Thank you

The flowers in Church this week have been given by Elizabeth Bean in loving memory of Phil on their Wedding Anniversary.

We are always pleased when people make donations towards flowers perhaps to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary or in memory of a loved one. Please contact Miss Marion Prior 303254 or add your name to the rota in the Foyer.

The Reverend Dr. Sam Cappleman Assistant Rural Dean of Bedford

107 Dover Crescent, Bedford MK41 Tel: 266952 nsm@stmarkschurch.com

The Reverend Canon Charles Royden The Vicarage, Calder Rise. MK41 7UY

309175 Mobile 07973 113861 vicar@stmarkschurch.com

Reader: Mrs Wendy Waters Pastoral Support Team Co-Ordinator 342613 reader@stmarkschurch.com

St. Mark’s Church Centre www.stmarkschurch.com

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5.00pm Tel/fax: 342613 office@stmarkschurch.com Centre Manager: Miss Wendy Rider 342613 Church Wardens Mr Mike Cooper & Mr Jim Williams Treasurer: Mr Ian Farthing 210892 treasurer@stmarkschurch.com Gift Aid Administrator: Mr Jim Williams 360605 Churchyard Administrator: Mrs Avril Williams 342613 garden@stmarkschurch.com Music Copyright CCL1501 Charity No 1164416

St Mark’s Contact Information

Church Services

2 June - Seventh Sunday of Easter 8.30am Holy Communion 9.30am Family Morning Worship Preacher - Rev Canon Charles Royden Leadership - Mrs Liz Jackson Intercessions - Young People Organist - Mr Clive Simmonds Lectionary Readings Acts 16:16-34 Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17:20-26

9 June - Pentecost 8.30am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Worship Preacher - Rev Canon Charles Royden Leadership - Intercessions - Warwick Holden Organist - Mr Clive Simmonds Lectionary Readings Acts 2:1-21 Romans 8:14-17 John 14:8-17 Midweek Services Wednesday Communion 10.00am in the Chapel Please join us for a service followed by coffee Holy Communion at 10.00am at Sir William Harpur House first Monday of every month.

Prayer for the Week Ahead

O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them to love all people as neighbours. As his disciples in this age, we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe in which we are privileged to live and our neighbours with whom we share it.

St Mark’s Church Parish News

Seventh Sunday of Easter 2 June 2019

Church Leadership Team Mr Mike Cooper, Mr Jim Williams, Mrs Laura Farthing,

Mrs Liz Jackson, Mrs Janet Warren, The Reverend Alan Kirk

Please inform us if you know of anyone who is ill, bereaved, housebound, requires a visit, home communion or counselling services. Please also ask us if you would like a home visit for any reason.

Monday 7.30am-6.00pm Pre-school Mon-Fri St Mark’s Manager Mrs. Helen Harpin 312634 (See website) for more details www.thisispreschool.com) 10.00am Bakers Barn Art Group. Mrs M. Berry 211955 10.00am U3A Play reading Rod Fewings 07718390188 9.45am - 10.45am &11.00am-12noon Pilates Liz Mason 07816522200 2-4pm U3A Meditation & Wellbeing Rod Fewings 07718390188 2-3.15pm U3A Recorder Group Rod Fewings 07718390188 6.00pm Brownies Mrs C Mathew 826190 7.30pm Sugarcraft Guild (1st week in month) Heather Buckley 824503 7.00-8.00pm Laughter Club on 2nd week each month Cheryl Green 07729187399 7-9pm Rangers. Nikki Lake 07584028653 Indoor Games. Rod Fewings 07718390188 7-8.5pm Happy Body Project Julie Holl 07808739651 Whist Drive Third Monday in the month and fifth if there are five Contact

Tuesday 9.30am-11.15. Chat & Make A term time group for Parents, Carers and toddlers 0– 5. For more details ring Church Office 342613 or Janine 01234 297481 9.30am -12.30 & 4-9pm Slimming World 9.30, 11.30, 3.30, 5.30, 7.30. Lorrie Pearson 340473 1.15pm U3A Cinema Group. Rod Fewings 07718390188 1.30pm U3A Choir. Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00pm U3A Book Group 1 (3rd Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00pm U3A Book Group 2 (2nd Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 077183901882 2.00pm U3A Photography Group 3 (1st Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.30pm Knit & Natter Group (Fortnightly) Wool and knitting needles provided. Mrs Maureen Watling 262225 2.00-3.30pm Tuesday Afternoon Housegroup. Fortnightly Social and Bible Study Mrs Jean Bank 355698 6-7pm Supple Strength Yoga Amanda Alcock 07769747393 7.30-9pm Faith Community Church Audua Ogilvie 01234 308644 8.00pm Hearts in Beds Committee (4th week in month) Mrs N Aspey 309816 8.20-9.20pm Restoration Pilates Johanna Debnam 07753418170

Wednesday

10.00-2pm Open House For those with learning disabilities, friends, family, carers etc 342613 10.00am U3A Gardening Group 3 Rod Fewings 07718390188 10.00am Holy Communion. St.Mark’s Chapel. 10am U3A Card Making. Rod Fewings 07718390188 10-4pm Sewing Group 4th week of the month Contact Sue Sewell 07979797747 1.15 Social Bridge Club. Mr Barnes 261811 2 4pm. U3A Craft 1st week in the month Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 3.45– 5.30pm Messy Church Bible stories, crafts, singing and a meal. For children primary school age and their carers. Meeting dates 24/4,15/5,19/6,18/9,16/10,20/11 &1/12. Wendy Waters 401834

6.00pm Brownies Mrs. C Warden 219731 7.00pm Bunyan Bridge Peter Cullum 07545508185 8.00pm Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club (1st,3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month. Except August). Everyone welcome. All dances called. Call Rosemary 405594 or Graham 406359 for more details. £2 including refreshments. Next meeting Wednesday 29 May 8.00pm Bedford Wine and Social Club (1st week in the month) Jill Cooper 357960

Thursday 9.30-11.25am Chat & Play. A term time group for Parents, Carers & toddlers 0-5. Church office or Janine 297481 12pm Storybox. Welcomes the under 5’s and their carers to join them between 12 noon and 1pm for a sandwich lunch followed by a Bible based story and singing. Contact Jaana Swaaby 3422613. 2-4pm. U3A Indoor Games. Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.30 - 4.30pm Bedford Art Society Jean Patterson 307210 2.30pm - 4.30pm Putnoe Art Group (PAG) Contact Bob Wardale 406094 Mob:07914451198 6-7pm Supple Strength Yoga Amanda Alcock 07769747393 7-9pm Bedford Community Gospel Choir Weekly meeting . Contact 07554148540 7.00pm U3A Singing for Fun (1st & 3rd week in month) Rod Fewings 07718390188 7.00pm Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild (3rd week in month). Carol Plant 01832710504 7.30pm Magpies. Meet on 2nd & 4 Thursday Call Rosemary 405594 for details. Next meeting Thursday 13 June - ‘The Bloodrunners’ by John McCombe 8.00pm Bedford Writers Circle. (1st week in month). John Broadhouse 01525 404014

Friday 10am -12.00 U3A Photography (4th week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 10.45am - 12 U3A Poetry & Literature Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00-4.00 pm U3A Whist (2nd week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 7.45 - 10.45pm Bedford Astrology Club. (2nd week in month )Carol Brown 01438 233385 6.30 –7.30pm Pakua Martial Arts John Waugh 07802755914 7-9pm Mindfulness Meditation Bhante Samitha 07983466105

Saturday

9.00am Faith Community Church (1st week in month) Audua Ogilvie 01234 308644 10.00am-1pm Theatretrain Dancing acting, singing. Kate Howard 01234 782414 10am-1pm Sugarcraft Guild Cygnets (2nd week in month) Margaret Baldry 07919404906

Sunday

9.30 - 10.30 Church and Sunday School at St Mark’s with crèche for under 3’s 10 - 5.30pm Bedford Stamp Fayre at St. Mark’s. P Harris 01623 621143 1st week Dec/Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct. 7-8pm Yogabellies. Classes for women during the prenatal period. Contact Symmone Clark 07931094052.

Regular Weekly Activities - St Mark’s Church

Seventh Sunday of Easter Opening Sentence Psalm 97 The Lord is king: let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of the isles be glad. Collect Prayer O God the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: we beseech you, leave us not comfortless, but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. First Reading Acts 16:16-34 One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, ‘These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.‘ She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.‘ And it came out that very hour. But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market-place before the authorities. When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, ‘These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.‘ The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened. When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted in a loud voice, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.’ The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God. (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God) Second Reading: Revelation 22:12-21 (Lectionary 12-14, 16-17, 20-21) ‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’ Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and fornicators and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practises falsehood.

The Greek letters alpha and omega surround the halo of Jesus in the catacombs of Rome from the 4th century

‘It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.’ The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God) Gospel Reading John 17:20-26 Jesus looked up to heaven and prayed: ‘Holy Father, I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. ‘Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.’ (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God) Post Communion Sentence Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm us in this mission, and help us to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Hymns 1. Hail the day that sees him rise (Llanfair) HP 197 2. Teach me to dance (as) SF 477 (with instruments) 3. The Lord is King! Lift up your voice (Church Triumphant) HP 58 4. Jesu, our joy, our hearts desire (Metzler’s Redhead) HTC 178 5. Let all the world in every corner sing (Luckington) HP 10 Commentary This is the last Sunday of the Easter Season and we read the prayer which Jesus made before he is arrested. Soon he will end up being crucified and Jesus knows that this time has come. The last prayer of Jesus is that his disciples will be one, that their unity will be as great as that between him and God the Father. It is through this unity that the world will come to its senses and recognise who Jesus is. The problem is of course that humanity does not easily become united, we are known by our divisions and differences. We are frightened by those who are different and we seek power and identity by belonging to one group or another. After 2,000 years the church of Jesus is as divided as it has ever been and the prayer of Christ is unanswered. This is easily said and yet so hard to accomplish. People belong to churches and become familiar with the way things are done. They do not want to change and leave cherished habits, no matter if they are destructive and contrary to the wish of Jesus. Today we do well to remember to ask ourselves whether we are seeking with all our hearts to be part of the answer to that prayer of Jesus. • Are we willing to put aside what we like so that we can begin to recognise Christ in people who are

different from us? • Are we willing to embrace unity and put aside our differences, so that the world may begin to see

Jesus present in his church?

This importance of dependence and sharing with each other is a fundamental part of being, not just as Christian people, but human beings. We know the importance of sharing and intimate and supportive relationships. The concept of a Christian who is isolated from others is fundamentally flawed, we exist only in community - as a part of a body. Feeling lonely is painful is nature's way of telling us that this is not how we should be. So Jesus addresses this in his prayer that we might be one, even as he and the Father are one - absolutely. We are made to share the joys and sorrows, the burdens and triumphs together. “Christian unity is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer Charles Royden Meditation Last week I manged to make my way to Santiago de Compostella. You may have seen the pilgrimage taken there by The Reverend Kate Botley on television. Blistered feet were not a problem for me, but the taxi driver who was responsible for the first stage of my pilgrimage would have tried the patience of St James himself. Santiago or Saint James, is so named after the apostle, James, the fisherman, who is believed by some to have travelled to Compostella. He gained even more importance being propelled to Patron Saint of Spain following reports that he helped Christian troops to victory against the Muslims whilst riding a white horse and bearing a sword. The patron saint of Spain, he is depicted in the cathedral as St James Matamoros, the Moor Slayer, riding a horse and chopping of the heads of Muslims. It is a curious thing to queue with other pilgrims to see his relics encased in a silver box given all of the stories myths about his life. There are several ways to travel along to reach Compostella and the numbers are increasing each year with 350,000 in 2018. The Spanish call it the ‘camino’, The Saint James Way leads from Porto in Portugal and is marked by these signs.

On arrival the cathedral of St James is a suitably impressive monument to the victorious saint who helped reclaim Iberia for the Christians. Compostella itself is also an inspiring city with nice ice cream shops and lots of bars selling beer for thirsty pilgrims. I reflected as I walked to stand before the holy relics of St James that most of the Christian pilgrims were visibly blessed as much by those with whom they shared their journey as they were upon the holy place itself. We are fortunate to have others who travel through this life with us and seek to help us make sense out of the ups and downs along the way. God has not called us to walk our faith journey alone, what the first Christians called ‘The Way.’ We are there for each other, to occasionally challenge fellow pilgrims, but above all to express the love of Jesus.

That is something which I am sure we could ask St James to pray to help us. Charles Royden Prayers for Sunday and the Week Ahead God of glory, as you made yourself present in the person of your Son, grant that we, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, may be your presence and glory in the world, that through you and obedience to your precepts all nations would know your lasting peace and hope. Amen At Easter we rejoice in the salvation of the world. Christ is risen; let us arise in him! Christ enters new life; let us live in him! Christ has come forth from the tomb; Let us shake off the fetters of evil! The gates of hell are open, the powers of evil are overcome! In Christ a new creation is coming to birth, Alleluia! Lord make us new, Alleluia! Amen Living God, you have given us an eternal and living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead: grant that we, being risen with Him, may fix our hearts on heavenly things and share in your eternal life, worshipping you for ever at your throne in heaven. Amen Heavenly Father, we pray that you will receive our prayers offered in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who prayed for us, lived and died for us and who now reigns with you in the unity of your Holy Spirit now and always. Amen.

St Mark’s Church Preschool are recruiting. Preschool are currently looking to recruit staff to support breakfast, lunch and tea time sessions. If you are interested or know of somebody who is please speak to Helen Harpin or Ian Farthing. No qualifications necessary. The preschool is operating at capacity and we are also recruiting preschool teachers. Celebrating Scotland. There will be a special Scottish Evening with a Scottish Themed quiz and dancing on 5 October - fun for everybody, please diarise ! Thanks to all involved in the car boot sale! Thank you to everybody who helped at the sale, before during and after, donating goods or cakes etc. We raised a magnificent £990 so well done to all

concerned. The next car boot is the final onr of the year on August 26 and will be followed by a celebratory barbeque in the vicarage. Musical Instruments We have been enjoying musical accompaniment on Sunday mornings with some hymns and we would like to include as many people as possible! If you play an instrument then do come and join us. Clive has been brilliant in writing parts so any instruments can be included. Please let Clive know if you are willing to join in. Thank You - Thanks to those who have contributed to the Garden of Remembrance. The new water wall is now fitted and should be operational very soon. Thanks also to everybody who has been cutting grass, painting the fencing and all the jobs to make the grounds look so cared for around the church.

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words Lucas Cranach the Elder. "Passional Christi und Antichristi."

Woodcut. 1521. Northern Renaissance, Germany

In 1978 a famous Conservative political poster by Saatchi & Saatchi showed a line of people on the dole with the words ‘Labour Isn’t Working.’ It was fine political propaganda and saw Margaret Thatcher win a 43 seat majority. Pictures are powerful they really can paint a thousand words and move hearts and minds. Martin Luther recognised this in the Reformation but we don’t really look at his pictures as much as what he said. So this week can see how art played a fundamental part in the reformation, helping to win those hearts and minds. Apologies that you have to turn the page around this week but these are two woodcuts which are meant to be seen in the form of a diptych (two images side by side). They are by Lucas Cranach and they are quite important not just for artistic merit but for how as propaganda they helped Martin Luther in the Reformation. Woodcut was nothing new, it was used in the 5th century in China on textiles. However when paper became widely available in Europe it offered much more opportunity. Wood blocks were carved and then the raised bit of the wood which was left was inked and the paper laid on the wood. Think how intricate this work must have been to show such fine details. Lucas Cranach like Hans Holbein was trained by Albrecht Durer and he recognised the potential of these woodblocks as a sort of mass printing press. He took the art of woodcut and made it a tool of evangelism to spread the views of his friend Martin Luther and the Reformation. (Next week I will show a colour painting by Cranach which is also part of presenting the reformation.) These are some of the most famous woodcuts used to attack the papacy which were commissioned by Luther. They contrast the scene of Christ driving the money-changers from the temple with a picture of the pope receiving indulgence money. This was Martin Luther as an early ‘Spin Doctor.’ The image on the left depicts Jesus as a young bearded man in a robe; however, the people he thrashes are all wearing clothing contemporary to Germany in the 1500's. The right hand image shows a scene in which the Pope (who wears the Papal tiara or crown) is seated on a comfortable cushion while he is surrounded by his bishops (note the hats). Whilst Christ is driving the moneychangers out of the temple, the Pope in contrast is shown taking money to allow people to buy forgiveness of their sins. The Pope is greedy and exploits the people. Next week we will see what Lucas Cranach was able to do with that colour painting !.

Rest In Peace

On the Sunday following a funeral service we remember in church those who have died.

We light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and

brings hope. If you would like a person remembered in our service when the candle is

lit, perhaps on an anniversary or birthday, please inform the ministers, or telephone the

church office.

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

and rise in glory . Amen.

Parish News is available online at www.stmarkschurch.com You can also sign up online to receive each edition by email

Forthcoming Funerals

The funeral of Mr Gibbs will take place at St Mark’s Church at 3.00pm on Wednesday 5 June followed by a burial at St Albans Woodland Burial Ground The funeral of Pamela Alice Marsden will take place at Bedford Crematorium on Wednesday 19 June at 1.45pm

All funerals at Bedford Crematorium

can be found @ www.bedford.gov.uk/obituaries

Raise funds for St Mark’s while you

shop with Easyfundraising

Please visit our church website www.stmarkschurch.com where you will see the banner for Easyfundraising.org.uk. When you want to buy something online please click on the links and this page will appear Click on Support this cause and you will be able to create an account. This is the best way to

raise funds while you shop because you can visit all your favourite online stores including Amazon and John Lewis, Booking.com, M&S, ASOS, Sainsburys etc. You will also benefit from special offers!

Woodland Burial at Keysoe Open Day Saturday 8 June

2.00pm - 4.00pm You are invited to an open day at our lovely woodland, set in 60 acres of countryside. All the family, including dogs, are welcome

and refreshments will be provided. We provide burials, reservations and interment of ashes in one of only two consecrated woodlands

in the country. Woodland burial - caring for our loved ones and the environment.

Follow signs to The College Equestrian Centre Keysoe. MK44 2JP. Directions available on our website www.woodlandburialtrust.com St Albans Woodland Burial Trust

c/o St Mark’s Church Community Centre Calder Rise, Bedford. MK41 7UY Tel: 01234 342613 office@woodlandburialtrust.com www.woodlandburialtrust.com

A registered Charity No. 1118216, not a commercial cemetery