Parish web site: www.stcatherinesthurrock.org.uk

100 ClubThe first of our £50 draws was made inChurch on the Sunday after the Bazaar.The winner was a friend of Pam England,Julia Crone who used to live in the Parishbut now lives in Chadwell. Thanks Julia forcontinuing to support us andcongratulations on winning the first of ourmajor prizes. Remember you can still jointhe 100 Club and we have a draw for £10each month and another £50 draw at oursummer event.

NormanBazaar

On the first Saturday of December ourannual bazaar was held in Church, all thestalls were decorated and fairy lights hadbeen hung around the building. It was abetter day weather wise which meant thatwe had a few more attendees or “higherfootfall” as described boringly bysupermarkets. It was great to see ourfriends and regulars and catch up withtheir news and lovely to see a number ofchildren making advent rings in thesanctuary. Bacon and sausage rolls wereenjoyed by stall holders and visitors untilthey ran out! . Thanks to all who attendedand made it such a friendly event and hopefully enjoyed their time in Church. Inthe three hours we raised £1,167 a bigboost to our Church finances.

Norman

DarkHere’s a New Year’s question for you: is itever really dark in your house?

Environmentalists are increasinglyconcerned at the amount of artificial light towhich we are all exposed. Last yearNational Geographic reported that theexcess light “we dump into ourenvironments is endangering ecosystemsby harming animals whose life cyclesdepend on dark.” The magazine went onto warn: “We’re endangering ourselves byaltering the biochemical rhythms thatnormally ebb and flow with natural lightlevels.”Light and dark are key to our circadianrhythm (body clock). But light pollutiondisrupts the production of melatonin, thehormone that regulates our sleep patterns.And poor sleep has been linked toeverything from lower productivity, tosickness, obesity, impaired memory andworse mental health.When does Christmas end?The Christmas season seems to start formany at the beginning of December withlights and trees decorating houses fromthen on. We, in the church of course, seethis as Advent rather than Christmas and aperiod of reflection rather than celebration.For those that put up the decorations at thebeginning of December they will be takendown at or soon after the end of Decemberor for “12th night”. However, once again thechurch takes a different view. We celebrateEpiphany (when the Magi visited Jesus) atthe beginning of January and, for us, theChristmas season extends all the way tothe beginning of February when wecelebrate Candlemass or “ thePresentation of Christ in the Temple”.

B iE

Reflections from The RectoryI wonder how many of you might have started or intend to start the New Yeardetermined to keep the ‘resolutions’ you might have set for yourself. Does any of thefollowing sound familiar ~ 'Eat less, exercise more, take up new hobby, travel tounknown destinations, strike a better balance between work and leisure, clear things offthe ‘to do’ list.' It will be interesting to see how we all do with our resolutions over thecoming weeks and months.But why do so many of us feel the urge to make such decisions in the early days ofJanuary? Well perhaps it is because each New Year brings the opportunity of a freshstart. It is in a way a blank canvas waiting to be filled with colour, promise and hopefullymore joy than sorrow. It is a good time to assess and review where we are in life, ourhopes and our dreams, our friendships and relationships and for people of faith ofcourse our journeying with God.Some years ago now I went along to a Covenant Service. This was being hosted by thelocal Methodist Chapel and celebrated by them on the first Sunday of every New Year.The whole service is built around the sense of renewing our promise to God and Godrenewing His covenant with us.God promised the people of Israel, ‘I will be their God and they shall be my people.’ Thispromise or covenant was then extended beyond Israel to the entire world in the personof Jesus and just a short time ago we celebrated that part of the story over the weeks ofAdvent and Christmas.At the heart of the Covenant Service and in response to all that God has done for us thiscovenant prayer is made. It is said by minister and people together,

‘I am no longer my own but yours.Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;

put me to doing, put me to suffering;let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,

exalted for you, or brought low for you;let me be full, let me be empty,

let me have all things, let me have nothing:I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things

to your pleasure and disposal.And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

you are mine and I am yours.’

Challenging words, I think you would agree, and words which we know we will need thegrace of God to help us to fulfil. Thankfully God is better at keeping promises than wegenerally are and His help is always just a prayer away. The covenant prayer is a de-manding ‘resolution’ to be asked to make at the start of any New Year but certainly one Iam glad to make once again.And do please remember that there is a service at St Catherine’s every Sunday morningat 10am to which everybody is very welcome. In the Church Christmas isn’t quite com-plete so on Sunday 5th January we will be having our Epiphany Family Service where wewill be thinking about the Wise men who came to see the Holy Family. And on Sunday2nd February, which is known as ‘The Presentation of Christ in the Temple’ or ‘Candle-mas’ there will be two services to mark the official end of Christmastide. In the morningwe will have our Family Service at 10am and in the afternoon at 4pm a special service ofHoly Communion and the blessing of the candles that will be used in Church throughoutthe coming year. Do please come and see us whenever you can.So with every blessing for 2020,

Revd Michèle.

Christmas in the parishIn many ways we started looking forward to Christmas with our Bazaar at the beginning ofDecember and Norman has written about this in “Bits and Pieces”. At the Bazaar, CanonPaul presented the church with a copy of the painting of St. Catherine at had been viewedearlier in the year at the National Gallery. It has found a fitting place on the south wallimmediately to the west of the arch that separates the Sanctuary from the main body ofthe church.The real celebrations started on Sunday 15th when we had our traditional carol servicewith our singing accompanied, on a shared basis, by the Grays Town band and Robin ourorganist. This was Revd. Michèle’s first year of her ministry in the parish and this year St.Catherine’s was decorated with very many candles of both the wax and LED variety.During the service a collection was taken to support the Thurrock “Rough sleepers” nightshelter project and some £180 was the result. After the service the congregation enjoyedrefreshments of mulled wine and mince pies.On the morning of Friday 20th (at 6.45am to be precise) a group of parishioners were atEast Tilbury Station distributing “breakfast bars” and Christmas cards to the commuters asthey arrived for their trains. The weather was not ideal as it rained pretty much all the time

we were there. Some 300 bars were distributed in just under an hour and a half. As wellas those travelling by train, whenever the level crossing barriers were down, we offeredbars to the drivers and passengers in the vehicles. This is the third year that we have donethis and the reaction this year was much the same as last. Mostly people were surprisedand pleased with what we had to offer. Some appeared suspicious and in the case of carswouldn’t even wind their windows down. One couple said “we haven’t got any money”when breakfast bars were proffered but were happy to accept them when they wereassured that no payment was required. Later, on the same day, we had our Carol Serviceat St. Francis which was attended by many our visitors to the Wednesday community“drop in” and finished with refreshments.In a change from previous years, rather than assemble our nativity scene during theChristingle service, Revd. Michèle led a “Singing Nativity Crib service” on the morning ofSunday 22nd. Some arrived at church dressed as characters from the nativity and theChristmas story was told both in readings and songs using tunes from well known nurseryrhymes. During the course of the service the various animals and characters for the cribscene were brought up and placed by members of the congregation. The usualrefreshments after our morning service were improved with the addition of mince pies anda contribution of cakes provided by Garron Vanessa and her Mum which were verywelcome.Our Christmas Eve services followed our traditional pattern of a “Christingle” service at4pm and a “Midnight” service of Holy Communion at 11.30pm. This year we reverted tousing real candles in the Christingles instead of glow sticks. This gave the sight of all thechildren with their lighted candles in the darkened church a very atmospheric feeling as“away in a manger” was sung.On Christmas Day, our family communion service was held in the sanctuary with thecongregation in one circle which was ideal for Revd. Michèle’s sermon which used a gameof “pass the parcel” as each of her points were illustrated by different wrapping papers asthe parcel was unwrapped.Our thanks are due to all those that helped in any way to make our Christmas celebrationsa success and we sincerely hope those that joined with us at the various services werereminded of the real meaning of Christmas. After all “Jesus is the reason for the season”!

Where babies come fromFor weeks a six-year old lad kept telling his teacher about the baby brother or sister thatwas expected at his house. Then one day the mother allowed the boy to feel themovements of the unborn child. The six-year old was obviously impressed but made nocomment. Furthermore, he stopped telling his teacher about the impending event.The teacher finally took the little boy aside one day, and asked: “James, whatever hasbecome of that baby brother or sister you were expecting at home?” James burst intotears and confessed, “I think Mummy ate it!”

New Year message from The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell,Bishop of Chelmsford.

Live gently and enhance God’s creation in 2020When I’m having a bad day – or just as importantly, when I’m feeling abit too pleased with myself – I say to myself that one day I will be mysuccessors’ predecessor. I find this helps me put myself in perspec-tive. It also helps me to pray that the decisions I take are not simply forthe good of the diocese while I’m bishop, but will be for the benefit offuture generations in East London and Essex. As I pray for our dioceseon the eve of 2020, I also wonder what our world will look like when

the Bishop of Chelmsford writes their New Year message in 2070 or 2120.This past year has seen concern for the environment grow. Where once we talked aboutsustainability, we now question whether the fundamentals of our present existence onthis planet are sustainable at all. We now tend to talk about climate emergency not justclimate change. As this emergency deepens, it is the poorest and most vulnerable whoare suffering most.In October, I took my staff team to the Franciscan Friary at Hilfield in Dorset to learn howa community of Christians can intentionally adapt their lives to not only reduce their envi-ronmental impact but also positively enhance their corner of creation. Please visit themyourself and learn from them. Their heat comes from biomass. Much of their power fromsolar. Their food is LOAF (local, organic, animal-friendly and fairly-traded). Their animalsnaturally tend their wildflower meadows and they generously work with their neighboursto create corridors to support natural habitats.How would our attitude to God’s creation differ if we, like the Franciscans, had to drawour water from the ground directly beneath our feet? Would we discharge the waste andchemicals into the soil and drains that we currently do?Please join me this year in seeking to live gently in the world and enhance God’s crea-tion. You are your successors’ predecessor. In 2020 bless the inheritance that you be-queath them.I wish you a peaceful, gentle and sustainable 2020.

C of E’s Environment Group calls for greater church action onClimate Change

The Church of England’s Environmental Advisory Group has called for all parts of the Churchto recognise the Climate Crisis and step up its action to safeguard God’s creation.

In guidance sent to bishops, dioceses and church leadership teams, the EnvironmentalWorking Group (EWG) points to the ambitious programme of action required, coveringeverything from the Church’s buildings to its investment assets.The paper also highlights future mission challenges including a need for churches to beready to provide sanctuary for those affected by extreme weather events in this country andbeyond as the impact of climate change accelerates.With work already underway to develop a carbon footprint tool and local energy audits forchurches, schools and houses, the EWG says the assessment of our carbon footprint mustextend to all areas within the overall Church of England portfolio such as investment holdingsin farming and forestry.Several areas of focus for 2020 have been identified, including a Lent Campaign on theEnvironment backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and plans for events surrounding COP26, the UN climate change summit, in Glasgow. Climate change and the environment willalso be a central part of the Lambeth 2020 Conference which brings together bishops fromthe global Anglican Communion.

Silence can be golden – as long as the transmitters don’t cutout! - By David WinterPolitical parties often describe themselves as ‘broad churches’, bywhich they mean that they are able to accommodate widelydiffering views. The title was first applied to the Church of England,where some churches are so ‘Catholic’ that they would make thePope himself feel like a Protestant, and where the noisiest andmost exuberant ‘Pentecostal’ worshippers would feel at home.This ’broadness’ is widely demonstrated in the Church of England calendar, where holymen and women are celebrated. On the thirteenth of this month the calendar nominatesGeorge Fox for our remembrance. In the 17th century he founded the ’Society of Friends.’They built their worship on simplicity and silence – hardly ‘Anglican!’ They have remained adistinctive group in world religion. Dedicated to pacifism and suspicious of dogma.I remember in my BBC days when we set out to broadcast a Quaker service for the firsttime. On Saturday evening I took an anxious phone call from the producer. He was tryingto organise a rehearsal in order to time the programme but discovered it was impossible.‘We remain silent’, they explained, ‘until a member feels called to pray or say something.’The largest part of the service would be silent – but he and I knew that after two minutes ofsilence the BBC transmitters automatically cut out!We did find a solution – a ticking clock placed near a microphone. It was, we could say, anunusual but absolutely genuine act of worship – mostly silence. Quite a change really.

Bishop Stephen to be the next Bishop of York

The new Archbishop of York to be appointed when Dr JohnSentamu steps down next year has been named asStephen Cottrell.

The current Bishop of Chelmsford will become the 98thArchbishop of York and the Church of England's secondmost senior clergyman.

Bishop Cottrell was ordained priest in 1985 before startinghis ministry at Christchurch in Forest Hill, London.

He will take up his new role when Dr John Sentamu retires on 7 June.

Dr John Sentamu said he is "full of joy and expectation" for the future

After beginning his ministry at Christchurch, Forest Hill in south east London, BishopCottrell then moved onto the Dioceses of Chichester and Wakefield. He was nominatedarea Bishop of Reading in 2004, where he served for six years before becoming Bishopof Chelmsford in 2010. The married father of three, who has previously called on the C ofE to shed its middle class "Marks and Spencer" image, said he was "humbled andexcited at the prospect" of becoming the new Archbishop of York.

"Archbishop Sentamu and I have worked together in mission on many occasions and Ihope to build on the work he has pioneered," he said.

"Working alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury, I hope to help the church be morejoyful and more effective in sharing the gospel and bringing hope and unity to our nation."

The Bishop added he was looking forward to "being a voice for the North" and "helping toaddress the discrepancies of wealth and opportunity that too often favour the South."

Referring to the new appointment, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby saidBishop Stephen "writes beautifully, thinks deeply and communicates superbly."

Dr Sentamu said Bishop Stephen's nomination as his successor had "gladdened myheart".

He added: "His greatest passion is to share the Gospel with everyone in a friendly andaccessible way."

Dr Sentamu, who was born near Kampala in 1949 as the sixth of 13 children, was the theUK's first black archbishop and will be stepping down three days before his 71st birthday.

He was enthroned at York Minister in November 2005 in a ceremony that broke withtradition and included drums and dancers.

PARISH DIARY FOR JANUARYOur Sunday services are at St. Catherine’s

1 Jan Bank Holiday - no Communion Service or Community “Drop In” at St Francis 2 Jan Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

5 Jan Epiphany SundayFamily Service led by Revd Michèle 10.00am

7 Jan PCC meeting at St. Francis 7.30pm 8 Jan Holy Communion at St Francis 10.00am Community “Drop In” at St Francis 10.30am - noon 9 Jan Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

12 Jan Baptism of Christ Parish Communion 10.00am

15 Jan Holy Communion (St Francis) 10.00am Community “Drop In” at St. Francis 10.30am - noon 16 Jan Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

19 Jan 2nd Sunday of EpiphanyParish Communion 10.00am

22 Jan Holy Communion (St Francis) 10.00amCommunity “Drop In” at St Francis 10.30am - noon

23 Jan Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pm

26 Jan 3rd Sunday of EpiphanyParish Communion 10.00am

29 Jan Holy Communion (St Francis) 10.00amCommunity “Drop In” at St Francis 10.30am - noon

30 Jan Foodbank at St. Francis 11.00am - 1.00pmWELCOM forum meet at Linford Methodist Church 7.00pm

Enjoy each day as it comesIs your diary for 2020 already filling up? That is fine, but also bear in mind what has beencalled ‘the sacrament of the present moment.’That is what the 17th century French Jesuitand spiritual writer Pere Jean-Pierre de Caussade called it. He wrote: The present momentholds infinite riches, but you will only enjoy them to the extent of your faith and love. Thewill of God is manifest in each moment, an immense ocean which the heart only fathoms inso far as it overflows with faith, trust and love.”So this year, try and live your life a day at a time. You can’t change the past, yesterday ishistory; and you can’t live in the future, tomorrow is mystery. The present is really all youhave.When Jesus spoke about God, He always spoke about Him being where we are, in the hereand now. He is our Father, our vine, our Shepherd, and His Spirit wants to walk with useach day.

FROM ST. CATHERINE’S PARISH REGISTERSBaptisms NoneCommittal of ashes 11 Dec Shirley MannFuneral 3 Dec Susan Spiers 20 Dec Julie Devonshire

Remember the Millennium Bug? - By Tim LentonJust over 20 years ago, there was widespread panic – or at least deep concern – overwhat might happen when the calendar switched over to the year 2000 on 1st January,and the effect on computers of the so-called Y2K ‘Millennium Bug’.The problem was that computers so long ago were laughably short of memory, and tosave space, years in dates had all been recklessly programmed with two figures – forexample 80, instead of the full 1980. So, when they reached 2000, no-one knew whatwould happen. Would the computers think they were back at 00, the beginning of time,or in some other dimension where time had no meaning?Possible consequences ranged from the Second Coming to explosions in nuclear plantsand aircraft falling out of the sky. Many experts predicted disaster of one kind or another.Churches were not immune. But in the end more or less nothing happened. Some putthis down to the preventative work done by computer technicians – at a price – whileothers thought it was never going to happen anyway.The cost of countering the Y2K Bug threat cost Britain nearly £400 million. There wereproblems, but nothing huge – except the sigh of relief.I remember it all very well. Apart from being concerned about our systems in the UK Ihad to make a number of visits to a company in São Paulo, Brazil, that we had recentlyacquired to try to make sure that their systems would be okay. …………. Ed

If you are feeling hard up for money as the New Year begins, it may be worth checkingyour sofa. It seems that there are still millions of old one-pound coins loose in ourhomes across the country.The Royal Mint has reassured people that they will still accept the old coins – just takethem to your nearest bank. “We expect there to be some returns for a number of yearsto come,” said a spokesman.

Chris Ford44, Northumberland RoadLinfordStanford le HopeSS17 0PUTel: 01375 675863e-mail: pewtalk@talktalk.net

The Priest in chargeREVD. MICHÈLE MARSHALLThe Rectory24, Somerset Road, LinfordStanford-le-HopeEssex, SS17 0QA.Telephone: 01375 671754 email: mjmarshall@fastmail.co.uk

PEWTALK Editor

The ServicesSunday 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion service at St. Catherine’s Except 1st Sunday of the month when we have “The Family Service”Wednesday 10.00 a.m. Holy Communion at St. FrancisFor Baptisms, Weddings or Funerals please contact the Priest in Charge.

St. Francis CentreThe centre is available for hire forregular events when not used bythe Church. To check availabilityplease contact:

PATRICIA STRONGpatricia.a.strong@outlook.com

The ChurchwardenCOLIN STRONG T: 07591 708955E:- warden.colin.stcatherines@gmail.com

Pastoral AssistantDavid Gunn T: 01375 768202