Rushen Parish Magazine

December 2016

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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

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Dear Friends,

Last weekend I saw people putting up Christmas trees, I enjoyed a mince pie and Christmas coffee in a well-known coffee shop, saw Christmas lights and, yes, I have to confess, the Christmas Album by Michael Bublè has had its first play this year. And there’s still ten days of November to go! Is it me or does Christmas start earlier and earlier each year?

Many of us will have made a start on the all the planning that goes into the practical arrangements for the forthcoming Christmas Season, getting extra bits of food each week maybe, writing Christmas cards and even buying presents. But how are we going to prepare ourselves spiritually for this festival of the Incarnation, that time of year when we remember how God became man, how the Lord of the universe became a vulnerable baby in a dangerous land?

The Church began its preparation for this great festival on Sunday 27th November, the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Advent is a season of expectation and preparation. In this time, Christians prepare to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and we also look ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. It is a time when we can pause in the business to reflect on just how amazing it is that God became man.

We believe that Jesus was fully God and fully human, both at the same time. Not a mix, not God wearing a human mask, not a human with Godly powers, but that Jesus in his physical time on earth was 100% God and 100% human. This isn't something we can easily understand, but I came across a reflection that I want to share with you that spoke deep within me and helped me connect with this great mystery from the viewpoint of somebody ordinary like me, one of the shepherds who came and visited Jesus in the manger…

SHEPHERD

Until tonight I could not fit the size of God into my head. I thought he was a God for prophets and kings, men of words and wisdom. But tonight, I am looking at God made small, small enough for me, small enough to pick up and hold like a lamb. I could not talk to a God in the clouds; but tonight, when I look and smile and talk nonsense to this tiny thing, I know that I am talking to God. And it is God who smiles back at me and waves his perfect hands in delight. And tonight, in your smallness, God, you seem bigger and more powerful to me than you ever did before. I can hold you now, hold you in my head and hold you in my arms, and know that you are holding me in yours.

(Lisa Debney, Hay and Stardust, 2005)

As you prepare for Christmas this year don't forget to pause, to take time this Advent to hold Jesus in your head and in your arms knowing that he is holding you in his.

Best wishes

Mark Payne (Ordinand)

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Thomas Becket – the Archbishop who died at Christmas-time

Editor: Ted Harrison continues his series on British martyrs

Thomas Becket was the medieval equivalent of a public-school educated son of a wealthy banker, who eased his way into the ruling elite and quickly worked his way to the top. His assured manner and ready talents were noticed by the King, and Becket was brought into the royal circle. He and Henry II became close friends, hunting and partying together. Thomas was even appointed the King’s Chancellor.

All was going fine until King Henry needed a new Archbishop of Canterbury, and decided that Becket was a sound and loyal choice. Thomas was therefore ordained priest one day, and consecrated archbishop the next. What the king had not expected was that his favourite courtier would take his vows so seriously. For Becket was transformed. He adopted an austere lifestyle and began wearing simple clerical dress. But of more concern to the king was that when Church and State came into conflict, instead of siding with the king, Becket sided with the Church. The once strong friendship between the two men was sorely strained so much so that Becket had, in 1164, to flee into exile in France. He returned to Canterbury in due course, but the rift had not healed. The story goes that Henry was so angered with him that he shouted: ‘Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?!’ It might have been a rhetorical question born of anger, but four knights took him at his word. On 29th December 1170, they arrived in Canterbury and barged their way into the cathedral. Once inside they found and murdered the archbishop at a spot still remembered as The Martyrdom. Becket offered no resistance, and died with dignity. Within three years he had been acclaimed saint and martyr. Henry II did penance for his outburst, and a shrine to Becket was set up in the cathedral and became a major, and for the monks, lucrative focus of pilgrimage. At the Reformation, the ornately decorated shrine was dismantled and, according to the official story, Becket’s bones were disposed of. But rumours persist to this day that the relics were saved, and are still hidden in the Cathedral crypt.

Hope for the best

The grandson had just taken a photograph of his ancient grandmother who’d come to stay for Christmas and was celebrating her 89th birthday the same day. “Grannie, I sure hope I’m around next year to photograph you on your 90th birthday,” he said. “Why not?” his grandmother shrugged. “You look healthy.”

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Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s

Having a coffee morning on 18th November was a different venture for us in the Ladies Working Party. We were amazed and thrilled that a total of £864 was raised. A very big thank you to everyone who supported and helped us in any way.

May we take this opportunity in wishing you, and all those you love, a very peaceful and blessed and happy Christmas. We remember those for whom this time of year can be difficult and we pray that they will find peace, comfort and hope in the message of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. With love from us all in the Ladies Working Party.

Margaret Moore

January Parish Magazine The editor would be most grateful if all articles for January’s magazine are sent to him no later than 15th December. Failure to meet this deadline may mean that important articles will not be published

From the Registers

Funeral (October 2016)

Tuesday 25th October 2016 Maxwell Ward Anderson Stead & Vanesa King Lake Shaw Kirk Christ @ 2pm

Christmas: Why does it begin at midnight with Holy Communion?

The hour was first chosen at Rome in the fifth century to symbolise the idea that Christ was born at midnight – a mystical idea in no way hindered by historical evidence! No one knows the hour of his birth.

Certainly, in recent times, Holy Communion at midnight on Christmas morning has proved popular with modern families. One British writer pointed out its “domestic convenience” in 1947: “for where there are children and no servants, husband and wife may be unable to communicate at any other time.” (So things don’t change, then!)

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Egypt. Every time yet another infant dies violently, it will be a reminder of the first century massacre of babies in the Bethlehem region. This year one carol will be sung with particular poignancy. It retells the message of angels, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favour rests” and continues:

Yet with the woes of sin and strife, The world has suffered long; Beneath the angel strain have rolled, Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love song which they bring: O hush the noise, you men of strife, And hear the angels sing.

The angels’ goodwill message will persist despite our clamour, for it proclaims God’s all- embracing and eternal welcome. Heaven’s doors are ever-open: it is home for everyone. The final biblical vision is of an all-encompassing city: “On no day will its gates ever be shut… the glory and honour of the nations will be brought into it.” Jesus, for whom there had been no room at the inn, taught that God’s kingdom is home for every race: “I say to you that many will come from the East and the West, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” He reassured those anxious about the future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms…”

No room? Don’t you believe it!

The Venerable John Barton

No Room? On the Contrary

All over the world, doors are being slammed shut this Christmas. The closure of the Calais Jungle in the Autumn, which dispersed thousands of asylum seekers and would-be immigrants, brought into sharp focus the story of Joseph and the pregnant teenager Mary, for whom there was no room in the Bethlehem Inn. Vast numbers of Christians forced to flee from their ancient homelands in Syria and Iraq today mirror the Holy Family’s escape into

How odd Christmas is weird - what other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat sweets out of your socks?

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News from St Mary’s Sunday School

On 30th October, we joined together for an All Age service at Kirk Christ.

Our lessons continued in Sunday School on 6th November with “Jesus brings salvation” Luke 19 vs. 1-10

On 13th November, we didn't meet in Sunday School as it was Remembrance Sunday and several children were involved in services elsewhere with guides and scouts.

Our lessons continued on the 20th with “Jesus brings light” John 8 verse 12. On 27th we began a new series of lessons entitled “God's plan” - the first being “A Surprise” based on Luke 1 verses 5 – 25.

On the 4th December, we will practice for our All Age service on the 11th December. Also on the 4th we will have our Parish Christingle service at St. Catherine's at 4pm. We will be making the Christingles at 10am at St. Catherine's Church on 3rd December – if anyone can help with this we would greatly appreciate it.

Our final Sunday School of 2016 will be on 18th December – a morning of fun and games with light refreshments.

NB – don't forget the Crib Service at St. Mary's on Christmas Eve at 4pm – hope to see you all there.

With love from all of us at St. Mary's Sunday School

Christmas: Christmas and St Luke’s Gospel It is to St Luke’s wonderful gospel that many Christians turn as the year draws to a close and Christmas approaches, for it is to St Luke that we owe the fullest account of the nativity. Luke alone tells us the story of Mary and the angel’s visit to her, and has thus given the Church the wonderful Magnificat of Mary. Luke alone tells us the story of Simeon’s hymn of praise, thus giving us the wonderful Nunc Dimmittis. Imagine an Anglican evensong without the Nunc Dimmittis. Luke alone tells us the story of how the angels appeared to the shepherds and how the shepherds then visited the infant Jesus. So – imagine Christmas cards and nativity scenes every year without the shepherds arriving to visit baby Jesus. Imagine school nativity plays without our children dressed as shepherds or sheep. So – thank you, Luke! What makes it so amazing is that Luke was not a Jew! The man who wrote the

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by the contractor. It was not until the scaffolding was erected that the problem with the boards could be seen and obviously this work was not included in the original quotation. It is likely that the completion of this stage will be early in December. The second stage of the contract which involves the re-plastering of the chancel and sanctuary walls, will begin in mid-January 2017. The vestry steps will also be repaired while the contractor is on site. Two services were held in the church in the church on the first Sunday in November, and despite the chancel and sanctuary being out of use, the officiant and music group were not really affected. We now look forward to the Christingle Service and all Christmas events in the church. May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas with God’s Blessing.

Gerry Callister

News from St Catherine’s

Work on the repairs to the chancel roof, chipping off pebbledash, and cement rendering has been on-going for about five weeks now. The work has been very challenging, and except for some minor extras, eg the replacement of tongue and groove boards in the roof, the work should be completed within the price quoted

Trafalgar Square’s very special Christmas Tree

This year, as every year for the past 69, a magnificent Norwegian spruce will stand proudly in Trafalgar Square. It is seen as a symbol of freedom and a token of friendship.

This huge – it is generally more than 20 metres tall - annual gift from the people of Norway has been sent every year since 1947. It is Norway’s way of thanking Britain for standing by them during the dark days of the Second World War. For when the Nazis invaded Norway in 1940, King Haakon VII fled to the UK. The British enabled him to set up a Norwegian government in exile in London, where he could send radio messages back to his occupied homeland.

The tree is known to Norwegian foresters as ‘the queen of the forest’, and each year only the very best is chosen to grace Trafalgar Square. Sometimes the trees are hand-picked years in advance. Many of them are very old, which means they were quietly growing deep in a Norwegian forest during the dark days of Nazi occupation and death.

Many years ago, a tree in another occupied land played a crucial role when a Gift to the whole world was put on display. He was not lit up for a holiday season, but instead became the Light of the world. This month we remember His birthday, and look ahead to His amazing gift to us of forgiveness and friendship with God – through His death on a tree. Jesus is the reason for Christmas, and He is for life, not just for Christmas.

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December Crossword

Down 1 ‘Flee for your lives! Don’t — —, and

don’t stop anywhere in the plain!’ (Genesis 19:17) (4,4)

2 Principal thoroughfare (Numbers 20:19) (4,4)

4 ‘The tax collector... beat his — and said, “God have mercy on me, a sinner”’ (Luke 18:13) (6)

5 ‘The zeal of the Lord Almighty will — this’ (2 Kings 19:31) (10)

6 ‘The day of the Lord is — for all nations’ (Obadiah 15) (4)

7 Specified day (Acts 21:26) (4) 10 Deadly epidemic

(Deuteronomy 32:24) (10) 12 Roman Catholic church which has

special ceremonial rights (8) 13 Tied up (2 Kings 7:10) (8) 16 In his speech to the Sanhedrin,

Stephen described Moses as ‘powerful in speech and —’ (Acts 7:22) (6)

18 ‘Although he did not remove the high places, — heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life’ (1 Kings 15:14) (4)

19 Tribe (Deuteronomy 29:18) (4)

Across 1 ‘The blind receive sight, the — walk’

(Luke 7:22) (4) 3 Got (Philippians 3:12) (8) 8 Leave out (Jeremiah 26:2) (4) 9 Castigated for using dishonest scales

(Hosea 12:7) (8) 11 Weighty (1 John 5:3) (10) 14 ‘Now the serpent was more — than any

of the wild animals the Lord God had made’ (Genesis 3:1) (6)

15 ‘Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot — God’ (Romans 8:8) (6)

17 Because Israel lacked one of these, tools had to be sharpened by the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:19) (10)

20 In his vision of the two eagles and the vine, this is how Ezekiel described the latter (Ezekiel 17:8) (8)

21 Rite (anag.) (4) 22 Nine gigs (anag.) (8) 23 ‘The eye cannot say to the —, “I don’t

need you”’ (1 Corinthians 12:21) (4)

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November Crossword Solution

October’s Sudoku competition was won by Graham McFarlane. Elsie Faragher was asked to chose the winner from the eight entries I had received. He received his £5 winnings through the post. I would like to thank everyone who took part. I know it is a bit of fun but I am aware of how many people enjoy playing Sudoku so do please continue to enter. (Editor)

What sort of a Christmas card person are you? The time to send and receive Christmas cards has come around again – time for our annual shock at the cost of coloured card and disbelief at what the Post Office wants to send them.

It seems there are three kinds of people when it comes to Christmas cards: the total abstainers, the total givers and the selective givers.

Abstainers write ‘Happy Christmas everyone’ on Facebook, and consider the job well done. Total givers spend a fortune on cards and stamps and send them to everyone they know. Selective givers try to cut corners, but then cannot remember who sent who what, and as the cards pour through their door, spend time worrying…

However, you do it, it is good to stay in yearly touch with your widest circle of friends and family. Proverbs points out that: ‘Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.’ Prov 25:25. They will enjoy hearing from you!

November Sudoku Solution

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The word ‘Christingle’ actually means ‘Christ Light’, and celebrates the light of Jesus coming into the world. Stories of how the Christingle began look back to the Moravian Church, which is found in the Czech Republic. The Moravians have held Christingle services for more than 200 years, and according to them, this is how the first Christingle might have been made:

Many years ago the children in a village were asked to bring a Christmas gift to put beside the crib in the church. One family was very poor, and had no money for gifts, but the three children were still determined to take something. The only nice thing they had was an orange, so they decided to give the Christ-child that. But then they discovered the top was going green, so the eldest cut it out, and put a candle in the hole. To add some colour, one of the girls took a red ribbon from her hair and tied it around the middle of the orange. It was hard to make the ribbon stay still, so they fastened it in place with toothpicks. The toothpicks looked a bit bare, so the youngest child added some raisins to them. The children took their decorated orange lantern to the church for the Christmas Mass. The other children sneered at their meagre gift, but the priest seized upon it with joy. He held it up as an example of the true understanding of the meaning of Christmas, for the following reasons: the orange is round, like the world; the candle gives us light in the dark, like the love of God; the red ribbon goes round the ‘world’, as a symbol of Christ’s blood, given for everyone; the four sticks point in all directions, and symbolise that God is over all: North, South, East and West; and the fruit and nuts remind us of God’s blessings. The Children’s Society first introduced the Christingle Service to The Church of England in 1968, and it has since become a popular event in the church calendar. This candlelit celebration is an ideal way to share the key messages of the Christian faith, while helping to raise vital funds to help vulnerable children across the country. Visit: www.childrenssociety.org.uk

Christmas: The story of the Christingle

Lunch

The true story is told of a minister who, the week before Christmas, invited a local homeless man to his home for Christmas lunch. The man sighed, put his hand into his very worn jacket, and took out a grubby diary. “It won’t be easy,” he said. “I am already booked for Christmas lunches on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But how about after Christmas? I might be able to fit that in.”

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shway”) is all about spatial arrangement which has the capability to affect our comfort in both mind and body. Basically, it is believed that ‘things’ can easily affect the flow of energy within a space. An easy flow can make us feel good whereas obstacles create an annoyance.

The beginner’s guide to feng shui

It’s mainly about ‘flow’ and as much to do with the spaces between things as it is the actual items themselves. Here’s a simple guide to help you on your Feng Shui journey:

Ensure your space is clear of clutter. Clean and tidy rooms reflect the state of the inner mind. This is also relevant to the front entry point which should be clean and well maintained. You want to create a feeling of positivity so all rubbish bins should be hidden. A sturdy, well-made front door signifies sound judgement, security and reliability.

Daylight and ventilation is important. Ensure windows are clean and clear them of anything that blocks the light. Sunlight and any natural light makes people feel good and can promote energy from within. Always have fresh air, if only from a window vent.

Living plants should be an integral part of the interior. They filter the air; produce oxygen and have the capability to remove a surprising number of toxins. Plants have an energy which is unique and they strengthen the relationship between occupants and environment. Chinese people believe that plants bring good fortune provided they are not positioned to block the flow of energy.

Furniture should be placed to aid circulation. Any sharp edges need to be faced away from the general flow of pedestrian traffic. Furniture should not block the vision. Particularly important in an office where the desk will ideally allow the seated worker to survey the room with his or her back to the wall. A ‘commanding’ position is said to increase productivity.

The basic principles of feng shui suggest that positive energy flowing in through the front door needs to be channelled around the house rather than being allowed

Gardening in December

It’s the festive season and most people could use a bit of extra energy. Perhaps we need to employ a spot of feng shui.

The mystery of feng shui is easily unravelled once you peel back the layers of language and ideas. In fact, the concept is simple and can be reduced to the basic feeling of being comfortable within a space. Feng shui (pronounced “fung shway”)

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features rather than small should be incorporated and nothing to clutter the space. Rounded edges and forms are preferable.

The aim is to live in harmony with not only the environment but to make sure your house is in harmony with you. This includes making a home in which you feel you belong, and finding your place within the local community too.

Feng shui comes from two Chinese words meaning wind and water. The combined elements of air and water represent life itself. It’s important to remember we are all part of the life force and we can choose to live in harmony or to deliberately clash by allowing mis-alignment. It will affect our everyday state of mind.

This article was provided by Perfect Plants Ltd, an on-line supplier of plants and garden products, and is intended to show how plants can help you to enjoy the festive season. For more information, Telephone: 01323 833479 or email: info@perfectplants.co.uk. The plant shown on page 12 is a Lucky Bamboo pyramid, and on page 13 a Dracaena Yellow Coast. You can see these in colour in the magazine section of the parish website.

to breeze straight through and out the back door. The design of a house should ideally avoid this ‘through draught’ and it is therefore highly beneficial if you are unable to see the back door from the front.

The same ideas can relate to gardens too. Ideally there will be a circulation ‘flow’ around the space which is provided by more than one route – i.e. steps up to a lawn and perhaps a slope leading down again. Large

Christmas carols as mis-heard by children

Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly We three kings of porridge and tar

On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me Later on we'll perspire, as we dream by the fire.

He's makin a list, chicken and rice. Noel, Noel, Barney's the king of Israel.

With the jelly toast proclaim Olive, the other reindeer

Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf, I say Sleep in heavenly peas

In the meadow we can build a snowman, then pretend that he is sparse and brown You'll go down in listerine …

Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay O come, froggy faithful.

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‘He gave us eyes to see them’ - The Church Building

All Saints Church - Brockhampton

Each month we have been following in the footsteps of George Herbert and making our way through the church building from the entrance door to the altar - pausing at the font, by kneelers, candlesticks, windows, monuments, pulpit, ceiling, bells and choir stalls. They all form part of the church building: a witness to its history and tradition.

They speak to us of beauty and craftsmanship, of art and skill, of dedication and faith. We look around. We find our hearts raised to heaven in praise for all we see, and remember Jesus talking about the stones speaking out on that first Palm Sunday.

And when people enter the church building, they become the living stones – filling the air with hymn and psalm, pulling the ropes for the bells to ring out, lighting candles to shine in the dark, kneeling in prayer, and going to the altar to feed on the Bread of life. A church building is an offering, and we, as we worship, make our offering. We set aside time and attention, and bring to God our lives in His service.

All Saints Church in Brockhampton, just south of Hereford, is a wonderful example of the Arts and Crafts movement. Outside and within there is much to admire - including a frontal, hymn book covers and embroidered seat covers that were left on the altar in 1960 by an anonymous donor. They were a thank offering for that church being there and open. It is a reminder of the journey called of us as we become living stones, offering our love and faith and service for the Kingdom.

Churches up and down the land invite us all to enter and make that journey, both physically and in faith. As Herbert’s poem ‘The Invitation’ expresses it:

‘Come ye hither all, whose love Is your dove,

And exalts you to the sky: Here is love, which having breath

Ev’n in death, After death can never die.’

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All in the month of December

300 years on 26th Dec 1716 Thomas Gray was born. This English poet, scholar and educator is best known for ‘An Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard’.

250 years on 5th Dec 1766 British auctioneer James Christie held his first sale, in London. He went on to found Christie’s, the world’s oldest auction house. Also on 29th Dec 1766 Charles Macintosh, the Scottish chemist was born. He invented a method of waterproofing fabric, and the mackintosh waterproof coat is named after him.

150 years on 1st Dec 1866 Sir George Everest, Welsh surveyor and geographer, died. Mount Everest was named after him. He was noted for his important role in the trigonometric survey of India.

100 years on 7th Dec 1916 David Lloyd George became British Prime Minister. Also on 30th Dec 1916 Grigori Rasputin, Russian mystic and healer, was murdered. He was a favourite of Tsar Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra after healing their son, a haemophiliac, who was bleeding from an injury and expected to die.

90 years on 5th Dec 1926 Claude Monet, French artist and leader of the Impressionist movement, died.

80 years on 11th Dec 1936 King Edward VIII of the UK abdicated to marry Wallis Warfield Simpson, an American divorcee. His younger brother, the Duke of York, became King George VI.

75 years on 5th Dec 1941 WW2’s Battle of Moscow saw the Soviet counter-attack. Soviet forces launched a massive counter-offensive that drove the Germans out of Moscow, ending Operation Barbarossa (the German invasion of the Soviet Union.) Also on 7th Dec 1941 WW2’s attack on Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, took place. Japan launched a surprise bomb attack on Pearl Harbour and other US bases in the Pacific, and declared war on the USA and UK. The USA and UK declared war on Japan the following day. The War in Europe became a World War.

70 years on 11th Dec 1946 UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, was established in New York City.

65 years on 31st Dec 1951 The Marshall Plan ended. It was set up by the USA after WW2 to help rebuild Europe, and distributed $13billion in foreign aid.

60 years on 12th Dec 1956 the IRA began its Border Campaign in Northern Ireland. The campaign of guerrilla warfare aimed to overthrow British rule and establish a united Ireland.

40 years on 8th Dec 1976 the album Hotel California by the American rock band the Eagles was released. It became their best-selling studio album – more than 32 million copies.

30 years on 17th Dec 1986 Davina Thompson became the world’s first recipient of a heart, lung and liver transplant, at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge.

25 years on 10th Dec 1991 the Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union, was agreed by the leaders of 12 European nations. It was signed on 7th Feb 1992 and came into effect on 1st Nov 1993. Also on 25th Dec 1991 Mikhail Gorbachev resigned as President of the Soviet Union. The following day the Soviet Union was officially dissolved. The 12 remaining Soviet republics became independent states. Continued

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20 years on 4th Dec 1996 NASA launched its Mars Pathfinder spacecraft. Also on 27th Dec 1996 the first genocide trial began in Rwanda following the 1994 civil war, in which about 800,000 people were killed.

15 years on 13th Dec 2001 the Pentagon released a videotape of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in which he said that the deaths and destruction of 9/11 in New York had exceeded his most optimistic expectations.

10 years on 30th Dec 2006 Saddam Hussein, President/dictator of Iraq (1979-2003) was executed for war crimes.

Parish Pump

CAROL SERVICE 18th December 6.30pm

Kirk Christ The Choir is well into rehearsals for this major service. We have really appreciated the tremendous support we have had in the past. Please do not arrive before 6.10pm as the choir will be having their final rehearsal before the service. This year’s programme includes two new carols, one by Malcolm Archer and the other by our own Petrina Kent/Mike Porter called “The Sovereign King”. It will also include a solo by Evan Darroch, a member of St Mary’s Sunday School who has competed in the Manx Festival Sheffield Plate after winning his class at the Manx Guild. We look forward to seeing you.

Before you sleep gently Lay All your fears and angst away. Place your worries and all your cares In the truest hands of prayer. Thoughts at the end of the day Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I forgive? Did I love?

There’s a season for beginnings when the world is fresh and new. When we shape our dreams of all the things we hope to do. A season of maturing when we think and work and grow, A season of harvesting of all we’ve come to know. And each successive season grows richer than the last, as treasures of the present add the memories of the past.

Some thoughts supplied by Inez Joughin

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Rushen Mothers’ Union

Our November meeting was well attended and we are grateful to Mrs Kathleen Trustrum for arranging and leading the meeting. Mrs Jean Hall’s talk about her life as an RAF Wife was well received, and we give her our sincere thanks. Elsie is attending the Advent Service in Kirk Michael on Tuesday 6th December at 7pm and if you would like to join her please ring 832791.

Our next meeting is on Monday 12th December in St Mary’s Hall at 2pm and will be our Christmas party. Members are asked to bring a small amount of food please, and a short Christmas reading. May we all take this opportunity to wish any member unable to attend, and especially our Indoor members, a very happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

Shoe Box

Consider………. Consider packing a shoe-box, For a poor child far away; Where there’s no recognition Of ‘gift-giving’ Christmas Day. In a scarred and barren landscape, Place a ‘treasure-trove’ of love – Toys that please and toiletries, Create wonder from above. ‘Unconditional love’ we call it In a shoe-box tough and neat. Such a box, when packed with treats, Makes happiness more complete.

Shine then a light in the darkness. Share God’s blessings to you.

Games to play and things to do – Keep children joyful, ‘tis true!

Consider………. Consider ‘child in a manger, - Love’s over-spill, love divine. Is ‘operation shoe-box’ One more peace-loving sign? Acts 20:3 ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’.

Margaret Couper

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The Top Ten Must Know Bible Stories

The Top Ten Must Know Bible Stories

Number 9 – Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6).

The leaders in Babylon, under King Darius, wanted to get rid of him. However, Daniel was a powerful person in the kingdom, because he was committed to God. How did Daniel respond to the opposition?

He chose Character over Comfort Although his opponents tried to find fault with Daniel (4), they were unable to do so, because he was ‘trustworthy, neither corrupt nor negligent’. Are there things in our own lives that fail to please God and spoil our witness? Let’s bring them to God and ask him to help us overcome them. He chose Discipline over Distraction A law was passed that declared anyone praying to a god, apart from King Darius, would be thrown in the lion’s den. As soon as Daniel heard this, he went to his room to pray (10). He consistently maintained a discipline of prayer three times a day. Like Daniel, do we maintain such a daily discipline of prayer and reading the Bible, especially in the difficult times? He chose Love over Life When Daniel was found praying to God by his opponents (11), he was reported to the king, who threw him into the lion’s den. However, Daniel chose love for God over seeking his own comfort and security. He trusted God, who shut the mouths of the lions! As a result, King Darius issued a proclamation that everyone in the whole kingdom should worship the God of Daniel. Because of the choices he made, Daniel prospered (28). In what ways do we see our choices for God resulting in blessing? As the song challenges us, ‘Dare to be a Daniel! Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known!’

Paul Hardingham

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus

The teacher asked her Sunday School class to draw pictures of their favourite Bible story. She was puzzled by Kate’s picture, which showed four people on an aeroplane. She asked her which story it was meant to represent. "The Flight to Egypt," was her reply.

Pointing at each figure, the teacher ventured: "That must be Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus. But who's the fourth person?"

"Oh,” explained Kate happily, “that's Pontius - the pilot!"

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Children’s Page

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I Saw

Three Ships

"Christmas isn't a season. It's a feeling." Undoubtedly, feelings can best be described by the medium of music and songs. For the same reason, Christmas caroling today

has become the most liked tradition of this feast. With some heart- touching lyrics, carols reveal what exactly is present in the hearts of millions and blend

them with enthralling music, inspiring people immensely. The

history of Christmas carols is quite old. There are many tremendous traditional Christmas carols which make us dive in the essence of this festival to the deepest. "I Saw Three Ships" is a traditional and

very famous Christmas carol originated from England back

around 17th century. In the first half of 18th century, it was published by William B. Sandys. The lyrics of this Christmas carol

tell us about the ships which were sailing towards Bethlehem but 20 miles away, was the Dead Sea. The reference of its lyrics is said to have originated in the 12th century in the three ships that

brought some asserted old stuff of

the biblical magi to Cologne Cathedral, though the debate on its origin is still ongoing. The lyricists and composer of "I Saw Three Ships" is unknown. Regardless of all the discussions

being done on the intention of its lyrics, it has become one of the most liked and inspirational

Christmas carol. Make this coming Christmas more spiritual and enjoy the spirit of the festival by singing this Christmas carol.

I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; The Virgin Mary and Christ were there, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Pray, wither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; And all the souls on earth shall sing, On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice again, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; Then let us all rejoice again,

On Christmas Day in the morning.

The Story Behind the Hymn

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Rushen Parish Prayer Diary

During this season of Good Will let us pray that we can do our part to bring Peace to the world: God our Father, Creator of the world, please help us to love one another. Make nations friendly with other nations; Make all of us love one another like brothers and sisters. Help us to do our part to bring peace in the world and happiness to all people. Amen

December 2016 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:

1st Shopkeepers during the busy build up towards the Christmas period 2nd All Christians preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ 3rd The hope that Christmas will bring families together again who have been apart 4th The annual Christingle Service at St Catherine’s Church at 4pm this afternoon 5th Rushen Parochial Church Council and the work it does for the parish 6th The Mothers’ Union Advent Service at Kirk Michael this evening at 7pm 7th Nativity plays being performed at our island’s primary schools at this time 8th The Rushen Silver Band as it plays carols in the parish 9th Our fellow neighbours and the love and respect we have for them 10th All those who do such good work for charities across the island 11th The Meadowside Advent Carol Service at St Mary’s Church this evening at 6.30pm 12th People in hospital hoping to be home during the Christmas season 13th Those who have no homes and are wondering what Christmas will bring to them 14th The Carols, Candles and Cake event at St Peter’s Church this evening at 7pm 15th The Port Erin Commissioners’ Carol Service at St Catherine’s Church at 7pm 16th People in care homes preparing for Christmas and all that it means to them 17th Sidespersons and the important role they play during church services 18th The Parish Carol Service at Kirk Christ at 6.30pm this evening 19th Children with disabilities which require them to be cared for by others 20th Sportsmen and women providing enjoyment and competitiveness 21st The vicar, readers and retired clergy and all they do for the parish 22nd All Christian children and their many expectations during this Christmastide 23rd Those travelling away from the island to celebrate Christmas and their safe return 24th The Crib Service taking place in St Mary’s Church at 4pm this afternoon 25th Peace throughout the world 26th St Stephen, the first martyr, who is remembered today 27th Those who have suffered, in one way or another, during the Christmas period 28th People who have had to work throughout Christmas to maintain vital services 29th Teachers preparing for a new term at school 30th Preparations for the New Year and the hope it brings for everyone 31st New Year celebrations throughout the world and the hope for peace

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4th December 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Advent 2) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (BCP)

11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

4pm St Catherine’s Christingle Service

7th December 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

11th December 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Advent 3) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 6.30pm St Mary’s Meadowside Carol Service

18th December 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Advent 4) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP) 6.30pm Kirk Christ Parish Carol Service

24th December 4pm St Mary’s Crib Service (Christmas Eve) 7.30pm St Peter’s Christmas Holy Communion (BCP) 11.30pm St Catherine’s Christmas Holy Communion (CW)

25th December 10am Kirk Christ Christmas Holy Communion (CW) (Christmas Day)

1st January 2017 11am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Christmas 2)

4th January 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

8th January 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Epiphany 1) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 6.30pm St Mary’s Alternative Service

(The services listed above are subject to change) BCP – Book of Common Prayer CW – Common Worship

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

Services December 2016

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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

Mrs Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399

St Mary’s Hall Bookings:

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

St Catherine’s Morning Coffee

Mrs Suzanne Ali, 25 Sunnydale Avenue, Port Erin 834456

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

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December Sudoku Competition

Here is your last Sudoku of the year. One contributor has asked if I could provide a harder puzzle. Another has asked for two puzzles, one easy and one hard. In view of this, and by way of a change, I will provide two puzzles in the new year. One will be harder than the other. I will not mind which one you enter as both will be treated equally, in fact you can enter both and stand a better chance of winning the £5 prize. The closing date for this month’s entry is Friday 23rd December with the winning entry being drawn on Christmas Day. Entries can be sent through the post, posted through my letter-box, or given to someone to give it me by hand. Once again my thanks for all of you who contribute. I know it’s a bit of fun but it’s nice to know it’s appreciated.

David Bowman (Editor)