theparishofsaintsphilipandjames uphatherley parishmagazine · 04/04/2020 · 20th...
TRANSCRIPT
ParishMagazine
TheParishofSaintsPhilip andJamesUpHatherley
April 2020
Delivered free to around 3900 homes
36
Saints Philip and James Parish Church,ColdPoolLane,Up Hatherley, Cheltenham, GL51 6HX.
www.saintsphilipandjames.org.uk
Parish Priest Fr. Mark Catherall B.Th (Hons) SSCThe Vicarage, 336 Hatherley Road, Up Hatherley,Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL51 6HX.Telephone: 01242 704837:
Churchwardens Janet LovedayShirley [email protected]
PCC Secretary June [email protected]
Treasurer Bill [email protected]
Electoral Roll Jennifer Link
Magazine Shirley Little -EditorDavid Kirk - InvoicesBill Sargison - Production
Printer Color Co Design Print 01242 226332
Website Keith [email protected]
Facebook Saints Philip and James Church, Up Hatherley
Church Centre Bookings and [email protected]
Toddler Group June Ireland
Articles for the Magazine, including local groups’ programmes should be sent toThe Magazine Secretary
Saints Philip & James Church, Cold Pool LaneUp Hatherley, Cheltenham. GL51 6HX
or emailed to [email protected] later than the 7th of the preceding month
The Editor accepts no responsibility for the content of any advertisement
General
AdornSoft Furnishings 24AlmaGarage 32ArvoniaVeterinarySurgery 36Balance of LifePilates 25BeaumontHouseHotel 33ChurchdownComputers 20CitizensAdvice 34FoxcubsDayNursery 21GuySheppard—TheUnwantedBride 34HawkesPharmacy 34HatherleyDental Surgery 25Hop-2-ITComputerRepair/IT Specialists 24I cando it…Tutoring 20JoJingles…Music forChildren 29M-DesignCurtains, Dressmaking,Sewing 26MarkWilliamsComputerSolutions 32Michelle’sMobile FootCare 23PianoLessons –SimonProbert 23PC-Menders 25Oggie’s SilverFitness –personal trainer 30OvenBusters ovenCleaningServices 23OvenClean 31QualityFeet-Professional FootCare 27PlayhouseDayNursery 31Richmond Retirement Village 22TheHealingFeeling–Reflexology 26TraceyGeorgeMobileHairStylist 32UpHatherleyVillageHall 25Work fromHome 26
Gardening/LandscapingKJP Fencing 32LandscapeCreations (Chelt) Ltd 30CheltenhamMowers Ltd 31GardenMaintenanceService 26R&MGardenServices 29ShurdingtonNurseries 25ValleyRoundabout Nurseries 24
Food and DrinkLakeside Takeaway 30
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
Building / Repair
Alan J Gillespie Painting & Decorating 24Andrew Jones – Carpenter 27CASoletrade Home maintenance 31Chosen Property Services 28Church Centre Hire 5D B F Electrical 31D J Cook Plumbing Services 30Everest Installations 21Firmfix 22Hatherley Heating and Plumbing 21Home Maintenance Services 23Jason Bond Carpet Fitter 32Just Carpentry & Locks 24Mark Edwards Painter & Decorator 27S Hathaway-KItchens,Bedrms,Bathrms 20Spa Plumbing & Heating 27Sparkes Aerial & Satellite 29UK Blinds 30The Combi-Man Heating & Plumbing 33The Hatherley Kitchen Fitter 20Brian Mitten Decorator 29
Property & FinanceLouise Newman Chartered Cert.Acc’nt 24
Stonemasons / FuneralsSelim Smith & Co. Funeral Directors 23W S Trenhaile Funeral Directors 29
2 35
3
CitizensAdvice provides an appointment only advice serviceon Thursday morning at Up Hatherley Library.
Please call 01452527202toarrangeanappointment:
Free confidential adviceonissuesincluding:*Benefits * Employment * Housing * Debt * Family * Consumer
RE PE AT PRESCRIPTION COLLE CTION SE RVICEWe can collect your prescription from all the Cheltenham surgerieson your behalf
Then all you have to do is call into the Pharmacy to collect your medication.A free delivery service is available if required.OT H E R S E R V I C E S AV AI L AB L E
Ostomy supplies – incontinence supplies – pregnancy testingMedicines usage review – special diets -gluten free – diabetics
Yardley produc t s now st oc k ed.Please ask or phone Hazel Hawkes your localPharmacist for any advice or for further details
HAWKES PHARMACY52 Windermere Road, Che l tenham
Te lephone Che l tenham 523290
Parish Church Calendar April 2020
34
Jo Wheeler hassetherheartonmarryingSidneySheppard.Nowhe̓ sdead ina freak fall inGloucesterCathedral.Thetwo of themhad such great plans for the future thatsomeonemust pay for her disappointment.Jo is convincedthat Sidneyʼs wife Marjorie is toblame.Except Joʼs increasingly erratic behaviourconvinces thepolice that she is the killer.But whoʼsthemysteriouswitness she saw at the sceneofthe crime? Whywon t̓anyonebelieve he is stalkingher?Jo must provesheʼs rightaboutMarjorie before she, too,suffers. But is Sidney theman she thoughthe was?What happened onhis honeymoonfive years ago forhisbride to take revenge now?IsMarjorie really Joʼs swornenemy, oris sheher saviour?
Available fromAmazonin ebookand paperback.
Date Dedication Mass/Services Prayer CycleWed 1st Feria 19:00 Media & the ArtsThurs 2nd Feria 10:00 Farming & FishingFri 3rd Feria Commerce & IndustrySat 4th Feria Families & Young PeopleSun 5th PALM SUNDAY 10:00 The ParishMon 6th Holy Week 18:00 Holy HourTues 7th Holy Week 18:00 Holy HourWed 8th Holy Week 18:00 Holy HourThurs 9th MAUNDY THURSDAY19:00 Mass of the Lord’s Supper.Fri 10th GOOD FRIDAY 15:00 The Solemn Liturgy.Sat 11th HOLY SATURDAY 19:00 Eater Vigil & First Mass.Sun 12th EASTER SUNDAY 10:00 The Lord’s Resurrection.Mon 13th Easter Week Emergency ServicesTues 14th Easter Week The People of IrelandWed 15th Easter Week 19:00 Members of ParliamentThurs 16th Easter Week 10:00 The Armed ForcesFri 17th Easter Week Victims of war & TerrorSun 19th EASTER 2 10:00 The ParishMon 20th Feria The HomelessTues 21st S. Anselm Those without hopeWed 22nd Feria 19:00 Forgiveness & RenewalThurs 23rd S. George 10:00 EnglandFri 24th Feria Those without FaithSat 25th S. Mark Prisoners & CaptivesSun 26th EASTER 3 10:00 The ParishMon 27th Feria Leaders of the nationsTues 28th Feria Her Majesty The QueenWed 29th S. Catherine of Sienna 19:00 EuropeThurs 30th Feria 10:00 Aid Agencies & NGO’s
SUNDAYS10:00 Parish Mass
Children & young people are welcome at the ‘Starters’ groupin the Centre.
WEEKDAYSSaid Mass on Wednesdays at 19:00 & Thursdays at 10:00.
Morning & Evening prayer as advertised on the Sunday Service Sheet.For further information please see the Church Notice Board.
4 33
Every day the Church remembers and prays for thesouls those whose anniversary of death falls during themonth. Below are those who we remember this month.
1st Trevor Mathews (Priest).2nd Gwendoline A. Link, Allen Whittern.3rd
4th Wenda Margaret Blissett Wood.5th May Winfield.6th
7th Richard Link.8th Louis Wilman9th
10th Ernest Thomas Simons.11th
12th Mary Elizabeth Miles, William Charles Haylock, Brenda Mansell.13th Ian Wilson.14th Stephen John Townsend.15th Christopher Andrew Willcox.16th Matthew Brian Cook, Henry Ernest Herbert.17th Phyllis Evelyn Morris.18th Garnald Morris Gregory, James Ernest Tadgell,
Godfrey S. Allan.19th Daphne Matthews.20th Mildred Moore, Alfred Williams.21st Anthony Postans, Alexander James Ralston (Priest)22nd Harry Thurston.23rd
24th
25th Lilian Luxon.26th John Edward Matson27th
28th May Edith Carter Tarrall, Gwen Gutteridge29th
The Years Mind
www.saintsphilipandjames.org. uk
KJPFENCING15years̓ experienceCompetitivePricesFreeEstimates
For a local, personal andprofessional service, call Kevin on:
01242 24430007827387544
www.kjpfencing.co.uk
Recipe.
French Lemon TartPastry Filling
5oz plain flour 2 lemons (rind & juice)2oz caster sugar 3 large eggs4oz margarine 6oz caster sugar1 egg yolk 1/4 pt double creamPinch of salt icing sugar1/2 tsp vanilla essence
Pastry:Make the pastry by blending all dryingredients then add egg yolk andvanilla essence. Chill in a fridge for 1hour. Line tin and bake ‘blind’ for15mins @350F
Filling:Whisk together the juice and rind oflemons, the eggs, caster sugar andcream.Lower the temperature of the oven to300F. Pour filling into tart and cook untiljust set 15-20 minutes. It needs watchingto catch this moment.
532
Theideal venueforthat specialoccasion.Well equipped kitchen andLicensed Bar by arrangement.Specialrate of£45forChildren̓spartiesoff–peak.Call in, email or phone on01242570961
An invitation to join us for
Sunday Lunchin the Church Centre at 12:15pm, and enjoy
a home- cooked roast lunch.
£5 adults, £2 childrenSimply sign up in advance onthe list in the Church lobbyNextSunday Lunch
17th May
Young at H ear tEvery 3rdFriday of the month2.30pm
Church Centre,Saints Philip & James,
Up HatherleySee Church Noticeboard for details
Knit andNatterEvery 2nd and 4thMondayFrom 1.30pm…
CHURCH CENTRESAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES
UP HATHERLEYFor details,please contactEva Payne 01242251588
LAWNMOWERSS E R VI CE D — S HAR PE NE D — R E PAI R E D
ALSO: -RIDE-ONMOWERS, ClIAINSAWS,ROTAVATORS,STRIMMERS, IIEDGETRIMMERS ETC.
FRE E COLL E CTION AND DE L IV E RYTel : CHELTENHAM MOWERS LIMITED
Unit B3, Nexus, Hurricane Road,Gloucester Business Park, Glos. GL3 4AG
Visit and Buy On-Line at www.mowers-online.co.com
D.B.F ELECTRICALNICEIC
APPROVED CONTRACTOR
ComprehensiveProfessionalServiceInstallations, PeriodicInspections,Testing
Call Dave Barnsby-Finch on
01242 578623 or 07973 501017
For Free Estimates and AdviceNo VAT – ask for details
6 31
100 ClubThewinnersofthe FebruaryDrawwereasfollows:1stPrize =LucyDodd2ndPrize=EdwardCatherall
3rdPrize=AmyMcFarlane
NextDrawwill beonApril13th
We meet everyWednesdaymorningfrom 9.30 in theChurch Centre. Why notcome along and enjoy acoffee or tea while thechildren take part instructured play.
Please contactJune Ireland01242 863356For details
Note There will be no Lunch in Aprildue to Easter
D.J.COOKPLUMBING SERVICESSMALL JOBS WELCOME
LAKESIDE TAKEAWAYTel. 516528
*Fine selection of fresh fish*Pies, Burgers, Drinks
NOWOPENMONDAY EVENINGS 4.30 - 9.30TUES - FRI 12.00 - 2.00, 4.30 - 9.30SAT 12.00 - 2.00, 4.30 - 8.30
Large orders catered for. Please en-quire. Phone orders welcome
01452 71280107713 778627 (mobile)
730
ForthcomingeventsOur second sale for this year……….
Sat 25th April 202010.00amLots of bargainsPlease bring jumble to the church foyer no earlier than theMonday prior to the sale (Mon 3rd)Good, clean, re-useable items only please Thankyou
Race NightSaturday May 16th
7pm to late
A social evening for all. Afun night, have a flutter,with food and the bar will
be open.
Book and Record SaleWe are starting to collect books and vinylrecords for a megaBOOK SALE on the
12th September.If you have unwanted books or records wewould be pleased to receive them. Just dropthem into the church foyer. Thanks
Puzzle for the children
8 29
Church Activities
928
Annual MeetingThe Annual Vestry meeting of the church took place on Sunday the15th March in the Church Centre after the normal Sunday morning ser-vice. Fr. Mark as chairman introduced the meeting and said that thesole purpose of this short meeting was to elect the two churchwardensfor the coming year. That said, the churchwardens who were elected,unopposed, for the coming year were:
Shirley LittleJanet Loveday
The Annual Meeting of the Church then followed. The Annual Report and2019 Financial Statement, which had been made available a weekbeforehand, were received and questions were welcomed on thechurch activities.The electoral roll officer gave an update of the electoral roll and JulieBrown was re-elected as Safeguarding Officer for the coming year.Fr. Mark thanked those who were retiring from serving on the PCC forthe past three years—Kate Fenwick; Eva Payne; and Karen Sargison;To Enid Sutcliffe who had served on the Deanery Synod for the sameperiod and to June Ireland who had served as PCC secretary forseveral years. David Kirk and Bill Sargison were elected to serve on theDeanery Synod for the next three years.
This concluded the meeting.
Leap Year Concert—29th February
A big Thank you to the SilverThreads who entertained usWe raised £225 for the Under One Roof Appeal
The Wider Church
2710
Together in the face of terrorIt was on Easter Sunday last year that news broke of the suicideattack on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. Around 300 people deadand 500 injured left the nation shocked and bewildered. In the face ofsuch trauma the bishops of the Anglican Communion reached outacross the diverse religious communities, imploring a united andpeaceful response. The following is an extract of their communication.
“This is the opportune time for all people of every faith and belief inthis nation to come together in our common humanity to hold handsand work towards building One Family of One Nation, We need tocommit ourselves to build bridges of trust and confidence with eachother. Out of the debris of this chaotic situation something beautiful,something fragrant, something positive needs to emerge.
We cannot and must not act on the basis of “an eye for an eye, ortooth for a tooth” but we will follow the Master’s example and cry thesame cry He cried on the cross with so much sadness and heavinessof heart saying – “Father, forgive them for they do not know what theydo”. We call on all our fellow citizens and Christians in particular toembrace the Muslim community who have lived in this country formany hundreds of years in peaceful co-existence. They must betreated with love and understanding.
We need to go beyond and engage in committed acts of consolingand healing. It is now time… to come together to protect each other. Itis our unity as Sri Lankans, to be together amidst the diversity we enjoy.Diversity is a gift that God has given us. Let us genuinely learn to respecteach other, putting aside all our differences and private agendas.”
How can we in our own small way hold each other’s hands and work towardsbuilding up our sense of community?
Puzzle Time Easter
1126
Easter Day the 12th April
12 25
Pancake Party
FRRobert andShirley called theBINGO and
FRM ark cookedthe PANCAKES
Waiting forthe rightnumber tobe called inthe BINGO.
George belowwon the firstprize
Photos from the Pancake Party held in the Church Centre.
A happy time for all who came with plenty of Pancakeswhich were enjoyed by both young and old.
CULTIVATED LAWN TURFQuality ScreenedTopsoil
High Quality and Utility Lawn TurfMushroom Compost Blended Loam
Composts and Mulches Sand and Gravels
WhitelandsLane, LittleShurdington,Cheltenham GL514TX Tel: 01242863738
OPEN: MON-FRI 8am–5pm SAT8am-1pm
ADORNSOFT FURNISHINGSBespoke, Made to Measure:
Curtains, Roman Blinds, Soft Furnishings16 Years Experience
Free No Obligation Quote.
Please contact: 07780761810www.adorn243.wordpress.com
1324
Please accept £……………donation for ………..Tiles as part of theUnder One Roof Appeal. I recognise that my contribution will gotowards the urgent repairs needed to the Parish Church of Up Hatherleyto help secure its existence for future generations.
Please make cheques payable to Up Hatherley PCC.
I am happy for my name or that of my nominee to be recorded in the bookof Roof Donation Register which will be held with the Church Archives andwill be recorded as follows…………………………………………...
I am a UK taxpayer and am happy for the PCC to treat this as a Gift Aiddonation. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax than the amount ofGift Aid claimed on all my donations in the tax year it is my responsibilityto pay the difference.
Signature…………………………………………...Date………………….
Name and Address………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………...
Buy a Ti leAs part of the Under One Roof Appeal( UOR Appeal) we are giving thewhole community of Up Hatherley the opportunity to help secure the churchand part of our history, for the future. We are asking individuals, groups,businesses to sponsor roof tiles at £2 each. It is estimated that we will need5000 tiles. We intend to re-use as many of the existing tiles as possible. Aspecial Roof Donation Register containing the names of donors purchasing10 tiles or more will be displayed in the church as part of the archives of thechurch
……………………………………………………………………………
For office use
Amount Received …………………. Receipt No………..
Please return this formto the Post Boxat the ChurchOffice, orpostit to St Philip& St James, ColdPool lane, UpHatherley, CheltenhamGL516HX
Quality bedding plantsHanging basketsVegetable plantsGarden suppliesPond SuppliesPaving and Walling Products
Up Hatherley Parish Council
2314
Welcome to our newest member of the Parish Council StephenGutteridge who joined us at the March meeting. We also haveanother prospective member coming along to that meeting – more details to followand I am delighted to say that both new members have a keen interest in the environ-ment which will help the ParishCouncilwith its agenda on Climate Change.
I reported last month that the Parish Council was going to consider action on treeplanting. This initiative got expanded to consider a number of other actions wecould take to counteract the emergency that we face with our climate and naturalenvironment. Coincidingwith this focus on climate, we have just been experiencing oneof the windiest and wettest periods – albeit not as cold as in previous winters. StormCiara and Storm Dennis wreaked havoc with trees and fences and many householdersup and down the country have suffered with flooding –misery for homes and business-es as well as problems for travelling to school and work. Roads that were already inpoor condition just became worse. We face an enormous challenge – not only onhow to put things back in order but to find ways in which we can act to lessenthedamage and to reduce the impact we make on our environment.
By the time you read this, along with Shurdington ParishCouncil and the Scouts,weshould have carried out an initial litter pick at Chargrove Nature Reserve – morecomprehensive works will follow after nesting seasonis over.
Having worked with LakesideSchool on their sensory garden and all- weather trackfor children to do a daily mile, we look forward to working with Greatfield Park onhow we can invest in the facilities there.
In April we will be holding our Annual Parish Meeting – the date and details will beadvertised on our Parish Council website and on Tuesday 5th May at 7.30 we willhold our AGM and next meeting. Meetings are open to the public and there is al-ways an opportunity at the beginning of the meeting for public questions. This is a20 minute slot - anything requiring careful thought and consideration will get awritten response if needs be. We hope to be adding a sound system to the VillageHall to make it easier for people to hear what is going on and in the meantime we areusing a projector to help the public follow the agenda and main items we are considering.The shapeand layout of the hall makes it difficult for the hard of hearing.
Fingers crossed for a lovely Spring and an end to this miserable season we havebeen through. Also – here’s hoping that the Coronavirus pandemic can be con-tained through sensible precautions and responsible health behaviour.
Up HatherleyVillageHall,Cold Pool Lane
Bookingsand further information fromCalebOakey 07403582472
Hillview CommunityCentreLargeHall, SkittleAlley,Kitchen &
LicensedBar availableatReducedRates.Bookings -contact 01242863635after 6pm.Social MembersBar Open: 6pm-11pmMon-Fri & Noon-11pmSat& Sundays
BadgeworthandReddings55plusClub
Meets every 2nd and 4th Monday afternoon ofeach month at 2.00pm. The Reddings CommunityCentre North Road West £2.50 per session toinclude, tea, biscuits and raffle. Newcomersalways welcome, transport can be arrangedApril 13th - Easter Monday….No meetingApril 27th - Terry Cox….Ukulele United
The ReddingsWivesGroupMeetings are held at the Reddings CommunityCentre, North Road West on alternate Tuesdaysat 8pm. Raffle and refreshments Our group wel-comes all ladies and friends of all ages.
There are no meetings in AprilKathyUrsell 01452 714240
Community Organisations
1522
ScoutsandCubScoutsAll enquiries to Chris Keith 01242 519112
Guiding andBrowniesAll enquiries to Kim Poulson
01242 581710
Reddings&District CommunityCentre
AGMon9thAprilat7.30pmThis year the Community Centre celebrates its51st year of service to the local community.The centre is unique in that it is self - fundedand administered on a voluntary basis bymembers of groups using the centre, togetherwi th other local res idents to ensure thefacility continues to provide a meeting pointto promote the interests and activities in thecommunity.We welcome any new help from residents andactivity groups to ensure it can continue onthis basis so please take this opportunity tocome along and meet us.To make contact or for more informationplease email us at the address shown in ouradvert in this magazine or call 07580 813712
Gloucestershire ConstabularyLocal PCSO
Jules M ounsor(01452 907600)
BACONTHEATREWe are thril led to announce that we’ve beenshortlisted for Live Entertainment Venue of theYear in the SoGlos Gloucestershire LifestyleAwards 2020.For our chance to win this awardwe need your support!
Pleasevote forusatsoglos.com/awardsby Thursday 30 April 2020.
Gardening News
2116
Apr i l and the ex tended day makes the prospec t o fgardening more appealing. It has been a long and soggyjourney and the ground is stil l wet, but somehow the extralight and the arrival of leaf lifts us and there is a desire to get on.The sudden lime green flash in hedgerows, almost overnight was like theflicking of a switch. Those with gardening in their veins have prepared andbehind the scenes nurseries have plants ready to go. We need to getgoing and there is plenty to do. I wi l l f inish sett ing out potatoes in thecoming days and know that onion sets and shallots will catch up quickly.There are Brassica plants about, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Summersprouting can all be put out. As indeed can lettuce. If you can find a bit oflight ground, then salad roots and carrots can all be run in from seed. Ifthere isn’t a drier space anywhere than try growing your roots in deeppots. Radish, spring onion, beetroot and carrots can all perform well inpots and with a bit of planning you can create successionby sowing morein a fortnight. You can bring your vegetables right up to the back door.
If the mood takes you can be sowing annuals now and some straight intothe ground. Old fashioned cottage garden annuals like Candytuft, nigellaand cornflowers are a doddle. Scratch the ground with a rake and sprinklethe seed. Then just press the soil back. I am going to try broadcastingCosmos in the same way. It is also time to be thinking of summer bulbsand tubers. I have a space prepared for Dahlias and the tubers can go intothe ground towards the middle of the month. They are easy and prolific,though they will need some slug protection through the early weeks.Once you have them up they are a joy, delivering a bunch of cheer everyday throughout the summer, up to the first frost. Every year I try to pop inone of the less used summer bulbs, last year setting out Tigridia (whichwere stunning), this year it’s the turn of Sparaxis.Known as the Harlequinflower, it shoots up quickly and delivers a palette of strong colours. Bestof all it seems to cope with the wet.And finally, the green jungle that is your lawn, bays for your attention.Happy Gardening.
20 17
T h eH a t h e r l e yK i t c h enF i t t e rOver 20yearsexperience
Kitchen fittingandrepairsCall David: 07913423342
ModelRailway Exhibition
Layouts plus Trade SupportModelling Display and Model Buses!
Refreshments also available
StMargaret̓s Hall, ConistonRoad, HatherleyCheltenhamGL51
Saturday4thApril 2020, 10amto5pmSunday5thApril2020,10amto4.30pm Sponsored By
www.cheltmodrail.org.uk
Is The Rock for me?The Rock is for all young people ofany faith or none. Regardless of raceor background, our doors are open. Ifyou work with young people in schools, churches or youth groups, then The Rockis also for you. We are a place, a venue, a centre, but we are also a resource forteaching and leadership and a living, evolving community.►Where is The Rock?Well, if you mean our building, then The Rock is at St Peter’s Church, TewkesburyRoad, Chelt. Some of the most disadvantaged young people in Gloucestershireliving in one of the most deprived communities in England are on our doorstep.This is where we belong.But The Rock is so much more than a building. Our work reaches into the localcommunity, into families, schools and churches. All of our equipment (and ourteam) are mobile, so groups can use our facilities at St Peter’s or in their ownsetting. Can’t come to The Rock? Then The Rock shall come to you!►What’s the point of The Rock?Right outside our doors, there are young people facing challenging socialcircumstances. They can easily become disengaged from education and theircommunity. When they do, we believe there is a need for relevant alternativeeducational provision. Church structures and communities often struggle to engagewith the incredible diversity of youth culture. We need a bridge that enables youngpeople to engage with faith on their own terms. Young people in Cheltenham tell usthat they have little or no relevant space to call their own. Even when facilities exist,youth tribalism often breeds exclusion. They need more than just a place. Youngpeople need a community where they can grow and feel that they belong.This is where The Rock comes in.►Who runs The Rock?A dedicated team of staff and a wonderful group of volunteers run The Rock.
Membersof the churchare supportingtheworkofTheRockaspart of their LentenAlmsgiving
Father’s Mark…..
1918
Consider, what parent having heard or seen their child’s bad behaviourwould not first hear what the child had to say, advise how they ought tochange their behaviour for the future, forgive them but then alsochastise them in some appropriate way. These days a smack is seen asout dated, loss of adult control and open to abuse, whereas denial of afavourite toy, television time, computer, internet or confiscation of themobile as a more favourable alternative. Does this diminish your lovefor them? No. This same love is expressed by our Heavenly Father.
Confession is an acknowledgement of sin and God’s absolution is theforgiveness given to all those who wish to be reconciled with Him. Thisis done either in general terms by the congregation in the course ofliturgical worship or in private ‘auricular confession’. Now, mention theword confession and people immediately associate it with the RomanCatholic Church, confessional boxes and a rigorous form of punishment.However, Confession is not only used by the Roman Catholic Churchbut also by the Orthodox and Anglican Churches. In the Church ofEngland the Book of Common Prayer provides a form of confessionand absolution for individuals especially in the Office for the Visitation ofthe Sick.
In the early Church confession and penance (from the word ‘poena’meaning punishment) was indeed severe and lengthy and as aconsequence, a new system was developed through the influence ofCeltic and Anglo-Saxon monk missionaries. From this developed themodern day form of confession, absolution and light formal penance.
In the New Testament God’s forgiveness flows from the Person ofChrist, who is Mediator and Redeemer (Mk 2:5-11). Just as Christinstructed the disciples to love, teach, heal, admonish and forgive thosein their care, so the traditional teaching of the Church is that thisforgiveness is now normally imparted on earth by means of the ordainedministry i.e. bishops and priests.
Here at S. Philip & S. James the sacrament of confession andreconciliation is always available, by appointment, all year round.This Lent having given up or taken something extra on and examinedyour heart and mind; take the opportunity to come and remove anyobstacles on your conscience that hinder your relationship with God andtruly know His divine love and concern for you that comes with the joy ofEaster.
FatherMark
We continue this month through the season of Lent, approach Holy Week,the Triduum and prepare for the most important Christian celebration of theyear – Easter. Two vital words in the Christian Faith should perhaps be atthe forefront of all our minds at this time, that of Sorry and Forgivenessand the importance and opportunity to seek the Sacrament of Confessionand Reconciliation.
‘Sorry’ for many of us is a word that far too often trips off the tongue with-out much thought and relates it seems to everything from forgetfulness andoversight to considerable harm and damage. One might almost say itcovers ‘a multitude of sins’! Yet this familiar term requires from us a twofold action. The first is that we are genuinely repentant for the harm causedby any action, whether in thought, word, deed or omission to God and thosearound us. The second action demands that we amend our lives to avoidmaking the same mistakes in the future. This, of course, is the hard part!
‘Forgiveness’ too can be hard especially if the harm done to us is verycostly. By costly I mean for example the loss of family and friends, propertyor work, personal injury, both physically or of reputation can all makeforgiveness difficult. In these situations justice is wanted but often revengeis sort and true forgiveness is rarely and freely offered and meant. Derivedfrom the Old English ‘forgiefan’, to forgive is defined as ‘to give upresentment; to cease to feel resentment against on account of a wrongcommitted’. To say ‘I forgive you’ and mean it, is to free yourself from theties of holding a grudge that weighs on the mind and burdens the soul.Telling someone you forgive them does not condone the wrong, nor is itweak. For forgiveness requires strength and generosity but above all itrequires love, because if you hate you cannot love and if you cannot loveyou cannot grow and move forward in life. After all in the words ofAlexander Pope “To err is human, to forgive divine”.
As Christians we believe it is also right to seek the loving forgiveness ofGod when we cause harm to others, to creation and sin against Him. Forwe have promised, through Baptism and Confirmation, to follow the waysand teaching of God as revealed through his Son Jesus Christ. Thereforewe recognise our responsibilities and commitment to Him.
Confession and Reconciliation like the other Sacraments of the Church are ameans through which God expresses his love and concern for his people.