Summer 2023 Volume 14 number 2 www.stmaryswoodford.org.uk St Mary’s Woodford Parish Magazine
2 Welcome As I write in mid May we have been enjoying some beautiful sunny spring days. Last week my grandmother celebrated her 100th birthday: although it rained, thankfully it didn’t snow as it did on the day she was born in Yorkshire! Her centenary has prompted many big picture thoughts for me about our current theme of pilgrimage with Jesus. From her birth certificate on parchment thin paper, obtained by my great grandfather walking the twelve mile round trip to the nearest town; to the book she was awarded for regular attendance at the girls’ bible class 1937-38 at the parish church which her parents helped to plant on a new council estate; the many stories of wartime and post-war resilience; to the chocolate pennies she used to slip to me during the sermon at church; to her calm response of ‘I will pray for you every day; I’ve thought so for a while’ when I told her of my calling to the priesthood; and last week her warm embrace and delight to see us all. A centenary is a huge privilege. Life is a gift from God and usually includes much responsibility and challenge alongside joy. Thankfully, most of our journey through life is not faced alone; even if, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we don’t realise until later who was with us and how they gave us strength and hope, and how we have helped and encouraged others. This time of year feels hopeful as we enjoy blue skies and sunshine some of the time and pretty spring flowers with verdant plant growth everywhere. It was exciting to be part of history as we prayed for our new King and Queen following their Coronation; Food, Fun and Craft Market Day was a great success with lots of new connections made; Pentecost was different with Ride London helping us to make an unusual approach to our thankfulness for God the Holy Spirit; and it is good to look forward to baptisms, confirmations and concerts on long summer evenings. In July Rachel Summers will be joining the West Roding Mission Partnership as Front cover: a local pilgrimage: arriving at St Mary’s having walked from St Peter’s in the Forest on 14th May.
3 a pioneer curate, mostly in the forest but also with us at St Mary’s a fair amount to start with. We will have the chance to journey together, to learn with and from one another, to explore playfully and in new ways about where and how God gives us hope. Rachel will start off observing without preaching or leading worship until after she is ordained deacon in September. When things feel positive, it is usually not too difficult to be hopeful. What helps you when things get tough? Human life undulates; with glimpses of God’s love in some unlikely places; and in Jesus we find compassionate, merciful love that really is stronger than all else. I keep coming back to Peter and Jesus at the moment; the way Peter breaks all the rules of how we’d want to be with Jesus; and Jesus keeps coming alongside him, forgiving him and actually trusting Peter to lead the church. Peter who had so many misgivings about what Jesus said was important from peace to footwashing. Peter who three times said he wasn’t Jesus’ friend or even acquaintance while Jesus was on trial. After all that, Jesus approaches him and asks Peter three times whether he loves him and as Peter gets more exasperated with each ‘yes’, Jesus calmly asks Peter to feed his sheep. Jesus loves Peter, Jesus trusts Peter, There is always a copy of the latest parish magazine on the St Mary’s website www.stmaryswoodford.org.uk To contact the parish office [email protected] or tel 020 8505 3000. You are welcome to do this if you have difficulties accessing any of the links given in this magazine You can find it by scrolling down to the ‘Our Publications’ heading. See also Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube:@stmaryswoodford Parish Register For your Prayers: Funerals: Elsie Frost—9 May 23 Burial: Peter Gadsdon 15 Mar 23 Interments: Revd Alison Clarke—18 Mar 23 Marriage: Joe Mahoney and Lauren Blackmore—3 Jun 23 Jesus knows Peter needs him. Whether we are sheep-like or Peter-like, whether hope-filled or pessimistic disciples, Jesus loves us, Jesus trusts us and Jesus knows that we need him. Revd Dr Elizabeth Lowson Email: [email protected]. uk
4 Life at St Mary’s Are junior church members looking at mobile phones in this photograph taken on 14th May? Not at all! See the photographs on the front cover and page 11.
5 Life at St Mary’s Bishops Lynne (centre left in black) and Guli (centre right in a beige top) at St Mary’s on 20th March Above and opposite: Outside St Mary’s on Food and Fun day on 20th May
6 Life at St Mary’s Visiting a church in our MMU (Mission and Ministry Unit)* Saturday, 18th March was a wonderful evening. It was a great treat to hear “The Messiah” performed by All Saints’ Chorus at St Gabriel’s, Aldersbrook. The journey was easy. I took the W13 bus from opposite St Mary’s to Wanstead and then the 101 bus to Aldersbrook. It was good too to see familiar faces in the choir. Cheryl Corney Handel’s Messiah at St Gabriel’s, Aldersbrook *Can you remember which are the churches in our MMU? Give yourself a pat on the back if you can remember them all. See page 35 for the full list.
7 Quiz 1 Daniel was thrown into our den. 2 Shepherds were watching over us when the angel came to tell them of the birth of Jesus. 3 Solomon had many of us for his chariots. 4 Michael defeated me when war broke out in heaven. 5 I crowed on the night when Peter denied Christ three times. 6 I offered the apple to Eve and evil came into the world. Food for Thought “All creatures of our God and king, Lift up your voices and with us sing” This hymn, written by William Henry Draper and based on a poem by St Francis of Assisi, tells us that all creatures are called to love and worship God. Do you think that all creatures, whatever roles they have had, are called to love and praise God? Do you think that all of us, whatever we have been doing, are called to love and praise God? Answers: page 35 What parts do these creatures play in the Christian story? Which creatures are we? We are all in the Christian story.
8 FOOD ITEMS NEEDED ARE: Tea bags, Tinned fish, Tinned fruit, Rice, Packets of noodles, Vegetarian food items (tins or packets), Cooking oil, Pasta sauce, Long life milk, Long life fruit juice, Jam/spreads, Custard/rice pudding, tinned tomatoes, Biscuits, Shower gel , Treats, Toothpaste, Toilet rolls, ITEMS NOT NEEDED ARE Cereals, Pasta Supporting Foodbanks: more important than ever St Mary’s is a Redbridge Food Bank collection point. Woodford Baptist Church on George Lane is both a collection and distribution point (Distribution 2.30 - 4.30 pm Fridays.) Donate food | Redbridge Foodbank Over 90% of the food distributed by foodbanks in The Trussell Trust network is donated by the public – that’s why your food donations are absolutely vital to our ability to give everyone referred to us a balanced and nutritious three day supply of food. Our shopping list on the right shows the food items that we need right now – all of which should be undamaged/ unopened and before the sell by date. Further information https:// redbridge.foodbank.org.uk/givehelp/donate-food/
9 Life at St Mary’s The theme of the main service on 14th May was, ‘Care of God’s creation and how each of us can participate joyfully’. Below are some of the eco points from Elizabeth’s sermon. Peter Wall The Church of England Has set target of being carbon neutral by 2030 and has a Routemap for achieving this. The criteria concern looking at buildings, land, transport and relationships. See page 9 for a link for the Routemap. The Church Commissioners have set aside funds for nine years to support this St Mary’s (further to our reaching A Rocha bronze in 2021) Is assessing our energy footprint (ongoing) Is participating in both local ecumenical and local inter-faith groups for mutual encouragement and support (eg ‘North East London Eco Faith’ network) The PCC agreed a statement of Eco principles for St Mary’s in March (see page x) The PCC agreed in May to initiate the process for getting solar panels, double glazing and cavity insulation for the new part of our building: also is exploring getting infra red heating for the main body of the church (uses much less energy, cheaper and is safe) Possible steps for each of us individually Some examples: Don’t mow grass—’no mow May’. Switch to green electricity tariff,. Use refill shops. Buy fair trade food. Line curtains. Thinking of installing a heat pump? Others at St Mary’s have already done this and would be happy to talk this through (ask via the parish office). Further ideas in creationcare.org.uk where you can also assess how well you are doing on ecology —you may well be doing better than you think already!
10 St Mary’s Eco principles High level principles Always work back from the target of net carbon zero by 2030 Always assume action is needed now, not in the future Encourage everyone to apply these principles in their own lives outside St Mary’s Use opportunities to promote these principles e.g. young people forums; church services; parish events Use Fair Trade goods at every opportunity FROM WHICH ARE THESE ACTIONS Restrain our use of gas and electricity Maximise insulation and reduce avoidable heat loss (draughts; broken windows Maximise use of renewable (green tariff) energy (key area; being progressed) Use heating only where necessary (minimise number of spaces/rooms heated) Keep temperature moderate e.g. 19 degrees Wear warmer clothes Emphasise movement in activities, perhaps including during services Balance ventilation needs with minimising open windows Minimise lighting during events and services Don’t turn lights on unnecessarily at other times. Turn off lights Discourage petrol car travel / encourage alternatives for church activities (walking; cycling; public transport; shared transport; electric vehicles) Maximise recycling and eco-friendliness Review regular church purchasing Use clearly marked recycling (and non-recycling) bins Ensure bins are accessible, and known Use eco-friendly products (cleaning; refreshments; flower-arranging; stationery) BUT finish using existing supplies before replacing with preferred items Principles for all groups and activities: agreed by the PCC in March
11 St Mary’s Eco principles Encourage biodiversity Review use of outdoor maintenance products. Ensure eco-friendly. Improve churchyard habitat - more nature-friendly / carbon-absorbing / shade Maximise its productive use (fruit/veg/pollinating flowers) Maximise involvement of young people Discourage unnecessary use of cars on the church drive The Church of England has set a target of net zero carbon by 2030. How to get there with progress in many different avenues is set out on the Routemap to net zero: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/ environment-and-climate-change/net-zero-carbon-routemap Pertinent artwork from Junior church members (see page 4)
12 Albert Einstein on love Love is Light, that enlightens those who give and receive it. Love is gravity, because it makes some people feel attracted to others. Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have, and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. We are most alive when we are in love. The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love. There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved. Everyone has two choices. We’re either full of love …. or full of fear. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving. Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty; it stems from love and devotion towards men and objective things. You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness. For small creatures such as we, the vastness is only bearable through love. Albert Einstein achieved worldwide fame through propounding his special theory of relativity in 1905 and then his general theory of relativity in 1906. Over a hundred years later you must be a bit of a clever clogs if you’ve got even a vague understanding of these theories. (Please DON’T email the magazine for more information though we will publish any jolly little limerick which explains all.) Albert Einstein also had many interesting things to say beyond his field of theoretical physics. On this page are some of his sayings about love.
13 More love
14 The Oberammergau Passion Play I travelled to Oberammergau with my son-in-law (Tom) and his mother (Rachel), having wanted to go for some time. As a child, I remember my mother’s friends talking about the play and the story of why performances began, but a visit to see the play was never suggested. We used to take visitors to York (we lived in Retford, near Doncaster) and so I had seen the York Mystery Plays occasionally and, I think, put the Passion Play into the same ‘medieval’ category. Of course, it’s not the same thing at all. The dramatized reading of the Gospel and the singing of ‘The Reproaches’ on Good Friday, and, later, the short ‘enactments’ during Holy Week that we have had at St Mary’s for a number of years had made me consider the ‘theatricality’, the confusion and the spectacle of the events in a rather incoherent way, so when Tom asked me (in 2018) whether I’d consider going to Oberammergau, I was surprised and then pleased. He did all the organising with the travel agent and we planned to go in June 2020. Unfortunately, our arrangements were completely disrupted because of the pandemic and ‘lockdown’ and it seemed as though our visit to the play would not happen. However, the Municipality of Oberammergau decided to move all performances scheduled for 2020 to 2022 and we chose to go with the new performance dates. We flew to Munich on 29th June, staying two nights in a hotel in the centre of the city and then travelled by train to GarmischPartenkirchen on the morning of 1st July, from where we got a coach to Oberammergau in the early afternoon. As we left Munich and climbed up into the mountains, the weather became misty and rainy, so we were very glad of our jerseys and mackintoshes. The coach dropped us at a car park on the edge of the village and there was a ‘shuttle’ bus to take us play goers into the centre, where we collected our theatre tickets. We knew that we needed In our Spring edition of the magazine we gave some recollections from members of the congregation who had been to the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Bavaria. There has been a production at Oberammergau, usually every ten years, dating back to the 17th century. The origins of this tradition are in a vow made in 1633 at a time when a plague was rampant. It’s a very local production with a very wide and committed participation from the citizens of Oberammergau. The next production is due for 2030. Experiencing the Passion Play has clearly left a strong impression. Here are some further recollections from members of the congregation. An account from Jean Lear of a visit in July 2022
15 The Oberammergau Passion Play to book dinner for ourselves in the interval and, having done that, we just had time for a brief stroll around and then returned to queue up to get into the theatre. This has a roof but is not completely enclosed, the photographs below show what it is like. The play lasts a long time, about five and a half hours, and has an unusual structure, each scene recounting the events of Holy Week is preceded by a tableau of a ‘theatrical depiction of related situations’ from the Old Testament, accompanied by music composed for the Passion Play. For example, the first scene, relating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is preceded by a presentation of the Expulsion from Paradise; that recounting Jesus’ questioning before Annas and the High Council follows a tableau showing Daniel in the lions’ den. The music is very powerful and the set adds to the effect, helping the audience to think about the action to come, the play’s text being available in several languages, including English. We were fortunate as our seats were quite near the stage (about ten rows back) and I felt very involved in the action of the play. For me, the play brought into focus the idea that Jesus is a part of His Jewish community. In the play, He is trying to persuade them that they need to look at the tenets of their faith and ‘reform’ the way that they live, not in political terms, but in the way they love God and behave towards their ‘neighbour’. The Roman soldiery are very evident during the play but are not the focus of Jesus’ desire for change. He is not preaching about administrative or governmental change, despite the intrusion of the Roman control of the area. Having read of the overt antisemitism of the Passion Play in years gone by, I felt relief that Jesus is shown in this context. The direction and the re-writing of the script have taken out these elements. In two other places particularly, I felt we saw the enormous thought that has gone into the best way to show the happenings of Jesus’ life and death in this Week, and these were
16 The Oberammergau Passion Play the crucifixion and ‘burial’ and then His resurrection. In both of these, there is ample scope for ‘bathos’, but we see Christ being put on the cross and then His body is carried away to His tomb off-stage. The final scene shows the women going to the tomb and finding it empty. An angel commands them to ‘believe in the light so that you may become children of the light!’ and the choir sings a short passage praising the one who has overcome death, His resurrection symbolised by a light in the centre. All the actors move away and then we are left with an empty stage. It was obvious that many of the audience found the play very moving, as there was a quiet murmur as we moved away from the theatre, rather than a loud, confused hubbub. I was very pleased that the Passion Play came at the end of our brief stay, rather than on our first day, as the routine of packing a suitcase and making one’s way to the airport gave space to consider what we had seen, rather than going on with sight-seeing. My lack of German did not hinder my appreciation of the Play and it is an experience that I am very pleased I have had. Quotations above are from the official booklet with the text in English page 143 Jean Lear I have been on a number of organised pilgrimages both through St Mary’s and arranged by friends through McCabe Pilgrimages. I’ve been aware of the Passion Play for a number of years but wanted to be part of an organised pilgrimage, preferably arranged by my friends Heather and David. Heather is a former member of St Mary’s (whilst a student at Queen Mary School of Law and living across the road in the Halls of Residence at the same time as me). Heather’s husband David is Rector for a Benefice of rural parishes outside Norwich and an accredited Pilgrimage leader for McCabe. Another then member of St Mary’s Sheena Adams (nee Wright) was with me on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by Heather and David when they mentioned that they were planning on joining a pilgrimage to the 2010 Oberammergau Passion Play with a view to possibly leading a group in 2020. This they did. I, together with Sheena and her husband Cliffe (another ex-St Mary’s), signed up for this August 2020 visit to Oberammergau. Whilst we were disappointed when the 2020 season was postponed we kept our bookings and Sheena, Cliffe and I met up with the rest of Heather An account from Anne Jones who also went to Oberammergau in 2022, having considered doing so for many years.
17 The Oberammergau Passion Play representatives and given a background to the play followed by a walking tour and introductions to some of the cast characters. As a party we were staying in Oberammergau but spread out in five different hotels. Staying locally added to the experience as you could spot cast members cycling/walking around or working in hotels, shops and restaurants by the length of their hair!! This is because from Ash Wednesday all performers were not allowed to have their hair cut and men had to grow beards. The Passion Play performance is around five hours in two sections with everyone rushing off for a quick meal between the two sections. Between some of the scenes of the play are inserted ‘Tableaux Vivants’ or ‘Living Images’ consisting of actors in motionless scenes pointing and David’s party of 40 pilgrims at Heathrow on the early morning of Friday 5th August 2022. Our Oberammergau experience was not to be until the following Thursday 11th August and the days leading up to this included free time and sight seeing in Austria but also included daily prayers and group worship on the theme of pilgrimage and the Passion Play including listening to musical excerpts from the 2010 Passion Play. Prior to journeying to Oberammergau our base was at Maria Alm and excursions with a local McCabe representative included visiting various local churches, walking a section of the Jacobsweg (The Way of St James) and visiting Salzburg. On arrival in Oberammergau we were met by two McCabe Oberammergau Passion Play: Jesus enter Jerusalem
18 The Oberammergau Passion Play to Old Testament events. At the same time emotionally stirring music is performed by choir, orchestra and soloists. Our party was fortunate to be seated close to the stage and the phrase ‘never work with children and animals’ came to mind. It really felt like we were in the middle of a bustling Jerusalem with children, sheep, goats, an enormous donkey, horses and even a camel wandering around. How the children’s bare feet avoided the presents left by the animals I don’t know. Whilst there is a base script the producers adapt for each production and for 2022 there was a focus on Judas. Why did he betray Jesus and the impact on him of the consequences of that betrayal. That’s not something that I normally consider in Holy Week but made a link for me to Mark Lewis’ moving monologues at St Mary’s. It was a thought-provoking experience and I am very glad to have made this pilgrimage. Will I go again? Maybe, but for me the format of the pilgrimage week culminating with Oberammergau was a necessary part and I wouldn’t want to solely visit the Passion Play but you may feel differently. Anne Jones
19 Our mission partners in Uganda Prayer points from Tom and Verity Clare in Uganda as they begin to handover and prepare for their return to the UK in July Thank God for enabling us to come to a decision on leaving Uganda with clarity when there are so many factors to consider Ask God for unity after making the decision as we process the reality that we feel differently about the prospect of leaving Ask for God to be our identity and our strength as we share the news and process the reality of leaving Ask for God’s wisdom and motivation in handing over our work to the local Diocese and in ending well relationally with local and expat friends Ask for the children to know God’s presence with them and to discover that their identity is found in him rather than in any one nationality, home town or people group Ask for God to provide a home for us and school places (hopefully all in one school) for the four boys in the right place for our next phase of mission in the UK Above: Eli, aged 8 and Ezra, aged 9 with footballing neighbours Right: Joel, aged 4 and Simeon aged 5 with Amara
20 Food production is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Happily, there are many things we can do to minimise those emissions or make best use of them and enjoy tasty food! Farming, production and transport, retail and the consumer all have a part to play in carbon emissions. Some of us will be able to reduce emissions by batch cooking, freezing or sharing with neighbours; replacing some meat and dairy with beans, pulses, seeds and nuts; buying local, wonky and reduced price produce. Several apps and websites exist to help stop food waste and the linked carbon emissions by saving near expiry items. ‘Too Good To Go’ involves paying a small amount to collect a ‘Magic Bag’ of surprise food worth much more from shops and restaurants. Olio is a free food-sharing app where people share their own excess food or volunteers like me share excess on the expiry date which shops haven’t been able to sell. Use by items are strictly controlled by food safety laws so we can’t give them out after midnight on the expiry date. Any best before items not collected from me are often available in the foyer for anyone to take and enjoy, saving food waste and carbon emission waste. Life at St Mary’s Elizabeth Lowson Food waste, carbon emissions and why is there sometimes free bread in the foyer? Sourdough bread from Artisan Foods—all rescued! It is still God who is responsible for giving us our daily bread. Though He could give it to us directly, by a miraculous provision, as He once did for the children of Israel, God has chosen to work through human beings, who, in their different capacities and according to their different talents, serve each other. This is the doctrine of vocation. Gene Edward Veith Jr.
21 A delightful combination: modern pilgrimage and medieval music at St Mary’s . I happened to cross the High Road on the way to the workshop in the afternoon with someone I recognised, not a church regular. ‘Are you going to the workshop at St Mary's? ‘ I asked. ‘Yes’ came a rather apprehensive reply, ‘but I may only stay five minutes. I can't sing.’ She stayed the full time and enjoyed it. And yes she sang too, as we all did, walking round the church singing a three part canon Leah taught us to the words, ‘Here we go, step by step, on our way’. The theme of pilgrimage, including highlighting the medieval mystic and pilgrim Margery Kempe, struck a powerful bond across the centuries. I was not surprised by the number of appreciative comments about Leah’s visit. Many thanks Leah. Peter Wall Leah leading the choir with her medieval harp One of the possibly more surprising suggestions for our Diocesan shared Lenten values was to be open to the unexpected and to surprises. The visit of Leah Stuttard on 23rd April for the main service, an afternoon workshop and special evensong was certainly an opportunity for that. What a positive, informative and uplifting experience Leah gave us! The connection between her modern pilgrimage, prompted by lockdown difficulties, and medieval music making, in itself invoking a more communal way of living, was inspirational. Leah has a wonderful way of engaging with everyone and putting people at their ease whilst at the same time playing her medieval harp beautifully. And what impressive stamina you showed Leah!
22 Local Bereavement Cafes experiences can lead to a sense of bereavement such as having to move from a well-loved family home, a change of job, redundancy or retirement or even the effects of infirmity or increasing age on the ability to do things we used to do. Is there anyone you know who you feel might benefit from a visit to the café? Do please make them aware. Please remember the café and its work in your prayers. Diana and David ‘Help us to help each other Lord. Each other’s cross to bear. Let each his friendly aid afford and feel another’s care.’ Charles Wesley We have been made very welcome at St. Mary’s and we think you understood our need to take something of a back seat for a while, after bringing our ecumenical church adventure to a close. When we listened to the appeal for volunteers to join the Bereavement Café team, we both felt this was something we could respond to. The Bereavement Café is held at St. Mary’s from 2pm-3pm on the first Tuesday of every month and at Christchurch Wanstead on the third Tuesday from 10.45am - 12.30pm. Each is staffed by a small group of volunteers who are not trained counsellors, but simply people providing a sympathetic ear and shared experience with anyone who wants to come. People sometimes find it easier to share their grief with a stranger, rather than with friends or family. Three or four people usually attend, some coming regularly and others only once or twice. The café provides a safe space to talk in confidence with others. There is no need to give advanced notice or to book a place, anyone who turns up will be welcome. It can be an emotionally draining experience for us volunteers, but we feel it is a great privilege to be involved in this important ministry. Feelings of bereavement can last for a long time and even those who lost a loved one years ago have been helped by someone to talk to. Many life-changing
23 When I became involved in the Bereavement cafes in 2016 I found myself listening to experiences about loss and read many books on the subject. Everyone grieves in a different way, but it became evident that losing a life-time partner or the unspeakable loss of a child were in the ‘Premier League’ of lifechanging circumstances that we can never prepare for. Perhaps we can only take comfort from others who have made similar journeys and admire their fortitude. As we grow older, in time, we come to terms with our parents’ deaths, but we are unprepared for the death of siblings and friends that shock us to the core, creating chasms in our lives we didn’t see coming. Last year I mourned ten friends and felt ‘moth-eaten’ by the constant loss of one after another. Losing friends is so hard because those friendships, like all relationships, are irreplaceable. They have been nurtured over many years - we have grown old together; we go back such a long while, and have shared so much. A few years ago I spoke at a school friend’s funeral - she died suddenly in her mid-60s and I felt great sadness that we never had enough time to reminisce once we had both retired. I felt I knew her better than her family, somehow, so close was our friendship in those seven years at high school. Over the years I have found it healing to write about loss. When my younger sister died, aged 58, and a close friend died recently I wrote booklets of shared memories with photographs for family and friends that also helped me to come to terms with those losses. And yet when I sit on my sister’s bench in St. Luke’s Churchyard, Chelsea, I still flinch to read the inscribed date when she was born, remembering it so clearly as if it were yesterday. John O’ Donohue, such a compassionate writer, wrote that we come to see that ‘our friends among the dead clothed us in weave after weave of blessing’. To quote Sir Thomas More, who wrote in 1535: ‘May we one day meet merrily in heaven’. John Donne ( 1572-1631) wrote, Any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind’, and his prayer which evokes the music of heaven is particularly poignant: Bring us, O Lord, at our last awakening into the house and gate of heaven, to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; no noise or silence, but one equal music; no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; no ends nor beginnings, but one equal eternity: in the habitations of thy majesty and glory, world without end. Amen. Penny Freeston Grief and loss: friends as well as family
24 The path less well travelled Last spring Martin and I travelled to India for the 6th time. Due to Covid and visa problems (now resolved) we found ourselves to be possibly the ‘only’ European tourists there: an amazing experience. We spent some time near the Pakistan border and visited The Golden Temple at Amritsar, one of the holiest sites in Sikhism. It is open house to all people from all walks of life and faith. We were invited to volunteer at the Langar, a community-run free kitchen and dining hall, so we spent the afternoon handing out freshlywashed plates and bowls…and still the visitors kept coming. Vegetarian food is prepared, cooked and served here by volunteers on a daily basis to at least 50,000 visitors free of charge who eat together as equals. Each day the temple uses approximately 12,000kg flour, 1,500kg rice, 13,000 ‘Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’ -Ralph Waldo Emerson kg lentils and 2,000 kg fresh vegetables. It was a wonderful experience never to be forgotten. Penny Freeston Fond tributes for the life of Reverend Alison Clarke referenced her love of travelling to places off the beaten track. Maybe for some the photograph of her on horseback (right) may also come as a bit of a surprise.
25 Oberammergau Inspired Pilgrimage Prayers Prayer on setting out from home. Lord God, we release into your hands our homes, Those whom we love and care for, And those who feel vulnerable without us. We release into your hands O Lord our work, The pressures that weary us, the problems that would pursue us, The tasks left unfinished. Bless to us the road which is before us, Bless to us the friends who are around us, Bless to us your love which is within us. Amen A prayer for the path ahead God of our pilgrimage, You have willed that the gate of mercy Should stand open for those who trust in you: Look upon us with your favour That we who follow the path of your will May never wander from the way of life; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. Through the unknown, remembered gate When the last of earth left to discover Is that which was the beginning TS Eliot Little Gidding A prayer for facing uncertainty Lord, I do not know what this day may bring, But each moment is in your hands and I offer it to you in advance. Nothing that will happen or be said today can separate me from you. Let me rest assured in that peace. In Jesus Name. Amen
26 In our Lent Groups we were thinking about how we can travel well together: within our churches, with other churches in Woodford, with other churches in the MMU and Deanery, with the Diocese. In doing so we were invited to consider shared diocesan values, of which there are seven. On the face of it, there is nothing in the values that is special to East London and Essex or church organised within that area. The way perhaps to look at them is simply as a way of facilitating or channelling our thought as consider how best we journey onwards: how we travel well on our pilgrimage together. One of the things we did in our Group was to think about the scriptural basis for the values. There is, of course, no ‘correct’ answer or one answer. Rather the values can prompt us think about how we apply any part of scripture by seeing how it may reference these particular aspects of our journey. St Mary’s Lent groups 1 Awareness of grace ... by God’s grace I am what I am, nor has his grace been given to me in vain; on the contrary, in my labours I have outdone them all – not I indeed, but the grace of God working within me. 1 Corinthians 10 2 Valuing the small, the vulnerable and the marginal As a seed, mustard is smaller than any other; but when it is grown it is bigger than any garden-plant; it becomes a tree, big enough for the birds to come and roost among its branches. Matthew 13 v 32 3 Focusing outward Go forth therefore and make all nations my disciples ... Matthew 28 v 19 4 Sustaining healthy rhythms I have come that men may have life, and have it more abundantly. John 10 v 10 A reflection on our shared Diocesan values
27 St Mary’s Lent groups 5 Kindness, mutual respect, gentleness and humility Be humble always and gentle, and patient too. Be forbearing with one another and charitable. Spare no effort to make fast with bonds of peace the unity which the Spirit gives. Ephesians 4 v 2 6 Generously collaborative You will hear all about my affairs from Tychicus, our dear brother and trustworthy helper and fellowservant in the Lord’s work. I am sending him to you on purpose to let you know all about us and to put fresh heart into you. Colossians 4 v 72 7 Faithful, creative, courageous and open to the unexpected and surprising Only be faithful till death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2 v 10 While he was still on the road and nearing Damascus, suddenly a light flashed from the sky all around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ Acts 9 v 3 Philip Petchey Diocesan shared values for Lent Encourage and support the vulnerable and marginalised. Be faithful, courageous and creative. Be open to the unexpected and to surprises. Looking to Summer (below)
28 This is a wonderful book to buy for someone who has time on their hands: a perfect retirement present. Sumptuously illustrated, it shows how Victorian Anglican architecture made its way round the globe, citing many examples in Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, Ceylon and Ireland built during this period. In addition, the book features the building of a training college in England for Anglican missionaries on the site of St. Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury, now part of the King’s School. Penny Freeston ‘Imperial Gothic’ by G.A. Bremner Published by Yale University Press ISBN 978-0-300 -18703-8 Religious Architecture and High Anglican Culture in the British Empire c.1840-1870 Book review Outside St Mary’s on Easter Sunday
29 What is God calling to you? On arrival at St Mary's, Loughton, I was met by a couple of friendly people manning the welcome desk, one of whom was wearing a dog collar. That was a good sign of what was to come in terms of the informal atmosphere of the Vocations Day, where all manner of ordained and lay people rubbed alongside each other, breaking down barriers between different roles. This reminded me of 1 Corinthians 12 (GNV): ‘Christ is like a single body, which has many parts; it is still one body, even though it is made up of different parts.’ Exemplifying the breaking down of barriers well, Bishop Lynne addressed the group, giving her own story of someone who rose to the position of Bishop despite beginnings which, in the eyes of some people she encountered along the way, made her unsuitable for a role in the church. However, as it says in Luke 18:27 (GNV) ‘what is humanly impossible is possible for God.’ The Vocations Day was on the surface not unlike the kind of job fairs I attended years ago on leaving University. However, one marked difference was that the day began and ended with worship, expressing the faith we all shared regardless of which church we went to or any other surface differences between us. The attendees represented a breadth of different races, cultures, men and women, young and old which was refreshing to see. An initial overview was given of the variety of ministries available. Specific presentations were then given on children and youth ministry, licensed lay ministry, ordination, pioneer ministry (a term that was new to me) and the role of pastoral assistant. After the specific presentations were over, there was time to break into smaller groups for further discussion, before we all came back together for a Q&A session then closing worship. The very honest and insightful presentations were interspersed with a couple of coffee breaks which in themselves were extremely valuable in that they gave time to mingle and swap contact details with other attendees where helpful. I myself left with a couple of contacts to follow up on, as I continue on my own faith journey and try to discern where God might be leading me. I recommend attending a future Vocations Day to anyone even vaguely thinking about a calling in the church. Bryony Bennett My reflections on the Barking Area Vocations Day 11th March Barking Area Vocational days are usually held annually in March. For further information see https:// www.chelmsford.anglican.org/ vocations-and– discipleship and/or Elizabeth would welcome a chat with you.
30 Celebrating the coronation of King Charles distribute, as were Ash Wednesday ashes and Palm Crosses the following year. I was told that gifts and symbols were appreciated by residents and staff were heartened not to have been forgotten at such a difficult time. Things were somewhat more relaxed in the autumn of 2021 and I led our customary Remembrance/All Souls service, although it was considered best if no one else came with me. The home was justly proud of the fact that, despite the pandemic, their list of departed souls was no greater than the average for the time that had elapsed since their last All Souls service. However, because of the further Lockdown in the winter of 2021/2022, it was again necessary for me to leave the Christingles for the staff to distribute at the door as was the case with the gifts the Guides again gave. Since then I have resumed my practice of leading services notably for major feast days, Ash Wednesday and Remembrance and I have been able to take Palm Crosses and Christingles to those residents who .A service to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles was held in Churchfields Nursing home for those residents who wanted it. Peter Wall and Stephanie Deudney, great songsters both, accompanied me and our chosen reading was the story of Samuel anointing David. This occasion offers me the opportunity to record our relations with Churchfields Nursing Home in recent years. In March 2020 Lockdown obviously prevented any visiting but, later that year I did take in Christingles and the Guides, although unable to sing carols, as had become their custom, gave presents to the residents. All these were left at the door for the staff to A service at Churchfields Nursing Home Staff members Karen and Tess
31 want them in their rooms. Most DO want them, although there are usually a few who say, ‘Don’t hold with all that religious stuff ’. Some things have changed. Before Lockdown Louie Park was a regular supporter of our services in Churchfields but is not able to attend at present. Thank you, Louie, we miss you. Other things are resuming. As before the Guides sent in their presents; let us hope that this year it will be possible for them to sing carols and give their presents in person once again. Rowena Rudkin Below: Rowena at the Repair Shop event in the Memorial Hall in May. Some of the things being repaired, a wide range of items, are in the photographs to the right.
32 Family Focus .
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34 Julian of Norwich prayers Prayer is the deliberate and persevering action of the soul. It is true and enduring and full of grace. Prayer fastens the soul to God and makes it one with His will, through the deep inward working of the Holy Spirit. Our Lord says: ‘Pray inwardly, even though you find no joy in it. For it does good, though you feel nothing, see nothing, yes, even when you think you cannot pray. For when you are dry and empty, sick and weak, your prayers please me, though there be little enough to please you. All believing prayer is precious to me.’ Sometimes it seems that we have been praying a long time and still do not have what we ask. But we should not be sad. I am sure that what our Lord means is either that we should wait for a better time, or more grace, or a better gift. Thanksgiving and prayer belong together. Thanksgiving is the deep inward certainty which moves us with reverence and love to turn with all our strength to the work to which God stirs us, giving thanks and praise from the depths of our hearts. I saw truly that it gives more praise to God and more delight if we pray steadfast in love, trusting his goodness, than if we ask for everything our thought can name. The best prayer is to rest in the goodness of God, knowing that goodness can reach right down to our lowest depths of need.
35 Another perspective Quiz Answers Creatures in the Christian story. Questions page 7 1 lions 2 sheep 3 horses 4 dragon 5 cock 6 snake/serpent Back page: At LB Redbridge’s Love Food Hate Waste event held in the Gwinnell Room in February Other churches with us in our Mission and Ministry Unit (MMU) . See page 6 St Peter’s in the Forest, Christ Church Wanstead, St Gabriel’s Aldersbrook, St Mary the Virgin, Wanstead.
36 A big thank you to everyone submitting contributions and photographs to this edition Please keep them coming, as without them we wouldn’t have a parish magazine: articles, prayers, book reviews, favourite music, recipes, gardening tips etc. We would love some children’s drawings as well: the choice is yours! Email directly using a subject heading to: [email protected] or pass to Penny Freeston who will type up your handwritten copy. Our next copy date is 17th July 2023 Magazine team: Elizabeth Lowson, Penny Freeston, Cheryl Corney, Bryony Bennett and Peter Wall.