Jul20

SAINT
STEPHEN'S

HOUNSLOW

PARISH E-MAGAZINE – JULY 2020

50p

CONTENTS

July 2020

2 Poem – Lo, I am with you always
3 From the Vicar
4 Services for July 2020
5 Readings for July 2020
6 Intercession themes for July 2020 / New Archbishop of York
7 Sea Sunday 2020 – Mission to Seafarers response to Covid-19
8 Lockdown poetry
9 Online book of remembrance / Saint Theobald
10 Fathering Sunday 2020 / Book review
11 Outside the Back Door
13 Mouse Makes
14 Cookery Corner
15 Wordsearch / Cartoon
16 Contacts / Wordsearch solution

LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS

Wide fields of corn along the valleys spread;
The rain and dew mature the swelling vine;
I see the Lord in multiplying bread;
I see Him turning water into wine;
I see Him working all the works divine
He wrought when Salem-ward His steps were led;
The self-same miracles around Him shine;
He feeds the famished; He revives the dead;
He pours the flood of light on darkened eyes;
He chases tears, diseases, fiends away;
His throne is raised upon these orient skies;
His footstool is the pave whereon we pray….

From a poem by John Charles Earle (1749 – 1818)

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From the Vicar

Dear friends,

Many of you will have heard the government announcement concerning the relaxing
of some of the measures imposed as a result of the COViD pandemic across our
society.

Among those things that can now be considered is the return to public worship in our
church buildings, something that I know has been only a remote possibility for many
weeks now. This news comes after a week or so when we have been able to open
church doors for personal prayer and reflection, and it has been a particular joy to
welcome individuals back to Ss Philip & James and St Stephen's churches.

As I write I remain committed to acting affirmatively but safely and will consult with
wardens and the sacred ministers as soon as practical to discuss this fully. So far,
we know that a numerical limit of 30 has been placed for those attending, that there
is to be a reduction in the social-distancing measures but that we have to mitigate
the risk of infection within our own settings. The practical outworking of this is yet to
be established so I ask for your patience and prayers as I seek to lay plans with
those from whom I will take counsel so that our return to shared worship can be safe
and sustainable. As soon as we safely can, be assured that we most certainly will!

Meanwhile we continue our schedule of opening for private prayer (see page 4). We
must of course remember that social-distancing measures remain in place and this
means that only a limited number of people can enter the church at any one time
(anyone is welcome to visit either church, of course). If you wish to visit the church
for prayer and reflection, you will be asked to give your details at the door and you
will be seated according to a pre-determined seating plan that allows appropriate
distance between visitors in the churches. A member of the ministry team will be in
church when it is open to oversee the building and assist you with anything
wherever possible. Please check on ChurchSuite that the building is open before
you travel as it may be necessary to close the church for shorts spells again with
little notice - for example funerals, maintenance or the suspicion of the presence of
coronavirus.

With prayers and best wishes,

The Revd David Cloake
Vicar, Ss Philip & James Whitton with St Stephen Hounslow

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SERVICES FOR JULY 2020

We are working towards the ‘new normal’ for our services. In the meantime, as we
go to press, we are committed to the following streamed online:

ONLINE SERVICES

Sunday: Eucharist 9:30am SSPJ Facebook Page
SSH Facebook Page
Monday: Morning Prayer 9:30am SSPJ Facebook Page
SSH Facebook Page
Tuesday: Holy Communion 9:30am SSPJ Facebook Page
SSH Facebook Page
Wednesday: Morning Prayer 9:30am:

Thursday: Eucharist 9:30am

Saturday: Evening Prayer 5.00pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philipjameswhitton/
https://www.facebook.com/SaintStephenHounslow/

YouTube: SsPJ with SSH
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiJbuRGXnYiho7cqPzFH5bA/
Catch up will all services here.

Service Booklets for download or print are available at
www.whittonchurch.com/coronavirus

OPEN FOR PRIVATE PRAYER AND REFLECTION

Mondays Ss Philip & James' Church 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Tuesdays St Stephen's Church 10:30am to 12:30pm
Wednesdays Ss Philip & James' Church 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Thursdays St Stephen's Church 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Fridays (both churches will remain closed)
Saturdays Ss Philip & James's Church 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Sundays Both parish churches 10:30am to 12:30pm

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SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

The Church of England endorses the practice of ‘spiritual communion’.
This means that where those who are absent from the physical Eucharist
but desire in their hearts to participate, they receive their communion
spiritually. You are encouraged to bring symbols of the Sacred Mysteries
(bread and wine) with you when you participate in live-streamed services
if they help you focus on your spiritual communion.

READINGS FOR JULY 2020

To help you follow services at home, here are the designated readings for the
Sunday morning Parish Eucharist throughout July.

5th July Trinity 4 (Proper 9)
Genesis 24 v.34-38, 42-29, 58-end; Romans 7 v.15 – 25a; Matthew 11
v.16-19, 25-end

12th July Trinity 5 (Proper 10)
Genesis 25 v19-end; Romans 8 v.1-11; Matthew 13 v.1-9, 18-23

19th July Trinity 6 (Proper 11)
Genesis 28 v.10-19a; Romans 8 v.12-25; Matthew 13 v.24-30, 36-43

26th July Trinity 7 (Proper 12)
Genesis 29 v.15-28; Romans 8 v.26-end; Matthew 13 v.31-33, 44-52

I AM ONLY ONE

I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do,
And what I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.
– Anon

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INTERCESSIONS FOR JULY 2020

You might find it helpful to use these themes in your personal worship at home.

For ourselves:
5th For those recently confirmed
12th For a critical understanding of our faith
19th For our Magazine Editor, Elizabeth
26th For those leaving or changing schools

For others: For our Archdeacon, Richard Frank
5th For the Mission to Seafarers
12th For the unemployed
19th For the work of the Church Missionary Society
26th

NEW ARCHBISHOP OF YORK

Bishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell will be confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York
this month. The service, at 11am on Thursday 9th July, will be broadcast entirely via
video conference due to the Coronavirus restrictions. The service, which had been
due to take place in York Minster, will be in two parts. A legal ceremony with
readings, prayers and music, will be followed by a film marking the start of Bishop
Stephen’s ministry as Archbishop of York.

Bishop Stephen Cottrell says: “I am looking forward to beginning my ministry as the
98th Archbishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imagined it would begin. It is certainly
the first time an Archbishop’s election will have been confirmed via video
conference. But we’re all having to re-imagine how we live our lives and how we
inhabit the world.

“These are difficult times. My hope is that through this service the love of God that is
given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, perhaps even to those who while never
attending a service in York Minster, might have a look online. Following in the
footsteps of my many predecessors, I look forward to serving our nation and
bringing the love and peace of Christ to our world, especially here in the north.”

The service will be available on the Church of England website. Arrangements for
Bishop Stephen’s enthronement service will be announced later in the year.

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SEA SUNDAY – 12th JULY 2020: RESPONDING TO COVID-19

MISSION TO SEAFARERS

The Mission has carefully reviewed the needs of seafarers, all of
whom have been impacted by COVID-19. Although this continues
to be a fast-moving and evolving situation, we have identified some
key areas where support will continue to be needed for some time to come. Our
Flying Angel Campaign covers the following areas:

Technological Solutions
• Digital Chaplaincy
• Listening to seafarers; Seafarers’ Happiness Index App
• MiFi Units for onboard communications

Resilience in Ports
• PPE global provision
• Minibus adaptations
• Seafarer-safe Centres Fund
• Advocacy, representing seafarers

Our Technological Solutions includes our new Digital Chaplaincy (Chat to a
Chaplain), which has already attracted important funding for the first six months from
Seafarers UK and the Marine Society. With less than 40% of our front-line staff able
to meet seafarers face-to-face this service provides greater access to our services.

In ports, we have experienced increasing obstacles from the impact of COVID-19,
with seafarers unable to leave their ships and Chaplains limited to gangway visits.
The provision of Mifi (individual wifi units) for Chaplains to ‘lend’ to ships to give
them vital access to wifi whilst they are in port, has already proved a welcome
resource in some of our UK ports.

We know that seafarers will continue to be limited to access to shore-based
facilities, such as shopping centres and coffee shops, and consequently, our 121
Seafarers centres will become even more vital as ‘Seafarers-safe’ environment. All
centres will need a deep clean, Perspex screens placed to protect staff, plastic seat
covering and copious quantities of hand-gel and antiseptic spray.

And finally, the Advocacy element of our work is even more important in these
troubling and uncertain times. With 150,000 seafarers struggling to get home or
unable to get to their ships, this remains a problem.

Adapted from the Mission to Seafarers website

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LOCKDOWN POETRY

One of our younger members has been inspired during lockdown to capture the
mood in verse …

EMPTY

By Ellie Louise Bunce

Empty is my garden
Empty is the road
Empty is everywhere making me cold
Empty makes me lonely
Empty makes me sad
But when I have family
Empty is no more

Empty is the high street
Empty is the shops
Empty’s taking over
But I say not
In this time of sadness
In this time of fear
I am ecstatic because my family’s near

THANK YOU

By Ellie Louise Bunce

Thank you, all the NHS,
For being there while we all stress
Thank you, all of the drivers,
For helping all the universe
You all matter you all care
We thank you all for being there
Thank you, all the key workers,
Who were working to keep us safe
And who gave us lots of faith
Thank you, all of the workers,

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You still came when we called
You still helped us 999
You all matter you all care
We thank you all for being there
We thank you from our hearts
So here is a cake
To remember and to celebrate
All that you have done for us
While we want COVID to pass.

ONLINE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

St Paul’s Cathedral has launched Remember Me, an online book of remembrance
for all those who have been living in the UK who have died as a result of the COVID-
19 pandemic. People of all faiths, beliefs or none are invited to contribute to
Remember Me.

HRH The Prince of Wales, who recorded a video message, said: “This virtual book
of remembrance is here not just to recall our loss and sorrow, but also to be thankful
for everything good that those we have loved brought into our lives.”

Family, friends and carers of those who have died can submit, free of charge, the
name, photograph and a short message in honour of a deceased person via the
Remember Me website. The deceased person must have been living in the UK.
Remember Me will be open for entries for as long as needed. It is intended that the
Remember Me site will become a physical memorial at the Cathedral.

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THEOBALD – 1st JULY

If you are thinking of turning your back on wealth and privilege, in order to do
something you feel God is calling you to do, St Theobald (1017 – 1066) may be the
saint for you. He was born into an aristocratic family at Provins in
France. Theobald refused to get married or to begin a career either in the army or at
court and when war broke out he convinced his father to let him become a hermit.
With a fellow ex-soldier, he located to the Pettingen Forest in Luxembourg where
they became general labourers. They later moved to Salanigo in Italy. Theobald’s
holy life attracted so many followers that he was canonised by Pope Alexander II in
1073.

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FATHERING SUNDAY – 21st JUNE 2020

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY

The above date was momentous as this was the first Sunday that we were able to
go into Saint Stephen’s Church for private prayers (or private worship) since the
Coronavirus lockdown had begun three months earlier.

On the previous Sunday I visited Truro Methodist Church for their 9-22 service. This
was very relaxed, with lots of technology being used to bring many things (music,
Bible readings, personal prayers etc). I recommend that you try this for quite an
enlightening experience. Following that, I went to the Chapel Royal, Hampton Court
Palace, for quite a different experience. This was Holy Communion to the Book of
Common Prayer. On previous weeks I have visited Saint Stephen’s for our own
service, and Uxbridge Roman Catholic Church. All of these were great for me
(perhaps you might like to try one or two sometime), but watching my computer
screen lacked real personal presence for me.

At Saint Stephen’s last Sunday it was so very different. After the formalities of
booking in, I went and sat quietly in a vacant pew. I said a few personal prayers,
during which I felt a very personal presence sitting beside me. I then got out my
own Book of Common Prayer and read right through the service of Holy
Communion, and it all felt very real. Next I read some of the printed prayers. Then I
read through Morning Prayer. Finally, I concluded with some more personal
prayers. For about an hour I was transported into a different world. I recommend
that you try this for yourself sometime.

Personally, after many weeks of waiting, I really was reconnected to my God.
Fred Michell

Q&A BIBLE VERSE 5-YEAR JOURNAL

Edited by Carol Petley, SPCK, £10.49

This devotional journal enables you to reflect on your spiritual
journey over a period of five years. Approachable and encouraging, it
offers a brief Scripture reading and a question for each day, on topics
such as praise, faith, prayer, worry, creation and forgiveness.

As you record your responses over the years, you’ll discover how difficult things can
be used by God in ways we cannot foresee. Most valuable of all, the journal helps
you to find time to be with God for a few minutes each evening as you contemplate
the events of the day.

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OUTSIDE THE BACK DOOR

WATER WISE

As I write this, the thermometer is set to soar into the mid-thirties
centigrade later today. Admittedly the forecast is suggesting that it
may be the classic British summer week of a few hot days followed
by a thunderstorm. Anyone who knows me well will know that I’m
not looking forward to the thunderstorm bit! That said, I would welcome the rain! In
fairness, the garden isn’t looking quite as parched as it did a week or so ago. That
Thursday of heavy downpours has refreshed the grass and the veg plot remained
damp for several days after. More importantly, the pond filled up as did our water
butts, and that’s where I want to focus really – what we do to manage our water
wisely.

Scarily, over 25 years ago, I remember cataloguing a report at work from the then
National Rivers Authority called Water: Nature’s Precious Resource which was in
high demand from our Environmental Sciences students. This report emphasised
that, whilst the press might focus on droughts in less developed parts of the world,
the developed world needed to become much smarter at managing its water supply
as changes to the climate were already beginning to signal trouble ahead. Without a
doubt, handling books on these topics influenced my own approach to managing
water, especially as gardeners can get a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to
water usage! So what steps can we each take to do our bit? I don’t suppose I’m
going to mention anything you don’t already know about but, as each summer
seems to become a little warmer, there’s no harm in reminding ourselves of the
changes we can make.

Let’s start with water meters. I’ve always found it interesting that we expect to pay
for gas and electricity according to usage but not water. If you’ve not yet fitted a
meter, do consider it. Compulsory metering is being rolled out by Thames Water but
not to our area just yet but you can get a step ahead and request an installation.
Evidence suggests that if you are a one or two person household, you will almost
certainly save money as well as water!

Without doubt, a water meter makes you think about how much you are using,
particularly in the garden. I suspect that there is a correlation between the owners of
water meters and the owners of water butts! We have two water butts and every
summer, as they run dry, we threaten to install more. The challenges are space and
aesthetics. The two butts we have are not things of beauty! Located behind the
shed, they are generally out of sight but the most obvious place to install more is on
the patio and, worse than that, directly beneath our carefully chosen light fittings!
You can appreciate our dilemma! We keep flicking through catalogues and websites

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offering slim, discrete designs, designs that pretend to be something else, and
designs that also cost a small fortune! At some point we will bite the bullet as we
really value our rainwater stocks, not just to avoid using tap water unnecessarily, but
to ensure we can water acid loving plants such as our blueberries and our Christmas
tree with lime-free water. We also use it to top up the pond occasionally which is
better for the wildlife. According to the Consumer Council for Water, “The average
house roof in the UK collects enough rain water in a year to fill about 450 water
butts.” Just to be clear, I’m not suggesting that you install 450 butts – that would be
a little excessive!

Being selective about what you water in the garden is also important. New plants
deserve good and frequent soakings as there’s nothing more soul-destroying than
seeing your new favourite flower wilt and die within days. Try to find time to water
either early morning or late evening to prevent excessive evaporation and also
accidental scorching of leaves.

Most advice on using water wisely in the garden makes it clear that you should ditch
that sprinkler! That said, I have one exception to that rule and that has been trying
to soak around the root area of a large tree. Our birch tree is really struggling and
the tree surgeon’s advice was to really soak a wide area around the tree once a
week. If we just leave the hose on, then the water runs off. Leaving the sprinkler
spraying gently around the base of the tree enables more water to be absorbed
where we need it.

Mulching your borders in Spring to seal in moisture is something that I always
attribute to serious gardeners! For years I thought about doing it and would usually
remember too late. We also had a run of very dry January and Februaries which
meant that I felt I’d already missed the boat. Mulching also helps condition the soil
and last year I decided I would be organised and we ordered sacks and sacks of
mulch. It all seemed such a great idea until our rather hairy cats rolled in the straw-
like substance and our lounge looked more mulched than the border!

Finally, I’m going to mention the ‘lawn’. If you are fortunate enough to have a
garden with a piece of ‘green’ in the middle, I suspect that, like mine, it’s not exactly
bowling green standard. Don’t water the grass when it’s hot and dry, it will turn
green again remarkably quickly after one of those stormy downpours. Also, don’t
cut during dry weather unless you really have to. Let some of the weeds flower and
enable the bees and other insects to flourish on it.

Elizabeth Malone

Read an illustrated version of this article at
https://outsidethebackdoor.wordpress.com

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COOKERY CORNER

PIMP YOUR SALAD DRESSINGS!

As the thermometer is rising, what could be more topical? Even the most boring and
British of salads can be made special or exciting by adding pizzazz to your
vinaigrette. None of these use any blenders, or fancy gadgets, just a whisk and
bowl, or a good old fashioned jam jar. Add all the ingredients and then just whisk or
shake to mix.

Basic vinaigrette
1 part vinegar or lemon juice
2 parts oil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of sugar
Large pinch of dried herbs

All of the following are based on using 4 tbs of vinegar as the base.

Honey mustard

Add 1tsp whole grain mustard and 2 tsp honey, omitting the sugar.

Tahini

Add 1tsp mustard, 1 tsp garlic granules, 2 tbs tahini. I would always recommend
using lemon juice if possible if using this.

Sundried tomato and olive

Finely chop 3 or 4 sundried tomatoes, and use some of the oil in the dressing, about
1/3 to 1/2, and half a dozen olives. I would always advocate using black olives. Add
1/2 tsp tahini.

Cheats strawberry balsamic

Use balsamic vinegar, and 2 scant tbs of good quality strawberry preserve. Omit the
sugar.

Genna Martinez

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DOGS WORDSEARCH

This month’s wordsearch contains the names of 26 breeds of dogs. The 15 unused
letters form the name of another breed. Solution next month.

John Barnes

PIPEKINGESERP
GODLBULLDOGOO
CZMAOZIGROCDI
HRLDCTPNCGNAN
IODEEHAOHUNRT
HBERRISYOPEBE
UEIITHKHWDTAR
AATARSYUUILLE
HGSEUEVELNRET
ULEHREXOBADKT
AEWGRIFFONSEE
REHCRULEINAPS

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ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH
Parkside Road, Hounslow

Vicar: The Revd David Cloake

Email: [email protected]

Parish Office 020 8898 2694

Churchwardens: Mrs. Sally Billenness 020 8737 0477

Miss. Genna Martinez [email protected]

Hon. Treasurer: Mr. John Barnes 020 8570 8810

Hon. Secretary: Mrs. Sandra Bishop 020 8570 4570

Email: [email protected]

Children's Champion - Tracey Bunce 020 8230 4918

Safeguarding Officer: Ms. Vanessa Pimbert

Email: [email protected]

Magazine Editor: Mrs. Elizabeth Malone 020 8941 4722

Email: [email protected]

Keep in touch:

Website: http://www.saintstephenhounslow.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaintStephenHounslow/

SOLUTION TO TELEVISION WORDSEARCH

A-TEAM, BELGRAVIA, BREAKFAST, CASUALTY, CHASE, COAST,
CORONATION STREET, COUNTDOWN, EASTENDERS, EGGHEADS,
EMMERDALE, ENDEAVOUR, FLOG IT, FRASIER, FRIENDS, HOME AND AWAY,
LEWIS, LOOSE WOMEN, MASH, MASTERMIND, MORSE, NCIS, NEIGHBOURS,
NEWS, ONE SHOW, POINTLESS, POIROT, QI, QUIZ, SIMPSONS, SPOOKS,
TENABLE, TOP GEAR, VERA, WEATHER. The 23 unused letters formed THE
MARTIN LEWIS MONEY SHOW.

John Barnes

Magazine Deadline
The next Magazine will be the August 2020 issue. Items for inclusion should be
emailed to the editor – [email protected]
Please forward your contribution by Friday 24 July 2020 at the absolute latest!

Opinions expressed in articles in this magazine do not
necessarily reflect the views of the Vicar, Editor or the P.C.C.

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