BIBLE STUDY AND REFLECTION

Either by using the booklet available in church or by logging onto the HPC web site at https://impressionsfromstpetes.wordpress.com/, daily reflections focuses on the readings from the following Sunday. There is usually a thought and a prayer from each day and may be used in conjunction with the daily prayer.

There are, as ever, the current Sunday reading and notice sheet to take and dwell upon as the week progresses, perhaps recalling the words of that particular Sunday Sermon.

DOING

A form of Lent observance you might want to try is though ‘doing’.

There will be a parish walk during Lent and also crosses to sand and prepare for the ‘Crafters and Grafters Group’. Finally, there is a simple list of tasks you may wish to do during Lent that could benefit yourself and church. The chapel at Lincoln Theological College had words above the door as you enter and as you left. One side said ‘Prayer is Work’ and the other ‘Work is Prayer’. There are a range for jobs you may like to do to during the Sunday worship or some small maintenance or cleaning task within St. Peter’s or in the surrounding garden area.

Join in and grow a little this Lent.

The Resources - prayer cards, books ,CDs , DVDs, patterns and material and

bible study note are available from the parish office, at Sunday Service or

can be purchased off of the internet.

How are we to mark our observance of Lent in 2017? Perhaps we can see a Holy Lent as taking on a task by which we may learn a little, question ourselves, pray some and prepare for Holy Week and Easter.

What is it that we do differently in the season of Lent? Our aim should be to take to heart the call to repentance and acceptance of forgiveness. The outcome? We should grow in faith and love of God.

This year's Lent observance is presented as a wide range of resources that can be used on your own or within a group of friends. It is hoped that people will be tempted to dip their toes into reading, watching, listening, doing & therefore meditating on God.

PRAYER

A short daily prayer is available for use during Lent. This resource may be just the start of a conversation by which you may be inspired to use some of the other resources.

As part of the daily prayer you may use the prayer below a prayer that places at the centre of Lent the growth of the faith, in St. Peter’s and at the heart of individuals of faith.

O God who alone brings growth to your Church, Send your Holy Spirit to give vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions and power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, commitment to you, And in service to our local community, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Further, as an offering of prayer, each Thursday evening during Lent there will be a pilgrimage to join the Community of the Resurrection for ‘Compline’ - 9.15pm. This simple form of prayer and journey to another community is a significant ‘action’ for our Lenten experience.

LENT 2017

Huddersfield Parish Church

READING

Five books have been chosen and offered in the hope that your conversations with each other and God may be inspired. The books are of varying length, subjects and styles. All available to borrow from the parish library or purchase on Amazon etc.

THEOLOGY – A Very Short Introduction David F.Ford

This Very Short Introduction provides the believer and non-believer with a balanced survey of the central questions of theology. Ford's approach considers the principles underlying religious belief and covers the centrality of salvation to most major religions, the concept of God in ancient, modern, and postmodern

contexts, the challenge posed to theology by prayer and worship, and the issue of sin and evil. He also discusses the nature of experience, knowledge, and wisdom in theology, and looks at what is involved in interpreting theological texts. Finally the question is posed, what the modern day relevance of theology, regarding the effect of globalization and digitized communication with Ford seeks a theological responses to change & development in science, considers the impact of increased engagement between Islam and the West, and looks at the development and importance of theology between the different faiths.

HENRY’S SONG - Kathryn Cave

A story for everyone who's been told they're just not good enough to sing, or dance, or play, or join in, or do anything they love. It's such a glorious morning, Henry bursts into song - loud and joyful and full of surprises. His singing is not appreciated

by his neighbour. The maker of all things wakes up too and when it's quiet again, the creatures decide to sing a proper song to put the maker in a good mood again. But Henry can't join in: he'd spoil it…or would he...?

THE LIE TREE - Frances Harding

How to describe Faith Sunderly? To most she is reliable, dull, trustworthy - a proper young lady who knows her place as inferior to men. But inside, Faith is full of questions and curiosity, and she cannot resist mysteries: an unattended envelope, an unlocked door. She knows

had moved to Los Angeles and found himself missing the strong community ethic of his hometown. He lived in a decrepit house in the poor section of town. Along with ‘Grandma’s Hands’, there is reflected, the care that humanity craves.

The Sound of Silence - Nouela Johnston Black Hole Sun (2014) – available on download

Nouela is a multi-instrumentalist/singer from Seattle. Not only is her rendition an incredibly beautiful cover song, it’s also attached to a touching video on YouTube. The video has nothing officially to do with the song, it was just put together by the person who uploaded the song to their YouTube channel, but it’s powerful and sad and kind of shocking. Black and white cuts of mainly famous male actors crying on screen. And it makes you realize how rarely, in our society, we actually see men cry. Not that they don’t. We just don’t get to see it. Alternative thought from Martin Luther King, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” This is the sound of silence.

Power of Love - Gabriella Aplin English Rain (2013)

Gabrielle Aplin came to public attention after she gained a large online following by posting acoustic covers of songs on her YouTube channel. Despite launching her music career by posting, Aplin has since become known for her own song writing talents. However ‘The Power of Love’, covers the Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit from 1984 and was chosen for the 2012 John Lewis Christmas advert from which fame and renown followed.

Holly Johnson, lead singer with Frankie Goes to Hollywood, who co-wrote the song, reminisced: "I always felt like ‘The Power of Love’ was the record that would save me in this life. There is a biblical aspect to its spirituality and passion; the fact that love is the only thing that matters in the end."

supreme integrity by the choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge under the legendary George Guest with Stephen Cleobury (now Music Director at King’s) on the organ.

This next selection are extracts from a playlist chosen by Emma Stone and Andrew Heath-Beasley. Emma was terminally ill in Kirkwood Hospice over Christmas and New Year and this music was played throughout her last hours. Her faith and vision for life are contained in these and other pieces that were played.

Arms of the Angel - Sarah McLachlan Surfacing - Nettwerk Album(1997)

A song inspired by articles that Sarah McLachlan read about musicians turning to drugs to cope with the pressures of their life & their subsequent overdose. McLachlan empathised with the sometimes hopelessness of life saying: "I've been in that place where you've messed up and you're so lost that you don't know who you are anymore, and you're miserable….. I've done plenty of other things to escape." McLachlan said that the song is about "trying not to take responsibility for other people's problems and trying to love yourself at the same time". The song featured in the film ‘City of Angel’ another HPC resource this Lent.

The Blower's Daughter - Damien Rice The Blower's Daughter 14th Floor Records (2002)

This is a song of unrequited love, stunning in its intensity and simplicity. The story is told two ways and revolves either around Damien Rice’s clarinet teacher or his experiencing a string of anonymous phone calls. When you listen to this track, the question remains, are you yearning for the recognition of love of someone or is the desire focussed on you and the love never fulfilled in that direction? How does this alter if God sings this to you?

Lean on Me – Bill Withers Still Bill Sussex Records (1972)

Bill Withers' hailed from the coal mining town of Slab Fork, West Virginia, an upbringing which he cites as the inspiration for "Lean on Me". The song was written after Withers

Secular Music Mass Fri 7 Apr @18.30

secrets no one suspects her of knowing. She knows that her family moved to the close-knit island of Vane because her famous scientist father was fleeing a reputation-destroying scandal. She comes to know that when her father is discovered dead, that he was murdered. Faith then, in pursuit of justice and revenge, hunts through her father's possessions and discovers a strange tree. The tree bears fruit only when she whispers a lie to it. The fruit of the tree, when eaten, delivers a hidden truth. Will we find if the tree holds the key to her father's murder?

The Chronicles of Narnia – THE SILVER CHAIR – C.S. Lewis

A mission of mercy sends two more children to the magical world created by C.S. Lewis. Eustace and Jill are two misfit schoolchildren who discover that a garden shed on the school's grounds is actually a gateway to the magical land of Narnia. Eustance had visited Narnia years before, and is troubled to discover King Caspian has aged considerably. Caspian is troubled by the disappearance of his son, Prince Rilian, who had been kidnapped years earlier. With the help of the King's helper Puddlegum and the lion, Eustace and Jill set out to find the lost prince and reunite him with his father.

BEING DISCIPLES: Essentials of the Christian Life – Rowan Williams

This brief book lifts up for discussion essential elements of the Christian life. To be a Christian is not simply to believe. It has to do with life's story. I believe that this book will be helpful to all who seek to dive deeper into the life of faith.

In the wake of political turmoil, who do you follow? When faced with difference and divergence, whose

example do you copy? What does it mean to follow a clear path in the midst of cultural confusion? This little book’s aim is simple: to help readers to see more clearly, love more dearly and follow more nearly the way of Jesus Christ. In this fresh and inspiring look at the meaning of Christian discipleship, the former Archbishop of Canterbury explores what it means to follow Christ today and is written for those who want to be refreshed and reinvigorated in the Christian life.

WATCHING

If you do not get to read a book for lent how about watching film? Below are five film choices to watch, of different styles, some have obvious religious themes. Why not invite someone to watch a film with you? Then have a conversation with yourself, God and other people in your family, friends or church.

Hunt For The Wilder-people Dir: Taika Waititi (2016)

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the grumpy Uncle Hec, and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship

Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must as-sess their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differ-ences and survive as a family. A very funny and deeply moving film about misfits, grief and how healing and wholeness can be found in the most unlikely places.

Chariots of Fire Dir: Hugh Hudson (1981)

A British historical drama film which tells the fact-based story of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. Alongside the music from Vangelis,

the title is also musically inspired by the line from the poem/hymn Jerusalem. A quote from Eric Liddell, "I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."

Frozen Dir: Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee (2013)

This film, based loosely on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, tells the story of a fearless princess who sets off on a journey alongside a rugged iceman, his loyal pet reindeer, and a naïve snowman to find her estranged sister, whose icy powers have inadvertently trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. Somewhat ‘un-disney’ the story twists and turns with some wonderful song. Just let it go….!

Overcome - Laura Mvula – From the RCA album The Dreaming Room (2016)

Laura Mvula is a British singer and songwriter from Birmingham. A background in gospel singing and a degree in classical composition ensure that there is an edge to her soulful, thoughtful pop music.

Part gospel spiritual, part disco-funk floor-filler courtesy of a central guitar riff written and played by

Chic’s Nile Rodgers, “Overcome” is a hymn to perseverance in the face of adversity, faith in the power of never giving up and the hope that through a prayerful life and our shared humanity we will indeed overcome the obstacles we face. “With the world upon your shoulders, nowhere left to hide, keep your head up, carry on. Even though we suffer, come together we pray. Round the mountain all God’s children run.”

1st movement of the “Spring” Violin Sonata op. 24 L Van Beethoven (1770-1827) played by Gidon Kremer (violin) and Martha Argerich (piano)

This is a lovely, well-known sonata in Beethoven’s favourite “pastoral” key, F major. Although a relatively early work (1801) it clearly shows the composer’s genius throughout the piece

Andante from Piano Concerto 21, K 467 - W. A. Mozart (1756-1791) played by Mitsuko Uchida and the ECO under Jeffrey Tate

This slow movement, also in F major, almost has immortal fame. It was used in the film “ Elvira Madigan” – hence its well-known sub-title.

Blow the Wind Southerly - Kathleen Ferrier (contralto)

Perhaps this is the best-known British folk song of all time. Kathleen Ferrier had a tragically short life (1912-1953); this song shows her at her most sublime

Introit- Kyrie & In Paradisum - M. Durufle (1902-1986)

These are the opening and closing movements of the composer’s Requiem for choir and organ. This music exemplifies the sheer beauty of the 20th century French choral tradition and is sung with

Secular Music Mass Fri 24 Mar @18.30

sings “I’m searching for an anchor, I've been seeking God within,” prompting us to look at our own inner life and ask ourselves how we can find healing and wholeness therein, and to have the courage to follow the call we hear.

Place To Hide - Kandace Springs From the Decca/Blue Note album Soul Eyes (2016)

The daughter of renowned jazz and R&B session singer Scat Springs, Kandace released her debut album last year, featuring covers of contemporary songs and jazz standards, alongside her own original compositions.

“Place To Hide” sees the song’s narrator offering an oasis to a trou-bled soul in need of rest, recuperation and companionship. “If you're lonely anytime, you can talk to me, when there's trouble on your mind, I will always be, heal and shield you from it all, the best way that I can” sings Springs; an example of the teaching found in the Bi-ble that we should offer our hospitality to those who need it most, car-ing for and meeting people at their point of need no matter who they are or where they come from.

Lighthouse - Iamthemorning From the Kscope Records album Lighthouse (2016)

Iamthemorning are Russian vocalist Marjana Semkina and pianist Gleb Kolyadin. Their most recent album, Lighthouse, is a concept album, drawing on the work of Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf to tell the story of a young woman experiencing a mental health problem.

The pair uses elements of progressive rock, folk, jazz and chamber music to create a poignant soundscape that successfully conveys with real grace and humanity what is often an unseen inner journey. The album paints a complex picture, but the title song sees the faintest glimmer of hope that even through our suffering we can eventually find resolution. Our protagonist pleads “Will I survive? Please tell me how. Shall I begin to save the rest? When will I finally rest?” and receives a reply from an unknown source (guest vocalist Mariusz Duda): “Soon, through your pain I bring you back to your home. You will know.”

Echoes of Jesus’ pleas to God in the garden of Gethsemane.

City of Angels Dir: Brad Silberling (1998)

A bit of a weepie this one. It concerns angels and love and free will and commitment. The film stars Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan and is set in Los Angeles (did you see what they did there?) A beautiful love story full of music and angst.

Paddington Dir: Paul King (2014)

A beloved children's character brought into the 21st century without sacrificing his essential charm. This is a family-friendly adventure as irresistibly cuddly as its star. A young Peruvian bear travels to London in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone at Paddington Station, he meets the kindly Brown family, who offer him a haven.

LISTENING Music is another activity that can transport individuals towards the spiritual. Each piece of music has been chosen for its significance to a particular individual. Each set will be used for a 6.30pm Mass each Friday, when the music will add to the liturgy, each style adding a unique theme.

An Eala Bhan (The White Swan) - Julie Fowlis

The words are a poem written by a soldier from Scotland in the trenches of WW1. He says that if he "could fly like the white swan, he'd fly home to her". If he returns he will marry his love, but if not he wishes her to think of him fondly and to not be sad. Partly I love this song because of the language, but also because it is a beautiful story.

That Lonesome Road - The King Singers This song appeals because I originally was taught it by a good friend on a weekend away singing and camping with many friends, and it always reminds of those bonds of friendship.

Come Healing - Leonard Cohen

One of Cohen's later Songs from the album "Old Ideas". Its message of kindness and gentleness combined with Cohen's wonderful delivery give this song a tenderness that is hard not to enjoy.

Secular Music Mass Fri 3 Mar @18.30

Summertime - Charlie Parker Charlie Parker's recording of Summertime, partly for the phenomenal sax player Parker was and is a testament to his hard work. Partly as a celebration of musical diversity, epitomised by this song: and operetta's opening soprano area composed by a Jew

(George Gershwin) in New York, played here by a Jazz saxophonist from the complete opposite end of the musical spectrum coming together to create something rather wonderful.

The Long Count - Treacherous Orchestra Grind 2015

The Treacherous Orchestra are a Scottish band with eclectic influences and playing a huge variety of styles. Their music is intense to say the least, and the album from which this track is taken thumps from track to track without letting up. This track, the first on the album, rises from a fairly simple theme until about three quarters of the way the guitars break in alongside the pipes and the tone becomes very much rock. The rising of the tempo and intensity feel like the excitement of worship that starts from the deep still place inside of us but breaks out to take over absolutely everything.

Allah, Muhamad, Char, Yaar - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Shahen Shah 2012

This song is an example of Qawwali music, a Sufi devotional song meant to guide listeners into an ecstatic state. It is sung by the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, possibly the most important Qawwali musician of all time and the one who took the genre to an international audience. The central themes of Qawwali are love, devotion and the longing of man for the Divine (indeed the words Char Yaar in the title speak of this hunger for God).

Muriwai - Breabach Astar 2016

Breabach are a renowned Scottish folk band who, for this album, incorporated some of the musical traditions they encountered while touring the world. This track consists of three parts, the first and second of which are named Hautapu or Sacred Breath. It incorporates the words of a traditional Maori Kaka alongside their usual traditional Scottish sound.

Secular Music Mass Fri 10 Mar @18.30

Haltijan hallussa - Värttinä Utu 2012

This song, the title of which translates as “Under the Elf’s Spell”, is actually a prayer to God for deliverance from sorrows and evil days. Värttinä is a Finnish traditional folk music band who have been around in various forms for more than 30 years and who composed the music for the theatrical adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.

Saint Claude—Christine and the Queens From the Because Music album Chaleur Humaine 2016

Christine is the alter-ego of pansexual French pop artist and producer Hélouïse Letissier. The title of her 2016 album, Chaleur Humaine, translates into English as Human Warmth, the overriding theme explored in the songs found on the record. Christine explains the inspiration behind “Saint Claude”:

“I was on the bus and a man was just sitting there. He had this really extravagant look and he was talking on his own… I witnessed this amazing phenomenon where people just rejoiced in mockery of someone else and it was kind of scary to watch. But I did nothing. I got off at this station called Saint Claude in Paris – and this is why the song is called that. I gave him this name afterwards as a symbol. But the song was like me trying to mend something that happened. Because he was an outsider, kind of a freak, and I think I just witnessed how easily some people point fingers at outsiders.”

The song is a reminder to us all to reflect on our Christian calling to welcome outsiders as if they were our friends, act when we see injustice and make amends when we fall short.

Follow My Voice - Julie Byrne From the Basin Rock Records album Not Even Happiness (2017)

“Follow my voice, I am right here, beyond this light, beyond all fear” sings US folk singer and songwriter Julie Byrne in “Follow My Voice”, the opening song from her new album, Not Even Happiness.

It’s a reflective collection of songs that explores a rich inner life, and one that has been lived as something of a nomad, Byrne writing it as she travelled across the USA for a year experiencing what she calls “…a palpable sense of emergence.” Later in the album Byrne

Secular Music Mass Fri 17 Mar @18.30