April 2016 - St Peter`s Church Formby

St Peter’s Church Magazine
April 2016
1
St. Peter’s Church Presents
A Celebration of Nine
Decades!
Saturday 23rd April 2016
Holy Trinity Church Hall
7.00 for 7.30pm
A fun-filled evening of entertainment with
music, games and quizzes!!!
Inc. Steak & Ale Pie & Dessert
BYO Drink & Glasses
Tickets £10.00
(Vegetarian option on request)
Tickets from the Social Committee or the Parish Office
2
From the Editorial Team
This month’s magazine cover features the many faces of our beloved Queen,
from her early childhood, through to her Coronation and on to her later years.
To celebrate her 90th birthday, our Social Committee is organising several
events during the year, the first of which is entitled the Queen’s Right Royal
Birthday Bash, to be held on Saturday 23rd April, and it is essential that this
event should be included in the ‘not to be missed’ category.
(We wonder what Her Majesty would make of this title?)
Details are set out on the opposite page, so place your ticket order soon to
avoid disappointment. Tickets are available from the Social Committee or the
Parish Office — see page 38 for contact details.
We also include details of the 75th anniversary of the Air Cadets, and a service
to celebrate the occasion will be held at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 10th
April.
Our vicar Anne has added to her increasing portfolio of responsibilities by
being appointed Chaplain to the Woodvale Squadron within the Air Training
Corps.
Congratulations are also due to our very own 9th Formby St Peter’s Cubs,
whose photograph adorns the back page, who won the District 5 a-side
Competition.
Well done boys.
Finally, we drew your attention in the last edition to the St Peter’s website. To
those with an interest in social media, we would draw your attention to the St
Peter’s Facebook page, and the fact that one of our pages recently received
almost 2000 hits – whatever that means!
Please note that the deadline for the May edition of the magazine is
Friday 8th April 2016
Contributions, by email if possible, to [email protected]
The magazine is an important means of outreach and keeps everyone informed and
in touch with the life of St Peter's Parish. The Magazine is free, though it would be
appreciated if you would like to give a donation towards production costs. If you
would like a magazine delivered to your home, please contact the Parish Office.
3
Dear Friends,
In many people’s minds, especially young people, Easter is
associated with Easter eggs!
The custom of eating eggs on Easter Day goes back
thousands of years and pre-dates Christianity. Egyptians,
Greeks and Romans all used eggs as part of their Springtime celebrations. The fertile egg with the chicken inside
was a sign of new life which would soon break out.
Jews still use eggs as part of their Passover Feast which is observed at this time
of year. For them the egg is a reminder that just as the chicken breaks out of the
prison of its shell, so God long ago helped their people to break out of the
slavery they endured in Egypt.
So it’s easy to see how Christians adopted this custom, seeing the egg as a
symbol of the Resurrection, of Christ breaking out of the tomb on Easter
morning. The egg is a sign of new life and hope.
Also, in times gone by, the eggs were often painted red, representing the blood
of Jesus shed on the cross, and so the coloured egg told the story of Good Friday
and Easter Day. No doubt that is one of the reasons eggs today are often
wrapped in brightly coloured foil.
The Easter egg then tells the Good News that Christ is
risen, the tomb could not hold him, and that he is alive
today and forever more.
The egg is full of symbolism for us as we celebrate the
message of Easter.
A former Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, told the story of one of the
most precious gifts he ever received. He had been visiting a hospice and there
he had met a most remarkable lady. She knew she was dying, and yet, he said,
she was full of confidence and faith that death was but a doorway through which
she would pass into the nearer presence of God.
The lady was a potter and she promised to give the Archbishop her last piece of
work which at the time of his visit wasn’t quite finished. Sometime later the
piece of pottery arrived, and it was just before Easter. When he opened the
package he was deeply moved not just that the lady had remembered but at
what she had made. It was a piece of pottery in the shape of a broken eggshell.
In the words of Robert Runcie the piece was “a powerful expression of that
woman’s resurrection faith that she had broken out of the shell, left behind her
4
limitations and infirmities as she journeyed into a fuller life in the sight of God.”
Even when you break open your chocolate Easter egg, you are still proclaiming
the Easter faith!
Thank You —
thank you to all who helped deliver 3500 Holy Week
Cards. The response was brilliant and a great way to help people know St
Peter’s is here for them.
A.P.C.M.—
24th April after the 10am service
After Easter signals the time for the parish to hold the Annual Parochial Church
Meeting which is basically our A.G.M. Often people don’t come along to this
meeting because they think they might get a job or it is boring. But this is a
really good opportunity to hear how things are going overall in the parish, to
receive the financial report for the past year, to elect seven members onto the
P.C.C. for a three year term and the Churchwardens for the coming year. But don’t
let elections put you off attending – no one is press-ganged into anything!
The AGM is important
because it’s an exercise
in democracy in the
church. The parish is
not about ‘them’; rather
it’s about ‘us’. Everyone
has a say in the life of
the parish. So do
consider coming along
and I promise you will be
home for your lunch and
you might find it is not
that boring!
Anne
5
It was the turn of St Peter's to host the annual Women's World Day of
Prayer Service. It was a lively service arranged by the women of Cuba.
We thank Eleanor Gibson and Sue Jacques for organising the service.
Mothers Day Sunday 6th March 2016
6
St Peter’s 2015 Shoebox Appeal Update!
We have received a lovely message from Samaritans Purse telling us that the
125 shoeboxes we collected have been distributed to children in Albania,
which is one of the poorest countries in Europe. A massive
thank you to everyone who paid for, packed or donated a
shoebox. As this goes to print our knitters are already hard
at work producing hats and gloves for later this year when
we hope to do it all again! Thank you!
Vicky Hall
Breakfast Church started in February meeting in the
Bier House and using the Iona Morning Service
followed by tea & toast. This provides an opportunity
other than on a Sunday to pray together for specific
needs. It means we have more time to reflect on the
readings and pray for specific needs either in our
world, our parish or for those whom we know.
This half hour service has been well attended and we hope others will feel free
to join us.
The next Breakfast Church will be on Saturday 2
nd
April at 9.00am.
TIME OUT
To Talk About What Matters
An opportunity to share ideas and thoughts together over a pint.
After our first meeting it was felt that we should deal with a specific
topic with a brief introduction. The topic up for discussion will be
‘Why do bad things happen to good people’.
Everyone is very welcome to join us.
Wednesday 27th April at 8pm in The Grapes.
7
The empty tomb
A central image from the Easter story is the empty tomb. The
stone rolled away, the body gone. Jesus is not contained in the
prison of the stone-cold cave; he is not imprisoned by death. He
is free, alive and unpredictably present in the world.
As we grasp that, we are freed to grasp the central hope
and promise of Easter.
The kingdom does not end in defeat.
Jesus’s story reaches a climax as he bursts
through the barrier of life and death.
The tomb is vacated because Jesus is alive
and present in the world. And then the
energy, the ‘dunamis’ as the apostle Paul
says, the dynamic power that God used to
raise Jesus from the dead, becomes available to us in the outpouring of the
Spirit at Pentecost. An outpouring that reminds us that God cannot be
contained. Not by a tomb, not by a temple, not by a church building. He is
alive and present in the lives of those who are working to make a bigger
difference; alive, present and recognised in the lives of those who make a
bigger difference in His name.
The image of the empty tomb presents a challenge for me and for all who are
actively seeking for and praying for the renewal of the church. We see in it the
certainty that God is working in the world, that his mission – as Jesus
commanded in Matthew 28 – “go make disciples of all” – calls all to be “out
there”.
So how does this speak to our efforts, our desire, our belief under God that in
this Diocese we are called to be a bigger church making a bigger difference?
We believe that the Church is ordained by God as the best way to learn more
about what it is to be a disciple. We know Jesus is the Lord of the church and
we are called to worship Him and to come to the Father through Him in the
Spirit’s power. And so we commit ourselves to worship in the fullest sense,
offering our whole beings to be that living sacrifice of service that follows the
model of Jesus.
8
And over the centuries we have shaped buildings to help us in this. Some
beautiful. Some less so. Some functional. Some that have become difficult to
use in any meaningful sense. These are vessels of love - not empty tombs - but
sadly they have the potential to be a place that Jesus has left, where we don’t
feel the presence of the living Lord, where people endure a sterile, unattractive
and joyless expression of their faith.
But of course they also have the potential to be much more. To be houses of
the bigger church, bursting with energy, hope and presence. Full of those loving
the Lord, seeking to love him more, taking risks, falling down and being picked
up again. Doing it all in the strength of the Lord. The building not an empty
tomb, but a vibrant hub for the community. A place of love and service where
people recognise the risen Lord in the Christians that worship there.
Jesus broke free of the tomb once for all, so that God’s kingdom would not be
contained but would grow through the world. This Easter our joy and our
calling in our turn is to release the great news of Jesus’ resurrection, sharing
His love in all places with all people.
Christ is risen: He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Bishop Paul
Come and sing with us!
Songs of Praise invites you to Liverpool Cathedral.
Television Camera Recording for Songs of Praise
Saturday 14th May 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Songs of Praise are inviting people to join them for the
television recording from Liverpool Cathedral. There are two ways to get
involved – to be in the congregation or the choir.
Congregation is for those who would enjoy taking part in the recordings.
Choir (or singers) can join a special Songs of Praise “combined choir” which
will lead the singing. For those who sing the Combined Choir Rehearsal is on
Wednesday 4th May 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Admission is by free ticket. Songs of Praise recordings are often very popular
and in the event of being oversubscribed they will allocate on a pro rata basis.
We apply for tickets as a parish so if you would like a ticket, either as part of the
congregation or the choir, please let the Parish Office know by 15 th April at the
latest.
9
MY JOURNEY
-
A Retrospective View
I was born in a thatched cottage In Churchtown, at the North end of Southport,
twenty minutes before Dennis my twin brother. Our first home was in Crossens
and one of my earliest memories is of being taken to St John's Parish Church,
and hearing Psalm 121 being sung by the choir. At the age of four I started to
learn to play the piano, this continued when we moved to Birkdale and
attached ourselves to St. John's where the organist was a professional musician.
Dennis and I joined the choir and the organist continued to teach us piano. At
the age of twelve, when our legs had grown long enough, we graduated to
learning to play the organ.
National Service was with the Royal Air Force. After basic training I was posted
to RAF Weeton, near Blackpool. The padre was a mad Irishman who ran a red
MG sports car. I was surprised to discover the camp chapel had a two manual
pipe organ, which I volunteered to play for services. The 'easy to get alongside'
Irish padre was posted and we were landed with a much less easy- going man
trained at Mirfield. Asking for a fill of tobacco for his pipe is the only memory I
have of him!
After National Service I worked in a number of retail account positions ending
up as the Administrative Assistant with the River Crossens Drainage Board.
During this time I held numerous organist posts and, in the late 1950's, I
followed Mr Alwyn Thomas as the organist & choirmaster here at St. Peter's. It
was during this time that I met Hilary who became my wife. We have two
married daughters and four grandchildren.
My last appointment as organist was at St. Paul's Southport. Whilst there I had
what is described as a 'spiritual experience’ during which God challenged me to
be ordained. After many vicissitudes, which convinced me it was easier to get
into heaven than being ordained in the Church of England, I was accepted for
training on the North West Ordination Course in Manchester. At the end of
three years I looked around for a suitable curacy. I was made deacon in
Liverpool Cathedral in 1976, and licensed to St. Faith's Crosby. During my time
as curate I continued to write a few short introits for the choir to sing, including
a Eucharist in E flat which was used for my first celebration of the Holy
Communion after my ordination to the priesthood.
The time came for me to look for a parish of my own. At an interview with the
Bishop of Warrington I was advised to look at the Parish of St. Anne's Wigan.
Induction there as vicar took place in February 1980. I discovered that being
10
the vicar had its difficulties. Not least, learning to chair PCC meetings at which
there were two distinct camps. The one abiding memory of Wigan was the
number of funerals I had to take, sometimes five in one week. Pastorally there
was much crisis visiting.
After five mixed years at St. Anne's I was invited to apply the incumbency of the
united parishes of Colton, Satterthwaite and Rusland in South Lakeland. The
Patrons consisted of local land owners etc. At the interview Hilary and I were
faced by no less than twelve farmers, the Rural Dean, and the Archdeacon of
Westmorland and Furness! Following that, on the same evening, we undertook
more of the same in Satterthwaite where the four wardens from Colton and
two each from the other two parishes were assembled. It proved a memorable
experience. After my Induction at Colton I quickly realised the challenge of
everything multiplied by three! Sheep or cattle farmers were scattered
throughout the benefice. The sheep proved to be most athletic, especially the
Welsh blacks. They would leap over the stone walls round the vicarage and it
was a delight to have them peering through the dining room window.
During my time at Colton I suffered quite serious heart trouble. Eventually, after
numerous short stays in Barrow hospital, I underwent a triple heart by-pass at
Wythenshawe Hospital, which proved successful. Following my operation I felt
the parishioners deserved someone much fitter to take over the responsibility
of the parishes. Consequently I took the decision to apply for early retirement
due to sickness.
On retirement I studied for a Ph.D. based on the
Healing of the Sectarian Divisions that existed in
Liverpool of the 19th and 20th centuries. I
continue to compose choral music for the church
including three anthems, a Stabat Mater
(dedicated to Graham Jones & St Peter's Choir)
and, most recently, An 'English ' Requiem in
memory of my twin brother Dennis.
In retrospect I have always been aware of God's
providence and loving kindness. For this, I give
heartfelt thanks and praise.
The Revd Dr Derek Tinsley
11
Bells and Signs and Signals - at St Peter’s
I remember my grandfather telling me about a service held in a muddy field in
Belgium during the First World War. The Padre wore a simple short stole that he
took from his pocket. The altar was an old upturned box, the bread a couple or
slightly stale rolls and the wine in tin mugs was very weak. There stood the men
in the rain with the noise of battle in the background and the hosts of heaven
surrounding them.
A Eucharist can be celebrated in a field, a great cathedral or a small parish
church with equal validity and sincerity.
When we enter St Peter’s on a Sunday morning the scene is set at the door. A
warm smile can speak volumes and that wonderful smell of wood is an
invitation in itself. Why not start with a prayer talking to God? Then is the time
to sit back and look for some signs. What colour is the altar frontal and why?
Are there flowers on the shelf behind the altar and how many candles are lit?
When the procession enters who is the celebrant and is there a visiting
preacher?
We are going to look at these points over the next few months and, perhaps,
understand what is going on as we celebrate the sacred mysteries.
At St Peter’s we surround our worship with all the dignity, beauty, and colour
and with the joy of music so that together we may see just a glimpse of heaven.
Cliff Cotsworth
12
On Thursday, 3rd March, Diana Mills gave a
talk on the work of the Amos Trust in
Palestine. The Trust partners with
Palestinian and Israeli peace activists to
challenge the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza and to
call for a just peace and equal rights for all Palestinians. Diana spoke of the plight of
Palestinians held captive in refugee camps, unable to visit former houses and land
they own, having constantly to move through check points, and of the devastating
effects of the blockade on essential supplies, services and employment. The Trust
supports youth training programmes, hospitals, arts and music festivals in
Bethlehem and Gaza and promotes non-violent community activism.
The following day, 4th March, a number of our members took part in the interdenominational Women’s World Day of Prayer service, prepared this year by the
women of Cuba. The service for Sefton Deanery churches was hosted by St. Peter’s
and a number of our members took part. We are delighted that Marilyn Jones has
agreed to be the St Peter’s representative for the WWDP.
On Saturday, 19th March, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union Triennial Service took place in
Liverpool Cathedral at 3.00pm, when members from all the Liverpool Diocesan
branches met together.
We are looking forward to the entertainment on the afternoon of 7th April when
‘Formby in poems, song and music’ will be presented by Joan Rimmer, Stephen
Gerrard and Dominic Dickson at 2.00 pm in the Parish Hall. St. Peter’s parishioners
and visitors are welcome. Entrance: £1.50 including tea and biscuits.
This year’s annual outing is to Clouds Restaurant, Southport, at 12.00 noon on 5th
May. There will be a three-course lunch at £10 per head. If you intend coming please
tell Meryl Petrie at the next meeting on 7th April and let her have payment.
Visitors and prospective new members are always welcome at our meetings.
Eleanor
An interesting extract from the sermon of Bishop Steven Croft (Sheffield Diocese) at the
commissioning of their MU officers and quoted by out Diocesan president in her March
news letter. The Bishop said
‘the Mother’s Union can become more obsessed by numbers and recruitment than
about fulfilling our Aims and Objectives, he realised it was understandable but felt it
was a mistake. A smaller, active MU working towards the five objectives is worth more
in a parish, deanery or diocese that a larger MU branch which has a lot of people at
meetings but overall does very little. A branch that is outwardly focused working on
the five objectives may not need to hold monthly meetings at all, the objectives should
be the reason members join the MU and the reason members are willing to hold office
within the organisation’
As so many branches struggle with falling membership, let us put the Bishop’s words
into action by living by our Aims and Objects and see where God leads us during the
next 3 years.
Sue Jacques
13
‘And God Saw That It Was Good’
A Hymn of Joy to the Creator
“Bless the Lord, my soul.
Lord my God, you are very great,
clothed in majesty and splendour,
and enfolded in a robe of light.
You have spread out the heavens like a tent,
and laid the beams of your dwelling on the waters;
you take the clouds for your chariot, riding on the wings of the wind;
you make the winds your messengers,
flames of fire your servants.” (Psalm 104—REB)
How many of us have not imagined a breath-takingly fast chariot ride over the
clouds on the wings of the wind? The vintage film ‘Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang’
might come to mind or Vol De Nuit by Antoine De Saint Exupery (also the writer
of Le Petit Prince) who vividly describes the excitement of solo flying and
acrobatics in the sky.
This long paean of praise in 35 verses, which is Psalm 104, follows the sequence
of Genesis 1 and is part of a group of about 30 psalms inviting the listener or
reader to engage in joyous gratitude to God who fashioned for us an amazing
creation, alive with life and colour. Cue David Dimbleby’s outstanding
collection of nature films.
After all, God made us to praise. C S Lewis pointed out that praise not merely
expresses, but completes such delight. “It is not out of compliment that lovers
keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; delight is incomplete till it is
expressed”. How much more enjoyable it is to contemplate with someone else,
let us say, the sea, from the coast line at Formby, glittering in the sunlight,
‘with its vast expanses teeming with countless creatures
creatures both great and small’ (JB)
In the 1880s the tomb of Akhenaten, his wife Nefertiti and the royal children,
was discovered in the ruins of Amarna in Upper Egypt. It had been hewn out of
rock. On one wall of the tomb there was a hymn/ poem to the Sun God, Aten.
The memory of this pharaoh, Akhenaten, had gradually been erased from
Egyptian history because he believed and thus also wished his subjects to
believe in this one god alone and they did not.
14
So what a surprise it was for 19th century archaeologists to find a poem so like
Psalm 104 that several textual uncertainties in this psalm could now be solved!
Obviously some psalms could be yet more ancient even than had previously
been thought and had, perhaps, been draw from a variety of very ancient
middle eastern oral traditions.
For me, this makes the poem all the more moving, as I am reminded that the
sense of wonder at the creation of our universe by God is the same for all his
creatures right across time and culture since He first brought Adam and Eve
into being at humanity’s birth.
“From your high halls you water the mountains;
satisfying the earth with the fruit of your works:
for cattle you make the grass grow,
and for people the plants they need,
to bring forth food from the earth,
and wine to cheer people’s hearts
oil to make their faces glow,
food to make them sturdy of heart.” (JB)
*REB - Revised English Bible
JB - Jerusalem Bible
Jane Pitts
Meeting once a month for fun,
friendship and support.
For ladies in their prime, whatever your age!
We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month
in the Old School Room at St Peter’s Church Hall, Paradise Lane.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 20th April
Contact: Sonia, Elaine or Ali on 01704 833781
15
Dementia Friendly Church
Last month, Sally Nicol, an Occupational Therapist at Southport DGH, (also wife
of the Vicar of St. Luke’s, Formby), led an evening here in our Old School Room,
to raise awareness of Dementia and more specifically to explore how we as
Christians can support both sufferers and carers in their Christian life. Within
the presentation Sally gave an outline of the many types of Dementia, how it
can impact sufferers and their carers and some practical suggestions as to how
we can help them remain included in their spiritual and daily lives.
Some of the suggestions were simple ones, such as using pictures instead of
words on important signs such as ‘Toilets’ or ‘exits’, keeping church buildings
well lit and warm to help people feel more relaxed. Others suggestions
challenged us to think about how we could use prayer, hymns or time for
personal reflection, to ensure everyone feels included.
Although the subject may feel daunting, Sally’s talks are a brilliant introduction
as to how we can understand, help and be both a Dementia Friendly Church,
and a wider Dementia Friendly Community right here in Formby.
Alongside the Dementia Friendly Church Initiative, businesses across Formby
are also coming together to build a Dementia Friendly Community here,
including names such as HSBC, Boots, Co-op Funeralcare and Marie Curie.
Sally will be doing another two Dementia Awareness presentations and
although we hope local traders will come along, individuals are also extremely
welcome. These presentations are being held on Tuesday 12th April at Elbow
Lane Methodist Church at 3.30-5pm and 5.30-7pm.
Vicky Hall
St Peter’s
16
"When you have more than you need, build a bigger table"
Bishop Paul reflects on the trend across the Western world to provoke fear and
anger, calling for the church to prefer the poor and advocate for social justice.
In his Presidential address at this month's Diocesan Synod, Bishop Paul stated
how he was "disturbed and deeply worried by this trend to provoke fear and
anger across the West".
The Bishop pointed to Luke's gospel where Jesus says "the greatest among you
must become like the youngest and the leader like one who serves". The
Bishop called for "we who lead the church in our generation to lead forward,
and to be undefended and unafraid, and to call forth the powers of love".
Citing the Anglican Consultative Council's Five Marks of Mission the Bishop
stated "the church exists by evangelism as a fire exists by burning. Evangelism is
not a department. Evangelism is not an option." He added "I do not seek the
growth of the church for reasons of power and fear. I seek from a place of
humility and simplicity and compassion for the poor to call forth love and to
share the news of the beautiful shepherd who has saved us and who casts out
all our fear."
The Bishop added: "In the snarling, angry, frightened culture of the West, which
closes the door on the poor and which seeks to hold on to and make a fortress
of wealth and privilege, we say that we want to share. We will share our goods,
as far as we can. We will share our lives, as far as we can. And as far as we can
we will share our news – the good news of the beautiful one who loves us."
Bishop Paul highlighted research which showed that the social and political
involvement of the Church gives it credibility and attractiveness in the eyes of
the world. He charged Synod "to keep the beauty and limitless attractiveness of
the Lord Jesus in focus".
He concluded: "That’s why we’re growing the
church. That’s why we have a growth
agenda. Not management, not survival, not
our power, not our glory. But the laughter of
Jesus expressed in a bigger table and an utter
resistance to fences and walls".
Bishop Paul
17
CHARITY ADVERT
CHARITY ADVERT
CHARITY ADVERT
CHARITY ADVERT
CHARITY ADVERT
Sefton Cancer Support Group
We are a charity that has been in Formby for some 25
years and exist to care for anybody who is suffering from
Cancer in all its forms, we also provide service to their
carers as well. We open from 10-16.00 Mon-Thurs and
Friday 10-13.00. We provide a drop-in for refreshments ever day, ability for private
conversations to identify needs or just to chat. Complimentary therapies are
available if needed. Please be aware, you are never alone we are always available to
help and support you.
Sefton Cancer Support Group, 1 Duke St, Formby, Merseyside L37 4AL
Tel 01704 879352
Formby C.T.A
Are looking for Volunteer drivers for our minibuses which we use to transport
people to the Luncheon club 4 days a week – Tuesday to Friday.
All you need is a clean driving licence with a D1 category on it.
For more details contact Joan Talbot on 877311
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
18
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
19
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
Air Cadets celebrates its 75th anniversary in
2016 and there will be an Anniversary Parade
between the two Cathedrals in Liverpool on
Sunday 10th April starting at 1.45pm. 611
(Woodvale) Air Cadet Squadron along with
their Padre will be involved.
The RAF Air Cadets comprises both the Air Training Corps (ATC) and the
Combined Cadet Force (RAF). The ATC was established in 1941.
611 Air Cadets are one of the 30 Squadrons that make up Merseyside Wing.
The Air Training Corps has more than 40,000 Cadets who are between the ages
of 12 and 20 years old. The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) is part of, and
sponsored by the Royal Air Force.
In 1859 several schools around the country began forming armed, uniformed
units of adults and older boys with the purpose of protecting Britain in the
event of an attack from overseas. By the turn of the century there were units in
more than 100 schools. Many ex-cadets and officers served with distinction
during the First World War.
By the 1930s the beginnings of today’s CCF (RAF) appeared in the form of OTC
Air Sections in Army uniform, but with an RAF armband. The Second World War
was on the horizon and if aircraft were to be used as a major combat strength,
then the RAF would need a serious amount of combat-ready pilots and
competent support crew to keep them in the air.
That idea came from Air Commodore J A Chamier, now known as the father of
the Air Cadet Organisation. He served in the army, the Royal Flying Corps and
the RAF in 1919. With his love for aviation, he was determined to get British
people aware of the RAF and its vital role in any future war. He wanted to
establish an air cadet corps, encouraging young people to consider a career in
aviation - pretty exciting at a time when very few people ever got the chance to
fly. His experience in World War I, where training time was very limited,
convinced him that the sooner training began the better prepared and
experienced a person would be in combat.
So in 1938 the Air Defence Cadet Corps (ADCC) was founded. Demand for
places was high and squadrons were set up in many towns around the UK.
Local people ran them and each squadron aimed to prepare cadets for joining
the RAF. They also helped form the diverse programme of activities that cadets
enjoy today.
20
During World War II, with many instructors being drafted into the RAF and
squadron buildings being used by the military, cadets were sent to work on RAF
stations. They carried messages, handled aircraft and moved equipment. They
filled thousands of sandbags and loaded miles of belts of ammunition. They
were invaluable.
Towards the end of 1940, the government realised the value of the cadet force
and took control and reorganised and renamed it, and in 1941 the Air Training
Corps was officially established with King George VI as the Air Commodore-inChief.
The organisation has gone from strength to strength over
the last few decades. Girls were able to join from the early
1980s, helping to bring more people together to enjoy
everything that Air Cadet life has to offer.
For further information on the local Air Cadets
and all that they do see www.611aircadets.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Call: 01704 573 240
Flight Lieutenant
Peter Tipping,
Corporal Megan
Wright, Chaplain,
Venerable Peter
Bradley Wing
Chaplain, Sergeant
Dominic Walker.
At the end of February our Vicar was officially appointed as Chaplain to 611
Woodvale Squadron within the Air Training Corps. Anne was licenced by
Venerable Peter Bradley. Peter retired as Archdeacon of Warrington last year
and has taken on the role of Wing Chaplain for the Air Cadets Merseyside Wing.
The delay in this Appointment was due to the joy of paperwork!
21
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
HAIR LINE
Maryland
Ladies’
School Lane, Formby
Hair Stylist
24 Hour Residential Care
for Older People
Local Professional Hair Care
Excellent Food
Perms, Sets,
All single rooms
Cut & Blow
Call the Care Manager on
873832
for further details
Friendly Service
49, Piercefield Road, Freshfield
22
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
the bloom room
Fabulous flowers
served with a smile
The Parish Library is in
The Bier House
NOW includes children’s books
The Library has a selection of
books that include theology,
spirituality, prayer and
biographies. If you would like to
borrow a book please write your
name in the notebook provided.
We hope this will be a useful
resource for everyone.
Wedding specialist
Funerals, Corporate contracts
Local delivery
Lovely range of gift items available
Tel: 01704 831220
45, Piercefield Road,
Formby L37 7DG
Opening hours:
9-5.30 Mon to Sat
JOHN'S FRESH FISH
THE FINEST FRESH FISH SOLD IN FORMBY
DOOR TO DOOR DELIVERIES EACH WEEK AT THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
TUESDAY: 08.30-15.30, WEDNESDAY: 12.00-16.30, THURSDAY 12.30-16.00
*WEDNESDAYS: Also parked in the Lay-by on Old Town Lane outside
the Chemist and Freshfield Surgery between 09.00-12.00
ALL FISH BOUGHT DAILY DIRECTLY FROM FLEETWOOD FISH MARKET
AND DELIVERED THE SAME DAY IN A FULLY REFRIGERATED VAN
EAT FISH IT’S GOOD FOR YOU!
MOBILE No: 07841 449295
23
S
IGNS AND symbols permeate nearly every aspect of our modern day
lives and signs and symbols mean one thing there are often deeper rooted
meanings to them that may not always initially apparent. For Christians, it goes
without saying that the most important symbol in our lives should be that of the cross, the
cross on which our saviour hung, as it serves to remind us that the one who was made flesh
and dwelt among us died for our sins. There are two very famous crosses that will
undoubtedly be universally recognised and both of them are rich in symbolism and
The Jerusalem Cross
Jerusalem Cross, which is also
known as the Crusaders Cross,
consists of one large cross With
four smaller crosses surrounding it in each
outer quadrant. There are slight variants in
the design of the cross but generally speaking
it is accepted that the five crosses symbolize
the five wounds of Christ on the cross (his
hands. Feet and the side pierced by the lance)
and also Christ and the four Evangelists
(Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
The Jerusalem Cross is also said to be a
representation of Christs command to spread
the Gospel around the world. A mission that
was started in Jerusalem dates back to the
11th and 12th centuries when the Crusaders
captured
Jerusalem
and
established
Christianity in the area. Throughout
Jerusalem's rich history, the cross has
generally remained the symbol of the city and
is a strong symbol of the Christian Faith.
The Maltese Cross
The Maltese cross is very well
known and it is a symbol that is
associated with many organisations such as
the Knights Of Malta and the St John
Ambulance Association. The cross has been
adopted symbolically by different authorities
and organisations throughout the centuries
but generally speaking the design has
remained the same; eight points on four arms.
It is generally agreed that the four arms of the
24
cross stand for the four Cardinal Virtues prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude.
There is some disagreement over the
symbolic meaning of the eight points but
they may represent the beatitudes - Blessed
are the poor in spirit for theirs is the
kingdom of Heaven; Blessed are those
who mourn for they will be comforted;
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit
the earth; Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness for they will be
filled; Blessed are the merciful for they will
be shown mercy: Blessed are the pure in
heart for they will see God; Blessed are the
peacemakers for they will be called
children of God; Blessed are those who are
persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven.
The symbol of the Maltese cross is said to
originate from Amalfi in Italy and it was
adopted by the Knights Hospitallers Of St
John in 1126 and introduced to Malta in
1530. The cross is generally White on a
black background and has been described
as a symbol Of the Christian warrior. With
regard to the Knights Of St John, historians
also identify that the points Of the cross
symbolise the aims and aspirations Of the
Knights (to live in truth, have faith, repent
sins, give proof of humility, love justice, be
merciful, be sincere and whole-hearted, and
to endure persecution).
These crosses are rich in symbolism and
meaning and are certainly worth exploring
in more depth. The Portal, February 2016
Thank You to a Good Samaritan
A letter sent to the Vicarage:
‘On Sunday 13th March I was attempting to move my old fridge from my house
into my garden ready for its disposal. I was really struggling trying to do this by
myself. However, a ‘good Samaritan’ was delivering your Holy Week leaflets
and he offered his help and we moved it into my garden. I would just like to
pass on my thanks to the gentleman (unfortunately I forgot to ask him his
name). Perhaps he will read this note in your newsletter’. G. Cuthbertson.
Join Bishop Richard on his 2017
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Bishop Richard is once again leading pilgrims on a tour of some of our faiths
most important sites and he leads his popular pilgrimage in 2017. You can find
out more about what’s involved at
an open evening on Tuesday 12th
April 2016 at Liverpool Cathedral. There will be a buffet provided
on the evening and no booking required. Bishop Richard said “I warmly invite anyone from any denomination to join us on this moving pilgrimage to the Holy Lands..."
25
E M O T I O N S
I was in church on St. Valentine's Day, minding my own business, when I felt
something hit my knee. I saw nothing on the floor, so forgot about it. Then,
later on I touched my ear, only to find that an earring had fallen out. It must
have been that which I felt on my knee. I did not like to upset the service by
scrabbling about round peoples' knees and feet, so waited until the service was
over and then began my search.
It was a gold earring with a small diamond in it, so to replace it would be
expensive, but one ear-ring is no good, so the search was a diligent one. Most
of the people had gone, but one kind man stayed behind to help me in my
search and he found it. I was so thankful, as the earrings had been a present
from my long dead husband and held great sentimental value for me. Gratitude
and thankfulness were what I felt on that occasion.
Later on in the day, still milling over my near loss, I began to think about other
emotions and as I was in church, what better to think about but the Bible. Here
holds a wealth of emotional stories, from cover to cover.
We begin with Adam and Eve in their lovely garden. They first felt shame or
embarrassment when they had eaten of the Tree of Knowledge and resorted to
covering it up with a fig leaf. Then God must have felt sad and disappointed by
their disobedience. Things started to go wrong after that when Cain killed Abel
and lied to God about it. Again God must have been very disappointed with
humanity.
David had such an exciting life that he experienced more emotions than anyone
else I can think of. First his triumph when he killed Goliath, then great love and
passion for Bathsheba, enough to desire her so much that he had her husband
killed in battle. He might have felt a bit of guilt about that!
Noah took a long time to build his Ark, but it must have made him feel very
thankful when the floods came, and Jonah must have had great relief when the
whale spewed him out onto the beach after having swallowed him.
All these stories culminated in the New Testament, when we have even more
emotional stories. The joy of having safely delivered a son in a strange town
must have been great for Mary and Joseph, but fear crept in soon after when
they heard that Herod was looking for them to kill their precious baby and they
had to stealthily go away to Egypt. They must have had great pleasure in
watching Jesus grow up and follow Joseph into the carpentry trade.
26
Later, when he became a preacher they may have felt apprehension for his well
-being as he had no means of supporting himself or them in their old age.
There must have been great excitement for Jesus, with a new life and many
new friends to share it with, but fear and trepidation also, as he knew the
culmination of his life was to be a horrendous death. We all know that we will
die, but don't know the circumstances but his life was mapped out from the
beginning and there was no getting away from it. His stomach must have
churned at the Last Supper, and he must have also felt disappointment at
Judas' betrayal.
That was not the end though. Mary must have gone through agony, watching
her first-born die such a hideous death. (How I pity her when I hear that story.)
However, the Easter Triumph brought all things right in the end. The
Resurrection of Christ is celebrated with great joy at this time of year.
Emotions run high with celebrations on Easter Day.
I hope that joy and happiness will be
everyone's emotion on that happy day.
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE BIBLE IN FIFTY WORDS?
God made, Adam bit, Noah arked,
Abraham split, Jacob fooled,
Joseph ruled, Bush talked,
Moses balked, Pharaoh plagued,
People walked, Sea divided,
Tablets guided, Promise landed,
Saul freaked, David peeked,
Prophets warned, Jesus born,
God walked, Love talked,
Anger crucified, Hope died, Love rose,
Spirit flamed, Word spread,
God remained.
27
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
Bamburgh
Northumberland
Holiday cottage to let
Located in heart of the village
Sleeps 3
For details contact
Frances Elford
01704 834612
07761 345864
www.bamburghcottages.org.uk
Grasmere Village, Lake District National Park
Holiday cottage to let
Bakers Yard is a stone built barn conversion
with two double bedrooms.
Modern kitchen & bathroom, c/h. fridge freezer etc. TV DVD.
Private parking space. In heart of the village.
Prime location for walking.
Convenient for Ambleside, Keswick.
www.grasmerecottage.com
for more information & availability
Tony Hill 01704 877335
07715 000282
email [email protected]
28
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
The Willwriting Guild (UK) Ltd
[email protected]
Members of the Society of Willwriters
29
ADVERT
EMAIL
DIRECTORY
We have a parish email
directory which is used once or
twice a month to send out
dates for the month and also
when a special event is coming
up. If you would like to be
added to the email list please
send an email to
[email protected].
Email addresses will only be
used by St Peter’s. This is a way
to help us keep in touch.
30
A Grace for a Busy Cook
Lord of creation, may my every guest
By all my kitchen skill be much impressed.
I know you were content with loaves and fishes
But these days they expect less homely dishes.
May they not spot the traps I’ve set for mice,
But be beguiled by scents of bread and spice;
Let meals run smoothly from the rough terrine
To summer pudding with sauce mousseline.
Also, please Lord, let them never guess
It’s mostly been acquired at M and S!
All eyes were on the
radiant bride as her father
escorted her down the
aisle. They reached the
altar and the waiting
groom. The bride kissed
her father and placed
something in his hand. The
guests in the front pews
responded with ripples of
laughter. Even the vicar
smile broadly. As her
father gave her away in
marriage, the bride gave
him back his credit card.
A little boy opened the big, old family Bible with fascination, and looked
at the old pages as he turned them. Suddenly, something fell out of the
Bible, and he picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from
a tree that had been pressed between the pages. 'Mum, look what I
found,' the boy called out. 'What have you got there, dear?' his mother
asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered: 'I think
it's Adam's suit!
31
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
Full Range of Wedding & Evening Hire All at Competitive Prices
132 Church Road • Freshfield • Formby • L37 3NH
(Opp. Grapes Hotel) Telephone: 01704 873983
32
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
33
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
ADVERT
.
THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING
There is, perhaps, no greater obstacle to belief in a God of love than the problem of
suffering, both global and personal. We look at the terrible things that are
happening in our world today from wars to natural disasters, or we come face to face
with disease and illness in ourselves or in our friends, and we ask, where does a
loving God fit into the picture?
It’s a question that we have to grapple with and try to answer. It’s not enough to say,
‘It’s a mystery’.
The first thing to be said is that a lot of suffering and tragedy in our world can be
explained, and, indeed, laid at our own doorstep rather than God’s. As Shakespeare
put it, “The fault, dear Brutus, lies not in the stars but in ourselves!”
I’m thinking of the suffering that results from war – the hundreds and thousands that
have died in places like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan; the millions that have been made
refugees; those who live in fear of terrorists and jihadists.
We can trace the origins of these conflicts to human oppression, extreme ideologies,
power, hatred, greed, exploitation, and a disregard for human life and justice. Far
from coming from God they come from the evil and corrupted hearts of humans.
Secondly, we could eliminate a lot of starvation and deprivation. Even with today’s
population explosion, experts tell us that there is still enough food for everyone. The
problem is whether we are prepared to share the world’s resources in a fair and
equitable way. There is enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s
greed. The problem is not about resources but about deployment and distribution.
We can send cosmonauts into space, speedily relocate armies and armaments
around the globe, but do little to help feed and provide medicines and equipment to
the starving. It’s a matter of will and of priorities.
And then, so much personal suffering is caused by greed, addiction, abuse of drugs,
wrong choices, selfishness, carelessness and so on.
So, quite a lot of suffering can be explained.
But the problem of innocent suffering remains and is something that can challenge
our faith to its foundation.
I was greatly helped in coming to grips with this problem by a Lay Reader in our
former parish who is a geneticist.
34
She explained how molecules were formed and made out of the hot burning gases,
the electric storms and earthquakes that made up the origins of our world.
The miracle of creation, she said, was a molecule that could replicate itself and that
this was the beginning of life as we know it.
She went on to explain that for life to develop these molecules had to have two
attributes:- 1) constancy, and 2) an ability to change, evolve and adapt to the
environment.
Within these molecules there is, coexisting together, both stability and instability.
Whereas, on the whole, our world is stable, secure and fairly predictable, yet there is
inbuilt in its very structure an element of instability and unpredictability that results
in the natural disasters that afflict our world from time to time. And, she further
posited, that result in some of the illnesses that afflict our bodies. She described it as
a bit of a lottery
The Revd David Wilkinson is principal of St. John’s Theological College, Durham and
also holds a doctorate in astrophysics. He says that “uncertainty is written into the
fundamental nature of reality”, and that scientists today would agree that there is
not a rigid, unchanging mechanism in our universe. The old Newtonian idea that the
world works like a clock and is totally predictable is no longer held in the scientific
world.
We live in a world of creativity where risk is a factor.
The Revd John Polkinghorne, a former Cambridge professor, put it like this:- “God
does not bring about everything that happens in the world. Because God is a God of
love he allows creatures to be themselves and to make themselves. That has a cost.
We see that cost in the terrible choices mankind has made – wars, persecutions,
holocausts”. And he goes on to say that freedom is mirrored in the very cells that
produce life. “The process that enables some cells to mutate and produce new forms
of life will allow other cells to mutate and become malignant.” That is the downside
to a wonderful, adaptable and evolving world.
So where is God in all of this?
Firstly, this is the way he has created our universe, with inbuilt freedom and risk.
Secondly, he is not remote and aloof from it, but in Jesus became part of our
existence with all its risks and vulnerabilities. Through his Spirit he comes alongside
us to strengthen and support us and to give us grace to cope and to hope, shining his
light into the dark corners of despair and fear, enabling us to overcome rather than to
be overcome.
Faith is not an easy option and doesn’t provide glib answers as we look for meaning
in the many difficult situations that cross our paths.
Ted Woods
35
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – APRIL 2016
1st Friday
6.30pm
First Friday Eucharist
2nd Saturday
9.00am
Breakfast Church in the Bier House
3rd Sunday
2nd Sunday of Easter
7th Thursday
2.00pm
Mothers’ Union meeting in Parish Hall
“Formby in poems, song and music”
10th Sunday
3rd Sunday of Easter
13th Wednesday 11.00am
Eucharist with the Mothers’ Union
17th Sunday
4th Sunday of Easter
6.30pm
Service of Wholeness
20th Wednesday
7.30pm
“Primetime” Ladies Club in the OSR
23rd Saturday
7.00pm
Queen’s 90th Right Royal Birthday Bash
in Holy Trinity Hall
24th Sunday
5th Sunday of Easter
10.00am
following 10.00am service
Sunday Club
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
in the Church
27th Wednesday 3.15pm
28th Thursday
Fishy Club in the Parish Hall
8.00pm
Time Out in The Grapes
2.30pm
Eucharist at Halcyon House
Looking Ahead Dates for the Diary
Intercessors Training / Refresher Evening Wednesday 4th May at 7.30pm in the
Old School Room in the Church Hall. This evening is for everyone involved on the
rota leading the intercessions on a Sunday morning and also for anyone who
would like to join the rota. It is important everyone attends.
Ascension Day - Thursday 5th May 7.30pm Visitation by the Archdeacon in
St Peter’s. The Visitation is for all who are Churchwardens and Sidesmen and
women to be admitted to this service for the next year. As this is also Ascension
Day it will be a Eucharist and all are welcome.
36
From the Church Registers
Engagement
Congratulations to Tom Edwards & Kirsty Barnes
who have announced their engagement.
Baptism
10th March
Dexter Felix Howard
son of John and Fiona
Funerals
4th
18th
March
March
William Taylor
John Cooke
Interment of Ashes
24th
February
Stanley Newton
We would like to include the announcement of births, engagements and
special anniversaries etc. so please let us know – [email protected]
GLUTEN-FREE WAFERS
There are gluten-free wafers available at each service.
If you would like to receive using these wafers please let the Vicar or
churchwardens know before the service.
37
Congratulations to 9th Formby (St Peters)
for winning the District Cubs 5-a-Side Competition!
Church Services
Sundays
8.00 am
10.00 am
12.00 noon
6.30 pm
6.30 pm
Holy Communion (1662)
Parish Eucharist (Coffee afterwards)
Baptisms (as arranged)
Choral Evensong
Service of Wholeness –
3rd Sunday of month
Weekdays
Morning Prayer
9.00 am
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
11.00 am
Wednesday Eucharist (Coffee afterwards)
6.30 pm
Eucharist 1st Friday of each month
38