Shepherd’s Watch The magazine for and by the people of the Good Shepherd www.goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk December 2012
60p
The Godbaby Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary The Lovey Foundation In the steps of SS Paul and Barnabas Events Tea Club Hidden Books Victor on badger watch Is Jesus for ever the same
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Merry Christmas
Cover image Š Robert Young | Dreamstime.com
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The Good Shepherd Magazine
Associate Curate
Vicar
Revd. Felix Mascarenhas The Vicarage, 272 Dyke Road Brighton BN1 5AE Tel (01273) 882987 vicar@goodshepherdbrighton. org.uk
Reader
Dec 2012
Revd Christyan James 14 St Mary’s Square Brighton BN2 1FZ Tel 07595910443; 241753 Christyanj@yahoo.com
Churchwarden James Baxter 18 The Lynchetts, Shoreham-bySea, BN43 5GZ Tel. (01273) 241653 Mob. 07584 255724 Email: jwsb888@yahoo.co.uk
Stewardship Secretary Michael Miller David Nissen 68 Ainsworth Avenue, 1 Shirley Road, Hove, BN3 6NN Ovingdean, Brighton BN2 7BG Tel (01273) 240287 Tel (01273) 554183 dnissen@btinternet.com Parish Office The Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.30 to 10.30. The Parish Office telephone number is (01273) 553747 While every effort is made to ensure all information in Shepherd’s Watch is correct, neither the Parochial Church Council nor the individual contributors can be held responsible or accept liability for any errors and/or omissions. The PCC does not endorse the companies, products and services that appear in Shepherd’s Watch. Responsibility for any loss, damage or distress resulting from the use of or reliance on any information in Shepherd’s Watch, however caused, is disclaimed by the Parochial Church Council.
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The Godbaby “He cries and he wees” Is it a Christian ad? And is it good enough for Christmas? Does the advertisement sound rude? Well, we are all busy these days and most people are in the supermarkets. And why not! Christmas is at hand and thus the buying spree. How can then one catch hold of people’s attention? Many look for a doll, symbolically, as a gift and here it is; one that provokes a much deeper thought. Many dolls are technologically set to wee and to cry. But they will stop there. Remember the lines of the famous carol, “Away in a manger”? “But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes” would go against this ad. Here comes a message that this doll is different: He comes to save the world and give a new hope; it is a God baby! To many children of today, this could be a novelty and the Good News. The ad is definitely meeting the people where they are. And that is the essence of Christmas: God comes to where and how we are. In the babe Jesus, he becomes one of us. And to cry and to wee, besides eating, are just normal functions of a child. Fine arts offer beautiful images of baby Jesus, like many of those children seen in the TV adverts. But this one is one as if lacking in beauty and odd looking. Isn’t that the message of Christmas too? He comes to save all, particularly those not perfect! A happy and joyful Christmas to all! Revd. Felix Mascarenhas
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‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others’. Philippians 2:4 In the Middle ages, churches were used for a variety of functions such as courtroom, school and library, and hosted meetings, elections, debates, plays and festivities. In fact, until relatively recently, churches were multifunctional community centres. After the nineteenth-century restriction of secular uses of churches, attitudes are now changing again. Today church buildings are significantly under-utilised as regrettably, for a variety of reasons, the number of people attending continues to dwindle - while overheads continue to place a strain on already straitened finances - despite being physically prominent in their locality. However, even if they already organise or host activities during the week, it is believed that there is likely to be huge additional potential to benefit the local community, support church mission and, where necessary or appropriate, earn valuable income. Extended and additional uses of church buildings can take several forms: research reveals that many are now being used for cultural activities, such as exhibitions, drama performances, rehearsals and concerts; some are hosting a café, post office, shops or a cybercafé; or other community services like mother and toddler groups, playgroups, drop-ins for youth groups or elderly people. Churches can also be important resources for schools. It is against this background that I offered to undertake a feasibility study and consider a number of other aspects to support our marketing strategy for Felix and the PCC that involves an examination of existing arrangements and anticipates approaching members of the congregation with a view to determining whether they have skills or abilities that may assist the development of a programme. I am pleased to report that as at the date of writing I am making steady progress. Several members of the congregation have
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submitted suggestions - for which, many thanks - and in particular I would like to thank Jacynth Sanders for providing an introduction to an organisation that may wish to take advantage of church facilities. Are there others among you that have contacts? I am also in touch with other organisations e.g. AgeUK that may be interested in establishing ‘partnerships’ with churches. A small project team has been formed now comprising: Michael Miller, Louise Hotchkiss, Robin Banerjee and me. At its first meeting on 1 October it was agreed that Louise and Robin will confer with their friends in the ‘Time for God’ Group with a view to determining the perspective of the younger members of the congregation concerning things that the church might additionally offer the community. Naturally I am aware that many members of the congregation do not wish to see the church changed. But in all conscience can we ignore the fact that, in real terms, it is used for little more than a few hours a week: can we ignore the message being conveyed to all churches ‘use it or lose it’. Having said that, I believe that changes should be relevant - not simply changes for change’s sake. It follows that in addressing my task I am focusing on projects that accord with the ideals of the church and am seeking to avoid disturbance - this is where I need your help. I suspect that many of you have untapped skills and abilities and know people that could assist in developing a programme of activities in the church that would require minimal upheaval. I have in mind that given the excellent acoustics, the building lends itself to choral and orchestral events e.g. concerts, a community choir for people that enjoy popular music, a debating society or lecture programme and exhibitions. It also occurs to me that there is a place for some form of youth activity and drama. Doubtless many of you will have other ideas. It goes without saying that many of these activities need project leaders and I suspect that if we are able to establish partnerships with organisations such as AgeUK there may be a need for volunteers. Please, can you help? Neil Kelly
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HOPSCOTCH
Jo Halling
Operations Director
9, Aymer Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 4GB Tel: 01273 385577
office@hopscotch.uk.com
www.hopscotch.uk.com
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Parish Christmas cards Once again we are distributing Christmas cards to all homes in the Parish. The image on the front of the card is the one on the front of this magazine. We are distributing the card rather early so that we can include our Advent services on Sunday 2 December. To get the best price for printing the cards, we need to order many more than we need for Parish and Church distribution. There are therefore plenty of spares. So if you possibly can please take some to hand out at your school or workplace or to send to friends and relations. Two cards can also be used to make an attractive display in the rear window of your car or elsewhere. Peter Rose
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Guild of Servants of the Sanctuary The Servers’ Guild was founded on December 3rd 1898 at a meeting of priests and laymen in Church House, Westminster. Fr. Denny, Vicar of St.Peter’s, Vauxhall was elected the first Warden and Fr,Deedes, Vicar of St.John the Divine, Kennington, was elected the first ChaplainGeneral. The Guild Office was compiled the next year and in 1902, Fr, Frere, CR (later Bishop of Truro) was responsible for the plainchant setting, which present members know. Membership of the Guild is open to any communicant altar server who ‘unreservedly accepts Catholic Faith and practice,’ The Guild grew rapidly in numbers from the turn of the century; the country is divided into Areas and then Chapters. Each Chapter meets usually monthly to sing the Office or for Mass. There are social events also. Throughout the year there are a number of Area Festivals, as well as the National Festivals on Easter Saturday (with the A.G.M. – always in London) and Autumn Festival in a Cathedral or large parish church in the provinces. The Guild still has a part to play a century after being founded. The Objects of the Guild are still important and meaningful, for they are basically a call to holiness. “without which no man shall see God.” Information about the Guild may be obtained from Terry Doughty, 7 Church Avenue, Leicester, LE3 6AJ. Tel. 0116 2620308 or Email: Admin@GSSonline.org,uk or visit the Guild website at www.GSSonline.org.uk
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The Lovey Foundation My name is Yaa, I live in Maldon Road and I have been attending the Church of the Good Shepherd since November 2009. I was drawn to the church when buying a paper one Sunday morning I decided to respond to the peal of the church bells. I was made welcome, enjoyed the service and decided to continue attending. In September last year I moved to Ghana, for a year to take up a Thomas, the founder of the Lovey Foundation post as a lecturer at the Univer- and Yaa outside the hostel in Bawku where Yaa stayed sity of Education Winneba (UEW) in the Department of Social Studies. My father was Ghanaian and I was fulfilling a long held wish to get to know his country, having lived in England all my life. I was given a small flat on the university campus situated in the fishing town of Winneba on Ghana’s south coast. Most of my students already held basic qualifications as teachers, but UEW offered them the opportunity to study at honours degree level. This would entitle them to better terms and conditions as teachers and give them access to promotional opportunities. Early on in my stay, I was approached by one of my students, Thomas Aruk who asked for my assistance in setting up a Foundation to help children who were unable to access school due to their families’ intense poverty. I was interested in his ideas but having never before been involved in setting up an NGO (Non Government Organisation) I felt a little out of my depth. Thomas assured me that he would be praying for me to help him, generally he impressed me with his calm and patient approach and his apparent faith. I met several times with Thomas and I was struck both by his conviction that he must do something to help the poor children of his region, Bawku, and also by his humility and Christian faith. He told me that when he had worked as a teacher in Kuloko Primary School, Bawku, he noticed that some children did not attend school and were working in the local stone quarry, breaking stones or leading
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donkeys carrying loads of firewood. He had asked them why they were not at school as basic education is free in Ghana, they told him that it was because their parents or guardians could not afford the uniforms or the rudimentary equipment that would enable them to attend. Thomas had already gained support and interest from key members of the Bawku community, when he asked me to support him to write a constitution for the Lovey (to rhyme with OK) Foundation. He wanted help in obtaining ongoing funding to support the children’s costs of attending school and, importantly, Thomas and his wife Genet planned to work with the children’s parents and guardians to encourage them to send their children (particularly their daughters) to school. It was at this point that I too felt that I needed support and emailed Michael Miller from the Church of the Good Shepherd, to explain the aims of the Foundation to him and to ask whether he felt that members of the church might be interested in getting involved. Michael’s support was forthcoming. So far, all that I had to go on was Thomas’ own assessment of the situation in Bawku. Although he gave every impression of being genuine and caring; ‘Lovey’ is Thomas’ nickname and means a kind person or a good neighbour. I decided to arrange a research visit to Bawku to see the situation for myself and whether it was the way that Thomas had described it. So in June 2012 I arranged a week’s trip to Bawku to research the situation of the children and their parents and guardians and to interview committee members of the Lovey Foundation. Taking the coach from the capital Accra, the journey took 15 gruelling hours from the southern coast to the much poorer northern region of Ghana; I arrived at Bawku bus station at 4.00am to be met by Thomas and his wife, who had been praying for my safe arrival and were delighted to greet me. The research process necessitated Thomas, his brother Raymond who acted as interpreter, and myself riding miles on bicycles along dusty roads and narrow tracks between fields to stop at small settlements of clay huts to meet the six children and their guardians. These were children who Thomas already had identified as being unable to attend school because of dire poverty. Most of the ploughed fields were planted with crops, which were clearly in need of rain. Thomas explained that the majority of people in the area lived off the land as peasant farmers. We saw many such farmers and many children working in the fields and stopping to greet us as we rode past. The well being of the community depends on the quality of harvests; when the
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rain either failed or come down too heavily to flood the crops, whole communities would go hungry. In addition Bawku is the site of intense and destructive ethnic clashes brought about by chieftaincy disputes that date back to the British colonial rulers installing chiefs from outside ethnic groups who did not have the Ambambilla, aged 12, who dreams of becoming a doctor, with right to rule accord- her grandmother ing to local tribal law. The instability brought about by the sporadic but bloody conflict has led to many of the most able and ambitious young people moving out of the area to find employment elsewhere. As a consequence numerous children have been left with elderly grandparents or relatives with meagre resources to fend for them. My research (available on request) led me to be able to endorse the picture the Thomas had given me about the plight of the poorest children in Bawku. The six children that I met and interviewed as case studies all shared an overwhelming desire to attend school. Aged between 6 and 13, they were all illiterate. A lack of basic resources, particularly of school uniform, shoes or sandals, exercise books and pencils kept them from being able to attend school. As we travelled around the area we saw and spoke to many other children. Some of them were driving donkey carts loaded with firewood, others were chopping firewood, others were looking after animals or working in the fields and some were working with the women in the stone quarry, cracking stones with chisels, for sale to local builders. It was just as Thomas had said. When we asked these children why they were not at school, most of them indeed answered that it was because their parents or carers could not afford uniforms or shoes. Some also said that their families needed the income that they were able to earn in order to make ends meet. Interviewing the children made me realise just how terribly limited their
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life chances were. The children themselves were painfully aware of how their only hope to make a decent life was to receive education. One girl of 12, became tearful when telling me how badly she wanted to attend school as she dreamt of becoming a doctor. Three of the children lived with their grandparents, their parents having moved away to try to earn money and had left them with aging grandparents. The children’s carers also said that they would prefer the children to attend school to increase their life chances but, because of the dire poverty they lived in, they were not able to provide the uniforms and equipment that the children needed. By setting up the Lovey Foundation, Thomas has established the possibility of support for these families in Bawku. For the children to attend school they need the following equipment. School uniform Shoes or sandals School bag Exercise books Pens, pencils, erasers and sharpeners For one child to be so equipped a budget of 74 Ghana cedis will be needed – about £25. The six children that I interviewed as well as 4 other children were identified by Thomas as being as being in priority need in the area surrounding Kuloko primary school in Bawku, so the initial funding required is for just £250 to allow these ten children to attend school. The progress of these children will be tracked and evidence collected to show that the money has been spent on equipping the children to attend school and that they are doing so. As yet the Lovey Foundation is fledgling although it has now been formally constituted, The Church of the Good Shepherd would be its first international donor and it is hoped that interest can be generated and close connections be fostered between the church and the Lovey Foundation. In the new year I will give a presentation about my research in Bawku and hope to gain interest and support to initially enable these ten children in Bawku to attend school and to continue to support other children and thereby open up new opportunities for them and their communities in the Bawku district of Ghana. If you require further information please contact Yaa
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In the steps of SS Paul and Barnabas Pilgrimage/Holiday to Cyprus 17 to 24 October 2013 (Places still available) Some 26 people have now signed up for the visit to Cyprus in October next year. This is plenty to enable me to take forward our bookings and I have begun to make reservations. However I can still take bookings. We will be staying at the Avanti hotel in Paphos. This is a fourstar hotel which was recently refurbished. It has outdoor and indoor swimming pools and a gym. The en-suite rooms all have TV, mini bar, and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel web site is http://www.avantihotel.com/hotel We will visit some of the locations which SS Paul and Barnabas visited on their missionary journey in Cyprus. We will also visit a number of other places, including: the painted Churches of Trodos, the divided capital of Nicosia (shopping) & Green Line; Neolithic sites; Roman sites of Kurion and Temple of Apollo; Paphos Mosaics & Tombs of the Kings; Sunday Eucharist at Agia Kyriaki. There will be leisure time for swimming/ sunbathing and of course for eating out. There are still places available if you are interested in joining this holiday. Currently the cost is about ÂŁ700 per person sharing a room and ÂŁ800 for a room for single occupation. This cost will include: return air travel from Gatwick to Paphos; bed and breakfast accommodation in the Avanti hotel; dinner or lunch on seven days; airport transfer; coach excursions to all locations in roomy air conditioned coach; guide services and entrance fees. I should be able to keep this cost for any further bookings made before the end of the year. An outline itinerary is on the Church web site at: http://www.goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk/cyprus.htm where you can also download a booking form. Peter Rose
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Events SUSSEX HISTORIC CHURCHES, RIDE &STRIDE: To celebrate this annual event on the 8th of September, a group of our parish went walking, -not cycling!- visiting the Churches around Brighton. We entered in 8 churches that day, and there was more than just visiting and walking on this occasion. As we walked, under the beautiful September skies, it was a relaxed time for chit-chat and knowing one another a little more. That is not possible when we gather to celebrate on Sundays. One often comes across those surprises and unexpected welcomes. One of the churches, though having the Sussex Historic churches day welcome on the door, it was also was also saying no entry on that same door. In another church we had some good offers of books, so some did not hesitate to do their shopping; and still in another, we had to calm down an inebriated person. With a coffee stop at mid-day we walked and walked. All felt it was a wonderful experience. It was like the journey of life, when we have to walk together and live all that comes by as we walk. And these surprises is when faced with others is much greater fun than when faced in loneliness.
CTP SONGS OF PRAISE: On Sunday 21st of October, the Churches together in Preston came at our church to celebrate “Songs of praise”. It was an appropriate season, -just a week away from the Bible Sunday,to celebrate and reflect on the Word of God. It was attended by about 45 people from various churches around. The readings and the hymns well set and wisely chosen, provided all a great opportunity to deepen one’s faith and understand the relevance of God’s word in this world. The evening ended with light refreshments at the back of the church.
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EVENTS (continued) HARVEST: The Harvest supper with dance on Saturday 29th Sept . ushered in the Harvest festival. The ploughman’s supper satisfied the hungry and joyful dancers gathered for the music provided by EPIC 80’s. The Harvest Eucharist attended by the families reminded us of thanking the Lord for every gift we receive. On this occasion as our giving, we supported Mother’s Union Relief Fund, and a cheque of £1000.00 was sent. The church windows were all decorated with plants, leaves, flowers and fruits from the gardens of Sussex by our church members. Our thanks go to the Social committee and the flower girls for their organisation.
ALTON ABBEY RETREAT: As usual, Jean Eke was kind enough to arrange the annual retreat for a group of our members at Alton Abbey. The 5th to 7th of October was the week-end when some drove off in order to nourish their souls with the peace and serenity found in that abbey. The monks were very welcoming and kind in taking care of the group. Our next retreat is to be from 27th to 29th of Sept. next year.
MEMORIAL BOOK CASE DEDICATION: We had a special celebration on Sunday 16th of September. During the service of 10.15am, the Dedication of a Memorial bookcase was held amidst a large crowd of parishioners. Built in solid oak with panelled sides, glazed lockable lid and brass hinges, the case is dedicated in memory of Audrey Foster. Our Stoneham Memorial Garden Register contains the names of those whose Ashes are buried in the garden at the back of the church. The Register is now deposited in the Book Case which is laid in the Lady Chapel where usually our ceremony of laying of the Ashes begin.
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The idea of this Book case came about from Audrey’s daughter Donna Zarowny who lives in Canada. Through our website Donna came to know that the church where her mother worshiped was still there and decided that some offering in her mum’s memory could be done. Thus she opted for the Memorial Book Case. It was wonderful to have Donna and Steve who came all the way from Canada to attend the celebration.
CHURCH REORDERING/COMMUNITY NEEDS: A small group of people is working very hard to study the needs of our parish community and those in the city and accordingly create space at the back of the church. Without going for any structural changes, we hope to make the church more welcoming and yet more useful to various groups for their needs. Your suggestions are welcome too.
BONFIRE NIGHT: Friday November 9th was a wonderful evening. It was cold enough to remind us of the season but not bitter. Felix had created his usual wonderful bonfire which glowed and flame wonderfully. Small people were delighted with the long sparklers as they created wonderful shining shapes in the dark air. The sky seemed to be like black velvet creating a wonderful backdrop. When the big fireworks – and there were so many – multicoloured showering , shapes exploded above with hissing and bangs it was really delightful. And then….. After only a few tiny raindrops we retired to the hall for beans, baked potatoes, sausages and rolls. I don’t know when the hall has been so full with people of all ages. It was lovely to see so many friends of all ages there. We are so fortunate to have Felix and so many helpers and cooks to give us such an evening. I think it was my best fireworks night ever – and I have had a lot, including a few Divalis. Thank you all so much. Afterthought – I wonder who put the chairs away and cleared up! Thank you all.
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Hymns and Pimms. Can I think of nothing but Food and Drink ? Hymns and Pimms! The district certainly experienced the sight and sound of Church Folk and their friends having fun on the afternoon of Sunday August 19th. The event was postponed from August 12th to let people enjoy the closing ceremony of London 2012 Olympics. As Sally Rankin bravely struggled with lists and taking money by the Vicarage garden gate we must have had well over a hundred parishioners and friends sitting in the garden at six o’clock. It was fortunate we were in the garden as we might have lifted the church roof. The singing was aided by the Pimms and one lady (she lives opposite the church!) was persuaded reluctantly to sing a solo verse in a very sweet voice. Besides our congregation members, there were a few from other parishes of the North Brighton Group. A special word of thanks was given to Fr Eric Pollard who came along with a large group from his parish. The musicians on key-board, violin and saxophone were well synchronized to sustain the hundred voices. Though in the open air, with people spread over all the garden, the newly acquired sound system made the singing and communication much easier. At a certain point, half-way through the hymns, the cooks -who were far away busy cooking- were kindly requested on the microphone, to get the food ready 10 minutes earlier than the schedule. The choir director had to make that request very humbly as he had previously said “God made the foods and the devil the cooks”. There is no doubt people enjoy singing. What a wonderful way to sing praises to the Lord and thank him for everything! A chicken and sausages BBQ with lovely salads, rolls and relishes. It must have been very hard work. Thank you all so very much. Mouse. Sarah Wren (R.I.P.) We have come to know that Sarah passed away in Spain where she has been living during the past few years. As we pray for her eternal repose, we remember her fondly for, amongst other things, all the help she gave in the running of our parish office, and her enthusiastic support as a member of the choir.
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Worship at Sea It was very cheering to go to the large theatre area on the cruise ship on Sunday morning and find it well filled with worshippers. I had wondered whether there would be just a few of us as we were on holiday. Not so! All levels of crew were there and many passengers. It is so good to belong to something so big. BUT so very good to be back with the Good Sheep at the end of the holiday.
Spectacles collected on behalf of Rotary for use overseas Many thanks to all the people who supported this collection. We were able to hand over a large bag of used spectacles and have received a letter from Brighton Rotarians saying “Thank you”. Daisy Walpole
Other collections Hard plastic bottle tops are still being sought – there is an item in the Chichester Magazine about the use made of them. Joyce Studd or Daisy will accept these on behalf of Andrew Howat – he passes them on for use. Used stamps and post cards – Joyce Studd will collect these and they are valued by some charities. We shall try to arrange for collection in a way which does not create litter.. Watch this space and don’t throw the used stamps away when you open your Christmas Cards.
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Tea Club The Tea Club is doing well with numbers increasing each month. In September we had a visit from Prestonville Trefoil Guild and enjoyed a good afternoon with poems and songs. In October the Handbell Ringers came and some of us were allowed to ring with them and created an interesting version of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star while the rest of the group sang along. Everyone went away smiling after a happy afternoon – the cakes were good, too. In November twenty seven of us visited Ditchling Garden Centre. Unfortunately, the minibus failed to arrive having had a breakdown – at least we had not set off and got marooned!! A wonderful group of volunteer drivers managed to fit everyone in their cars and everyone enjoyed the beautiful Christmas decorations and the tea and cakes. We all managed to sit at adjoining tables and it was a beautiful sunny day with a wonderful sunset on our way home. On December third we shall be holding our Christmas Party with Lancing Prep School choir to entertain us. Please come along at 1.30 pm. Everyone is welcome. There will be no meeting in January, but in February Jackie Duncan will be telling us all about U.K.. In March we shall have Joanna leading us through “Gentle Exercises” which we so much enjoyed at the April meeting this year. April next year will be on the 8th and we shall be playing Bingo – a great favourite. We hope to see you there . Marguerite Harland.
Grub Club The next Grub Club meeting will be in January when we are hoping to organise a fundraising event for Chestnut Tree House, the Sussex children’s hospice based at Arundel. It’s still at the planning stage so further details will be on the service sheet later in the year. But keep the date free – Monday 21 January 2013. As usual, there will not be a meeting in December because everyone is usually busy with other things and preparations for Christmas. Daisy and Pat
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Hidden Books Can you find fifteen books from the Bible hidden in the following text? I came upon this remarkable paragraph and having read it several times, realised that there were fifteen Books of the Bible hidden in the text. I know not if it was by design or purely a fluke. I challenged my friends to find the fifteen and some kept looking so hard for the facts they became confused and questioned the truth of the statement. Some queried the numbers and a few were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalised. To others it was too big a job to some a complete revelation. I must confess I found it a most fascinating search, especially when I had completed the task. Yes, there are some really difficult ones to spot; you may require judges to help you. I will admit it usually takes some time to find the fifteenth; there will be loud lamentations when it is found. One friend said she brews a cup of tea to help her concentrate. See how well you compete. Relax now, for there are fifteen books of the Bible hidden here.
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Christmas Quiz It’s that time of year again – and, yes, there will be a quiz for Christmas 2012! As last year, there will be 50 clues and the price will again be kept to £1. There will be prizes, of course. The quiz will go on sale on Sunday 9 December and will be available until Christmas Day. The closing date for entries is Sunday 5 January 2013 and we’ll announce the winners in the hall on the following Sunday. The questions will be a mix of factual, anagrams and cryptic – some easy, some requiring some thought. Buy your copy(ies) as soon as you can – it gives you maximum time to think up the answers. If you can take extra copies to sell to your friends, it will be a help as all profits go towards the church upkeep. If you want copies and don’t see me around, give me a call on 555954 (or email pandrhunter@gmail.com and I’ll see you get them. The subject this year? You’ll have to wait and see but you might like to start swatting up on geography... Pat Hunter
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VICTOR ON BADGER WATCH Constance has sent me to look after Henry my father in law who can't boil an egg His wife has gone to Dorset to stay with her sister. Arriving at Henry's house I was astonished to find Henry in his dinner jacket with his war medals on the kitchen table. 'Where do you think you are going '? I asked him' Have you told Constance? . 'Certainly not, I am going to a regimental dinner 'You cant go to London alone, I will drive you. 'Nonsense dear boy ! besides I have made all the arrangements and here is the Taxi. ’ ‘What shall I tell Constance when she telephones?’ ‘Tell her we were out badger watching. Victor, I’m going. This is the first dinner I’ve been to in years.’ With that he picked his medals up from the table, shoved them into his overcoat pocket and set off down the garden path. He looked remarkably spry for his 85 years. I put a message on Henry’s answer phone – We’ve gone badger watching, love Victor. I felt guilty, but I called Charlie. ‘Can I come round?’ ‘Of course,’ said Charlie. ‘I’ll put out some peanuts. The badgers should be out and about in this warm weather.’ My favourite childhood character was Mr Badger in Kenneth’s Grahame’s marvellous tale, The Wind in the Willows. Mole had long wanted to make the acquaintance of Badger. He seemed by all accounts to be such an important personage and although he himself was rarely visible, his unseen influence was felt by everybody about the place. ‘It’s alright,’ Rat would say, ‘Badger will turn up some day or other – he’s always turning up – but you must not only take him as you find him, but when you find him. Charlie lives on the edge of Haywards Heath. There is a badger
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Dec 2012
sett in an old piece of scrubland near the bottom of his garden. Charlie reckons there are at least six badgers living nearby. And he has seen a boar, and a sow and three cubs. I sat with Charlie in his conservatory. We had a few beers. It was getting late, would this be another badger-less watch? Charlie held up his hand. There was a heavy-footed rustling and a large badger ambled up the garden lawn. ‘It’s the boar,’ whispered Charlie. Despite the winter months, he looked strong, well-fed and had extraordinarily wide shoulders. The badger appeared to stare at us, turned and walked across the lawn, through the hedge and into the next door garden. ‘Did he see us?’ I asked. ‘I don’t expect so, badgers are very shortsighted, but he may have smelled us.’ ‘Where is he off to?’ ‘You never can tell with badgers.’ I was thrilled to have seen such a marvellous animal. I felt quite humble. ‘I must go, Charlie. Henry’s gone to London.’ ‘By himself?’ asked Charlie. ‘Does Constance know?’ ‘Yes,’ I said, ‘And, no, Constance doesn’t know.’ When I got back to Hurstpierpoint there were no messages on the answer machine. What a relief! I resolved to wait up for Henry. He could tell me about his smart dinner and I would tell him about the badger. The next thing I knew, the phone was ringing. It was 6am; I had fallen asleep. Where the devil is Henry I thought as I ran to answer the phone. Victor
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The Good Shepherd Magazine
Dec 2012
Job Vacancy Are you interested in the mechanics of church bells – but haven’t the time to commit to learning to ring at the moment? Could you spare a few hours a year to help maintain our church bells? If so, we desperately need you to be our Steeplekeeper! Anyone from 18 years upwards can do it. You just need to be able to climb the ladder to the belfry and clamber round the frame to reach each of the 8 bells for the twice yearly inspection and maintenance. We will also ask you to tie muffles onto the bell clappers for events such as the service on Remembrance Sunday and occasionally to remove a worn rope and replace it after repair. Training will be arranged and there will always be help available to you from the county association. If you think you can do it, please contact me, Pat Hunter, on 555954 or pandrhunter@gmail.com We’re coming up to the Christmas period which is busy for the ringers. We’ll ring before the Christmas Carol Service, for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas morning. Our new ringers are doing really well and hopefully we’ll be able to include them in our band for some Christmas ringing. The Good Shepherd bellringers wish all readers of Shepherds Watch a happy and peaceful Christmas and we look forward to ringing you a welcome to the church in 2013. Pat Hunter Tower Captain
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The Good Shepherd Magazine
Dec 2012
The Advent Wreath From the Mothers’ Union magazine Families First Buy a circular piece of florist’s oasis with a hole in the middle. Push in four red, long and fairly thin candles evenly around the wreath. Fill the gaps with holly, ivy or any other greenery, plastic or real. You can even use shiny red apples. In the middle of the wreath place a large, fat white candle – the Christmas Candle. Explain: The circular wreath reminds us that God is eternal, without beginning or end. The greenery speaks of our new life in Christ and hope of eternal life. The candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world. Each candle has a specific meaning. Light one the first week, two the second and so on, until all five are lit on Christmas Eve itself, creating your own prayers and liturgies, based on the themes below. The Candle of Hope Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ in what is often a dark world. Who walks in darkness and needs our special prayers at this time? The Candle of Peace Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace that Christ came to bring. Which countries are at war and need our prayers tonight? The Candle of Love Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love that Christ gives us – even for those we don’t always like. Which ‘enemies’ do we want to bless tonight?
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The Good Shepherd Magazine
Dec 2012
The Candle of Joy Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ that is so much deeper than mere happiness. Who is sad, oppressed or persecuted tonight and needs to know real joy? The Christ Candle This candle represents the birth of Christ. The flame reminds us that Christ is the light of the world. The light shines in the darkness and that darkness cannot put it out. If we follow Christ, we will never walk in darkness, but will have the true light of life. Let the light of his coming fill this home and all who come to it. Michele Guinness
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Dec 2012
IS JESUS FOR EVER THE SAME? How joyfully people sing ‘Yesterday, today for ever Jesus is the same’ and how often do they ponder what Jesus would do when they are faced with one of our present day predicaments. As Christians we believe that through his resurrection Jesus is ever-present; but when we ask the question ‘What would Jesus do?’ is it the Christ of the first century we are asking, or are we addressing the Christ of our own times? A moment’s thought should suffice to convince us that Jesus is not trapped in the paradigm of His own lifetime on earth, but His spirit is alive and operating on our hearts and minds in the framework of the 21st century. How could we say that He is truly among us if we persist in viewing him in His historical setting? Just as the Scriptures should be interpreted and understood in the context of our own lives, so should we understand how Christ would respond to the moral issues of today. Many present day Christians do not appreciate the great disservice we do to the Gospels by failing to interpret them in the light of our own times. When considering the desirability of appointing women as bishops, how can any well-informed person argue from the premise that Jesus chose only men to be his disciples, or that God gave Adam dominion over Eve? Of course, not all the arguments put forward in the recent Synod are so extravagant as to invite ridicule. However, at the core of the objections to the measure to admit women to the episcopate I suspect that there lies a conviction that the Jesus of the Scriptures is unchangeable. Is the spiritual life always to be fixed and never to evolve? This surely cannot be if Jesus is to be a true guide and comforter in our changed and ever-changing world.
David Nissen
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Dec 2012
Relief Appeal - Thank you 'On behalf of Mothers' Union I would like to thank everyone at the Church of the Good Shepherd for generously giving over £1000 towards the Relief Appeal this Harvest. Every year, because of the kindness of supporters like you, Mothers' Union members are able to provide emergency support to families around the world whose lives have been devastated by disaster. Your donation will provide food, warmth and shelter to families in need, thank you. For more information about Mothers' Union's work please visit www.themothersunion.org' Catherine Strawbridge Community & Individual Giving Fundraiser Mothers' Union Mothers' Union is a Christian mission organisation working through grassroots membership to support families and communities around the world. www.themothersunion.org
Joining the Mothers’ Union When I first became an Anglican I was startled to be invited to join the Mothers Union as I was already a grandmother. I did nothing about it for a long time and then Christine James loaned me one of the MU booklets when I was planning my Intercessions. I put aside my ideas of a “women only” – and only “good” women. I don’t know where those silly ideas had come from, but I am very pleased to be involved in the wonderful work going on round the world. My thanks to Christine for prodding me into action. Daisy Walpole
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The Good Shepherd Magazine
Dec 2012
Mothers' Union calendar for the next 3 months: Saturday 1st December 9am Corporate Communion in the Lady Chapel Thursday 6th December 7.30pm Pre Christmas get together at 7 The Paddock, Hove. Drinks, nibbles and a 'fun' quiz Saturday 5th January 9am Corporate Communion in the Lady Chapel Thursday 10th January 12 noon New Year lunch at the Old Tollgate, Bramber Saturday 2nd February 9am Corporate Communion in the Lady Chapel Thursday 14th February 2.45pm Talk Time led by Pat Hunter at 29 The Martlet, Hove Saturday 23rd February 10.30 till 12.30 Wheels Appeal Coffee Morning Thursday 28th February 7.30pm AGM and Bring and Buy at 77 Hove Park Road, Hove A very warm welcome to Christine Richardson and Daisy Walpole who were admitted to the Mothers' Union at our corporate communion service on 3rd November. Christine James
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Dec 2012
OUR REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES: 8am, Holy Communion, 10.15am, Parish Eucharist 10.15am, “Time for God”, informal worship for all, in the Church Hall. On the 3rd Sunday of each month there is a single Family Eucharist in Church at 10.15 Eucharist: Thurs at 10.30am followed by Coffee and on Sat at 9am
December 2012 2nd: Advent I, Advent Carol Service, 6.30pm 3rd Tea Club, 1.30pm 9th : Advent II, Children’s Christmas party, 12pm 12th : Lancing Prep in church - am 12th : B&H J Girls School Concert, 4pm 13th :Lancing Prep School Carol Service, 2pm 14th :Windlesham School Christmas Service, 10.30am 15th : Carol Concert in the church 16th :Advent III, Carol Service, 5pm 24th : Christmas eve, Crib Service, 6pm 24th : Midnight Mass, 11.30pm 25th :Eucharist, 8am and Family Eucharist, 10.15am
January 2013 21st : Grub Club 25th : Family Challenge/Games Evening 7pm
February 2013 3rd : Candlemas & Christingle, 10.15am 3rd Tea Club, 1.30pm 13th :Ash Wednesday, Eucharist at 7.30pm (Lent Courses begin) 18th : Grub Club 24th : Lent II, Brownies’ Sunday (Family Eucharist)10.15am 26th :Eucharist with Ashes, 10.15am
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Our Service Times Sunday Worship 8am Holy Communion 10:15 Sung Eucharist* 10:15 Time for God** 6.30pm: check on the web *On the 3rd Sunday of each month this will be a Family Eucharist to which children are particularly welcome. ** Time for God” Services are held in the Church Hall. Weekday Eucharist Thursday:10:30am Saturday: 9am =====================
Magazine
Dec 2012
Hall Bookings: Please call 882987 or email: vicar@goodshepherdbrighton.org.uk
Grub Club Meets on third Monday of the month. All welcome. Please contact Daisy Walpole at (508600) or Pat Hunter at (555954)
Choir Choir practice: Sunday morning at 9. All are welcome. Please contact: Derek Froud (681007)
Flowers If you would like to donate an arrangement in memory of someone or help with the flower arranging, please contact church office 882987.
Contributions to the magazine are welcome. Please leave copy at the back of Church by 15th of every Feb., May, Aug. and Bell Ringing Nov. or e-mail Ringing practice every Tuesday daisy.walpole@btinternet. evening in the Tower. New ringers com or hefydd@yahoo.co.uk are always welcome. Please contact ————————————either Pat Hunter (555954)
Tea Club: Meets on the first Monday of the month at 1.30pm. We welcome all who are 50 years plus, and would like some company. Just come along. Tel. Marguerite Harland 503040; hughharland325@ btinternet.com
Notice-boards Information (lists and posters) for the notice boards may be placed in the tray in the church porch windowsill or contact Gloria Cruttenden (505225).