Delabole Slate April 2022

A Methodist Minister’s View
As I write this article the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been under way for two weeks. One thing which struck me is
how things have changed for all of us in that short period of time from experiencing increasing prices for petrol, diesel
heating oil through to responding to the appeals for money, clothing and other essentials. The response to these appeals
has been phenomenal with the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal reaching £100 million pounds within 4 days, as
well as people setting off from different parts of the country with van and lorry loads of the goods which are needed.
As we face such a crisis many of us feel helpless other than responding by giving. Some have said that they only watch
the news bulletins once a day because they feel so distressed by the situation.
Within 24 hours there were responses from the Church Leaders in this Country with the organisation of Prayer Vigils on
Tuesday, 1st March, and the writing of special prayers. On a Radio programme that we were listening to the story was
told of a Ukrainian young man who said to the Bishop of Europe that the people of Ukraine ‘felt the power of our prayers
don’t stop praying for us.’ In response to this I encourage you to pray for the situation. Below is the prayer which was
written for use in our Methodist Churches and members of our congregation, but it can be used by everyone.
Holy and Gracious God.
We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia;
for their countries and their leaders.
We pray for all those who are afraid;
that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.
We pray for all those who have the power over life and death;
that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness.
We pray for those who choose war;
that they will remember that you direct your people
to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace.
We pray for leaders on the world stage;
that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.
Above all, Lord, today we pray for peace for Ukraine.
And we ask this in the name of your blessed Son.
Lord have mercy, Amen.
As you receive this article in print the Easter Celebrations will be very much on your minds, although we may find it
difficult to celebrate as we normally would with the Ukrainian situation as it is. However, the Message of Easter of God’s
Love for all people and the hope which it brings is still the same. As we remind ourselves again of the Crucifixion and
Resurrection of Jesus, we celebrate the joy of the new start and new life, which it brings, with the peace which ensues
from it.
Amidst all that we are experiencing continue to pray for the Ukrainian situation and open yourselves to the hope, love,
joy and peace of Easter.
Every Blessing,
Bryan Ede
April in the Garden
with Bessie Greenfingers
The garden really wakes up this month.
Feed the roses with rose fertiliser. Mulch the borders and
vegetable beds with home made, or peat free compost.
Seeds of all sorts can be started off in the greenhouse
now. Annuals, perennials, beans, peas, and brassicas all
benefit from an early start in the greenhouse. If you do not
have a greenhouse, a sunny window sill will do.
Make sure your greenhouse glass is clean before you start
and keep it ventilated, but close the door unless it is hot
and sunny. Tomato plants in the greenhouse will need
support, so put in canes or frames.
Lift and divide any large clumps of perennials to make
more plants, taking care not to damage any emerging
foliage. Put stakes in the border around perennials before
they become tall enough to flop. Make sure sweet peas
have supports to climb through. Trim hedges and mow the
lawns. Make sure paths and patios are clean. It is amazing
what a good stiff brushing using just plain old water can
achieve.
Take time out on sunny days to smell the earth and the
flowers and sit in the warm sunshine. Oh, and keep
weeding…
Souper Soup from Carrie Casserole
1,000 grms of butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and
chopped.
1 medium size carrot, peeled and chopped.
1 medium sized potato, peeled and chopped.
1 medium sized onion, peeled and chopped.
2 vegetable stock cubes.
1 large teaspoon dried mixed herbs.
3 teaspoons olive oil.
Put all the ingredients in a large saucepan.
Add 200 mls of milk.
Top up with water to about 2 inches above the level of the
chopped veg.
Bring to the boil ,turn down to a low heat and simmer for
20 minutes.
Leave to cool, then blend together in a blender or
liquidiser.
Heat through on a low heat, stirring all the while,
Pour into bowls, garnish with chopped chives or parsley
and serve with a bread of your choice.