Parish Church ofSt. John the Evangelist

Washington Street, Workington

April 2017 Price 50p

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Priest in ChargeThe Revd Canon Professor Robert Hannaford

The Vicarage Thorncroft Gardens Workington Tel: 01900 61582The Church Wardens

Mr. D. J. Pearson Tel: 01900 605907 / 07849254190Mr. N. Glaister Tel: 01900 64639

Officers of the Parochial Church CouncilChairman: Priest in Charge Vice-Chairman: Mrs. P. EvansHon. Secretary: Mrs. U. Mitchell – Tel: 01900 871522Hon. Treasurer: Mrs. M. Rose – Tel: 01900 268312Electoral Roll Officer: Mr. M. Layfield – Tel: 01900 601932

Stewardship Recorder: Mrs. J. Cowin

Organist: Mr. E. Holmes Sacristan:

Dementia Enabler: Mrs B Layfield 01900 601932 / 07916323660 brenda@thelayfields.plus.comHoly Baptisms: Mrs B Layfield 01900 601932 / 07916323660 brenda@thelayfields.plus.comMagazine: Mr. K. Bennett 01900 63592 / 07902222825

kb8520@gmail.com Webmaster: Mr. M. Cowin michael@michaelcowin.comChurch Website: www.stjohnsworkington.org.uk

CHURCH SERVICES

Sundays: Eucharist 8.00amSung Eucharist 10.00amJunior Church 10.00amHoly Baptism 4th Sunday 10.00am

Weekdays: Wednesday: Eucharist 11.00am

The Daily offices and additional celebrations of the Eucharistaccording to notice given.

Notice of Banns and Marriage to be given to the Priest in Charge.The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in Church and the Clergy are able to

take the Eucharist to the sick.

If you type ‘Easter Images’ into the Google search engine,the screen is flooded with many colourful images of Eastereggs and bunnies; you have to scroll well down the screenbefore you find anything faintly Christian by way ofsymbolism. This tells us a lot about the current religiousclimate of our country, where the most important Christian

Festival has almost been lost to view. To say that this is a pity is a greatunderstatement: it exposes the great chasm that exists between currentpopular culture and Christian teaching and faith. In such a climate it’s doublyimportant that Christians remain faithful to their traditions and beliefs, aboveall their belief in the Resurrection of the Lord.This month includes the celebration of the Lord’s death and resurrection:Holy Week and Easter. Each year we celebrate the heart of our faith byfollowing the Lord’s journey to the cross, his descent into the realm of thedead and His glorious resurrection from the tomb. We do this by participatingin the ancient liturgies of the Passion and Resurrection. On Maundy Thursdayin the Eucharist of the day we gather to recall Jesus’ final meal with Hisdisciple on the night before he was betrayed. It was at this meal that He gavethem the commandment to ‘Love one another’ and then demonstrated whatthis meant by washing their feet. This was also the night on which Jesus gaveto the Church the most precious gift of the Holy Eucharist: the meal in whichwe are privileged to enter into His sacrifice on the cross and to plead thebenefits of His passion for ourselves and the whole world. On the Friday,which paradoxically we call ‘Good’, we follow Jesus in the way of the cross.In the Liturgy of the Day we venerate the crucified Christ, engage inextended intercession for the world for which Christ offered Himself insacrifice and receive the precious gift of His Body in the Holy Communion ofthe pre-sanctified. The image reproduced above represents the Paschal Candle which is lit at thebeginning of the great Easter Vigil, which is held on the Eve of Easter Day.At the beginning of this liturgy, the Church is in darkness; the Paschal Candleis lit at the door of the Church and then carried in procession to the HighAltar, there to stand until the end of the Easter Season. As the priest carriesthe Candle through the Church, he sings the words ‘The Light of Christ’. Thedarkness of the Church reminds us of the desolation of Good Friday and HolySaturday: Christ is in the tomb and the darkness of evil appears victorious.The lit candle plunges into the darkness, lighting the world with the joy andwonder of the Risen Christ: ‘Alleluia, Christ is risen’ and ‘Death isswallowed up in victory’ (1 Corinthians 15:54).

At the end of Easter we celebrate Pentecost: the Feast of the coming of theHoly Spirit upon the Apostles. After this feast the Paschal (or Easter) candleis moved to stand beside the baptismal font, where it remains until the nextEaster, there to be lit each time the sacrament of baptism is celebrated.Symbolically this reminds us of the deep connection between the resurrectionof the Lord and our own future. Those who have been baptised have beenpromised and granted a share in Christ’s resurrection. As St Paul expressed it:

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his (Romans 6:3-5)

The Paschal Candle lit at Easter reminds us that this wonderful season is acelebration of the Resurrection of the Dead: Christ as the first fruits andafterwards those who have followed Him in this life.May Easter Joy fill your hearts and minds. (Fr Robert)

FROM THE VICARAGE…….

Father Robert is having serious trouble with his eyes, including cataracts.This means he is finding it hard to see, especially in poor light. Please avoidunnecessary emails as these are also difficult for him to deal with. Please remember him in your prayers.

FUNERALS“Rest eternal, grant unto them, O Lord”

7th February Jean Coupland Murray of Clarendon Grange aged 95 28th February Margaret Harrison of Seaton10th March Luke Hadfield of 54 Newlands Gardens, aged 23

BAPTISMS“We welcome him into the Lords Family”

12th March Lucas Leo Davis of 37 Elterwater Avenue

THANK YOURonnie and Margitta Hadfield wish to express their sincere thanks to ourfriends and relations for their cards and kind expressions of sympathyreceived, following the recent sudden sad loss of our dear grandson Luke.

EASTER FLOWERSIn memory of Alan Armstrong (18th April) from Pauline & family; Fondmemories of Margaret Harrison from the Women’s Fellowship; Birthdaymemories of our dear son Adrian (26th April), loved and missed every day,Hazel & Derek Askew; In loving memory of Frank Pearson (14th April) fromKathleen, Alan & Jonathan; Easter memories of family and friends from Cath& Joe Hodgson; Treasured Easter memories of a dearly loved mam and dad,John & Ethel Straughton, from Marjorie; Treasured Easter memories of mydearly loved husband Jack Beeby for our anniversary (April 7th), Jacksbirthday (April 15th), loved and missed always by Marjorie; In memory ofJohn Beattie from Marjorie; Treasured memories of a dear husband andfather, Stanley, and a dear mam and grandma, Mary Ethel, also loved ones,Olive May and William Piper and Mary and James Park Wilkinson, from MrsWalker, Stephen & Elizabeth;FABRIC FUNDIn memory of my sister, Joyce Scott (13th April), from Brian;ROOF FUNDRemembering a much loved husband and dad, Ken Daglish (27th March), Peggy, Pam & Colin;

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Uniformed Organisations: Monday: Explorer Scouts 7.00pm Tuesday: Rainbows 4.45pm Brownies 6.00pm Thursday: Beavers 5.45pm Cubs 7.00pm Scouts 6.45pm (Ashfield Junior School) Women’s Fellowship: . Tuesday 2.00pm Women’s Group: 2nd Tuesday 7.30pm Parent and Toddlers: Thursday 9.45am Junior Church: Sundays 10am during term time

WOMEN’S GROUPOur March outing was to “Pure Touch” Beauty Salon in Cockermouth. Samvery kindly talked to us and demonstrated, on several willing models, how toenhance our natural features. We were very impressed and would highlyrecommend a visit to this lovely salon.We then went over to the Trout to have supper and a chat, which was verygood. It was nice to see Janet back after her operation. Thank you Sheila fororganising the night and a big thank you to Sam of “Pure Touch”.Our next meeting is 11th April – Stations of the Cross (6.30pm) followed byFaith Supper in the Community Hall.

SCHOOL MOTTOSIn May I am meeting up with an old school friend at the christening of mygrandson. We were pupils at King George V School in Hong Kong togetherin the 'sixties. A recent piece in the West Cumberland Times and Star aboutschool mottos, asking whether local schools still have these, reminded me ofours."Honestas ante Honores" (Honesty before Honour)Honesty can require a great deal of us and can occasion sacrifice. I think forexample of the marvellous film Baggar Vance, featuring Matt Damon as adejected and spent golfer being led back to life by the character BaggarVance portrayed by Will Smith.The turning point shows the golfer in a crucial golf tournament: he can clinchhis win with an adroit but underhand move, or play it straight and risk losingthe match of his life. He plays it clean. You do not need to be a golfer or even like golf to appreciate this richlytapestried film. It is well worth watching so no spoilers as to how it ends. Another old friend from my university days shared a saying with me recently:"Honesty is giving your word. Integrity is keeping it."How readily we say, 'I give you my word' and 'I promise'! Sometimes (as Paulsaid) the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. And it can be a case of many aslip twixt cup and lip. Jesus said, 'The truth shall set you free.' Very often all that is needed to standon his promise is to admit even if only to ourselves that we fell down on thejob and failed to deliver, whether on our word or in some other respect. Thatway lies a fresh start. (Penelope Elias )

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Report from the PCC meeting held on January 11 th 2017The Treasurer is finalising the yearend accounts with a balance on 31/12/16of £23665. Gift Aid receipts of £9500 for 2016 but we also have Gift Aid for2015 included. Roof Fund stands at £13828 including £10,000 from the PCC,Levens Choir receipts, Sponsor-a-slate and donations for the appeal. The Roof Restoration Working Group reported that LPOWRR GrantPermission to Start was applied for in December. Once we hear from them wewill receive 70% of the project funding. The tendering process will beinitiated for a contractor for the work. We have been granted a DiocesanLoan in order to ensure that we do not run out of money before we havecompleted fundraising. The Treasurer explained that no loan money would beneeded until August/September, giving us more time to continue fundraising,and that grants are being applied for from the National Churches Trust andelsewhere. Valerie Hallard had attended a St John’s Residents’ Association meeting andit was suggested that we should apply to the Sellafield Employees’ charity,which has now been done. A concert by Flimby Male Voice Choir was alsooffered to us. Pat Evans appealed for more members of the 50-50 Club, 36members currently. Sponsor a Slate has raised c. £2000. The SocialCommittee have organised a Burns’ Night supper and ceilidh on January 28th

at 6pm.Tickets £8.The Lettings Secretary that he has emailed the uniformed organisationsabout payment of rent. A birthday party has been booked for January 21st andClaire’s concert on February 11th at 6pm. There is a SPAB meeting onMonday 16th January at 1.30pm, which included training for applying forFaculties.Stepping Stones2 has not been in touch and MR offered to contact Bridgetfrom CVS to pursue this and ask for feedback. Council elections will be heldon May 4th. Churches Together In Workington Valerie Hallard reported that ‘MadFriday’ support organised by Emma Bater of Christ Central had been asuccess. Children, Young People And Families 120 children from Ashfield Infantsand Junior Schools visited for Experience Christmas. Both schools andWorkington Academy held carol services in church. Junior Church continueswith small numbers and loyal help from Kazandra and Imogen. ValerieHallard thanked everyone who had helped with the Christmas Coffeemorning. £24 had been raised. Parade Services will be held on 12th February[Lincoln’s Birthday – theme modern slavery- led by the Scouts] and 26th

March, Mothering Sunday. RH thanked BL for her work in preparingfamilies for Baptisms. RH and BL will be running Baptism preparation

sessions at St John’s. Godparents and Parents have been invited to the firstone on Monday 16th January at 5.30pm. Our Dementia Enabler, Brenda Layfield, reported that the Alzheimer’sSociety and Age UK have advised that we need simple signs, drawingsideally. It was suggested that there should be signs in the church porch andon the door into the hall. Black on yellow paper is most suitable for clarity. The monthly Dementia Action Alliance, composed of local organisations andbusinesses, meeting took place today. 15th – 21st May is Dementia AwarenessWeek. On May 19th Sue Hayman MP will launch the campaign forWorkington to become a Dementia Friendly town. A three point Action Planis needed. It was proposed that St John’s should join the Alliance. BrendaLayfield suggested inviting the congregation to a Dementia Friends meetingand will discuss this with Margaret Falcon, the Dementia Champion. A full version of the minutes is available to be read, by anyone who is on theElectoral Roll. (Rickie Mitchell)

Mothering Sunday Breakfast: Following the success of the Fairtrade BigBreakfast in the Community Hall, we will be serving a Middle Eastern stylebreakfast on Mothering Sunday this year, after the 8am service and beforeand after the 10am Parade Service. It is a chance to try the refreshing flavoursof the Eastern Mediterranean. This year we will be raising funds for thebuilding project in Palestine in the fortnight before Easter. Valerie and RickHallard would like to thank all those people who have kindly donated to theproject through sponsorship already. We look forward to joining you onEaster Sunday and reporting back on the impact you have made in the lives ofpeople living in increasingly difficult circumstances in the West Bank. Ashfield Schools’ link with St John’s On 5/6 April, more than a hundred children from both schools will join us to‘Experience Easter’, a special ‘stations’ journey. Thank you to all the helperswho set it up and help on the dayThe Way of the Cross: ‘One Friday’ Workington Town CentreFourteen local businesses in the town centre are displaying one of the stationsin our local Via Dolorosa, ‘The Way of the Cross’. You can pick up a sheet atthe back of church and try to find each picture (the title and bible reference towhich it refers is provided). If you do well in your hunt you might like toreturn the slip (by Good Friday) and enter the competition for an Easter Egg!A booklet showing all 14 watercolours, and the bible text for each, isavailable for a 35p donation to the bookstall. On Holy Saturday (15th April)members of all our local churches will meet at 2pm at the United Church fora prayer walk, visiting all the stations, we hope you can take part!

North Lakes FoodbankThank you for the 105 items donated at St John’s during January andFebruary. A shopping list can be picked up in church. Foodbank will beproviding holiday packs over the Easter holidays for families who normallyreceive free school meals, and there will be craft activities for children12noon to 2pm on 19th and 21st April, volunteer helpers welcome. Pleasespeak to Hazel, Susan or Sandra about this. More info:www.thefoodbank.org.ukCalling all dog-walkersCould you dog-walk for Christian Aid? Christian Aid Week is 14-21 May2017, so perhaps you could identify a street on or near your regular route?You’d need to deliver envelopes and return to collect them, using a no-replyslip if you don’t catch the householder in. The Parade Service on 14 th Maywill introduce us to Noor and Nejebar and their family, who are Afghanirefugees trapped in a camp in Greece, who can be helped through our giving,acting and praying. Of course, you don’t have to be a dog-walker! Pleaseconsider if you could deliver and collect some envelopes during the week, tofamily and friends, if not house-to-house: Please see me after Easter. Thankyou, Valerie Hallard

You have to smile

To my friend’s astonishment, a police car pulled up to her house and herelderly grandfather got out. The policeman explained that the old gentlemanhad been lost in the park and had asked for help. "Why, Grandfather," my friend said, "you’ve been going there for 40 years.How could you get lost?" The old man smiled slyly. "Wasn’t exactly lost," he admitted. "I just got tiredof walking.

At the pearly gates - A taxi driver and minister are waiting in line. St. Peterconsults his list and says to the taxi driver, "Take this silken robe and goldenstaff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven."St. Peter next greets the minister saying, "Take this cotton robe and woodenstaff and enter the Kingdom of Heaven." "Just a minute," says the minister."That man was a taxi driver, and he gets a silken robe and golden staff while Iget a cotton robe and wooden staff. How can this be?" "Up here, we work by results," says St. Peter. "While you preached, peopleslept; while he drove, people prayed."

ART & CRAFT FAIR – 11TH / 12TH MARCHOver this weekend we held an Art & Craft Fair which saw members of our Church and friends displaying and selling paintings and craft items. We had three of our congregation showing the lovely crafted items they had made, these being Sandra, Sheila and Linda along with three of their friends, giving a good mix of stalls and items. We also had paintings by five of our congregation, showing some 50+ works of art, these being Margaret, Penny, Eric, Pat and Keith. The ladies of our women’s group (and Martin) did an excellent job of providing 11 different types of cake and scones and served them over the weekend with tea and coffee while David ran the raffle and fit in wherever hewas needed. It was like a weekend long coffee morning with attractions. Needless to say without them the whole thing would not function.It was a most enjoyable, but tiring time, trying out a new enterprise to raise much needed money for our church funds. We raised £600+ and we will probably be try again and, who knows, next time maybe more people will come along to support us.

APRIL DIARY

Sun 2nd LENT 5 8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist 11.15am Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Tues 4th 12.00noon Women’s Fellowship out to Lunch Wed 5th 11.00am Eucharist Thurs 6th 6.30pm Stations of the Cross followed by Lent CourseSun 9th PALM SUNDAY

8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist and Procession of Palms

Mon 10th 6.30pm Stations of the CrossTues 11th 6.30pm Stations of the Cross

Women’s Group followed by Faith Supper Wed 12th 11.00am EucharistThurs 13th MAUNDY THURSDAY

7.00pm Sung EucharistFri 14th GOOD FRIDAY

10.00am Stations of the Cross2.00pm The Liturgy of the Day: A Celebration of

the PassionSat 15th 8.30pm Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of EasterSun 16th EASTER DAY

8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist

Tues 18th 2.00pm Women’s FellowshipWed 19th 11.00am EucharistThurs 20th 2.30pm Standing CommitteeSun 23rd EASTER 2

8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist and Parade

Wed 26th 11.00am EucharistEASTER 3

Sun 30th 8.00am Eucharist11.00am Sung Eucharist and Holy Baptism

Deadline for May Magazine Articles is Sunday 23rd April(Keith Bennett 01900 63592 or 07902222825 or kb8520@gmail.com)