Christ Church Tunstall May 2019 Parish Magazine

Christ Church Parish of Goldenhill & Tunstall

May Magazine May 2019 fifty pence

Who’s who at Christ Church Tunstall?

Vicar Fr. John Stather SSC Christ Church Vicarage, 26 Stanley Street, Tunstall. ST6 6BW. 01782 838288 frjohnstather@gmail.com Churchwardens John Morris - 248710 Sonia Oxford - 836963 Lay Reader with Permission to Officiate Mary Snape - 332606 Sunday School Leader Sue Barnett - 776073 Child Protection Co-ordinator Bev Barnett - 07922696364 Organist and Choirmaster Selwyn Viggars - 835336 Ebbsfleet Lay Representatives Sonia Oxford & John Morris Mothers Union Branch Leader (Acting) Marion Leese - 839789 Mums and Toddlers Group Leader Sue Barnett - 776073 Head Server Chris Barnett - 776073 Verger Sue Barnett - 776073 PCC Officers Vice-Chairman John Morris - 248710 Secretary Mary Snape - 332606 Treasurer Chris Barnett - 776073 Gift Aid Secretary & PGL Lewis Sadler

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Father John Writes The Ascension is a hugely neglected festival, which deserves to have a bigger place in our church life. How do we understand it?

The Ascension tells us that Jesus is in control: ‘Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand’ (1 Peter 3:22). Jesus occupies the top spot in the universe; the control of our world is in the safe, scarred hands of Jesus. We can offer Him our worship and allegiance, knowing that His plans are better than those of any Prime Minister or President.

The Ascension tells us that God is committed to His world: ‘And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus’ (Ephesians 2:6). Jesus did not leave His humanity behind when He ascended, for we are raised with Christ to heaven. Therefore, God is bound to His world and we can trust Him to fulfil His purpose for our lives and world.

The Ascension gives us a job to do: ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:18,19). God’s primary means of working in the world is now through us.

He commissions for this task at Ascension and equips us at Pentecost. We are called to make disciples, starting in our workplace, family and community.

Wishing you every blessing as we go forward in faith together,

Fr John Stather SSC Vicar of Goldenhill & Tunstall

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Holy Rosary The Rosary will be prayed each Sunday Evening in May in the presence of The Blessed Sacrament, followed by Benediction.

All members of the Parish Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham are encouraged to attend and all are welcome.

The Men’s Group The Men’s Group meets at S. Saviour’s, Smallthorne on Monday 13th May at 7.30pm. Mass followed by refreshments in a local hostelry.

May Requiem Mass The Mass on Friday 24h May will be a Requiem, offered for those who have died recently and for those who have anniversaries of death in May. May Saints Days and Festivals Wed 1st S. Joseph the Worker Thu 2nd S. Athanasius, Bishop rd Fri 3 Ss. Philip & James, Apostles th Sun 5 3rd Sunday of Easter Yr C Sun 12th 4th Sunday of Easter Yr C Mon 13th Our Lady of Fatima Tue 14th S. Matthias, Apostle Sun 19th 5th Sunday of Easter Yr C Fri 24th May Requiem Mass th Sun 26 6th Sunday of Easter Yr C Thu 30th Ascension of the Lord Fri 31st Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary May Rotas 10am Mass Old Testament Epistle Sidesmen Offertory Coffee

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3 Sunday of Easter

4 Sunday of Easter

5 Sunday of Easter

6 Sunday of Easter

P McCellan A Brereton B Cliff A Morgan G Alcock G Alcock B Cliff A Clewes

Sunday School M Snape J Jones H Churton E Beech M Condlyffe A Morgan J Lewis

G Alcock M Leese A Clewes J Horton A Clewes J Horton M Morris S Oxford

L Sadler B Cliff S Findler A N Other Sunday School M Morris S Oxford

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Ascension Day - 40 Days with the Risen Christ 40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day. These are the 40 days during which the Risen Christ appeared again and again to His disciples, following His death and resurrection. (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20.)

The Gospels give us little of Christ’s teachings and deeds during those 40 days.

Jesus was seen by numerous of His disciples: on the road to Emmaus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc. He strengthened and encouraged His disciples, and at last opened their eyes to all that the Scriptures had promised about the Messiah. Jesus also told them that as the Father had sent Him, He was now going to send them – to all corners of the earth, as His witnesses.

Surely the most tender, moving ‘farewell’ in history took place on Ascension Day. Luke records the story with great poignancy: “When Jesus had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted up His hands – and blessed them.”

As Christmas began the story of Jesus’ life on earth, so Ascension Day completes it, with His return to His Father in heaven. Jesus’ last act on earth was to bless His disciples. He and they had a bond as close as could be: they had just lived through three tumultuous years of public ministry and miracles – persecution and death – and resurrection!

Imagine being one of the last few people on earth to be face to face with Jesus, and have Him look on you with love. No wonder then that Luke goes on: ‘they worshipped Him – and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.’ (Luke 24:52,53) No wonder they praised God! They knew they would see Jesus again one day!

‘I am going to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.’ (John 14:2,3) In the meantime, Jesus had work for them to do: to take the Gospel to every nation on earth.

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Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Closed some factory holidays and Bank holidays - please phone for details.

The name of Dudson has been associated with quality catering ware for over a hundred years and at The Dudson Factory Outlet, this professional product is available to everyone, either over the counter, or by mail order.

Best quality tableware made for the hospitality industry is for sale at a discount and there are thousands of bargains direct from the factory, at a fraction of the retail price.

Free car parking is available with disabled spaces.

Wheelchair access and facilities.

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Tunstall’s only family firm of Funeral Directors

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God in the Arts - Still Life with Strawberries, Gooseberries and Asparagus: Adriaen Coorte The 6th Sunday of Easter is traditionally Rogation Sunday, when we give thanks for the fruits of the earth and pray for all who work on the land. Rural churches often celebrate nature’s cycle from seeds sown to crops harvested with Plough Sunday, Rogationtide, Lammas and Harvest.

Jesus in His teaching pointed out the miracle of that cycle in the seed – sown in the soil, but springing up to new life; a small beginning that becomes a great plant; a single seed that is multiplied. This month of May marks two seasons in that growth: the harvesting of asparagus and the gathering of strawberries.

They are two signs of the fruitfulness of nature depicted in this beautiful, intimate painting that was given to the National Gallery two years ago by the Dutch collector, Willem van Dedem. It was painted in 1703 by Adriaen Coorte. We know little about him apart from the fact that he lived in Holland and has left us a garland of canvases, all displaying what has been called ‘a wondrous tenderness.’

This painting is an ordinary, unpretentious scene. There is no moral lesson here, no symbolism: simply a depiction of the beauty of creation in miniature. The bowl of strawberries and the bunch of asparagus lie on a stone ledge with some gooseberries and a plum. Each a gift of nature to enjoy and share, and to find there a token of God, the giver of all good things.

‘For everything there is a season,’ and in this month of May with Adriaen Coorte, we give thanks for this bounty of the earth and we pray for farmers and agricultural workers. But more than that – as the hymn tells us, ‘we thank thee then, O Father, for all things bright and good.’

Please pray for the faithful departed, and especially those 8

with anniversaries in May. Jesu, mercy. Mary, pray.

15 Sidney Green Kenneth Pickerill William Moore 16 Lionel Oram Edgar Greatbatch 17 Annie Sheppard Albert Stringer 18 Joseph Everill 19 James Beech Nancy Riley 21 Thomas Clough Catherine Evans 22 Lucy Lawson Phillip Turner Renee Chapman 24 Frederick Doorbar Len Holloway Dorothy White 25 Ronald Cooke 26 Margarette Davenport William Newton Maisie Bourne 29 Margaret Hall Beatrice Fallows 30 Hilda Hollowood 31 Stanley Stockton George Shaw Edward Dawson

2 Samuel Stringer 1974 William Rowley 1979 3 William Jackson 1987 Val Podmore 2019 4 Florence Page 1972 Jane Rushton 1978 5 Christine Bailey 1982 James Dawson 1990 Arthur Houghton 1998 6 Margaret Walley 1961 Barbara Mai 1983 7 Joseph Littler 1971 Cyril Colclough 1980 Harry Deakin 1992 Doris Webb 1998 Lydia Wagner 2002 9 Margaret Hall 1966 10 Brenda Alcock 1999 Marjorie Viggars 2002 11 Joseph Heath 1881 Clifford Malkinson (priest) 1987 Minnie Lloyd 2006 12 John Goodyear 1970 Ross Bossons 1986 Mary Atkins 1988 13 William Lawson 1981 John Oxford 2011 14 Hilda Davies 1968 Elizabeth Clutton 1992 Elsie May Stanier 2001 Elizabeth Bossons 2003 Winifred Oxford 2004

1991 1994 1986 1993 2006 1949 2004 1968 1994 1998 1982 2005 1979 1992 2013 1985 1987 2004 1993 1849 1963 1985 1966 1995 1989 1978 1996 1998

The Monthly Requiem Mass will be on Friday 24th May at 9am 9

St Augustine of Canterbury Augustine, a 6th century Italian prior, holds a unique place in British history. He became the ‘apostle to the English’ – although it was with great reluctance.

In 596 Augustine was chosen by Pope Gregory to head a mission of monks whom he wanted to send to evangelise the Anglo-Saxons. Augustine was not a bold man, and by the time he and his band of priests reached Gaul, they wished to turn back. But Gregory would not hear of it – and bolstered their confidence by sending some more priests out to them, and by consecrating Augustine bishop. Finally, the party, now 40 in number, landed at Ebbsfleet, Kent in 597.

It would be fascinating to have a detailed description of that first meeting between Bishop Augustine and Ethelbert, powerful King of Kent. Whatever Augustine said, it must have been effective, for Ethelbert granted the 40 priests permission to stay in a house in Canterbury. He even allowed them to preach to his people, while he himself considered their message of Christianity. His wife, Bertha, was a Christian princess from Paris, but she does not seem to have played any role in the conversion of Kent.

By 601 Ethelbert and many of his people had been baptised Christians. The mission to the English was well underway. More clergy, some books, a few relics and several altar vessels arrived from Rome. At Gregory’s wise urging, Augustine decided to consolidate the mission in one small area, rather than try and reach all of Kent. So Augustine stayed in Canterbury, where he built the cathedral and founded a school. He left only temporarily to establish a see in London.

Also at Gregory’s wise urging, Augustine did not destroy the pagan temples of the people of Kent, but only the idols in them. Meanwhile, before his death in 604, Augustine helped Ethelbert to draft the earliest Anglo-Saxon written laws to survive – and so influenced British law for centuries to come.

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Children’s Pages - Mouse Makes

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Children’s Pages - Bible Bite

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Advertisers Wanted Would you like to advertise in this magazine?

Full page advert £90 p.a. ½ page advert £55 p.a. ¼ page advert £35 p.a.

Please contact Fr John Stather frjohnstather@gmail.com 01782 838288

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Rogation Sunday Rogation means an asking of God – for blessing on the seed and land for the year ahead. It is appropriate in any emergency, war, plague, drought or foul weather.

The practice began with the Romans, who invoked the help of the gods Terminus and Ambarvalia. In those days a crowd moved in procession around the cornfields, singing and dancing, sacrificing animals, and driving away Winter with sticks. They wanted to rid the cornfields of evil.

About 465 the Western world was suffering from earthquake, storm and epidemic. So Mamertius, Bishop of Vienne, aware of the popular pagan custom, ordered that prayers should be said in the ruined or neglected fields on the days leading up to Ascension. With his decision, ‘beating the bounds’ became a Christian ceremonial.

Rogation-tide arrived in England early in the eighth century, and became a fixed and perennial asking for help of the Christian God. On Rogation-tide, a little party would set out to trace the boundaries of the parish. At the head marched the bishop or the priest, with a minor official bearing a Cross, and after them the people of the parish, with schoolboys and their master trailing along. Most of them held slender wands of willow.

At certain points along the route – at well-known landmarks like a bridge or stile or ancient tree, the Cross halted, the party gathered about the priest, and a litany or rogation is said, imploring God to send seasonable wealth, keep the corn and roots and boughs in good health, and bring them to an ample harvest. At one point beer and cheese would be waiting.

In the days when maps were neither common nor accurate, there was much to be said for ‘beating the bounds’ – still very common as late as the reign of Queen Victoria.

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The Children's Society - Thank you The recent opening of boxes raised £261.85.

Many thanks to all our supporters.

Ann Turrell Smile Lines Do you know your hymns?

Dentist’s Hymn…………Crown Him with Many Crowns Weatherman’s Hymn……… There Shall Be Showers of Blessings Contractor’s Hymn………..The Church’s One Foundation Tailor’s Hymn…………..Holy, Holy, Holy Golfer’s Hymn…………There’s a Green Hill Far Away Sunday School A Sunday school teacher asked her class, “What was Jesus’ mother’s name?”

One child answered that it was Mary. The teacher then asked, “Who knows what Jesus’ father’s name was?”

A little boy said, “Verge.” Confused, the teacher asked what he meant.

The boy said, “Well, you know, they are always talking about Verge n’ Mary.”

Sidesmen Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. ”You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church.”

“Why? Who’s going to stop me?” Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, “See those two men standing by the door? They’re hushers.”

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Clues Across 1 Infant (4) 3 Luis must (anag.) (8) 8 What Jesus called the devil (John 8:44) (4) 9 ‘My God, my God, why have you — me?’ (Matthew 27:46) (8) 11 Collective bishops (10) 14 ‘Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like — ’ (Isaiah 40:31) (6) 15 Ministers of religion (6) 17 Make stronger (1 Thessalonians 3:13) (10) 20 Devoutness (1 Timothy 2:2) (8) 21 The father of Jesse (Ruth 4:22) (4) 22 Pool where Jesus healed a man who had been an invalid for 38 years (John 5:2) (8) 23 ‘[Jesus] said to them, “ — here and keep watch”’ (Mark 14:34) (4) 16

Clues Down 1 Follower of Christ (Acts 16:1) (8) 2 One of the punishments endured by Paul (2 Corinthians 6:5) (8) 4 Soldiers (6) 5 Scholarly study of melody, harmony and rhythm (10) 6 ‘I am God, and there is none — me’ (Isaiah 46:9) (4) 7 ‘And how can they preach unless they are — ?’ (Romans 10:15) (4) 10 Favourable reception (1 Timothy 1:15) (10) 12 Hip orbit (anag.) (8) 13 End of life (Isaiah 22:14) (5,3) 16 ‘About midnight the sailors — they were approaching land’ (Acts 27:27) (6) 18 He married Jezebel (1 Kings 16:30–31) (4) 19 ‘According to your great compassion — out my transgressions’ (Psalm 51:1) (4)

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John and Charles Wesley They were two of 19 children born to Samuel and Susannah Wesley of Epworth Rectory in Lincolnshire in 1703 and 1707, their father was the local rector, while their mother was a spiritual inspiration to her many children.

Both John and Charles went to Christ Church, Oxford (1720 and 1726). John was ordained, and Charles and some friends formed a “Holy Club” while still at college. It consisted of men who dedicated themselves to Bible study, prayer, fasting and good works. Such regular disciplines soon earned Charles the nickname ‘Methodist’. The name stuck.

Both Charles and John felt called to the mission field, and so in 1735 they sailed to Georgia. Their time among Indians in America was not a success – they struggled for any real spiritual authority in their ministries. Feeling failures, they returned to England in some depression. John summed it up: ‘I went to America to convert the Indians; but, oh, who shall convert me?’

John and Charles Wesley then devoted the rest of their lives to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ – and turned England upside-down. When the established Church threw John out, he took to the fields, preaching to coal miners and commoners. His itinerant evangelism took him 250,000 miles on horseback and to preach over 40,000 sermons. His small “societies” attracted some 120,000 followers by the time of his death.

Charles became the most prolific and skilled hymn-writer in English history, writing hymns that are sung widely today, such as “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.” In all, he wrote more than 6,000 hymns.

The legacy of the two brothers lives on. As well as Methodism, their teaching has widely impacted the holiness movement, the Pentecostal movement, and the charismatic movement.

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500 years ago, on 2nd May 1519 that Leonardo Da Vinci, the Italian artist, scientist and inventor, died.

200 years ago, on 24th May 1819 that Queen Victoria was born. (She reigned from 1837 to 1901) 90 years ago, on 4th May 1929 that Audrey Hepburn, Belgian-born British actress, fashion icon and humanitarian, was born. Her film roles included Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady.

75 years ago, on 20th May 1944 that Joe Cocker, British blues/rock singer and musician was born. Noted for his gritty, raspy voice. (Died 2014.)

65 years ago, on 6th May 1954 that British athlete Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. (Three minutes, 59.4 seconds) 50 years ago, on 11th May 1969 that the Monty Python comedy group formed.

40 years ago, on 3rd May 1979 that the British General Election was won by the Conservative Party, and Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female prime minister. The election was triggered when Mrs Thatcher instigated a noconfidence vote against James Callaghan’s Labour government on 28th March.

25 years ago, on 6th May 1994 that the Channel Tunnel linking England and France was officially opened.

Also 25 years ago, on 10th May 1994 that Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president after many years of white rule.

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FAMILY FIVER At Alice Charity we believe that family is everything. That help begins at home and that we can all help vulnerable families, families’ less fortunate than our own.

Family Fiver is a regular giving initiative where your family can donate just £5 a month to help us support families with in the communities of Stoke-on-Trent & Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Helping families to thrive, not just survive; a family that may well be living right next door to you, or a child who is in your child’s class.

Your donation of just £5 a month will enable us to:

• Purchase a microwave / slow cooker, enabling a family to enjoy warm and freshly cooked healthy meals • Buy a bed & bedding for a child co-sleeping, or residing on the sofa or on the floor • Provide transport for teenagers to study at college • Aid Families with emotional support, home visits & support sessions • Deliver furniture, install carpets and home safety equipment, to turn a house into a home

Visit https://alicecharity.com/get-involved/family-fiver to sign up They are in particular need of children’s clothes and nappies (especially toddler size).

The box for donations is at the back of church near to the font.

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John Johnson & Sons Funeral Home Tunstall Tel: 01782 837832

Offering a Service that is Personal and Unique to You and Your Loved One

For A Caring And Professional Approach Contact us.

Offering A Complete Service which includes:

24 Hour Assistance / Horse Drawn Hearse / Quality Floral Tributes Service Stationary / Monumental Service / Sumptuous & Modern Premises Private Chapel Of Rest / N.A.F.D Registered / Eco Friendly Services Pre-paid funeral plans also available giving you and your family a peace of mind knowing that all aspects of your funeral arrangements are cared for.

People caring for people at a time when it is most needed

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Prayer Intentions for May 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Wed Thu Fri Sat SUN Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat SUN Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat SUN Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat SUN Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

S. Joseph S. Athanasius Ss. Philip & James The English Martyrs 3rd Sunday of Easter Yr C

The Unemployed Local Elections The Society Those Persecuted for The Faith Church and Parish The PEVs Recently Elected Councillors Our New Churchwardens The Parochial Church Council Local Businesses Local GPs Residential Care Homes 4th Sunday of Easter Yr C Church and Parish S. Mary’s School S. Matthias Our Bishops Local Funeral Directors The Alice Charity The Society of the Holy Cross The Homeless 5th Sunday of Easter Yr C Church and Parish Stoke-on-Trent City Council The College of Readers Staffordshire Police Ruth Smeeth, MP May Requiem Mass The Faithful Departed S. Bede the Venerable Religious 6th Sunday of Easter Yr C Church and Parish Bishop Jonathan Staffordshire Fire & Rescue West Midlands Ambulance Service The Ascension The Deanery Visitation of the BVM Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

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Parish Groups and Activities The Choir Contact Selwyn Viggars - 835336. Choir practice is on Thursday at 7pm.

The Sunday School Contact Sue Barnett - 776073 or come to the Church hall at 9:50am on Sunday.

The Bell Ringers Contact the tower Captain, Ray Ballard - 785586 or meet at Church on Thursdays at 8pm.

The Flower arrangers Contact Marylyn Condlyffe - 814509, who will arrange flowers in Church for you in memory of a loved one and accept any donations towards the cost of flowers.

The Men’s Group (with other local Churches) Details of meetings will be announced in Church and on the pew leaflets.

The Mums and Toddlers Group Contact Sue Barnett - 776073.

Meet in the Church hall on Tuesdays 9:15am - 11:15am for Pre-school activities, during term time. Each session costs just £1.50. Refreshments are provided.

The Brownies Contact Yvonne Hampton - 911363.

Meet in the Church Hall on Thursday evenings at 6pm.

The Guides Contact Kim Griffiths - 07931975617.

Meet in the church hall on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm.

Church Hall Hire Contact Alan Brereton - 814269. You can hire the Church hall for your own meetings/parties/lunch/wedding receptions, funeral buffets etc. £18 per hour to hire, including use of the kitchen.

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Sunday Services 8am Said Mass 10am Sung Mass 6.30pm Evening Prayer & Benediction Usual Weekday Masses Monday 9am S. Mary’s School (in term time) Tuesday 9.30am Christ Church Wednesday 10am Christ Church Thursday 10am Christ Church Friday 9am Christ Church Saturday Festivals, Saints Days and other services as announced.

See weekly news sheet for details.

Confessions by appointment with Fr John.

For any queries please contact the Vicar: Fr John Stather SSC 01782 838288 frjohnstather@gmail.com

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