bridges jan feb 2015

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bridges Issue [2] January & February 2015 This bi-monthly magazine brings you news from the Christian community in Ballasalla and the surrounding villages, along with details of what’s on in the weeks ahead. Our cover image this edition is taken from a sketch drawing of the Monk’s Bridge by Manx poet and writer W T Quirk. The New Year begins – what challenges are on the horizon? .04 Lent approaches As we prepare to celebrate Easter, the season of lent gives us time to reflect .11 Suggestion donation 50p Welcome to the second edition of bridges

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Page 1: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

bridges Issue [2] January & February 2015

This bi-monthly magazine brings you news from the Christian community in Ballasalla and the surrounding villages,

along with details of what’s on in the weeks ahead.

Our cover image this edition is taken from a sketch drawing of the Monk’s Bridge by Manx

poet and writer W T Quirk.

The  New  Year  begins  –  what  challenges  are  on  the  horizon?   .04

Lent  approaches  As  we  prepare  to  celebrate  Easter,  the  season  of  lent  gives  us  time  to  reflect   .11

Suggestion  donation  50p  

Welcome to the second

edition of bridges  

Page 2: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

2 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

There is a gentleness in ancient things, Old earthenware and furniture from days When life was leisurely and time was long; A grace that comes when the world’s happenings Are etched in memory’s frame, when mossy ways Lead to new excitements, when the song Is older far than he who blithely sings. The dust that men in frantic striving raise Settles to hide the wounds, cover the wrong. Peace comes when tired ambition folds its wings. And I, remembering the yeast of youth, The raw and cruel deeds which now I rue, Have come at last to recognise the trutah That only age can sanctify the new.

First published in the Weekly Times 20.7.1962 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

As we look to a new year full of opportunity, may we have the faith to strive together,

the courage to right past wrongs and hope of greater things to come.

Amen

As a new year begins with memories of last year fresh in our thoughts, we look to the coming months, beginning with a poem

from Manx writer W T Quirk

We’d  love  to  share  your  news  and  details  of  events.  If  you’d  like  to  include  anything  in  our  Mar/April  edition  please  send  this  to  [email protected]    or  drop  in  a  paper  copy  to  the  Vicarage  on  Crossag  Road.  

Do  you  have  news  to  share?  

We  print  six  full  colour  editions  per  year  with  a  print  run  of  not  less  than  200  copies.  Prices  for  a  full  year  start  from  £25  per  quarter  page.  To  find  our  more  email  [email protected]  

or  telephone    01624  822469.  

Would  you  like  to  advertise  in  bridges?  

Page 3: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

3 Issue [2] January & February 2015

Ut  Sed  Est  

Coffee

and Chat on a Friday

Every Friday ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

10am – 12noon The Abbey Church Hall Join with friends for morning

coffee (or tea) and catch up on news as the

weekend begins.

PRAY. ACT. GIVE.

#WeAreNwww.churchofengland.org/iraq

STOP THE SLAUGHTER

Page 4: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

4 Issue [2] January & February 2015

   

Greetings  from  the  Vicarage!  New  horizons…  That  pause  which  follows  Christmas  in  the  diary  of  vicar  is  never  quite  what  I  might  hope  for.  I  began  2015  full  of  hope  of  a  few  days  to  catch  up,  to  find  space  to  spend  with  family  and  friends,  and  just  to  sit  and  think  about  the  months  ahead  and  all  those  demands  as  I  seek  to  find  what  should  be  the  priority  as  we  step  into  new  weeks  and  months.  

 

However,  our  communities  have  begun  a  new  year  with  mixed  emotions.  There  has  been  tragedy  beyond  understanding  for  some  families.  Our  church  communities  also  will  be  all  too  aware  that  we  will  soon  mark  the  first  anniversary  of  the  sudden  death  of  my  predecessor  and  colleague  in  the  Diocese,  the  Reverend  Paul  Mothersdale.  We  continue  to  pick  up  the  pieces  from  these  moments  of  heartbreak  standing  in  stark  contrast  to  the  joy  (and  maybe  nervous  faces)  of  some  our  young  people  for  example,  as  they  meet  the  new  Head  of  Ballasalla  Primary,  Mr  Cox.  The  life  of  our  community  continues  to  move;  none  of  us  entirely  aware  of  what  waits  around  the  corner.    Ever  mindful  that  we  need  to  find  ways  to  honour  and  celebrate  the  past,  I  am  of  course  turning  my  thoughts  to  the  future.      In  2015,  our  parish  faces  an  administrative  challenge  in  catching  up  with  a  backlog  of  paperwork  and  record  keeping.  Beginning  with  the  creation  of  a  database  to  accurately  record  and  collate  details  of  those  buried  in  our  cemeteries,  we  need  to  organise  the  purchase  of  more  land  to  extend  our  burial  grounds,  our  church  log  books  need  to  be  brought  up  to  date,  our  website  might  benefit  from  some  attention  and  then  there  is  the  ongoing  stream  of  forms  and  papers  from  the  Diocese  and  Registry  which  need  attention.  As  a  parish  we  need  to  pay  careful  attention  to  seeking  to  define  our  vision,  identity  and  purpose.  We  need  to  ensure  our  churches  (and  associated  literature)  are  refreshed  as  part  of  our  mission  to  provide  a  good  welcome  and  hospitality.  Our  work  with  children  and  young  people  will  I  hope  continue  thanks  to  a  dedicated  team,  but  we  do  need  to  begin  laying  foundations  for  our  work  with  teenagers.    

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5 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

The  pattern  of  our  Sunday  services  continues  along  with  the  weddings,  funerals  and  baptisms.  Building  work  and  various  projects  at  Malew  and  St  Marks  are  really  only  just  beginning  to  develop.  I  continue  to  co-­‐ordinate  work  with  the  diocesan  interns,  maintain  a  link  between  schools  and  the  diocese  where  needed  and  work  with  those  exploring  ministry,  alongside  –  hopefully  –  finishing  another  period  of  study  with  the  completion  of  an  MA  in  Faith  and  Public  Policy.  It  is  certainly  clear  that  the  days  of  one  vicar  to  act  as  ‘parson’  to  a  church  and  its  community  are  long  gone  and  there  is  no  going  back!    Of  course  we  also  want  to  find  space  for  study  groups,  discipleship  or  new  initiatives  which  might  continue  to  challenge  us  and  offer  an  encounter  for  those  outside  of  our  buildings  to  explore  something  of  the  Christian  faith.  You  will  get  a  glimpse  in  this  (and  future  editions)  of  some  of  these  ‘new  ways’;  and  I  would  be  grateful  for  your  many  inspired  insights  too.    In  this  maelstrom  of  thought,  prayer  and  planning  we  do  of  course  need  to  keep  hold  of  our  distinctive  character  –  our  village  communities,  our  Anglican  identity,  our  ‘manxness’…    the  list  could  go  on.  This  is  of  course  true  in  our  own  daily  lives  too.  However  great  the  workload  in  the  year  ahead,  we  move  on  hoping  at  the  end  of  it  we  will  have  both  our  identity  and  also  that  we  will  have  developed  and  grown  too  in  some  way.  Finances  are  of  course  a  key  worry,  2015  will  see  increases  in  the  Parish  Share,  no  doubt  followed  by  rising  costs  in  utilities  and  maintenance,  along  with  necessary  expenditure  to  facilitate  some  of  the  plans  for  the  future.  As  the  year  moves  our  parish  will  look  to  become  more  efficient,  (our  recent  purchase  of  a  new  photocopier  and  printer  for  example  allows  us  to  not  only  produce  much  higher  quality  literature,  but  at  a  fraction  of  the  cost  of  running  the  old  machine).  Later  in  the  year  we  look  toward  a  stewardship  campaign,  not  just  focusing  on  cold  hard  cash,  but  one  which  recongises  the  gift  of  being  able  to  contribute  an  hour  of  cleaning,  helping  out  with  administration,  or  even  in  fact  looking  to  develop  pastoral  care  by  simply  drinking  tea  and  eating  cake  with  our  brothers  and  sisters  in  Christ.  The  year  ahead  is  an  unknown  –  what  will  be  is  not  for  our  understanding  as  we  embark  on  2015.  Our  objective  is  of  course  one  of  being  a  good  steward,  of  ourselves,  of  our  church  buildings  and  resources,  but  ultimately  of  each  other  as  our  relationships  grow.  In  the  year  ahead,  whatever  comes  may  you  find  time  to  simply  pause  and  listen  to  the  still  small  voice  as  you  grow.    With  every  good  wish  &  prayer  -­‐  James      

Page 6: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

6 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

Page 7: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

7 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

Would you like to subscribe to

Please detatch and return to

Malew Vicarage, Crossag Road

Ballasalla IM9 3EF

Name _____________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________________  Post  Code  ____________________    Please  tick  one  of  the  following        I  would  like  bridges  posting  to  my        address  every  two  months   *     [    ]      I  will  collect  bridges  from     St  Marks  Church         [    ]     The  Abbey  Church       [    ]     Kirk  Malew           [    ]     Kirk  Santan           [    ]    The  suggested  donation  is  50p  per  copy.  If      you  would  like  your  copy  posting  there  is  a  charge  of  £6  (including  postage)  per  year.    I  enclose  a  donation  of  £_______  Please  make  cheques  payable  to    ‘The  Vicar  and  Wardens  of  Malew’.      

Page 8: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

8 Issue [2] January & February 2015

           

                 

       

 

!

DATE! SPEAKER/EVENT! SUBJECT/DETAILS! COMPETITION!

Wednesday!7th!January!

!Ian!Coole! See!it!my!way! Visionary!Item!

Wednesday!4th!February!!

Mrs!Ruth!Hall! Dolls!Houses!! Anything!Miniature!

Wednesday!4th!March!

Andrea!Tabb!! Trading!Standards!

Scarf!

Wednesday!18th!March!

Liz!Main! Pilates!! Viking!Longboat!House!Peel!!

Saturday!21st!March!

Quiz!Night! BRAAID!HALL! !

Wednesday!1ST!April!

Robert!Middleton!

Metal!Detecting! Brooch!!

!Wednesday!22nd!April!

Birthday!Meal! !! !!

!Wednesday!6th!May!!

!Annual!Fundraising!evening!!

!! !!

Wednesday!20th!May!!!

TBD! Visit!or!walk!! !

Wednesday!17th!June!

!Lezanne!Jewellery!!

!Jewellery!Making!!!Evening!Bag!!

Wednesday!1st!July!

Kath!Prior! Scrapbooking!! Photo!!

Wednesday!15th!July!

Visit!to!Ronaldsway!Aviation!Museum!!

! !

Saturday!!

!25th!July!!

Southern!Show! ! !

!!

!ST!MARKS!&!DISTRICT!!!!!!!!!!

WI!

CELEBRATING!61!YEARS!

2015%PROGRAMME!!!

MEETINGS!HELD!IN!

ST!MARKS!SCHOOLROOM!

@!7:30pm!!

Vice!President!

Mrs!Barbara!Hyslop!

Competition!Secretary!

Mrs!Shirley!Taylor!

Committee!

Mrs!Heather!Beckett!

Mrs!Mair!Moore!

Mrs!Sandra!Cain!

Mrs!Tracey!Tuck!

Mrs!Jane!Arzt!

Contacts

President!

Miss!Mona!Radcliffe!!!851408!

Secretary!

Mrs!Brenda!Skillicorn!

626829/428269%%

e'[email protected]!

Treasurer!

Mrs!Ann!Skillen

A!HUNDRED!YEARS!OF!THE!WI!

1915]2015!

Inspired!by!the!success!of!the!WI!movement!in!England!and!Wales.!The!first!

WI!in!the!Isle!of!Man!was!founded!in!

Lezayre!in!1949!quickly!followed!by!six!

others!across!the!Island;!these!seven!WI’s!

came!together!in!1950!and!formed!the!

IOM!Federation!of!Women’s!Institutes,!

affiliated!to!the!National!Federation!of!

Women’s!Institutes.!

This!year!we!in!the!Isle!of!Man!are!

celebrating!our!65th!Anniversary,!the!Island!

has!over!700!members!in!30!Institutes.!

!!

!ST!MARKS!&!DISTRICT!!!!!!!!!!

WI!

CELEBRATING!61!YEARS!

2015%PROGRAMME!!!

MEETINGS!HELD!IN!

ST!MARKS!SCHOOLROOM!

@!7:30pm!!

Vice!President!

Mrs!Barbara!Hyslop!

Competition!Secretary!

Mrs!Shirley!Taylor!

Committee!

Mrs!Heather!Beckett!

Mrs!Mair!Moore!

Mrs!Sandra!Cain!

Mrs!Tracey!Tuck!

Mrs!Jane!Arzt!

Contacts

President!

Miss!Mona!Radcliffe!!!851408!

Secretary!

Mrs!Brenda!Skillicorn!

626829/428269%%

e'[email protected]!

Treasurer!

Mrs!Ann!Skillen

A!HUNDRED!YEARS!OF!THE!WI!

1915]2015!

Inspired!by!the!success!of!the!WI!movement!in!England!and!Wales.!The!first!

WI!in!the!Isle!of!Man!was!founded!in!

Lezayre!in!1949!quickly!followed!by!six!

others!across!the!Island;!these!seven!WI’s!

came!together!in!1950!and!formed!the!

IOM!Federation!of!Women’s!Institutes,!

affiliated!to!the!National!Federation!of!

Women’s!Institutes.!

This!year!we!in!the!Isle!of!Man!are!

celebrating!our!65th!Anniversary,!the!Island!

has!over!700!members!in!30!Institutes.!

Page 9: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

 

9 Issue [1] November & December 2014

 

St  Mark’s  Schoolroom  St  Mark’s  Schoolroom  is  open  for  

hire  In  the  short  time  between  Hop-­‐tu-­‐naa  and  Christmas  over  £1000  was  raised  at  village  events  and  bookings,  this  is  a  great  effort  in  a  such  a  short  time.    

The  interior  of  the  hall  has  been  given  a  lick  of  paint  and  is  looking  clean  and  

fresh  too.    The  Vicar  and  Wardens  would  like  to  acknowledge  the  support  of  all  those  who  have  helped  in  any  way,  either  through  joining  in  with  events  or  through  hard  effort  in  the  hall.    

Over  the  coming  months  we  plan  on  repairing  the  window  frames  as  we  

consider  additions  and  changes  to  the  kitchen  and  toilet  area  to  help  give  the  

hall  the  best  possible    short  term  potential  whilst  we  create    a  longer  term  plan  for  it’s  use  and  

development.    

To  find  out  more  or  to  book  the  schoolroom  for  your  own  event  or  celebration  please  

contact  the  Vicarage  on  822469    

or    email  [email protected]  

     

TO ADVERTISE HERE PLEASE CALL

ELLEN ON 01624 824382

¼ page £25 ½ page £40

Full page £75

The above rates are for inclusion in 6 issues a year with printing in

full colour.  

 

Page 10: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

10 Issue [2] January & February 2015

                                                                                             

A book for Lent In God's Hands is the 2015 Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book. In this little gem of a book, Archbishop Desmond Tutu distils the wisdom forged through a childhood of poverty and apartheid, an adulthood lived in the glare of the world's media, and the long and agonising struggle for truth and reconciliation in South Africa, into the childlike simplicity which Jesus tells us characterises the Kingdom of God. Archbishop Tutu has produced a meditation on the infinite love of God and the infinite value of the human individual. Not only are we in God's hands, he says, our names are engraved on his palms. Throughout an often turbulent life, Archbishop Tutu has fought for justice and against oppression and prejudice. As we learn in this book, what has driven him forward is an unshakeable belief that human beings are created in the image of God and are infinitely valuable. Each one of us is a God-carrier, a tabernacle, a sanctuary of the Divine Trinity. God loves us not because we are loveable but because he first loved us. And this turns our values upside down. In this sense the Gospel is the most radical thing imaginable. It is extremely moving that in this book Archbishop Tutu returns to something so simple and so profound after a life in which he has been involved in political, social and ethical issues that have seemed to be so very complex. About the Author Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and the Templeton Prize in 2013. In 1994, Tutu was appointed chair of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where he pioneered a new approach to moving beyond civil conflict and oppression. Copies can be ordered by contacting the Vicarage (priced at £7.50), or from any good bookshop (RRP £9.99). If you do decide to read the book, you’re invited to afternoon tea at the Vicarage on Wednesday 25th March to share your thoughts and reflection.

Page 11: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

11 Issue [2] January & February 2015

                                                                                           

The Abbey Church Ballasalla

We welcome you once again to the Parish Hall to enjoy

LENT LUNCHES

‘For food, friends and fellowship, we thank you Lord’

Home-made Soups with Bread; Cheese & Biscuits; Fresh Fruit;

Tea or Coffee

In the Parish Church Hall 12noon to 2.00pm

on Thursdays 19th, 26th February

5th, 12th, 19th, 26th March

£6.00 with reductions for children

Proceeds to Church funds with collection for ‘Water Aid’

Page 12: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

12 Issue [2] January & February 2015

   

   

       

                                                       

Can you help? If you can help with our Lent Lunches, either weekly or just once please get in touch with Lillian on 822860

The Parish of Malew and Santan The Abbey Church Ballasalla - St Lupus Kirk Malew

St Mark’s St Marks - St Sanctain Santan !

Revd James McGowan Malew Vicarage~Crossag Road~Ballasalla~IM9 3EF

01624 822469 www.malewchurches.com

@malewandsantan malewandsantan

Regular Sunday Services across the Parish St Marks ~ 8am

Book of Common Prayer Communion Weekly Kirk Malew - 9:30am Book of Common Prayer

1st & 3rd Sundays - Communion 2nd & 4th Sundays – Morning Prayer

The Abbey Church, Ballasalla - 11am 1st Sunday – Family Service

2nd & 4th Sundays – Common Worship Communion 3rd Sunday – Common Worship Morning Prayer

St Sanctain, Santan – 11am 1st Sunday – Book of Common Prayer Communion

2nd Sunday - Book of Common Prayer Morning Prayer 3rd Sunday - Common Worship Morning Prayer

4th Sunday – Common Worship Communion ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

5th Sunday’s all our congregations gather together for one service only.

30th November – we meet together at Santan at 11am.

!!!!!!!

Page 13: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

13 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

Reflections  for  Lent  Óscar  Romero  During  his  three  years  as  archbishop  of  San  Salvador,  Oscar  Romero  became  known  as  a  fearless  defender  of  the  poor  and  suffering.  His  work  on  behalf  of  the  oppressed  earned  him  the  admiration  and  love  of  the  peasants  he  served  and,  finally,  an  assassin's  bullet.    This  Lent,  which  we  observe  amid  blood  and    sorrow,  ought  to  presage  a  transfiguration  of    our  people,  a  resurrection  of  our  nation.  The    church  invites  us  to  a  modern  form  of  penance,    of  fasting  and  prayer  –  perennial  Christian    practices,  but  adapted  to  the  circumstances  of    each  people.  Lenten  fasting  is  not  the  same  thing  in  those    lands  where  people  eat  well  as  is  a  Lent  among    our  third-­‐world  peoples,  undernourished  as  they    are,  living  in  a  perpetual  Lent,  always  fasting.    For  those  who  eat  well,  Lent  is  a  call  to  austerity,  a  call  to  give  away  in  order  to  share  with  those  in  need.  But  in  poor  lands,  in  homes  where  there  is  hunger,  Lent  should  be  observed  in  order  to  give  to  the  sacrifice  that  is  everyday  life  the  meaning  of  the  cross.  But  it  should  not  be  out  of  a  mistaken  sense  of  resignation.  God  does  not  want  that.  Rather,  feeling  in  one’s  own  flesh  the  consequences  of  sin  and  injustice,  one  is  stimulated  to  work  for  social  justice  and  a  genuine  love  for  the  poor.  Our  Lent  should  awaken  a  sense  of  social  justice.  Let  us  observe  our  Lent  thus,  giving  our  sufferings,  our  bloodshed,  our  sorrow  the  same  value  that  Christ  gave  to  his  own  condition  of  poverty,  oppression,  abandonment,  and  injustice.  Let  us  change  all  that  into  the  cross  of  salvation  that  redeems  the  world  and  our  people.  And  with  hatred  for  none,  let  us  be  converted  and  share  both  joys  and  material  aids,  in  our  poverty,  with  those  who  may  be  even  needier.  March  2,  1980.  Oscar  Romero.  

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14 Issue [2] January & February 2015

       

       

There  be  treasure  in  them  thar  hills…  You  may  not  have  realized  but  there  are  treasure  hunters  already  seeking  the  hidden  cache  locations  within  our  own  churchyards.  The  hunters  are  ever  watchful  to  never  reveal  the  locations  when  there  is  a  risk  of  a  muggle  (a  non  geocaching  passerby)  seeing  them.    Geocaching  is  an  ever  growing  ‘sport’  which  turns  an  ordinary  walk  in  the  park,  town  or  countryside  into  a  hunt  for  a  hidden  gift  in  a  cache  left  by  someone  else.  Geocache  containers  vary  from  old  Tupperware  boxes  to  carefully  disguised  containers  which  look  like  rocks,  small  logs,  even  nuts  and  bolts.    To  take  part,  hunters  log  onto  a  website  (www.geocaching.org)  and  find  the  co-­‐ordinates  of  cache  locations  nearby  along  with  any  clues  to  help  them  find  the  location.  At  the  time  of  writing  there  are  already  over  24  cache  locations  within  our  own  parish  boundaries  including  a  number  in  some  of  our  churchyards.    The  idea  is  simple;  find  the  cache,  complete  the  logbook,  take  the  gift  or  token  and  leave  something  for  the  next  person.  You  can  then  also  log  your  visit  online  too.    Over  the  coming  months  a  number  of  ‘official’  new  cache  boxes  will  be  installed  in  and  around  our  churches  in  an  attempt  to  encourage  some  of  the  many  walkers  to  discover  our  wonderful  buildings.    If  you  happen  to  come  across  one  of  our  locations,  take  care  not  to  reveal  it’s  location  to  too  many  people  –  let  them  hunt  it  out  for  themselves.    All  of  our  caches  will  be  clearly  marked  with  the  official  green  label  as  shown  in  the  photograph  –  if  you  find  one,  make    sure  you  fill  in  the  log  book!    

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15 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

News From the Pews a snapshot of what’s been going in our churches

St Marks The  last  three  months  of  2014  at  St  Mark’s  saw    much  to  celebrate.  The  schoolroom  revival  began.    Thanks  to  Jenny,  Isy  &  their  team  the  hall  has  been    cleaned  and  repainted  and  a  programme  of  events    run  which  saw  over  £1000  raised  in  just  six  weeks.  The  Vicar  and  Wardens  would  like  to  note  their  thanks  to  all  who  have  helped  so  far,  and  to  the  wider  village  community  who  have  rallied  around  to  support  events.  The  friendship  between  Ballagarey  Methodist  Church  is  deepening  and  we  look  forward  to  celebrating  with  them  as  their  exciting  plans  develop  too.  Spiritually,  our  Sunday  congregation    remains  stable  and  we  have  hosted/cohosted  two  retreat  days;  the  first  in  October  and  a  second  at  the  start  of  advent.   St Lupus, Malew Renovation  work  continues  to  the  exterior  of  the    building.  This  work  is  to  remove  the  cement    render  and  repoint  and  ‘dress’  the  stonework.    The  south  wall  is  now  almost  entirely  finished  and    work  is  progressing  well  on  the  Chancel.  The    church  building  is  taking  on  a  much  friendlier  appearance  as  the  work  reveals  the  texture  of  the  stonework.  Our  mystery  ‘man’  in  the  wall  remains  in  place  and  despite  speculation  we  are  happy  for  the  mystery  to  remain  unsolved;  a  reminder  of  the  colourful  and  hidden  character  of  our  buildings.  November  saw  an  evening  hosted  by  the  Friends  of  Malew  (including  the  installation  of  James  as  ‘Vicar’  following  his  licensing  as  Priest  in  Charge  earlier  in  the  summer).  Plans  for  future  events  in  partnership  with  the  Friends  combining  fellowship,  development  and  church  life  are  developing  and  we  are  beginning  to  think  again  about  possible  changes  to  parts  of  the  interior  to  add  to  and  enhance  the  war  memorial  area,  find  a  way  of  displaying  the  Malew  Manx  Crosses  and  to  create  a  visitor  trail  around  the  building.    

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16 Issue [2] January & February 2015

 

News From the Pews a snapshot of what’s been going in our churches

St Sanctain, Santon The  welcoming  atmosphere  at  St  Sanctain’s  has  been  enhanced  with  the  installation  of  a  new    carpet,  giving  a  bright  and  fresh  feel  to  this  ancient  building.  This  welcoming  attitude  has  been  reflected  at  services  and  events  over  the  past  few  months.    The  revival  of  the  Hollantide  fair  raised  much-­‐needed  funds  whilst  providing  a  chance  to  meet  new  faces  along  with  old  friends.      The Abbey Church, Ballasalla During  advent  the  Abbey  church  hosted  a  weekly    reflection  based  on  the  Nooma  series.    Over  recent  months,  Sunday  services  have  continued  and  for  the  start  of  2015  (at  least)  the  pattern  will  see  a  return  to  communion  on  at  least  three  Sunday’s  per  month.  Christmas  events  and  services  were  well  attended,    and  the  Friday  morning  ‘Coffee  &  Chat’  drop  in  continues  to  offer  a  meeting  place  for  the  community.    The  latest  Quinnquennial  (5  yearly)  structural  survey  has  been  carried  and  we  await  the  report  from  the  surveyor,  no  major  problems  are  expected;  this  is  testament  to  the  many  who  work  hard  to  care  for  the  fabric  of  the  building.    The  local  church  are  currently  considering  options  for  additional  lighting  in  the  church  as  it  can  often  feel  very  ‘gloomy’  inside.      Over  the  coming  months  building  works  will  take  place  in  three  of  our  seven  buildings,  with  other  projects  being  planned.  In  addition,  we  seek  to  continue  to  grow  and  develop  our  relationships  as  a  community,  and  our  faith  as  a  Christian  body.  This  is  a  busy  time  and  I  thank  you  for  your  help  and  guidance,  your  patience  and  encouragement  as  I  work  with  the  wardens  (and  others)  on  the  many  projects  and  plans  to  help  seek  to  secure  our  church  communities  for  the  future.                             James.  

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17 Issue [2] January & February 2015

                                                                                           

Another season of five varied films on Saturdays offered by ISN for our enjoyment and discussion.

To  be  shown  in  the  comfortable  Lounge  at  St  John’s  Mill Meal at 6.00pm -- £17.00 pp

Film at 7.00pm

Meals ‘n’ Movies at The Mill Winter Season 2014-15

 

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Nov 22 Calvary Ireland 2014 (PG 15)

Darkly comic thriller starring Brendan Gleeson, who plays Father James as priest of a rural Irish parish. During confession one Sun-day, an unseen local informs Father James of his plan to kill him as a way of gaining retribution for abuse he suffered as a young boy at the hands of another Catholic priest. Left with only seven days to make his peace, James visits those within his community while try-ing to track down his potential killer. Through his exchanges with the locals, which include a cuckolded butcher, a wealthy business-man and an atheistic doctor, James realises that the institution to which he has dedicated his life is becoming obsolete, causing him to doubt the validity of his faith.

Oct 18 The Intouchables France 2012 (sub titles)

(PG 15)

An irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility, The Intouchables has broken box office records in its native France and across Europe. Based on a true story of friend-ship between a handicap millionaire (Francois Cluzet) and his street smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

Jan 24 The Island Russia 2006 (sub titles) (PG 12)

This visually ravishing movie is set on a small, flat, misty island in re-mote northern Russia. In 1942, a teenage Soviet sailor is forced by his German captors to kill an officer. He survives the ordeal and 35 years later is Father Anatoly, a guilt-ridden, reclusive and uncompro-mising holy fool, living in the island's primitive monastery. His fellow Russian Orthodox clerics hang on his every eccentric pronounce-ment and imitate him, however mad his actions, and visitors from all over Russia come to him with their sick children, seeking his healing powers.

Another season of five varied films on Saturdays offered by ISN for our enjoyment and discussion.

To  be  shown  in  the  comfortable  Lounge  at  St  John’s  Mill Meal at 6.00pm -- £17.00 pp

Film at 7.00pm

Meals ‘n’ Movies at The Mill Winter Season 2014-15

 

In p

artn

ersh

ip w

ith th

e Is

land

Spi

ritu

alit

y N

etw

ork

Nov 22 Calvary Ireland 2014 (PG 15)

Darkly comic thriller starring Brendan Gleeson, who plays Father James as priest of a rural Irish parish. During confession one Sun-day, an unseen local informs Father James of his plan to kill him as a way of gaining retribution for abuse he suffered as a young boy at the hands of another Catholic priest. Left with only seven days to make his peace, James visits those within his community while try-ing to track down his potential killer. Through his exchanges with the locals, which include a cuckolded butcher, a wealthy business-man and an atheistic doctor, James realises that the institution to which he has dedicated his life is becoming obsolete, causing him to doubt the validity of his faith.

Oct 18 The Intouchables France 2012 (sub titles)

(PG 15)

An irreverent, uplifting comedy about friendship, trust and human possibility, The Intouchables has broken box office records in its native France and across Europe. Based on a true story of friend-ship between a handicap millionaire (Francois Cluzet) and his street smart ex-con caretaker (Omar Sy), The Intouchables depicts an unlikely camaraderie rooted in honesty and humor between two individuals who, on the surface, would seem to have nothing in common.

Jan 24 The Island Russia 2006 (sub titles) (PG 12)

This visually ravishing movie is set on a small, flat, misty island in re-mote northern Russia. In 1942, a teenage Soviet sailor is forced by his German captors to kill an officer. He survives the ordeal and 35 years later is Father Anatoly, a guilt-ridden, reclusive and uncompro-mising holy fool, living in the island's primitive monastery. His fellow Russian Orthodox clerics hang on his every eccentric pronounce-ment and imitate him, however mad his actions, and visitors from all over Russia come to him with their sick children, seeking his healing powers.

What is your vocation? As  Christians  we  are  all  called  to  be  and  do  something,  and  no  ‘calling’  is  any  less  than  any  other.  Some  people  are  called  to  help  in  the  leadership  of  the  church.  Sometimes  this  might  be  as  a  Priest,  Deacon  or  as  a  Lay  Reader.    Our  parish  has  a  long  history  of  ‘giving  people’  space  to  explore  and  train  and  so  we  happily  welcome  Wendy  Heaton  who  will  join  us  on  a  placement  for  a  term  as  she  trains  for  ministry  as  a  reader.  If  you  have  ever  though  about  what    you  might  be  ‘called’  to  do,  or  be,    as  part  of  the  church  family  then  perhaps  now  is  the  time  to  find  out  more.  You  might  simply  want  to  know  what  a  vicar  does  all  day;  you  might  feel  like  a  dog  collar  is  for  you.  You  might  equally  feel  like  the  preaching  game  is  not  for  you,  but  you  just  cannot  work  out  what  is  -­‐  do  speak  up  give  the  vicar  a  call!        

               Later  in  the  year  we  hope    to  hold  a  confirmation  

service.    A  service  of  confirmation  is    a  time  when  an  individual  confirms  (or  reaffirms)  for  themselves  the  promises  made  at  their  baptism.    This  is  a  significant  event    in  a  persons  faith  journey.  If  you  would  like  to  know  more  about  this  please  do  

speak  to  the  vicar.    

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18 Issue [2] January & February 2015

             

                     

Reflections on Christmas 2014 Christmas  2014  was  a  busy  one,  with  not  less  than  a  dozen  special  services  and  events  taking  place  to  mark  the  arrival  of  the  Christ  child  over  2000  years  ago.    Jean  Hall  comments  on  the  Crib  Service,  What  a  triumph  it  was.  The  performers  all  really    acted  their  parts.  The  narrators  diction  was  clear    and  distinct.  The  gold  star  had  a  golden  voice.  All    the  cast  sang  Away  in  a  Manger  with  great  fervor.    The  Task  Force  team  cannot  be  praised  too  highly.    The  discordant  note  of  course  was  Herod.  He  was    very  frightening;  we  all  relaxed  when  he  ‘died’  at    the  end!  Our  thanks  to  the  ‘behind  the  scenes’  people  too;  the  lighting,  the  staging,  the  backcloth  and  the  costumes  didn’t  appear  by  magic.  Such  an  afternoon  could  not  have  happened  without  their  efforts.                      Other  popular  events  included  the  two  Christingle                      services  and  the  singing  around  the  tree  in  Ballasalla.  

2014  saw  the  arrival  of  a  new  Crib  scene  for  the  Abbey  grounds.  One  member  of  the  congregation  notes:    The  old  outdoor  stale  scene  had  finally  collapsed.  It  was  beyond  repair.  This  year  we  had  a  bold  concept;  very  21st  century.  It  was  upright,  still  wooden,  but  inside  Mary,  Joseph  and  a  manger  with  a  star  above,  (and  not  forgetting  the  angel).  The  difference  was  they  were  not  solid  figures.  They  were  outlines  in  coloured  lights.  It  was  saved  from  being  kitsch  by  the  simplicity  of  the  shapes.  Passersby  and  motorists  could  not  fail  to  notice  it.  If  it  made  them  think,  even  for  just  a  moment,  of  the  true  meaning  of  Christmas  then  it  had  served  its  purpose.    

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19 Issue [2] January & February 2015

                                                                                             

SMP Wednesday Morning Prayer

Date Venue Time

Wed 4 Feb 15 Abbey Church 9.00

Wed 11 Feb 15 Arbory 9.00

Wed 18 Feb 15 Rushen 9.00

Wed 25 Feb 15 Abbey Church 9.00

Wed 4 Mar 15 Arbory 9.00

Wed 11 Mar 15 Holy Communion at Bishop’s House 9.15

Wed 18 Mar 15 Rushen 9.00

Wed 25 Mar 15 Abbey Church 9.00

Wed 1 Apr 15 Arbory 9.00

Wed 8 Apr 15 None 9.00

Wed 15 Apr 15 Rushen 9.00

Wed 22 Apr 15 Abbey Church 9.00

Wed 29 Apr 15 Arbory 9.00

 

Page 20: Bridges Jan Feb 2015

20 Issue [2] January & February 2015

    Revd  James  McGowan    

Malew  Vicarage  Crossag  Road  Ballasalla  isle  of  Man  IM9  3EF  

01624  822469  www.malewchurches.com    

 @malewandsantan malewandsantan

From  the  Diary  January  Tuesday  13th     –  Diocesan  Synod  –  7pm  Friday  16th       –  Malew  Local  Church  Council  –  10am  –  Vicarage  Tuesday  20th     –  Southern  Mission  Partnership  –  7:30pm  –  St  Catherine’s  Wednesday  21st  –  St  Mark’s  Schoolroom  Committee  –  7pm  –             St  Marks  Schoolroom  Thursday  22nd    –  Santon  Local  Church  Council  –  8pm  –  Santon  Centre    February  Wednesday  4th    -­‐  Diocesan  Synod  7pm  Wednesday  4th   -­‐  St  Mark’s  WI  –  7:30pm  –  St  Marks  Schoolroom  Wednesday  11th    -­‐  Warden’s  Meeting  –  7:30pm    Wednesday  18th  -­‐  Ash  Wednesday  –  11am  Kirk  Malew  (said)                 7:30pm  The  Abbey  (sung)    Thursday  19th     -­‐  Lent  Lunch  –  The  Abbey  Hall    -­‐  12noon  –  2pm  Friday  20th       -­‐  Copy  Deadline  for  Bridges  Thursday  26th   -­‐  Lent  Lunch  –  The  Abbey  Hall  –  12noon  –  2pm    March  Wednesday  4th    -­‐  St  Mark’s  WI  –  7:30pm  St  Mark  Schoolroom  Thursday  5th     -­‐  Lent  Lunch  –  The  Abbey  Hall  –  12noon  –  2pm  Sunday  8th     -­‐  Malew  Commissioners  Civic  Service  –  3pm  The  Abbey  Thursday  12th     -­‐  Lent  Lunch  –  The  Abbey  Hall  –  12noon  –  2pm  Tuesday  24th     -­‐  PCC  –  7:30pm  Wednesday  25th  –Lent  book  discussion  &  afternoon  tea  at  the  Vicarage  2:30pm