Long Sutton Parish Magazine
February 2012
Rediscovery
In the ancient monastic service of Compline which we use at St Mary’s to help with our prayers during Lent there are these words.
“ Keep me as the apple of your eye
Hide me under the shadow of your wings”
These words speak to us simply of our dependency on God and of our special relationship with him and His relationship with us.
They are powerful words which take us to the heart of God himself.
Although we are not quite in Lent yet, the beginning is Ash Wednesday on the 22nd February it is worth while beginning to think about how we might prepare ourselves for Lent and for meeting the Risen Christ at Easter. Doing this is both a challenge and an invitation.
I invite you to the observance of a Holy Lent. What do I mean?
Well we at St Marys as in the rest of the church invite you join with us in
Self examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, self denial, acts of charity, by reading and meditating on Gods holy word.
At first glance you may think its not for you, but it is the opposite, it is for you and it is for us. It is an easy thing to do. It is so easy in our daily lives to forget that we have a special relationship with God and He with us. Lent is an opportunity to take some time to consider how this is with you, to redress the balance. To take time to read more, to think about your life more, to consider how you treat those around you more. How kind are you? How kind are they to you and how do you deal with it? Tell God how you really feel, not how you are supposed to be but how you really are with life and with Him. God will listen and there is nothing he has not heard before however angry or hurt or in pain you are.
If you want to give up something during Lent, give up old memories of old hurts, let them go and forgive.
Re centre your life with Christ, the 6 weeks of Lent will give you time to think about this. Re discover God in your life, it’s a New Year make a new start with God.
Your Parish Priest
Fr Jonathan
LENT 2012
Preparation for Lent
If you wish to prepare yourselves for Lent in the traditional way beforehand please contact Fr. Jonathan. If you would like to take the opportunity of using the sacrament of Confession or the Sacrament of Reconciliation please talk to Fr. Jonathan for more information
LENT
Ash Wednesday and the 6 weeks of Lent start on 22nd February. Holy Communion services with imposition of Ash at 9.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m.
This year we are privileged to have our evening Ash Wednesday 7.30 p.m. sung Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes service led by our new Diocesan Bishop, Bishop Christopher.
As we start our important keeping of Lent do put this date in your diary now. Bishop Christopher is seeing to enable all members of our church congregation to deepen their understanding of the bible and prayer in the coming year.
During Lent we will be following our joint Lent Course with Long Sutton Baptist Church using the York Ecumenical course study material. The inspiration will come from this years Olympics in the UK and the theme is 'Handing on the Torch' exploring sacred words for a secular world.
The Lent course will start the Wednesday following Ash Wednesday. The dates are as follows and time in the morning 10.30 a.m. and evenings at 7.30 p.m. with the morning session at St. Mary's and the evening session at the Baptist Church. The themes:-
Wednesday 29th February A Christian society
Wednesday 7th March A secular society
Wednesday 14th March A beleaguered church
Wednesday 21st March Competing creeds
Wednesday 28th March Handing on the Torch
Brothers and sisters in Christ; since the early days Christians have observed with great devotion the time of our Lord’s passion and resurrection. It became the custom of the Church to prepare for this by a season of penitence and fasting.
At first this season of Lent was observed by those who were preparing for Baptism at Easter and by those who were to be restored to the Church’s fellowship from which they had been separated through sin. In course of time the Church came to recognize that by a careful keeping of these days, all Christians might take to heart the call to repentance and the assurance of forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel, and so grow in faith and devotion to our Lord.
LENT LUNCHES
Wednesday 29th February at St. Mary's Church
Wednesday 14th March at Long Sutton Baptist Church
Wednesday 28th March at St. Mary's Church
SHROVE TUESDAY PARTY
21st February 6.30 p.m. in the church hall. See Enid Pearson or Shirley Santry for a ticket.
MOTHERS' UNION
Meets Wednesday 8th February
at 2.30 p.m. in the Church Hall with Rev Rosemary Godard
All welcome
T. & C. GROUP
This month T. & C. meets on Thursday 16th February at 2.00 p.m. in the Church Hall.
The tea and chat group welcomes anyone who is recently bereaved or who would like an afternoon of good company with tea, cakes and people who understand. Paul Walker from AGAPE Care Food Bank will be our speaker.
Lifts can be arranged, Call Fr. Jonathan on 362033.
FRIENDS OF ST. MARYS
We have started a 'Friends of St. Mary's' Group for people who would like to keep in touch with events and development of the church. Please contact us on 362033 or e-mail stmary.ls@btinternet.com if you would like your name and address added to this list.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II
DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Thank you to all those from our community of Long Sutton who have already met and are planning our own community event for this occasion. More representatives from the community are also invited. Some of the features across the Long Sutton two day event of Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th June are as follows:-
Children’s games and tea party
Musical event with a back to back musical extravaganza in the Market Place including folk, jazz and rock and roll. Young people's bands will be on Sunday night.
A tractor procession
Farmers Market
Craft Stalls
Senior citizens tea dance
'Proms in the Park' by the Kings Lynn Town Bank with a firework finale as well as the lighting of the beacon in Winfrey Park.
The local Rotary Club, Medicare, Police, St. John's Ambulance and Long Sutton Fire Brigade are already supporting the event.
Why not come along to our next meeting at 7.00 p.m. in the Market House on Monday 13th February,
All welcome and for more information
please contact
Fr. Jonathan 01406 362033 or Pauline Dickinson 01406 362467
FLOWER FESTIVAL
ST. MARY'S 50TH GLORIOUS YEAR
Saturday 28th April to Monday 7th May
We celebrate 50 consecutive years of our Flower Festival this year.
We would like to invite those who were baptised or married in St. Mary's in 1962 to our opening ceremony at 9.45 a.m. on Saturday 28th April.
Please let us know if you yourself are able to be with us or if you know of others who would like to come to the opening ceremony. If you are not able to come but would like to visit the festival please let us know and you will be very welcome.
Please contact Fr. Jonathan 01406 362033 or
Bonnie Smith 01406 362750 for more information
Fish and Chip Supper at the Races
Friday 19th February at 7.30pm
Long Sutton Church Hall
Tickets £6 and are available from Market House Reception 366767.
Contact this number also if you want to buy a horse for one of the races.
Proceeds to be split between Long Sutton Market House & St Marys Church. Bring your own drinks and come along for a very enjoyable evening.
Agape Care Food Bank
A tremendous thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Food Bank over December.
Although the Food Bank passed it original target of enough Christmas food for 50 families by mid December they went on to collect items to help the increasing numbers of couples, families and single people in South Holland who need help. There is a collection point for donated food in the reception of the Market House and at St Mary’s over the coming months. All the local government and national charity indices are pointing to the reality that the recession will affect this area significantly. Do keep the situation in your prayers. Paul Walker from this group is speaking at the T&C meeting on Thursday 16th February.
MARKET HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY GROUP
Invite you to their next meeting on
Monday 13th February 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
£2 admission.
“Do you have a camera and not sure how it works”
For more information
Contact Market House, 9 Market Street, Long Sutton. Reception 01406 366767.
SOCIAL ISSUES ON THE FENS
Over the last year the Bishop of Grantham, Bishop Tim has asked me to co-ordinate and facilitate a project to discern and respond to the many social needs across South Lincolnshire. This has involved working in conjunction with the professional social agencies and voluntary groups to use and explore resources across the area in partnership.
The response from the 80 or so Anglican parishes in the deaneries of the Hollands, Elloe East and Elloe West has been to highlight 9 main areas of need which has included:-
Isolation, the elderly, young families, young people, migrant workers - the **** problems of alcohol and drugs which lead to the help and need of street pastors and health problems.
In addition the national charity shelter, the Lincoln Research Observatory and Government Data bank has highlighted the ongoing social difficulties of unemployment and increasing home repossession and homelessness. Over the last 6 months there has been a meeting through the auspices of Lincoln University at Holbeach to bring together and harness the efforts of all the main professional and voluntary agencies who work in this area to focus and use their limited resources to target these needs. Whilst progress has been slow, it has also been steady as the area has been systematically assessed as to practical ways forward to support and improve the social needs of the region.
In the meantime there are two practical workshops about community leadership and involvement in the area sponsored by the University of Lincolnshire. These are at the Market House on Tuesday 31st January and 7th February at 7.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. and the regional strategic group are meeting in Holbeach University campus on the morning of Thursday 1st March. Please ask Fr. Jonathan for more information if you are interested and please keep the whole project in your prayers. Thank you. These are also concerns close to Bishop Christopher's and Bishop Tim’s heart for Lincolnshire.
This is the article in the Local Spalding Free Press 19th January 2012.
Spotlight on our troubles
Church focus on social issues in Fens
THE
vicar of Long Sutton, Father Jonathan Sibley, is one of two Church of England
figures taking a fresh look at easing social troubles in the Fens.
Isolation, poverty, health, the elderly, ‘new arrivals’, families and young
people are among nine topics in the spotlight – and church leaders are drawing
together the wider community so there is a joined-up, strategic approach to
solving problems.
Among those contributing are Lincolnshire County Council, South Holland
District Council, Lincolnshire Police, the NHS, South Lincolnshire Community
and Voluntary Service and Spalding’s Agape Care Foodbank.
Father Jonathan and the Rev Canon Andrew Vaughan, senior chaplain with the
Lincolnshire Industrial Chaplaincy Service, have already received responses
from the 80 Church of England parishes within South Holland and The Deepings
and Boston.
They asked parishes to pinpoint problems and, where possible, say what needs to
be done.
Last October they widened the project by inviting statutory and voluntary
agencies to the University of Lincoln campus at Holbeach – and will hold a
repeat meeting there on March 1.
Father Jonathan said: “It’s not a talking shop.
“I think perhaps councillor Nick Worth put his finger on it when he said we are
filling a vacuum where the Rural Action Zone used to exist.”
The Rural Action Zone was an initiative driven by South Holland District
Council to combat rural deprivation but it collapsed in the first wave of
Government cuts in public spending in 2010.
Father Jonathan says the scope of the Church project is wider – as it includes
Boston – and is an example of ‘the big society’ at work.
Examples of churches helping the wider community include street pastors working
in Boston, Spalding and Pinchbeck and churches opening their doors so other
agencies can run things like parenting courses or tea afternoons for the
elderly.
Father Jonathan says the work began at the suggestion of The Bishop of
Grantham, the Rt Rev Tim Ellis, and is supported by South Holland and The
Deepings MP John Hayes.
CHURCH SERVICES IN February
Wednesday 1st February
9.30am Holy Communion
Thursday 2nd February Candlemass
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 5th February
3rd Sunday before Lent
8.00am Holy Communion
10.30am Parish
Communion
Sidespeople: 8.00am Walter Rabey 10.30am Betty Boor Lindsey
Kirkham Reader Jeanne Sibley
Intercessor Briony Phillips
Readings Isa 40:21 to end 1Cor 9:16-23
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
Wednesday 8th February
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 12th February
2nd Sunday before Lent
8.00am Holy Communion
10.30am
Parish Communion
Sidespeople: 8.00am Kath Butler10.30am Pat Bell, Elizabeth Green Reader
Shona Sibley Intercessor Jeanne Sibley
Readings Prov :1,22-31 Col 1:15-20
Gospel John 1:1-14
Wednesday 15th February
9.30am Holy Communion
Sunday 19th February
Sunday before Lent
8.00am Holy Communion
10.30am
Parish Communion
Sidespeople: 8.00am Daphne Woods
10.30am Carol & Peter Little
Reader Peter Little Intercessor Fiona Milne Readings 2 Kings 2:1-12 2 Cor 4:3-6
Gospel Marke 9:2-9
Ash Wednesday 22nd February
9.30am Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
7.30pm Holy Communion with Bishop Christopher and Imposition of Ashes
Sidespeople: Pat Bell, Elizabeth Green
Reader Dick Neaverson Intercessor Michaela Dean Readings Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 2 Cor 5:20b-6:10
Gospel John 8:1-11
Sunday 26th February
Lent 1
8.00am Holy Communion
10.30am
Parish Communion
Sidespeople: 8.00am Martin Dickinson
10.30am Dick Neaverson David Baker Reader Enid Pearson Intercessor Elizabeth Richardson Readings Gen 9:8-17
1Peter 3:18 to end Gospel Mark 1:9-15
Wednesday 29th February
9.30am Holy Communion
FROM THE REGISTERS
Baptisms
8th January Maisie Foulsham Perkins
22nd January Ethan Kempton
Funerals
3rd January Ian Cashmore
24th January Keith Melton
Service of Memorial
21st January Philip Cottrell
Interment of Ashes in the churchyard
28th December Ethel Dawson
LONG SUTTON MIGRANT WORKERS
Free English conversation and life skills classes Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Friends Room at the Market House in the afternoon or evening for times and more information please contact tutor Kay Morley on 01406 363738.
FREE INTERNET ACCESS AT LONG SUTTON MARKET HOUSE
Mondays, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday mornings 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. There is a computer buddy available if you need some guidance. Ring 01406 366767.
LONG SUTTON CREDIT UNION
Lincolnshire Credit Union is open at Long Sutton Market House on Fridays at 10.00 a.m. The opening times are every Friday 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. Think of us as a Community Bank that is run by professional volunteers working under the strict regulations of the Financial Services Authority. When it comes to borrowing money, we make everything simple!
We are able to offer loans of between £100 and £3,000 with a typical monthly rate of 2% on a reducing balance.
All loans are approved on a capacity to repay basis, so poor previous credit may not be a problem. No fees. No fuss.
If you want to open an account and regularly save come and talk to us.
Come in and meet us in the Long Sutton Market House on Fridays. 01406 366767 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
LUKE 02.15-21 1ST JANUARY 2012
Fr. Alan Fiddyment
For many people, the story of Jesus' birth is practically all that they know of Christianity.
This has much to do with the commercialization of Christmas by those in the retail trade who look to the Christmas Season to consolidate their profits.
So there is great familiarity with Christ's birth in the crib scene, the stable, the shepherds, the angels and the wise men. Knowledge, but no understanding; familiarity, yet a story that has no effect upon their lives until the following year; when their Christmas Shopping begins again.
In reflecting on this, I am reminded of the words of a Christian Scholar and Writer. He wrote 'when Christ first came among us we pushed him into an outhouse and we have done our best to keep him there ever since'. Perhaps we can add to those words 'too many people keep him in that outhouse until it suits them to bring him out'.
But we as Christians know that there is much more to the Christmas story than profit and loss, or keeping Christ hidden until it is appropriate to put him on show.
We also know the whole story leading up to Christ's birth, and in the week
before Christmas, Christmas Day itself, and now today, we have been reflecting
and continue to reflect, upon the differing elements of that story. The
Annunciation Mary's obedient acceptance despite all its implications, the
reason for her and Joseph to be in Bethlehem; and the lack of accommodation
which meant giving birth in a stable amongst the animals. The visit of the
shepherds and the angels and then, as we have heard in our Gospel reading
today, the spreading of the good news by the shepherds.
But what are we to make of the shepherds and their place in the Christmas Story? Why were they there? Would it not have been better if the birth had been kept quiet? - particularly as we know, from Matthew's story of the wise men and the slaughter of the innocent children; that King Herod was rather paranoid about what he viewed as usurpers to his throne.
What we must do, it we wish to understand better Christ's birth and all the circumstances surrounding it, is to raise our eyes beyond what Luke tells us and seek the wider picture. That is not to say that Luke does not tell us all that we need to know but we need to get inside his words. His treatment of the event is a masterpiece of economy. Despite its importance, he considers a mere paragraph of seven verses is enough to deal with the nativity itself and than a further twelve verses to complete the story.
But within those later verses Luke is telling us that Christ's birth was not just an event but a revelation. The event may well have been the greatest event that ever took place and, as we believe, a turning point in history, but it would have had no meaning for us unless there was a revelation of that meaning.
And that is where the Angel and the shepherds come in. The Angel is the Messenger of God and the shepherds are fulfilling a role allotted to them.
The choice of the shepherds to be the first to see and worship the Christ child would seem, on the surface, to be inappropriate.
They were so very necessary for the social, economic and religious life of the Jews; providing animals for consumption and also for Temple sacrifices. Yet despised by the orthodox Jews, because their way of life, the demands made upon them by their flocks, meant that they were unable to keep the details of the Jewish Law; the meticulous hand washing, all the rules and regulations. Not only that but they needed to spend days and nights in t he fields and must, sooner or later, have carried on themselves all the smells and odours connected with their animals. Filthy clothes, filthy and stinking bodies - they were indeed people to be avoided at all costs - the lowest level of society.
But if we can indeed raise our eyes above the simple recorded facts of Christ's birth we can see that the role both of the stable birth and of the message to the shepherds is entirely appropriate.
Christ, the Son of God, - in John's words 'became the word made flesh and dwelt among us'.
Christ's message was a message of love, a message of God's grace to those who sought it, a message for all people because all are equal in God's sight. In his life, and in his ministry, Jesus could relate to all; for no matter how humble were those who followed him - his birth and the circumstances surrounding that birth were even more humble.
How well would his message have been received if he had been born in exalted circumstances, circumstances that bore no relation to the lives of the great mass of people and even more so to the message that he brought from God.
But the involvement of the shepherds reflected how appropriate his birth was in relation to that message. Christ was born lowly, and was seen and worshipped first by the lowest in society.
The message that he came for all people, in all circumstances, could not have been clearer.
Unlike the rich and privileged and those who exercised an authority of their own making - the Pharisees for example; the outcasts of society, the rejected, the helpless, the needy and the sick had nothing to fear and everything to gain from Christ's birth.
That was the real necessity in God's plan and purpose for the shepherds to hear, to come and to worship.
And then to spread the good news.
Fr. Alan Fiddyment
Holbeach Seniors Link
Speakers for 22nd February 2012 Meeting:
NACRO (Crime Reducing Charity)
Sue MacLaughlin (Fit as a Fiddle) with gentle keep fit exercises.
Venue is the Victory Hall, Gedney 2 - 4 p.m.
GEDNEY DROVE END & DAWSMERE
Churchwarden
Mr Michael Bills 01406 550343
CHRIST CHURCH, DAWSMERE ROTA for FEBRUARY 2012
Sunday 5th February 9.15am Said Holy communion Father Jonathan Sibley
Sunday 12th February 9.15am Morning Prayer Mrs Michaela Dean
Sunday 19th February 10am Morning Prayer Mrs Michaela Dean
Sunday 26th February 10am Extended Communion
Sunday 4th March 9.15am Said Holy Communion Father Jonathan Sibley
CHRIST CHURCH
A meeting of the Parochial Church Council took place on 18th January, chaired by Father Jonathan. He told members about the involvement of the Church in local issues and expressed his concerns for social deprivation in this area of Lincolnshire at this time of financial hardship. The Agape Care Food Bank which was very successful over the Christmas period will continue to help needy families. As part of the local effort, a box will be at Christ Church for donations of food, non-perishable in tins and packets would be appreciated. Donations of food are also accepted in the reception of Market House, Long Sutton.
The P.C.C. Annual Meeting will take place at Christ Church on Tuesday,
24th April at 7pm.
MOTHERS’ UNION
Members met at Deans Farmhouse on the Monday before Christmas for a festive celebration evening. Michaela Dean led a short service with seasonal readings and special prayers for the bereaved. Everyone had brought some food to share and the evening ended with a nice buffet supper. The next meeting is on Monday, 27th February at 7.15pm.
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday in the month at 2pm at the village hall for a social afternoon of bingo, whist and dominoes. New members are welcome.
THE WELCOME CLUB
There was no meeting in January. The next meeting will take place at the village hall on Thursday, 9th January at 7.30pm. The speaker will be Mr Grantham with a talk abut ‘Evacuees’ and the competition will be for a fancy bookmark.
MONTHLY BINGO
This entertaining evening with good prizes takes place at the village hall on the first Wednesday in the month. Doors open at 6.45pm with eyes down at 7.30pm.
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
The January branch meeting had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The next meeting will take place at the Wildfowler on the Wash on Tuesday, 7th February at 7pm.
THE VILLAGE TOTE
Tickets at 50p per go can be obtained from landlord Phil Mountfield at the Wildfowler on the Wash. The draw takes place at the pub on a Tuesday evening with an average payout for the weekly lucky number about £70 to £80. Why not have a go and support this cause which is for the benefit of the community. The Tote has been very successful for many years and is a non-profit making concern which also gives generous donations to the village clubs and associations each December.
Our thoughts and prayers are for the sick, the lonely and for the bereaved and the residents and staff in our care homes.
LUTTON
Lutton Churchwardens: Bernice Williams Tel: 364125;
Pat Saxton Tel: 364084
Services
Sunday 5 February: 11.00 am Holy Communion: Revd Alan Fiddyment
Sunday 12 February: 11.00 am Morning Prayer: Michaela Dean
Sunday 19 February: 9.30 am Said Communion:
Fr Jonathan Sibley
Sunday 26 February: 11.00 am Extended Communion: Parish Ministry Team
Sunday 4 March: 11.00 am Holy Communion:
Revd Alan Fiddyment
Mothers' Union
At
our January meeting, we had Afternoon Prayers, Cuppa and Chat, and played a
version of Snakes and Ladders, highlighting the difference between rich and
poor, in particular relating to 3rd World Countries.
On 14th February, our meeting starts at 2.30pm in the Village Hall, when Cathie
will lead us in Bible Study, using this year's Mothers' Union Theme-"Your
Gift? Discover and Celebrate".
Friends and Neighbours
In
January, the group met for our AGM, Cheese, Wine and Beetle Drive.
On Tuesday , 14th February at 7.30pm, Squadron Leader C. Lawrence will talk
about RAF Holbeach, the Bombing Range and Conservation. This is an Open Evening
and all are welcome. As the theme will interest many people, please come and
support the evening.
Lutton Village Hall 100 Plus Club
The winner of the December Prize of £50.00 was Gordon Smith.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.
Fundraising to provide a suitable celebration and memento for the children of
Lutton is continuing with regular events each month, so please keep a look out
for posters and come along – we need your support! Anyone interested in
helping with the fundraising or planning the celebrations can get in touch on
01406 351508 or by emailing lutton@live.co.uk
Bible Study & Prayer
We meet on Tuesday 21 February, 7.30 pm at 16 Puddingpoke Lane – all welcome.
Little Nics Mothers and Toddlers Group continues to meet in the Village Hall every Wednesday at 10.30 am for 1 hour, except for school holidays.
February prayer diary
Wed 1st Those who have recently been bereaved.
Thu 2nd Candle Mass - the light of Christ in the world
Fri 3rd Our work with children and young people
Sat 4th Lincoln Saint - Gilbert of Sempringham
Sun 5th Thanksgiving for the Royal Family
Mon 6th For Queen Elizabeth in her 60th year of Accession
Tue 7th For those involved in community leadership
Wed 8th The work of the social services
Thu 9th For Bishop Tim
Fri 10th Members of our Armed Forces on duty in Afghanistan
Sat 11th The work of the Leprosy Mission
Sun 12th The work of our local Health Centre
Mon 13th For preparations for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations
Tue 14th Thanksgiving for the love of Christ
Wed 15th For the deaneries of Elloe East and West
Thu 16th The church and people of Uganda
Fri 17th The Market House race night
Sat 18th The work of the British Legion
Sun 19th Those exploring Baptism
Mon 20th Social concerns in Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge
Tue 21st Shrove Tuesday. Parish party
Wed 22nd Ash Wednesday. Our keeping of Lent. Bishop Christopher
Thu 23rd For churches faithfully enduring persecution. St. Polycarp
Fri 24th George Herbert - for Christian writers
Sat 25th Those who are sick
Sun 26th Those preparing for this year's Flower Festival
Mon 27th Those recently unemployed
Tue 28th For John Hayes our MP and the Government
Wed 29th For those facing homelessness
Thu 1st March St. David. The professionals who work in South Lincs for social need
Fri 2nd St. Chad - the people of Lichfield diocese
Sat 3rd For those exploring their vocations
Sun 4th The outreach of the Market House