Church OfficersRector: The Revd Derek A Baines – Tel: 01772 641521; E: baines5253@btinternet.comChurchwardensMr Eric Barker OBE JP – Tel: 614385; E: BARKER21@aol.comMr Robert Hawthornthwaite – Tel: 612952Churchwarden Emeritus: Mr William G Carr. Tel: 01772 615321. E: libcarr35@hotmail.comPCC SecretaryMrs Andrea Susnik – Tel: 615336; E: andrea.susnik@dwp.gsi.gov.ukPCC TreasurerMrs Barbara Wood – Tel: 617679: E: bw12252@sky.comDeanery Synod Representatives: Mrs Jane Elphick Stewardship Recorder/Gift Aid SecretaryMr Philip Norton – Tel: 07970 798345; E: filnorton@hotmail.comMagazine Editor Mrs Erika Penrose – Tel: 613816. E: jandepenrose@btinternet.com Magazine Secretary Mrs Elsie Kirkham – Tel: 615832.Flower SecretariesMrs Julie Bayldon – Tel: 613144 & Mrs Jean Aughton – Tel: 614598Electoral Roll SecretaryMrs Julie Tanham – Tel: 612992Verger: Mrs Irene Pickles – Tel: 615708 Assistant Verger: Mr Stuart Tighe – Tel: 612963Weekly Giving Envelopes: Please contact the Churchwardens.

OrganisationsSunday School – meets 10.15 in School, first three Sundays of the month.Leader: Mrs Kathleen Leigh – Tel: 612196. E: katleigh@live.co.ukHoole Church Ladies’ Group – meets 7.30pm, 3rd Tuesday, in School.Leader: Mrs Erika Penrose. Contact details as above.St Michael’s Men’s Fellowship – meets 7.30pm, 2nd Tuesday, in School.Secretary: Mr Stuart Tighe – Tel: 612963.Friends of St. Michael’s – Caring for the fabric of our ancient churchChairman: Mr Eric Barker – Tel 614385. Secretary: Mr David Turner – Tel 617485.Social Committee – Contact: Sheila Taylor, Tel: 616850Hoole St Michael C E Primary SchoolHead Teacher: Mrs Jo Duckworth – Tel: 613219.

1st St. Michael’s Hoole Scout and Guide Groups – Group Scout Leader: Mandy Clark – Tel: 01772 305452; E:gmjbclark@yahoo.co.uk.Church Websites: www.hoolevillage.com and www.hooleparishchurch.com

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The Rector’s Ramblings Haven’t

we been lucky with the “Indian Summer” with high(ish) temperatures running through September. We are constantly reminded of God’s bounty as we watch the harvest, the large number of spiders in all shapes and sizes (some are HUGE) and the birds flocking to plants and berries as well as bird tables & fruit which has dropped.

Our trip to the Holy Land reminded us that although we see all of this, there is mixed in all this bounty a substratum of tension in human kind. The recent conflict in the Gaza strip was not far from the minds of the people of Arab and Jewish origin and we saw events, which thankfully did not involve us, that reminded us of the volatile nature of relationships in that country.

We felt safe enough walking the market places in Jerusalem and other towns or villages and passed the time of day with those shopkeepers who spoke passable English. They have had a torrid time as cruise ships and pilgrimages have been absent for two months.

We see on the news the wars and conflicts that are going on and although we now see little of the stories about refugee camps, the 200 girls abducted from Nigeria and forced to convert to Islam, the groups of Christians on the mountains of Iraq chased by IS.

As Christians we should continually pray for them and not ‘drop them’ as the news channels do. God is working, we just cannot understand how.

At home the revamped benefits system affects so many. Difficulties with affording childcare means that mums now have to work more, and just recently there was a comment that although the country is beginning to develop financially wages have not kept up and people are, in real terms, poorer.

As a church we need to be very aware of this and part of our stewardship is to get up and ‘do’. We pray for assistance for

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these people, we provide donations of food to the food bank, we provide money to various charities abroad and at home. But do we keep our eyes open on our community, work with the Parish Council, volunteer to work in charities or simply keep an eye out for neighbours who have fallen on hard times, can we help with such things as driving and looking after the family?

At the end of Matthew’s Gospel we have the great commission to ‘bring others to God and baptise in my name’. In Chapter 25 verses 34 to 40 we are told that when we do something good for someone we do good for Jesus. The rest of the chapter is a “woe betide” passage for those who are complacent. I would like to think that we are ‘get up and goers’ with the things that are done by members of the parish but there is an element of the school report ‘could try harder’. Our stewardship campaign aimed to jog our minds as to the things that we can do as well as the finances, so let’s not lose momentum.

As we look at the world in its beauty, its terror and when we feel insignificant we need to pray for ourselves and for each other asking for God’s guidance in showing us what we can do to make this world a better place.

Don’t forget to enjoy the beauty, the newly ploughed fields, the birds, animals (and spiders) and enjoy what God has given us. We will see the results of our prayers in God’s time but need to work at it so that St Michael’s can be compared to the good things that come out of Matthew 5, verses 13 to 16.

We are a beacon for Christ in our community; let us shine brightly in his name.Your brother pilgrim,Derek

Looking back, with a glance forward!September saw Reverends Derek and Sharon lead a party

of 18 pilgrims to the Holy Land. This was a wonderful experience for all of us and many spiritual moments were experienced.

I am sure that the photographs and stories will be related as time goes on.

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I am grateful to the Reverends Tom Barnes, Marc Wolverson, Nick Mansfield and Graham Ashworth for covering and I have had many positive comments about their worship with you.

The social committee met and set up plans for various activities.

By the time this is published we will have held the school harvest plus our own service on the Sunday. Messy Church was well attended and the children presented a short puppet show of the Woman at the Well at the Family Praise service.

The Christianity Explored course looking at Mark’s Gospel in the context of today continues; it is not too late to join us, please ask Derek.

During October the Messy Church organisers meet (6th at 7.30 in church); please do consider joining us it is great fun, and many hands make light work.

Deanery Synod meets in Penwortham.

The harvest supper will be held on Monday 13th.

On 2nd November we will celebrate the work of the ‘Friends of St Michael in our 10.30 communion service. Friends are invited to join us. Please bring your friends along to see what secular activities take place in conjunction with the maintenance of our historic building and its place in our worship and Christian lives.

At 2.30 on 2nd November we will hold our annual memorial service for those who have been bereaved. A quiet and reflective service to which all who have been bereaved are invited – it doesn’t matter how long ago your loved one died, do join us.

Services for October:5th October – Trinity 16

9.00 BCP Holy Communion10.30 CW Holy Communion

3.00 BCP Evening Prayer4.00 Holy Communion (Old Mill Court)

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12th October – Trinity 179.00 BCP Holy Communion

10.30 Morning Prayer12.30 Baptism

19th October – Trinity 189.00 BCP Holy Communion

10.30 CW Holy Communion12.30 Baptism

3.00 BCP Evening Prayer

26th October – last after Trinity – Bible Sunday9.00 BCP Holy Communion

10.30 Family Praise

2nd November – 4th before Advent - All Saints9.00 BCP Holy Communion

10.30 CW Holy Communion2.30 Memorial Service – “In this life and the next”3.00 BCP Evening Prayer4.30 Holy Communion (Old Mill Court)

1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the monthMichael’s Club, our junior church for children from toddlers to teenagers opens at 10.15 in school and we finish the session in church with the congregation.

Every Monday (unless advertised otherwise)7.00 Evening Prayer

Every Thursday (unless advertised otherwise)10.15 Said Communion service

Every month on the 3rd Saturday (unless advertised otherwise)

3.30 Messy Church (in School)

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From the Parish Registers Holy Baptism “We welcome into the Lord’s Family”September

THOMAS ALLEN BRADSHAW, son of Clive Bradshaw and Joanne Bradshaw, of Penwortham

Holy Matrimony “Those whom God hath joined together”No weddings.

The Departed “Rest eternal grant unto them”August

MARY JOYCE WALMSLEY, aged 71, of Tarleton (formerly of Hoole). Church service followed by interment in the churchyard.

From the Register of Services

Attendance Communicants CollectionsAugust 31st 71 18 £366.50Sept 7th 72 64 £306.07

14th 80 25 £381.6121st 68 47 £375.95

Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals: £193.54.

Church Flowers RotaDate Arranger Donor PedestalOct 5th C Chestnutt & P Read Mrs Swarbrick

12th Mrs Crivaro Mrs Lawrenson19th A Slater & E Kirkham Mr & Mrs Taylor Mrs Houghton26th M Clarkson & J Smallwood

Nov 2nd L Redshaw Mrs Bracewell9th Remembrance

A Dalton & B Wignall Mr Dickinson S Pickles &J Dewhurst

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Sidespersons’ Rota Oct 5th 9.00 Mike Redshaw

10.30 Jean Aughton, John Aughton & Scott Eckersley3.00 Peter Smallwood

12th 9.00 Jeremy Leigh10.30 Norman Skellorn, Tom Wignall & Jock Davidson

19th 9.00 Ken Bishop10.30 Bill Carr, Beryl Blakeley & Peter Blakeley

3.00 Sylvia Douglas

26th 9.00 Rob McMurray10.30 David Turner, Lisa Turner & Ted Hopkins

Nov 1st 9.00 Mike Redshaw10.30 Jean Aughton, John Aughton & Paul Johnson

2.30 Memorial Service

Readers’ Rota If you cannot read as specified on the rota please find a substitute and inform a churchwarden of any changes.

9.00 10.30 3.00Oct 5 th --- J Elphick Exodus 20: 1-4, 7-9, 12-20M Redshaw S Eckersley Philemon 3: 4b-14

Rector Proverbs 2: 1-111 John 2: 1-17

Oct 12 th --- Margaret Kirkman Exodus 32: 1-14J Wilson J Dewhurst Philemon 4: 1-9

Oct 19 th --- J Ashcroft Exodus 33: 12-endS Tighe B Wood 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10

Rector Proverbs 4: 1-181 John 3: 16-46

Oct 26 th --- C Dalgleish Nehemiah 8: 1-4a & 8-12

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K Leigh S Dalgleish Colossians 3: 12-17

Nov 1 st M Redshaw C Bamber Revelation 7: 9-end--- T Hopkins 1 John 3: 1-33

2.30pm Memorial Service

A complete list of readings through the year can be found on the kitchen notice board.

Tea/Coffee Rota following our 10.30 servicesOct 5th Beryl & Rona

12th Althea & Erika19th Carole & Gill26th Pauline – extra volunteer needed here, please!

Nov 1st Beryl & Rona

If you are not available on the dates allocated or wish to change the published date, please could you find a replacement or arrange a swap.

We have lost a few volunteers since the refreshments facility started and really need more help. Please consider if you could give a little extra time to what is an enjoyable addition to the morning service. Contact Erika on 613816. PLEASE!

Ladies’ Group We enjoyed the talk and demonstration from Tiger Muffin

Soaps last month; the speaker was both interesting and entertaining and we were able to browse and buy some of the goods he had brought with him.

This month, on the 21st, we are inviting the Men’s Fellowship to join us for a talk entitled “The Real Robinson Crusoe” by speaker Brian Halliwell.

It will be the Ladies’ Group 40th anniversary next February and we shall be celebrating at the Rufford Arms on our meeting night that month. We are also organising a group photo shoot on Monday, 27th October in the school hall at 7.30pm and it would be wonderful if all our members could be there. Please put this in your diary and be sure to attend if at all possible. Peter Parker has kindly

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agreed to be our official photographer for the event. Erika Harvest Supper – “We’ll Meet Again” Wartime Theme – Monday 13th October in school

Yes, the Social Committee have been working hard again for us all and are presenting the Mawdesley & Neighbouring Villages U3A Folk Group together with a welcome return visit from the U3A Tappers! The supper will consist of hot pot pies and home-made cakes. There will be a raffle and you can even come along in war-time fancy dress. Tickets are £7.00 from Sheila Taylor or other members of the committee.

The Friends of St Michael – World War I Commemorative Concert – Friday 7th November at 7.15pm in church

The Charity Players will be presenting “Looking for Matthew”, a true story of a Lancashire mill girl’s journey to the Somme battlefields. St Leonard’s G&S Group will be presenting “The Best of British” featuring music from British composers or with a British theme. Light refreshments will be provided. The tickets cost £5.00 from the rear of the church or Friends’ committee members.

Another important message from our Treasurer:GIVING TO YOUR CHURCH……….  THE ENVELOPE SYSTEM

Don’t worry, this is not an appeal for more money, but for more information.

You will recall that in the September magazine I let you all know that I am updating our information and this is still ongoing.

My next appeal is for the “owners” of the following envelope numbers to PLEASE, PLEASE get in touch with me? ENVELOPE NOS: 5, 15, 46, 65, 76, 83, 92, 96 and 98

My email address and landline telephone no can be found in the front of the magazine.

All I am trying to confirm is that I have accurate information in relation to your name, address and tax payer status.

It is nothing to be concerned about and it would help me out very much indeed.

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  If you want to catch me at Church, I generally attend the 10.30 service and sit in the choir.. I am 5ft nothing, 62 yrs old, a little plumper than I would like to be and speak with a Geordie accent, that’s if you don’t already know me by sight… Barbara Wood Treasurer

A Message from the HeartCould I give a massive thank you to everyone involved

during the summer months in “church sitting”. That wonderful band of people who gave up their Wednesday and Saturday afternoons to keep the church open for casual visitors. Just to sit in church with their own thoughts, or to show people round this wonderful church that we sometimes take for granted. Having sat myself on several occasions I must admit it is a very rewarding way of passing a couple of hours, especially if someone has come all the way from Australia, America, London, or even Leyland just to take in the wonders that our little church has to offer. I have sat and shared time with some charming sitters and one again I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone involved. Bill Carr – Church Warden Emeritus

Diary (please also see Church Services on pages 4 & 5)Mon 13th Oct Harvest Supper – “We’ll Meet Again” wartime

theme in the school. Tues 21st Oct Joint Ladies’ Group & Men’s Fellowship

meeting at 7.30. Brian Halliwell speaking on “The Real Robinson Crusoe”

Sun 2nd Nov Holy Communion service with thanksgiving for the work of The Friends of S Michael.

Fri 7th Nov The Friends of St Michael: World War I Commemorative Concert in church.

Sat 8th Nov Christmas Fair in Old Mill Court , Walmer Bridge from 10am to 2pm. Everyone welcome.

Fri/Sat 14th/15th Nov Fairtrade Christmas Market from 10.00 to 5.30 in St Andrew’s Church Hall

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(Also see next three pages)

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St Leonard’s Penwortham

Church Hall

Barn Dance with

Hot Pot Supper!!

Saturday 18thOctober,

6.30-10pm

Limited tickets so get yours NOW!!

Adults £8 Children £6

Bar & Soft Drinks available

In This Life and the NextA Special Service to be held at The Parish Church of

St Michael & All Angels in HooleSunday 2nd November 2014 (All Saints)

at 2.30pmTo remember the departed (especially

those who have died recently) in prayer

To pray for those who are bereavedAnd

Pray in the light of the resurrection hope

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From the Parish Pump Editor: Here is the 10th in a 12-part series to mark the Centenary of the beginning of the First World War. They are written by David Winter, a former Head of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC, and will run throughout the year. (Jan-Dec 2014 inclusive.) If you would like a copy of any of the earlier articles in this series, please contact: mailto:anne@parishpump.co.uk. There is a graphic to go with this series – please see our illustrations for this month, or contact us and we will send it to you!

THE GREAT WAR: THE ‘CONCHIES’ For the first two years of the Great War the British Army was

made up entirely of volunteers. Urged on by wives and girl-friends, pressurised by public opinion and driven by patriotism, there was at first no shortage of young men willing to sign on and join the battle at the front. However, as casualties multiplied it became increasingly difficult to fill the gaps in the ranks. By 1916 the time had come, the Government decided, to introduce compulsory conscription.

Most men, even if reluctantly, complied. There was still a strong sense in the nation of a shared commitment to support our Allies and defend freedom. But there were some for whom military service raised fundamental moral, ethical and religious questions. In recognition of this, the Government agreed that those who could prove a genuine moral or spiritual objection to the very principle of war could register as ‘conscientious objectors’.

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Local boards were set up to interview men who wished to register as ‘conchies’, as they were popularly known, and up and down the land thousands of men appeared before them. Some were arbitrarily rejected, particularly those whose objections were basically political. Some were required to serve in the Army, but in a non-combatant role. And some - a substantial number - were registered as genuine ‘conscientious objectors’.

Of that number, probably a majority argued from a specifically Christian view-point. They felt that killing, even in a ‘just’ cause, was contrary to the teaching of Jesus. You can’t ‘love your enemies’ by killing them, they said. Some of these were Quakers - members of the Society of Friends - who instead volunteered for the Friends’ Ambulance Brigade, which did brave and dangerous work on the front line in France. No one could accuse them of cowardice.

The public as a whole were ambivalent about the ‘conchies’. By now Britain was a sorrowing land, with most families experiencing the loss of a son, husband, fiancé or nephew. In this community of shared grief there was a feeling that all should be committed to the cause and all share the pain. However, there was also a detectable strain of admiration for those who had the courage of their convictions, especially if they also committed themselves in some way to the common cause.

This was an issue that did not go away with the end of the war. Indeed, it resurfaced even more powerfully as the Thirties drew to a close and the Peace Pledge Union began to gather strength. ‘If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also’, said Jesus. But what if the ‘anyone’ strikes not mine but someone else’s cheek, or a child’s cheek, or my grandmother’s cheek? Do I stand helplessly by?

Perhaps in the end it’s good that there are people in the community to witness to the virtues of pacifism, alongside the rest of us, who would (reluctantly) take up arms in a just cause. There seems to me honour in both positions.

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Prayer intentions

Christians persecuted for their faith Christians who risk all by carrying a Bible Christians who have lost their lives or been

forced into slave labour because of their beliefs Ourselves and our journey of faith as we try to use our

personal relationship with Jesus to bring others to faith.

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Saint of the month:4th October St Francis

24th OctoberFelix of Thibiuca – the saint who would not give up his Bible

Do you value your Bible? If so, Felix of Thibiuca (247–303) is a good patron saint for you.

The year was 303, and Diocletian was emperor in Rome. In February he decided that Christians were NOT a good thing. So he issued an edict: all copies of the Christian scriptures and all liturgical books were to be surrendered and burnt. Diocletian had decided to ‘wind up’ this upstart religion.

The persecution began in Rome. By June of that year, the edict had reached North Africa, and Thibiuca, where Felix was bishop. Felix was arrested and interrogated. Yes, he said, he did have a copy of the Scriptures. No, he said, he would not hand them over.

Felix was a highly respected bishop, and even the authorities were loath to take immediate action against him. So they gave him three days’ grace to

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see sense, and back down. But Felix prayed and became only more certain that this was a conflict between the commandments of God and the commandments of men.

At the end of the three days Felix was referred to the proconsul. He still refused to hand over his Scriptures. His last words in public were memorable “God, I thank you. I have passed 56 years in this world. I have preserved my chastity; I have observed the Gospels; I have preached the faith and the truth. Lord God of heaven and earth, Jesus Christ, I bend my neck as a sacrifice for you, who abides for ever.” He was condemned to be beheaded at Carthage, and became one of the first martyrs to die under Diocletian.

Needless to say, Diocletian did not succeed in destroying the Scriptures. Today there are hundreds of millions of copies around the world, and this month, Sunday, 26th October, Christians will thank God for the Scriptures when they celebrate Bible Sunday.

31st OctoberAll Hallows Eve – or Holy Evening

Modern Halloween celebrations have their roots with the Celtic peoples of pre-Christian times.

In those long-ago days, on the last night of October, the Celts celebrated the Festival of Samhain, or ‘Summer’s End’. The priests, or Druids, performed ceremonies to thank and honour the sun. For there was a very dark side to all this: Samhain also signalled the onset of winter, a time when it was feared that unfriendly ghosts, nature-spirits, and witches roamed the earth, creating mischief. So the Druid priests lit great bonfires and performed magic rites to ward off or appease these dark supernatural powers.

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Then the Romans arrived, and brought their Harvest Festival which honoured the Goddess Pomona with gifts of apples and nuts. The two festivals slowly merged.

When Christianity arrived still later, it began to replace the Roman and Druid religions. 1 November - All Saints’ Day - was dedicated to all Christian Martyrs and Saints who had died. It was called ‘All Hallows’ Day’. The evening before became an evening of prayer and preparation and was called ‘All Hallows’ Eve’, The Holy Evening, later shortened to ‘Halloween’.

For many centuries, however, fear of the supernatural remained strong. During the Middle Ages, animal costumes and frightening masks were worn to ward off the evil spirits of darkness on Halloween. Magic words and charms were used to keep away bad luck, and everybody believed that witches ride about on broomsticks. Fortune telling was popular, and predicting the future by the use of nuts and apples was so popular that Halloween is still sometimes known as Nutcrack Night or Snap-Apple Night.

Today, Christians have learned to turn to prayer instead of charms to overcome the powers of darkness. And the deeper, true meaning of All Hallows’ Eve, should not be forgotten. As Christians, we all draw closer to Christ when we remember and give thanks for our loved ones and for others who have gone before us through the gates of death.

Do we take the Bible for granted?Parish Pump Editor: As we approach Bible Sunday on 26th October, we can easily take for granted our freedom to read the Bible in our mother tongue. Here David Williams, a former CMS missionary in the Church of Uganda, recalls the suffering endured by those who first translated the Bible into English, and remembers an occasion in modern times when the right of Christians in Uganda to read the Bible freely came under threat.

Do we take the Bible for granted?When we approach Bible Sunday, on the 26th October, we

remember our debt to those who first translated the Bible into English. We have so many different translations and paraphrases

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to choose from today. But the Bible had never been in our vernacular until John Wycliffe’s translation, completed with the help of others in about 1384. For this and criticism of the Church and its teaching, Wycliffe and his followers, the Lollard lay preachers, were condemned as heretics.

It was not until 1525 that William Tyndale’s translation of the Gospels into English was completed and printed, though still in defiance of the law in England. For this Tyndale was condemned and eventually burnt at the stake, in Antwerp, where he had worked in exile. Myles Coverdale continued Tyndale’s work and the whole Bible in English was printed in 1535, and eventually the English Bible became accessible to everyone who could read. It is a freedom we in Britain take for granted now. Though in parts of the world where Christians are persecuted minorities this freedom can still be denied.

Even in Uganda in 1972, a largely Christian country, a crisis arose in which the use of the Bible in public worship seemed under threat. President Amin had recently expelled all Israeli citizens from Uganda because he suspected Israeli military advisors of subversive activity.

Soon afterwards a Bible reading during Thought for Today, on Radio Uganda, quoted from the Old Testament that the People of Israel were coming into their Promised Land. Amin saw this as a modern day threat, and banned the name ‘Israel’ from being spoken in Uganda.

The Archbishop of Uganda, Erica Sabiti (the first Ugandan to be Archbishop), went to confront the President in his Command Post. The President repeated that the name Israel was never to be spoken. The Archbishop replied, ‘But your Excellency, the Children of Israel in the Bible is not the same as the State of Israel today.’‘I forbid it!’ the President repeated.

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‘Your Excellency, if you forbid us to speak the name Israel, you are forbidding us to use this book. The name Israel is written in the Bible from beginning to end.’

‘I forbid it!’The Archbishop, who was small in stature and quite frail,

held up a copy of the Bible in front of the towering form of the President. ‘Your Excellency, down the centuries Christians have been willing to die to defend the right to read this book. We are ready again.’

The President backed down. Thought for Today, however, was banned.

Parish Pump Editor: We continue this year’s series on HOPE, a national church initiative which encourages every church to reach out to its community…you may wish to discuss these ideas with your minister and church council. You may of course cut this article to suit the space that you have available.

Calling all choirs: sing Silent Night!This Christmas choirs all over the country can help

communities to remember a remarkable World War 1 event. Peace broke out in the trenches. There was no fighting for 24 hours. Enemies sang the much-loved Christmas carol, Silent Night, then they ventured out across No Man’s Land to exchange gifts – some even played football.

To mark the centenary of the 1914 Christmas Truce, a new verse and chorus has been written for Joseph Mohr’s famous carol, Silent Night, originally written in German as Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht. All over the country in schools, sports stadia, cathedrals and churches, choirs, congregations and sports fans will sing Silent Night as part of Silent Night Carols events.

The events have the backing of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, who is President of the Football Association. He says: ‘Even in the bleakest of times, Christmas offers peace and hope. This Christmas, the Silent Night carol services are a powerful way to remember the sacrifice made by so many in the Great War and to celebrate the peace we enjoy.’

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Silent Night Carols are part of HOPE’s Greater Love campaign, helping churches to serve their communities as the nation commemorates the centenary of the First World War. They have the backing of Sports Chaplaincy UK.

Through Silent Night Carols, HOPE is asking churches to raise funds for the work of Tearfund - as it brings hope to those affected by the war in Syria, particularly women and children. Copies of the free Silent Night Carols programme are available from www.silentnightcarols.org.

The words, music score for the carol and more information about holding a Silent Night Carols event are available at www.hopetogether.org.uk/christmas.

Endorsing the Greater Love campaign, Prince Charles said: ‘The centenary commemorations of the start of the First World War are a significant moment for us all to pause and remember the appalling sacrifices made by so many men, women, families and whole communities. Indeed one of my own great uncles was killed in the Battle of Loos in 1915. I am delighted therefore, that HOPE has brought together the churches, Christian ministries, and the military chaplaincies of all denominations to produce resources under the banner “Greater Love”. This is clearly a significant moment for the United Kingdom and, indeed, the Commonwealth and so I can only wish this initiative every possible success in its most laudable aims.’

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: ‘May God use the Church to serve communities as we pause to reflect on the human cost of war borne by a generation 100 years ago. May the Church be prepared to point beyond that pain to the greater healing and love that Jesus has for humanity and, in the two minutes of silence at the many remembrance events, may God speak loudly to hearts who long to know his peace and reconciling love.’

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, said: ‘We all want to move beyond war and conflict to build communities of reconciliation and peace. We have much to learn as we reflect on the sacrifices made by so many, from so many different communities around the Commonwealth. The ‘Greater Love’ resources from HOPE will help us all: individuals, schools,

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churches and communities - as together we engage with the commemorations in a meaningful way. I commend “Greater Love” to you.’

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From the Editor of the Parish Pump: The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’… If you would like a copy of our published booklet of Uncle Eustace’s letters, please email us at: mailto:enquiries@parishpump.co.uk

On the perils of being a school governor

The RectorySt. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren  I was interested to hear that from this academic year, your vicar has asked you to take his place as a school governor. A whole new world of exciting meetings is about to open up to you. Naturally, you will have been told that the governors only meet three times a year. You will probably not have been told that you will also be expected to be on at least two sub-committees, where you will be immediately asked to become secretary, as a way of getting to know the job. Add on training days, parents’ evenings, sports days, school socials, end of term services, charity events and accompanying classes on days out and you will begin to realise that your vicar’s suggestion was not as innocent as you may have thought.  Remember, too, that all meetings require you sit on chairs designed for 5 year-olds. You will then spend countless hours going through a 40 item agenda, trying to look dignified with your knees somewhere round your ears while drawing up school plans as if they were the Normandy landing. Be prepared to receive paperwork measured by the hundredweight; entire rainforests have been obliterated by your education authority sending what they

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seem to think is vital information; it does, however, make good cat litter.  Most meetings will be so full of acronyms that for the first few years you will have the feeling that conversation is taking place in a language that may bear a passing resemblance to English, but isn’t. There is little point in trying to learn what they all mean because before too long, they will all be replaced by another set anyway, which will be equally incomprehensible.  Your computer abilities will be expected to be far beyond what anyone over the age of 30 could ever be expected to achieve; if you sink without trace, ask a seven year-old, who will soon put you right.  You will also be encouraged to attend training days; I strongly suggest you select all-day events, as at least you will get a lunch out of it. You needn’t bother to arrive on time, since the first hour will be spent with everyone introducing themselves and you can leave early, as the final hour will go on filling in evaluation forms.  Just keep reminding yourself that your term of office is a mere five years; you may even get remission for good behaviour.Your loving uncle,Eustace

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Kids’ Corner

31st OCTOBER – ALL HALLOW’S EVEMany customs are linked with this day – most of

them because this was the ‘day before’. To the Celts it was the day before winter and the New Year officially began. In later years it became the day before, or eve of, the Christian festival of All Hallows, or All Saints’ Day.

The Eve of All Hallows (Hallow’s Eve gradually became the word ‘Halloween’) was the day for driving out evil – which makes it seem very strange now that some people ‘celebrate’ Halloween by dressing up as witches and monsters and having special parties.

Wouldn’t it be better for us as Christians to celebrate by dressing up as angels and saints rather than as ghosts and devils?

BEFORE & AFTERThe answer to these questions are either ‘befores’ or ‘afters’…

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1. What comes before thunder?2. What comes after red on traffic lights?3. What comes after Advent?4. What comes before green in the colours of the

rainbow?5. What comes after dusk?6. What comes after revision?7. What comes before a surname?8. What book comes before the Book of Ruth in the

Bible?9. What comes after Lent?10. According to the proverb, what comes before a

fall?

Why did the angel lose her job?She had harp failure.

How do angels greet each other?They say ‘Halo’.

Answers: 1. Lightning 2. Amber 3. Christmas 4. Yellow 5. Night 6. Exams 7. Fore or Christian names 8. Judges 9. Easter 10. Pride

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And finallyChurch Bulletin notes that didn’t quite work

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

Ladies, don't forget the jumble sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.

Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

Don't let worry kill you off – let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

Hereafter A vicar was talking to one of his parishioners. He said: "When you get to my age, you spend a lot more time thinking about the hereafter."

"What do you say that?" enquired the parishioner.

The vicar replied: "Well, I often find myself going into a room and thinking: whatever did I come in here after?"

(Hands up if you know the feeling!?!?!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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