Castleford Team Parish Parish Magazine - April 2016 The churches of: All Saints, Church Street, Castleford, All Saints, Lumley Street, Hightown; St Michael & All Angels, St Michaels Close, Smawthorne and St Paul the Apostle, Pontefract Road, Glasshoughton.
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CLERGY Rector: Fr. Michael Wood, 01977 518127 The Rectory, 15 Barnes Road, Castleford WF10 5AA rector@castlefordteamparish.org.uk Team Vicar: Fr. Mark Watkins, vicar@castlefordteamparish.org.uk
01977 511659
Asst. Curate: Fr. Kevin Greaves, 01977 512404 The Vicarage, Churchfield Lane, Glasshoughton WF10 4BP curate@castlefordteamparish.org.uk Polish Priest: Fr. Gregory Ruszczynski, revgreg@email.com
07596 422507
Lay Pastoral Minister: Mrs Lynda Maw
01977 518078
Parish Office: (Enquiries for Baptisms) Saturdays at 10.00-10.30am at All Saint’s Church, Castleford. Editor, Magazine & Pew Sheets (including Diary Dates): Andrew Goyns,
01924 898593 magazine@castlefordteamparish.org.uk
April 2016
THE RECTOR’S LETTER Dear Friends, Happy Easter We are all being asked to think about our future. The E.U. Referendum is drawing closer, although there is still quite a long way to go there will be much more said and many more accusations made. The original referendum back in the 70’s was one of the first time I voted and so just about all of my adult life has been spent in the Common Market or the E.U. and I don’t really know anything other than that. Having said that don’t think for an instance that I am arguing for us to stay in but nor am I arguing for us to leave. It is up to each one of us to make the decision as we best see fit. Not arguing to leave, not arguing for us to remain; my point is that we have to live by our decisions and the decision is final. We had a Church Army Evangelistic Mission in the parish where I was working at the end of the 1980’s and the songs which one of the Missioner’s had a fondness for was “I have decided to follow Jesus” Each verse repeats one line three times, so I have decided to follow Jesus or The world behind me, the cross before me or Tho’ none go with me I still will follow and the last line of each verse is “No turning back, no turning back” Voting in an E.U. Referendum or deciding to follow Jesus the last line is exactly the same “No turning back, no turning back.” At Easter each year it customary to renew our Baptismal Vows, the vows which we made for many of us by our parents and godparents and then made on our own behalf at our confirmation (and the vows made at our ordination for some of us.) once the decision is made there should be no turning back, no turning back. 3
April 2016 I am delighted that we have twelve people from our parish, young and not quite so young, being confirmed in the cathedral at Wakefield on 17th April by Bishop Tony. May our prayer for each one of them at the moment of decision be that there is no turning back, no turning back. With my love and prayers for a joyful Easter.
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GIVING IN GRACE During Lent some of followed a short course based on passages in the book in the Old Testament Exodus. This was in preparation for our Stewardship update which is taking place this month. We are asking as many people as possible to review what they are able to give towards the work of the church. In the weeks ahead each of you will be given a pack with some information about the parish and then a question for you to consider. One of the passages we considered was Exodus Chapter 20 verses 1-20 when Moses was up the mountain and the Israelites got tired of waiting so they melted their gold and jewellery down to make a golden calf to worship. Below is an extract (slightly adapted) from a sermon written by the Bishop of Bangor, Bishop Andy John: “The opening words of Exodus chapter 20 indicate where this passage is going, it’s going badly. The crowd is tired of waiting for Moses, the people want symbols to go before them, as they see it. In an act of sheer madness the gold becomes a thing to be worshipped not worn. The temptation in the waiting for God is often to press on regardless. Human nature struggles with silence and the absence of an immediate God. The (continued on page 7) 6
April 2016 (continued from page 6)
rush for answers can lead us to look elsewhere for what will satisfy. We like guarantees of future progress. In the language of Exodus, we like gods who will go before us. If the inclination is real, its satisfaction is powerful. The gold is fashioned and out of it comes the calf. The substitution of God for things we have made sits at the heart of so much in the Bible and in life. We overvalue the created and undervalue the Creator.�
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LETTER FROM ST JAMES THE LEAST OF ALL Happily, the Church of England still retains some singular parish clergy. Take the parish of St James-the-Least in the rural county of C- for example. Here the elderly Anglo-Catholic vicar, Eustace, continues his correspondence to Darren, his nephew, a low-church curate recently ordained…
ON THE PERILS OF SMALL STUDY GROUPS The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren So, you are about to run an Alpha course in your parish; I am sure your bishop will be delighted. I remember him from my Oxford days. He was just starting his course as a gangly undergraduate when I was finishing my doctorate on Eusebius. I recall him as a keen rugby player who took early morning dips in the Isis, who led intense discussions on Saint Paul’s theology of “the body” over cups of cocoa in the evenings in his rooms and who spent his holidays laying paths for the National Trust in the Lake District while lodging in Youth Hostels. He’s exactly the sort of person who will empathise with your ministry – hearty, enthusiastic and overflowing with compassionate intensity. We were not close friends. We tend not to go in for those sort of things here at St. James the Least of All, preferring matters a little more relaxed and understated. If we ever do hold discussion groups (and they are a regrettable (continued on page 9) 8
April 2016 (continued from page 8) necessity during Lent), they always start with a good lunch, finishing with coffee and one of Mrs French’s excellent Madeira cakes. Once we have removed from the table, those who manage to stay awake will start to tackle the chosen topic. However, we always seem to veer off to discussing more interesting matters, such as why Col. Chorley is never allowed to sing solos in the choir any more, or who moved Mrs Cholmondeley’s flower arrangement from the font the previous week. Apparently she has given notice that her weekly contributions on the plate will be much reduced unless an appropriate apology is received. These matters may not seem as important to you as deciding what the “white stone” in Revelation 4 is all about, but let me assure you that to members of our congregation, knowing why the second verse of the National Anthem is no longer sung at our Remembrance Services is of pivotal importance. At 2pm we wake up those who have enjoyed an hour’s slumber and totter off home, knowing we have once again done our bit for faith in the parish. I am sure your own group will also return home after your sessions even if a digestive biscuit and weak tea is all that has been offered – invigorated and braced to tackle the heathen in the parish. We all take our pleasures in different ways. Your loving uncle, Eustace 9
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April 2016 CROSSWORD ACROSS 8 ‘He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the — ’ (Isaiah 53:12) (13) 9 ‘When they had sung a hymn, they went — to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30) (3) 10 Comes between Galatians and Philippians (9) 11 ‘Your heart will — and swell with joy’ (Isaiah 60:5) (5) 13 Muslim holy month (7) 16 Ten ears (anag.) (7) 19 Under (poetic abbrev.) (5) 22 How Abram described himself to God when he complained that his inheritance would pass to a servant (Genesis 15:2) (9) 24 ‘Go to the — , you sluggard’ (Proverbs 6:6) (3) 25 Debar from receiving Communion (13) DOWN 1 My — for His Highest (Oswald Chambers’ best-known book) (6) 2 Festival of the resurrection (6) 3 ‘His sons will prepare for war and — a great army’ (Daniel 11:10) (8) 4 ‘Let not the — string his bow’ (Jeremiah 51:3) (6) 5 Name of the River Thames in and around Oxford (4) 6 ‘From then on Judas watched for an opportunity — — him over’ (Matthew 26:16) (2,4) 7 ‘But Christ is faithful — — — over God’s house’ (Hebrews 3:6) (2,1,3) 12 Long-handled implement used to till the soil (Isaiah 7:25) (3) 14 Order to which monks and nuns devote themselves (8) 15 Appropriate (Proverbs 15:23) (3) 16 I, uncle (anag.) (6) 17 ‘They gave him — — of broiled fish’ (Luke 24:42) (1,5) 18 ‘Weren’t there three men that we — — and threw into the fire?’ (Daniel 3:24) (4,2) 20 Mountain where Noah’s ark came to rest (Genesis 8:4) (6) 21 ‘Don’t you know that friendship with the world is — towards God?’ (James 4:4) (6) 23 Prominent architectural feature of large cathedrals such as St Paul’s (4)
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April 2016 PUZZLES WORDSEARCH
Love and serve one another On Maundy Thursday we recall the final command that Jesus gave to his disciples before his death. After the Last Supper, He rose and washed his disciples’ feet. This was astonishing for a ‘teacher’ to do, but He had a firm purpose in mind: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” His disciples were to love through service, not domination, of one another. In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is ‘mandatum novum do vobis’. The word ‘mundy’ is thus a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or command). The ‘washing of the feet’ ceremony was an important part of the medieval church’s liturgy, symbolising the humility of the clergy, in obedience to the example of Christ. Maundy, Thursday, Final, Command, Jesus, Disciples, Death, Last, Supper, Washed, Feet, Astonishing, Purpose, Teacher, As, Loved, You, Must, One, Another, Service, Domination, Latin, Ceremony, Medieval, Humility, Obedience
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April 2016
ARCHBISHOPS CALL FOR ‘GREAT WAVE OF PRAYER’ FOR EVANGELISM DURING PENTECOST 2016
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting churches to pray for the evangelisation of the nation during the week before Pentecost Sunday, 8 - 15 May. The week of prayer will culminate in ‘Beacon events’ around the country over Pentecost weekend, where people will pray for the renewal of the Holy Spirit and the confidence to share their faith. The Archbishops say: “At the heart of our prayers will be words that Jesus himself taught us – ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.’ It is impossible to overstate the life-transforming power of the Lord’s Prayer. Some churches will hold a day or week of continuous ‘24/7’ prayer as parishes, teams or deaneries; saying special prayers in Sunday worship; prayer walking; or handing out a novena prayer card to every congregation member. (continued on page 15) 14
April 2016 (continued from page 14) The Beacon events will take place in the following places: •
St Paul’s Cathedral (Saturday 14th May) – hosted by the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, and Pete Greig, founder of 24/7 prayer, with sung worship led by Tim Hughes and Jake Isaac.
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Durham Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – with sung worship led by Lou Fellingham.
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Coventry Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – with sung worship led by Noel Richards.
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Winchester Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – with sung worship led by Matt Redman.
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St Michael le Belfrey, York (Sunday 15th May) - hosted by Matthew Porter & Miriam Swaffield with sung worship led by Tom Holmes
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Canterbury Cathedral (Sunday 15th May) – hosted by Archbishop Justin Welby and Pete Greig, with sung worship led by Tim Hughes.
For more information, visit: www.thykingdom.co.uk
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April 2016 DEMENTIA UPDATE Dear Friends, Since my last update in January you may have thought things have quietened down in respect to our ministry supporting those living with dementia. All I will say is picture a swan gliding serenely on a still lake, all looks calm. However, you do not see the swans legs as they work to plough through those still waters, to keep it moving forward. So like that swan a lot has been happening under the water or more accurately behind the scenes. So here I go… Since January Wakefield Carers Dementia Support Group have met once a month in the Parish Rooms. They meet on the second Wednesday of every month, 1pm to 3pm. The group give much needed support and guidance to carers looking after someone with dementia, as well as the opportunity to talk to others going through the same life changing journey. Also in the group people living with the disease are given the opportunity to try individual and group activities. Feedback from the organisers has been positive and at the last session in March, ten people attended. If you know anyone who is a caring for someone with dementia, please tell them about this group and ask them to come along. In February Fr Michael, Fr Mark and myself met with Anita Ruckledge MBE (Lead Dementia Nurse) at Pinderfield’s Dementia Unit. We were shown around the unit which included the nostalgia room. This room had memorabilia from the 1940’s up to the 1980’s and was used by Anita and her team to invoke good memories for the patients. It certainly worked on the three of us as we found ourselves saying ‘I remember…’ Anita also mentioned a new initiative primarily for men living with dementia. They are wanting individuals to make small quilted blankets and then fix on to them plastic toy screwdrivers, hammer and general DIY tools. It is hoped that these blankets may engage more with men compared to Twiddlemuffs. So watch this space and when I know more about the size of blanket etc, I will let you know.
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April 2016 Also in February the Parish completed an application form to the Dementia Innovation Fund, which is managed by Age UK. The application was for some funding so that we could buy dementia friendly signage for all our churches in respect to identifying toilets. Also money was requested to but dementia friendly clocks. The reasoning behind this is simple, when someone living with dementia visits a place which is new to them, they can become upset. Two of the main reasons why are they don’t know where the toilets are and also they don’t know what time. It is hoped that with having dementia friendly signage and clocks this will take some anxiety for those living with the disease when they visit our churches. The bid for funding was submitted on the 22nd February and we have been advised it has now been passed to the financial board for consideration. I will keep you updated on the progress. On Wednesday the 20th April at 2.30pm in the Parish Rooms we will be having an information session delivered by The SAFER Project Team. The SAFER Project Team are part of West Yorkshire Trading Standards and they raise awareness of scams and frauds. UK consumers send more than £3.5 billion each year to scammers worldwide, with the average scam victim suffering an average loss of £850. In many cases, older and vulnerable people are often the main target for scammers, resulting in financial worries, which in turn seriously impacts upon their health and wellbeing. Through this preventative and educational project, the team aim to raise awareness of scams and frauds, and the simple steps in which older and vulnerable people can take to protect themselves. This session in April is one of three that will happen throughout the year and it will mainly deal with telephone and mail scams and fraud. Everyone is welcome to attend the session so please spread the word, there will also be flyers for you to take out into the town, so that hopefully as many people as possible are aware. There is also a copy of the flyer in this magazine. So as you can see though the waters may have been still a lot has been happening. So till next time God Bless. Fr Kevin 17
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READINGS FOR APRIL 3rd April
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The Second Sunday of Easter (W) Acts: 5: 27-32 Psalm : 150: Revelation: 1: 4-8 John: 21: 1-14;
4th April
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THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W) Isaiah: 7: 10-14 Psalm: 40: 5-11 Hebrews: 10: 4-10 Luke: 1: 26-38;
10th April
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The Third Sunday of Easter (W) Acts: 9: 1-20 Psalm: 30: Revelation: 5: 11-14 John: 21: 1-19;
17th April
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The Fourth Sunday of Easter (W) Acts: 9: 36-43 Psalm: 23: Revelation: 7: 9-17 John: 10: 22-30;
24th April
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The Fifth Sunday of Easter (W) Acts: 11: 1-18 Psalm: 148: Revelation: 21: 1-6 John: 13: 31-35
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CALENDAR FOR APRIL Monday 4th
THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Transferred) 12 Noon - Sung Mass at St Paul’s followed by a soup lunch 7.30pm Deanery Synod meets at St Mary’s South Elmsall
Sunday 10th
Launch of Stewardship Campaign
Thursday 14th
7pm Hightown Hall Film Night “The Life of Pi”
Sunday 17th
3.30pm at Wakefield Cathedral - Confirmation Service
Monday 18th
7pm at St Paul’s Annual General Parochial Meeting
Wednesday 20th 2.30pm at Castleford Parish Rooms - Scams and Frauds—Protection for the elderly and vulnerable (see notice on inside back cover) Saturday 23rd
10am-12noon Hightown Coffee Morning see Page 30
Sunday 24th
10am Parish Mass at St Paul’s. Preacher Mrs Jo Beacroft-Mitchell Diocesan Giving & Resources Adviser. The parish jigsaw will be assembled. 3pm at Castleford - A Service of Thanksgiving for the 75th Anniversary of Castleford Male Voice Choir.
ADVANCE NOTICE Thursday 5th May
ASCENSION DAY 7.30pm Sung Mass at Castleford
Sunday 8th May
Thanksgiving Services for Stewardship 19
April 2016
THE QUEEN IS ‘VERY GRATEFUL’ FOR THE NATION’S PRAYERS In a strong statement of faith, the Queen has said that she is ‘very grateful’ to the nation for its prayers for her and that she has felt God’s ‘faithfulness’ during 64 years on the throne. The comments – rare insights into the Queen’s personal thoughts and Christian faith – came in the forward to a new book, The Servant Queen and the King She Serves, published by Bible Society, HOPE and LICC. Her Majesty said, ‘I have been – and remain – very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for His steadfast love. I have indeed seen His faithfulness.’ The book was published to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday. In her comments, the Queen referred to the changes she has seen in her life, which has made her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. ‘The extent and pace of change has been truly remarkable,’ she said. ‘We have witnessed triumphs and tragedies.’ And she alluded to the current problems in the Middle East saying that the world is now experiencing ‘terrible suffering on an unprecedented scale’. The Queen’s Christian faith is well-known. In recent years, Her Majesty has referred to her beliefs in public statements, including Christmas broadcasts. The Servant Queen and the King She Serves highlights the Queen’s faith and how it has shaped her personal life and service to the nation. A 12-page schools version has been published by Scripture Union. Copies of The Servant Queen and the King She Serves are available in packs of 10 at £1 a copy (plus p&p). Visit www.hopetogether.org.uk/ thequeen to order copies and for ideas on how to hold a street party 20
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WINNER OF CHURCH SCHOOL DESIGN COMPETITION FOR QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY The winner of a church school competition to design a logo for the C of E’s celebrations in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday has been announced. The logo, designed by Lucas Salinger, aged 10, from Potten End C of E Primary School in Hertfordshire, was picked from over 1000 entries. Lucas, whose village school is near Berkhamsted said: ‘I feel amazed that my design was chosen. I feel lost for words!’ Head teacher Andrew Morris said: ‘I am extremely proud that a member of my school has won the competition, out of so many entries.’ Official celebrations will take place in London between the 10th – 12th June, including a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral, a Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade and a street party in The Mall. It is envisaged that church events will be integrated into local community celebrations that take place that weekend.
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PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR GOVERNMENT TO HELP FUND CHURCH HERITAGE 60% of us back the idea of the Government providing financial support for churches, chapels and meeting houses, in order to protect their heritage and history for future generations. This was the finding of a new opinion poll, commissioned by the church building repair and support charity, the National Churches Trust. The poll also found that 57% of British adults said that they had visited a church in the past year for religious services, nonreligious activities or as a visitor or tourist. Since 2014, the Government has given ÂŁ130m for repairs to historic churches.
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PRAYER WALKING AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY On 22nd May, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, will have completed a 6-month pilgrimage in which he will have walked and prayed the length and breadth of the Diocese of York. He offers these tips… Prayer walking is as simple as it sounds - praying as you walk. When we prayer walk we are stepping out as God’s children to bless people and places in Jesus’ name. The core of prayer walking is conversing with God; ask Him to show you what He sees; to know His heart for your community. Agree a place and time to start prayer walking and talking to God together. Explain why you’ve gathered to pray, and how you are going to do it. If splitting into smaller groups, then agree a place and time to end together. Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. It’s not as intimidating as a large group, and is safer than people going on their own. You can plan ahead to ensure that you pray for specific places, or simply ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time - just make sure you don’t get lost! Know the places and people that make up your local community. What jobs do people do? Are there particular needs? As you prayer walk, be aware of your surroundings: what you see, smell, hear and touch. But also be aware of what God is saying to you as you move around your community; if any Bible verses pop into your head or if you have any pictures, visions or words of knowledge. Turn these into prayer. The point of prayer walking isn’t about being seen praying; it’s about seeing and praying. You can pray quietly together or in silence if it makes you feel more comfortable. (continued on page 25) 24
April 2016 (Continued from page 24) As you prayer walk, the focus is on those who are living in your community so be intentional about praying for God’s blessings on what you see and feel. Even in difficult areas, try to pray positively. Focus on God’s plans and purposes for the place and people that live there. “Your Kingdom come, your will be done…” is an excellent start. If you’ve prayed in different places, meet up at the end to share what you’ve prayed and heard from God. Write down what you share so that you can keep track of how to pray for your area. After your prayer walk, keep praying for your community. You might like to arrange specific prayer meetings or further prayer walks for your area. As you keep praying, continue to ask for God’s blessing in your area; praying for God’s kingdom to come and His Will to be done in your area. If you feel that God is highlighting specific needs or challenges, think about how to take action; how could you and your Church be part of God’s solution practically, as well as prayerfully? This is an abridged version of an article on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website.
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HIGH DAYS & HOLY DAYS IN MARCH 1
FRIDAY OF EASTER WEEK
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SATURDAY OF EASTER WEEK
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THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Pastor, Martyr, 19456
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George Augustus Selwyn, first Bishop of New Zealand, 1878
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Isabella Gilmore, Deaconess, 1923
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Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1012
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Anselm, Abbot of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher, 1109
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GEORGE, MARTYR, PATRON OF ENGLAND, C.304
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MARK THE EVANGELIST
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Christina Rossetti, Poet, 1894
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Peter Chanel, Missionary in the South Pacific, Martyr, 1841
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Catherine of Siena, Teacher, 1380
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Pandita Mary Ramabai, Translator of the Scriptures, 1922
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April 2016 GOOD FRIDAY JESUS AND THE THIEVES ON THE CROSS Luke’s account of the crucifixion (Luke 23:32-43) emphasises the mocking of the crowd, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself’ (35,37,39). In their view a Messiah does not hang on a cross and suffer. In considering the two men who was crucified with Jesus, we are also confronted with the issue of how Jesus secures salvation for us. The words of one of those crucified with Jesus reflected the crowd’s taunts: ‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.’ He highlights the question of Jesus’ identity: how can He save others, when He cannot save himself from death? He failed to see that the cross itself was the means of salvation. So - what kind of Messiah was Jesus? The other criminal’s response in his last moments is a moving expression of faith. When challenging the other man, he spoke of the utter injustice of the crucifixion: ‘this man has done nothing wrong.’ He perceived the truth that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. In a wonderful picture of grace, ‘remember me when you come into your kingdom’, the second thief confessed his guilt and secured Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy. In reply, Jesus promised the man life from the moment of death; ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’ Jesus used the picture of a walled garden to help the man understand his promise of protection and security in God’s love and acceptance eternally. Each one of us has to choose how we react to Jesus on the cross. Do we want him to ‘remember’ us when He comes into his kingdom, or not? If you were to die tonight, how confident would you be of going to be with Jesus? ‘For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.’ (1 Peter 3:18). 27
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THE STORY BEHIND THE HYMN – ‘PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN’ Praise my soul the King of heaven, To His feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore his praises sing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for His grace and favour To our fathers in distress; Praise Him, still the same as ever, Slow to chide and swift to bless. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness. Fatherlike, He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows; In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet his mercy flows. Angels in the height, adore Him, Ye behold him face to face; Sun and moon bow down before Him, Dwellers all in time and space; Praise Him! Praise him! Praise with us the God of grace! By Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847) This stately poetic paraphrase of Psalm 103 has been included in probably more solemn ceremonies than any other hymn in the English language. It was even chosen by Queen Elizabeth for her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947. (continued on page 29) 28
April 2016 (continued from page 28)
Henry Lyte had been a brilliant theological student at university in Dublin, with a gift for versifying. After graduation he moved to a tiny and remote parish in County Wexford to serve his curacy. It was here, when he was about 25, that Henry had a religious experience which would transform his life. A close friend of his, another clergyman, had fallen ill, and was clearly dying. Henry went to visit him. The friend was not as distressed as Henry had imagined he would be. Instead the friend confessed that he had been re-reading the New Testament, with an eye on eternity, and had made a great discovery. There was no need to rely on religious duties and formalities and good deeds to gain peace with God. Instead, we can trust completely in the mercy of Christ and his saving power. Henry was sophisticated and had been very formal in his ministry. But this encounter with his friend’s faith at death’s very door, made him reconsider his faith. He wrote later that his dear friend ‘who died happy in the thought that there was One who would atone for his delinquencies’ made him ‘study my Bible and preach in another manner than I had previously done’. And soon after this hymn appeared, in 1834. Lyte rejoices in the majesty and wonder of the living God, who in turn loves us. He captures the measure of the Psalm in enduring lyrics, which combine time, eternity, God and man all swept up into one embrace. Its last verse summons all of the created order to join in a great act of joyous praise – surely a preview of eternity!
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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS CROSSWORD
WORDSEARCH
SUDOKU SOLUTIONS EASY
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April 2016 PARISH OFFICERS PCC Secretary: Mrs Mavis Whitehead 01977 550529 PCC Treasurer, Stewardship & Gift Aid Secretary: Mr Andrew Goyns 01924 898593 Gift Day Secretary: Mrs Dawn Heyworth 01977 514515 Mr Arnold Randall 01977 278611 Safeguarding Officer: Family & Children’s Worker Mrs Karen Richardson 01977 552524 CHURCHWARDENS David Field, Castleford: 01977 707120 Mavis Whitehead, St Paul’s 01977 550529 Pauline Morris, St Michaels 01977 668790 Ian Fletcher, Hightown 01977 550139
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DEPUTY CHURCHWARDENS
Hilary Wilkes, Castleford: Karen Ferrier, St Paul’s: Emma J Lisle, St Michael’s Susan Fletcher, Hightown
SERVICES All Saints’ Castleford SUNDAY Mass (Said)
8.00am
Sung Mass (except last in month)
9.30am
Tuesday Mass (Said)
7.00pm
Saturday Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9.30am
All Saints’ Hightown SUNDAY (except last in month) Sung Mass
10.45am
Wednesday Mass (Said)
7.00pm
Saint Michael and All Angels SUNDAY (except last in month) Sung Mass
10.45am
Thursday Mass (Said)
10.00am
Saint Paul’s, Glasshoughton SUNDAY (except last in month) Sung Mass
9.30am
Wednesday Mass (Said)
10.00am
LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH: Combined Parish Mass at 10.00am - ( see diary section for venue ) FOR MAJOR SAINTS’ DAYS IN ALL CHURCHES