regular corps events standard bearer · sat 31st watch night service 11.30 p.m.—12.05 a.m....

REGULAR CORPS EVENTS Sundays Meetings at 9.50. 10.30 a.m. 4-30 p.m. Messy Church every 4th Sunday 3.30 p.m. Mondays Open Door 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Over 60’s Club Fortnightly Lunch 12.15 p.m.. Meeting 2.00 p.m. Tuesday Parents and Tots 10 a.m.—11.30 Afternoon Fellowship 1.45 p.m. Wednesday Cameo Club—second Wednesday monthly 7.30 p.m. Bible Study 8 p.m. at Lucy and Mike’s home. Thursday Tea, Toast and Toys 9 a.m.—11.30 a.m. Open Songster practice 4th Thursday each month 8.30 pm Friday Coffee Morning 9.30 a.m. Luncheon Club 12.15 December Sun 4th Annual Toy Service. Morning and afternoon Sun 11th Nativity presentation in the morning Messy Church at 3.30 p.m. Mon 12th Over 60s Christmas Party Sun 18th Corps Carol Service 4.30 p.m. Tues 20th Community Carols 11 a.m. Coffee/Tea from 10.30a.m. Light lunch of soup and mince pies 12.15 p.m. Sun 25th Christmas Day. One meeting only at 10 a.m. Sat 31st Watch Night Service 11.30 p.m.—12.05 a.m. January Sun 1st New Year’s Day One meeting only at 10.30 a.m. Sun 8th Commitment Sunday

Editor: Carol Gibson. Tel. 01494 534087 Mob 07799187687

Email : [email protected] Magazine Website www.standardbearer.info

From the editor….. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to Standard Bearer during 2016. I mention in particular Claude, who spends a lot of time doing research for his column, Kevin, who faithfully sends the Sudoku puzzle every month, our COs—Jo, Richard and Hilary, for their most relevant message each month, Commissioner Harry Read for allowing me to publish his poems and to Martin, my son, who willingly puts the magazine onto its website each month. Standard Bearer is a popular magazine, read by people at home and abroad. If you have family news, section news, poems, thoughts etc. I would be pleased to have it for publication. Please write things down or send by email if possible to aid my memory and to make sure I get it right.. Greetings and news from far flung, or nearer places, would be good too.

Standard Bearer High Wycombe

Salvation Army

December 2016 Year 16 Issue 10

Commanding Officers Captains Jo and Richard Thompson

01494 471847

Santa’s Little Helper

At the Christmas Fayre

Dear Friends. I don’t know if you can remember the advert for Ready Brek, but the advert claimed to be ‘central heating for kids’. Well, I think it would be fair to say that we have tried that, but still we have been cold from the inside out as over the last few weeks we have been without central heating at our home. Yet during this time, at the hall, we have been doing all that we can in looking after the homeless. This gives a fresh perspective of our ordeal when

compared with others where this is the norm. I applaud Alan and Shelagh who took part in the Big Sleep Out, and this exposure to cold gives a stark reminder of those who go without what most of us would take for granted. Over 2,000 years ago, Mary and Joseph could be considered to be home-less as there was ’no room at the inn’. I can only imagine the frustration Joseph felt at being told there was no room anywhere and the helplessness he felt while Mary was ready to give birth. A stable and a manger would set the scene, a place for animals, and I am sure, very cold. Oh, if only central heating was invented then, or better still a website where they could book a room in advance!! Yet, for what seems to be a cold place came something that would warm the insides of everyone for all generation. Immanuel, God with us, came to save us from our sin, to restore and to redeem. Jesus Christ warms the very depth of our soul with his love and joy. Throughout this month, things will be hectic as we spend time and money on others. This is in contrast to the carol ’Silent Night’ where we claim ’all is calm’. Physically that may not be the case, but spiritually and emotionally we feel the warmth of Jesus’ love and joy. As we share this with others and give to others, we will warm our community together, giving a reminder that Jesus Christ is our central heating. May God bless you throughout this Christmas time, Captain Richard. Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the good news that you bring. May that knowledge burn bright and warm in my heart, a constant source of joy and in-spiration, whatever life may bring. Help me to live each day with this joy in my heart and as I share the love that you have shown, may I warm the would of those around me, through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.

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I O

M V A

S R

I Y R S A

V S M Y

R S V U O

M Y

I A R

V U

Kevin’s My Saviour Sudoku…..

V A Y U M S R I O

U S R O Y I M V A

I M O V A R S U Y

R U M I V A O Y S

O I A M S Y V R U

Y V S R O U I A M

A R V S U O Y M I

M O U Y I V A S R

S Y I A R M U O V

November Solution December Puzzle

And Now For Something Different Mystery words

Join the grouped letters to make the answers to the clues. Use each group once only.

Hint: Seasonal

1 laid him in a…... 6 letters manger

2. St. Nicholas’ day for fighting? 6 Letters boxing

3 The band is busy with this 9 letters carolling

4 Sweet rich, fruity confection 7 letters pudding

5 Frightened Stockmen 9 letters shepherds

6 Animal with unlikely talent 8 letters reindeer

7 What it’s all about 9 letters Christmas

she ng oll bo phe

man chr inde as ddi

car xi istm ger re

pu rds ing er ng

Last month 1 Wycombe 2 Mayor 3 Ramp 4 Frogmoor 5 Eden 6 Hughenden 7 salvation

The One Can Trust. As we anticipate Christmas, and are shopping for a great feasting, let us not forget those who in these difficult days find it hard to afford sufficient supplies for their families. There is the bin in our entrance where we can place non-perishable goods to help keep the foodbank stocked up. There is also a list of most needed things for your infor-mation. Thank you.

ADVENT. ANGELS. BETHLEHEM. BIRTH. CAROLS CHRISTCHILD.DONKEY. EGYPT. EPIPHANY. GABRIEL. GIVING. GOD. GOODWILL. HEAVEN. HEROD. HOLLY. ISRAEL. JOSEPH. JOY. LIGHT. LOVE. LOWLY. MANGER. MARY. NATIVITY. PEACE. PROPHECY. TRUMPET. SON. STAR. TRUTH. WISEMEN. SHEPHERDS

CHRISTMAS WORDSEARCH

Toy Service Sunday 4th

10.30 & 4.30 p.m.

Messy Church

Sun 4th Dec. 3.30 p.m.

Nativity Presentation

Sun 11th 10.30 a.m.

Annual Carol Service

Sun 18th 4.30 p.m.

Community Carol Service

Tues 20th 11a.m.

Christmas Day Service

10 a.m.

Christmas Events in our hall

Invite your family, friends and

neighbours and of course,

come yourself.

Quotable quote……. The giving of gifts is not something man invented. God started the giving spree when he gave a gift beyond words, the unspeakable gift of his son, Jesus. Robert Flatt

The Big Sleep-Out

I’m not sure about the “big sleep out”, this was more like “the big layabout”. It all took place on Friday 18th November and involved around 100 people sleeping rough in the grounds of the parish church in the centre of High Wycombe. It was in aid of the Wycombe Homeless Connection. It was cold, it was uncomfortable, it was long and because of the disco in the Antelope just over the fence blaring away full volume until 05.30 in the morning, it was very, very noisy. No actual sleep took place. It was just a matter of sitting it out, or laying it out, on a few layers of cardboard wrapped up in polythene. We were both very impressed with the organisation of Wycombe Home-less Connection, and we met some really nice people including some of the volunteers who help in night shelters during the winter months. They do a fantastic job providing meals, bed, laundry and someone to talk to, which must be a great comfort to the homeless. This service operates during January, February and March and on a rota with various churches, maybe including our Army Hall. They also provide one to one advice wherever possible and also legal advice on tenancy agreements and support when evictions occur, as this is one of the main causes of homelessness. It was an uncomfortable night, but it was only ONE night. On Saturday night I was tucked up in my nice warm bed knowing that there were people sleeping rough in all the rain. At least Shelagh and I didn’t have rain. We hope to raise £500, which could be boosted by £400 from a local organisation, but I still need to do a bit of work to secure this. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who have helped us financially and through prayer. This is very much appreciated. You may be like me, a bit reluctant to give to the people on the street, not knowing what it might be spent on, but by donating to the WHC, you know all the money will go to the cause and will be spent by people who know where best to spend it. Many thanks to you all once again, from, Alan and Shelagh. (Alan will be pleased to receive your sponsor money as soon as possible)

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Spare a Thought

Decorations in house and street,

inducing thoughts of festive treat. Christmas cards with usual rhymes

bring usual greetings for auld lange syne.

But spare a thought for Jesus.

Food collected, drinks in store, there's never room for any more. Fun and games to make you jolly,

crackers, parties, balloons and holly.


Wrapping paper, a secret thought, hiding away the gifts you've bought.

Singing carols, they're pleasant on ear and they sound right for this time of year.


Exciting times on Christmas morn, opening presents from early dawn. Stockings and dear old Santa Claus, Christmas pudding and brandy sauce.

But spare a thought for Jesus

Scattered toys throughout the day, awaiting time for new owner's play.

Fairy lights on Christmas trees and families sharing memories.

But spare a thought for Jesus, spare a thought.

Roger Stapenhill

1 6 17 9 15 7 11 23 15 5 22 8 23 7 3

18 18 6 9 6

5 5 14 15 7 9 6 6 2

1 12 18 1 5 1 16 1 23 6 1

14 1 24 11 12 12 17 18 13 9 12

6 18 15 18 6 9 11 10 25

24 5 1 25 1 6 18 4 9

26 8 24 4 24 4 25 6 18 9 15

9 20 18 9 6 18 8

24 11 9 16 11 9 12 5 24 14 18 6 5 9 12 21 8 15

8 5 5 20 5 9 15

24 18 6 17 2 9 6 1 6 6 1

1 12 8 6 4 20 23 17 12

24 23 18 24 11 25 15 23 19

4 18 14 6 20 15 18 5 18 13 9

18 3 23 24 24 9 20 1 12 6 1

16 5 6 4 11 18 25 21 15

23 1 9 12 1

22 8 9 24 4 12 18 2 1 6 11 9 12 18 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

A N

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Christmas Alphapuzzle Every letter has a number. Find which number belongs to each letter and gradually find the words. Two letters given to start you off.. Every letter of the alphabet is included. And guess what - the theme is Christmas—Truth and Tradition..

Christmas Fayre Melinda and Gladys would like to say thank you to all those who helped in different ways with the Christmas Fayre, too many to name, except for Esther who made some lovely Christmas gifts—amazing for one so young. It was great to welcome folk for the first time and those who come every year. The return of bacon sandwiches was much appreciat-ed by many folk and a total of £850 was raised. And as for Gladys and Melinda, and Lucy too who has joined the team this year, thanks are due to them as well. They have quietly toiled away for many months preparing for the sale as well as keeping the door open on a Monday morning, where much knitting is done making scarves, blankets and muffs to bring comfort for older people.

On a bright cold Sunday morning in November our band gathers outside the hall and sets off to play near the Parish Church for Remembrance Sunday. This has been a feature of their service for many years, and although the band is fewer in number these days, their commitment is as true as ever. Every Sunday they are at our meetings, accompanying our singing and playing music which blesses us and enhances our worship. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to thank Trevor and all the band personnel for all they do for our Corps and for God.

Captains Jo and Richard are always ready to take the lead when it comes to action songs for the children. I have great admira-tion for them on this score, it’s something I just cannot do (unless I am at home with only Elsie to join in) Can you spot Lucy and Samuel joining in as well?

November Notes

Claude’s Column…… Some thoughts about the three songs that are traditionally sung at the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. At the heart of this Festival of Remembrance Service are three magnificent anthems. Unashamedly patri-otic, expressing a love of our country, and extoling the heroism of those who have given their lives in

defence of our liberty and remembering them with profound gratitude and deep sadness. Amid all the splendour and pageantry of this unique occasion the con-gregation are invited to take part in the singing of the following songs: And did those feet in ancient time was written as a short poem in 1804 by William Blake. Today it is better known as ‘Jerusalem’, with music written by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916. The song was inspired by the legend that a young Jesus, accom-panied by Joseph of Arimathea, a tin merchant, travelled to what is now England and visited Glastonbury sometime during his un-known years—from when he was twelve years old, to the beginning of his minis-try 18 years later. The poems theme is linked to Revelation 3: 12 and 21:2, de-scribing a second coming, wherein Jesus establishes a New Jerusalem. The word Jerusalem here, is used as a metaphor for heaven, a place of universal love and peace. Although William Blake enjoyed fame as an artist, he was relatively unknown as a poet during his own lifetime. He was a strange personality, a mystic whose work was sometimes difficult to understand, rendered more so because of his use of symbolism and analogy. Although he reverenced the Bible, he was scathing in his criticism, of the Church of England of his day. The song seems to start mid-sentence’...and did those feet’...in which Blake implies rather that asserts that there may have been a divine visit. The most common interpretation of the poem suggests that a visit by Jesus would briefly create heaven in England in contrast to the ‘dark Satanic Mills’ of the industrial revolution with its destruction of nature and of human relationships. This view is linked to the fate of the Albion Flour Mills factory in London, a rotary, steam pow-ered flour mill, using huge grinding gears, to produce 6000 bushels of flour per week. This factory could have driven independent traditional millers out of busi-ness, but it was destroyed by fire, perhaps deliberately. Opponents referred to the factory as satanic and accused its owners of adulterating flour and using cheap imports at the expense of British producers. Another interpretation, amongst nonconformist congregations (Blake was him-self a dissenter who refused to conform to the authority of the Anglican Church) is that the menacing phrase ‘dark satanic mills’, describes the Church of Eng-land which preached a doctrine of conformity to the established social order and class system;

And Here Is The News

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Gladys has asked Standard Bearer to pass on her Christmas greet-ings to one and all as she is not sending cards this year preferring to make a charitable gift. I believe the post box will be making an appearance in the hall for those who wish to send cards for people who attend our meetings.

Christmas Greetings To All Our Readers

Praying God’s Blessing

On You and Yours This Christmas Time

And for The Coming Year

To Let You Know

Our toy service gifts, along with the gifts received from Lacey Green Church toy service will be very

important to children and young people served by Saunderton Hostel, the Womens’ Refuge,

Dr. Barnado’s, Child Bereavement Trust Social Services and Global Recording (a local

charity which takes gifts abroad for Impoverished children)

You can see the need is great and anything you can bring will be much appreciated.

Wycombe Museum Christmas Fayre…….. Whilst the band is out playing carols in the Eden shopping centre on 4th December, I will be at the Museum in Priory Avenue I won’t have a band, but will have a stall selling Christmas cards and other ‘crafty’ things between 12 noon and 5 p.m. hopefully adding to the total income from our own Christmas Fayre. If you are free that afternoon, why not come along and give me a smile. I will also be publicising our Christmas events and passing on a ‘God bless you’ to as many people as I can.

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In complete contrast……. to Alan Dobson’s Big Sleep Out in the freez-ing cold weather of England, my son Martin has faced the extreme heat of Africa during this past week (up to 40 degrees) and has cycled across Ghana on a sponsored ride to raise funds for a charity that is in the business of providing help, particularly education, for children who would otherwise have nothing. It has been a gruelling ride, bringing him to the point of collapse from heat exhaustion on one day, and he has been made aware of

the extreme poverty in that country. A young mother brought a baby to the group of cyclists wanting them to take him with them because she could not afford to care for him. Unimaginable! Martin is part of the Standard Bearer process in that he puts the magazine on the website each month This month’s online edition might therefore be a little late as he will not be back home for a few days yet!

The prophetic words of the third and fourth verses are a call to arms, with the references to Bows of burning gold, Arrows of desire, Spears and Chariots of fire, echoing the words of Paul in his letter to the Ephesians in which he exhorts Christians to prepare themselves for spiritual war in the same way a soldier would prepare for battle. St. Paul’s letter ends ‘Take the For All the Saints. Written in 1864 by William Walsham How, with music composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams what hymn could be more appropriate for a remembrance service honouring the sac-rifice of men and women who gave their lives in battle. Again, as in Jerusalem, the author likens Christ’s warriors in the spiritual realm to soldiers engaged in battle. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold, Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old. And win with them the victor’s crown of gold. The music, written by Vaughan Williams, although not on such a grand scale as Jerusalem, is nevertheless a fine and fitting accompaniment to the uplifting words of this timeless hymn. I am always struck by the harmony of this hymn. The unusually melodic bass line consists entirely of crochets which seem to ‘walk’ through every verse (there were ten verses in the original poem, but only four are sung on this occasion). In my mind I imagine pilgrims slowly, but sure-ly plodding on, determined to finish the course and to hear the Saviour’s ‘well done’. Or am I reading too much into it? I vow to Thee my country. Written in 1918 by Cecil Spring Rice who was the British Diplomat to the United States from 1912 to 1918. As far as I know this wonderful poem is the only exam-ple of his work in print. The English Composer, Gustav Holst was asked to set the words to music. At the time he was under enormous pressure, overworked and over weary, and he was much relieved to discover they ‘fitted’ the tune from Jupiter, part of his Planet Suite. Surely, one would have to be made of stone not to be affected by this deeply moving poem. The meaning of every line is so clearly expressed. The first verse speaks of the love which inspired ordinary men and women to sacrifice their very lives in service to their country. The second verse is about the hope of a far better world where all is calm and perfect peace.

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago, Most dear to them who love her, most great to them that know;

We may not count her armies, we may not see her King; Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;

And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, And all her ways are gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

Haha!

A lady lost her purse while out

Christmas shopping.

It was found by a little boy who

returned it to her. The lady looked inside, looked

puzzled and said. That’s strange, when I lost my purse it had a

£20 note in it, now it has 20 £1 coins.

The boy responded.

That’s right lady, the last time I found a purse the lady didn't

have any change for a reward.

The Great Christmas Quiz

1. Which prophet said, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son?”

i. Isaiah ii. Ezekiel iii. iv. Jeremiah 2. What does the name Emmanuel mean? i. God is with us ii. God is for us iii. God loves us iv. God saves us 3. What did the prophet Micah say about Jesus’ birth That he would be i born in Bethlehem ii. raised in Nazareth iii Laid in a manger iv. Visited by shepherds 4 In what month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy did the angel appear to Mary? i fourth ii. fifth. iii. sixth. iv seventh 5. What was the name of the angel to appeared to Mary/ i Michael ii. Uriel iii Raphael iv Gabriel 6. Who sang “My soul doth magnify the Lord”? i Angels ii Mary iii Joseph iv Elizabeth 7. The angel said to Mary that Jesus would reign over the house of which

Old Testament character? i. David ii Solomon iii Jacob iv Abraham 8 What was the name of the old prophetess who saw Jesus in the temple

when he was presented to the Lord after his birth? i Huldah ii Deborah iii Hannah iv Anna 9. Which Caesar decreed that all the world should take part in the census i Augustus ii Nero iii Claudius iv Julius 10 Who said “A light to lighten the gentiles and glory to Thy people Israel i Joseph ii Simeon iii Angels iv Zacharias 11 When the angels left the shepherds, what did the shepherds do? i ushered their sheep into the pen ii went home iii went to Bethlehem iv went to tell King Herod 12 What did Joseph want to do when he knew Mary was pregnant? i keep it a secret ii quietly divorce her iii send her away iv have the child given away

Haha!

A lady lost her purse while out

Christmas shopping.

It was found by a little boy who

returned it to her. The lady looked inside, looked

puzzled and said. That’s strange, when I lost my purse it had a

£20 note in it, now it has 20 £1 coins.

The boy responded.

That’s right lady, the last time I found a purse the lady didn't

have any change for a reward.

13 Which prophet said “Out of Egypt have I called my son”? i Hosea ii Jeremiah iii Malachi iv Isaiah 14 Who told Joseph that Jesus would save his people from their

sins? i shepherds ii Simeon iii Mary iv angel of the Lord 15 What was the sign the angel gave to the shepherds so that they

would recognise Jesus? He would be i found in a stable lying in a manger ii wrapped in swaddling clothes in a crib iii wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger iv found in a stable with a star above it 16 What did the shepherds do after they visited Jesus i spread the news of His birth ii went home iii went back to look after the sheep iv went to buy Jesus presents 17 How long did Jesus remain in Egypt? i until the barley harvest ii until He was five years old iii until King Herod died iv until the rising of the first full moon of the year 18 What sacrifice did Mary and Joseph make when the days of purification after Jesus birth were complete? i a young lamb and two pigeons ii a young goat iii a ram iv two turtledoves or pigeons 19 What was the name of Jesus cousin, born six months before him i James ii John iii Peter iv Joseph 20 Who succeeded Herod after his death? i Archelaus ii Caesar Augustus iii Herod Antipas iv Alphaeus

Answers Next Month.

News! News! High Wycombe Corps now has a Facebook Page.

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regular corps events standard bearer · sat 31st watch night service 11.30 p.m.—12.05 a.m....

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