May - St. James' and St. Basil's Church, Fenham

Messenger
30p
May 2009
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St. James and St Basil
Fenham
O u r M i s s i o n Statement
'We aim to be a vibrant Christian presence
which reaches out to others by reflecting
God’s love into the community and the wider
world.
We aim to be inclusive and accessible.
Everyone from the youngest to the oldest is
to be valued, treated with respect and cared
for in the love of Christ.
We commit ourselves to working in
partnership with other Christian churches
for the proclamation of the gospel. We aim
to promote understanding and co operation
with those of other f a i t h s for the
common good.’
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Services
Sunday Worship
8.00am Holy Communion
10.00 Holy Communion
Junior Church
6.30 Evening Worship
(All age Worship as advertised on newsletter)
Midweek Worship
Monday to Thursday Morning Prayer 8.30am.
Wednesday Holy Communion 9.30am
Weddings and Baptisms
To arrange a wedding or a baptism,
please telephone
274 5078
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Vicar’s Letter
Three months on......
We’ve just celebrated Easter, and have concluded that season
which precedes it in the church’s year -. Lent, Holy Week and
including the annual church meeting and election of church council
and officers for the coming year. And at the time of writing, it is
just 3 months since I began my ministry here in Fenham, so may I
say thank you to all of you for being so welcoming during these
early weeks and enabling me to settle so easily and happily.
On several occasions when I’ve visited sick or housebound
members of our congregation, I have been impressed by the love
and care which you show towards one another, in informal and
genuine ways – a phone call, sending a card, remembering to pray
for someone, visiting at home or in hospital. Usually when I go to
visit someone, I discover someone from Js & Bs has already been –
which I hope is more a comment on your awareness and care for
one another than my dilatoriness! Of course, the church’s work is
the responsibility of all of us – clergy and people together, as
Bishop Martin reminded us at my institution service, and it’s been
very encouraging to see examples of Christian care and
compassion being shown among you in quiet and thoughtful ways.
Looking back over Lent and Holy Week this year, we had a varied
and, I hope, interesting programme in which Christians from other
local churches participated. I thought the quality of input from
various speakers was of a high order, and the topics covered both
in the midweek series and on Sunday evenings did what was
intended – offered ‘wisdom in daily living’ and widened our
understanding of ‘ being the church in the world’. There were a
regular small group of people from St James & St Basil’s who came
along – and from their comments, appreciated what was on offer.
It was disappointing however that there weren’t more members of
our congregation who supported our Lent and Holy Week
programme – It would be good to see a bigger response next year,
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so that participation in Lent and observance of Holy week is
regarded as something most of us join in, rather than something
for a few.
One of the highlights for me of Holy Week was a series of the 14
Stations of the Cross, which a young local artist had painted, and
which had been ‘loaned’ to us for an evening devotion in Holy
Week, with the artist present.
But now, we are in the Easter season which continues until
Ascension on 21 st May, and during this month, I shall be joining a
10 day pilgrimage from the diocese of Newcastle to Israel/Palestine
which Bishop Martin is leading. Some 60 people across the diocese
have been preparing for the past few months for this great journey
which is intended to introduce us both to the places associated
with the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus, and also to
meet some members of the indigenous Christian communities in
Palestine today. As you realize, Palestinians Christians are a
beleaguered minority in that troubled land, and the Christian
presence generally is in decline in the Holy land, and so the
opportunity to meet and worship with our fellow Christians there
will be an expression of our solidarity with a part of the Church
whose members feel isolated.
A pilgrimage isn’t the same as a holiday – it’s a spiritual journey
which is shared in the company of friends and colleagues in our
diocese. I shall be taking you – the people of St James and St Basil
with me too – in prayer, and praying for particular people at
particular places – for example for the sick at Bethsaida, for new
mothers at a Palestinian maternity hospital we shall visit, for
families at Nazareth. At the Mount of the Beatitudes I shall
remember especially our schools, and other points such as the
place of the cross or the empty tomb where anyone has especially
asked to be prayed for. So please let me have a note of any
personal prayer requests to take with me by Sunday May 3 rd .
There will be stories to tell and experiences to share from the
pilgrimage on my return, as there were for Chaucer’s pilgrims on
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the road to Canterbury, and such a special journey in the footsteps
of Jesus is bound to have a profound and lasting effect.
Blessing
With every blessing,
Nick Darby
Tuesday 31st March 2009 was the fourth anniversary of my move
to Allan House, and it was also the day on which Bishop Martin
came to give his official blessing to “the sanctuary”. In addition, it’s
the day when we remember John Donne, who is best known for
his often quoted saying “no man is an island”. It seemed somehow
appropriate because, although it may seem that I’m cut off on a
desert island, I’m part of the mainland.
Also present were our new vicar, Nick Darby, and three of my
friends from the parish. One of these is an Anglican, one a
Methodist and one a Roman Catholic, so it was an ecumenical
occasion. My one sadness was that my son David could not be
there too, as we had both very much hoped. He and I became
Christians around the same time, and he has always been a great
support and encouragement to me on my Christian pilgrimage.
This has been especially true at those times when I have felt
myself being prompted to step out in faith, to take risks, and to
trust. My move here to become a solitary was the latest occasion
when, to use Abbot Christopher Jameson’s words, he helped to
build the sanctuary. Although his physical presence was absent, I
know he was with us in spirit, as were all my Sisters at Malling
Abbey.
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For the first reading I had chosen that lovely passage from the
Gospel of St. John—chapter 15: 1-17. It speaks of Jesus as the
vine and his followers as the branches: that He calls us friends, not
servants; that He chose us and not the other way about; and ends
with the command “to love one another”. The second reading was
of those words from Eliot’s poem “Little Gidding” which I quoted in
an earlier magazine.
For me it was a very moving and affirmative occasion, as Bishop
Martin said first: “Peace be to this place” and we responded: “And
to all who dwell here”. The he and I stood in the tiny entrance hall
to the flat and Bishop Martin asked for God’s blessing on this place
of prayer and stillness to which God has called me, and also
referred to God’s call to all of us to follow Him in our praying and
living. (If anyone is interested I have some copies of the service
leaflet.) It was also a very happy and good-natured occasion as we
laughed and chatted together afterwards over coffee/tea and
biscuits.
At the invitation of Avril Maxwell, the scheme manager of Allan
House, the Bishop accompanied by Nick, then went to the room
variously known as the lounge, the common room, or the Dame
Allan Room to give that his blessing, and to chat with all those
gathered there over rather more substantial refreshments.
I think that 31st March will be remembered not only by me but by
a number of other people as a very special date.
Jo Mundy
See page 9 for Avril Maxwell’s account of the day (Ed)
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On a Bicycle made for Two
As many of you are aware, the Bert Bradbury who has been on the
prayer list for some time now is my father. He has been diagnosed
with bowel cancer which has spread to his liver and is just commencing
chemotherapy. Calum, my 16 year old son, and I have
decided to tackle the Northern Rock Cyclone Challenge on June
13th in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. We will be riding the 100
mile route which starts and finishes at Newcastle Falcons rugby
ground and takes in Ponteland, Rothbury, Harbottle, Elsdon,
Otterburn, Bellingham, Matfen and Stamfordham – along with 1700
metres of climbing! We aim to complete the challenge in under 8
hours. If anyone would like to support us with sponsorship I’ll have
a sponsor form with me each Sunday before the event, or you can
donate online at www.justgiving.com/timbradbury1.
Tim Bradbury
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The Perfect Day
Glorious sunshine, not a cloud in the sky—what better day could
anyone wish for Perhaps a visit from the bishop would make it
more memorable.
This was the agenda for the tenants of Allan House on Tuesday
31st March: Bishop Martin was paying us a visit to give our home a
blessing. Just after 11:30 am the Bishop arrived with the vicar,
Nick Darby, and the curate, Helen Arnold. The introductions were
made by Nick.
Bishop Martin then read a blessing for the tenants plus a blessing
for our lounge and for our visitors.
I had organised a buffet lunch for the occasion but had not expected
so many people to attend, so I began to panic that we
would not have enough food and that a miracle might be required.
Luckily there was ample.
The Bishop went around the room having a few words with everyone
and even helped to clear plates and serve the trifle - a very
hands-on bishop!
Before leaving, the Bishop again went round the room to say goodbye
to everyone.
What a great day, a momentous occasion.
Thanks to all who attended. (See page 11 for photograph)
Avril Maxwell
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Dorothy’s Hymn
Sarah Moon recently received an email from Terence Compton, a
relation of Dorothy Rollo’s.
Here is an extract from the email.
“Dorothy treasured her contacts with St James & St Basil's Church,
the regular visits which your members paid her lit up her life, and
were her constant topics of conversation. Please thank all the
parishioners who visited her so regularly for their constant support
over many years on behalf of her family, if this has not already
been done.
I wrote a little hymn in her memory, which contains some of her
sayings. She often said. "I love My God so much", and her
Christian Faith was the central pillar of her life.
I thought that some of your parishioners who were her friends may
like to see it.
It may not have much artistic merit, but it was written from the
heart.”
After desperate struggles to include the hymn in the magazine the
editors have had to admit defeat. A copy, however, has been
printed and can be seen on the notice board at the back of church.
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100 Club
Subscriptions for the 100 Club are now due. You pay £12 per year
for every number that you have and you can have as many numbers
as you like. Cash or cheques (payable to St James & St Basil’s
PCC) can be given to Marjorie Rochester or left at the vicarage
(marked 100 Club).
Anyone not currently a member who wants to join the club can
find application forms on the table at the back of church.
Half of the money raised goes on cash prizes with the other half
going to general church funds.
Chatting with the Bishop
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Holy Week Events
Palm Sunday. As usual, the service began out in the garden (in
brilliant sunshine for a change) and we then processed into church
under an arch of palm branches, each with our own palm cross.
Looking up at the upper left light of the window behind the altar
we can see Jesus arriving in Jerusalem on the back of a humble
donkey.
Passover Meal. Following the successful Lent groups held jointly
with St. Robert’s, several members of our congregation attended
the Passover meal held at St. Robert’s on the Tuesday of Holy
Week. This is an annual event organised by the Catholic Women’s
League and, if you’ve never been you’ve missed a very special
evening enjoyed by everyone present.
Stations of the Cross at our church was a joint service with our
friends from St Robert’s and featured some very unusual paintings
by a former member of their congregation who was able to be with
us that evening. The paintings, which certainly succeeded in
conveying the agony, were in lovely soft browns and blues with
long-bodied figures with bare arms and legs.
Maundy Thursday. A moving service with the lights gradually
being being turned off after the Eucharist as the altars were
stripped. After Nick moved to the side chapel to pray, people sat
quietly in the dark with their own prayers, leaving the church in
their own time.
Good Friday. Instead of our usual 9am communion service, we
had morning prayer from the Book of Common Prayer. In the
afternoon service Nick gave three addresses interspersed with well-
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known Good Friday hymns. The overall message That we should
love one another.
Easter Eve. A short, simple service of Compline.
Easter Day. A very well attended service with the church
beautifully decorated with spring flowers. Nick lit the Paschal
candle and we were delighted to see Helen, our curate, taking a
prominent part. We sang the joyful Easter hymns with great gusto
and the church was filled with that special spirit that only news of
the Resurrection can give. Finally, of course, the children loved the
mystery search in the garden for their chocolate eggs.
Easter Day Praise. A service led by Andy where we had a chance
to choose our favourite Easter hymns and have a really good sing.
Most of us went back to the Lie’s house afterwards for “drinks and
nibbles”, the perfect end to a perfect day.
*******************************************
From the Moon Family
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers for my Dad, Dan
Cullinane. Dad has been ill for a long time with lung disease, he
has recently been well enough to begin rehab, and he’s doing very
well, hopefully he’ll be well enough to meet the twins next
month! If you can pray for his continued recovery, and for his
family, particularly my step-mum and half-brother. Thank you
again, your prayers have been a great support to us all.
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Can You Help
The data administrator for the diocese has passed this to us.
The student involved is doing research for a PhD in the Department
of Psychology.
Are you in pain
We are currently running a questionnaire study looking
into the use of religious coping as a strategy for manage
ing pain. We would like people both with and without
faith to participate.
This study is interested in you, and there are no right or
wrong answers.
If you think this applies to you or you are interested in
taking part,
please log onto:
http://www.pc.rhul.ac.uk/sites/surveys/TakeSurvey.asp
PageNumber=1&SurveyID=81L963LJ3mlKG
Alternatively contact Philippa Martin at
Philippa.Martin@rhul.ac.uk
or on 01784 443703
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Fill that Skip!
We are planning to clear the church hall of much of the rubbish
that has accumulated over the years, and have hired a skip for the
period 26th—30th May. A working party will be organised closer to
that date.
Parish Registers
Nothing this month
Deadline for June magazine
Please note that the deadline for the June edition is 24th May.
Articles can be submitted either electronically to the editors’
email address (listed on page 19) or by leaving hand-written or
typed copies in the “post box” at the back of church.
100 Club Winners
April 2009
£25 34 Tricia Hornby
£15 98 Elsie Storey
£10 57 Kenneth Jackson
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B. M. Hobby
Painter & Decorator
Internal & External
Private & Commercial
7 Mitford Way, Dinnington, NE13 7LW
Telephone: 01661 825318
Seller 98
Foodstore
Delicatessen
Off Licence
Open Daily
8.00am to 10.00pm
Your advert here
Contact the editors on
273 0308
or
274 6249
John Bardgett & Sons
Funeral Directors
Day and Night Funeral Service
Private Rest Chapels
Payment Plans Available
Oakwood House
571 Westgate Road,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 9PQ
Telephone 273 9292
Your advert here
Contact the editors on
273 0308
or
274 6249
G.S. Roofing &
Building
All aspects of roofing, tiling, slating
and repairs
Ring Graham Slade
01207 272646 07875036695
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ACE
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Only the latest High Powered
machines used for fast drying
Excellent rates
Tel: Steve
Home 0191 2732908
Mobile 07713833126
Your advert here
Contact the editors on
273 0308
or
274 6249
L.G.S
plastering services
all jobs guaranteed, no job too
small and discount for pensioners.
Tel: 01912733855
Mobile: 07786398334
Ian Muirhead
Dairyman,34 Fairways, Consett,
Co Durham DH8 5YI
Milk • Cream • Eggs
• Fenham area covered •
Phone: 01207 509035
Thorney Close, 2 Fenham Hall Drive, Fenham,
Newcastle upon Tyne. NE4
Abbeyfield, Fenham, offers very sheltered
accommodation to elderly people. Our resident Housekeeper provides two
main meals of the day together with provisions for a light breakfast.
Residents furnish their room with their own possessions. From £205 per week
Other local Abbeyfield properties include Linden Road, Gosforth, & Heaton
Road, High Heaton.
For further details contact: Mrs Ann Evans. Tel 0191 273 9574
Valencia Hair Salon
Ladies
24 Fenham Hall Drive
Gentlemen
Telephone: 274 1185
Children
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Around the Parish...
In Church
Junior Church
During the 10.00am Service
Flower Arrangers Friday Mornings 10.00am
Jean Dunn
Church Cleaning Team 2 nd Friday 10am –12 noon
Ian Dunn 2744527
Guild of Change Ringers Practice: Friday Evening 7.45pm
Nova Brockbank 274 0633
In The Vestry
Women’s Fellowship
Coffee Mornings
In The Church Hall
Ravenside Playgroup
Monday 2.15pm
2 nd and 4 th Saturdays
10.30 am - noon
Mondays - Fridays
9.30am - 12noon
82 nd Scouts Group Friday Evenings
Beavers
5.30pm—6.45pm
Carol Preston 284 8948
Cub Scouts
6.45pm—8.15pm
Jennifer Heslop
Scout Troup
8.15pm-9.45pm
Cate Watson
AGSL Carol Preston 284 8948
07815 824009
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Parish Contacts
Vicar Rev’d Nick Darby 274 5078
Curate Rev’d Helen Arnold 07545 852813
Reader Andy Lie 274 4228
Church Warden Alun Moon 274 4866
Deputies Jeanette Welch 274 4903
Marjorie Rochester 273 0308
Wardens assistant Eddie Fowler 274 0948
PCC Secretary Margaret Green 274 6602
PCC Treasurer Eunice Davidson 274 8405
Planned Giving Secretary
Betty Carver 274 6962
Electoral Roll Secretary
Margaret Green 274 6602
Sunday Transport Co-ordinator
Hall Booking Secretary
Margaret Johnson 274 6249
Book of Remembrance Secretary
Margaret Green 274 6602
Organist Florence Qiu 272 2424
Editorial Team Marjorie Rochester 273 0308
Margaret Johnson 274 6249
jbeditor@hotmail.co.uk
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Fairtrade Stall
Every 3rd Sunday in the month after the 10am service
Selling a wide range of:
Tea, coffee, chocolate, food, gifts & cards
Direct catalogue orders
See Sarah Moon for more information
Procters
Sandwiches &
Home Bakery
36 Fenham Hall Drive
Telephone: 274 5310
Fresh Meat Specialists
Syd Hewett Ltd
Established 1934
All Building Work Undertaken
Bathroom & Kitchen
Improvement Specialist
10% Discount with this Advert
Contact Russell Nolan on:
St James and St Basil
Church Hall
Available for
Private Functions
Apply to Margaret Johnson
274 6249
Watson (electricals)
Industrial and Domestic
Electrical Contractors
45a Hadrian Road
Fenham
Tel: 273 0642
Mobile: 07889 841948
(0191) 264 0319 (home) or
07931 698 794 (mobile)
11 Alverston Close
Lemington Rise
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 8TB
W. M. Egdell
Newsagent
34 Fenham Hall Drive
Efficient Delivery
Telephone 274 2137
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