december/january 2017/18 church …
TRANSCRIPT
Price 50p Parish News
Church of St Mary, Wexham
www.stmaryswexham.co.uk December/January 2017/18
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PRIEST IN CHARGE: The Rev’d Mary Kent The Rectory, 7 Grangewood, Wexham, SL3 6LP 01753 523852 Licensed Lay Minister: Mr E Kent 01753 523852 Churchwarden: Mrs S Edwards, 2 Church Grove, Wexham, Slough, SL3 6LF 01753 527410 PCC Treasurer: Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 PCC Secretaries: Mrs C. Elderfied, Mrs Y Hickman Parish Magazine Editorial Team: Mr E Kent The Rectory, 7 Grangewood, Wexham, Slough, SL3 6LP, 01753 523852 [email protected]; Mrs P Anderson 01753 533387;
NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00 am—Holy Communion - Common Worship Traditional Language (said) 10.00 am— Parish Communion - Common Worship Contemporary Language All Age Parish Communion—First Sunday in each month 4:00pm— Occasional Service of Evening Prayer
See Magazine Calendar page for details)
YOUNG CHURCH AND CRECHE: 10.00 am in the Church Hall Leader: Mrs S Horth 01753 551511 DIRECT GIVING: If you would like information on our Direct Giving scheme, or Gift Aid, please contact Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 CHURCH FLOWERS: For Wedding flowers and arrangements for special occasions, please contact Mrs J Boot 01753 520296
ORGANISATIONS MEN’S FELLOWSHIP meets for a meal and discussion on the last Thursday in each month. Contact Paul Horth—[email protected] MONDAY CLUB for elderly people Mondays 2p.m.to 4 p.m. Contact Mrs C Callaway 01753 731798 BINGO CLUB: Mondays at 8.00 pm Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974 TIDDLERS TODDLER GROUP: Thursdays 10.00 am - 12 Noon Leader: Mrs L Galvin 01753 518066 BROWNIE GUIDES: Thursdays 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Leader: Mrs B Neame 01753 733911 FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S: Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974
LOCAL CONTACTS:
WEXHAM COURT PARISH COUNCIL: (Slough, Berks, part of St Mary’s Parish) General Enquiries: Cllr Sandra Malik 07816 006824 Parish Hall booking Clerk: Mrs Lynne Cresdee 01753 574945 WEXHAM PARISH COUNCIL: (Wexham and George Green, Bucks, part of St Mary’s Parish) Clerk to the Council: Mrs Angela Galvin 01753 644887 WEXHAM, BUCKS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION: Chairman: Mr G Spring, 4 Brookside, George Green 01753 536977 GEORGE GREEN WI: Contact : Mrs J Boot 01753 520296 ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL - 01753 693461 www.stmaryswexham.co.uk
St Mary’s is an Anglican parish church which seeks to proclaim the Christian faith by sharing the love of Christ with those who enter its buildings and with all who live within the communities of Wexham and George Green .
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The season of Advent now draws us in to the new Church Year, a
time of expectation and hope but also with its own solemnity. We celebrate the
birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas but also remember his promise to return to this
world. Are we ready for this? What will we have to say to Him about the way we
have used God’s great gift of life? Are we letting Him come to us now, every day,
both as individuals and as the local Church, meeting together as He wishes?
It is wonderful celebrating his birth with time for family and friends and joyful
worship and relaxation, but, if we don’t carry the meaning of His birth in to daily
life, if we don’t allow His companionship to change us, then the joy of Christmas is
wasted, becomes as dull as the left-over turkey – and, worst of all, we won’t be
ready to meet Jesus when he comes to us again. Advent encompasses past,
present and future as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the world’s Saviour.
So, what is there to say? I am sure you have heard or
read many messages about looking for the real
meaning of Christmas, about not getting so caught up
in the busyness and glitz of our society that we miss
what the celebration is really about. Don’t get me
wrong; I still get excited by the glittering decorations
and the Christmas lights – I love it – but I am also aware of the presence of Christ
with me, sharing with me . I know that the pleasure of what I am seeing would be
nothing if there wasn’t that solid reality of the strong underlying faithful love of
God – God with me. Emmanuel, God is with us. That was the message of the
angels to those shepherds so long ago, that was what God showed the Hebrew
people when they struggled their way out of slavery to a new life of unaccustomed
freedom. That is what we need to escape the many things which seek to trap us
and limit our freedom to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.
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Men’s Fellowship
There is no meeting in December. The next meeting will be on January 25th venue to be decided
Contact Paul Horth for details (01753 551511)
A good opportunity for relaxation, good company and good food as well as some challenging topics to talk about.
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Notices, News and Events
George Green Christmas Lights The switching on ceremony is on December 3rd at 4pm.
This is for real. I know it. I long for everyone else to know it as well. I know that
God longs for each one of us to have that personal knowledge of His love,
revealed through Jesus Christ, love which transforms our lives and gives us
meaning and purpose, which enhances the joy of living and consoles and
strengthens us to face the challenges and tragedies we encounter in life. So what
I want to say is this: God loves you, yes, God is for real and He loves you! And I
long and pray for Christmas joy for you this Christmas, the joy that enhances all
the pleasure of family and friends, the joy that enables us to support others and
give to the poor and the needy, the joy that strengthens us to do our bit to
transform our part of this needy world.
God bless you all this Christmastide. Mary
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Ribbon of Poppies 2018
Many you may have read about the ‘Ribbon of Poppies’ idea
that came from a group in Iver. The initial idea was for Scout
and Guide groups across the country to plant poppies so they
would flower next year in time for remembering the end of
the First World War. The idea has spread so that many
communities are planting seeds.
But the time for sowing seeds is now, although plugs can be planted in the Spring.
So a handy hint from Vicky; a way to spread seeds more easily, is to mix a packet of
seeds in a bucket of compost so they can be sown evenly.
A word of warning! You need permission to sow seeds in public areas but not of
course in your own garden.
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What is your Favourite Carol?
Having heard my first Christmas Carol at the beginning of November, too early for
me, I pondered on what we like to sing at Christmas.
After a straw poll after the morning service nine different carols were mentioned,
mostly in the BBC list below. In addition there were, ‘While Shepherds watched,
The first Noel and the Calypso carol.’ Top of the list came ‘ Once in Royal David’s
City. Someone said it is not Christmas until you hear that.
Notice that from the two lists, those that what we like to sing are different from
what we like to listen to.
And for something different -why not look at the YouTube version of We three
kings with a choir of camels doing the chorus in their own unique way. Search for
You tube Claymation We Three Kings.
And now for all those who have ever joined a choir to sing the Messiah or for
those who don’t realise all the hard work that is put in, a poem. TK
Classic FM 2016
(from 1 to 10)
Holy Night
Silent Night
In the Bleak Midwinter (G Holst)
Hark the Herald Angels Sing
O Come all ye Faithful
In the Bleak Midwinter (H Darke)
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Once in Royal David’s City
Carol of the Bells
Joy to the World
BBC List - Big Sing 2013
(not in any order)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
In The Bleak Midwinter
It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
Joy To The World
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O Holy Night
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Once In Royal David’s City
Silent Night
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Rehearsing The Messiah for Christmas When the weather is fine, then you know it’s a sign To rehearse The Messiah for Christmas. If you take my advice, there’s nothing so nice As rehearsing The Messiah for Christmas. There are minims and crotchets and quavers as well And dotted notes everywhere open as well, So take off your coat, reach for that high note And rehearse The Messiah for Christmas. The overture starts, and it’s three pages long Then the tenor breaks forth with some lyrics. So follow those dots, ‘coz there’s lots and there’s lots While the tenor continues his panegyric. And while every valley exalted shall be The chorus has not joined in yet, so you see Four more pages to follow, all those notes you must swallow To be in The Messiah for Christmas. The altos go first, they’ve three bars on their own Then everyone else joins in with them. So take a big breath, there’s a long way to go And concentrate – ‘else there’ll be mayhem. The con doctor is watching, her baton is raised, She hears a wrong note and her eyes appear glazed So sing out, sing loud, sing well and be proud When you do The Messiah for Christmas. Sing! Sing! More and more from the old ‘Watkins Shaw’ Make the music fly high to the rafters. Hallelujah is sung now, for afters. Rehearsal completed, our voices are tired, The tickets are printed and orchestra hired So, tell those you know, it will be a good show You’ll be doing The Messiah for Christmas! Kathryn Critchley Fowler (reproduced with permission)
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Young Church
Programme for December
December 3rd
This Sunday is Advent Sunday, looking forward to the time when Jesus will
come again and the gifts he has left to help us now. Today is an All Age
Service where we all be in church together.
December 10th and December 17th
On these two Sundays we will be talking about the Nativity Story and
preparing for the arrival of Baby Jesus on Christmas Day. We will be doing
lots of Christmas crafts and cooking so come and join us for lots of fun.
December 24th
Today is Christmas Eve when you will be getting excited about Father
Christmas coming later but why not come and join us in church at 10 am for
the Crib Service which is a shorter service without communion - this is when
you can help put the Stable together with all the animals and people who
where involved in the birth of baby Jesus. It is lots of fun so bring all the family.
December 31st
There is no Young Church this Sunday so you and your family are all
welcomed in Church at 10am
for Parish communion with
Young Church.
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7th January
This Sunday is Epiphany so we will celebrate the arrival of the Three kings with
their gifts with our Christingle service in the church hall at 10am. It is a lovely
service where you will get a Orange with a candle and sweets on it-so bring
your friends and family to it. It supports the Children's Society too.
14th January
Today we will be hearing about Jesus being Baptised through a story involving
a picnic. We will make a collage of the story all together to go on our Young
Church board and a Dove craft.
21st January
The story this week is Jesus’ first miracle. The Wedding at Cana. We will have
fun playing Tightrope game and Penguin game. You will be able to make your
own clay jug or pot to take home.
28th January
We will be talking about when we get angry, unhappy, frightened or sick Jesus
cares for and loves us all. As the bible story has pigs in, we will be making Pig
Cupcakes and “Jesus loves me” key rings.
Young Church Programme for January
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Sunday 3rd - Advent Sunday
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion with Young Church
4.00 pm Advent Carol Service
Sunday 10th - 2nd Sunday of Advent
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion
10.00 am Young Church in the Hall
Wed. 13th 7.00pm Communion at The Pines
Thur. 16th 10.30 am Toddler Service
Sunday 17th - 3rd Sunday of Advent
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion
10.00 am Young Church in the Hall
04.00 pm Carol Service
Wed 20th 10.30 am Carol Service at The Pines
Thu 21st Holy Communion at Oak House
Sunday 24th - Christmas Eve
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Crib Service
11.30 pm Midnight Mass
Monday 25th Christmas Day
10.00 am Parish Communion for all
Sunday 31st First Sunday of Christmas
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion
10.00 am Young Church in the Hall
4.00 pm Evening Worship
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Sunday 7th - Epiphany
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Christingle Communion with Young Church in the Hall
Wed 10th 7.00pm Communion at the Pines
Sunday 14th - 2nd Sunday of Epiphany
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion
10.00 am Young Church in the Hall
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins
Thur. 18th 10.30 am Toddler Service
Sunday 21st - 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion
10.00 am Young Church in the Hall
Wed 24th 10.30 am Morning Praise at The Pines
Thu 25th Holy Communion at Oak House
Sunday 28th - (Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.00 am Parish Communion
10.00 am Young Church in the Hall
4.00 pm Evening Worship
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Treasurer’s Corner. The third quarter of this 2017 year ending 30th September 2017 and again the
results have shown that we were just above budget. Also the total for 9 months
was almost the same as the previous year, only £400 lower.
The Direct Giving Scheme , our main source of income, continued to be down on
last year’s figures, and the total by the end of the year is estimated to be £2000
below last year’s total. This is the result of members leaving the scheme for a
variety reasons.
Expenditure In comparison with the same period last year was lower by £4000 ,
half of which was due to our Parish Share being reduced under the new re-
arrangement, the remainder was due to one off items non-recurring.
The program of Fund Raising is dependent on the Gingerbread Fair in November
and is essential to the targets set for the year. I look forward to many of you
attending the great occasion.
Brian Edwards
£0.0
£5,000.0
£10,000.0
£15,000.0
£20,000.0
£25,000.0
£30,000.0
£35,000.0
£40,000.0
£45,000.0
£50,000.0
March 31st June 30th Sept 30th Dec 31st
Budgeted income to31st December 2017
Actual Income to date
Month March 31st June 30th Sept 30th Dec 31st
Budgeted income to 31st December 2017 £ 10,782.00 £21,474.00 £30,222.00 £ 46,690.00
Actual Income to date £ 11,455.00 £22,703.00 £32,183.00 £ -
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Quotes and Stories from the Parish Pump Resource
Christmas cards
A friend of ours waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She knew
she had 49 people on her list, so she rushed into a shop and bought a package of
50 cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed the 49
and signed them without reading the message inside.
On Christmas Day when things had quieted down somewhat, she happened to
come across the one leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to
49 of her friends. Much to her dismay, it read like this: This card is just to say a
little gift is on the way. Suddenly she realised that 49 of her friends were
expecting a gift from her.
Thank the Lord for Facebook. Otherwise I'd have to call 674 people today to tell
them I just went Christmas shopping.
Why Bethlehem?
A minister asked his Bible class: ‘Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem?’
A student replied, ‘Because his mother was there.’
Something to think about
The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect
opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord. - Joni Eareckson Tada
In Jesus Christ heaven meets earth and earth ascends to heaven. - Anon
Happiness is more than a grin on one’s face, it is the glory in one’s heart. - R.
Parlette
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An extra long quiz to keep you busy over the Christmas season. They are all titles of movies. Best set of answers will get a small prize, so give it a go. Extra copies of this page are available from Ted Kent
1 The fourth of July 12,3 ......................................................................... 2 Quiet sheep 7,2,3,5 ......................................................................... 3 Pop off, not soft 3,4 ......................................................................... 4 39 degrees at the weekend 8,5,5 ......................................................................... 5 Mucky twelve 3,5,5 ......................................................................... 6 An eight-hour day 4,2,4 ......................................................................... 7 Nutcase 6 ......................................................................... 8 Beautiful lady 6,5 ......................................................................... 9 Remember everything 5,6 ......................................................................... 10 Sneak out of the Big Apple 6,4,3,4 ......................................................................... 11 Celebrity battles 4,4 ......................................................................... 12 Pasture for nightmares? 5,2,6 ......................................................................... 13 Cabby 4,6 ......................................................................... 14 Spectre 5 ......................................................................... 15 Hi Barbie 5,5 ......................................................................... 16 Small large fellow 6,3,3 ......................................................................... 17 In on your own 4,5 ......................................................................... 18 Precious digit 10 ......................................................................... 19 Married lady, unsure, shoot 3,9 ......................................................................... 20 Strange pair 3,3,6 ......................................................................... 21 A tale of playthings 3,5 ......................................................................... 22 24 hours at Newmarket 1,3,2,3,5 ........................................................................... 23 Bad dream down tree road 9,2,3,6 ......................................................................... 24 Unlucky day 6,3,10 ......................................................................... 25 No 1 of not many 5,2,3,3 ......................................................................... 26 Dark flower 5,9 ......................................................................... 27 Textile weapon 3,6,4 ......................................................................... 28 A biped with a trunk 3,8,3 ......................................................................... 29 Passed his exams 3,8 ......................................................................... 30 Stretch a very long way 5,3,3,3 .........................................................................
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1. Eternal Triangle
2. Blank Cheque
3. Rub up the wrong way
4. Fiddler on the roof
5. Pat on the back
6. Missing the point or Point Taken
7. Waving Goodbye
8. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Answers to last months Dingbats
SMILE LINES
Camels
In a little girl’s Christmas drawing, two of the camels were approaching
the inn, over which was pictured a huge star. The third camel and its rider
were going directly away from it. ‘Why is the third man going in a
different direction?’ her mother asked. She replied, ‘Oh, he’s looking for
a place to park.’
**
Christmas presents
Catching her in the act, I
confronted our three-year-old
granddaughter. ‘Are you opening
your little sister’s presents?’ I
demanded. ‘No,’ she innocently
replied, ‘I'm just helping her learn
to share.’
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Advent Course reminder
The advent course starts on the 5th/6th December. This year various advent
themes will be explored.
Discovering how Jesus was rooted in Jewish history,
The role of wisdom and the bible,
The Guiding star
Emmanuel, God with us. (in January)
More details were in last month’s magazine.
Two alternative dates are available each week, a daytime one at the rectory and
an evening one including a meal at George Green, but make you sure book in for
this one.
Times of sessions
Tuesdays Evenings: 7pm at 16 August End, George Green SL2 6R
Wednesday Mornings:10.30am at The Rectory,7, Grangewood, Wexham SL3 6LP
Places for the evening sessions are limited so reserve your place on the sign up
sheet in church or contact Jill Bell by phone on 07812 741279 or by e mail
[email protected] or contact the Rectory 01753 523852
6th Dec 13th Dec 20th Dec 10th Jan
5th Dec 12th Dec 19th Dec 9th Jan
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A comment by the author on his poem. It is good that we celebrate Christmas in
midwinter. Yes, I know it is supposed to be rooted in the old pagan winter solstice
festivals, but there is rich symbolism in celebrating Christ’s birth at a time when
nature is at a low ebb. For God intervenes when humans are at a low ebb; Christ
breaks in when we are lost in the depths of our sin, and His new life brings us to the
bearing of verdant leaves and rich fruit.
Winter Trees
Winter trees, of growth denuded
Bow their heads to wind and snow
Bow towards a lonely stable
Unto which some shepherds go.
Trees that seem so cold and lifeless
Bow toward that heavenly glow.
In that shed, a new-born infant
Bathed in golden lantern’s light
Shepherds kneel in awe and wonder
At the gift of God this night.
E’en the trees so bare do whisper
Wondrous praises at that sight.
Winter trees will soon be verdant
When the winter turns to spring.
We, like them, can be as joyful
Death has lost its fatal sting.
For that babe within a manger
Brings good news of which we sing.
Glory be to God in Heaven
Glory be to God, we cry
For His gift, so freely given
His own precious Son to die.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
We can live with Him on high! By Nigel Beeton
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TRANSWORLD 2000
Worldwide Freight
Distribution
Unit 6, Planet Centre
Armadale Road
Feltham
Middlesex
TW14 0LW Telephone 020 3589 8164
DEADLINE FOR THE
FEBRUARY PARISH MAGAZINE:
Material for the February Parish Magazine must be with the Editorial Team by 17th January Magazines will be available from Sunday, 28th January. The PCC and the editorial team reserves the right to edit and shorten submitted material. Advertisers in the magazine are not necessarily known to the editorial team and the appearance of an advert does not carry an implied endorsement.
WEXHAM HALL ELDERLY PEOPLES’ CLUB
We welcome new members to our
Monday afternoon get together in St. Marys Church Hall
from 2pm to 4pm for an afternoon with tea, raffle and bin-
go, etc.
Plans for the coming year include outings, talks, quizzes,
exercise classes, a birthday party and a Christmas dinner.
Come and meet other local people and make new friends
Tel: 01753 731798 or 01753 554849 for further details
EVERYONE WELCOME
LUIGI AUTOCARE UK LTD CAR WASH
Telephone 01753 574999
Uxbridge Road
George Green
SL3 6AT.
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WEXHAM POST OFFICE
&
GENERAL STORES (Now with an off licence)
Tel: 01753 526284
Wexham Road, SL2 4HE
Near the Hospital
Roundabout
Groceries,
Bread, Milk, and
Alcohol.
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday 9.00 am – 8.00pm
Saturday - 9.00 am—6.00 pm
Sunday - 10.00 am—4.00 pm
*** IMPROVED PARKING***
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Discovery Café
SOME OF THE EVENTS THIS YEAR
November - falling leaves. Thank you for all those who keep the churchyard tidy.
The Easter garden
Remembrance Day- the Brownies Poppy Cross
The Light Party - one of the activities
Cross Project with
Wexham School August Fun Day