September 2014 - St Neots Parish Church

Newsletter of St Neots & Eynesbury Parish Churches
September 2014
Price
40p
Who’s who in St Neots Parish Church
Website http://www.stneots.org
Vicar
Rev’d Dr. Paul Andrews
The Vicarage, Church Street
[email protected]
Curate
Rev’d Eleanor Whalley
56 Stonehill
[email protected]
Associate Priest
Rev’d Roger Henthorne
45 Berkley Street, Eynesbury
Retired Clergy:
Rev’d Derek Draper
Rev’d Bill Taylor
Rev’d Canon Robert Sibson
370312 /471297
214995
472548
Reader in Training Ann Williams
15 Buckley Road, Eynesbury
[email protected]
Authorised Lay
Ministers:
Rosemary Darrington, Pastoral Asst.
Catherina Griffiths, Pastoral Asst.
Christine Green, Worship Leader
394709
Children’s
Coordinator
350137
Parish
Administrator
Jane Plumb
30 Arundel Crescent, Eynesbury
[email protected]
476334
393372
07757665099
Judith Andrews
370312
Parish Office: Mon - Wed closed, Thurs, Fri 9:00 - 13:00
Sat 9.00 - 11.00
[email protected]
Church Wardens Philip Barrett
24 Barringer Way
[email protected]
471871
Jacky Isaac
164 Cambridge Street
[email protected]
476366
Treasurer
David Jones
6 Murrell Close
[email protected]
211379
PCC Secretary
Catherina Griffiths
7 Parkway
[email protected]
393372
2
Gift Aid Secretary
Godfrey Wilson
38 Honeydon Avenue
[email protected]
391739
Stewardship Recorder Jane Gill
[email protected]
476904
Director of Music
217153
Churches Together
Men’s Group
Mother’s Union
Branch Leader
Lloyd Barnett
43 Ridgeway, Eynesbury
[email protected]
Phil Barrett
24 Barringer Way
471871
Derek Wheel
18 Whistler Road
211897
Catherina Griffiths
7 Parkway
[email protected]
393372
St Mary’s Guild
Bev Rawlings
475651
Tower Bell Captain
David Griffiths
5 Rycroft Avenue
[email protected]
07818 685502
Hand Bells
Catherina Griffiths
7 Parkway
[email protected]
393372
Holy Terrors
9-10yrs
Eileen Raggatt
The Ferns, Berkley St. Eynesbury
213884
Magazine editor
Ann Williams
[email protected]
394709
Magazine distribution
David and Hilary Read
3 Axis Way, Eaton Socon
[email protected]
216684
St Mary’s School
Jenny Overs (Headteacher)
Wintringham Road
398048
Restoration Team
Ken Minney
Colin Freeman (Treasurer)
[email protected]
3
381168
Stepping out of the boat
In our working through parts of the Gospel of
Matthew over the summer Sundays after
Trinity we have particularly focused on the
stories and miracles of Jesus, and thought
about how they tell us something of who God is
and what Jesus shows of his love, and then
lead us in our thinking to reflect on how these
stories speak to us in our own very different
culture and context.
The eighth Sunday after Trinity brought us the story of Jesus, taking himself
into solitude and silence at the end of a draining day in which he had fed more
than five thousand people spiritually and physically. Solitude and quiet were
the very necessary conditions that Jesus needed for his own personal prayer
and communion with God the Father. So he told the disciples to sail across
the lake ahead of him, probably quite relieved to get them out of his hair for a
few precious hours, and not to have to worry about other people and their
needs at least until the next day. But as we know, the winds and the waves
got up and even though at least some of them were experienced fishermen
and so you might think, quite used to storms at sea, the disciples were
extremely afraid. As dawn broke, Jesus came walking across the lake and
Peter, when he realised that he wasn’t seeing a ghost, impetuously asked
Jesus to command him to walk across the water to meet him. So Peter got out
of the boat and just for a moment, his faith was strong enough to enable him
to walk for just a few steps without sinking. Then it all got too much, he
wavered and began to sink, but Jesus was there immediately to hold him.
As I write this, we have come to the end of the first week in which we have
opened the church doors, left the building unattended, and allowed (as if we
had the right to deny) visitors from home and abroad to come into this special
holy space, absolutely on their own terms. The visitors’ book attests that a
good number did so, and I know of several who didn’t sign the book. By the
time you read this, I hope that there will have been many more. People visit
churches for all sorts of reasons. There are those who like old and beautiful
buildings, those who are interested in aspects of architectural history, stained
glass, personal memorials and historic monuments. Some, perhaps most of
our visitors, will have come to look at a fascinating historic monument, to think
about the incredible achievements of mostly illiterate medieval stonemasons,
carpenters and builders, to wonder perhaps at the durability of their work, and
the care, the time, the skill and the love (and I guess, because nothing
changes, the stress and bad language) that they must have expended in its
creation. Some perhaps may have given a thought to the faith that
4
underpinned the vision of those who made our church, others to the poverty
and deprivation in which many of those who laboured to give us such an
inspirational space in which to worship, in all probability lived. The more
reflective of our visitors will, I hope, have sensed something of the continuity of
which a great church like ours stands as an emblem, a structure that has been
a prominent landmark, a beacon of faith and light in this community for more
than half a millennium. Perhaps some may have paused to think of the
countless prayers that have been offered within its walls over the centuries,
with which its stones have been drenched; thousands upon thousands of
personal, private or public longings, yearnings, beseechings that people have
articulated for themselves and for others to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to
and through Mary and all the saints – prayers offered in the presence of
angels, made real in a sense under the great angel roof that contains and
enfolds. And among the tourists and holidaymakers, the seasonal visitors and
local residents, there were certainly some who came with some of the selfsame thoughts, feelings, fears and joys as their historical forebears (for the
human condition brings the same joys and sorrows in every age and what goes
around comes around). We may not know what or who those prayers were for,
but we see their concern reflected in the candles that are left burning in the
chapel, and sometimes are allowed to share in those prayers that are left as
notes in the basket, and are then we have the privilege to share at our own
daily prayers.
I know that there has been some nervousness at the idea that we can leave the
church open for anyone to come in, but you will know that it has long been a
cherished wish of mine that we should do exactly that. For while some may
come to ask for a key, in order to look round, it is those who come to pray,
those who come with something to hold up to God, those who come with a
need to sit in his presence, who are the least likely to ask for a key if the doors
are locked. Much needed and necessary prayer has been expressed, just
because we have left the door to God’s house ajar.
Of course there is risk. We have calculated it as far as we are able. But like
Peter, it is for us to hold on to our faith that we are in this very small and
uncomplicated way, engaging in outreach and welcoming those on the edge of
faith. It is a truism of ministry, that often we never know the outcome of what
we do.
Peter had no idea where his faith and his ministry would lead when he stepped
out of the boat. We have to step out of the boat ourselves, in faith and trust, to
let God be God for this generation in ways that we won’t be able to predict.
May God bless this and all our ministries, always.
Yours ever in Christ
Fr Paul
5
Change of Editor
It seems a little strange to be back at the computer editing The Messenger
again. I have always felt a little guilty since John so willingly took it on when I
was thinking of moving away from St. Neots. But I think I am now firmly
rooted here and am only too happy to relieve John so that he can
concentrate on other commitments.
Please remember to send any articles to me, [email protected],
although if you do forget, John will forward them to me, of course. Thank
you all for your contributions.
Ann Williams
JOURNEYS THAT MATTER……why not join us ?
Journeys lie at the heart of our Christian (and the Jewish) faith. The Exodus
from Egypt, the Exile to Babylon; Joseph and Mary going up the Bethlehem,
Jesus’ travels around Galilee, his going up to Jerusalem – these are hugely
significant journeys.
Since then, Christians have always gone on journeys to special places - the
Holy Land, Compostela, Iona, Lourdes, to name just a few.
We can also make journeys without leaving home, journeys of heart and
mind. A journey can be a time for seeing things differently, perhaps being
encouraged or challenged.
The Wintringham Road House Group will be spending some time before
Christmas looking at
‘Journeys that matter’.
You are welcome. You don’t have to be clever, knowledgeable about the
Bible or devout, just open minded ! We meet from 8.p.m. for two hours
(including refreshment). Our next two meetings are September 8th and 22nd.
We shall arrange the future dates then.
For information please contact DEREK DRAPER 01480 384031
6
Robin Walters publishes his first novel.
Robin has just published his first novel which is entitled ‘There’s More
than One United’. It is a light-hearted, semi-autobiographical account of
a group of four young lads travelling up and down the country for a year,
watching Cambridge United playing at home and away in the 1977-78
football season. First and foremost, it is not primarily a football book
(although football is the thread that binds the whole story together), but
is a 'road book' showing the problems they encounter on the way, how
their friendships grow and how they deal with difficult events and people
on their journey. From a church point of view, it does have a strong
Christian message, although that does
not become apparent until close to the
end, where there are a number of surprises!
It was published on 10th July and has
the ISBN number 978-07552-1654-3. It
retails at £8.99 and is available to order
from Amazon, Kindle, or any bookshop.
Alternatively, Robin can bring copies with
him for purchase over coffee after the
9.30 service.
Friends of Saint Neots Parish Church
Cheese, Paté and Wine Evening
Saturday 13th September
7.30pm to 9.30pm
Tickets £10 per person from
Mary Draper (384031) or Bruce Elam (473820)
Website: friendsofsnpc.org.uk
7
Family News
Pray for those to be baptised:
Hugo Ward
Joshua Glover
Bethany Belcher
Hattie and Mason North
Pray for those to be married:
Andrew Gogarty and Lucy Bennett
Richard Bamford and Sarah Hughes
Danny Matthews and Stacey Burns
Pray for those who have died:
Shirley East
The Revd Valerie Kilner will be sharing
"Chaplain's Reflections"
at our next meeting onThursday 4th September
starting at 7.30pm in the Church Rooms.
Book Club (note change of day this month)
Thursday September 4th at 2pm
12 Bodiam Way
The Book Club will be discussing
‘Birdsong’ by Sebastian Faulks.
(Please note this meeting’s book)
All, especially new members, welcome.
8
Please remember in your prayers all who are
ill and who have asked for our prayers:
Eddie Edwards, Terry Underwood, Keith Stokes, Scarlet Bail, Mike Mitcham,
Martin Atkins, Margaret Sibson, Sheila Green, Christopher, William Brown,
Gerry Saunders, Mollie Walker, Jack Moate, Stuart Crabtree, Stephen
Fitzpatrick, Anthony Brewer, Richard Bunyan, Chris Gates, Margaret Bilson,
Brenda Royce, Les Brand, Julie Thomas, Sheila Rawlings, Claire Kay, Ann
Rudd, Sarah Lewis
Prayers for all the sick are offered regularly at the daily services of morning
and evening prayer in both St Neots and Eynesbury Churches. Those whose
problems are more recent or short-term are named in our weekly pew sheet,
and remembered at Sunday services.
Due to a change in my spare time
and circumstances, I am afraid from
1st October 2014 I will be giving up
the post of Children’s Society
coordinator.
I have asked a few people if they would like to take this valuable
charity post on, but so far no luck!
Would you be interested?
We have about 45 house boxes out in the Parish; they need to
be emptied annually, the money counted and banked.
Our usual box opening is sometime in March, but you could do it
to suit you.
If you are interested in taking this role on please contact myself,
Jane Plumb 01480 350137 [email protected]
After September, please speak to Father Paul or the Parish office.
9
CMS Link Letter
News from Rachel Ullmer in Pakistan
Such a lot has happened since the beginning of the year! My last letter I actually
wrote from the UK. The end of February saw me in hospital with a broken shoulder after slipping as I was walking on the road – probably in a pothole! A friend
came quickly in her car when I called and spent the night in the hospital buying
all my medicines and slings etc. Two weeks later, whilst on a conference in Malaysia, my brother rang and called me home as my mother was very ill, so I flew
from Malaysia to the UK. When I arrived, Mum was recovering and she is now
in a home near to my brother’ house.
Back in Pakistan, my arm is now all but better after some physio at the Salvation Army Centre and daily swims in the pool. It is over 50°C now and too hot to
do much, and air conditioners and fridges are faltering in the heat. I took three
workshops in a local Catholic school on language development, English phonics
and grammar where the teachers enjoyed playing various bingo and card/dice
games and looking at examples of children’s writing progress.
The Raiwind schools also had a phonics workshop for Urdu and English, and
enjoyed fishing for the letters in a bowl of water! The primary science experiment workshop was also based on water, bubbles and water problems such as
making a toy boat to carry a toy person. There was an experiment to see how
long it took clothes to get dry after I accidently spilled a cup of water over a
teacher, and looking at the water cycle.
On Sundays, I attend the church where I live, and often join the padre’s wife
and their mischievous son for evening cold drinks – Sprite and milk, rosewater,
mango juice, brown sugar water with basil seeds (which look like frogspawn)
and cola. Nowadays, plums, melons and mangoes are in season and I eat
these with ice cream if I can find a shop with a reliable freezer and rush back
home in a rickshaw before it melts!
Easter was a special time at the church. We had a three-hour time of meditations on Good Friday; it sounds a long time but was actually very moving. On
Easter Day we went on a candle light procession at 4am, which was followed by
a joyous singing and worship service and breakfast – hulver purray and cardamom tea.
Other news is that the Bible books for the senior classes have now arrived, and
the head teacher has read them in readiness for the new term starting in August. And I have had some new clothes made at the durzi (tailor) made out of
lawn cotton which is very thin. All clothes are soaked as soon as you put them
on.
Please continue to pray for the schools, and for the church in Pakistan, in particular for the padre in my church and the head teachers as they implement the
Bible curriculums.
Love, Rachel
10
Readings September 2014
September 7th
Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 1. 46 - 55
September 14th
Holy Cross
Numbers 21. 4 - 9
Philippians 2. 6 - 11
John 3. 13 - 17
September 21st
St. Matthew
Proverbs 3. 13 - 18
2 Corinthians 4. 1 - 6
Matthew 9. 9 - 13
September 28th
Trinity 15
Ezekiel 18. 1 - 4, 25 - 32
Psalm 25. 1 - 8
Philippians 2. 1 - 13
Matthew 21. 23 - 32
11
Calendar for September 2014
(Please note that any changes to this calendar will be found on the website or
in the weekly sheet)
Tuesday 2nd September
14.00 Service at Aisling Lodge
19.30 Standing Committee meets
Wednesday 3rd September
12.30 Holy Communion
Thursday 4th September
14.00 Book Club meets at 12 Bodiam Way
19.30 Mothers’ Union in Church Rooms
Friday 5th September
09:30 Holy Communion
19:30 Choir and bell ringers practice in church
Saturday 6th September
10.00 Parish Quiet Day, Buckden Towers
Sunday 7th September
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 All Age Eucharist
15.00 Civic Service
16:00 Cafe Church at Round House School
Monday 8th September Fr. Paul on holiday
09.00 Coffee, Craft and Chat, St. Mary’s School
17:30 Holy Terrors meet at The Ferns
20.00 House Group, 18 Wintringham Road
Tuesday 9th September
19.30 PCC meets in the Upper Room
Wednesday 10th September
09:00 Church cleaning
10:00 Tots' Praise, Church Rooms
12:30 Holy Communion
19.30 Deanery Synod, Little Paxton
Friday 12th September
09:30 Holy Communion
14.00 Book Club meets at 12 Bodiam Way
19:30 Choir and bell ringers practice in church
Saturday 13th September
12.00 Wedding of Andres Gogarty and Lucy Bennett
19.30 Friends of SNPC Cheese, Paté and Wine Evening
Sunday 14th September
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 Sung Eucharist with Ministry of Healing, Little Saints
18:30 Taizé service
Monday 15th September
17:30 Holy Terrors meet at The Ferns
Tuesday 16th September
19.30 CTSN Men’s Forum, Berkley Street Methodist Church
12
Wednesday 17th September
12:30 Holy Communion
Thursday 18th September
19.30 St. Mary’s Guild AGM, Church Rooms
Friday 19th September
09:30 Holy Communion
19:30 Choir and bell ringers practice in church
Saturday 20th September
09.00 Christian Aid Plant Sale, behind URC
14.00 Wedding of Danny Matthews and Stacey Burns
18.00 Bury St. Edmunds Ringers visit
Sunday 21st September
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 Sung Eucharist with Little Saints
12.30 Baptism of Hugo Ward
Monday 22nd September
09.00 Coffee, Craft and Chat, St. Mary’s School
17:30 Holy Terrors meet at The Ferns
20.00 House Group, 18 Wintringham Road
Tuesday 23rd September Fr. Paul returns from holiday
7.30pm Christian Nurture Committee meets at 56 Stonehill
Wednesday 24th September
09:00 Church cleaning
10.00 Tots’ Praise, Church Rooms
12:30 Holy Communion
Thursday 25th September
19.15 Churches Together AGM, URC
Friday 26th September
09:30 Holy Communion
19:30 Choir and bell ringers practice in church
Saturday 27th September
14.00 Wedding of Richard Bamford and Sarah Hughes
Sunday 28th September
08:00 Holy Communion
09:30 Sung Eucharist with Little Saints
11.30 Baptism of Joshua Glover
13.00 Baptism of Bethany Belcher
14.30 Baptism of Hattie and Mason North
18:30 Evensong
Monday 29th September
17:30 Holy Terrors meet at The Ferns
Tuesday 30th September
10.30 Coffee Club at Poppy’s, Church Walk
14:15 Service at Bethany Francis House
Please note daily prayers in church (Tuesdays and Thursdays at Eynesbury):
Weekday mornings between 8:30 and 9:00
Weekday evenings between 17:30 and 18:00
13
Prayer Diary for September
Date
1M
2T
3W
4 Th
5F
6S
7 Su BVM
8M
9T
10 W
11 Th
12 F
13 S John Chrysostom
14 Su Holy Cross
15 M Cyprian
16 T Ninian
17 W Hildegard
of Bingen
18 Th
19 F
20 S John Coleridge
Patteson
21 Su Matthew
22 M
23 T
24 W Ember Day
25 Th Lancelot Andrewes
26 F Ember Day
27 S Vincent de Paul
28 Su Trinity 15
29 M Michael
and all angels
30 T Jerome
Education
Teachers
Children
Students
Local Schools
Neighbours
Our Patronal Festival
ACTIOS
The Town Council
Town Centre Management
Magistrates
PCSOs
Social workers
Humility
Forgiveness
Amnesty International
Chapman Way
Burr Close
Bevington Way
Banks Court
Cook Drive
Chesterfield Way
Pearson Close
Shepherd Close
Pashley Court
Flawn Way
Brittain Close
Bakers Link
Bodiam Way
Lowry Road
Shakespeare Road
Axis Way
Women in the Church
Asylum Seekers
Christians in Iraq
Crosshall Road
Lottings Way
Honeydon Avenue
The Melanesian Mission
Evangelists
Refugees
Christian Care Centre
Vocations
to ordained ministry
Holiness
Vocations to lay ministry
Love in service
Discerning our vocations
Blackwood Road
St Neots Road
Ryecroft Avenue
Old Bull Yard
God’s messengers
Bible translators
Loves Way
Belland Hill
14
Chandlers Wharf
Dramsell Rise
Waterland
Kester Way
School Drive
Advance warning
Who is needed?
We are looking for actors, dancers, musicians and singers to perform in the St
Neots 2015 Passion Play which will be performed on the streets of St Neots on
Easter Sunday afternoon (Apr 5th) next year. You will need to commit to Monday evening rehearsals between New Year and Easter and perhaps other occasional practices before the performance on Easter Day.
The ‘Auditioning Workshop’ is on October 13th at 7.30pm in
Berkley Street Methodist Church
If you are interested but can’t make that date, then contact Simon Cooper at
[email protected].
More information is on the website at stneotscpa.org.uk/passion2015.html
PLANTS FOR CHRISTIAN AID
There will be one last Plant Sale this year and I have
booked the space behind the United Reformed Church
on
Saturday September 20th (9am till 2pm).
This is an opportunity to sell plants which are much more attractive now
than they are in the spring. It will be a community event as usual so please
think about what you could contribute and get it potted up (or call me in to
do it for you) as soon as possible. Mark the date in your diary so that you
can reserve the time to come along, and please, spread the word amongst
neighbours, relatives and friends. We need customers
as well as plants.
Plant sales have raised over £700 so far this year. Let's
see if the final total can be a real record breaker. Many,
many thanks for all your help and contributions in the
past.
Lottie Taylor 211595, [email protected]
15
St Mary’s Church Children
By the time you read this, the summer holidays will be almost over and children will be
getting ready to return to school and their
new school year.
Little
Saints
We had a busy 2013/2014 in Children’s
Church work.
Tots’ Praise started to meet twice a month
instead of once, in their new venue of the Church Rooms.
We launched our first Messy Church with Messy St Francis, followed by
Messy Candlemas and Messy Pentecost, we also managed to fit in a Good
Friday Family workshop.
We did a presentation of our work and aims for the PCC, and were then invited to speak at the AGM in April, which we duly did.
In July we held a Teddy Bear parachute jump from the tower, to help with
much needed fund raising but also to have a great fun day in the process!
We put two adult chairs in the crèche; making the area more comfortable for
adults while supervising and supporting their children (we have had very
positive and grateful feedback for these additions)
So to our new Children’s Church year.
We welcome on board Jenny Pepper who is to be a Sunday morning leader,
MANY thanks to Jenny.
Tots Praise resumes on Wednesday September 10th, 10.00am in the Church
Rooms.
Children’s Church Sunday mornings start again with Little Saints at the
9.30am service on 14th September, with Jane Gill.
We are making plans for a Harvest weekend of thanks and praise, beginning
with a Messy Harvest on Saturday 4th October, followed by Harvest All Age
on Sunday 5th, with a bring and share lunch in the Church Rooms afterwards.
There will be more Messy Church gatherings through 2014/2015.
None of this work could take place without or excellent, dedicated team
of leaders and helpers, MANY, MANY grateful thanks to you all!!
16
St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School
Wintringham Road, St. Neots, PE19 1NX
Headteacher: Mrs. J. Overs
01480 398048
Chair of Governors: Ann Williams 01480 394709
www.stmaryscofe.co.uk [email protected]
New Year, New Challenges
A new school year is a challenge for pupils and staff alike. Teachers and families have to get to know one another and the children have to settle back into
the school routine after six weeks of freedom.
This new school year brings new staff to St. Mary’s, Sarah Ring, Hazel Pearse
and Letang Marshall. We are looking forward to welcoming them into the St.
Mary’s family. All the staff are also busy trying to get to grips with the new curriculum and all the changes that brings, so it is an especially tricky time until
everyone becomes used to that, too. Let’s hope that we don’t have to face any
more changes just yet!
We anticipate visits this term from SIAMS (church school) inspectors as well as
a team from OFSTED, but we can know neither when nor if, for certain, these
visits will happen. It all adds to the pressure for both staff and children.
A much more welcome visitor will be Archie Attewell, born to Jane and her
husband on August 15th, weighing 7lb 9oz. We look forward to meeting him and
wish the whole family every blessing as their lives change!
We look forward, too, to seeing our friends from the church community in school
for the fortnightly Coffee, Craft and Chat sessions and at our Eucharist services
each half term. Please remember that you are welcome, too, as volunteers to
help in classes, especially with readers.
There are to be some changes to the Governing Body, too. Chris Seward has
left us as she takes on a greater commitment at St. John’s Hospice. We are
very sorry to lose her contribution, but realise that the work she and Paul do for
the hospice is invaluable. We are also losing Sarah Jeffs, a long-standing and
dedicated parent governor, as her daughter moves on to Longsands. But she
can’t keep away from school as she is still coming in to help with reading!
Please keep us in your prayers as we face the challenges together.
17
Ann Williams
The Leprosy Mission
Juma had a sad early childhood. He lives in Nicanda village in Mozambique
and was diagnosed with leprosy aged eight. The patches on his skin were
noticed by a member of a volunteer group supported by The Leprosy Mission.
Juma received treatment promptly, thankfully before developing any life-long
disabilities. His mother died shortly afterwards and his father moved away to
live with another woman leaving Juma in the care of his grandmother, who is
also leprosy-affected. Juma received much needed love and care from The
Leprosy Mission which also gave him the materials needed to go to school. In
2010 he was 13 years old and doing well in school and had hopes for a bright
future. He is now a young man aged 16 and recently left school having
achieved a good education.
The remote rural areas of Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique are very
poor and most people survive by subsistence farming. Thanks to your
generosity, Juma and his grandma were helped with materials to build
themselves a basic home.
With your support, we were able to set up a self-help group in Juma’s village,
encouraging people to save regularly and to receive micro-loans. Through one
of these loans, Juma was able to buy two young goats which he is raising and
will sell in the future for profit.
The Leprosy Mission has contacted an agricultural training centre in Bibiliza
and managed to reserve places on its courses for young people affected by
leprosy including Juma. The Leprosy Mission pays the course fees and lodging
to enable Juma to study and learn how to make his farming techniques more
profitable. Bibiliza is more than 100km from Juma’s village, where he had lived
all his life, so leaving home to study there was a life-changing move. However,
during college vacations he will be able to return home and help his
grandmother in the fields.
Juma will never forget the kindness he has been shown and, in turn, wants to
help others. He said “ I want to help my grandmother as she gets older as
she has always taken care of me. I also want to help other children
affected by leprosy and break down some of the stigma surrounding
leprosy. I remember feeling alone as my friends were scared of catching
leprosy and I don’t want other children to suffer as a result of the myths
and stigma surrounding the disease.”
We support The Leprosy Mission through our Stewardship giving.
Please pray for the work they are doing in Mozambique and other parts of the
world, people affected by leprosy are some of the world’s poorest and most
marginalised people. Many still live in colonies and have no idea that they have
rights and entitlements – just like everyone else.
18
St Neots Old Cemetery
Have you ever explored St Neots Old Cemetery – looking at the gravestones
or attempting to find a relative, whose grave cannot be found?
Up to now the task of finding a particular grave has been very difficult, as the
registers are difficult to read and the original plans are difficult to interpret.
St Neots Old Cemetery was opened in 1881 and there are more than 3,000
burials, including a few removed from the burial grounds of the United Reformed Church and St Neots Baptist Chapel. The Cemetery was divided into
17 sections and when they became full some of the pathways were used as
burial plots. Consequently many of the sections are now interlocked. The few
paths that remain are surfaced with tarmac.
As yet, no attempt has been made to record the full inscription of every memorial but all the gravestones have been read for their names, the registers
have been typed up and the cemetery has been mapped. It is now possible
to find out who is in the Cemetery, where they are and whether there is a memorial of some kind.
Who can be found in the cemetery - many local families, many local dignitaries and some visitors to the town, who unexpectedly died here? Two such
unexpected deaths were Walter Taylor, an Aberdeen soldier who drowned on
August 31st 1914 saving the life of local teenager Maud Taylor, and Ronald
Rankin, an Australian soldier who was visiting friends in St Neots when he
died of flu in October 1918.
Well known local people include Alfred Jordan (of Jordan and Addington),
Frank and Emily Day (of Days Brewery), Arthur Barrett (of Barretts stores),
Wrycroft and Linford builders, the McNish family (of Paines Brewery), the
Rowley family and many more.
The database of names, maps and plans are all on the St Neots Local History
Website - stneotslhs.org.uk, so why not take a look at the website and take
a wander through the Cemetery, finding relatives or just having a look. The
graves with military connections have also been photographed and these are also on the Local History Website.
Some of the gravestones are very interesting to look at and
read.
For more details or any queries on the
Cemetery please contact Sue Jarrett email [email protected]
Walter
Taylor’s
Cross
McNish
memorial
19
Solomon`s Love Song
When I address the congregation at the family Eucharist I always remind
them that when we read the Bible we are reading an ancient Eastern book
with a modern Western mind. There are times when the two clash as I
discovered recently.
When I told the meditation group that I was going to a retreat which had
"The Song of Songs" as its theme it was met with expressions of disbelief
or mild embarrassment. Not the retreat but the theme. Admittedly, it is
somewhat exotic and to the modern Western mind probably erotic.
Have you read it lately? Go on, I dare you to. You will find it just before
the book of the Prophet Isaiah. We were told to read it aloud. I did not get
very far, I understand the embarrassment now.
My Western mind refused to get out of the way. If you try it make sure
there is nobody within earshot, it may sound as if you have discovered an
ancient version of 50 Shades of Grey. No, I have not read it but I do read
book reviews. How on earth did a book which begins, "May he smother
me with kisses" or a lover comparing his beloved to a chariot horse of
Pharaoh, find a place in a Holy Book?
We needed help. Over the next two days the retreat leader unravelled the
allegories of ancient Hebrew poetry and presented us with a poem that
celebrates Israel`s devotion to God and God`s unconditional love for His
people. I am not sure that I am entirely convinced yet. I need to work on it.
Anyone for Bible study?
Of course I do have a serious purpose in writing this. A member of the
congregation has said that she would like to do some Bible study but she
is at work when the group meets. I also suspect that there are others who
might like to know more about the Bible but are uncomfortable in groups.
There is a solution, it is called "The Bible Reading Fellowship". The fellowship publishes a booklet of short Bible passages to be read daily with a
commentary which gives ideas to think about. The notes can be read individually or readers may get together say once a month to discuss what
they have read. This sort of group has the advantage of not needing an
informed leader. It needs a host to ensure an adequate supply of tea and
biscuits. After all the Church of England runs on tea and {chocolate?}
biscuits.
Anyone for Bible Reading?
Dss. Mavis
20
The New Arrival at the Eynesbury Rectory
Rev. Debbie Noonan and her husband, Rev. Jesse Zink are delighted to
announce the birth of their son Aidan Thomas Noonan Zink, born 12
July 2014 at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, weighing 7 lbs, 7 oz. They thank
everyone for their cards and well wishes. All are doing well and Aidan
looks forward to meeting his church family soon. Rev. Debbie will be on
maternity leave until mid January 2015.
During Rev’d Debbie’s maternity leave, please contact the
following:
Weddings, Banns of Marriage, Funerals and Baptisms:
The St. Neot’s Parish Office 01480 370 312, [email protected])
Church Room: For church activities please coordinate with the wardens,
for external hires contact St. Neot’s Parish Office (01480 370
312 [email protected])
Sunday Notices, 9:30 Service Rota, Publicity and Eynesbury Section of the
Messenger, Fundraising: Tony Hopwood ((01480
382834, [email protected])
Home Communions, Pastoral Visits, Prayer List: Deaconess Mavis (01480 218
219, [email protected])
11:15 Service Rota: Tara Skey ([email protected])
Little Giants: Ali Hiliard (07403 274260) and Julie Playford (07776 146 329)
Website and E-Newsletter: Sonia Wilson ([email protected])
Poppyfields Service: Rev. Roger Henthorne or Getrude Watkins
21
Eynesbury Notices
Congratulations
From the whole congregation and those connected with St. Marys Eynesbury, to
Revd. Debbie Noonan and Revd. Jesse Zink on the birth of their son Aidan Thomas Noonan Zink on 12th July 2014
All are doing well and we look forward to Debbie's return in January.
Saturday 6th September – Cake Stall 10:00am
Please bring in some cakes to sell or stop by for some home made cake! This is
one of our regular fundraisers.
Tuesday 9th September 15:45 in the Church Room – Standing Committee
Meeting.
Friday 12th September – Little Giants – 9:30-11:00am
Its back !! Bible stories, craft, songs and play. A group for babies and toddlers
and their parents and carers
Saturday 13th September – Table Top Sale – 10:00am to 3:00pm
Including Tombola, Tea, Coffee and Cakes and much more. If you can help or
have things to give please see Christine Miles.
Saturday 13th September 10:00am to 6:00pm - Ride, Stride and Drive This
sponsored event raises funds for Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust and
50pct of the funds raised by you will be for our own church. More details and
sponsorship forms from Christine Miles.
Thursday 18th September 7:30pm – PCC Meeting
If anyone has anything they would like discussed at the PCC meeting please let
a PCC member know at least a week beforehand so that it can be included in the
agenda.
Monday 22nd September 2:15pm - Bible Study
We will be studying Genesis rather than John’s Gospel so anyone interested in
catching up with all the Old Testament stories please contact Gordon, Tony or
Ann Garner ([email protected], 01480 472777)
Thursday 25th September - Churches Together AGM, 7:15pm URC Church
22
Eynesbury Diary for September
Saturday 6th
10.00am
Cake Stall
Sunday 7th
Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
11.15am
Family Eucharist
Tuesday 9th
3.45pm
Standing Committee, Church Room
Wednesday 10th 11.00am
Eucharist at Poppyfields
Friday 12th
Little Giants, Church Room
9.30am
Saturday 13th 10.00am
Sunday 14th
Table Top Sale
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
11.15am
Family Eucharist
Thursday 18th 7.30pm
PCC
Friday 19th
9.30am
Little Giants, Church Room
Sunday
21st
Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
11.15am
Family Eucharist
Monday 22nd
2.15pm
Bible Study, Church Room
Friday 26th
9.30am
Little Giants, Church Room
Sunday 28th
Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
9.30am
Sung Eucharist
11.15am
Family Eucharist
23
Eynesbury St. Mary
Contact Information
www.stmaryseynesbury.weebly.com
Rector
Rev'd. Deborah Noonan BA, M'Div
14 Chestnut Grove
Eynesbury, PE19 2DW
[email protected]
Contact
Judith Andrews
370312
Parish Office
The Vicarage
Church Street
St.Neots
(Mon - Wed closed, Thurs-Fri 9am-1pm, Sat 9am-11am)
Email: [email protected]
Deaconess
Mavis Hinde
8 Burnt Close, Eynesbury
[email protected]
Churchwardens
390509
218219
Tony Hopwood
2 Constable Avenue, Eaton Ford
[email protected]
382834
Gordon Depledge
3 Howitts Lane
Eynesbury
391123
PCC Secretary
Catherine Weaver
07894 122938
[email protected]
Treasurer
Christine Miles
20 Balmoral Way, Eynesbury
Tower Captain
George Bonham
[email protected]
Eynesbury Church of England Primary School
Helen Rouse, Headteacher,
[email protected]
474485
398028
Articles for October Messenger to 24
the Editor by September 19th please
Printed by PRINT-OUT, Histon, Cambridge CB4 9JE