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Newsletter No 111 May 2005
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Click here for Newsletter in MS WORD format Dear FriendsI think that I should rename this column The View from My Window. Today, as I look out, I can see a stunning magnolia tree in full sparkling bloom in the morning sunshine. It is lit up like a firework and set against the backdrop of a mountain that is so familiar to me, I could draw it with my eyes shut. How many people are up there today, I wonder? You are right. This is not the view from the vicarage, which by now you all know so well, but that from my parents’ home in South Wales. My mother’ s pet blackbird is cavorting away on the lawn, no doubt waiting for his breakfast, while tits and other birds get on noisily with their homemaking. Everyone who comes to the house remarks on the lovely view; my father used to sit in this very spot and gaze for ages and ages. Today is a beautiful spring day, even though not a mile away my mother will be looking out from her hospital bedroom window. It faces the opposite direction, with different yet still familiar mountains. She will see things differently today. We all see things differently; we have different views and different points on which to stand, but the basic elements remain the same. The facts are that we have been given a sense of beauty and if we care to stop and take time to look, we will see beautiful things. We may differ in what we prefer, but we can recognise beauty. We can respond to beauty in the created world. Last month the world responded to beauty in one man as it reached out in the beauty of love to share in one of life’s most important and definite experiences – death. We may have different views of his ideas; we may worship differently, or not at all, but Pope John Paul II in his death pointed to the glory that is beyond death. Millions of people throughout the world shared this and wanted to say ‘thank you’. Even reporting journalists were astounded and, dare I say, moved by the whole proceedings. The Christian faith was personified; Pope John Paul II put Jesus first, he acted upon Our Lord’s commandment ‘love one another’. From the four corners of the earth people responded; from Africa with its poverty and sickness, from China with its history of oppression, from Europe with its crowned heads and affluence, from religious leaders, political leaders and heads of state. All were from different viewpoints, looking through different windows, but they were all able to respond to the love of God as revealed in Christ Jesus. That was what Pope John Paul so desperately wanted to show the world. How fitting it was that our own royal wedding was delayed for a day. After all the problems that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall had experienced over the years, all the hatred and vitriol, how necessary it was to be forgiven by Almighty God and the people. Now how good it is to know that forgiveness has been granted by God. I hope and pray that we will all find it in our hearts to forgive, not just national figures, but those with whom we meet and share our lives. God does. Why can’t we? Jane Knowles
From the Registers:Weddings:Clare and Alan Watts Ramsden, April 9
Georgina and Ian Moss Leafield, April 30
We pray for God’s blessing on Clare and Alan, Georgina and Ian as they begin their married life together Baptisms:Teagon Marie Coles Leafield, April 3 We welcome Teagon Marie into the family of the Church and pray that she will follow faithfully in the steps of Our Lord.
Local NewsEaster Procession
THE PARISH SHARE People often ask me what the parish share is and why we have to pay it. Each parish in this benefice is required to pay to the diocese a sum in the region of £10,000 a year. The amount is worked out by a system which includes, among other things, the number of people on our electoral roll. Because our electoral roll numbers are quite small, our parish share is relatively low. Sometimes people are shocked at the amount, until they realise how it is used. It is used:
The greatest proportion by far is used for clergy stipends. A criticism that is often levelled at the church is that it is rich. It was once, but in the same way that the stately homes of England have to find new ways of making enough money to be viable, so it is with the church. Very few of us object to having to pay an entrance fee for Blenheim palace or other historic buildings, and while some of the great cathedrals do charge an entrance fee, the little ancient churches up and down the country are free. They are there for all to worship in, privately or in a body. Clergy are there not just for times of crisis or celebration in our lives. Their primary work is to lead worship, teach in schools, encourage the faithful, preach the gospel, visit the sick, to comfort and do much more besides. Without the parish share, that could not be accomplished. So, thank you, all those people who contribute regularly to the church, particularly those who contribute by direct debit or other regular giving. Thank you also, our church treasurers who undertake the financial responsibilities with such expertise and commitment. Jane Knowles PCC NewsAt the recent meetings of the APCMs new officers were elected. In Finstock the Church Wardens are: Marion Miller and Gail Cole In Ramsden : Michael Deans and Damianthi Winder In Leafield, : Nicky Bentley and Ann Arkell Last month I wrote of the tremendous privilege and responsibility that rests with the church wardens. Today I’m sure you will all join with me in wishing them well in their posts and assuring them of our support and prayers. Members of the PCCs (Parochial Church Councils) were also elected, and these are people to whom your views can be expressed, so that they can bring them subsequently to the meetings. It is the PCCs that make decisions with regard to our church policies and church buildings, and so if you want your say, speak to PCC members, or offer to serve on a Parochial Church Council.
The clergy are all ex officio members of the PCCs. Good News from WilcoteAt the delightful fundraising concert held amid cherry blossom at St Peter’s Church, Wilcote on April 23, it was announced that English Heritage had agreed to a substantial grant towards restoration of the church, which dates from the 12th century. Such grants are only awarded if the parishioners raise sufficient money themselves to show their commitment. In this case English Heritage took the unusual step of congratulating the applicants, because there are only seven houses in this parish but they succeeded in raising £6,000. Other bodies making contributions include the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, the Doris Field Trust and Ramsden PCC. Apart from re-roofing (donate a slate and you can have your name on it for posterity…) and walls to be strengthened, there are conifers to be felled because they are threatening drains and foundations. There will be a new path suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and a new surface drain. Work not covered by the grant includes repairs to the floor, re-plastering because of rising damp, improvements to the vestry and a new cross above the arch. Dates For Your DiaryLeafield Dog Show and Fete May 14 In aid of the School, Playgroup and Church to be held on the Greens on Saturday May 14, starting at 2pm. Special attractions include Cheerleaders, Children’s Entertainers, Morris Dancers, Fairground Rides, Bouncy Castle, Fire Engine, Archery and all the usual stalls. Raffle tickets are available from the shop, and there are boxes in the shop and school for items for Tombola and other stalls. WANTED – Books, Plants, Bric-a-brac, Cakes, Raffle Prizes Any offers of help please to Joanne Williams (878 062) Tracey Steptoe (878 302) or Nicky Bentley (878 000) DOG SHOW entries from 1 30pm. Phone Joanne Williams (878 062) for more information
Blessing of Animals Service Leafield, May 22 at 10 30am Tell your friends and bring your pets!
VICAR’S WALKS So that everyone who wishes to take part has the opportunity to join this annual spring event, TWO Vicar’s walks are planned this May. The first is on Sunday May 15 from Finstock and the second on Sunday May 29 from Wilcote. Come and join us and bring a picnic !
Finstock ‘Serenata’ Concert June 11 At 7 30 pm in Holy Trinity Church, Finstock
Blessing of Finstock Church June 12 At 2 30 pm the Bishop is coming to bless the newly refurbished church. All welcome.
Editorial informationThe Church Newsletter is published at the beginning of every month except January and August (paper version, the web copy is published as soon as possible after these dates). In our four parishes: The Vicar is the Rev Jane Knowles,
The Associate Priest is the Rev Dr Brian Ford (Brian) The Curate is the Rev Sarah Jones
The Church Newsletter is published at the beginning of each month except January and August. Contributions by the 20th of the month please to
the editor: Email: jeanettecayley@hotmail.comNote: Contributions will be printed anonymously only if the vicar or the editor knows the identity of the contributor.
Newcomers to the BeneficeIf you are a newcomer to the benefice and would like to make contact with the various churches or organisations, if you have questions regarding baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc. or if you have any prayer requests, please contact the Revd Jane Knowles on 01993 868687. |
