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AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2021

COMPTON NEWS

Compton Methodist Church 2 Revel Road, Hr. Compton, Plymouth PL3 5LF www.comptonmethodist.org Minister: Rev’d. Brenton Prigge Tel: 01752 656740

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Last date of submission for the October & November Compton News Sunday 19th September 2021 Please send your articles to Karen Tel: 01752 778752 Email: comptonmethodists@outlook.com Or leave in Church pidgeon hole for collection.

Dear Friends This is very much a summer greeting! As I write this, we have been enjoying a week of glorious sunshine and very warm weather indeed. I say “enjoying”, but I am very aware that many people do not enjoy this kind of weather at all. To be fair, I am coming to appreciate why. I may have lived in countries where 26 degree heat is considered quite comfortable spring weather compared to the 36 and occasional 40 plus degree conditions that would qualify as a really hot summer’s day, but I have realised that there are two major factors that determine one’s experience of weather: The first is what you are used to, since our bodies seem to acclimatise to some extent over time to the conditions we are often exposed to; and secondly, there is the way one ‘builds’ for the prevailing conditions – here in the UK, houses are built to provide warmth in cold conditions – heating is the main “climate control” element incorporated in building designs. In places like South Africa and Australia, the primary “climate control” in any building is air conditioning, and they are designed to be well ventilated and to expel heat rather than retain it. Why am I dwelling so much on the weather? (No, it’s not just because it seems to be the number one topic of conversation in the UK!). I say all this because I have been reflecting as we continue this rather bizarre journey through the Covid Crisis that our world is changing. The environment of the planet’s ecology is not the only kind of climate 1

that is undergoing major change – the climate of our social world too has experienced and continues to undergo major changes due to Covid-19. Just like with weather conditions, we find things uncomfortable when conditions are no longer (a) what we are used to or acclimatised to, and (b) the way we have designed and ‘built’ things no longer work in the new conditions. What does this mean for us as followers of Christ, I wonder? How do we respond to this as a church? Do we put our heads in the sand and go ahead as we always have, hoping the conditions will eventually return to what we are used to? Or de we begin to acclimatise, adapt, and proactively redesign the way we do things in order to be effective for God’s Kingdom in a new ‘climate’? My hope and my prayer is that we will have the wisdom and grace to do the latter. I don’t have all the answers in terms of what that will look like exactly, and perhaps that is something we can only learn over time and with some trial and error. That is usually the case when adapting to new conditions. What I do know is this: If we are faithful and sincere in our desire to serve God and advance the Kingdom of God, then no matter how uncomfortable it gets for a while, and no matter how uncertain we may feel about this new climate, God is with us in it all, and God will both lead us through and provide all we need for the journey. God will ensure not only that we can survive in this new climate, God will empower us to thrive in it – if we earnestly seek to follow where God is leading on this new and (for now) unfamiliar and uncomfortable part of our journey in Christ.4God is with us. Always and everywhere. Let us trust in that as we journey on together. Blessings to you, Brenton 2

8th July 2021 Compton Methodist Church A.G.M. Reports Compton Methodist Church - Ministers Report My experience has been a church in lockdown, other than a brief period of open church Sep-Oct, then 3 months since Easter. During lockdown my focus has been to try and provide online options of worship, as well as regular letters and devotional material, and to coordinate a sharing of such resources across the three congregations. My hope is that as restrictions ease, we can continue to use multiple methods of remaining connected - including online worship for those who are housebound or in residential care - we have won the grant for online equipment for service streaming - it remains to be seen how best we can use that. In terms of in-person ministry, I feel as though I am a year behind in truly getting a feel for the congregation and getting to know people, as well as to begin to discern a sense of where God may be leading this congregation, but I hope that we can continue to explore and work out God’s vision for us together. I do believe that at the heart of that vision and mission will be outreach and community engagement - making the most of connections we already have, and making more connections (Terry’s befriending booklet is an important example). Relationship is key. I look forward to the year ahead with you. Brenton

Compton Methodist Church Property Report 2021 Because of the rules of Covid, we have not been able to have a Property Meeting over the last eighteen months, but that does not say nothing has been happening. John Warren and myself have had to visit the buildings weekly, to see that everything has been in order, and the odd jobs to do around the premises, cleaning out the drains, weeding, oiling locks and hinges, mending a leaking the hall toilet, painting the Church inside the entrance. We have had to keep up with the yearly services on the five boilers we have, the fire extinguishers, and entrance alarms. Because of the dog fouling on the grass at the bottom of the Church, we decided to put up a gate at the side entrance to Revel Road. It seems to have done the trick! We decided to keep the cross up at the front of the Church, which we usually put for Easter and then take down, but people were asking to leave it up. One lady told me “When I pass it, I say my prayers”. In December 2020 we interviewed for a caretaker/cleaner and appointed Mr Michael Smith, then came another lock down so we could not start him, and he kindly said he was prepared to wait. So in May 2021 we were able to take him on and he has proved to be very good. I would like to thank Gerald Shoebrook for keeping the front garden looking nice, and my team - John Warren, Ken Harvey and Cliff Platt. Nigel Norris Chairman

Treasurers Report Annual Church Meeting July 2021 It has been an interesting 18 months financially as well as with everything else surrounding covid 19. Firstly, I would like to thank you all, and that is the vast majority of the membership, who made arrangements to pay their gifts to Compton by standing order. This made my job so much easier and has left our deposit account looking reasonably healthy, in spite of having the new roof last year. The final payment for the new roof is made one year after completion so we shall have £1522.56 to pay. Unfortunately, Compton was not able to access any of the COVID grant schemes, so our accounts stand as follows: Current A/C = £3451.40 Deposit A/C £34,503.39 Organ Fund £7161.23 Compton has received a £5000 grant to update the IT system, making our contribution under £1000. Our assessment, essentially the amount we pay for Brenton, is increasing again in August by £1375 a year. Having said that, the Circuit recognises that finances have been difficult for Churches, so they have refunded all Churches their monthly assessment value, in May 2020 and again in May 2021, which helped considerably. In order to meet the new assessment, Compton needs to generate £682.58 a week, and that doesn’t include all the other payments which we need to make, such as gas, electricity, cleaning etc. Our current income is just £503.60 a week, you can see there is quite a shortfall at present. Normally. Hall and Church rents help me meet the figure, but this past 18 months have been lean as meetings have not been possible. Groups are gradually beginning to restart, but once again, I do need you to prayerfully consider your giving to Compton please. Pam Missen 5

Pastoral Report for Annual Church meeting – July 2021 So much has happened since my last report in May 2019. Covid has been a challenge which we never could have envisaged and our hearts go out to the many thousands who have lost much loved family and friends. Sadly since the last meeting we have lost 10 members of our church family although not to Covid;Sue Burden, Jill Rashbrook, Joan Steggles, Wendy Mills, Ivor Peters, Alan Hingston, Yvonne Wisdom. Doreen Dunbar, Stuart Udey, and Joy Pulman. We thank God for each one and their work and witness We are sorry to lose Janet Toms and Ron Lloyd who have resigned their membership, and also Marjorie Wharton who has moved away from Plymouth. However it has been a real pleasure to welcome Brenda Lowe who has transferred from the Lancashire Circuit, and seven folk who have been worshipping with us have been added to our Pastoral Groups .Our current membership stands at 54 My grateful thanks to the Pastoral Team and all at Compton who continue to support our Church family, especially now that so many are struggling themselves with various health conditions. Also to Brenton, Phil and the stewards who have worked so hard to keep us all in touch during the last challenging eighteen months. God bless you all. Chris Shepherd In addition to the above, we have recently heard that Hannah Roseveare has resigned her membership to worship elsewhere, and we are pleased to report the transfer in of Judith England from Yorkshire.

Adult Outreach report for Church Annual Meeting – July 2021 Most of the Adult Outreach groups have been cancelled due to Covid restrictions. Short Mat bowls is hoping to restart in some form in September depending on the situation at the time. John Warren is hoping to arrange a Guided Walk again around September time and is working on possible locations. The Evangelism Team have been working in town between Lockdowns. Fred and John Pointon have been joined by Alf and Kemi, a Ministers wife from Nigeria . They are not able to contact students from the University at the moment as most are working on line. Lunch Clubs hope to restart again at some point when restrictions permit. The Thursday Coffee Mornings has recently restarted outside, weather permitting. The Craft Group although not able to meet have still been knitting and we have sent knitted items to Kosovo, Bonnie Babies, The League of Friends shop at Derriford, St.Paul’s for the homeless and Cann House for Autistic children amongst others. We have also donated £430 divided between Mercy Ships, Devon Air Ambulance, South West Blood Bikes and the Church Property fund. All of these social activities have been sadly missed by group members and we hope to be able to meet together again soon. Chris & John Shepherd.

27th Plymouth Scout Group Report Our membership is good - all sections have a waiting list. For nearly nine months have had our meetings on Zoom and this has kept everyone together. There has been a good programme for the young people to take part in, treasure hunts around the house, quizzes, cooking, drawing, arts and crafts, woodwork. We celebrated pancake day and told them the meaning of it. We celebrated St Georges Day the saint of Scouting and all members renewed their Promise. We are sorry to say that we have had no camping for nearly two years. One of the highlights of the year was the sleep out in the gardens in aid of Shekinah Mission where £2,500 was raised for them. Now the lighter evenings came and we were permitted to meet outdoors at our camp site at Shaugh Bridge and the use of another site near by, keeping to covid rules, this has been a great asset to us, more outdoor activities, plenty of room to run around in, the woods, the river, camp fire, back woods cooking, tracking, bridge building, stalking, and one could go on. The group in now in its’ 95th year, formed here by Mr Reg Johns (Skip) a Trustee, Treasurer, and Sunday school Teacher of this Church. I am now in my 60th year with Scouting. I have kept my promise to Skip that I would keep going as long as I can. We have done leaders training on Zoom, two leaders have completed - Lisa Stewart and Daniel Ostenfeldt. We also have had a supervision session with each leader to see if they are happy or any problems, or change sections. Recently 2 of our leaders have received awards, Jenny Dibben, Silver Acorn and Steve Taylor Commendation from the Chief Scout for good service. I must say we have a great team and we all work together, so my thanks to all the Leaders of our Group. Nigel Norris MBE Group Scout Leader. 8

COMPTON METHODIST CHURCH – STEWARD’S REPORT 2021 The last 16 months have been unprecedented in our daily lives, and that has been the same for Compton, whether trying to worship together or meet to discuss church business! The stewards would like to thank Brenton for his encouragement in the use of technology during this period, allowing the church family to be connected via Zoom, ensuring we could participate in united services, prayer meetings, lent course and social events. Thanks to all the steward’s for being in regular attendance at our morning church services (when we have been out of lockdown) and keeping in frequent contact with each other by phone or distributing notices/ the church magazine to those of our fellowship who are not connected electronically. The steward’s meet with Brenton regularly to see how the church is progressing, and to discuss any problems on the way ahead for Compton. We are encouraged that we have additional people attending our services (even though we have been restricted to alternate weekly attendance) and to those who have volunteered to undertake Bible readings. Our special thanks to Karen who is now standing down as a steward and we give her a heartfelt vote of thanks for all she has done. We now remain hopeful of gaining additional stewards for the coming year. Thank you for your encouragement and prayerful support which sustains us.

In God’s Love Phil (L); Lesley(K); Monica(W); Karen(W); Nigel(N); Ken(H)

Focus on Spiritual Growth Report July 2021 In Ephesians Chapter 4 verses 11-16 we read “He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature …. speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Over the past 15 months we have been unable to follow so many of the ways we used over the years to encourage people to grow in love towards that unity and maturity of faith in Jesus. However, new ways have emerged with more personal contact by phone, letters, cards, emails, zoom and more recently our limited gathering for Sunday worship services. We have all missed our times of personal sharing at prayer meetings, Bible Studies, Fellowships, Services and special events – this has highlighted to me how important these times of sharing together are for encouraging one another to be built up in love and knowledge of Christ. So let us continue to use whatever Bible Study and prayer notes and meetings that are around now, and take every opportunity that becomes available to build each other up in love towards that maturity. Let us look forward to functioning fully as God’s family at Compton, each one of us being just who we are and growing in love, faith and hope together. Jean Quant Focus on Spiritual Growth Co-ordinator.

REPORT: FILM CLUB I started the Film Club with the help of Monica in January 2020 using my laptop and a home theatre mini projector from the Internet costing just short of £35. My intention is to provide something for local people in the community who would enjoy the company of others in a friendly setting. Everybody is welcome to join us, we plan to show films that are morally correct, many quite recent. I do not propose showing films that preach the Gospel, I do not see that as my role. I am not an evangelist, but I can be an enabler for that to happen between the people who support and attend. We chose the last Wednesday afternoon of the month, 2pm - 4pm approx., in the Parlour with coffee, tea and biscuits, after each showing. We have not set a price but leave out a plate for any donations. Our first film showing was ‘Fisherman’s Friends’. Unfortunately, neither of us knew about the thermostat for the room downstairs and it did get very cold. I had trouble with the light and sound setting on the projector and felt a bit disappointed with my effort, so much so I expected people not to come again. I had something to work on and was greatly encouraged by the people who attended to persevere and try again. How could the experience be easily improved was the next question? I hung dark throws over the curtain rails, we hope for something more permanent in the future, and attached computer speakers to the projector. It seemed to fix the problem. My main problem now is, I could really do with some help with the focusing onto the screen as my eyesight is not good despite new glasses, and someone to help with the setting out of seating and to know how to set up the video player or laptop to the projector. 11

January 2020, we showed ‘Fisherman’s Friends’ 22 people came. February 2020 it was ‘Sully’ starring Tom Hanks with 32 people. March was cancelled due to the Covid 19 Lockdown, disappointing many. We had hoped to show the ‘Zookeepers Wife’ but that can be shown on a later date. Through the donations left towards the refreshments we were able to give Pam £65.65 towards the Church Funds. People have very kindly brought biscuits to share and have offered to bring films that may be of interest for future dates. None of this would have been possible without the help of my neighbour, Shane, who I understand is not a church attender, giving his time to come down and help my set up and showing me how to work the projector with its Chinese instruction leaflet! Planning the future, we hope to restart as soon as we are able; possibly showing the same film twice each month to allow for social distancing and in the anticipation of similar numbers. I am happy to do an evening showing if people want it on separate weeks. Thank you, Monica, for your help, also for the support of the church. Hopefully, we can start up the Film Club again soon. Karen Mission Report Karen reported that previously she had booked several speakers a year to give the fellowship an insight into their work, the last one being George Horne from the Leprosy Mission, immediately before the March 2020 lockdown. Hopefully as we come out of the pandemic restrictions, we will again be able to book speakers. Karen Wills July 2021 12

Freedom and Friends. Approximately 15 of us from our church community, enjoyed a lovely sociable picnic in the glorious sunshine on Yelverton Downs on May bank holiday. We brought our own picnics and made a social distancing circle, and walked and talked together! We are now looking forward to the next one which will take the form of a BBQ on Monday 30 August, which is the Bank Holiday, Government restrictions, etc... allowing. Watch out for further information! Look forward to seeing you, Mike and Pam

Photographs from our picnic

©Pam H 2021 14

Children in Church A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, "How many women can a man marry?" "Sixteen," the boy responded. His cousin was amazed that he had an answer so quickly. "How do you know that?" "Easy," the little boy said. "All you have to do is add it up, like the pastor said, 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer." After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, "Mom, I've decided to become a minister when I grow up." "That's okay with us, but what made you decide that?" "Well," said the little boy, "I have to go to church on Sunday anyway, And I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell, than to sit and listen." A boy was watching his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why, God tells me." "Oh, then why do you keep crossing things out?" A little girl became restless as the preacher's sermon dragged on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother and whispered, "Mommy, if we give him the money now, will he let us go?" The Sunday School Teacher asks, "Now, Johnny, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating?" "No ma'am," little Johnny replies, I don't have to. My mom is a good cook." 15

Ms. Terri asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favorite Bible stories. She was puzzled by Kyle's picture, which showed four people on an airplane, so she asked him which story it was meant to represent. "The Flight to Egypt ," was his reply. Pointing at each figure, Ms. Terri said, "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the fourth person?" "Oh, that's Pontius - the pilot!" A little girl was sitting on her grandfather's lap as he read her a bedtime story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up to touch his wrinkled cheek. She was alternately stroking her own cheek, then his again. Finally she spoke up, "Grandpa, did God make you?" "Yes, sweetheart," he answered, "God made me a long time ago." "Oh," she paused, "Grandpa, did God make me too?" "Yes, indeed, honey," he said, "God made you just a little while ago." Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it, isn't he ?"

Submitted by Nigel

Family Craft Morning - working title “CONNECT" Back in 2019, Pam Elson was planning a new venture following the success of the family fun day. Sadly Covid intervened, so 2 years later Pam, Karen and I, hope to start a monthly Family Craft session on a Saturday morning from 10am - 12 noon. The invitation would be for families and Church folk to come along for a morning of craft work, chatting and refreshments. We plan to start on 11th September and continue on the second Saturday morning of each month. We need your help with the craft work, with the refreshments, and to give new families a warm welcome to Compton. (Dates for this year 11/9, 9/10, 13/11 and 11/12) We need the whole Church behind us, - thank you to everyone who volunteered at the ACM. We need a team of regular helpers, so looking forward to being inundated with offers of help. Thank you all. Pam, Karen and Lesley Action for Children In July the Methodist Church highlighted the work of Action for Children. Many of you will have collection boxes at home, but never really knew what the charity achieves. If you can, have a look at their web site, just their aim/mission statement is inspiring. They believe all children should have a safe and happy childhood. AFC protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives. Mary Woodall is the Church representative for AFC and will be collecting the boxes in September. If you would like a box or return a box with your donation, please see Mary or one of the stewards if she isn’t there. Lesley 17

Harvest Festival Sept 26th September Looking forward to the end of September, we usually support Shekinah and Food Bank with gifts of tinned and dried foods, household goods etc. Anything you use at home they are grateful for. Also, money donations for “All we can” the Methodist relief and development charity. More detailed information in September. Lesley The Large Tortoiseshell Butterfly

In Victorian times the Large Tortoiseshell butterfly was considered widespread and common in woodlands in Southern England. However, this beautiful insect has since suffered severe decline and there has been less than 150 recorded since 1951, is generally considered to be extinct in the British Isles. Several causes of its decline have been suggested one of which, Dutch Elm Disease in the 1960’s, one of its primary food plants looks more likely, perhaps? Well recently the larvae has been seen in Poole, Dorset. So is it making a comeback in our woodlands? It is a very colourful bright orange with black spots with dark blue frilly edges to the wings. Angela W 18

18th July, 2021 – Morning Service with Rev’d. Terry Higgins In the morning service, Rev’d. Terry Higgins asked if anyone had anything to share. Well today is my youngest son’s birthday. In 1979 I was in Freedom Fields hospital for 6 weeks before he was born, seriously ill. During that time several people from the church Ladies Club came to visit me, Mrs. Stivey, Marjorie Jackman, Diana Hall and Josie Blundon, which I very much appreciated. One day I had a visit from Rev’d. John Trevenna who was minister here at Compton. He had come to see the daughter of a lady that came to Compton, and he prayed with me. So, thank you God for that and that everything went alright; and today I can celebrate my son’s birthday. Aileen

Peaceful Inspirational thoughts The greatest wealth is to live content with little for there is never want where the mind is satisfied. Lucretius 99 – 55 BC Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely. Storm Jamison 1891-1986 There is a quietness, a contentment at the heart of all that is if only you allow yourself to find it. Pam Brown 1928 Whatever peace I know rests in the natural world, in feeling part of it, even in a small way, May Sarten 1912-1995 ©‘365 Peaceful Thoughts For Everyday’ Calendar - Monica 19

A Wonderful Example of FAITH During the Second World war when our town and cities were being bombed night after night, tens of thousands of Londoners sought shelter in the deep underground railway stations. After this had been going on for some time s national newspaper sent a reporter down to interview some of the people and ask them how they felt about things. He asked one lady if she was afraid? In a wonderful reply she said, “No, I say my prayers and I go to sleep. What is the use of two of us worrying?” She put her Faith and Trust in our Heavenly Father and in His only Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Submitted by Bill

BIBLE QUIZ 1. How many books are there in the Bible? 2. How many books are there in the Old Testament? 3. How many books are there in the New Testament? 4. Which is the shortest book in the Bible? 5. Which is the longest book in the Bible? 6. Which is the shortest chapter in the Bible? 7. Which is the longest chapter in the Bible? 8. Which is the shortest verse in the Bible? 9. Which is the longest verse in the Bible? 10. Which chapter of which book has been calculated as being at the middle of the Bible? 11. Which is the first book in the Bible? 12. Which is the last book in the Bible? 13. Which is the first book in the New Testament? 14. Which is the last book in the Old Testament? 15. In what year was the Authorised Version of the Bible first produced? 16. Which English monarch was responsible for the Authorised Version of the Bible? 17. What are the first three words of the book of Genesis? 18. Which other book begins with the same three words? 19. In what language was most of the Old Testament originally written? 20. In what language was most of the New Testament written? 21

Drawing Page

MATHS RIDDLES FOR ADULTS Answers inside the back cover

Harvest Hymn by John Betjeman

Getting Started List the things that we get from Nature. What do we give in return? What is likely to happen if there is no land to cultivate in the future? We spray the fields and scatter The poison on the ground So that no wicked wild flowers Upon our farm be found. We like whatever helps us To line our purse with pence; The twenty-four-hour broiler-house And neat electric fence. All concrete sheds around us And Jaguars in the yard, The telly lounge and deep-freeze Are ours from working hard. We fire the fields for harvest, The hedges swell the flame, The oak trees and the cottages From which our fathers came. We give no compensation, The earth is ours today, And if we lose on arable, The bungalows will pay.

The Story Behind a Harvest Hymn My food comes via a trip to the supermarket, but I do sometimes think about all the folk involved in its production, whose names I will never know – some of whom don’t have enough to live on themselves. Harvest hymns are always about being thankful, our reliance on the work of others; and the final harvest of our lives, with its question: ‘What have I sown, what will be reaped from my efforts?’ We plough the fields and scatter The good seed on the land, But it is fed and watered By God’s almighty hand; He sends the snow in winter, The warmth to swell the grain, The breezes and the sunshine And soft refreshing rain. All good gifts around us Are sent from heaven above, Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, For all His love. We Plough the Fields and Scatter (left) was written by Matthias Claudius in German, based on Psalm 144, published in 1782 and translated into English by Jane Montgomery Campbell in 1861. She taught the hymn to the children at the parish school in London where her father was the rector. It appears in a shortened form in the musical Godspell, as the song All Good Gifts. Poet John Betjeman parodied the hymn as ‘We spray the fields and scatter poison on the land’ as a protest against modern farming methods and new planning legislation. The updated verse ‘We plough the fields with tractors’ is sung in schools. © https://crichstandard.org 25

Bible Quiz answers 1. Sixty Six (66) 2. Thirty Nine (39) 3. Twenty Seven (27) 4. 2nd Epistle of John (by number of verses: 13) 3rd Epistle of John (by number of words) 5. Psalms (150 Chapters)) 6. Psalm 117 (2 verses) 7. Psalm 119 (176 verses) 8. John 11 v 35 (2 words: �Jesus wept�) 9. Esther 8 v 9 (78 words) 10. Psalm 118 11. Genesis 12. Revelation 13. Matthew 14. Malachi 15. 1611 16. King James 17. �In the beginning� 18. Gospel of John 19. Hebrew 20. Greek Maths Riddles 1. Melon=5, Apple=2, Grapes=3, Lemon=1 2. Start by completely filling up the 5-gallon jug with water. Next, pour water from the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug until it is completely full (leaving 2 gallons in the 5-gallon jug). Then, pour all of the water from the 3-gallon jug back into the 8-gallon jug. Next, pour the two gallons of water in the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug, which would leave it with exactly one gallon of available space. Then, completely fill the 5-gallon jug a second time. Finally, pour water from the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug until it is completely full (thus filling up the one gallon of available space in the 3-gallon jug), which leaves you with exactly four gallons of water in the 5-gallon jug! 26

In the UK the harvest festival, also known as the harvest home, is traditionally celebrated on the Sunday nearest the harvest moon. This is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox, which is often between 21-23 September. Normally falling towards the end of September, or early October, the harvest festival is the closest thing we have to a day of thanksgiving. Although today we can plan a fixed day for this celebration, in the past the harvest festival differed, based on when all the crops had been brought in. The whole community, including children, needed to help as lives depended on the success of the harvest. The church festival that is the most common harvest celebration still held today originated in Morwenstow, Cornwall in 1843, when Reverend Robert Hawker invited the parishioners of his church into his home to receive the Sacrament in “the bread of the new corn.” Whether from the Divine, the elements or the mystical, all help was gratefully received. There are about 24 festivals that give thanks for the fishing seasons. In October, in Billingsgate, London, there’s the Harvest of the Sea Thanksgiving, where fish and netting decorate the church. These festivals arose in many fishing towns and villages. A tradition in North Shields, during the Blessing of the Salmon Fishery, is to give the first salmon catch to the vicar. From the first harvest celebration, to the last – St Michael’s Mass, on the 29th September, celebrates the end of the productive season. Also known as Michaelmas, it signifies a time when all the harvest should have been brought in. Its beginnings can be traced to the 5th century when the cult of St Michael spread to Western Christianity. During the Middle Ages it was celebrated as a huge religious feast, and the harvest traditions grew from there. Fairs with market stalls and games, and churches decorated autumnal and gold, sprung up around this festive time. People also ate geese on this day, said to bring financial protection for the next year. 27

Harvest Hymn by John Betjeman Getting Started List the things that we get from Nature. What do we give in return? What is likely to happen if there is no land to cultivate in the future? We spray the fields and scatter The poison on the ground So that no wicked wild flowers Upon our farm be found. We like whatever helps us To line our purse with pence; The twenty-four-hour broiler-house And neat electric fence. All concrete sheds around us And Jaguars in the yard, The telly lounge and deep-freeze Are ours from working hard. We fire the fields for harvest, The hedges swell the flame, The oak trees and the cottages From which our fathers came. We give no compensation, The earth is ours today, And if we lose on arable, The bungalows will pay.

Christian Jack-O-Lantern

©Pinterest

©Pinterest 30

Bible Quiz answers 1. Sixty Six (66) 2. Thirty Nine (39) 3. Twenty Seven (27) 4. 2nd Epistle of John (by number of verses: 13) 3rd Epistle of John (by number of words) 5. Psalms (150 Chapters)) 6. Psalm 117 (2 verses) 7. Psalm 119 (176 verses) 8. John 11 v 35 (2 words: �Jesus wept�) 9. Esther 8 v 9 (78 words) 10. Psalm 118 11. Genesis 12. Revelation 13. Matthew 14. Malachi 15. 1611 16. King James 17. �In the beginning� 18. Gospel of John 19. Hebrew 20. Greek Maths Riddles 3. Melon=5, Apple=2, Grapes=3, Lemon=1 4. Start by completely filling up the 5-gallon jug with water. Next, pour water from the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug until it is completely full (leaving 2 gallons in the 5-gallon jug). Then, pour all of the water from the 3-gallon jug back into the 8-gallon jug. Next, pour the two gallons of water in the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug, which would leave it with exactly one gallon of available space. Then, completely fill the 5-gallon jug a second time. Finally, pour water from the 5-gallon jug into the 3-gallon jug until it is completely full (thus filling up the one gallon of available space in the 3-gallon jug), which leaves you with exactly four gallons of water in the 5-gallon jug! 31