PARISH OF PAIGNTON MAGAZINE · PARISH OF PAIGNTON MAGAZINE St John the Baptist with St Andrew & St...

PARISH OF PAIGNTON

MAGAZINE

St John the Baptist with

St Andrew & St Boniface

£1 February 2016

Find us on Facebook at Parish of Paignton Churches

PARISH CHURCH

Sunday Services: Holy Communion 8.00am Family Communion 9.30am

followed by coffee in the Church

The Alternative Service 11.00am

Route 11: Kidz Klub in Church 11.00am

1st Sunday Evening Prayer BCP (said) 6.30pm 2nd Sunday Choral Evensong 6.30pm 3rd Sunday Evening Prayer BCP (said) 6.30pm

Weekday Services: Morning Prayer 8.30am Evening Prayer 5.00pm

Holy Communion is celebrated as follows:

Monday .. .. .. 9.30am

Tuesday .. .. .. 8.00am

Wednesday .. .. .. 10.00am

Thursday .. .. .. 5.30pm

Friday .. .. .. 10.00am

Saturday .. .. .. 9.00am

1st Monday of the month: Wholeness & Healing 12.30pm

A priest is usually available in church after Evensong for consultation on any

matter, or to give spiritual advice.

ST ANDREW’S

Sunday Services: Sung Mass 11.00am 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month: Breakfast Service 9.30am 4th Sunday: Evensong & Benediction 6.30pm Weekday Service Wednesday: Mass followed by lunch 11.00am

ST BONIFACE

Sunday Services:

2nd Sunday of the month: Messy Church 10.00am 4th Sunday of the month: 4:taste 4.00pm Weekday Service

Tuesday: Holy Communion 9.30am

Sundays Services may change please see calendar in magazine for details. PARISH CONTACTS

Bell Ringers:

Mr John Kelly – Practice Night Tuesday 7.30pm 556208

Charity Shop:

Mrs Christine Batten 844866

Mrs Elaine Hooper 400553

Gift Aid Secretary:

Mrs Ann Howard 556377

Electoral Roll

Mr Ron Bergman 528472

Friends of Paignton Parish Church: Secretary: Mrs Pat Kerswell 550796

Hall Bookings

Parish Hall: Mrs Christine Farr 842282

St Boniface: Mrs Ann Howard 556377 St Andrew’s Community Centre: Ann Howard 556377

Hon Treasurer

Mr James Devonport 526034

Magazine Editor: Mr Hugh Southon 556325

Mothers’ Union

Mrs Jennie Litt 846058

Mrs Moira Devonport 526034

Organist

Parish Ladies’ Group

Mrs Audrey Smith 559521

Miss Valerie Stephens 550582

Prayer Group Mrs Paula Christian 525373

Secretary to the Parochial Church Council

Mrs Ros Willis-Fear 394119

Sunday School Mrs Moira Devonport 526034

THE PARISH OF PAIGNTON ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

WITH

ST ANDREW & ST BONIFACE

Vicar: Prebendary Roger Carlton The Vicarage

Palace Place

Paignton TQ3 3AQ 551866

Email: [email protected]

Church Army Minister: Capt Jeff Hill St Boniface House

Belfield Road

Paignton

TQ3 3UZ 361781 Email: [email protected]

Readers: Mrs Joyce Cappello 666300 Mr Ron Edinborough 400233

Mrs Sadie Yates 559900

Churchwardens: Mrs Moira Devonport 526034 Mrs Jennie Litt 846058

Deputy Wardens: Mrs Karen Morris 556242 Mrs Marion Nicholls 557978

Mr Bob Scarrott 552407

Mrs Jill Davies (St Andrews)

07816171550

Mrs Sue Biles (St Andrews) 525050

mailto:[email protected]

Fr Roger writes

It’s that time of year again – and it is coming around all too quickly. Somehow

we always seem to get caught out when Easter is “early” because Ash

Wednesday and Lent hit us before we are really ready!

The familiar readings of Lent bring us immediately into the wilderness and no

doubt we shall be invited to think about our own ‘wilderness’ experiences and

some of the temptations that go with it!

After 40 years of endless wilderness wandering the Israelite people of God

looked across the Jordan to the land they believed God had promised them, -

flowing with milk and honey. Not many of them could even remember slavery

in Egypt for they were too young, but they knew the stories. The wonderful

detail unfolds in the Book of Joshua – the priests carrying the ark – the people

keeping a distance out of reverence – the waters parting – safety on the other

side.

Of course we may well think – will Jordan divide to let us cross over? Will the

presence of God be there in the middle of the waters? Thinking about dying

can be quite daunting, not least because it usually happens to someone else!

Yet the Psalmist (23:4) reminds us that when we come to walk through the valley

of the shadow of death God will walk with us.

I hope this coming Lent, Holy Week and Easter the wilderness road on which

we journey, with all the dark as well as joyful places we encounter, will enable

us to discover afresh our confidence in our God who will never forsake us. He

is the God who stayed with his people in their wilderness and he promises “I

am with you to the end of the age”. That should be long enough to see us safely

across!

But is that really all we should be thinking of. What about those for whom Easter

brings no hope or confidence, those who have never heard the message of

God’s love. Some interesting research was done a few months ago with

thought provoking results. Here are two of them:

40% people do not realise Jesus was a real person who actually lived.

1 in 4 18-34 year olds think Jesus was a mythical or fictional character.

Are we really living out our calling as Christian disciples to the full, or is our

focus solely on “crossing the Jordan to the promised land”.

I hope and pray that during this coming Lent we can soak up enough from the

different opportunities the church gives us so that we can give out in

abundance to those whom we meet who have no idea about the gift that Christ

brings.

Your friend and priest

We need those who carry the wounds!

This came from my daily devotional. I found it inspiring and hope it resonates

with you all. Ed

"‘You are blessed because you

believed that the Lord would do

what he said.’" Luke 1: 45

Elizabeth encouraged Mary and demonstrates the crucial role those who are

more mature in years, and who have faithfully navigated life’s circumstances,

can play to help the continuation of Christian witness to future generations. It

is less about passing on a baton than in demonstrating a reality, one that is

trustworthy and tested over time.

The source of Christianity’s strength and durability lies in the willingness and

ability of Jesus’ followers to retain confidence and trust in its redemptive

message.

As I have lived my life, I have wondered at the inability of so many to stay the

course. It seems that the simple truth of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and

perhaps the even simpler one of maintaining confidence in the gospel narrative,

becomes increasingly difficult to sustain as year gives way to year.

It is wonderful that in spite of her disappointments, Elizabeth is able to receive

God’s word and recognise God’s work. We need those who have proven God’s

faithfulness over the years, carry wounds from that walk, and yet retain a

testimony of confidence in the truth of God to act as witnesses to those

following in their footsteps.

I had the great privilege of meeting Malcolm Muggeridge and Francis Schaeffer,

both much older than me, yet both in their different ways clear communicators

of the gospel message. I was able to see that the Way of Jesus extended to the

very end of life; that Christian service was never something one retired from.

The abandonment of the poor and the marginalised, and the excusing of those

with wealth and power from social responsibility, are agendas we must

challenge by demonstrating that life is not measured by financial success and

personal security.

It is measured by the extent to which God’s Good News message is incarnate,

that is, fleshed out, throughout the earth, starting with my own witness and

honesty around my fears and failures.

So what is Lent?

The word comes from another used

centuries ago, which was LENCTEN,

meaning “spring time” - a time for

growth and development where things

don’t happen in two or three days… but

why 40?

The answer goes back to the day when Jesus was baptised in the Jordan. After

realising that he was the Messiah, foretold by prophecies. (Mark 1:9), it must

have been almost overwhelming to think that this could mean leaving his Mum,

home in Nazareth and job as a carpenter.

He felt very strongly that he must get away from people to think and pray how

to do this. It was his own special “springtime” when he would develop into

someone with a very special vocation. (Mark 1 v 12). He was in the rugged area

of Palestine for several weeks, which the Bible calls “40 days”, (Mark 1 v 13).

Centuries ago our Christian forefathers thought it would be a helpful idea if this

time was observed just before Easter Day. Consequently Lent always begins on

a Wednesday. This year it will be February 25th.

How might we keep Lent in our churches?

Usually we have no flowers, (which makes a lovely contrast with Easter Day.)

If there is an ornate background to the altar or Holy Table then that is closed

over or covered with a violet cloth. In fact all frontals, hangings or big ribbon

markers should be in violet. This is because Lent is a season for mourning for

our many imperfections, which in our western world is symbolised by the use

of violet, (a kind of purple.)

Personal application

Jesus spent his 40 days thinking and praying about his faith, his life and his

future. Therefore most churches have a series of talks or study groups to do the

same thing. House-groups are increasingly popular and enable people to

discuss things together.

What about our personal faith during Lent?

Here are some guide-lines from the Sermon on the Mount, (this is a collection

of Jesus’ sayings in Matthew chapters 5, 6 and 7).

I have chosen three “When you“:-

1. “When you pray” (Matthew 6 v 5-12)

All our prayers should have four parts, which you can remember by the word

ACTS. This is a key word which we can all use at any main time for prayer.

A is for ADORATION, when we tell God how wonderful he is!

C for confession. This should always be included in our night prayers when we

apologise to God for all the ways of not thinking, speaking or behaving as a

Christian should. We also confess our sins of thought, word and deed.

T stands for thanksgiving

There are some things which are obvious subjects for thanks… a birthday

present, a friend’s visit, an exam passed, a new baby, recovery from illness, etc.

but on most days there’s nothing special.

On such days we can choose something we normally take for granted, like

drinking water, electricity, refuse collection, enough clothes, a helpful doctor,

and a telephone … Can you think of other things?

Of course we include big things, like Jesus and God’s guidance.

Thanksgiving can often lead us to the next part of prayer which is

S for supplication which is prayer for others.

I say this because saying thanks for (say) water or food reminds us to pray for

thousands of people who have neither, and to include aid workers and lorry

drivers.

2. Fasting

If you look up Fasting on the internet it will give you diets for slimming. What

we need to know is about fasting for spiritual and Christian reasons.

For us, cutting down or doing without food for a while will strengthen our will

power, bring our bodies into obedience to our minds and can sometimes be

used to concentrate on spiritual matters. Or we can fast before making

important decisions. (Acts 13.4) It has been a widespread custom to fast before

receiving the sacred bread and wine of Holy Communion. This is why 8a.m.

became a widely- used time for the first service on a Sunday.

As we contemplate Jesus’ fast, we can all “give up” something for Lent. The

commonest things are sugar in hot drinks and smoking, or chocolate or alcohol.

There we are then, Lenten fasting should be offered to God, and we can ask

him to help us grow in self-control and grow towards being more like he wants

us to be.

And now for the third “when you” – when you give ‘alms’.

3. Almsgiving

Put briefly, almsgiving is giving money, goods, skill or time to help others in

need.

If, for example, there is an appeal for people whose houses have crashed in

ruins after an earthquake, we can send money or blankets or have a garage sale

to raise funds or some people will be trained to work with an aid agency.

The Bible makes it clear that prayer and fasting should lead to action, as we

read in Isaiah 58:6: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the

chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free

and break every yoke?” or Isaiah 58 v 8–10 “Then your light will break forth like

the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go

before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will

call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say:

Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger

and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves on behalf of the hungry and

satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and

your night will become like the noonday.”

Let us pray that this Lent, through prayer and fasting, giving things up and

giving things away, concentrating more on the Lord and being more open to

the work of his Holy Spirit, each of us will experience more of his love and grace,

and grow in our faith and in our usefulness to Him.

Philip Bell

Prayer for Lent

'Your Word reveals to us a simple truth, that sin entered this world through human folly in believing we could be like you, and permeated history through envy, selfishness and greed. Yet sin, which holds us tight within its grasp cannot resist a heart that is touched by your grace through Jesus Christ, cannot contend with Living Water pouring into hearts and souls. Your Word reveals to us a simple truth, that sin is defeated and we can become the people we were always meant to be, by your grace through Jesus Christ.' (from http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Lent.htm)

The love of it is at the root of all evil

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money,

have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Timothy 1 10:6

http://www.faithandworship.com/prayers_Lent.htm

Like most of us I received my annual letter on church finances earlier in the

month and it prompted some thoughts on tithing.

It's for each of us of course to make up their own mind on the issue, but with

the church at large and money being such a big issue it's certainly worth

stopping and thinking for a while.

Tithing always has, and no doubt always will be, a very tricky problem for a lot

of people.

Over a long Christian life I've heard it argued many ways, but try as I may I can

only interpret it in the traditional manner.

Old Testament scripture tells us in Malachi that unless we bring 10 per cent of

our 'first fruits' (gross income) into the storehouse (Kingdom of God) then we

are robbing the Almighty!

It also tells us that if we do so he will bless us more than we can ever imagine,

and that blessings will be poured out upon us (although let's not make the

mistake of believing these may necessarily be financial.

God – through his prophet - even tells us to test him on the matter – the only

place of issue in scripture where he does so - and given that he's ready to bless

us to the extent he describes, I for one have never had an issue.

“I'll have some of that” as they say.

Those who aren't so sure on the issue argue that Jesus said absolutely nothing

about tithing so therefore the issue remains debatable.

However, didn't Jesus say: "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law

or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them?” (Matthew

5: 17)

This surely means that given he said nothing to negate them, the scriptures still

stand.

I once served under a pastor who had a very simple attitude towards the

requirement for money to advance the church's work and influence.

I heard him say on many occasions: “There's no shortage of money in the

Kingdom of God – it's just that it's in YOUR wallets, purses and bank accounts”.

He's right – every home needs to be funded. Mine, and I'm sure yours, don't

run on fresh air and the same is true of God's house.

It has to be financed, and making cuts here there and everywhere is all well and

good, but there has to be growth and that costs money.

Scripture tell us in Corinthians 2 9: 6 and 7 the point is this: whoever sows

sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap

bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly

or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The subject of money is addressed over 800 times in scripture so I reckon God

must be pretty serious about this subject.

Jesus says in Luke 16:11, "So if you have not been trustworthy in handling

worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"

Prayer meanwhile gets 109 verses, pray is used in 310 verses, praying is used in

20 verses.

I once said: I can't afford to tithe – now I can't afford not to, as I have indeed

tested him on it and found those blessings that follow.

God is always true to his word.

Hugh Southon

Fascinating look at CoE's changing face

There is a fascinating new article – Resurrection - published in The Economist,

taking a look at decline, growth and change in the Church of England.

The article starts by noting the impact of immigrant Christianity as well as the

changing face of parts of the C of E.

It then looks honestly at the figures demonstrating the decline in both

attendance at and influence of the C of E—though also spots the signs of hope

and change.

It says that hints of revival in parts of the CofE point to broader changes.

Traditionally, the established church has had an obligation to serve everyone

who lives in a parish. Its churches have been the centrepiece for local and

national events.

It says many Anglican churches that are growing, as in King’s Cross, are

“network” churches. They meet in pubs and offices outside the parish system.

Nick Spencer of Theos, a religious think tank, says the Church of England is

switching from a broad-based organisation, characterised by affiliation more

than commitment, to a smaller grouping of more committed worshippers.

In other words, current activity which is leading to growth often represents a

significant change in the traditional ethos of the C of E, both in terms of its

theological outlook, its pattern of organisation and its relation to surrounding

culture.

This isn’t going to answer all the questions for all parts of the church; as is often

noted, the ‘network’ pattern only really works in urban areas where people are

free to choose church affiliation.

Discussing issues of church growth, it is these changes which focus attention

on the very different perspectives and priorities in different parts of the Church

at the moment. The article turns to focus on these.

“English society and the Church of England have gradually drifted apart in terms

of values,” says Linda Woodhead, professor of the sociology of religion at

Lancaster University.

“This was true over issues like remarriage and the ordination of women, and it’s

true of same-sex marriage.”

Evangelicals say the church is right not to be swayed by changing social mores.

They emphasise being counter-cultural and point out that many churches

which are growing run against the liberal flow. “What is dying in England is not

Christianity but nominal Anglicanism,” says David Goodhew of Durham

University, author of “Church Growth in Britain”.

The share of evangelicals in the Church of England rose from 26% to 34%

between 1989 and 2005, says Peter Brierley, a church demographer, and could

now be nearly 50%.

The writer notes that the evangelical tradition is not the only one experiencing

growth—cathedral attendance, which grew 35% in the ten years to 2012, is the

most striking example.

It is also sobering for anyone concerning with church growth or mission—or

even the effectiveness of the Church’s ministry—to note the differences

between the growing and shrinking dioceses. From 8% growth to 25% decline

is a wide variation, and it cannot all be accounted for by differences in

demographics—so the question is whether there are differences in leadership

and strategy.

On the other side, the writer notes the unusual number of evangelicals in senior

positions in the church, including 4 out of the 5 most senior bishoprics, and the

influence of HTB in London and beyond.

They are conservative on issues like gay marriage, prompting accusations by

liberals of bigotry. To be fair, there is not much sign of bigotry at King’s Cross

Church’s weekly drop-in for prostitutes, nor its programme to keep kids on

rough housing estates away from gangs.

Pete Hughes, the King's Cross Church's youthful pastor says: “We want to be

known for the things we are for: proclaiming the love of God and showing it in

our actions.”

This is a really interesting observation, as it highlights the social involvement

which is often the hallmark of growing evangelical churches, and which

confounds a simplistic characterisation of evangelicals as socially conservative.

Perhaps the prize for the best quotation must to go this one from Alan Wilson:

“What about the people who would rather stick their head in a food mixer than

become an evangelical?” asks Alan Wilson, the bishop of Buckingham, who

openly supports gay marriage?

He worries that the increasing number of people who affiliate only loosely or

not at all with the Church of England will be alienated. Many do not hold liberal

Christian beliefs, let alone evangelical ones.

This comment raises important issues about whether people come to faith by

means of the culture of the church moving to the culture of society around it,

or whether this new kind of church affiliation is served more effectively by the

church remaining distinctive.

CHRISTMAS – looking back and forwards

How do we view it? What does it mean? Why do we celebrate?

Well of course it will vary from one person to another. If you are a shop-keeper,

irrespective of religious belief held, Christmas preparation starts in the summer,

visiting Fair or wholesale suppliers, either physically or ‘on line’. Seeing what is

‘the latest must haves’ to line the shop shelves.

A hectic period of selling, Christmas has ended now followed by clearance sales

to make room for the next period. (I have already seen reminders of St.

Valentine’s Day!) It is all too easy to get caught up in this.

New Year’s Day I went to a supermarket for a few basic items, and when I

greeted the lady at the check-out with “Happy New Year” she replied,” Thank

goodness it’s all over.” I went home saddened by this remark, but on reflection

I thought, perhaps she was really only referring to her work-load over the past

weeks, and not to the real Christmas.

I thought back at some of the teaching I had received recently. Fr. Roger raised

several points about the birth of Christ that I had not considered before.

One of these was about Christmas gifts that are given and received as part of

the celebration, and linked with that first ‘Christmas’ but it was not like that at

all. Jesus did not receive a single present on His Birthday. There was no ‘party’

and the only recorded visitors were poor shepherds who had been told of the

birth of Christ by an Angel.

Later Fr. Gary raised the issue of why were the shepherds chosen to be the first

to receive the good news.

Perhaps the shop-keeper, that lady at the check-out and all those whose work

went on the same as any other day, are all aware of the true meaning of

Christmas. In the calmer time at home they do have a chance to acknowledge

it.

So we must realise first that Christmas has not ended but really just started. The

harsh reality of life prior to and after the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord, must be

accepted.

When we clean up and sanitize everything, when Mary and Joseph are

immaculately dressed, the stable neat and tidy, with well groomed ‘house

trained’ animals, we are in danger of turning the truth into a fairy story.

It is good to enjoy Christmas, the fellowship of family and friends, celebrate the

fact that at the beginning, Jesus Christ was not the receiver of gifts, HE WAS

THE GIFT! Given by God to us all.

Then the reality of those homeless travellers who arrived in Bethlehem, seeking

shelter, were not very different looking to those people in Paignton and

elsewhere, seeking shelter but only finding a dry corner in a multi-storey

carpark or the loading bay at the back of a shop.

Happy New Year,

Ron B

Thank You – and goodbye!

As I leave, I would like to thank you all for the wonderful time I’ve had in

Paignton at St John the Baptist, St Andrew and St Boniface.

You have been a wonderful group of people to serve: loving, tolerant, amusing,

interesting, kind, committed, forgiving... the list could go on. The send-off I

received on my last Sunday with you was fitting and moving; I am very grateful

to you for the paintings and other gifts I received.

As I start a new ministry in a new place with new people, there will always be a

place in my heart for the people I have met and worked with here.

Also, the chilly waters of my Boxing Day swim seem a distant memory, but they

have brought to our church and local good causes over £400 (with Gift Aid

added) through your very generous sponsorship. Well done and thanks.

Thank you for having me.

With every good wish

Gary

An ode to boiler problems

Father Roger, listen please,

It's absolutely freezing

Half your flock are home with flu

The rest are in here freezing

He replied: “I am sorry but

The problem we are facing,

Our heating system has had its day

The lot just needs replacing

“Can we do it bit by bit?

Don't think I'm being funny

I'm sure we can make a start

But – we don't have the money

“We're trying hard to get some grants

To help us get things going

You'll have to get your thermals on

If this winter it starts snowing

A nice warm blanket could be fun,

Just snuggle up together

Perhaps discover new found friends

And forget about the weather

So friends I fear that all of us

Must dig deeper in our pockets

Before the boiler takes one last gasp

And takes off like a rocket.

Ron B

Mother's Union Important Anniversary Year

The Mothers’ Union was founded by Mrs Mary Sumner 140 years ago in 1876

to encourage Mothers to raise their children as Christians and helping the

community.

This coming year has been themed as a Celebration of Faith so watch this space

for news of forthcoming events in the Diocese. The aims of the Mothers’ Union

remain the same but the organisation is now worldwide.

There are many campaigns supported by the MU - not least campaigns against

slavery and gender violence. Education and literacy are important projects in

developing countries.

Members are encouraged to make the most of their gifts and talents wherever

they can and to put faith into action. In January, member pay their Tribute – it

is not a subscription as one is enrolled for life – and this money goes to

headquarters at Mary Sumner House to be used for the numerous good

projects, both in this country and abroad.

At the Deanery Carol Service held at Harberton on 11th December, three

members attended. Our Mothers’ Union Banner was carried by Jennie and

Susan read the fifth Lesson.

After the service, tea was served at the local hostelry (The Church House Inn).

The Paignton Branch Banner is a modern one but the original hangs in the

Chancel of the Parish Church. Old banners can be seen in many Parish

Churches and are real works of art.

There are certificates pending for long years of Membership for Kathleen

Humphreys who enrolled in 1954 and Helen Little enrolled in 1949.

Congratulations to both ladies for their staunch and loyal support of the

Mothers’ Union.

As usual, a copy of Families First will be placed at the back of the church and

we hope that all who choose to read it will find helpful and up to date advice

on many matters and inspiration for living everyday life.

Paula Christian

Branch Secretary

MP warns of new laws and Christians

Christian MP Fiona Bruce has called on the government to extend its

consultation on controversial new anti-extremism laws.

Many Christian groups claim the proposals could seriously affect Christians and

Christian organisations volunteering with young people.

The plans would see anyone providing teaching to children for over six hours a

week face Ofsted inspections. It's claimed this would include church weekends

away, beach missions, summer camps, and church youth groups.

The government's asked groups and individuals to give feedback through a

consultation.

It was launched at the start of Advent and finishes on January 11. Fiona Bruce,

the member for Congelton, says it's not right that the consultation was set for

the busiest time of the year for Christians.

Speaking after calling for the extension, she said: "These proposals could

seriously restrict the work of many Christians and churches.

The idea that Ofsted inspectors are equipped to inspect and judge youth Bible

groups, beach missions, or Christian summer camps is absurd. The Government

has not properly thought through these proposals, and needs to go back to the

drawing board.

"We have often seen that traditional Christian teachings can be wrongly

sanctioned by local officials who are unfamiliar with Christianity.

“And that makes me very worried about what would happen if we start having

Ofsted inspectors inside churches and observing beach missions looking for

issues.

"Clearly, the Government do not think that local church youth groups and

Christian summer camps are linked to radicalisation and extremism - yet these

proposals would, perhaps unintentionally, waste a huge amount of time and

money looking for just that."

The MP is calling on Christians to respond to the consultation. She said: "The

Government consultation provides an opportunity for Christians to raise their

serious concerns with the Government.

"If you are involved in voluntary work with children, in any capacity, please do

take the time to fill out the Government's consultation. If we don't make our

voice heard, we cannot stop these proposals."

The proposals are part of plans to tackle radicalisation in the UK. Home

Secretary Theresa May said the government wants to "systematically confront

and challenge extremist ideology" and stop those who spread hate.

The government is yet to respond to her request.

Across the diocese

This year’s LentCarbon Fast for 2016 runs from the 10 February to the 26 March.

In previous years the region’s dioceses of the Church of England have promoted

a Lent Carbon Fast through EcoChurch SouthWest.

These have focused on personal and domestic actions to reduce our carbon

footprint and in 2015 we looked at how water is such a significant ecological

issue.

In 2016, we are running a further online Lent Carbon Fast with an emphasis on

“re-connecting with the Earth”.

As Christians, we have a personal relationship with God mediated through Jesus,

but we can also have a direct relationship with God through the Earth. The

world is the place of divine revelation.

The Psalms tell us how the fields, trees and mountains also express God’s glory,

and Jesus reminds us how the birds of the air and the lilies of the fields are

equally a part of God’s plan.

This Carbon Fast will remind us that God is our Creator as well as our Redeemer.

It will encourage us to explore our relation with the elements, plants and

animals and use our senses more to recognise God in the very breath of life, in

the garden, through streams and rivers, stars and flowers.

It is in deepening our awareness of the web of life and our connections with all

things, that we can deepen our love of God and appreciate and protect the

planet for the future.

Do join us! There will be daily emails including bible readings, reflections and

stories of good examples of ideas from around the region to sustain you.

Friends of Paignton Parish Church

The Friends would like to thank everyone who helped in any way towards the

Christmas Tree Festival, either in their support and help towards the Trees

themselves, or the Fayre, Quiz and the Concert. It must be admitted that the

Men’s Group did steal the show at the concert! We are pleased to be able to

say £2,300 was raised. A lot of work was involved in all of these activities and

very grateful thanks must be paid towards the people who gave us support.

The Children’s Hospice South Devon Tree raised £55 and a cheque has already

been sent off to them.

Diaries for 2016 are still available, at a reduced price of 50p should anyone be

interested.

We are looking for offers of support to the Friends in any of their future

activities. They would be most gratefully accepted. It would not be necessary

to attend Committee meetings, but be willing for “hands-on” when necessary.

Anyone who feels they could offer support, please contact any of us! -Ann

Howard, James Devonport, Mavis Hawkins, Rose Maddock, Ginny Piper, Jennie

Litt, Moira Devonport or Pat Kerswell. You will be welcomed with open arms!

Pat Kerswell

Future events.

An evening of Gilbert & Sullivan – Torbay with On that Note, a Barbershop

Quartet, February 26th in the Parish Church 7.30pm. £6 to include refreshments.

Annual General Meeting Sunday 26th June, 3pm, followed by Afternoon Tea.

Parish Ladies' Group

Our charitable event in aid of Purple Angels took place on December 7 when

we enjoyed a sumptuous afternoon tea. Thanks to those who brought such

tempting food. Thank you also to those of you who worked in the kitchen

preparing food and cleaning up afterwards. As a result we raised £200 for

Purple Angels.

Unfortunately our planned speak, Julie Turner was too ill to attend so we played

a game of Beetle. December was a busy month for us as in addition to

sponsoring a Christmas tree, beautifully decorated by Pam Pilcher and friends,

we ran a gift stall at which we raised nearly £100 for our church.

Many thanks to those who came early to price the gifts, set up the stall, clear

away afterwards and were such good sales ladies. A special thank you too, to

the members of the congregation who brought such lovely gifts for us to sell.

On February 15 our snack and chat lunch will be held at the Livermead House

Hotel at the usual time of 12.30pm.

Our monthly meeting for February will be on the 22nd in the hall at 7.30pm.

Our speaker will be Julie Turner talking about her life as a store detective.

We hope you had a good Christmas and we wish you every blessing for the

New Year.

Audrey Smith

Bell Ringing News

John Kelly BEM re-elected as Captain

We were delighted that at our AGM in January, John Kelly BEM could continue

a further year as Captain. He is now serving his 67th year as Captain.

Handbell Ringing

Support for Dame Hannah Rogers

The ringers were certainly busy over Christmas ringing for the many services;

however they still had time to support the Paignton Handbell Ringers in ringing

carol tunes on the handbells in various venues in and around Torbay. All the

money raised goes to Dame Hannah Rogers Trust, that is dedicated to

empowering children and adults who have a range of disabilities.

Congratulations to John Kelly in his leadership, this is the 60th year of support

to Dame Hannah Rogers. Thank you to all who helped in ringing and gave and

with everyone’s kind generosity we will be forwarding over £500 which was

raised by ringing on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day.

New Year’s Outing

This year the outing had been organised for 2 January. We were able to ring at

Kingsteignton and then on to Kenton, both have recently been overhauled.

Lunch was at the George and Dragon, Clyst St George. The afternoon ringing

was at Woodbury and the last at the wonderful peal of bells at Uffculme. Our

evening meal was at the Heathfield Inn, Honiton. Thank you to John R Kelly for

arranging this exceptional and thoroughly enjoyable outing.

What does ringing offer you – Ring for Fitness

Discover a new way to keep fit – by bell-ringing at your local church.

Could I become a ringer?

Ringing is well within the capabilities of most people. The initial teaching takes

several weeks, after which a learner can begin to ring with the rest of the band.

Most ringers practise once or twice a week with an expectation to ring before

church services on Sundays.

What’s Bell Ringing all about?

Bell ringing is a team activity that stimulates the brain and helps keep you fit…

it also makes a glorious sound! Many consider ringing to be their contribution

to church life, others do it for the pure pleasure it brings.

Equipment

Most bells weigh several cwt, our heaviest is nearly 22 cwt (although some can

weigh tons). Bells are typically hung in sets of 6 or 8. Bells swing full circle and

are fitted with wheels, and controlled from below (in our case 20m below) by a

rope. The rope has a fluffy, colourful woollen bit, called a sally, as on alternate

strokes the rope rises to a different height and this makes it easier for the ringer

to catch and is easier on the hands.

What happens?

There is one person per bell. Bells ring in sequence and the rhythm should be

even. In call change ringing sequences continually change according to

predetermined calls. Performances take from a few minutes to several hours.

Participants

Ringers are very varied: male and female, all ages (from teens until well past

retirement) and from all walks of life. They don’t need to be very strong or

musical however having co-ordination and a sense of rhythm is essential.

What else does ringing offer you?

Learning to ring offers:

• Friendship

• Encouragement

• Support

• Opportunity

• Involvement

Friendship – Our bell ringing team is a social as well as a functional group. It

aims to be a group of friends, not just a group of acquaintances. We meet

Tuesdays and Sundays and arrange various outings and ringing at other towers.

We also have social events so as to involve our friends and partners.

Encouragement – Learning to ring, and going on to succeed, takes a lot of

personal effort and commitment. We actively encourage and motivate our

members to achieve their potential.

Support – Most ringers will achieve more with the help of appropriate support.

We support all of our members as they develop, through all stages not just as

novices.

Opportunity – Ringing is a collective activity, where individual achievement

and satisfaction is strongly influenced by your progression. We are a very

experience team and provide you ample learning opportunities.

Involvement – ‘Giving’ as well as ‘receiving’ can bring satisfaction and

fulfilment. We encourage all of our members to contribute to the life and work

of ringing in whatever way is appropriate.

How to find out more

Visit the tower when you hear the bells

Contact the tower captain

Come and see

Listen for the bells at the church, then come along and see what ringing is all

about, or contact the Captain, John Kelly, 556208. We generally practise on a

Tuesday 7:30 to 9:00pm.

Michael Webster

Parish Registers Marriages 29th December 2015 Holly Hunt & Samuel

Wilson

In memorium 21 November 2015 Sally Banks

21st November 2015 William Henry Perkins

Calendar for February 2016

1 Mon 9.00am Time Out: Coverdale Centre

12.30am Wholeness & Healing: Parish Church

2 Feb 7.30pm Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemass)

Sung Eucharist: Parish Church

3 Wed 10.00am Mothers Union Corporate Communion: Parish Church

11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by Lunch

4 Thu 9.30am Stay & Play at St Boniface

10.30am Coffee, Chat & Creativity: St Andrew’s Community

Centre

5 Fri 9.30am Stay & Play at St Andrew’s Community Centre

7 Sun 9.30am Breakfast Service: St Andrew’s

6.30pm Evening Prayer (BCP)said: Parish Church


9 Tue 2.00pm The Mystery of Everything (Film): The Vicarage

10 Wed 11.00am Mass at St Andrew followed by Lunch

7.30pm Ash Wednesday Sung Eucharist: Parish Church



Centre

7.30pm The Mystery of Everything (Film): The Vicarage


14 Sun 10.00am Messy Church: St Boniface

6.30pm Choral Evensong: Parish Church


12.30pm Lent Reflection (with Soup & Roll): Parish Church

12.30pm Parish Ladies Group Snack & Chat Lunch: Livermead

House Hotel

2.30pm Parish Prayer Group: Parish Church

7.30pm Lent Reflection with Compline: Parish Church

16 Tue 2.00pm The Mystery of Everything: The Vicarage

7.00pm Pilgrim – The Creeds: 155 Maidenway Road

7.30pm The Psalms: The Vicarage


1.30pm Pilgrim – The Creeds: St Andrew’s

7.30pm Lent Book – Abraham: The Vicarage


10.00am The Psalms: The Vicarage


Centre


7.30pm The Mystery of Everything: The Vicarage


12.30pm Stations of the Cross: St Andrew

21 Sun 9.30am Breakfast Service: St Andrew’s

6.30pm Evening Prayer (BCP) said: Parish Church




7.30pm Parish Ladies Group Meeting: Parish Hall

23 Tue 2.00pm The Mystery of Everything: The Vicarage

7.00pm Pilgrim – The Creeds: 155 Maidenway Road

7.30pm The Psalms: The Vicarage


1.30pm Pilgrim – The Creeds: St Andrew’s



10.00am The Psalms: The Vicarage


Centre


7.30pm The Mystery of Everything: The Vicarage


12.30pm Stations of the Cross: St Andrew

7.30pm Gilbert & Sullivan Concert (in aid of FOPPC). Tickets

available now: Parish Church

27 Sat 9.00am Men’s Breakfast: Park Hotel

28 Sun 6.30pm Evensong & Benediction: St Andrew’s




***Tuesday 2nd February Presentation of Christ in the Temple

(Candlemass) Sung Eucharist. Preacher Fr Bob Boyle. Followed by a Parish

Party at the Vicarage.

***Wednesday 10th February Ash Wednesday Sung Eucharist at the Parish

Church.

Magazine subscriptions for 2016 are now due. Please see Ann Howard with

your £7 subscription, which represents a saving on a year’s editions of £3.

All contributors please be aware that all articles must be with the Editor, Hugh

Southon by the 12th of each month.

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