The monthly magazine of

Bath Central United Reformed Church—30p

CONTACT

2017October

The Abbey

They thought things could not changeThe Abbey – always there;The mighty church, the nearby GrangeAll in the Abbott’s care.

The massive, lofty towersThe daily services rotesThat filled their time’s repeating hoursWith long familiar notes.

But then an angry kingTook issue with the PopeAnd soon those monks would cease to singAnd gone would be their hope.

Today there’s little signOf their monastic homeNo evidence of church or shrineJust ruined walls and stone.

So fix not life or loveUpon these things of earth;But look instead on things aboveOn God’s eternal worth.

By Nigel Beeton

Note: These are the Revised Common Lectionary Bible passagesas published in the URC Prayer Handbook

Lectionary ReadingOctober 1 – Harvest Festival: Genesis 8:15-22; Psalm 65;

Revelation 14:14-18; Matthew 13:24-33

October 8 – Pentecost 18: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19;Isaiah 5:1-7; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

October 15 – Pentecost 19: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23;Isaiah 25:1-9; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

October 22 – Pentecost 20: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99;

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

October 29 – Pentecost 21: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6,13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46

October 31 – Reformation Day: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 46;Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

Index

The date for contributions for the next CONTACT is17th October. It will be published on the 29th October.

Argyle Players .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16Bath Foodbank .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7Cartoon.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18Christmas Tree Festival .. .. .. .. .. 2Church Diary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11Church Meeting .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3Commitment for Life .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6Constance Coltman.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 13Crossword .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20Crossword Solution.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17Fire Alarms .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14Harlesden Men’s Fellowship .. .. 9Knit a Mouse.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 9

Midweek Communion .. .. .. .. .. 12Minister’s Letter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1Nightstop.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6One World Week .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 8Prayer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17Preaching.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10Rocha UK Eco Church .. .. .. .. .. 15Rubbish Collection Changes .. .. 5Rush Hill Walking Group.. .. .. .. 10Shoebox Gifts .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10St James the Least of All .. .. .. .. 19The Reformation Sermons .. .. .. .. 4Upton Cheyney .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12

09/2017 Page 1

Minister’s Letter

Dear Friends

Following the example of Rev Helen, I have been receiving the

URC daily devotions on my mobile phone. This method makes

prayer and bible study “on the move” very easy - when travelling

or waiting for a dental appointment for example!

For many weeks now the book of Acts has been the main subject

matter. Although already fairly familiar with this book, I have

discovered a few interesting facts they I had previously overlooked.

For example -

1. The name “Bernice” can be found in the bible (Acts 26: 30).

We find Bernice paired repeatedly with the governor, Agrippa,

so it is highly probably that she was his wife.

2. Paul had a sister and a nephew. We do not know their

names and they are only mentioned once, in Acts 23:16.

Neither of these facts are particularly significant but they

illustrate how we can go through life failing to noticing what is in

front of us. A phrase that has remained with me for many years is

— “If one thing matters then everything matters”.

This phrase was used as the title of an exhibition of work by the

Turner Prize winning artist Wolfgang Tillmans, in 2003. Artists

have the special gift of being able to see things in a different way,

and sometimes through their work, we are enabled to do so too.

Jesus used parables in the same way; deceptively simple stories

about everyday people, activities or objects, but with a twist. They

are designed to help us to see things in a different and truer way. ï

Page 2 09/2017

Jesus noticed people, especially seemingly unimportant people who

were living very ordinary lives.

No one was beneath His attention.

“If one thing matters then everything matters.”

If one person matters then everyone matters.

Rev Hazel

ï

Christmas Tree FestivalFurther planning work is underway regarding thisyear’s Christmas Tree Festival (previously ChristmasTree Trail)—with much to be done in contacting

participants and publicising the event.

As before it will be staged over four days and coincide

with the last weekend of the annual Bath ChristmasMarket. The dates for this year are Friday 8th toMonday 11th December 2017—so please put a note

in your diaries. Like last year, there will be two nominatedcharities—Julian House and the Bath Cancer Support Unit—bothdoing wonderful work in our community!

A number of new ideas are being considered, including activitiesfor children. The help and support of Church Members willagain be much appreciated.

Brian Campbell

Cover PoemNigel Beeton writes: Sometimes we come to rely on the things around us,

our church, our job, our home. We think they’ll always be there! Well, the

monasteries had stood for centuries, a way of life so firmly established thatI’m sure the monks believed it could never change. As Colossians 3:2 puts it:

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

09/2017 Page 3

The meeting was chaired by theRevd David Pattie. There were 15members present.

Worship was led by the RevdDavid, who also distributedleaflets regarding the recent URCinitiative entitled Walking theWay.

Prayers were expressed for anumber of church members withhealth difficulties, and for AnneFletcher and the Revd MaryPiggott.

Jenny Stephens drew attention tothe forthcoming One World Weekin November, and the continuingdepressing situation regarding theIsrael-Palestine dispute.

The church has been recognised asqualifying for the bronze EcoChurch Award [see page 15].

The church’s financial structurewas basically comparable withthat at the same time last year.The new fire alarm system hasnew been installed [see page 14].It was agreed that, subject to theagreement of the FinanceCommittee, a gift day aimed atalleviating the considerable costmay be organised.

The roofing over the emergency

exit (from the Tovey and Argylehalls) needs to be replaced.Scaffolding will be needed.

A long-standing problem with themanse telephone and broadbandcommunications has beenresolved.

Changes to waste collectionservices are necessary, see page 5.There will be a sanctuary clean onSunday, 12th November.

Thanks was expressed to BrenaPeregrine who for many years hasorganised the rota for bringingforward the communion elements.

It was agreed that considerationbe given to an appropriate date onwhich to invite members of UptonCheyney Church to a service atCentral.

The Christmas service will be heldon Sunday, 24th December: therewill be no evening service.

The next Church Meeting wasscheduled for Tuesday, 14thNovember at 2.30pm, to bepreceded by an Elders meeting at2.00pm.

The meeting concluded with thesaying of the Grace.

Church Meeting: Tuesday, 19th September

Page 4 09/2017

The Reformation“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,

I would still plant my apple tree”, so said Martin Luther.

Martin Luther may or may not have planted an apple tree, buthe most certainly planted the seeds of world-wide, ongoing

reformation. This great reformation reshaped his world, andcontinues to reshape the world to this very day.

During the month of October 2017 Christians around the globe

remember and celebrate the moment when the monk, thinkerand theologian, Martin Luther, published his ‘95 Theses’,attacking papal abuses and the sale of indulgences.

Luther had come to believe that Christians are saved throughfaith and not through their own efforts and the promotion of

that ideal proved as revolutionary as it was profound. Nothing,in church circles, was ever to be the same again.

During this month in each of our congregations Rev. David will

bring a ‘Martin Luther themed service’ where we can remember,learn about and celebrate the life of this great ChristianReformer.

• Central - October 1st• Rush Hill - October 8th

• Larkhall - October 15th - 6:30pm Service

These services will include the sacrament of communion.

“Christians appreciating Judaism”

A day conference for Christian clergy and leaders in Bristol is beingorganised by the Avon Council of Christians and Jews. A Rabbi willtalk about some of the key issues being discussed in Judaism in this

country today and a Christian minister will challenge attendees to checkwhether there is still anti-Jewish bias in Christian services and ideas.

Peter Henderson, Synod Pastoral Advisor-Somerset from an email

09/2017 Page 5

Rubbish Collection ChangesAs you all know the way household waste in Bath is collected will

change the week beginning 6th November. Unfortunately thismeans the church will no longer be able to use the domestichousehold waste service as we need our rubbish collected more

than once a fortnight, and as the church, in any case, is notentitled to use that service—the Council treat churches asbusinesses so we should be paying for our rubbish to be removed.

The Finance Committee has obtained quotes from variouscontractors, including the Council, and decided to use Hills as

they take mixed dry recycling, collect in the morning rather thanthe evening, do not tie us in to a fixed contract, and are actuallythe cheapest option. It is difficult to estimate how much per

annum this is going to cost us, but an estimate of about £2,000 p.a.seems reasonable.

Food waste, of which we do not have much, will now have to go

into the general waste as it is not worth paying for a special foodwaste collection. Dry mixed recycling comprises printing paper,food tins, drink cans, plastic bottles, cardboard, newspapers,

magazines, plastic milk cartons, aluminium foil and trays—allshould be clean. Large pieces of cardboard can be tied together

with a recycling bag attached.

Further details will be given in the November Contact on exactlyhow we shall manage the collection of waste internally. It is

essential that all of Hills bags are full before they are put out forcollection as we are paying for the service at the rate of £2.40 perbag for general waste and £1.20 per bag for recycling (both

inclusive of VAT).Sheena Carter

Convener of House Committee

Sanctuary Clean — Sunday, 19th November.

Page 6 09/2017

Continuing the theme of‘Anniversaries’, the latest ‘MovingStories’ (pinned up on noticeboard, please borrow) tells us thatJune 2017 marked the 50th year ofIsraeli occupation of the WestBank and Gaza following the 1967war. It is also the 10th year of theblockade of Gaza, which isbasically one huge refugee camp.And in November it will be 100years since the BalfourDeclaration, which offered ahomeland for Jews but also statedthat the Palestinians who hadlived there for generations shouldhave an equal right to the land.Sadly the situation was neverresolved, as we know, and it willsoon be the anniversary of 1948when violence erupted,Palestinians were displaced andthe British mandate withdrawn.

Moving Stories gives a disturbingaccount of what is going on rightnow with demolitions,displacements etc. making way forillegal settlements “accelerating inan unprecedented manner”.There is a very poignant and sadpiece written by a teenager livingin Ramallah describing what life islike for him and his family. Hewrites that “Peace, a just peace , isthe only solution to bring security toPalestine and Israel. War won’t help.There are no winners in war, onlylosers, the innocent civilians fromboth sides.” There will doubtlessbe many programmes andconferences on the same themethis autumn. There is a lovelyprayer by Jan Sutch Pritchard aspart of a service outline in MovingStories, found also atpaxchristi.org.uk/campaigns.

Commitment for Life

Could you volunteer with Nightstop?Bath Nightstop is a YMCA run project providing a warm bed and ahot meal for young people who have nowhere safe to sleep. Werecruit and train volunteers from the local community who have spare

rooms in their homes with expenses reimbursed. Do you have a spareroom: could you offer it to a vulnerable young person for a night?Contact nightstop@bathymca.co.uk or call on 01225 325912.

To find out more about us visit: www.bathymca.co.uk/nightstop

09/2017 Page 7

The Bath FoodbankMildred McArthur thanks everyone for their support of the Foodbank.

The following statement has been received from Nick Beach, FoodbankChurch Co-ordinator.

In the year 2016-17 we have seen a consistent increase in the use

of the Foodbank with 3010 people being given a food parcel of 3meals per day for 3 days, an increase of 13.33% over the previousyear. So far this calendar year the general use increase is 40%

higher in the last 6 months than in the corresponding period lastyear and we give out between 300 - 350 parcels each month.

Whilst we would have liked to see a fall in the use of theFoodbank, the reality is that due to benefit changes, the converseis the case, and there is no indication of a reversal in this trend.

Fortunately, due to the generosity of the local community, wehave been able to meet the need. For example in the calendar year2016 we received over 34 tonnes of food and gave out 37 tonnes!

And in July this year we gave out food totalling 5.22 tonnes andin August 3.5 tonnes.

The pilot school project was very successful and shows how

needed it is - because many families rely on school lunches tofeed their children in term time. We piloted 8 schools and gave

out 197 parcels feeding 560 children.

The work of the Foodbank is possible because not only of thelarge number of dedicated volunteers (we have no paid

employees) but also because of the incredible generosity of thepeople of Bath and we thank you so much for your generosity.

Nick BeachFoodbank Church Co-ordinator

MusicTwo young vegetarians were getting married and had to choose their wedding

music. The minister suggested the voluntary: ‘Sheep may safely graze.’

Page 8 09/2017

Bath Concertino Concert Saturday, October 14, 7.30pm

St Bartholomew’s, King Edward Road, Bath

Conductor: Tim Robb; Violinists: Ruth O’Shea & Sara Stagg

Ancient Dances and Airs, Suite III .. .. RespighiSerenade for flute, viola and ‘cello .. .. .. Paul CarrConcerto for two violins .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. JS Bach

Verklarte Nacht (Transfigured Night) .. Schoenberg

Admission: £10 by programme on the door: Accompanied children free

In aid of the Dorothy House Foundation

One World Week: 22-29 OctoberGOOD NEIGHBOURS —My World Depends on Us

Being a “good neighbour” means much more than just beingquiet and unobtrusive... It includes actively looking out for ourneighbours to ensure their needs are met. It applies at personal,

local, national and international levels.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have identifiedthe needs of our global neighbours. Governments around the

world, including that of the UK, have pledged to address them.

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable

Development, with its 17 goals. These goals are:

1: No Poverty; 2: Zero Hunger; 3: Good Health and Well-being;

4: Quality Education; 5: Gender Equality; 6: Clean Water and Sanitation;7: Affordable and Clean Energy; 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth;

9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; 10: Reduced Inequalities;11: Sustainable Cities and Communities;

12: Responsible Consumption and Production; 13: Climate Action;14: Life Below Water; 15: Life on Land;16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions; 17: Partnerships for the Goals

09/2017 Page 9

Could you knit a mouse?At our Christmas Tree Festival this

year we will have a “mouse hunt”for children. For this, we need lots

of knitted mice! The Cats ProtectionLeague (CPL) has produced a free knitting pattern; mice madeusing this pattern will be sent to the CPL after our event.

Can you help by knitting a mouse? —striped or plain in anycolour. I will supply the pattern on request (or you can find it on-line). I am also willing to fill and sow-up any knitted mice sent to

me by 15th November. Better still, if you are happy to complete amouse yourself, you have until the end of November.

Rev Hazel

Harlesden Men’s Fellowship Visit 2nd SeptemberThe following message was sent to Bill Richardson by RevdDonald W Elliott [of St Margaret’s & St George’s United Reformed

and Moravian Church]:

Thank you and Ron Turner for our splendid day out on Saturday. Theweather was glorious of course, but the visits to the church and city

centre were equally so.

Thank you for your welcome and hospitality and giving us so much timeand information and humour. We were well impressed with the beauty

and condition of the church and were greatly stimulated by the colourscheme and finishes. We do indeed pray for the mission of the

congregation as your leaflet

The city is of course glorious and we learned such a lot, not least aboutwindows and privies! You may be interested to know that our day

finished with participation in Choral Evensong in the fantastic Abbey.

For all these blessings, we thank you.

Page 10 09/2017

Rush Hill WalkingGroup

The Walking Group at Rush Hillhas been severely depleted this

year owing to various healthproblems, meaning that somemembers have had to give up the

weekly walk altogether. We hada dozen members, which wasample, but we’re now down to 5,

and, of course, we can’t all be outevery week. So is there anyone atCentral who would like to join

us?

We meet at 9.30am every

Thursday, and do a 3-4 mile walkfollowed by lunch at a nearbypub. Female walkers would be

particularly welcome as we arerather male dominated atpresent, but anyone interested

will be warmly welcomed.Audrey Child.

Shoebox GiftsI should like to remind you about

the shoebox appeal.

Shoeboxes should be in fordedication on 5th November.

Boxes will be available, althoughyou can cover your own shoeboxwith Christmas paper if you wish.

All items should be new. Thereare leaflets available which gives

gift suggestions and also detailswhat should not be included.

Please also note that a minimum

donation of five pounds shouldbe included to help withtransport costs. Some of the older

leaflets have three pounds as thesuggested donation. You can stilluse these leaflets but the donation

is now five pounds.

Please do a shoebox if you can.

It’s such a brilliant cause.Peter Rouse

Preaching at Rush Hill and Larkhall

Rush Hill 10.30am Larkhall 11.00am Larkhall 6.30pm

Oct 1 Mrs Margaret White Revd Helen Pattie Mr Paul Swift

Oct 8 Revd David Pattie Mr Peter Swift Mr Clive Illman

Oct 15 Revd Helen Pattie Revd Dr Hazel Starritt Revd David Pattie

Oct 22 Mr Peter Rouse Revd David Pattie Mr Norman Palfrey

Oct 29 Revd Dr Hazel Starritt Revd G White Revd G White

09/2017 Page 11

Church Diary – OctoberEvery Friday 10.30am Friday Coffee in the Argyle Hall.

Sunday 1st 10.30am Communion Service: Revd David PattieFoodbank & Traidcraft

Tuesday 3rd 2.30pm Women's Guild: Sam Packer - Mexico

Sunday 8th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Helen Pattie

Tuesday 10th 10.30am Bible Study in the John Willams Room

2.30pm Elders’ Meeting

Sunday 15th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd David Pattie

Sunday 22nd 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Dr Hazel Starritt

Tuesday 24th 10.30am Bible Study in the John Willams Room

2.30pm Men‘s Fellowship: Tim Kingham - Water

Sunday 29th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Ray Adams

NovemberSunday 5th 10.30am Communion Service: Revd Helen Pattie

Foodbank & Traidcraft

Tuesday 7th 10.30am Bible Study in the John Willams Room

2.30pm Women's Guild: Dr Ann Thorsby -The genre of Fairy tales

Sunday 12th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd David Pattie

Tuesday 14th 2.00pm Elders’ Meeting

2.30pm Church Meeting in the Tovey Hall

Sunday 19th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Dr Hazel Starritt

The glassTo the optimist, the glass is half full. To the pessimist, the glass is half empty.

To the engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

Page 12 09/2017

September Midweek CommunionThe September service celebrated harvest, with an attractive

display of bread, grapes and apples created by Margaret Rouse,but the Revd David did draw our attention to the fact that, whilewe in the West can celebrate the gathering of crops from land and

sea, many millions have nothing to celebrate due to drought orfamine. Many in other parts of the world rely on the crumbs andleft-overs donated by the “First world”, which should be given

much less grudgingly than is too often the case.

As usual the cakes and scones went down well afterwards and

conversation flowed—it was clear that people were reluctant toleave! It should be stressed these services are not just for thehouse-bound—they are for anyone who would like to come along

to what is always a very agreeable occasion. The next MidweekCommunion is on 20th December. Hope to see you there!

Sheena Carter

Upton Cheyney UR ChurchIn response to the kind invitation five members for Central URC

joined the congregation of Upton Cheyney for their 195th

Anniversary. The service, titled ‘Poetry Please’ was led by theirminister, Rev Meryl White, with electronic accompaniment for the

hymns. It worked well and was a new experience, at least, forme. Various members read poems, favourites from childhood orparents, about gardens, about life in general, and finally for an

80th birthday form his sister-in-law—there was so much toaccomplish we should live to be 104. As always, we were given a

very warm welcome and enjoyed a good tea and lots of chat. Weere glad to have been there, a happy time on what was a dull, wetafternoon.

Morfydd Jones

09/2017 Page 13

Centenary of the Ordination ofAlthough we at Central celebrated the centenary of Constance

Coltman’s ordination in June, the actual day was on the 17th ofSeptember. She was the first woman to be ordained in amainstream church in the UK. I was fortunate enough to be at the

centenary Thanksgiving Service in London which was held at theAmerican International Church in Tottenham Court Road. Thiswas led by Ms Karen Campbell in a warm lively manner and the

Communion presided over by the URC Deputy General SecretaryMs Francis Brienen and the Revd Dr Janet Wootton of the

Congregational Federation. The preacher was the Revd Dr SusanDurber who spoke about Constance Coltman as a remarkablepioneer and the ways in which we can all be “the first” for

someone (e.g. the first to welcome a newcomer to a service).There was time to chat over a cup of tea at the end and I met somefriends I had not seen for years.,

One of the hymns had been written especially for the centenaryby Alan Gaunt with this final verse:

Thank God, for these hundred years, women ordainedhave shared the whole Gospel: inspired Spirit-led!

Praise God for the ministry women now share;proclaiming the Word; yes, and breaking the bread.

Mary Ede

My grateful thanks to all the people who have helped with myrecent failing in health. No plea has gone unanswered. Many peoplehave collected prescriptions and done essential shopping. Also I havehad many phone calls to enquire about my health.

What would I have done without you all?

Brena Peregrine

Page 14 09/2017

Fire AlarmsOver some time it became obvious (to those who know about

such things!) that the elderly fire alarm system, serving theChurch and its halls, was coming to the end of its useful life.Unreliability is definitely something not required in such a

system, and this was clearly a attribute possessed by the existinginstallation. The only long term solution had to be thereplacement of the whole system since the alternative would be

the closure of the building by the Fire Authority, and the loss ofour Insurance cover.

An eventual cost in the region of £16000 was agreed, and

specialist contractors carried out the work during August.However, this could not have happened without the good offices

of two of our Church members. Using his considerableknowledge and skills of his daytime job Roy Short put in manyhours of work drafting tender documents, sourcing suitable

contractors, preparing contracts, and carrying forward the manycomplex aspects of the works, to make sure that all would bedone to satisfy the various fire regulations required for a

building to which the public has access. George Gove, whocould rightly be termed the Church’s Fire Officer, having looked

after every aspect of fire prevention in the building over manyyears, also spent considerable hours in the property while theContractors were working, arriving when they did at 7.00am,

negotiating with them as required, and overseeing the work onbehalf of the Church.

The sterling work of these two gentlemen has ensured that now

we have a building safe for many years into the future. Fanfaresand medals to both!

Michael Hatherill-BurgessChairman. Buildings’ Committee

09/2017 Page 15

Bronze Award - A Rocha UK Eco ChurchThe Church has recently received its

Bronze award—together with acertificate, following the completion ofan online survey, as part of the Eco

Church award scheme. Anannouncement and presentation wasmade as part of the Harvest Service on 24th September.

A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working for the protection andrestoration of the natural world under the banner of ‘caring for

God’s earth’. It is responsible for managing the scheme inpartnership with Christian Aid, the Tear Fund, the MethodistChurch, and the Anglican Church amongst others. Its Eco

Church award scheme has been running for just under two yearsand succeeds an earlier project started by Churches Together inBritain and Ireland.

A number of opportunities exist in addressing the issues raised—perhaps forming a small group from among interested Churchmembers. Further information will be available shortly. The

silver and gold scheme awards await!Brian Campbell

A message from Vitalie Duporge of Genesis Trust Bath:

The Bath Foodbank are looking for new volunteers to help at theWarehouse in Batheaston Tuesday or Thursdays, 10am to midday.Please contact Warehouse Manager Peter Cottell for more

information: pete.bathfb@gmail.com.

SticksLong ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called

witchcraft. Today, it’s called golf.

Page 16 09/2017

Playing Shakespeare is a somewhat specialist activity,and one not

embarked upon by many amateur theatre groups, partly becauseof the distinctive technique required to declaim the 16th centuryprose on stage, partly because the plays appeal to a niche

audience, but mostly because the Bard’s plays involve aconsiderable number of men, not usually available to most drama

societies. Of course modern thinking indicates that all theatricalparts should be ‘gender neutral’. However, for most of thegeneral public it is still difficult, not to say irritating, to find a

female playing one of Ceasar’s assassins, or Juliet’s confessor FriarLawrence appearing as a lady cleric. So it is that the drama groupfeatured in The Argyle Players’ Autumn production are in trouble

even before rehearsals commence.

‘Bunch of Amateurs’ tells the tale of the Stratford Players (based in

a village in Norfolk, and not at the more well-known MemorialTheatre in the eponymous town) who have embarked upon ‘KingLear’ without being able to cast the lead role. With the use of

modern communications they cast their net widely and attractinterest from the other side of the Atlantic.

Riding to their rescue comes Jefferson Steele (played by Michael

Davis) a seasoned actor, but one without a great deal ofknowledge of the play or its author. The ‘Alarums & Excursions’that proceed thereafter make for an evening of delightful comedy

to cheer the dark days of Winter.

Adrian Brettell’s production of Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s

epic runs from the 6th to 9th December on the Tovey Hall stage,each evening at 7.30pm. Advertising material and tickets will beavailable shortly. Don’t miss out on an evening of sparkling

entertainment.Michael Burgess

1954 –The Argyle Players

- 2017

09/2017 Page 17

The following is the collective prayer for thismonth. We ask you to join us in prayer on the third

Wednesday of the month—18th October. We shallpray at 7.30am and/or 7.30pm: please join us.

Last Months Crossword

Across: 1 Also 3 Offering 9 The Magi 10 Rules11 Soper 12 Help me 14 Isaac and Jacob 17 Scorch19 In man 22 Loads 23 Inertia 24 Vicinity 25 Belt

Down: 1 Artistic 2 Sleep 4 Faith in Christ 5 Enrol6 Islamic 7 Gasp 8 Fabric 13 Abundant 15 Archaic

16 Jailer 18 Resin 20 Mitre 21 Slav

A Prayer for OctoberLord God,

The seasons are changing, let us not be sadat leaving summer behind, but let us rejoice inthe beauty of the autumnal colours which

surround us, and in the beauty of all nature.Let us give thanks for all that we have.

Let us pray for other peoples in the world

who are suffering from the effects of globalwarming.

May Your presence be known to them

and may You alleviate their suffering.Amen.

Prayers

Each week we pray for:

1st OctoberThe Banking teams

From those who use ourhalls: The Meditationgroup.

8th OctoberThe Baptism Steward,Sheena Carter.

From those who use ourhalls: Headway.

15th OctoberThe Bible reading co-ordinator, Hazel Short.

From Churches Togetherin Bath - NexusMethodist Church,Walcot.

22nd OctoberThe Bible Study group.

From those who use ourhalls: The Jane AustenDancers.

29th OctoberThe BuildingsCommittee.

From those who use ourhalls: Julian House andthe Bath ChurchesHousing Association.

Page 18 09/2017

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“Wait a moment, dear, this isn’t a tourists’ attraction ratingsguide, it’s a Health and Safety warning!”

09/2017 Page 19

My dear Nephew DarrenHaving informed you of why clergy

must always wear black shoes in church,my belief is that all those who hold anyoffice in church should be similarlydressed.

Altar servers have the tendency toarrive wearing what I am informed arecalled trainers. Were they black it wouldbe tolerable, but they seem to be withoutexception either brilliant white orluminous pink. When they arrive soattired I insist they remove them and servein the sanctuary in their socks. Since ourchurch floor is several degrees colder thanpermafrost, it normally takes them the restof the morning with their feet in a bucketof hot water before circulation returns.They do not make that mistake a secondtime.

The rule applies to members of thechoir also; my only concession is thatladies are allowed to wear shoes with heels.But that can present its own hazards.Miss Threlfall recently appeared in heelsthat, by chance, were the exact size andshape of the holes in our beautifulVictorian heating gratings in the navefloor. During the procession at the start ofthe Service, her heel wedged in one. She isa lady of some determination and refusedto stop, thereby holding up the processionand letting the congregation knowsomething was amiss. So she proceeded,now with a twelve inch square cast iron

grid firmly attached to her foot. As shegallantly clanked up the aisle, rockingslightly since one leg was now severalstones heavier, one of our basses,completely innocent of what hadhappened, stepped into thin air. Half of hisbody disappeared vertically downwards asthe other half proceeded in a horizontaleasterly direction, scattering tenors likeskittles. I continue to visit him in hospital.

Our organist arrives wearing blackshoes, but once hidden in the organ loft,removes them and plays the organ in softshoes. Or he did; these days he neverremoves his shoes at all. At Evensong onSundays, my dog comes with me to swellthe congregation and wanders round thechurch benignly as the Service progresses.After one Service, our organist came toretrieve his shoes only to find themmissing. Their absence was inexplicable -until two weeks later when I found themburied in the Rectory rose garden.

Churchwardens, of course, know therules for correct footwear - that is whythey have been elected to serve in such adistinguished office - although I do feelthat Admiral Hopkinson’s practice ofwearing white spats on top of his shoeswhen the bishop is here, a little excessive -even rather flash.

Maintaining this dress policy once youhave your own church, will bemaintaining the true faith.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

St James the Least of All by the Rev Dr Gary Bowness

On the perils of trainers, high heels and soft shoes in church

The elderly Anglo-Catholic vicar, Eustace, continues his correspondence to Darren,his nephew, a low-church curate recently ordained…

Page 20 09/2017

Crossword From

Parish Pump

Across1 The sixth disciple (Matthew

10:3) (11)9 ‘And lead us not into

temptation, but deliver usfrom the — — ‘ (Matthew6:13) (4,3)

10 Love intensely (Song ofSongs 1:4) (5)

11 From Mt Carmel to Jezreel,Elijah — all the way(1 Kings 18:46) (3)

13 One of the Midianite leaderswho was captured and killedafter Gideon’s victory in thevalley near Moreh (Judges7:25) (4)

16 Metallic element (4)17 At line (anag.) (6)18 ‘Cursed is everyone who is –

on a tree’ (Galatians 3:13) (4)20 Where Samson killed a

thousand Philistines with adonkey’s jawbone (Judges15:14) (4)

21 He succeeded Moses(Deuteronomy 34:9) (6)

22 ‘When he saw him, he took —on him’ (Luke 10:33) (4)

23 ‘For — is the gate and broad isthe road that leads todestruction’ (Matthew 7:13)(4)

25 ‘The god of this — has blindedthe minds of unbelievers’ (2Corinthians 4:4) (3)

28 Fear or terror (Psalm 31:22)(5)

29 ‘We, who are many, are onebody, for we all — of the oneloaf’ (1 Corinthians 10:17) (7)

30 Assyrian ruler assassinated byhis sons while worshippinghis god Nisroch (2 Kings19:37) (11)

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10

11 12

13 14 15 16

17

1918 20

23 2422

21

25 26 27

28 29

30

Down2 ‘For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made — ‘

(1 Corinthians 15:22) (5)3 ‘After supper he — the cup’ (1 Corinthians 11:25) (4)4 The request of a man of Macedonia in Paul’s vision:

‘Come — to Macedonia and help us’ (Acts 16:9) (4)5 He disobeyed his father Judah by refusing to impregnate

his dead brother’s wife (Genesis 38:9) (4)6 I veto me (anag.) (7)7 Fourth king of Judah (1 Kings 15:24) (11)8 Priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram (Genesis

14:18) (11)12 ‘I have made you – – for the Gentiles’ (Acts 13:47) (1,5)14 Implore (1 Samuel 15:25) (3)15 ‘Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the — ,

something sweet’ (Judges 14:14) (6)19 ‘I am the most ignorant of men; I do — — a man’s

understanding’ (Proverbs 30:2) (3,4)20 ‘Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under

— , but under grace’ (Romans 6:14) (3)24 Native of, say, Baghdad (5)25 The last word in the Bible (Revelation 22:21) (4)26 Heroic tale (4)27 ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you

— ‘ (John 8:32) (4)

ActivitiesSunday Worship: 10.30am Family Worship for all ages.

Church Meeting: Third Tuesday of alternate months at 2.30pm (Jan on)

Elders’ Meeting: Second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm

Women’s Guild: Secretary: Mrs Gillian SwiftFirst Tuesday each month at 2.30pm

Men’s Fellowship: Programme Secretary: Mr John OsborneFourth Tuesday each month at 2.30pm

Allsorts Group: Contact: Mr Paul Swift Third Saturday each month

Argyle Players: Secretary: Mrs Helen Brettell Thursdays at 7.30pm

Argyle String Orchestra: Church Contact: Martin Cawte

Thursdays at 7.30pm

CommitteesBuildings:Convener; Mr MHH Burgess: Secretary; Mr RM Short

House: .. ..Convener; Mrs Sheena Carter Secretary; Mrs Angela Campbell

Finance: ..Convener; Mr RB Turner: .. .. ..Secretary; Mr WE Richardson

Copy in most formats is acceptable, from manuscript to email

(martin.cawte@btinternet.com).

Please note the copy and publication dates.

Editor: Martin Cawte, 6 The Chestertons, Bathampton, Bath BA2 6UJ a469807

Ministers: Revds Helen & David Pattie .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 331952

Revd Dr Hazel Starritt.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01373 467814Senior Elder: Jane Tollyfield .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 312871

Church Secretary (Worship): Peter Rouse .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 332760Church Treasurer: Brian Campbell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 463989

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Central United Reformed Church, Argyle Street, Bath BA2 4BA

Postal address: Central URC, Grove Street, Bath BA2 6PJ a310050

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