THETrinity TIMES The Parish Magazine of Holy Trinity Church, Henley-on-Thames - February / March 2022 - Holy Trinity Church Henley-on-Thames
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THETrinity TIMES
The Parish Magazine of Holy Trinity Church, Henley-on-Thames
February / March 2022THE VICAR’S LETTER
Dear friends,
Has it ever struck you how odd it is He also made plain (e.g. in John 3:14-
that the gospels focus so much on the 15) that if he were not to die, His
death of Jesus and the events of the mission would not be accomplished. It
few days leading up to His crucifixion? is evident that Jesus, of His own
Most biographers focus on people’s choice, freely accepted His Father's
achievements in life – and by all will:
accounts there were enough miracles No one takes it (i.e. life) from me, but
and great teaching in Jesus’s life to I lay it down of my own accord. I have
easily fill whole books. But for some authority to lay it down and authority
reason, accounts describing the final to take it up again. This command I
week occupy nearly a third of Matthew received from my Father. (John
and Mark, a quarter of Luke and 10:18)
nearly half of John.
The reason is that Jesus himself said Therefore, any presentation of
that he was born to die: Christianity without stressing the
“For even the Son of Man did not cross is inadequate and misleading.
come to be served, but to serve, and Until a person has understood the
to give his life as a ransom for cross he has not got to the heart of
many.” Mark 10:45. Christianity. You could say there is
He spoke of the cross as "the hour" "No Christianity without the cross".
for which He'd come into the world But why did Jesus lay down His life?
(John 12:23,24,27). The only new The Bible gives at least 4 reasons,
ceremony he instituted with the emphasis on the fourth.
commemorates his death (Matthew His death is:
26:26-28), and it is the reason why we
regularly remember Him for His death a) A revelation of God. The cross
each time we share Holy Communion. was the climax of God's self
revelation, revealing His
Jesus saw the cross as intentional, inextinguishable love. Romans 5:8;
not accidental. It was crucial to His 8:32. It is a glimpse into God's heart.
mission. Remember Jesus in the
garden of Gethsemane, when Peter b) An example to believers.
tried to intervene and stop his arrest: - of self-sacrifice and love. (Ephesians
52
“Put your sword back in its place,” 5:2,25)
Jesus said to him, “for all who draw - of how to bear suffering. (1 Peter
the sword will die by the sword. 53 Do 2:18-23)
you think I cannot call on my Father, c) A conquest of the Devil. 1 John
and he will at once put at my disposal 3:8, Colossians 2:15
more than twelve legions of angels? The New Testament affirms the fact
54
But how then would the Scriptures of His victory over the Devil. He
be fulfilled that say it must happen in overcomes evil with good; and
this way?” (Matthew 26:51-54) conquers hate with love.
2d) A sacrifice for Sin. 1 Peter 2:24; rebellion against our Creator, the
3:18. moral Lord of the universe. And we
It's this which is most emphasised cannot ignore this.
throughout the whole New Testament. b) The objection also fails to see the
He "bore our sins" – suffered the character of God. God is love – but
penalty for them, as prophesied in Holy love. His is a love that cannot in
e.g. Isaiah 53:6,11,12. all justice sweep sin under the carpet.
He bore the penalty we deserve – that He loves the sinner, but hates the sin
He might bring us to God – to be and cannot condone it.
accepted and forgiven and made
members of His family. When we begin to see God's holy
The hymn, "There is a green hill", character the question is not: "Why
accurately and beautifully captures should God find it so difficult to forgive
this aspect of the cross. sin?", but "How should He find it
possible to forgive sin at all?".
An Objection: "Why can't God just
forgive us without all this business of How should we as Christians respond
a cross? After all, we forgive one to the cross?
another." a) Believe in Christ crucified – relying
on Him alone for my acceptance
Answer: before God (John 3:14-16).
a) This objection fails to see the b) Glory in Christ crucified – thanking
seriousness of sin. The situation Him for dying for me (Galatians 6:14).
between us and God, and us and one c) Proclaim Christ crucified - sharing
another is not the same. Our this good news with my own friends
misdemeanours against one another and circle (1 Corinthians 2:2).
are personal injuries. Our sins against
God are not personal injuries, but Best wishes,
Duncan
The Reverend Duncan Carter
Amy Herrington married Benji Phillips in Glasgow, Montana, USA, on December
21st, 2021. Amy is the daughter of Paul and Jane Herrington of Trinity parish and
Benji the son of Tim and Yvette Phillips of Montana. The couple met at NDSU,
Fargo, North Dakota, where they are both current competing student athletes,
Amy in hammer throw and Benji in javelin. They plan a Trinity church blessing on
Deember 21st, 2022.
3Trinity at Four update
Dear friends,
For our Trinity at Four update this environment where I learned a lot of
month we'd love to introduce you to new skills!
the latest member of the team!
Kryssie Steiger will be serving at What aspects of the role are you
Trinity at Four as a Ministry Trainee. looking forward to in particular?
It's a role aimed to train and equip her • Serving in the different children’s
in ministry. Among other things, she'll groups - the little bit I have done
be heavily involved in our children's so far has been very Joyful, such
ministry on Sundays and midweek. I an encouragement for the next
asked her a few few months.
questions! • Setting time aside
to read my bible,
How did you helping me grow
become a as a follower of
Christian? Jesus. Learning to
I have always love Christ more!
believed in God and • Sharing the
that he loves me. Gospel and other
From a young age, I Scripture through
went to Church and 1 to 1s with
Christian Holiday younger Christians
Camps where I learned about Jesus. I – an exciting opportunity as this
had lots of great teaching, but never was invaluable for my faith.
made a commitment! It was while I
was at University that something How has God been growing in your
changed. Reading the bible with own faith recently?
mature Christians grew a conviction Understanding the importance and
within me, that Christ died for my power of prayer in my new role.
Salvation & He is Lord! Mark 10:15 Especially being so different to my
helped me realise that I needed to previous one. I must depend on God
respond personally. To turn from my and talk to him to help me grow
sinful nature and choose to serve relationships & friendships!
Christ daily - This is when I knew I
was a Christian! How can the Holy Trinity church
community support you in prayer?
What have you been doing prior to Please could you pray that I would be
taking up this role at church? open to new opportunities and be
Before starting as a Ministry Trainee willing to engage with all of the Henley
For Trinity at Four I was a Chef. Most Community. Thank you!
recently in a Restaurant in Somerset. Much love,
We had a farm & gardens - the
produce from which would shape the Sam
12-course tasting menu – an exciting The Reverend Sam Brewster
4WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
(A WOMEN LED, GLOBAL, ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT)
Press Release
“I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU”
2022 is a special year for World Day of Prayer in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland. This year, we have prepared the World Day of Prayer service. It has
been both challenging and rewarding to write about three countries that make
up the area: our landscape, people and culture all shaped by our history. We
celebrate our diversity and the contribution made to our countries by the many
groups of individuals who have made their home here. We use out Bible text “I
know the plans I have for you” from Jeremiah to reflect on some of the issues
facing us today: poverty, domestic abuse and disability, finding hope in difficult
situations and encouragement in the help we can give to each other.
World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical organisation which enables
women all over the world to share ideas and concerns of the writing country.
Preparation for the day has taken several years. Our International Committee
based in New York coordinates the work of National Committees and facilitates
the creation of our annual World Day of Prayer service on the first Friday in
March. The service outline, created by the writing country, is distributed to the
rest of the world, along with a Bible reflection, country background and children’s
and – for the first time – young people’s activities.
All this work will come to fruition on Friday 4 March 2022 when services will take
place beginning in Samoa and moving on through New Zealand and Australia
across Asia, Africa and Europe and finally the United Sates and South America
before finishing in American Samoa. Across England, Wales and Northern
Ireland services will take place in large urban centres, such as Central Hall
Westminster, and in remote village churches. We will use modern technology to
reach those unable to access a service but hope to be able to extend a welcome
and hospitability once released from lockdown.
This years service will be held on Friday the 4th of March at 1:30 p.m. in Saint
Mary’s Church.
Barbara Williams
5Children’s Pages
Romance
February is the month of romance. Millions of Valentine cards will be sent in the
next week or two, as we celebrate our romantic love for that special person in our
lives. But there are other kinds of love to celebrate, and on Candlemas we
remember Mary and Joseph taking their baby son to the temple to present Him to
God. Jesus’ whole life was a loving present to us from God. Through His death for
us on the cross, and His resurrection, His love can now transform anyone’s life.
Romance can die, but God’s love for us is always there. But it won’t do us much
good – unless we accept it!
Valentine restaurant boyfriend baby
rose hearts fiancé temple
romance kiss worship Mary
love hug repentance Candlemas
present girlfriend angels presentation
Parish Pump
6Children’s Pages
7SERVICES in FEBRUARY / MARCH
The Vicar, the Reverend Duncan WEDNESDAY 2nd MARCH
Carter, will lead the morning services,
Ash Wednesday
with the assistance of the Licensed
Lay Minister, Michael Forsdike. 6:00 P.M. HOLY COMMUNION
The Reverend Sam Brewster, will
lead the Trinity at Four services. SUNDAY 6th MARCH
SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY First Sunday in Lent
Fourth Sunday before Lent
10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP
10:00 A.M. HOLY COMMUNION 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR
4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR SUNDAY 13th MARCH
Second Sunday in Lent
10:00 A.M. HOLY COMMUNION
4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR
SUNDAY 20th MARCH
Third Sunday in Lent
th
SUNDAY 13 FEBRUARY
Third Sunday before Lent 10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP
10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR
4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR SUNDAY 27th MARCH
Fourth Sunday in Lent
th
SUNDAY 20 FEBRUARY Mothering Sunday
Second Sunday before Lent
10:00 A.M. HOLY COMMUNION
for Mothering Sunday
10:00 A.M. HOLY COMMUNION
4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR
4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR
SUNDAY 27th FEBRUARY
Sunday Next before Lent SUNDAY 3rd APRIL
Fifth Sunday in Lent
10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP
& BAPTISM 10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP
4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR
8Bible Reading Fellowship Celebrates its
First 90 Years
It all began in the parish of Saint and prayer. In 1926 it became the
Matthew's in Brixton in January 1922. Bible Reading Fellowship; interest in
The Vicar, Revd Leslie Mannering, the BRF notes continued to spread
wanted to help his congregation "get throughout the UK and beyond. Other
a move on, spiritually". His idea was series of notes were also started.
to offer a monthly leaflet of daily Bible
readings with brief comments, along BRF subscribers are now found all
with a midweek opportunity to meet over the English-speaking world. BRF
for discussion and prayer. Within a Notes now include three series: New
month of starting this initiative, 100 Daylight, Guidelines and Day by Day
people joined 'The Fellowship of Saint with God. In addition, they have a
Matthew', as it was called, a number ministry for children called Barnabas,
that had nearly doubled by the end of a discipleship ministry called
the year, and increased to over 300 in Foundations 21, and Messy Church.
1923. I could go on about the resources that
Word began to spread, and before The Bible Reading Fellowship offers,
long other churches were requesting but can I simply encourage you to
copies of the leaflets and encouraging look at their website www.brf.org.uk
the same pattern of daily readings Mike Hails
Reverend Duncan Carter
Holy Trinity Vicarage
Church Street
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire, RG9 1SE
Tel: (01491) 574822
The Vicar is always glad to see
anyone needing help or advice.
Talking through problems and praying
with people are his top priorities. Do
BAPTISM not feel worried about sharing your
16th Jan Barnaby William Edgell problems, whatever the concern, large
Harrison or small. For your reference, his day
off is Saturday.
FUNERALS
6th Jan Michael John Weyman
28th Jan Leonard Percy Brian
Eaton
9Churches Together in Henley
The Churches Together Forum met on through to Easter 2022.
1st December last in the Christ Church
Centre Chapel, the first meeting since (c)Christ Church. The returning
January 2020, when we had a talk from congregation is at about 60% of pre-
Sarah Nesbitt, Curate in the Shiplake Covid numbers, and there are new
Benefice, about her experiences with members coming in. A series of
local groups of Street Pastors. As well Sunday evening Bible studies has just
as a time to catch up with news of our started, looking at Isaiah. There is to
local churches the main topic in this be a Baptism shortly. Church finances
recent meeting was the Henley Gospel have held up well, and there was
Project (see below). recently a very generous response to
a Gift Day. It has been a pleasure to
News from the Churches. host Trinity at Four. The Memory Café
has started again and FROGS
(a) Saint Mary’s and Saint Nicholas. (Friends of God) are doing well.
Reverend Romey Poston was
welcomed as the new curate for this (d)Shiplake, Harpsden and
benefice, having joined in July as we Dunsden. Michael Farrer and
were emerging from Covid restrictions. Michael Seymour-Jones have retired
Some people are still missing from the and a service was held to mark their
congregations, but there are new ministry in the Benefice. With live-
people coming in. Saint Mary’s now has streaming the centre of gravity of the
an emphasis on youth work and benefice has tended to move to
developing a youth club. Shiplake as reception and
transmission were not great in
(b) Sacred Heart. Live streaming was Harpsden and Dunsden. However,
started with the advent of lockdown, there is a service now in each church
and although this led to a reduction in every Sunday. As with all of us,
those attending Mass there was a new routine has been disrupted, and some
world-wide congregation participating. people have stepped back from what
There are also new people coming in they have been doing, while new
now that live masses have started people have come in. Harpsden are
again. Canon Paul has been appointed looking for a new PCC Treasurer. It is
as Canon of the Metropolitan Chapter hoped that some lay people can be
of Saint Chad’s Cathedral, encouraged to lead services.
Birmingham, and as Episcopal Vicar
responsible for local counties that were (e)Baptists. There were three
covered by a Bishop who has recently baptisms last week. The church is
retired. This means he is away from looking forward to the Gospel Project
the Parish for part of each week, and it is good to see the churches
visiting parishes in this area. Pope working together, and new people
Francis has launched a Synod in which joining the church.
he is asking members of the churches
to ask what the Holy Spirit is saying to (f)Trinity at Four. Trinty at four have
us. This started in October and runs moved to Christ Church because of
the better facilities, but are still very
10much part of Holy Trinity. Gradually story of faith and/or submit a photo of
getting back to normal, children’s Henley. It is hoped that the booklet
groups started up after Easter and all will be available by Easter 2022. Sam
was back to normal from September explained that he had got the idea
with 40-50 children and 60-70 adults from seeing a bespoke booklet in
attending each week. Some people Lechlade parish church. The planning
have not yet come back after team consists of Paul Fitzpatrick,
lockdown, but there are new people Sam Brewster, Jane Flack and
joining. The baby café ran during Romey Poston. The local primary
lockdown and was a real lifeline for schools have got involved through a
the 30 mums and their babies who painting competition. The Gospel is
were part of that. A new after-school the NIV translation. In answer to a
club has just been started. question about how it is going to be
distributed, Sam explained that they
(g)Holy Trinity. About a quarter of had decided that each church be
the pre-Covid congregation have not empowered to decide how to do this,
come back, though live-streaming is and they had stepped back from door
continuing with the help of Peter to door delivery, and feel that it should
Greenman, and new people have be through personal contacts and
joined. Through sharing of telephone various avenues such as Regatta and
numbers and e-mails a system for the various festivals in the town as
pastoral care was started during well as at baptisms, funerals and
lockdown to keep people in touch with weddings. It is also hoped that it will
each other. be possible to take the project into
Henley Gospel Project. schools, so that students could take
the booklet home for their families.
Sam Brewster introduced details of
this collaborative project of the Henley There was then a time of prayer and
churches in partnership with Biblica to the meeting closed at about 8:45 p.m.
produce a bespoke Henley edition of
It is hoped that the next meeting of
Luke’s Gospel as a resource to help
the Forum will be some time in the
local believers share the good news
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
and to offer our town the best gift we
(January 18th – 25th, 2022), but this
have - Jesus. He asked for people to
very much depends on the
become involved through prayer,
coronavirus situation.
giving towards the cost, to share a
Mike Hails
11A couple of weeks before Christmas At that moment, two children dressed
we were invited to “Follow the Star”. as sheep joined
us as they were
As we entered the Churchyard we also on the trail
were greeted by a lady, Sally, in with us.
glorious robes, she was in a barn,
preparing cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon We were all in
and cloves. search of the
star, we wanted
to Follow the
Star. Ooh… this
was a very special Christmas
moment. Well done those shepherds!
We then moved into the beautifully
decorated Church where we were
We watched and asked a few asked if we could see the star … we
questions which were all beautifully all looked… we searched, one of the
answered. children pointed at a star... there it
What joy! We were being taught and was! We could see the star!! This was
had started learning all about the our chance to hear more… more of
Christmas story. the story of Joseph and Mary and
their baby. We then followed the star
Another actor, Sam, also in full as we walked outside the church to a
costume joined us and asked us stable, where we found Mary, nursing
whether we would like to learn more? her baby, it was baby Jesus.
We immediately said “yes please” and
were guided up the hill to the next
stage of the Follow the Star trail
where we met with Herod who spoke
firmly.
The children were allowed to ask Mary
questions. This was a very moving
moment. Thank you to the Church and
to all the people organising and
performing on the night. A wonderful
Herod asked a few questions and portrayal of the Christmas story. we all
gave an interesting, short speech, learned to Follow the Star.
which helped us to learn more. Then
we were quickly moved to the next Thank you. Christmas 2021. Thank
stage where we were able to meet a you. Prayers of thanks. This was
shepherd, dressed in white and silver. wonderful.
Susan Butler
12 Pictures courtesy of the Henley Herald and Sue Butler. Used with permission.On Parish Accounts, Teapots and Labrador Retrievers
The Rectory
Saint James the Least of All
My dear Nephew Darren
Your annual accounts – all 146 pages, the limit of Colonel Denster’s carbon
bound in their plastic covers and laid paper. It seems to be an unalterable
out in faultless detail – really are most tradition that they never balance, until
impressive. I was rather envious to we find the following year that the
note you have a clergy ‘discretionary missing £20 was found months later
fund’; if I were to be given such a thing, under the teapot on the mantelpiece.
my cellar of claret would improve One footnote to this was the occasion
immeasurably – although that is when the Colonel suspected an
perhaps the reason why I am not given unaccountable £5 had been eaten by
one. his Labrador. Our greatest expenses by
far are categorised as ‘miscellaneous’,
The size of your office expenses which is a catch-all for everything that
makes me wonder if you have a staff our treasurer is unable to recall where it
rivalling that of the European really went.
Community. I suppose that at least you
are doing your bit for job creation. Our The thousands paid on church
dear Miss Marigold, who spends two maintenance and diocesan fees are
hours a week randomly filing pieces of nodded through without comment – but
paper, mistyping rotas and failing to re- if the money spent on Easter lilies or
order stationery, is only rewarded by packets of tea for the Summer Fete
being the first to find out who are increases by anything more than 50
booking marriages and having their pence, there will be much agonised
babies baptised – and if they do not debate and speculation about whether
happen in that order, that will be this is an indication of money
another piece of information laundering.
remembered for future use. All this is
information beyond the price of jewels I see that your accounts were
in village communities. professionally audited. Fortunately, it
does not matter too much about the
Our accounts have, more by way of accuracy of our own, as I have an
charm than they do of accuracy, arrangement with our auditor who lives
generally consist of one sheet of in the village: if he refuses to sign them
handwritten paper. There are only ever off, then I refuse to baptise his
three copies for circulation, as that is grandchildren.
Your loving uncle,
Eustace
Parish Pump
13PARISH JOTTINGS
A peaceful Christmas? required, just a desire to worship
through music.
Flowers
Flower arranging in church too is an
Our church was a busy place in Advent act of worship but since our much-
and over Christmas. On the evenings admired flower arranging team retired
of 8th, 9th and 10th December and again we have struggled to follow their
on the morning of Saturday 11th a example. Happily our neighbour Anne
succession of families walked through Sanders has kindly come to our aid
a transformed churchyard and church, and produced a wonderful bouquet of
meeting wise men, King Herod, flowers for the podium over Christmas.
shepherds, angels and an innkeeper We are most grateful to her.
before arriving at the stable (with live
donkeys on Saturday). On the way Frantic Fridays
they heard the Christmas story. “Follow If it’s some years since you came to
the Star” was, for the second year, an the church on a Friday you will
enormous success, reaching out to probably have a surprise if you do so
many people who don’t normally come now. On a Friday morning you will find
to church. Then, in the run up to all the chairs swept aside and a range
Christmas Day we had two Christingle of children’s play equipment around an
Services and two Candlelit Carol open space in the middle of the nave;
Services as well as normal worship; and the church packed with mums
and on Christmas Day, Midnight (and some dads), toddlers and babies.
Communion, an All Age Service This is Junior Jivers run by Lucie
followed by Christmas Communion. Brewster, Peter Greenman and Kryssie
We have had complaints from the Steiger and is very popular with both
church mice, whose peace and quiet church members and non churchgoers
enjoyment of their home was ruined by and is a key element in our outreach to
all the noise and activity. local families. If you come instead in
the afternoon you’ll probably run into
Return of live music Families on Fridays, an after-school
January saw a welcome return of live club for parents and school aged
music to our 10:00 a.m. services. For children run by Peter and Kryssie; a
some years now we have made do more recent but growing outreach
with recorded accompaniment to our activity. And just to round off the day,
hymn singing but Sam Brewster is now every other week, Trinity at Four hold
bringing his guitar when he can and Friday Night Youth, a youth club for
leads one or two songs this way. If teenagers run by Sam and Erin
there are any instrumentalists in our Kennedy with help from Kryssie. This
congregation who would like to make one is not in the church building, to the
up an occasional music group, please great relief of the church mice who
let us know, we’d love to hear from have had a terrible day and deserve
you. Concert level standard not some peace.
PJ
14Signs of spring on sunny side of Holy Trinity church (2017)
15THE Trinity TIMES
The current parish magazine of Holy Trinity church, Henley-on-Thames.
Published monthly throughout the year. This issue is Number 324.
Holy Trinity church parish magazines have been produced since 1890.
CONTACTS AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
Vicar
The Reverend Duncan Carter Holy Trinity Vicarage 01491 574822
Minister for Trinity at Four
The Reverend Sam Brewster 29 Gainsborough Hill 07899 843461
Licensed Lay Minister
Michael Forsdike 1 Brookside, Watlington 01491 612161
Churchwardens
Peter Jones 64 Ancastle Green 01491 572716
Michael Forsdike 1 Brookside, Watlington 01491 612161
PCC Treasurer Stefan Kotas 07539 822201
Magazine Editor Richard Young 01491 578422
Safeguarding Officer Sarah Cook 07739 359584
Diocesan Safeguarding Team 01865 208290
The Parish Safeguarding Policy is on our website.
Holy Trinity website : http://www.holytrinityhenley.org.uk
Readers are invited to contribute articles, features, notices, etc., for publication
in the Trinity Times. Submissions should be delivered to
Richard Young, 11 Saint Mary’s Close, (Telephone 578422), or E-mailed to the
Trinity Times mailbox at ‘magazine@holytrinityhenley.org.uk’.
For inclusion in the next magazine, which will be combined for February and
March, submissions must be received by Sunday the 13th of March.You can also read
