july / august 2020 · jeremiah to call the people of israel to stop exploiting the poor, spoiling...
TRANSCRIPT
JULY / AUGUST 2020
VICAR FR SIMON
MANSFIELD 01279
506542
CHURCHWARDEN PAUL BENNETT 01279 831565 [email protected]
CHURCHWARDEN
PAULINE SVERDLOFF
01279 812424
WINDOW
EDITOR
MARTIN SWANZY
01279 658325
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VICAR’S NOTES.
Watching over you “Warning! You are being recorded by a security
camera.” It was a bit of a shock. Being recorded, filmed, in a carpark I
went to pay for parking and put my registration number in. I was greeted
by a photo of me driving into the car park earlier. And it’s not just at a
carpark– on the motorway, at a supermarket cameras are recording your
number plate. In some public places in London, police cameras examine
every passer-by’s face to see if you look like someone they’re interested
in.
Even in our homes our computers are reporting to Google (and other
companies too) everything you search for, every hilarious video or cute cat
picture you look at. Your friendly Alexa speaker may remind you of your
medicine or turn your lights on, but she does it by listening to every word
you’re saying, and reporting it to her supercomputer boss at Amazon. Our
phones are doing exactly the same. If you decide not to turn on facial
recognition on your new phone, to save it the embarrassment of having to
look at your face every time it’s switch on. But it’s probably looking – and
listening – anyway. We can’t avoid it. But is it a good thing?
It seems to be popular. People ask for CCTV to be installed to stop crime
in their street. The only people who seem to resent them are the drug
dealers and gang bosses. More than 100 million people have chosen to
have Alexa in their homes. In his famous book, 1984, George Orwell
foresaw a time when there would be things like Alexa in every home, it
wasn’t a dream but a nightmare, as the all-powerful government (the
original “Big brother”) tried to control your every thought and punish any
who dared to do otherwise. In our day, Amazon, Google and Facebook say
they’re keeping all this information for our sake, to “improve the user
experience”. And it certainly feels very luxurious to say the magic word
(“Alexa!”, “Siri?”, “Hey Google!”) and have whatever you want (it makes
us a bit like God – “God said, ‘Let there be light’. And there was light. –
but that’s different issue). But is it really all for our good? It can’t really be
a coincidence that it allows them – or their “partner” companies – to sell
us more stuff, to target us with ever more creepy adverts that seem to
know what we are thinking before we even think it.
You see what makes the difference between Orwell’s nightmare and
Amazon’s paradise is who is doing the watching. And that’s where God
comes in. Because as that security camera boomed out its warning, it
reminded me that God is watching us too. He’s watching us partly
because he cares about the things we do. 2500 years ago God sent
Jeremiah to call the people of Israel to stop exploiting the poor, spoiling
the land and worshipping false gods. He told him: “I am watching to see
that my word is fulfilled.” God was watching because he cared about the
poor, the land, he cared about the women and children who were being
abused in the cult religions of the false gods. And he wanted the people of
Israel to stop hurting them. And it does make a difference if we know
we’re being watched. How many times has a car in front of you slowed
down unexpectedly and you’ve looked across the road and saw a speed
camera?
And to bring it closer to home, how many of us have clicked off a website
on the computer when we hear the door opening? What difference would
it make if we remembered God was watching us too? I guess it all depends
on how we see God. If he is just a controlling force “out there”, a heavenly
policeman or headteacher, then it all feels a bit like 1984. “Big brother is
watching you”, the posters proclaimed everywhere in Orwell’s
nightmare. But if God really does want the very best for us, if he really
loves us enough – amazingly – to be prepared to die for us, then the fact
that he’s watching is good news. Very good news. And best of all, he
watches not like a dumb security camera, a cruel government or even an
ambitious corporation, but like a caring shepherd. “He who watches over
you will neither slumber nor sleep… The Lord will keep you from all
harm, the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and
forevermore.” (Ps 121
With every blessing
Fr Simon
REOPENING OF CHURCH
It is with great joy that the church is reopened after 4 months of
lockdown and missing so many of the major festivals. It has been
most strange. However, we're not quite out of the woods yet as there are still restrictions which have to be followed. These are going in and
out of separate entrances, use of sanitisers, 1 metre social distancing,
no singing ( so the for the time being the 10am service will be a said),
Communion will be in one kind, there will be no parish breakfast, the Celebrant will be wearing a facemask. So the service will be very
different for a while until further guidance is issued.
Over the last few
days two former members of the
congregation have
sadly died. Norah
Koster who used to live in Manor Road
and was well known
to the neighbours
there died recently.
She moved to Elmhurst Nursing
home and has lived
there for the past 5
years. Norah reached the grand age of 100.
Laura Cecil made the
curtains in the hall
has also died recently. She used to
come to the Wednesday Mass as she cared for her grandchildren
regularly. it is hoped that Laura's funeral will be in church - a
maximum of 30 people can attend. Date yet to be fixed.
With every blessing
Fr Simon
22ND JULY WHAT DO WE REALLY KNOW ABOUT MARY MAGDALENE? Fake news is not new. Perhaps one old example is the assertion that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. Back in the 6th Century, Pope Gregory is said to have confused her with two other women in the Bible. Medieval Bible scholars also attempted to name an unidentified sinful woman who had washed and anointed the feet of Jesus. As Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the next chapter, they regarded her as the same person! After this, many classical artists painted Mary in various states of undress, perpetuating a
falsehood. So what do we really know about Mary? The Gospels tell us that she came from Magdala, a town in Galilee, and Jesus healed her by casting out seven evil spirits. After this she followed Jesus, with other women, on His ministry providing resources. Later,
Mary watched Jesus die on the cross, and having cared for His needs while He was alive, wanted to care for Him after His death. It was when Mary went to anoint the body of Jesus at the tomb that the risen Jesus appeared to her. He told Mary to go to His disciples and tell them about His return to Heaven. She was obedient and became the first emissary of the resurrection. In those days, the witness of a woman was worthless. Despite ridicule, Mary had the courage to speak about Jesus in a place of great disbelief. We have to ask ourselves do we have the same courage as Mary? How prepared are we to stand our ground to share Jesus with others in the face of those who mock and scoff at us? Although we usually associate Mary with the Easter story, this month on 22nd July, the Church celebrates her Feast Day. In this snapshot of Mary’s life we know she had experienced great distress and suffering. After Jesus healed her, Mary expressed her gratitude by being utterly committed and devoted to Him. Jesus can give everyone a new start; a new purpose and direction in life. Like Mary we can thank Him for blessing us, loving us and forgiving us and moving into practical forms of service. Only Jesus can transform our lives so that we can glorify God in all that we do. Parish Pump
CHIROPODIST
Mrs. Julie Golden
HCPC Registered
(State Registered)
Home Visiting Practice
Est. 1994
01279 873492
07916 075451
We’re still here to help! If you need advice during the coronavirus outbreak, we’re still here to help. Whilst we’ve had to temporarily close our face to face service you can still contact us in a number of ways if you are an East Herts or Uttlesford resident: For advice by email go to
ww.citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk/webadvice For phone advice please call 03444 111444 10am-4pm Monday to Friday (you may have to wait in a queue but we will get to you as soon as we can). Or call 01920 459944 and leave a message. One of our advisers will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also access information online at citizensadviceeastherts.org.uk For medical advice - www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ NB. We will do our very best to answer all calls and emails but,
due to a reduction in the number of staff and volunteers we
have available, please bear with us at this difficult time. It may
be that we have to offer to call you back with more advice at a
later time.
CHRISTIAN AID’S CONCERN FOR WOMEN DURING COVID-19 The ACT Alliance, a network of 135 faith-based actors and churches operating in 120 countries, has called attention to the gendered dimension of Covid-19. It is urging that the international community, including churches and religious organisations, should take this into account. Women are afforded fewer rights than men worldwide, and although the disease itself might cause higher mortality amongst men, it is clear that the social impacts of Covid-19 will impact women the most. Women living in poverty do not have the ability to take time off work, do not have adequate access to housing to self-isolate, and cannot stockpile provisions. Poor women, girls and vulnerable groups are least likely to be able to access healthcare and treatment. The situation will be critical for women migrant workers, women on the move and those living in refugee camps or slums. Daniela Varano, Communications Officer at ACT Alliance said: "Domestic violence cases have risen dramatically as women and girls across most countries have been quarantined, often with their abusers. It is crucial that all governments put in place affirmative actions and inclusive policies that level the playing field.” ACT Alliance, together with its members, has launched a Global Appeal to support the most marginalised communities during this crisis.
Parish Pump
JOB VACANCY AT THE FOOD BANK
Would you like to join the friendly Food Bank team in Bishop’s Stortford?
We are expanding and adapting to meet the demands of the Coronavirus
situation, and are hoping to employ a Part Time Administrative
Assistant/Secretary to help us in our work.
As Administrative Assistant, you would be based at the Methodist Church
in Bishop’s Stortford, where you will provide administrative support for
the Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank Co-ordinator. In addition, you will act
as Secretary to the Food Bank Trustees, attending trustee meetings and
taking notes.
This is a paid post (£10 per hour), and is for 9 hours a week (Mondays,
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10am – 1pm), with a possibility of further hours
as agreed. You would also be paid for the time required to attend trustee
meetings (which usually take place in the evening) approximately four
times a year. The post is fixed term for a 6 month period, to assist the
Food Bank through this challenging period.
If you feel that you are the right person for this role, please
contact [email protected] for an application form.
Visits to the Food Bank prior to interview would be warmly welcomed. If
you would like to call us for more information and for further details of
the position, please ring Jane Towns on 07747 181813.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Please visit our websitewww.bishopsstortfordfoodbank.com
THE FRAILTY OF LIFE
According to one survey, during the lockdown, a quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened to a religious service and one in 20 have started praying. While the majority of people who contract Covid-19 survive, it reminds us that we are much more frail and weak than we like to think. As the prophet Isaiah says: ‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures for ever.’ (Isaiah 40:6-8). Isaiah’s words really resonate at this time. In more normal times we can avoid facing up to our vulnerability, but this pandemic has forced us to recognise our weakness and fragility. However, this shouldn’t lead us to despair or fear; rather it is an opportunity to worship and praise for His constancy and care. In Peter’s first letter he quotes this passage from Isaiah and says, ‘For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God’ (1 Peter 1:23). Peter contrasts our mortality with the eternal Word of God, which bring us new birth and life through the power of the Spirit. Jesus died for our sins and rose again to make us right with God, so that trough faith in Him we can know eternal life. We don’t need to be afraid of our frailty, for God is a dependable foundation on which to build our lives and face eternity. ‘We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree. And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.’ (Immortal, invisible, Walter C Smith). Editor: Canon Paul Hardingham considers some comforting words from Isaiah. Parish Pump.
6TH JULY THOMAS MORE, REFORMATION MARTYR These days, lawyers and politicians are held in the lowest esteem by the public, along with tabloid journalists and estate agents. St Thomas More was both a lawyer and politician, who is today much admired for holding steadfastly to his faith-based principles. He lived in dangerous times, when anyone, even queens, who displeased King Henry VIII could find themselves in a condemned cell in The Tower of London. Sir Thomas More held the office of Lord High Chancellor and at one time was the king’s most trusted adviser. But when King Henry took personal control of the Church in England in order to divorce his first wife, More courageously opposed him. Thomas More was a social philosopher and the author of ‘Utopia’. This book described an imaginary republic governed by an educated elite who employed reason rather than self-interest for the general good of everyone. He was himself one of the pre-eminent scholars of his age. As a Christian theologian he supported orthodox doctrine, vigorously opposed heresy and argued strongly against the new Protestant ideas taking hold in Europe. Although holding the highest political and legal office he was far from being a pragmatic politician and opportunist lawyer. In every matter he was a man who held firmly to what he believed was right in God’s eyes. When Thomas More fell from favour with the king, as a result of his unflinching views, he was falsely accused of taking bribes. When this charge failed, his enemies accused him of supporting a celebrated seer of the times who was strongly critical of the king. This too failed. He was then required to swear to the Oath of Supremacy, acknowledging Henry’s position as head of the Church of England. This he could not do in conscience. He was put on trial and condemned to be hung, drawn and quartered for his treason, a punishment later changed to beheading. He died in 1535 and on the scaffold his final words were ‘I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.’ He has been officially declared a martyr saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Parish Pump
The Coronavirus, Church & You Survey You are invited to take part in this national survey…details below The Covid-19 pandemic has obviously had a profound effect on churches. The lockdown has severely restricted ministry in areas such as pastoral care, fellowship groups, and serving the community. On the other hand, for those with online access, worship has taken on new and creative forms over the last few weeks. Many clergy and ministry teams have risen to the challenge of operating in the virtual environment. As we pass the most severe period of lockdown, it seems a good time to assess how churchgoers have responded to the experience, and what they think the future might hold. How well have people coped with the pandemic? Has it strengthened or weakened their faith? How has it been for clergy and ministry teams trying to work in this new environment? How have those receiving ministry found this novel experience? Will virtual ministry become part of the post-pandemic landscape, and will this be a good move for your church? We have developed a survey over the last few weeks in discussion with
bishops, clergy and lay people which we hope will enable you to record your experience of the pandemic, the ministry you have given or received, and what you think will happen to churches in a post-pandemic world. In an article to launch the survey in the Church Times, the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, wrote: “This survey is an attempt to go beyond anecdote… It will capture evidence of both excitement and fears for the future, of where stress levels have changed, and whether personal faith has weakened or grown.” This is an online survey, which we estimate it will take you about 20-30 minutes to complete. Most of the questions simply require you to tick boxes, though there are options to specify your particular circumstances, and an opportunity at the end for you to tell us your views in your own words. Alongside questions about the pandemic and ministry there are sections which ask about you: these are important because they will allow us to see how the lockdown is affecting different sorts of people in different contexts. The survey can be completed on mobile phones, though it is more quickly completed on devices with larger screens such as tablets or computers. You can access using the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ycsq9fy2 Please forward this link to any churches or churchgoers you feel might want to take part in the survey and support this research. We should have some initial results within a few weeks and will make these available as widely as we can. The Revd Professor Andrew Village, York St John University [email protected] The Revd Canon Professor Leslie J. Francis, Visiting Professor York St John University Parish Pump
PARISH CONTACTS
For Clergy and Officers see inside front page.
All Saints’ School Philip Asher (headmaster) 836006 Archives Contact Churchwardens 810979 Church Hall Manager Pauline Sverdloff 812424 Church Hall Bar Flowers Valerie Judge 863789 Homegroups Nicola-Jane 07811188506 Intercessions Alan Morton 07870409828 Magazine Editor Martin Swanzy 658325 Mothers’ Union Valerie Judge 863789
Organist / Choir Oliver Bond 505077 PCC Secretary Parish Breakfast Parish Clerk Sheila Bush 655605 Pastoral Group Please contact the Clergy
Sacristan Mick Robinson 651644 Sunday Readers Sunday School Julie Small
Treasurer
Victoria Selby
SUNDAY SERVICES
8 am Mass
10 am Sung Mass (1st Sunday: All Age Mass)
The Sunday School meets during the 10am Mass (apart from the 1st Sunday)
11.30am-12pm Songs and Stories in the Lady Chapel.
6pm Evening Prayer (BCP) (5th Sunday Deanery Service as advertised)
6.30pm Soul Space: a reflective mass with imagery and music, as advertised.
WEEKDAY SERVICES
Said Mass: Tuesdays 7.30 pm (with Prayer for Healing 1st of the month).
Wednesdays: 9.30 am. Thursday: 2pm at Herts & Essex Hospital
Morning Prayer: Mon – Friday
