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
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?
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
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.
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
6 Issue [2] January & February 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’.
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%%
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%%
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.!
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.
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.
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’
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.
!!!!!!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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