December 2013 journey. Wait, reflect on the stories One of the things I enjoy the most and themes each week. During Advent about riding my motorbike is the our services will reflect the sense of journey. For me my Triumph anticipation and the theme of the Thruxton is not just about getting from coming light as we approach A to B. It’s about planning the best Christmas. Together we will reflect on route - usually the most scenic, its the wonderful mystery of Christmas about preparation - making sure the that Jesus came and lived among us, bike is in tip top working order and it’s entering our world, being one of us. about the adventure of the ride. What may surprise you is that I often take There will of course be moments to longer to get somewhere on my bike pause on the journey for refreshment. because I like to take it all in! There are plenty of opportunities for Many look forward to the destination carol singing and outreach, mince pies of Christmas day, but in our haste to and mulled wine, details of which you get from A to B we are in danger of will find in this newsletter. Please missing the adventure of the journey. come and join us for those, some are We are in danger of missing Advent. traditional, some are noisy and some more reflective, to which all are Advent describes the anticipation of welcome. the coming of our Lord, told through But let’s not rush to the end, let’s take the eyes of the people who waited. In time together on the journey in our 10am service we light the candles of the advent wreath to remind us of anticipation of what is to come. their journeys. The first candle looks ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a through the eyes of the patriarchs, and son is given: and the government shall the people of God. Men and women of be upon his shoulder: and his name faith in the Old Testament who knew shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, God, and looked for a new great king. The mighty God, The everlasting This candle is sometimes called the Father, The Prince of Peace.’ (Isaiah candle of hope. The next candle is lit 9:6) for the prophets, who proclaimed that a Saviour would come, the candle of Surely this is a gift worth waiting for peace. The next candle, sometimes this Christmas! called the candle of love, represents Dave John the Baptist, the one who broke the silence of 400 years to proclaim that God had entered into the world. The fourth candle asks us to consider our journey to Christmas through Mary’s eyes - the candle of Joy. This amazing young lady, who said yes to God, despite the challenges that may bring. Each of these candles, each of these stories express so much of what the world needs today, Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. This Advent I’d like to encourage you to take time on the
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PARISH DIRECTORY Vicar Rev. David Maher Honorary Assistant Curate Rev. John Polkinghorne Assistant Priest Rev. Harry Rose Licensed Lay Minister Linda Dean Licensed Lay Minister Martha Clark Authorised Lay Minister (Admin & Music) Ruth Banger Authorised Lay Minister (Pastoral Care) Lilas Davison Authorised Lay Minister (Social Awareness) Liz Collinson Churchwarden Terry Barringer Churchwarden Rhodri James PCC Chairman Rev. David Maher PCC Vice Chairman Rhodri James PCC Secretary Ruth Banger PCC Treasurer Ginni Carroll PCC Electoral Roll Officer Lilas Davison Administrator Ruth Banger Convenor PCC Buildings and Grounds Team David Wilson Convenor PCC Children and Families Team Hazel Maher Convenor PCC Discipleship and Teaching Team David Maher Convenor PCC Pastoral Team Linda Dean Convenor PCC Social Awareness Team Liz Collinson Convenor PCC Worship and Music Team Ruth Banger Altar Linen Finsetta Cummings Assistant Treasurer Bill Elsey Chalice Bearers Bill Elsey Child Protection Co-ordinator Ruth Banger Children's Society Ruby Leyshon Children's Work John & Alison Phillips Church Hall Bookings Ruby Leyshon Coffee Makers Gill Ambrose Coffee & Rolls Fiona Blows Music Co-Ordinator Ruth Banger Friends of Etterbeek John & Elizabeth Lamont Fund Raising Events Co-ordinators Eva Hutson Fund Raising Events Co-ordinators Ruby Leyshon Fund Raising Events Co-ordinators Evelyn Walker Good Shepherd Players Liz Collinson Good Shepherd Players Ruth Banger Intercessors John Lamont Jimmy's Night Shelter Paula Carter Food Bank Liz Collinson Lesson Readers Lilas Davison Monday Club Eva Hutson Good Shepherd News Editor Ruth Banger North Cambridge Area Deanery Synod John Phillips North Cambridge Area Deanery Synod Ginni Carroll North Cambridge Council of Churches Michael Lovell Pastoral Care Co-ordinator Linda Dean Planned Giving Secretary Lilas Davison Registrar of Planned Giving Envelopes Tom Shipp Rural Development Movement Henry Disney Sacristan Stuart Keir Servers Bill Elsey Sidesmen & Sideswomen Terry Barringer Sidesmen & Sideswomen Rhodri James Sound System David Wilson
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READINGS FOR DECEMBER Sundays and holy days 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT Isaiah 2: 1-5 Romans 13: 11 – end Matthew 24: 36-44 8
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Sundays
8.30am Holy Communion 10am Parish Communion
Mondays
9.30am Morning Prayer
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Isaiah 11: 1-10 Romans 15: 4-13 Matthew 3: 1-12
Tuesdays
9.30am Morning Prayer
Wednesdays
9.30am Holy Communion
Thursdays
9.30am Morning Prayer
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Isaiah 35: 1-10 James 5: 7-10 Matthew 11: 2-11
Fridays
9.30am Morning Prayer
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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Isaiah 7: 10-16 Romans 1: 1-7 Matthew 1: 18 - end
24
CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT Isaiah 9: 2-7 Titus 2: 11-14 John 1: 1-14
25
29
REGULAR SERVICES IN DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS DAY Hebrews 1: 1-4 Luke 2: 1-20 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS Isaiah 63: 7-9 Hebrews 2: 10 – end Matthew 2: 13 - end
Wednesdays 4 Isaiah 25: 6-10 Matthew 15: 29-37 11
Isaiah 40: 25 - end Matthew 11: 28 - end
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Jeremiah 23: 5-8 Matthew 1: 18-24
FIRST CALL Sunday December 1 at 8pm in the Church
CHURCH CHRISTMAS CLOSURE The Church will close after the 10am service on Christmas Day and will re-open on Sunday January 5. On December 29 there will be a 10am service only and there will be no midweek services during the closure period.
SPECIAL SERVICES IN DECEMBER Sunday December 15 at 6.30pm is our Carol Service. Sunday December 22 at 4pm is our Quiet Christmas Service Christmas Eve at 3pm Crib service.
EVENTS IN DECEMBER Sunday December 1 at 12 noon Sunday Lunch Club meets in the Church Hall for Christmas Lunch with carols. Tuesday December 10 at 4pm Arbury Court lighting ceremony Monday December 16 at 2pm in church. Come and sing carols
Harvest Ceilidh pictures (Thank you, Tom Ambrose)
Welcome to Lucy Hello! My name is Lucy Nagel (rhymes with bagel in case you were wondering) and I am really excited to be joining you at the Good Shepherd. I am an ordinand at Ridley Hall and will be studying here in Cambridge for the next two years, living at Ridley and worshipping at the Good Shepherd. Cambridge is a totally new experience for me, having grown up in Sussex and lived in Bristol for the last nine years. I spent most of my childhood living in Bognor Regis where my Dad is vicar and going to school in Chichester, just up the road. Having grown up in a vicarage myself and coming from a fairly big family (I have two brothers and a sister) I enjoy the busyness of church life! I moved to Bristol in 2004 when I studied theology as an undergraduate at Bristol University. I really enjoyed my time there and got involved with lots of areas of church, especially in working with young people. This led me to train to be a secondary school RE teacher and I taught at a school on the outskirts of Bristol for five years. ‘Teaching’ was probably a more accurate term towards the end of my time there; it definitely started as a career in crowd control! While living in the centre of Bristol I became increasingly involved at my local Anglican church. It was in a very deprived area of the city and was very keen to reach out especially to the vulnerable people in the community. One of the initiatives that I eventually coordinated involved engaging with those in challenging situations, many of whom struggled with addiction. This is something I am really passionate about and helps me feel like I am living out my faith. It was also during this time that I felt God calling me to be ordained – something I had barely considered in the past. At first I tried ignoring this sense of calling, then as I and others prayed about it I became convinced that this was how God wanted to use me. Despite feeling rather unqualified, I firmly believe that God enables those who are called and I pray that my time at Ridley and the Good Shepherd will help me in that. I am so looking forward to getting to know you all at the Good Shepherd, please do come and say hi to me. I would appreciate advice on issues such as whether you really do need a bike in Cambridge and how not to get run over. I’d also love to discuss my other passions; going to the cinema, running and travelling (especially to the USA) and, most importantly, the Great British Bake Off.
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CAROLS 2013 Come and join us if you can DATE Sunday December 1 Wednesday December 4 Tuesday December 10 Sunday December 15 Monday December 16 Friday December 20 Sunday December 22 Christmas Eve
TIME 12 noon 11.00
ACTIVITY PLACE Sing Carols with Church Hall Sunday Lunch Club Carol Eucharist Havenfield
4pm
Sing Carols
6.30pm
2pm
Community service Come and carols Carols
4pm
Quiet Christmas
3pm
Crib service & Church return of knitted nativity Midnight Eucharist Church All Age Christmas Church service
Christmas Eve Christmas Day
11.30pm 10am
2pm
Round tree in Arbury Court Carol Church sing Church Buchan House Church
This Baby He challenges me this baby: I cannot kneel by his manger and not be changed, I cannot gaze into those beautiful eyes and stay the same, I cannot hold him close and fail to be aware that his purpose in coming is for him to hold me, I cannot welcome this new life without acknowledging that this baby invites me to radically new ways of being. I simply cannot find the words to express how the coming of this child challenges me to change. A Saviour is born and life will never be the same again. He challenges me this baby. The poem is by Pat Marsh and is reproduced with permission. Many thanks to Linda who brought it to my attention.
Dear Santa, I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's girl scout sash with staples and a glue gun. I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years. Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays big-people music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone. On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. And please don't forget the Play-doh Travel Pack, the hottest stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the in-laws' house seem just like mine. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you don't mind I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It would clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs in his pajamas to eat contraband ice cream at midnight. Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet. Yours Always, Mom P.S. One more thing: You can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young...
Sing to the tune of "Sleigh Bells Ring/Winter Wonderland": (Verse 1) Sleigh bells ring? It’s tinnitus What's that pain? My arthritis. We're both growing old - You're grey-haired, I'm bald – Using walkers in the winter once again. (Verse 2) When we try watching TV: "Turn it up! Can't you hear me?" We don't like the shows, but that's how it goes, We feel about a century too old. (bridge) In the kitchen: "What did I come here for?" Guess I'll go ahead and make a snack. "Have you seen my glasses?" "Shut the fridge door!" "If you use my dentures, could you give them back?" (Verse 3) Early on, we retire, Eating prunes by the fire. We've had a great life; We're husband and wife. "Tell me what your name is once again?" Copyright 2011 Bill DiGennaro. Reproduced with permission.
CHRISTMAS NIGHT Speak to me Lord in the enfolding stillness of this night where shepherds kneel at a rough manger while cattle rustle the straw and all can sense the miracle of the ordinary made extraordinary. Speak to me Lord in the music of this night when the busy brain is stilled and all earth’s myriad sounds lie hushed before the new angelic song proclaiming Peace on Earth. Speak to me Lord in the radiance of this night where, while the earth turns and time beats out its course, the gathered stars bow down before a brighter star a greater light: the shining of your glory. Speak to me Lord in the days beyond this night that I may bear with me the presence of this birth and find in every step I take however steep the way the tokens of your grace: your love, your hope your faithfulness. Rex Collinson
How to be an awkward Anglican Not being sure if you can leave after Evensong whilst the organ voluntary is still playing. Being unexpectedly hugged by someone during the peace. Putting a twenty pound note into the collection plate and wondering how you can hide it so as not to look ostentatious. Hastily switching from trespasses to sins in saying the Lord’s Prayer. Knocking someone’s teeth with the chalice whilst administering communion. Asking for coffee but when the old lady makes you a tea thanking them profusely and drinking it, even though you hate tea. Eating the free Smarties but then forgetting to collect money in the tube for the Children’s Society during Lent. Trying to interpret a child’s picture from Sunday School in front of a full congregation. Kneeling and then realising you’re standing on your cassock as you try to stand up gracefully.
JOYFUL HOPE We're singing carols gathered round A tree with Christmas lights, with moon Aloft and snow completing scene. With each encased in own cocoon Of garments meant to keep the cold At bay, the children stamp their feet To warm their toes. The old and young Now join in tapping out the beat. But not a teenage kid has joined Our group, apart from two across The street, who shout abuse that we Ignore. To them religion's dross Of quaint beliefs that Darwin killed, So Dawkins preached on telecast They watched when bored. But what is point Of life instead: when youth is past, And routine jobs have come to end And creaking age is all that's left Before cremation closes book? Unless the mundane's seen as weft Along with woof of spirit's flame We fail to rise above the brutes From which we came. Incarnate love Is only source of worthy aim That's more than myth this side of death. It's spring of life for soul that grows. It's source of hope that we will live Beyond the flesh's final breath. Henry Disney
Christmas Messages 2013 I am very grateful for the caring support by members of the Church of the Good Shepherd who have helped me cope with two unexpected shocks in 2012 - the loss of my beloved Audrey and going three quarters blind (Addenbrooke's is still mystified by the cause). I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2014. Henry Disney
Wishing everyone a Peaceful and Joyous Christmas, and a marvellous 2014. Lois and Phil. Morris xx. We've donated to a very worthy cause – Addenbrooke’s Kidney Patients’ Association.
Wishing a Blessed and Joyful Christmas to all who worship at The Good Shepherd Church and to all who lead us in worship and also to all who read The Good Shepherd News. Margaret Handley. As usual I will send a donation to Mercy Ships.
As usual we will be supporting the Zipper Club of Cambridge which provides items for Heart patients in Papworth Hospital, and The British Heart Foundation as our main Charities this Christmas. Although we are not sending Cards to all our friends this Christmas in Church and elsewhere, we send you all our very Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Bill & Jeanne Elsey.
Wishing all my friends at The Good Shepherd a blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year. Ruth Banger
At the end of what has been a difficult year for our family, we would like to thank you all for your prayers, and to wish you and your families the peace and joy of Christ this Christmas. With our love, Linda and Neville Dean
Christmas Greetings from Terry and Phyl Barringer and Melchizedek the Magnificent
Christmas greetings to David, Hazel and all our wonderful Church family. With best wishes for 2014. Ann Callear
A happy and peaceful Christmas to all Good Shepherd friends and best wishes for the year ahead Jeanette Lee
Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Audrey O’Neill
We wish Peace and Joy to all our brothers and sisters in Christ at the Good Shepherd, and we thank you for all your friendship and support this year. Jonathan and Martha Clarke
We hope that you will have a very joyful and blessed Christmas and New Year, Merry Christmas Dave, Hazel, Jude, Zoe & Rosey Maher
To all our Good Shepherd family, may the curiosity of the Shepherds, the perseverance of the Magi, the joy of the Angels and the peace of the Christ Child be with you in new ways this new year. With love and thanks for all the warmth and hospitality you have shown to us this past year. Sean, Rachel, Samuel and Joseph Blanchflower, xxx
The Rev. Jennifer Adams-Massmann and Dr. Alexander Massmann and their son Jacob. Jennifer and Alexander are here in Cambridge until March as Alexander, a native of Germany, is a postdoctoral researcher in theology and ethics in Heidelberg and visiting fellow at the Faculty of Divinity here in Cambridge as he works on a project related to religion and science. Jennifer is American-born and has lived in Germany for almost ten years where she was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church in Europe (the American branch of the Anglican Church for foreigners overseas) back in 2007. She is assisting priest back in Germany at the Church of Christ the King in Frankfurt which is a mixture of American, British, German, African and other English-speaking peoples from around the world - a very friendly, open and sociable church with a turnover of 30% every couple of years, so a unique mix of peoples. When not in Frankfurt, she is also a PhD student in American religious history in Heidelberg, focusing on German women missionaries to Native Americans in the eighteenth century. Jennifer and Alexander's son Jacob is three and attends nursery school in the mornings. This is the first time for all of them living in England and they are thoroughly enjoying it. The whole family is especially glad to be part of the friendly, welcoming worshipping community at Good Shepherd for their time here. We look forward to getting to know you more during our time here." Yours in Christ, Jennifer+
Crazy Mass Many years ago when I had finished my training as a nurse and midwife I felt that God was calling me to work for him overseas. I offered myself to the Church Missionary Society, was accepted, and after training was sent to West Africa: firstly to Nigeria and then to Sierra Leone. One Christmas morning I was walking home after the Church service and found myself following a man who was slightly tipsy. As he walked along he was saying to himself “Crazy Mass, Crazy Mass, I don’t know what they mean – this Crazy Mass”. Now, at the beginning of November, there are already signs and reminders of the approach of Christmas. Shops are decorated, Christmas brochures and advertisements are delivered almost daily, holiday plans have to be arranged. There are very mixed feelings and emotions – fear at the thought of isolation and loneliness, anxiety that too much money will be spent, excitement, hearts being uplifted or made despondent at the thought of family reunions, optimism and thankfulness. As Christmas draws nearer the Nativity plays and Carol Concerts begin to bring into focus the true meaning of Christmas – the amazing generosity of God in sending His Son into our world. May the witness of the Christian Church in every country transform this Crazy Mass into the wonder of Christ with us. Pat Givan
Christmas began in the heart of God. It is complete only when it reaches the heart of man.
IN THE CHURCH HALL THE SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB John & Elizabeth Lamont 1st Sunday of the month noon – 1.30pm
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THE MONDAY CLUB Monday 2.30 - 4pm
Eva Hutson
574070
Charles Brown
07720 441123
Mrs B Wright
426517
Margaret Briggs
01954 250870
Miss Rachel Marsh
574520
Susannah O’Hanlon
235281
The Manager
884031
Mrs Pat Marsh
574520
Steve Morrell
529670
Yvonne Wisbey
523549
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Mr. Gawthrop 3rd Wednesday of the month 2.30 - 4.30pm March to November
351855
TGWU 4th Wednesday of the month 2 – 4pm
Evelyn Hunnyball
364293
D. Fisher
262282
Emma Roberts
426043
THE GOOD SHEPHERD SCOUTS Thursday 7.30 – 9.00pm
Chris White
0700 891511
CHURCH TODDLERS’ CLUB Friday 9.15 – 11.30am
Claire Duell
0787 4850867
Mike Tabrett
503390
Arbury Road Vet. Surgery
361911
THE GOOD SHEPHERD CUBS Monday 6.30 - 8pm LINE DANCING Tuesday 10.15 - 11.45am KEEP FIT 50+ GROUP Tuesday 2.30 - 4pm THE GOOD SHEPHERD RAINBOWS Tuesday 6.15 – 7.15pm DOG TRAINING CLASSES Tuesday 7.30 - 9.30pm CARERS & SUFFERERS OF DEMENTIA Wednesday 10 – 12 noon THE 18th & 25th GOOD SHEPHERD BROWNIES Wednesday 6 - 7.15pm THE CAMERA CLUB Wednesday 7.30 – 9.30pm GUILDHALL RETIRED MEMBERS CLUB 2nd Wednesday of the month 2 - 4pm
CAMBRIDGE INSTRUMENTS PENSION FELLOWSHIP 3rd Thursday of the month 10am - noon THE GOOD SHEPHERD BEAVERS Thursday 6.15 - 7.30pm
TAI CHI Friday 2 – 3pm DOG TRAINING CLASSES Friday 7.30 - 9.30pm
TO BOOK THE CHURCH HALL Please phone 352151 (evenings)
Submission date for January Newsletter: December 8 (Publication date December 22) Vicarage 01223 351844 Church Hall bookings (evenings) 01223 352151 Newsletter Ruth Banger 07764 613862 OR ruthbanger51@gmail.com
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD Here at the Good Shepherd we like to help you to celebrate and commemorate many of the milestones on the journey through life; these include weddings, anniversaries, funerals, and baptism services. If you wish to find out more about these, the first step is to contact the Vicar, the Reverend David Maher. He will be able to tell you what is involved and arrange for a meeting with you if you then wish to take things further. He can be contacted on 01223 351844
Church website: www.churchofthegoodshepherd.co.uk