Rushen Parish Magazine

February 2018

2

Contact Details for Rushen Parish

Vicar:

Rev’d Joe Heaton (rev.joeheaton@gmail.com) 832275

Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary

Readers:

Mrs Margaret Galloway

Mrs June Harper

Mrs Wendy Heaton

Mr Harry Dawson

Mr Adam Kelly

Active Clergy

Rev Roger Harper

Rev John Gulland

Rev Brian Shephard

Retired Clergy:

Canon John Sheen

Church Wardens:

Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Mr Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488/422737

Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770

Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974/495630

PCC Secretary:

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Port Erin

PCC Treasurer:

Mr Stephen Curtis, Clybane Cottage, Phildraw Road, 823475

Ballasalla

Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer for Children and Vulnerable People:

Mrs Claire Jennings, admin@rushenparish.org.uk 830850

More contact details on the inside of the back cover

3

Dear Friends,

I write this and wonder where the days of January went. It seems to have passed in a blur and Christmas and New Year celebrations seem a distant memory. At the beginning of the Year I was one of those people who made a New Year’s Resolution. Like many, I decided to lose a few pounds (well more than just a few) that magically appeared over the Christmas season through eating that extra mince pie or second slice of Christmas Cake. For no other reason that that I might have a fighting chance in fitting into my clothes. What I’ve discovered is that it can be much harder to lose weight that to gain it!

Perhaps, like me, you made a New Year’s Resolution and have struggled to keep to it over these last four weeks, or maybe you no longer make Resolutions at the New Year because of past experiences. In a similar way, throughout life we can struggle to do the right thing or to live in a way that’s good, pleasing and fruitful – we fall out with loved ones or colleagues, or we know ourselves to be selfish, or we live with regrets.

One of the big things that Jesus came to teach us is that God is someone who believes in fresh starts, new beginnings, who closes the door on the past and points us towards what life can be like. That He is more ready to forgive than we are to seek His forgiveness.

I pray that you may know a new beginning (big or small) in your life in the coming weeks and months. Richest Blessings.

Rev. Joe Heaton

4

The BBC to Increase Coverage of Religion

The BBC has recently pledged to ‘raise our game’ on religion by increasing the portrayal of all faiths in mainstream shows. The corporation said it would ‘enhance’ the representation of religion on TV and radio dramas and documentaries. It said it would also create a new global religious affairs team, headed by a religion editor, in BBC News. The BBC will also keep ‘Thought for The Day’ on Radio 4's Today programme.

The corporation recently published the conclusions of a review into its coverage of religion and ethics, and Director General Tony Hall said audiences of all faiths and none have said they want to learn more about those topics. ‘They recognise that, if we truly want to make sense of the world, we need to understand the systems of belief that underpin it,’ he said. He added that he wants the corporation ‘to do more about Christianity and other beliefs as well.’ The plans include: There will be more about non-Christian festivals like Diwali, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Ramadan and Eid on mainstream programmes like The One Show, The Chris Evans Breakfast Show and Newsround. There will be landmark programmes to ‘explore religion in all its forms’, including a major TV series about the world's sacred sites, a Radio 4 series on morality in the 21st Century, and a Radio 2 initiative to encourage young people to discuss issues about peace 2019 will be ‘A Year of Beliefs’, with programmes looking at how people make big decisions and where they get their moral values from. There will be more ‘people-led stories that have warmth and depth’, such as observing vicars working in local communities. There will be tie-ins with music and comedy, and more digital-first video and social media content. The role of the religious affairs correspondent - currently Martin Bashir - will be upgraded to religion editor, leading BBC News's new global religious affairs team. BBC News will also broaden the range of interviewees and contributors to represent a wider range of opinions and practices.

Parish Pump

5

and of Maureen who lovingly visits him each day. Peggy Kelly had a birthday in January, and we remember her with affection. Peggy now resides at Abbotswood, as does Winifred Quayle who, at the time of writing this article, is very unwell. We remember her in our prayers.

We offer our congratulations to Gerry Callister who will be 70 years young on 2nd February. We wish him a relaxing holiday in Tenerife with his wife Doreen. We thank Gerry for all he does in the parish.

Sue Maddrell has received a phone call from the Leprosy Mission representative. There will be a meeting in St Mary’s Church Hall when he is on the island at the end of February and beginning of March. Please look for details in your pew sheet later.

For the first time since 1945, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday will fall on the same day, on 14th February. St Valentine is associated with a tradition of courtly love. A Roman priest who was martyred after being caught marrying couples and otherwise aiding Christians who at the time were being persecuted by Claudius in Rome.

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, with the 40 days leading up to Easter. It is a time when as Christians we think not just about what we have done wrong in the past, but how we can be better in the future. Many will give up something for Lent and give the money they save to worthwhile causes. However, perhaps this Lent we can also take up something as well by finding time to study our Bible’s and pray. A Church of England report has revealed that 60% of self-declared followers of the church admit they never read the Bible, and one in three say they never pray. St Paul speaks of prayer as the most important thing in the life of a Christian. Each Friday morning there is a time of prayer, which at present is in my home. We would love to add to our numbers. Please join us if you are able. You don’t have to pray out loud, just remember that each unspoken prayer is important to God. We can only know and love God if we spend more time with our Bibles open, and in prayer. Then we can know His will for us in our lives. We know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Romans 5:5.

God Bless Margaret Moore

St Mary’s Ladies Working Party

We resumed our meetings on 9th January and there was a good turnout, with only three of our regulars missing.

During the holidays Maureen and Keith Hartley celebrated 60 years of marriage, and we think of Keith who is unwell in the Gansey Unit at Southlands,

6

Compline (Night Prayer) Lent Reflection on the Psalms

There will be a service of Compline every Wednesday during Lent at 7.30 p.m. at St Peter’s Cregneash commencing Wednesday 28th February 2018 until Wednesday 28th March 2018. Compline is one of the ancient monastic offices, the service of night prayer, which begins the “Great Silence”, observed throughout the night and early morning in many monasteries. It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. And it is most effective when the ending is an ending – without additions, conversation or noise. We shall, therefore, enter and leave the church in silence. Although it is an ancient service, the form of liturgy will be from Common Worship, in modern language. We very much hope as many of you as possible will join us for this prayerful observation of Lent.

Roger & June Harper - 834466

St Mary’s Sunday School

Our final Sunday school of 2017 was our Sunday school party. We had fun playing games such as our old favourite “the Christmas card jigsaw game”, Margaret's excellent “pass the parcel” which, along with sweet treats, contained some challenging questions about the Christmas story. We also played “pin the nose on Rudolph”, musical statues and musical chairs. We then enjoyed some tasty food and pulled our crackers!! The crib service on Christmas Eve was, as usual, very well attended – Lukas made an excellent Angel Gabriel.

In 2018 we came together again on 7th January as we needed to prepare for our All Age service. Claudia had found a new song which we practised, and we also practised a drama. Our All Age service on the 14th January was led by Margaret Galloway – the main theme being listening to God. The Sunday school led the singing of “Listening” with the congregation joining in second time around. They also performed the drama of God calling Samuel – Hannah was the narrator, Fynlo was excellent as Samuel, Lillie Mae was Eli and Rebecca was the “voice of God”!! During the ‘Learning Together’ section we played a game of Chinese Whispers and Margaret talked about the importance of listening to what God wants us, as his disciples, to do. We have now begun our new Scripture Union material with a five-week series from Exodus – Bread and water; Laws for life; Moses meets God; Giving to God, and Everlasting love, and we send our love to you all for a happy and healthy 2018!

Carole Coole

7

HOME FREED: the theology of decluttering Part 2: Decluttering Old Testament Style!

Editor: Many of us have TOO MUCH STUFF in our homes. But where do you begin to scale down? Jane Brocklehurst has worked as a professional ‘declutterer’ for many years, helping people to get their homes back under control. Here she continues a simple theology of decluttering. This is the second of a four-part series that began in January, and will conclude in April.

The story of creation, in Genesis chapter one, describes God bringing order out of chaos. God separates different things. God puts the right things in the right places. There is light and space and air, with enough to satisfy the needs of all creatures, and room to grow. This could describe the process of decluttering as well. So, the first step in the physical process is to clear a space.

This provides inspiration for the task ahead of you. Just look at the way things could be! Cleared space also offers a place to rest and think, until the chaos has been conquered. Decluttering always makes things worse before it makes them better, as the contents of overflowing cupboards, boxes, and drawers are spread out to sort in the light. It is tiring work too, with so many decisions to make about what to keep and what to do with the rest of it.

So - cherish your space!

Decluttering a whole home can be a long process, but don’t let that intimidate you. Instead, get started soon! Remember that in the book of Exodus, salvation is shown as being brought out from slavery and oppression into freedom and open space.

As the Psalmist wrote: ‘We went through fire and through water; yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.’ Psalm 66:12

Those who market products for us to consume (even space-saving "storage solutions") want us to see space as something to fill – preferably with whatever they sell. Yet God is present in the space. We can ask our Lord, in prayer, to change our attitude towards the space in our home, so we see space as a valuable commodity, something to use creatively and to enjoy.

Again, the Psalmist thanks God because: ‘You gave me a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.’ Psalm 18:36

Once we are set free from the burden of constantly having to sort and maintain our overflow of possessions, there will be room and time to use the creative gifts that God has given to you. What are your gifts? Baking, dancing, growing vegetables, painting, storytelling, wood carving? – the list of possibilities is endless. Look closely at the things in your house.

Does each possession help you in using your God-given gifts, or slow you down by encumbering you? Aim to be set free from them for CREATIVITY, to be like our Creator God, enjoying the freedom of a simplified, uncluttered life, with time freed for what is most important.

8

News from St Catherine’s

Now that 2018 is here we look forward to the daylight hours increasing day by day. Before long it will be spring! The new year activities commenced 4th January with a friendly lunch in St Catherine's Hall. This was enjoyed by all who attended. The lunch will be getting a new name from February and will be rebranded ‘Soup Inn’. The menu will remain the same with a few additions.

Gerry Callister

This year’s Women’s World Day of Prayer ecumenical service will be held on Friday 2nd March 2018 at Living Hope Community Church, Bay View Road, Port St Mary. Tea/coffee will be served from 10am prior to the service starting at 10.45am. Scoill Phurt Le Moirrey choir will be performing and Mrs Margaret Galloway will be the speaker. The country highlighted is Suriname and the theme is “All God’s Creation is Very Good”. Everyone is very welcome to attend this special annual service.

Sheila Preston

Women’s World Day of Prayer 2018

Message from Mary and Dick Clague

Many thanks to all in Rushen Parish who have supported us and our family in prayer and other ways over the last couple of years whilst our son Andy has been so ill with Cancer, and particularly since he died on 27th December. In the last couple of weeks, we have had well over 100 messages, cards and flowers from friends all over the world, so if we have not been able to thank you directly please accept our apologies. Without such amazing and humbling support, we just don't know how we would have coped - so we thank you and thank God for you - just as we thank Him for the life of the son we have lost. On Friday 12th January we were overwhelmed by the numbers (estimated at between 250 and 300) who came to support Lou, Izzy and Louie, as well as the wider family, at the Crematorium for the proceedings which Andy himself had planned in great detail and secrecy. His blogs - which he had written at key stages in his illness - often drove readers to tears from his mixture of humour and sadness. His final message to his family and friends, completed on Christmas Eve and read at the funeral, had a similar effect. When we sold our home in Port Erin in the summer, we had hoped that we would still have been to able get back fairly quickly, but as soon as we returned to Cheshire, Andy's health started to go downhill again, and it was obvious that our move was in the Lord's timing. We have been living a day at a time, waiting for the phone to ring ever since. He made his final trip to hospital on Christmas morning - just after I had arrived at his home after leading the Christmas Day service - so again the Lord's timing. We are now at last able to start planning our next trip back to the Island, so hope to catch up with you all again soon.

Mary & Dick

9

4 Belief (5)

5 ‘Take the following fine spices: ... 250 shekels of fragrant —’ (Exodus 30:23) (4)

6 ‘Do not — Jerusalem, but wait for the gift’

(Acts 1:4) (5)

10 A seer (anag.) (5)

11 ‘Even there your hand will — me’ (Psalm

139:10) (5)

12 The wild variety was part of John the

Baptist’s diet (Mark 1:6) (5)

13 A non-Greek speaker who was looked down on by civilized people

(Colossians 3:11) (9)

14 Famous 1950s musical whose characters

included members of

16 Across, — and Dolls (4)

15 The province from which Paul wrote to the

Corinthians (1 Cor. 16:19) (4)

18 ‘He was standing in the gateway with a

linen cord and a measuring — — his hand’

(Ezekiel 40:3) (3,2) 20 ‘Today, if you hear his —, do not harden

your hearts as you did in the rebellion’

(Hebrews 3:15) (5)

21 The Jericho prostitute who hid two

Israelite spies on the roof of her house

(Hebrews 11:31) (5)

22 ‘And now these three remain: faith, —

and love. But the greatest of these is love’

(1 Corinthians 13:13) (4) 23 ‘God has numbered the days of your reign

and brought it to an end’ (Daniel 5:26)

(4)

Across 1 ‘If you love those who love you, what — is that

to you?’ (Luke 6:32) (6)

4 ‘They threw the ship’s — overboard’ (Acts 27:19) (6)

7 The first murderer (Genesis 4:8) (4)

8 He was the head Levite in charge of the singing

when the ark of God was brought back to

Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:22) (8)

9 Samson was noted for this (Judges 16:6) (8)

13 Solicit money or food from passers by

(Acts 3:2) (3)

16 What William Booth’s Christian Mission became in 1878 (9,4)

17 Alliance of Religions and Conservation (1,1,1)

19 ‘I will praise your name for ever and ever. — —

I will praise you’ (Psalm 145:1–2) (5,3)

24 Simon had (anag.) (8)

25 Desperate (Deuteronomy 28:48) (4)

26 Elisha witnessed the boy he was seeking to

resuscitate do this seven times before opening

his eyes (2 Kings 4:35) (6)

27 The belly and thighs of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream were made of this

(Daniel 2:32) (6)

Down 1 ‘Before the — crows, you will disown me three

times’ (Matthew 26:75) (4)

2 Relating to the books of the Bible between Acts

and Revelation (9)

3 ‘They have — the Lord out of the tomb, and we

don’t know where they have put him!’ (John

20:2) (5)

Crossword February 2018

10

January Crossword Solution

January Sudoku Solutions

I must hold my hands up and confess that the sudoku puzzles in November and December were too hard. Nevertheless, two people managed to solve them and the one chosen by a visitor to my home was Christine Deakin. Her £5 prize was sent to her through the post. Hopefully the puzzles in 2018 will be easier to solve and a lot more of you will have a go at deciphering them.

Prayer for strength

Dear Father in heaven: Thank you for the example Jesus gave us when He was in the wilderness – the desert where He was tempted by the enemy of all that is good. Lord when we are tempted to give in to temptation, whatever form it may take, help us to remember that Jesus was tempted too, in the same ways that we are. But He looked to you for help and strength; He looked to your word and trustworthiness. Help us to know your help and strength too. Help us to resist temptations by trusting you through Jesus. Help us to be good examples to others who may be struggling with life issues and to lead them also to you. Lord, please help us, as only you can. We ask this in Jesus’ name: Amen

11

Editor: 1918 was the final year of the Great War. This year, Canon David Winter will look back on highlights of those critical 12 months, when the very shape of modern world history was being hammered out on the battlefields.

If there had been radio or television in 1918, the British public would have been more aware that events in northern Europe and the middle East were changing the history of the modern world. Of course, people knew – it was all over the newspapers – that Russia now had a Bolshevik Government, following the Revolution, and that British forces (including the eventually world-famous ‘Lawrence of Arabia’) were now deeply involved in a war to free the Arab peoples from Ottoman rule. But that all seemed far away, and there were more immediately pressing things to worry about at home.

The first, and for most people the worst, of these was the very effective German blockade. ‘Britannia rules the waves’ didn’t seem very true when German submarines, the dreaded U-boats, could operate with impunity around our shores. During February, a British troopship carrying American soldiers was sunk off the Irish coast, and even more blatantly a hospital ship was sunk in the Bristol channel, both by German submarines. The city of Dover, in Kent, was shelled by the guns of a U-boat. The whole thing seemed to be getting out of hand – certainly the toll of freight ships sunk was drastically affecting food and other supplies in the shops.

The result of this was that the civilian population, whose war-time fears had hitherto largely concerned their loved ones at the front line, now felt the effects of war at close hand. Over the previous two years they had gradually become aware, largely through the bombing raids by Zeppelins on British towns and cities, that in modern warfare everyone is vulnerable. By the end of 1917, the Germans had largely abandoned Zeppelin raids, mainly because they had already lost the greater part of their fleet, but the threat of raids by aircraft was very much in people’s minds. The shelling of Dover was a reminder that modern war knows no borders.

Not surprisingly, February 1918 saw many tentative attempts to gather support for a peace-making programme, largely encouraged by US President Wilson. Politicians were talking peace at last, and there had been cease-fires agreed in several long-lasting disputes in eastern Europe, and the middle East. But for anxious British people, some resolution of the apparently endless conflict with Germany was the main topic of their prayers.

Diary of a Momentous Year: February 1918: O Lord, how long?

Lights Halfway through a romantic dinner, my husband smiled and said, ‘You look so beautiful under these lights.’ I was falling in love all over again when he added, ‘We really should get some of these lights.’

12

Why you might need some ‘kerb appeal’ in February?

By Perfectplants.co.uk: an on-line shop offering delivery to your door of plants, gifts and accessories: Tel: 01323 833479

What does your front garden say about you? In fact, how often do you look at it, and does it really matter? The chances are that you concentrate on your back garden because it’s more private and you spend a greater amount of time in it.

People tend to form judgements about other people during the first minute of meeting them, based on clothes, manner and appearance. It’s much the same when they glance at the front of your property. If the space is cluttered with old bikes, bins, litter and dead or dying plants, people will tend to assume that the inhabitant is similarly casual and off-hand. So even before they meet you, they will subconsciously think they know what to expect.

Perhaps your decision to look this way is deliberate. If not, you might want to create a different impression. It’s a lot easier than you might think, and once you start to alter your front garden you are likely to feel enthused and energised. In fact, changing your surroundings can easily alter the way you feel and behave.

February is a great month to improve your image. There are only a few other outdoor winter tasks needing your attention, so this is the perfect time, before you are fully engaged in the wonder that is spring. Here’s our February check-list to help improve your kerb appeal:

• Clear debris, including fallen leaves, litter and clutter.

• Tuck dustbins away tidily – preferably out of sight.

• Clean the windows and paintwork or cladding.

• If you have hedges, trim them neatly.

• If there’s grass, cut it and neaten the edges.

• Makes sure there is some planting in the front garden. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, over 20% of front gardens are fully paved with NO plants whatsoever!

• Remove old flower pots containing plants that are past their best.

• Replace them with large, matching pots with plants that link the space together.

• Consider linking the planting to the style of your house – i.e. formal clipped evergreens; flowers that complement the colour of the house; or naturalistic, flowing shapes that blend with the property.

• Considering new paving? Be aware that front garden surfacing needs to be permeable and cannot drain into the mains system. This helps to minimise flood risk.

Perfect Plants Ltd is an on-line supplier of garden plants, house plants, garden equipment, furniture and gifts for all seasons www.perfectplants.co.uk

13

‘AWAKENING’ The Methodist

Modern Art Collection 12th May – 10th June

2018

In 2018 the ‘Awakening’, the exhibition of ‘The Methodist Modern Art Collection’, will provide us with an unprecedented opportunity to share the story of Jesus and to talk to people outside the church about our faith. The Methodist Modern Art Collection is one of the most stunning collections of modern religious art in the Christian world. The exhibition in May and June will present a once-in-a generation opportunity to see these original works here on the Island. It has the potential to inspire us and many other people to think about and share our faith in new, creative, ways and to give us a means of engaging with people who would not normally find themselves in church.

A collaborative interdenominational venture

The preparation for this exhibition is in the hands of an interdenominational committee and the 54 paintings will be exhibited in venues across the island. They will be shared between Colby Methodist Church, The Cathedral, Ramsey Methodist Church, and the Promenade Church. Additional venues will be the focus of special events.

It is very important to see this as a collaborative venture with our neighbouring churches. Christians in each locality are being invited to work closely together sharing in hosting the exhibition.

The main need is for stewarding, with a minimum of two people having to be present whenever the exhibition is open. There are more then enough people in the churches on the island to staff the exhibition easily if we all give up just one-half day to stewarding. Stewarding means being at the local venue, providing an opportunity to welcome people, to have conversations, to share a cup of tea, or in quiet periods to read, think, knit, and pray. There are three simple challenges:

• Put yourself forward as a steward for just one half-day session (more if you can) • Prepare yourself by attending one of the Lent study groups based on some of the

paintings. • Be proactive by inviting someone to go with you to look at the paintings.

And one big final P. Above all please pray for the exhibition, for those who are involved in the organisation, for those who will lead Services, and for those who will see the paintings, that they will be touched by the Holy Spirit and respond to the message of the Gospel. Please do keep updated via our website link: http://www.methodist.org.im/awakening.html

14

Aspects of Romantic Love

It would be wrong of me not to include something based on ‘Love’ with Valentine’s Day falling in February – Editor God obviously approves of romance – after all, putting Adam and Eve alone together in the Garden of Eden was His idea. And romance – love between a man and a woman - has been around ever since.

The history of the Israelites began with three great romances: Abraham and Sarah. Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob and Rachel. The on-going history of Israel was deeply affected by later romances: Esther and King Xerxes, David’s love affair with Bathsheba, and Solomon’s marriage to hundreds of foreign wives. There is even an entire book in the Old Testament devoted to the love of a man and woman: the Song of Solomon!

When we reach the New Testament, we find real love between Joseph and Mary (even when Joseph thought Mary had been faithless, he did not want to harm her). St Paul, though himself a bachelor, nevertheless spent a lot of time urging Christians to love and be kind and faithful and considerate to their spouses. He even wrote 1 Corinthians 13 – the great love chapter that is read at millions of weddings worldwide 2000 years later.

Down the centuries ever since, romantic love has been critical in shaping history (Anthony and Cleopatra), in shaping cultural ideals (King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table). Some of our favourite stories are built on romance. (Puccini’s Tosca, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre.)

Romance remains as prominent now as it ever was, added to which we have films, television and drama all flying the romantic flag. Think of Titanic, Mama Mia, Love, Actually, to name but a few. Wherever we look, whatever we do, romance continues to permeate every aspect of life.

The old adage that ‘love makes the world go round’ is irrefutable – and it also seems to make the galaxies go round, too. (Think of the Star Wars films.)

Certainly, romance is alive and well – last year in Britain we spent about one billion pounds on Valentine’s Day, sending each other cards, flowers, presents, and going out to restaurants.

And what of the future? Well, just as the Bible begins with a love story, so it ends with one. And you are involved! For the greatest Love Story of all time is that between God and His people.

Christ is described in Revelation as our heavenly Bridegroom, and the Church is His beloved Bride. He has given us the most expensive present of all – Himself. And, just as in all the best romances, the story will end with the bride and groom together at last, so at the End of Time, Christ will return for His Bride.

Parish Pump

15

All in the month of February

90 years ago, on 4th Feb 1928, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler fired foreign minister Konstantin von Neurat, and made himself the supreme commander of the armed forces.

80 years ago, on 20th Feb 1938, British Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden resigned over Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement with Italy.

Also, 80 years ago, on 24th Feb 1938, the first toothbrushes with nylon bristles were introduced, by Du Pont. Until then toothbrushes had been made from the hair of boars or hogs.

70 years ago, on 28th Feb 1948, the last British Army regiment left India.

65 years ago, on 5th Feb 1953, sweet rationing ended in Britain. Also, on 28th Feb 1953, British scientists Francis Clark and James D. Watson announced that they had discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.

60 years ago, on 6th Feb 1958, the Munich air disaster took place. A plane carrying the Manchester United Football team, plus support staff and journalists, crashed while attempting to take off from a slush-covered runway at Munich-Riem Airport. 23 people were killed, including 8 players. Also, on 6th Feb 1958, George Harrison, aged 14, auditioned to join John Lennon’s skiffle group the Quarrymen (which later became the Beatles). The audition reportedly took place on a bus, and Lennon felt that Harrison was too young. Also, on 17th Feb 1958, Pope Pius XII declared Saint Claire of Assisi (1194 – 1253) to be the patron saint of television. It was on the basis that she had been too ill to attend Mass, but had reportedly been able to see it and hear it on the wall of her cell.

50 years ago, on 19th Feb 1968, the Thalidomide scandal’s first compensation payments were awarded in Britain to 62 children born with deformities because their mothers had taken the drug during pregnancy. (Around 400 British children in all were affected.)

40 years ago, on 15th Feb 1978, New Zealand beat England in a cricket match for the first time.

30 years ago, on 5th Feb 1988, Comic Relief held its first Red Nose Day in the UK. It raised £15m for charity.

25 years ago, on 12th Feb 1993, two ten-year-old boys abducted two-year-old James Bulger from a shopping centre near Liverpool. His mutilated body was found on a railway line nearby two days later. They were charged with abduction and murder.

20 years ago, on 23rd Feb 1998, Osama bin Laden issued a fatwa against all Jews and Crusaders.

15 years ago, on 1st Feb 2003, the US space shuttle Columbia disintegrated over Texas during re-entry, killing all seven astronauts. Also, on 17th Feb 2003, London’s Congestion Charge scheme began.

16

From the Registers Wedding (December 2017) Saturday 16th December Stephanie Marie Faragher

& John Robert Drinkwater Kirk Christ @ 2.00pm

Funerals (December 2017) Wednesday 6th December Kirsty Anne Middleton Kirk Christ @ 1.30pm Friday 15th December Eric Hall Kirk Christ @ 12 noon

Safeguarding

The Parish of Rushen is committed to the safeguarding, nurture and care of everyone within our church community. If you, or someone you know, are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk or has been harmed, or are concerned about the behaviour of someone towards children or vulnerable adults, please contact:

Rushen Parish Safeguarding Officer, Claire Jennings (Tel. 830850)

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser has yet to be appointed. For more details contact the diocese.

A copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy is available on the Diocesan website: http://www.sodorandman.im/safeguarding_inclusion

“Enlightenment”

Sing a song to Anna! Enlightened elder one;

Who, with priestly Simeon, Discerned the Lord had come.

In salutation hear their cry: Mankind’s redemption draweth nigh!

“Day of Presentation”- Annual Temple joy!

Mary, presents Lord Jesus Her darling baby boy.

From Simeon’s lips, face aglow, Words of the Nunc Dimittis flow.

Sing a song to Anna! And for Simeon too.

Enlightenment was gifted, For faithful service true –

Re-echoing Simeon’s claim, May our experience be the same

“Without faith it is impossible to please God” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Margaret Couper

17

who, not only led the meeting and played the piano for the two hymns, but also organised the very interesting speaker. The Mothers’ Union Advent Appeal for the women’s refuge raised £1,275. This will enable the refuge to decorate two bedrooms and bring these much-needed rooms into use. Thank you to everyone who donated. The next meeting, led by Mrs Jane Gunn, takes place on Monday 12th February in St Mary’s Hall at 2pm. The theme will be ‘Aspects of Love.’ Guests are most welcome.

Elsie Faragher

Rushen Mothers’ Union

There was excellent attendance for the January meeting. Mrs Jacki Frear talked about five of the ten modern martyrs who stand above the great door of Westminster Abbey. Mrs Pat Thompson gave a vote of thanks to the speaker, and to Mrs Sue Maddrell who read about Sir Thomas More. Those who attended were grateful to Mrs Valerie Vaughan who, Those who attended were grateful to Mrs Valerie Vaughan who, Those who attended were grateful to Mrs Valerie Vaughan who,

Red Noses? No Laughing Matter

Thirty years ago this month, on 5th February 1988, Britain experienced its first Red Nose Day. ‘Comic Relief’, an American idea, had crossed the Atlantic in a uniquely British form. So suddenly red noses were everywhere. Lenny Henry and comedy script-writer Richard Curtis were its first pioneers, movingly expounding its simple basic principle: poverty, exploitation and famine are not funny, but well-known funny people could help those who were their victims. The first Comic Relief drew an audience of 13 million and raised five million pounds. Over succeeding years, the audience has never again been quite so large, but the amounts raised for the relief of poverty world-wide have hugely increased.

Getting a big TV audience is simply the first requirement of a telethon – a marathon televised charity project. Once Comic Relief achieved that audience, some of the most effective comedians in the UK did their stuff, sometimes live and sometimes recorded. Over Comic Relief’s 30 years just about every well-known comedy performer in Britain’, has contributed to the event. For several years a regular feature was an hilarious parody by Ian Hislop. The same comic stars also introduce films and interviews to remind viewers that this really is comedy with a purpose.

Once again, this month the red noses will appear – at school, at work, in shops and on the streets: a visible, bizarre reminder that all the world is not happy, but our laughter is that of sympathy, not ridicule. This year the total raised by Comic Relief should pass a hundred million pounds, and that’s no laughing matter.

David Winter

18

‘He gave us eyes to see them’ - Water

Editor: For 2018, the Rev Michael Burgess is exploring symbols of the Christian faith as found in works of art.

Open the door of any church and the first thing to greet you is the font. As you enter the porch to turn that door handle, there may be a holy water stoup set in the wall: both reminders of the sacrament of baptism that marks the beginning of the Christian journey.

In the church water is a symbol with two faces. One is the face of an enemy for it can be a destructive power. We can think of the engulfing water of the flood, consuming the earth, and the image of the Christian immersed and drowning in the water of baptism, dying to the old way to be raised to the new life of the spirit. But water is also a friend and an ally – a sign of life and refreshment, of washing and cleansing, of starting anew. We recall this twofold aspect when we cross ourselves with the water of the stoup or are sprinkled with water as we renew our baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil. Around 1330 Andrea Pisano created a series of 28 glorious bronze panels for the south door of the 11th century baptistery in Florence. One of them depicts that crucial moment of the baptism of Jesus. He is up to his waist in the river. An angel kneels at one side with a towel, while John the Baptist stands at the other, pouring water on the head of Jesus as the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. The baptism itself becomes a door – a door through which Jesus must pass to begin his ministry as the anointed one, and a door through which others must enter as they seek to follow. Jesus will go on to call disciples fishing in the water of the Sea of Galilee, just as he will tell a Samaritan woman about water that will gush up to eternal life. Jesus calls us and offers us this water – to be washed and refreshed by it: a door that will open out for us into a life of joy and service.

Special needs After booking my 85-year-old grandmother on a flight from London to Amsterdam, I called the airline to go over her special needs. The representative listened patiently as I requested a wheelchair and an attendant for my mother because of her growing confusion, her arthritis and impaired vision to the point of near blindness. My apprehension lightened a bit when the woman again and again assured me that she understood and that everything would be taken care of. I thanked her profusely. ‘Oh, you're welcome,’ she replied. I was about to hang up when she cheerfully added, ‘And will your grandmother want a rental car?’

19

Children’s Page

20

Those who give of their free time to help run charitable organisations

O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim,

to spread through all the earth abroad the honours of thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; ’tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin, he sets the prisoner free; his blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me.

He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ; ye blind, behold your Saviour come, and leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ, your head, you then shall know, shall feel your sins forgiven; anticipate your heaven below, and own that love is heaven.

O For a

Thousand Tongues

to Sing

Charles Wesley, the greatest hymn-writer in Methodist history, wrote over six thousand hymns, some of which have attained the

first rank in English hymnody. He and his brother, John Wesley, admitted that they made more converts through their hymns than through their preaching. Charles Wesley usually celebrated each anniversary of his birthday by writing a hymn of praise to God. Little wonder, therefore, that the first anniversary of his conversion, his spiritual birthday, should be celebrated by one of the most helpful hymns in use among Methodists.

The opening line of the hymn, “O for a thousand tongues to sing,” is reminiscent of a remark of praise to God, once uttered to Wesley by Peter Border: “Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise Him with them all.” When Charles Wesley was converted he had been ill in bed for some time, and the fear of death had often come into his mind. On Sunday, May 21, 1738, his brother and some friends came in and sang a hymn.

After they went out he prayed alone for some time. In his journal we read: “I was composing myself to sleep in quietness and peace when I heard one come in and say, In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, arise, and believe, and thou shalt be healed of all thine infirmities. The words struck me to the heart. I lay musing and trembling.

With a strange palpitation of heart, I said, yet feared to say, I believe, I believe!” These memories he has woven into that wonderful third verse of the hymn: Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; ʹtis music in the sinner’s ears,

ʹtis life, and health, and peace.

Carl Price

The Story Behind the Hymn

21

Rushen Parish Prayer Diary

Thank you, that you accept us as we are; that you love us as we are. So, may we love those around us. By your Spirit may we hold

hands. May we rejoice with the rejoicing, weep with the weeping. And may we offer our

all to you, together. Then we may be ourselves.

Then we may be one. Amen

February 2018

This is your invitation to pray day by day for:

1st Everyone who gives of their time, money and energy to charitable organisations 2nd The Presentation of Christ in the Temple - Candlemas 3rd Pets which bring such comfort to the elderly and the lonely 4th The bereaved and the sense of loss that they feel when loved one’s die 5th Families attending morning services today and the fellowship they derive 6th The Queen, Lord of Man, as we remember her accession to the throne 7th The children and parents who attend Play and Praise each month 8th Homegroups in the parish and the fellowship derived from them 9th Stephen Curtis and the work he does maintaining the finances of the parish 10th Care workers who visit people who are lonely and/or elderly 11th Those preparing for marriage later this year and the excitement they derive 12th The Mothers’ Union meeting taking place this afternoon 13th Children enjoying their pancakes and chocolate before Lent begins 14th St. Valentine, the patron saint of romantic love, remembered today 15th Those people in hospital awaiting treatment for life threatening diseases 16th Grandparents who help their children through challenging times 17th The Prayer Group meeting at 51 Ballamaddrell this morning 18th Children who attend nursery, primary and secondary schools across the island 19th All those who intercede during the services in the parish 20th The Ladies Working Party and the work it does for charities 21st Sidespersons who carry out their duties in our churches week by week 22nd All those who read the lessons at the services in the parish 23rd Children who have been baptised in the parish during the past year 24th Children who attend youth organisations such as brownies, cubs, scouts and guides 25th The head teachers of our local schools and the successes they bring to all children 26th Farmers as they prepare for springtime and the year ahead 27th PCC committees and the work they do in keeping the parish active 28th Those who administer communion to the housebound, or people who are ill at home

22

4th February 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (2 Before Lent) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 7th February 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise 11th February 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (1 Before Lent) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 18th February 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Lent 1) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service + Baptism (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP) 25th February 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Lent 2) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 6.30pm Kirk Christ Dedication Service 4th March 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (Lent 3) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 7th March 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

(Dates and times of services correct at time of publication)

(CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer

Services February 2018

23

Contact Details for Rushen Parish

St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:

Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545

St Mary’s Ladies Working Party

Mrs Susan Maddrell, Athol Lodge, Fistard, Port St Mary 833151

Miss Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399

St Mary’s Hall Bookings:

Mr G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:

Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Web Site/E-mail:

www.rushenparish.org.uk admin@rushenparish.org.uk

Magazine Editor

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Ballafesson, Port Erin

e-mail: dbow43@manx.net

Articles for the magazine should be submitted to the editor no later

than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.

Parish Director of Music:

Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143

Churchyard Enquiries:

Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770

or Mr G Callister: 474924/834627

24

February Sudoku Competition

There seems to have been fewer of you having a go at solving the puzzles I set for you. I suspect it is partly my fault as I set some rather hard sudoku puzzles in November and December. The two above should be easier and hopefully not cause too much of a problem to solve. The usual rules apply with the last date for submission being the last Friday of February with the winner being drawn two days later. The successful entrant will receive a £5 prize which they will receive through the post during the following week. Good luck - Editor