from school age to 100 can have a go. If you are interested please contact Elisabeth Hitching (aka Liz- zie) on 07747672058 or ehitching@gmail.com Lizzie has sets of coloured handbells and also belleplates which look like a paint scraper with a bell clapper attached but sound beautiful.
the Noticeboard April 2020
Church Rooms for hire.
Available for hire for meetings, study and Exercise Classes, etc.
We have varied, comfortable, no smoking accommodation with
kitchen facilities and disabled access and toilet facilities to the
rooms.
Rooms can be viewed on:
www.bromleyparishchurch.orgthe Puzzles April 2020
16, Stolen. 18, Dance. 20, Debar.
Sphere. 9, Deliverer. 13, Candace. 14, Deacons. 15, Psyche.
DOWN: 1, Cliffs. 2, Scholar. 3, Issue. 5, Holy war. 6, Moist. 7,
Centaur. 22, Broil. 23, Eleven. 24, Prison.
well. 11, Water. 12, Recovered. 17, Sidon. 19, Radiant. 21,
ACROSS: 1, Cosmic. 4, Thomas. 8, In his. 9, Delaiah. 10, Fal-
Answers:
Across in — and you came to visit me’ (Matthew
1 Relating to the whole universe (6) 25:36) (6)
4 The disciple who made the remark in 8
Across (John 20:24) (6) Down
8 ‘Unless I see the nail marks — — hands, I 1 Coastal rockfaces (Psalm 141:6) (6)
will not believe it’ (John 20:25) (2,3) 2 Academic (1 Corinthians 1:20) (7)
9 He urged King Jehoiakim not to burn the 3 Publish (Daniel 6:26) (5)
scroll containing Jeremiah’s message 5 For example, the Crusades (4,3)
(Jeremiah 36:25) (7) 6 11 Across is certainly this (5)
10 Baptist minister and controversial founder 7 He reps (anag.) (6)
of America’s Moral Majority, Jerry — (7) 9 Liberator (Psalm 18:2) (9)
11 ‘Look, here is — . Why shouldn’t I be bap- 13 Man who asked the question in 11 Across
tized?’ (Acts 8:36) (5) was in charge of all her treasury (Acts 8:27)
12 Repossessed (Genesis 14:16) (9) (7)
17 Port from which Paul sailed on his last 14 They must be ‘worthy of respect, sincere,
journey to Rome (Acts 27:3–4) (5) not indulging in much wine’ (1 Timothy
19 ‘Moses was not aware that his face was — 3:8) (7)
because he had spoken with the Lord’ 15 The human mind or soul (6)
(Exodus 34:29) (7) 16 ‘O Lord, while precious children starve, the
21 Roonwit, C.S. Lewis’s half-man, half-horse tools of war increase; their bread is —
(7) ’ (Graham Kendrick) (6)
22 Grill (Luke 24:42) (5) 18 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did
23 ‘The lot fell to Matthias; so he was added not — ’ (Matthew 11:17) (5)
to the — apostles’ (Acts 1:26) (6) 20 Bared (anag.) (5)
24 ‘I was sick and you looked after me, I wasthe Puzzles April 2020
the Mouse Makes April 2020
the Bible Bite April 2020
the Reflections April 2020
Many thanks to Alison for her regular, thoughtful contributions to the
Key.
Pew Notice
Alison Kay
Having been a member of BPC all my life, I am not quite in the exalted
category of being able to remember all the past vicars back to Canon
Murray Walton ( although I was probably around then). It is not just
the vicars whose names appear from the past, but also ‘those whose
anniversaries fall at this time’. I like to look through the list in the pew
notice, names I had quite forgotten float back into memory. It is like
looking at a photo in your mind, some who taught me in Sunday
School, husbands or wives of church members, one I was at school
with, neighbours from when we lived in Murray Avenue, single people
especially (as we are not reminded of them through other family mem-
bers), all dear and precious in memory.
It is at Choral evensong I remember them again. It is probably the ser-
vice which has changed least over the years and as the choir sing the
Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis I think of their contributions to the life
and work of our church, how it has contributed to where we are now.
Their lives join the voices of the choir tonight and are carried forward
to today and onward to the voices singing in the future. The life that
was, the life that is, the life that is still to come.
I close my Book of Common Prayer awarded to me in 1969 by Philip
Goodrich.the Reflections April 2020 This item by Matt was written a few weeks ago, before stricter measures were put in place, but you may still enjoy thinking it through. Sharing The Peace without sharing the Coronavirus The Church of England has shared advice about Coronavirus. This re- iterated the government advice about good hand hygiene. The initial advice said that you could share The Peace if you were well, although subsequent advice asked that handshaking or direct physical contact should cease. These precautions were raised before the Eucharist on the 8th March when the vicar suggested that we might give each other a cheery wave during The Peace. I vaguely remember sharing of The Peace being introduced in the 1970’s and my mum feeling that it was a waste of time because she said “hello” to the other members of the congregation before the ser- vice! However the Church of England has embraced the sharing of The Peace and the challenge now is to try to get round the whole con- gregation before the Vicar announces the next hymn. There are not only handshakes but cheek kisses – both once and twice in true Paris- ian style – and embraces. But if we can have no direct physical con- tact now, what do we do? Initially we were a bit befuddled at the back. There were some initial handshakes but these tailed off. There were attempts at elbow knocks but no one knew which side to lead with. Foot taps were strictly for the well balanced. Fist pumps were a no-no and I could find no-one to rub noses with. There was a lot of waving, but it seemed that the ‘Far Eastern Bow’ took precedence. This could be directed - much more so than a wave – with the usual greeting. But I wonder if there is an opportunity here? We want to share The Peace with an individual so we often include their names. When shak- ing hands, that person knows that it is directed at them even if you don’t know their name. If you are not shaking hands and don’t know their names it may seem that The Peace is a bit more scattergun. If
the Reflections April 2020 we all wore name badges then we could direct our bows and our greetings to a specific person, and get to know the name of the per- son who has sat in front of you for the last three weeks. This could be a good way of welcoming newcomers. The Coronavirus will eventually burn out – there is a medical explana- tion for this – and I will be pleased when we can return to having direct contact. In the mean time I will be giving a hands-together short bow, while trying not to look like Peter Sellars in the Pink Panther. Matthew Young (written on 11the March 2020 and wondering what was going to happen next.)
the Prayers April 2020 These are prayers issued by local children’s charity JusB. JusB PRAYER POINTS 25 March 2020 Please hold the following in your prayers this month. 1. In this very different world please pray for us as a team as we try to continue managing services from home. 2.Pray for the youth work team as they look at the best way to support our young people while the centre is closed. We hope to set up online and virtual support and are looking at the best way to do this. 3. Pray for our young people and their families as they now have to manage in very different and difficult circumstances and without the normal support they receive. 4. Finally may we all pray for our country as a whole, for our medical staff as they strive in extreme circumstances to meet our needs, for our politicians as they strive to make and enforce difficult decisions, and us as a community that we will look out for each other and sup- port each other in these very difficult times. www.jusb.co.uk
the Prayers April 2020 For healthcare staff and medical researchers Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O gracious and holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power of the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. St Benedict Prayer in a Time of Disaster Holy One, you are our comfort and strength in times of sudden disaster, crisis, or chaos. Surround us now with your grace and peace through storm or earthquake, fire or flood. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, sustain those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer. By the Rev. John G. Hamilton, FPC, Rochelle, Ill.
the Prayers April 2020 A prayer for the world (for children) God of love and hope, you made the world and care for all creation, but the world feels strange right now. The news is full of stories about Coronavirus. Some people are worried that they might get ill. Others are anxious for their family and friends. Be with them and help them to find peace. We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists, and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help those who are ill. Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us. Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe. Amen. For the Christian community We are not people of fear: we are people of courage. We are not people who protect our own safety: we are people who protect our neighbours’ safety. We are not people of greed: we are people of generosity. We are your people God, giving and loving, wherever we are, whatever it costs For as long as it takes wherever you call us. Barbara Glasson, President of the Methodist Conference
the Prayers April 2020 Before going to sleep God our Father, by whose mercy the world turns safely into darkness and returns again to light: we place in your hands our unfinished tasks, our unsolved problems, and our unfulfilled hopes, knowing that only what you bless will prosper. To your love and protection we commit each other and all those we love, knowing that you alone are our sure defender, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Church of South India For those who are ill Merciful God, we entrust to your tender care those who are ill or in pain, knowing that whenever danger threatens your everlasting arms are there to hold them safe. Comfort and heal them, and restore them to health and strength; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
the Bible verses April 2020
‘Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust Him.
For He will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with His feathers.
He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are
your armour and protection.’
Psalm 91:1-4, (NLT)
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Do not abandon yourselves to despair.
We are the Easter people and hallelujah
is our song. Pope John Paul IIthe Easter Prayers April 2020 Easter prayer of thanks Gracious, loving Father, Thank you for the wonderful reality of Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter Day. Thank you that, because Jesus is alive, life has meaning and purpose. When we don’t understand why some things happen, when life is diffi- cult, when we are struggling through pain and loss, help us to know your risen presence and love in our lives. Help us to choose to trust you. Help us always to be thankful for your amazing Easter gift of life and hope. In Jesus name, Amen. By Daphne Kitching The truth is… (1 Corinthians 15:19-26) Christ has indeed been raised from the dead! This is the true, real and wonderful good news story. Thank God that in this world of chaos, Lies and fake-news messengers and moaners Here is truth to sustain and encourage… Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. He has overcome the world. He has overcome death. Everything is bearable, faceable and possible, Sense and purpose restored, because… Christ has indeed been raised from the dead. Easter changes everything. Love wins. Hallelujah! By Daphne Kitching
the Diary Dates April 2020
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are Wednesday 8th April
said daily at 8.30am and 5.15pm, please 8.00pm Stations of the Cross
join in from your homes. Thursday 9th April
A service booklet can be found on our Maundy Thursday service
website at
www.bromleyparishchurch.org, if you Friday 10th April
would like a paper copy please email Good Friday
the church office at administra- 12noon Three Hours at the Cross
tor@bromleyparishchurch.org Sunday 12th April
The following services will be live Easter Day
streamed on Facebook and a copy 10.30am Easter Service
linked to our website, click on the
faith section and scroll down to Wednesday 15th April
Streamed Services. 10.30am Holy Communion
Please check our website for updates President & Preacher: Revd. James
and changes to services. Harratt
st Sunday 19th April
Wednesday 1 April
Second Sunday of Easter
10.30am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish Communion
President & Preacher: Revd. James
President & Preacher: Revd. James
Harratt
Harratt
Thursday 2nd April
10.00am-11.00am Healing Prayer meet- Wednesday 22nd April
ing – members will be praying from their 10.30am Holy Communion
homes. President & Preacher: Revd. James
Harratt
HOLY WEEK
th
Sunday 26th April
Sunday 5 April Third Sunday of Easter
Palm Sunday 10.30am Parish Communion
10.30am Parish Communion President & Preacher: Revd. James
President & Preacher: Revd. James Harratt
Harratt
Monday 6th April Wednesday 29th April
8.00pm Compline 10.30am Holy Communion
Tuesday 7th April President & Preacher: Revd. James
8.00pm Compline HarrattYou can also read
