HotPott - October 2015
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Cover picture : “Harvest Field” by Steve Murphy “Autumn Colours” by Duncan Matheson
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HotPott - October 2015
This Month
Home and Away
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July and August mean school holidays, with some people going on trips to the seaside while others jet off to exotic locations. Apparently this year has seen a revival of holidays in Britain with people nostalgic for donkey rides, beach huts and other delights remembered from summers of old. Even the seagulls are there to join in the fun and the sandwiches! A different sort of traveller has dominated the news as thousands of migrants have arrived in Greece and Italy, desperate to get away from the horrors of home. There were striking pictures of bemused migrants mixing with bikini clad tourists in Kos, as two opposite worlds came together. We must hope for the cooperation of Europe’s leaders in finding a charitable solution to this difficult situation.
Does God speak through frogs? meeting the clergy who have stepped in to take services. Andrew Livingstone and Rob McLaren – both from Poynton – came in July. Rob used the
Home and Away
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Interregnum
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Silklife Foodbank
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Community Cinema
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Monks, Porpoises and Precipices
11 Singing at Christmas 13 From the Chalk Face 14 PCC Ponderings 16 Missionaries Matter 19 Coffee Break
example of his family trying to put 20 Your Vote, Your up a tent to illustrate the Council teamwork needed at St 23 Pott Shrigley Cricket Christopher’s in the search for 2015 John’s replacement. 24 Guild Goings On Retired cleryman Keith from Macclesfield entertained us with his accordion. He reminded us of the ways God communicates with us – through the wonder of nature, through scripture and the spoken word. He told a story of a sceptical man finding faith after being convinced that frogs were croaking the word ‘judgement’ as he passed on his way home from the church.
25 A Letter from the Rectory 27 From Bishop Peter 28 The Suffering Church 31 Recipe of the Month 32 From the Register 33 Chores and Chains 34 Services
34 Sidespeople Other visitors have included Lay Readers Jenny from Sutton, and 35 Regular Activities John, who is married to the vicar of Disley (or was that Dibley?). continued →
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11 Give us back our 11 days
Ros Johnson
Meanwhile, in not so sunny Pott Shrigley we have been enjoying
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Healing the Centurion’s servant by Paolo Veronese
John Ryley has also taken a service and used the screen to show a painting by Veronese to illustrate the story of the healing of the Centurion’s servant. Christ is in the painting but not mentioned in Luke’s account. He stressed the importance of the presence of Jesus in our lives. It has been interesting and enjoyable having a variety of speakers on Sunday mornings. We are grateful to them all for coming, the friendships we have made and look forward to meeting some again in the weeks to come.
Do you want to be a guest author? During the interregnum the PCC will ask guest authors to reflect on church life in place of John’s usual Jottings. If you would like to volunteer to do this for a future edition please email magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk or speak to a member of the PCC.
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Finding our new incumbent Duncan Matheson described the process for finding the next incumbent in an article in the June Parish Magazine. In summary, the process is : Appoint two representatives to act on behalf
of the PCC and the Parish in appointing the new incumbent Prepare a Parish Profile, Fact Sheet and advertisement to describe our church and parish, and attract candidates to apply for the vacancy Shortlist and interview candidates, and reach a decision Offer and agree the appointment Wait for the new incumbent to be able to move into the parish and take-up the role
Since June, the PCC have appointed Anne Murphy and David Garton to be the Parish Representatives. Work is underway to prepare the Parish Profile and advertisement, and a further meeting between the Bishop of Stockport, Duncan, Anne and David has taken place. This was at our request, and was to help us clarify a number of issues :
web-site. Most importantly, the bishop and the Diocese
recognise that we are a thriving church and fully support that we should advertise for and appoint a new incumbent. The arrangements for how Parish Share is calculated are not up for negotiation. These last two points raise key questions that the PCC and the whole congregation need to consider carefully and prayerfully. John was part -time in his role as priest-in-charge (at 0.6 of a full-time equivalent (FTE)) and as a parish we hence pay a reduced Parish Share. The key questions are whether we wish our new incumbent to be greater than 0.6FTE in the role in order to support the work of the church, and whether we can pay the increased Parish Share that would result. For example, we would need to increase our giving by approximately 20% overall (equivalent to approximately £7.00 per month for each member of the congregation) for the new incumbent to be 0.8 FTE in the role, assuming the other expenses arising from running the church remain constant. John had a part-time chaplaincy role to ‘top-up’ his work and income to the equivalent of full-time. Chaplaincy roles are not ‘owned’ by the Diocese and we do not know if any vacancies for such roles will be available.
David Garton
As the benefice of Pott Shrigley has been
suspended for a number of years (since prior to John’s arrival), the patronage of the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) is also suspended, and it is the Bishop of Stockport who will need to endorse our proposed appointment. (Suspension of the benefice has little impact on the running of the church and the parish, but does mean that the incumbent is priest-in-charge rather than vicar). We can still ask CPAS to advertise our vacancy, which we will do as their churchmanship is similar to ours. We also propose to advertise the vacancy in The Church Times and on the Chester Diocese HotPott - October 2015
However, assuming we can increase our regular giving, we should also consider whether funding additional working time of our incumbent would be the most appropriate use of this money given the many needs in the world. Please consider and pray about these questions and whether you could increase your regular giving to the church. Please talk with any member of the PCC if you wish to express any views on this matter.
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Silklife Foodbank During the year Church members donated over 200 items of food, which were gratefully received by our local Foodbank on George Street. If you haven’t heard about it, some information from their website is included below: http://www.silklifefoodbank.co.uk/
Pam Cooke “Silklife Foodbank was established by Silklife Church in December 2010 in response to Macclesfield’s growing need for on-the-spot emergency food boxes. All food is donated by the people of Macclesfield through various collections and our donation boxes in Sainsbury’s on Cumberland Street and Tesco on Hibel Road (in the covered entrance area near the notice board). We work in partnership with 22 local support agencies and frontline care professionals such as Cheshire East Housing Options, Social Services and Macclesfield Accommodation Care and Concern (MACC). This ensures that we are able to reach the most vulnerable and needy people and families in our town who would otherwise go hungry. Each foodbox provides 4–5 days of nutritional non-perishable food for those in our neighbourhood who have fallen on hard times and are temporarily unable to provide for themselves, often through no fault of their own. We cannot stress enough how much of a difference your donations make. It is more than just a meal. We have seen time and time Page 6
again what a difference it can make for people to know that someone cares enough to want to help them. In 2014… We provided emergency food support for 798 adults and 306 children. That’s 521 parcels for single people, 53 for couples and 143 families! That’s a total of 18,000 meals and over 8000 kg of food!
A very BIG thank you for all items donated! The risk of Church mice sampling our donations limited us to “tins only”! However, the Foodbank needs a wide range of foods, including cereals, pasta, rice, biscuits, tea, sugar, snack bars, instant pasta/rice/noodles, Cup-a-Soups and cartons of fruit juice. Tinned ‘main courses’ are extremely welcome, particularly as cooler weather approaches, such as chilli, ravioli, macaroni cheese, pies, hotpots and stews and also various tinned vegetables, both small and large sizes. Tins of rice pudding, custard and fruits are popular too. Individual pots of these desserts are also very useful. For the moment there are plenty of baked beans, so these are not needed! To enable us to give a wider variety of items which can be distributed quickly, for the time being, it would be helpful if we can make a habit of buying an extra item of food, if possible, and placing it in the Silklife Foodbank containers as we leave the supermarket.
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A holiday in Wales ....
Monks, Porpoises and Precipices We’d never been to Pembrokeshire before and, looking at the map, it seemed a very long and difficult place to get to, so we decided to make a couple of stops on the way. We stopped at the Olympic village of Much Wenlock, which was like going back in time to Old England, then at Mynd Hardy plants, a walled garden with a famous day lily collection.
around the RSPB’s Ramsey Island just off St. Davids. St Justinian was the confessor of St David who, according to legend, moved to the island in the 6th Century, having become discontented with the behaviour of his fellow monks. Once she’d negotiated the tricky mesh steps of the old lifeboat station that led down to the waterside, Tilly, our 13 year old black labrador, settled herself down on the floor of the boat having first eyed up our fellow passengers for the possibility of food or titbits later on in the journey.
Simon and Lydia Potts
Our holiday cottage was near Wolfscastle, where the last wolf in Wales was supposedly killed. It’s on the Landsker line which is an imaginary line across South Pembrokeshire. Throughout history the villages north of the line spoke Welsh as their first language and south of the line English, giving rise to the name ‘little England in Wales’.
Half way across to the island, one of the crew spotted gannets over an area of sea and within a few seconds we were watching porpoises breaking the surface a few hundred yards from the boat. The weather was so calm that we Later in the week, we departed St Justinian’s Lifeboat Platform at 6.30pm for a sunset cruise were able to pull into the various caves and
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bays around the Island, while the skipper of the small tour boat told us the history and natural history of the island. We pulled into a small bay where seals and their pups were lying, mostly sleeping, sometimes squabbling over the best place to lie. Once we were down wind of them, the seal smell was quite strong, which had Tilly up off the deck sniffing the air, obviously puzzled as to what strange animals were at large.
were rescued and declared innocent. Further around the island we saw choughs wheeling over the cliffs and then hundreds of Manx shearwaters skimming the surface heading for Skomer Island further around the headland; they were true to their namesake, shearing the surface of the sea.
‘Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings’, (Psalm 63: 7).
On the way home, we travelled north along the Welsh Coast and spent a night in Dolgellau. We completed the famous To the west of the island, our boat was skilfully precipice walk as recommended by Ivan and manoeuvred into a cave in which there was a Mary. The views were absolutely stunning partially submerged rock. Legend has it that looking down on the Mawddach estuary and this rock was used to deliver justice: the out across Snowdonia, but the walk was well accused was placed on the rock by the monks named as some of the drops were quite sheer. and if they washed off and drowned overnight It was the perfect end to our holiday of monks, they were guilty; if they were still there they porpoises and precipices.
Weekly Newsletter If you wish to have an item put in the newsletter, please call Jenny on 07715 408704 or email jennywood2010@live.co.uk
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"Give us back our 11 days!!!" What happened in Pott Shrigley on 3rd September 1752? Absolutely nothing! In fact nothing occurred until 14th September. "Why?" you ask; because that was when Great
be followed by 14th September (giving rise to a clamour of, "Give us back our 11 days!"). All rents and taxes at that time fell due on Lady Day - 25th March. Many people objected to
Mike Akerman Britain adopted the Gregorian calendar in place of the Julian calendar. As we all know, the earth revolves around the sun in about 365Âź days and every 4 years we have a Leap Year to compensate. However it was discovered that the earth revolves in 365.2425 days and over the centuries since the Julian calendar was brought in, in 45 BC, the date was out by 11 days. To correct this required an Act of Parliament and it was decreed that 2nd September would
paying these in what was in fact 11 days early; so it was decided to extend the date by 11 days to April 5th. Thus, from that point on the "Tax Man" regards 5th April as the end of his year and not 31st December as normal people do.
Singing at Christmas If you enjoy singing and would like to be part of our singing group for the Carols by Candlelight services, then you would be most welcome to come and join us. All ages welcome! Carols by Candlelight services will take place on Sundays 13th and 20th December.
Rehearsals will be on the following Thursday evenings in church at 7.30pm: October 22nd and 29th November 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th December 3rd and 10th Contact Sheila Garton for further information
Flowers in church Anyone who would like to contribute flowers (or money towards flowers) in order to celebrate an anniversary or remember a special occasion, please contact Gillian Mosley, Parish Assistant HotPott - October 2015
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From the Chalk Face With the summer holidays now feeling like a distant memory, the children have already settled back into their new routines with ease and great enthusiasm. As I walked around the classrooms on the very first day of term, one teacher was asking the children to describe how they felt on this their first day back in school, after such a lengthy break. The children answered that they felt nervous, excited and determined to face the challenge of the new year.
mirrored mine, as I started my first day as Headteacher of the Federation. We decided that together we would all embrace the challenges the new year brings, and trust in the Lord to help us always. Looking forward, we have so much to be excited about in the coming year. Already activities and events have been arranged, as well as Christmas festivities and times to come together to praise and rejoice. The year will also bring new Sats tests and embedding new assessment methods linked to a new curriculum. However, I know that the children have the skills, the resilience and the faith to face and overcome each new challenge that is presented to them.
Melanie Walker Acting Headteacher Federation of Pott Shrigley and Bollington St John's Schools
A few minutes later the school came together for collective worship; I had spent that time reflecting on the wisdom of the discussions I had overheard. I told the children I had heard their answers and then explained that I felt exactly the same. Their feelings that morning Gathered in
Things we never knew when young Brought to us from lands far flung.
All is safely gathered in Frozen, cured or sealed in tin, Then sent quickly off to store, Tesco, Aldi, many more. There the seasons are no more As they were in days of yore, Summer fruits in winter days, Far away they’re grown and raised. Autumn treats in Spring to choose And even more exotic foods, HotPott - October 2015
All to satisfy our taste, Tons of which will go to waist, And supermarket shelves to fill, Yet millions are starving still. So just remember while you feast On food from north, south, west and east And celebrating this harvest To spare a thought for those with less. by Allan Lewis
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PCC Ponderings It was an important day for the PCC on 7th July, as the first part of our meeting began the formal stage in the process of finding a new vicar. Seventeen PCC members were joined by the Rural Dean, the Revd Veronica Hydon from Bollington, to go through an agenda of items which is supplied by the Diocese. The main business of the evening was to choose two representatives who will act on behalf of the PCC in the selection process, becoming the
Ros Johnson main points of contact for outside bodies and interviewing applicants. John Ryley circulated some notes on the character of the church and the qualities we would look for in a new incumbent. He felt it was important that the representatives chosen could bring spiritual discernment to the selection process. Anne Murphy and David Garton were selected by unanimous vote. The Bishop – in this case Libby Lane, the Bishop of Stockport – will be involved in the process, and a decision was made to ask her for permission to advertise the vacancy. (The actual adverts will be compiled and paid for by the Parish.) It was also recognised that we would need the Bishop’s views on any plans to resource the post and how the vacancy might impact on other parishes. For this information it might be necessary to have a formal meeting between the Bishop and PCC, although at the time of writing it is hoped to obtain this information informally. Before the post can be advertised, a Parish Fact Sheet and Profile needs compiling. This is a comprehensive document containing information on the parish, finances, forms of Page 14
service, church groups etc; as well as a ‘person spec’ for the qualities required in a new vicar. The more this gives a true picture of life at St Christopher’s, the more likely we are to interest the right people to apply. It was agreed that John Ryley, Anne and David will work on this, with help from other church members for specific information. The formal business concluded with the declaration that the PCC would not oppose the appointment of a woman to the role of vicar of Pott Shrigley. All these decisions were then entered onto a form and issued to various officers in the Diocese. At this point in proceedings the Rural Dean left us and we carried on to discuss normal PCC business. Duncan has been busy contacting local clergy trying to fill the calendar for taking Sunday services. Both retired and working clergy have been approached and Duncan reported that the 10.45 am service is proving harder to fill than the Communion at 8.30 am. On the buildings side, work to the porch has been completed. Ian Malyan reported receipt of an impressive Heritage Report, put together by a consultant, to bring the case together for the Church Room. With this in place, Ian feels there is now no obstacle to the planning application being made. In John’s absence, it was felt important that the church ‘does not just tick over but grows’. With that in mind, John Ryley wanted to ensure a structure is maintained for carrying out pastoral care, also that Home Groups continue, and links are maintained with Pott Shrigley School. Sheila reported that the acting Head Mistress is keen that contact with the school is maintained, and Sandy and Anne said
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they would create a rota for church representatives to go into the School for Assembly once a week. It was also agreed that for the sake of demonstrating the continuity of church life, the role of writing John’s ‘Jottings’ column at the front of the magazine should carry on, with church members stepping in on a voluntary basis. Watch out for the next exciting edition!
What of October? A month that is lost Twixt warmth of September, and November frost? It’s not really winter, and though the leaves fall The month of October is nothing at all! A month spent regretting the summer now gone? A month spent in dreading the winter to come? A month spent in labour, in sorrow, not song? A month when we’re sad at the loss of the sun? Yet October’s a month with much that can please! The gath’ring of fruit and the gold on the trees! The dew on the web and the stars up above – Yes! Truly October’s a month that I love! By Nigel Beeton HotPott - October 2015
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Missionaries Matter Our church directly supports two overseas missionary families. Here is our regular update on their work.
Do pray for Johnny and Ruth that they may have wisdom, how to spread their limited resouces of time and effort among the seemingly very many universities in Bangkok. They need help! Ryan Hannah, the Director of McClean family - Thailand the SIM missionary team in Thailand is meeting It’s a couple of months at least since I have had shortly with SIM’s universities advisor to a letter from Johnny and Ann McClean, but it discuss how SIM may get involved with university student work; I have put them in would seem school and universities have contact with the McCleans in started up again and they are the hope that SIM may be able hard at work. A few weeks ago to produce more workers in Pam Cooke surprised me when, this vital field. in her prayers during morning Remember Ann too as she teaches in St. service, she prayed for them and the student Andrew’s International School. She has started weekend camp they were running; Pam is more media savvy than me and had extracted a prayer and study group among the staff and has now been appointed “Safeguarding Lead” some up-to-date information via Twitter! for the school. Pray that she may make the most of opportunities to witness to students, staff and parents in her various roles at school. Pray too for Matthew, Bethan and Joshua I am struggling to follow suit, but I did find a host of photos of the student camp, and gather that they may get a look in with their overbusy parents! they have now found a number of new Christians at Chula University who they are trying to get involved in the student Bible Fazakerley family - Malawi studies already under way there. Today’s prayer request is that Johnny and Ruth will still be able to meet and disciple students from TU Megumi and Helen Fazakerley return to Malawi on September 17th - without their Rangsit, a campus far from the middle of children, and with their support level standing Bangkok. Watch this space! at 93% of budget. One of their first jobs will be to find somewhere smaller to live, having vacated their family home when they left for home assignment two years ago. Pray for them as they set up a new home. I guess the new term at EBCoM will be starting imminently; pray for Megumi that he will be ready with his lessons and that his fluency in Chichewa will return after two years writing but not speaking the language. Pray too that
Dr John Ryley
@johnnyandann
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the new students will settle in quickly and be eager to learn. Pray for Helen as she looks after the health and wellbeing of the large SIM missionary family in Malawi, and that her newly acquired counselling skills will prove useful. It will be hard leaving the girls behind, though no doubt they will be in frequent touch via Facetime. Margaret and I visited Megumi and Helen in August in their new house on the Wirral. Elizabeth and Mary will be living there, and their grandparents live nearby so will be able to keep an eye on them. Elizabeth is half-way through her nursing course and Joshua will be starting his final year of geography at Hatfield University, but Mary needs our prayers. She is having a year out - but needs to get a job to support herself - rather than backpacking round the world! She is uncertain what she wants to do as a career, and didn’t get the A level grades she needed for university, so pray for employment and a sense of direction for the future. The Fazakerleys have done three cycles of 4 years in Malawi followed by 1 year home assignment, but because they are leaving the children behind will change to two years in Malawi followed by 6 months at home. For the latest news on our missionaries: bangkokmosaic.wordpress.com www.fazakerley.org.uk
Thinking of getting married at St Christopher’s? Please contact Audrey Meecham who will be pleased to advise. audrey.meecham@alexlive.com
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Coffee Break Across 1 He must be ‘the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well’ (1 Timothy 3:12) (6) 4 ‘For we must all — before the judgement seat of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 5:10) (6) 7 ‘They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their — end’ (Ps 107:27) (4) 8 See 19 Across 9 It concerned who among the disciples would be the greatest (Luke 9:46) (8) 13 Formed by the Jews in Thessalonica to root out Paul and Silas (Acts 17:5) (3) 16 ‘He has sent me to bind up the — ’ (Isaiah 61:1) (6-7) 17 Moved rapidly on foot (Matthew 28:8) (3) 19 and 8 ‘ — a great company of the — host appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2:13) (8,8) 24 Hindrance (Romans 14:13) (8) 25 Comes between Luke and Acts (4) 26 Empower (Acts 4:29) (6) 27 ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a — !’ (John 2:16) (6)
10 Ruses (anag.) (5) 11 Jewish priestly vestment (Exodus 28:6) (5) 12 Visible sign of what had been there (Daniel 2:35) (5) 13 This was the trade of Alexander, who did Paul ‘a great deal of harm’ (2 Timothy 4:14) (9) Down 14 ‘This is my — , which is for you; do this in 1 Sunrise (Psalm 119:147) (4) remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:24) (4) 2 The part of the day when Cornelius the Caesarean 15 One of Noah’s great-great-grandsons (Genesis centurion had avision of an angel of God (Acts 10:3) 10:24) (4) (9) 18 Traditionally the first British Christian martyr (5) 3 He was one of those who returned with 20 Relationship of Ner to Saul (1 Samuel 14:50) (5) Zerubbabel from exile inBabylon to Jerusalem 21 Jacob had one at a place he named Bethel while (Nehemiah 7:7) (5) on his way to Haran, fleeing from Esau (Genesis 4 ‘No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is 28:12) (5) born — ’(John 3:3) (5) 22 Bats (anag.) (4) 5 Animal hunted or killed as food (Ezekiel 22:25) (4) 23 ‘You strain out a — but swallow a 6 ‘He encouraged them — — remain true to the camel’ (Matthew 23:24) (4) Lord’ (Acts 11:23) (3,2) HotPott - October 2015
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“Your Vote, Your Council” cost and associated solicitors’ fees; the last payment will be made next year in 2016 and the green will then be owned outright! The Pott Watch is part of the Rural Watch Scheme. Rose Queen Gala is now always held here and It is simple to join and all members are added was very well attended this year. The event is to the “early warning” alerting system. Within pictured bottom right. Cheshire, incidents of rural crime continue to be very low and with the support of our local Planning community we want to ensure that they remain low. New Application; 15/3831M. Hurst Cottage,
POTT WATCH – join now!
The Parish Council would like to encourage all Pott Shrigley residents to be registered on Pott Watch; we can all help each other by logging any incidents or crimes and therefore all be more aware of unwelcome activities and help to prevent opportunist crime in and around the village. To register and help your community please e-mail pottwatch@gmail.com.
Shrigley Road, SK10 5SE. Proposed replacement of existing single garage with double garage – supported by the Parish Council. Granted; 15/0458M Coniston, Shrigley Road, SK12 1TF. Permission has been granted for a new dwelling house.
Pending; 14/2798M Moorside Farm; replacement dwelling. 15/0620M Normans Hall Farm, change of use of land, erection of Village Green new dwelling and garage, creation of associated domestic curtilage on site of manege and demolition of a dwelling house Pott Shrigley Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Village and outbuildings and restoration to meadow Green is owned by the Parish Council and is land. 15/1948S Land south of Simpson Lane. approximately one acre in size and adjacent to Environmental Impact Assessment screening the Church Yard. In 2006 the Parish Council for 3MW Solar PV park complete with the secured a 10 year interest free loan from inverter housings, CCTV, security fencing, soft Macclesfield Council to cover the purchase landscaping, access tracks, substation and ancillary works.
Parish Council Page Content I would like to introduce myself; my name is Alison Preston and I am your newest Parish Councillor. If you have any ideas that you would like taking forward for the village please don’t hesitate to make contact. All your Parish councillors are available to provide advice or to Page 20
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raise your concerns. Our details are available on the noticeboard outside Church and are also on the Pott Shrigley Parish Council website; http://parish.cheshire.gov.uk/pottshrigley. Any suggestions for anything you would like to see on this page or queries you may have, please contact us.
Next Meeting The next meetings of the Parish Council will be in the Village Hall at 8pm on Monday 12th October and then Monday 2nd November. All are welcome.
Parish Council Update by Alison Preston
Pott
Shrigley
Steve Murphy HotPott - October 2015
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Pott Shrigley Cricket 2015 Our first year in the Cheshire Alliance League has proved a challenging one. With a wide difference of standards in both playing strengths and grounds, this meant sometimes our 2nd XI played against clubs with only one team i.e., our 2nd XI playing the opposition's 1st team which made for some unusual results. Having said that, both our Saturday teams finished in 6th place in their respective divisions.
Stevenson came good though as he led the way through our problems by scoring over 900 runs. He hit three centuries with a best of 135. The Jackson brothers Alex and Matthew, spearheaded the bowling attack and it was Matthew who also came good taking a total of 39 wickets including a chart topping return of 7 for 23. Again both XI's did not pick up enough points away from home. Maybe we need to try some travel sickness pills.
The weather, for a mixed summer, was mostly on our side with only one weekend where both games were lost to rain.
The junior section missed out on silverware this time but their overall performance has shown considerable improvement at all age groups, so this is one area where we are on the right track.
Graham Hackney
Our main problem, along with many other sides throughout Cheshire, has been a lack of senior players. Two clubs dropped out of the League during the season for this reason. From the start, we were hit by several serious injuries plus important players leaving to work abroad. Our Aussie overseas player Shaun
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At least we now have a pavilion to be proud of and would like to thank all those who have contributed donations or who have given their time helping. See you at the Bonfire.
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Guild Goings On Just to keep you in touch with what we have been up to over these last few months -
there for most of the afternoon was quite overcast but this did not dampen our spirits. We found that Cleveleys had lots to offer and there was something there to suit everyone: lots of July shops, market stalls, plenty of eating places including delicious fish and chips, and a stroll Our Strawberry Tea once again took place at or brisk walk along the award winning the Coffee Tavern and as usual promenade was not to be missed. At 4-15 p.m. was well attended. Andrew we boarded our coach for home Buffey treated us to a wide and yes the sun definitely did put choice of delicious in an appearance on our way sandwiches, mouth watering back, a little too late in the day for us however. home made cakes and scones, not forgetting the Nevertheless we had all enjoyed ourselves and strawberries and cream, plus lots of ice cream. it was good that our brollies and raincoats were Thank you Andrew, you really do spoil us but not required after all. we like it! Many thanks to Roy and Eileen Stratford who, after arranging the trip, once again could not be with us. This time it was Eileen’s turn, as a August couple of weeks ago, she had a nasty fall, resulting in a broken ankle. Peter Frecknall introduced Brian Greene, our We are all thinking of you Eileen and send our speaker for this month. Brian entertained us love and best wishes to you for a speedy with music and film clips, some quite amusing, recovery. Roy, however, has made an excellent from the world of Disney. Many thanks to recovery following his hip operation and now Brian for a great afternoon’s entertainment tells me that he is training for next year’s which I think brought back many happy London Marathon! memories for us all. We look forward to seeing them both back at our meetings just as soon as possible.
Mary Currell
September
Many thanks also to Jean Bennett and Rita It was quite a cloudy morning as we set off on Bunting for helping out on the trip and to Ken, the last of our outings for this year, some of us our driver, for a safe journey and for his equipped with brollies and raincoats just to be patience through the very congested traffic on on the safe side! Our destination was Cleveleys our way home. on the Fylde coast. The sun began to shine as we made a coffee stop en route at Barton Grange Garden Centre where we had plenty of Next Meeting time to get a drink, stretch our legs, take a look at the beautiful plants and walk around the gift shop. Some did a little bit of shopping here too. Wednesday 14th October 2.30 p.m. We then continued on our journey and arrived David Frith. The Goyt Valley in slides. in Cleveleys just after 1 p.m. The weather Page 24
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A Letter from the Rectory On what those adverts from parishes wanting clergy REALLY mean… The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren So, you are being encouraged to look at adverts for parishes for that happy day when you will have charge of your own church. You wonder if you should look to moving to another part of the country; I suspect it may be better if you look to moving to another planet, as your reputation may not yet have travelled that far. Reading the specifications that parishes provide, giving a picture of life in their community, need to be read in the same way as estate agents’ specifications for houses for sale. Both demonstrate a triumph of optimism over reality. Let me help you decode some of the statements you will find: “We look to grow our Sunday School” – We do not have a Sunday School. “We have an enthusiastic choir” – We have a choir totally out of control. “Our youth group is always eager to learn.” Our youth group experiments with some strange substances.
The building is in imminent danger of collapse. “We have a large range of church groups” – You will have to run a large range of church groups singlehandedly. “The vicarage is being refurbished” – The vicarage is a death trap. Its rising damp and dangerous electrics will not be fixed for many months yet. “There is opportunity for developing ecumenical relations” – No one in living memory has ever spoken to clergy of other denominations in our town.
“The new incumbent should be sympathetic to “The new incumbent should have a sense of our musical tradition”- The new incumbent humour” – He or she will need it when reading must be able to play the organ as well as lead this specification. the Services. My dear nephew, caveat emptor. Let the “While cherishing our traditions, we see the buyer beware! need for change” – We always see the need for Your loving uncle, change, but alter anything at your peril. “Plans for church renovations are in hand” – HotPott - October 2015
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07954 572339
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From Bishop Peter Bishop Peter reflects on the mystery of God, and on the philosophical shortcomings in the assertions of atheists …
love, by redeeming us and our world from within, by humbling himself unto death, even death on a cross. This can only be known by One prominent line of criticism of the Christian faith, not by proof. faith (and all belief in ‘God’) which Jesus summed things up in his own prayer: ‘I contemporary scientific atheists put forward is thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that the world looks just as it would if God did that thou has hidden these things from the not exist. wise and understanding, and The common revealed them to response is to point babes’. to signs of God’s
Bishop of Chester’s letter from Diocesan News
purpose and creative presence, through the complexity and design-like character of creation. Others prefer to point to the philosophical shortcomings in the assertions of the atheists, with their almost faith-like enthusiasm for their convictions.
St Paul put it this way: ‘When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified’.
These responses have their place, and their merit, but it is also possible to turn the critique on its head and say that the atheists have a point, which directs us to the special character of the Christian understanding of God, as the crucified God.
It is only as we would be born again, and become as children, that we might know and recognise our Father in heaven. This is the humility of faith. + Peter
Our knowledge of God is therefore described as being by faith, and not by sight. The essential mystery of God is greatly deepened by the manner in which He reveals himself, in the humble birth of a baby who was destined to die on a cross. Charles Wesley expressed this perfectly in his classic hymn: ‘Tis mystery all: the Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? In vain the first-born seraph tries To sound the depths of Love divine’ This is the strange mystery at the heart of our faith, the God who reveals himself to be radical
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The Suffering Church Our hearts go out to the refugees we see on TV risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean and find a new life in Europe; they have left their homelands because they have been caught up passively in wars not of their choosing, and have lost their homes and livelihoods through no fault of their own. But spare a moment to think of Christians in these Middle Eastern countries (and elsewhere) who are being actively persecuted, attacked, and even being put to death simply because of their Christian faith.
waiting for help. Many Middle Eastern Christian leaders say, “If we have reached the stage where Christians feel they have no option but to leave, there should be proper orderly arrangements made.” £2,000 will cover all costs to rescue one person from Syria and pay for living expenses in Poland for a year. So what about the British government and churches?
Dr John Ryley
Syria "ISIS seems intent on destroying the church. A Christian presence and witness 2,000 years old is disappearing before our eyes. We’ve seen it in the news: people so desperate to escape from the threat of ISIS that they will give all they have to flee from their homes in Syria and Iraq, only to end up on a dangerous boat in the Mediterranean, with little hope for the future," said Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, International Director of Barnabas Fund. Surely there must be another way? There is. The Polish government and churches in Poland have made a wonderful offer: they will give refuge to Syrian Christian families, if they can get there. Polish churches are being coordinated to welcome and care for the new arrivals. Barnabas Fund is working with governments around the world to arrange visas, and with local churches in receiving countries to ensure that the families are helped to settle in, learn the language and find work to support themselves. Already 157 people have reached refuge in Poland through Barnabas Fund’s Operation Safe Havens – but there are others Page 28
Islamic State (IS) militants have given Christians living in the seized Syrian town of Qaryatain 48 hours to decide whether they will convert to Islam, pay the humiliating jizya tax, or leave. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that militants had withdrawn the Christians’ identity documents while they make up their minds. Many have decided to leave and are waiting to receive their documents in order to travel. An estimated 260 Christians were kidnapped, of which up to 110 have since been taken to Raqqa, the socalled capital of IS territory; imagine what fate awaits them there! Jihadists later posted photographs on social media showing militants bulldozing the Mar Elain monastery outside Qaryatain, which dates back to the fifth century.
India Meanwhile in India a group of local police officers, led by the Inspector, as well as a mob of around 40 Hindu radicals, stormed the home of a 70-year-old Christian man in Kanheipur village, in India’s Odisha (formerly Orissa) state, insulting and attacking all 17 Christians in the house, on 23 August. Pastor Sushil Lima, who was visiting the elderly Christian in his home, was arrested on charges of forced conversions and of creating tension in the local
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population. Police released him later that night, but only after threatening him with beatings. The next day, Hindu extremists forced a Christian couple, who had visited Pastor Sushil in prison, to attend a village meeting. The couple, Mahendra Nayak and his wife, were tortured and threatened with being banished from the village. The Hindu leaders had also gone to their children’s school and forced the authorities to expel the children. Journalists who were present at the attack later published articles falsely accusing the Christians of evangelism, converting Hindus to Christianity and creating an atmosphere of religious tension. Pastor Sushil, aged 45, has endured a decade of persecution from Hindu radicals after he left his profession as a primary school teacher in 2005 in order to devote his life to prayer and evangelism. During the widespread attacks against Christians in Odisha state in August 2008, he and his family, along with other Christian pastors, were surrounded and threatened with being burned alive. The statistics on religion gathered in India’s 2011 population census, finally published on 23 August, reveal a significant rise in the number of Christians in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in northern India, according to Indian newspaper Hindustan Times. Yet the rise comes in the context of increasing violence and discrimination against the country’s Christian population. Thousands of Christians gathered near the government buildings in the capital city of New Delhi on 30 August to protest against rising anti-Christian violence. Christians “are being targeted by right-wing extremists apparently drunk on political power and support” to the extent that believers are even at risk of attack in their own homes, said protestors. A Christian man in the northwestern state of Rajasthan, in Nakhnool village, was dragged to his home by radical HotPott - October 2015
Hindus who had placed a Hindu idol outside his property on 19 July and conducted Hindu prayers outside. They also forced another 50 Christians to his house and forced them, along with the owner, to worship the idol. Yet despite such targeted violence against northern India’s Christians, the church continues to grow. “It's a fact that Christians in Jammu and Kashmir have endured persecution in the past in the form of violence and attacks on the churches there”, said Bishop Samantharoy. “History is witness to the fact that Christianity multiplies whenever it faces persecution.” India is officially a secular state and the Constitution of 1950 guarantees freedom of religion, but there has been a marked shift in public discourse since May 2014 when the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, came to power.
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We are pleased to remind you of our popular
l ar, ell choo c e S y th In rigle h tt S Po
2nd
Friday of every month, 6pm ‘til 9.30pm
Serving Locally Brewed Real Ale & Speciality Lagers
9t 6th h Oc t 11 Nov ober th e De m b cem er be r
Easy parking, comfortable surroundings and good company.
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Recipe Of The Month Chocolate Surprise This has been a family favourite since the children were very small. It is a particular favourite with the W.I. and I have given this recipe to more people than any other recipe I have.
Ivy Mosley
it down fairly firmly into the cream. Spread a little more cream over it, just reserving enough for one good layer on top. Spread the remaining crumbs, then the rest of the cream. Keep a palette knife on the surface of the pudding while spreading the cream; if you lift it the crumbs are apt to rise into the cream. Sprinkle the grated chocolate over the pudding and leave for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to combine well.
4 oz fresh brown breadcrumbs 4½ oz demerara sugar 8 level tablespoonfuls of drinking chocolate
The pudding can be made the day before and kept in the fridge.
2 level tablespoonfuls of instant coffee powder ¼ pint of single cream ½ pint of double cream 2 oz plain chocolate, coarsely grated A shallow glass dish. Method Mix the brown breadcrumbs with the demerara sugar, drinking chocolate and coffee powder. Lightly whip the creams together, then spread the base of the dish with a layer of cream. Sprinkle half the dry mixture over this and pack Signs of our times? When you know what they meant, but…! - Toilet out of order. Please use floor below. - In a Laundromat: Automatic Washing Machines. Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out. - In a London department store: Bargain Basement upstairs. - In an office: Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back, or further steps will be taken. - In an office: After the tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board. - Spotted in a safari park: Elephants, please stay in your car. HotPott - October 2015
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From The Register Baptisms We welcome into our church family: June 21st Sophia Lily Hughes August 30th Beth Marie Campbell Weddings Congratulations to: July 3rd David Franks & Karen Downer July 10th David Roberts & Leanne Kivell July 31st Adam Sholes & Nicola Hatton August 1st Paul Webster & Gemma Lane August 7th Michael Norton & Rebecca Cross August 13th Gary Yoxall & Claire Biggs August 21st Gareth Lord & Louise Rutter Sept 12th Christopher Oake & Sarah Meredith Funerals Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of: June Margaret Holmes August 11th Colin Beeston Taylor Our condolences to Val Taylor and her family following the loss of Colin, who was a valued member of our congregation. Colin, alongside Val, served St Christopher’s as deanery synod representative for several years. His enthusiasm and his experience as an architect was invaluable in the preparation of our bid for our proposed church extension; Colin put many hours work into this and we are extremely grateful for his dedication to the project.
n’t Do get for
“Your magazine needs you. ” Please send your contributions to
magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk no later than midnight on ...
Sunday, 11th October Page 32
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Chores and Chains Cleaning Evette 0161 439 9979
2nd Oct 9th Oct 16th Oct 23rd Oct 30th Oct
Mr. & Mrs. Akerman Mr. & Mrs. Ferguson Mr. & Mrs. Currell Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Ward Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Plant
6th Nov 13th Nov
Ms. Bunting Mr. & Mrs. Stratford (Wedding 7th Nov 13.00) Mrs. Meecham, Mrs. Winstanley
Flowers Gill 01625 829819
Oct 4th Mike & Sue Akerman, in memory of Mike’s parents. Oct 11th Vacant Oct 18th Mary Pleeth, in memory of Mary’s father Oct 25th Vacant Nov 1st
John & Sheila Rose, in memory of Irene Rose
Nov 8th Mike & Sue Akerman, in memory of Christine
Tea & Coffee
Collective Worship
Jenny 07715 408704
4th Oct 11th Oct 18th Oct 25th Oct 1st Nov 8th Nov
Rita & Carol Margaret & Doreen Peter & Eileen Jenny & Pauline Ros & Sheila Rita & Carol
5th Oct 12th Oct 19th Oct
Steve Sue Sandy
At the school
Weddings Audrey 01625 575921
Sat 7th Nov
Chris Surfleet OO Laura Kavanagh (1:00pm)
Proof Reading
Nov 2015 Mary Currell (20th October) Dec 2015 Jacky Malyan (24th November) Thanks to Vicki Shelley for proof reading this issue and to Mike Akerman for printing it. HotPott - October 2015
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This Month’s Services Prayers
October 4th. 8:30am
Holy Communion
Hebrews 4:1-4;2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16 Revd Sue Hawkins — Retired Clergy
10:45am Holy Communion
TBC Revd David Harrison — Retired Clergy
David and Sheila Garton
11th. 8:30am
Holy Communion
10:45am Morning Worship
Ephesians 4:17-32; Matthew 9:1-8 Revd David Harrison — Retired Clergy Psalm 19:1-6; Genesis 1:1-2:2 Dr John Ryley — Lay Reader
Steve Murphy
18th. 8:30am
Holy Communion
10:45am Family Service
2 Timothy 4:5-17; Luke 10:1-9 Revd Pamela Hardman — Retired Clergy Acts 27:13-25 Mrs Anne Murphy
Children
25th. 8:30am
Holy Communion
10:45am Morning Worship
Ephesians 6:10-20; John 4:46-5 Revd David Harrison — Retired Clergy Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52 Ms Margaret Tate — Lay Reader
Duncan and Kath Matheson
It is possible that the services and lessons above may change
This Month’s Sidespeople October 4th. 8:30am Holy Communion 10:45am Holy Communion
(readers in bold)
Extra Readers Mr. K. Ardern Mrs. E. Harper + Mr. I. Malyan+ Mr. S. Heathcote
11th. 8:30am Holy Communion 10:45am Morning Worship
Miss G. Mosley Mr. & Mrs. S. Potts
Dr. J. Hutton + Dr. N. Fraser
18th. 8:30am Holy Communion 10:45am Family Service
Mr. & Mrs. R. Stratford Mr. S. Heathcote + Mr. I. Currell + Mr. I. Malyan
25th. 8:30am Holy Communion 10:45am Morning Worship
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Mrs. C. Bowes Mr. R. Lofthouse & Mr. D. Davie
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Regular Church Activities Weekly: JUNIOR CHURCH - Children of three years and older - held during the 10:45am service. Meets in church for the first part of the service and then goes over to the Village Hall for bible stories, songs, craft activities, prayers and fun. CRECHE - Held during the 10:45am service in the tower vestry. HOME GROUPS - Five groups offering fellowship, worship and bible study: Rainow - Monday 8:00 - 9:30pm, Verona House, Spuley Lane; Sheila Garton, 573492 Adlington - Monday 8:00 - 10:00pm, 2 Wych Lane, Adlington; John Ryley, 829595 Pott Shrigley (North) - Tuesday 8:00 - 9:30pm, 3 Green Close; Sally Winstanley, 574545 Day Lighters - Wednesday 2:00 - 4:00pm, Hill View, Shrigley Rd; Ian Clarke, 574131 Bollington - Wednesday 8:00 - 9:30pm, 14 Silver St, Bollington; Anne Murphy, 575768 PRAY TOGETHER - Tuesday 7:15 - 8:00pm in the tower vestry; David Garton, 573492 PRAISE AND PLAY - Children up to school age. Wednesday 09:30 - 11:30am in church for stories and activities; Celia Fraser, 665054 BELL RINGING - Thursday 7:30 - 9:00pm, meet in the bell tower; Duncan Matheson, 574983
Monthly: CHURCH GUILD - Fellowship, speakers, outings and tea. Meets the second Wednesday in the month 2:30 - 4:00pm in church; Georgina Wray, 615547 The list above was last revised on 16th September, 2015. All telephone numbers are prefixed with 01625. Please give corrections and additions to magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk.
Thinking about advertising in this magazine? For commercial or private advertising, please contact us for free advice and very reasonable rates: magazine@pottshrigleychurch.org.uk
And finally .... After the Sunday service the visiting vicar stood by the door to greet the congregation as they left the church. Soon one of the younger children filed by. "Good morning," the vicar said, as the little boy reached out and handed him something. “What’s this?” "Money," said the boy, with a big smile. "It's for you!" When the vicar protested in surprise, the little boy continued: "But I want you to have it. My daddy says you're the poorest preacher we’ve ever had, and I want to help you."
Or how about …. CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Congregation to lipsync. HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key two octaves higher than that of the HotPott - October 2015 congregation's range.
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