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July 2nd 2021

Rector's Notices Cassa

Tom Wright’s talk at the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast

The National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast was last Friday on YouTube live. It was a good event, and it has been lovely to hear that some of you were able to join me in attending virtually. Tom Wright was the speaker, and you can listen to his excellent ten-minute talk here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpyB-yaI6cg

Tom spoke about three markers for life after Covid, that as Christians who want to help our whole society replace despair with hope we should be thinking about: ‘lament, forgiveness and rebuilding.’

Our lamenting with society for all the pain of suffering of the last year, he says, grows out of the belief that the world is not as God created it to be and therefore our lamenting comes out of a place of fresh and creative hope. Tom pointed out that our society has forgotten the need for forgiveness and we cast ourselves as victims. This means that instead of finger pointing we enter our reviews of the last year looking to forgive and make amendment. Finally he said that the kind of rebuilding found in the Bible calls us to prioritise the needs of the poor, the marginalised, the least . Now he was speaking about policy in the nation but we can equally apply this to our own rebuilding in our lives, church and communities. In our own spheres of influence, how can we bring kingdom values into our rebuilding?

Feedback Grids

Thank you for returning the feedback grids on what you have noticed about where God is at work in our church and communities and how we might shape our service pattern going forward. The feedback is being collated by Julie and will be available for people to look at via email and in church. Our PCC will then be using the feedback to decide on a trial service pattern for the Autumn term and choose up to three missional priorities for the next year. These decisions will then be fed back to our church family. If you have any questions please speak to Cassa, Dianne or Val.

Cup of tea and a chat?

I have had some invites from people to meet up which has been so lovely. Please do invite me over to your house for a cup of tea and a chat at some point over the next couple of months so that I can get to know you all and be able to hear your stories and those of our churches. My phone number is 01844 292416 or email cassa.messervy@wychertvale.org.

Church Services at St Mary’s

Sunday 4th July 9am Holy Communion

Sunday 11th July 10.30am Morning Worship service

If you would like to attend the church please book your place with the office by 12 noon on Fridays, numbers are limited in accordance with the current guidance. To protect yourself and others, please wear a face covering and comply with social distancing guidelines. Thank you.

The services will be live-streamed from the church via Zoom and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Church at Home

Our online benefice service this week can be found on the benefice website.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today.

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Word for this week

Gordon

Running

Every day many people of all ages run or jog past our house. I’m trying to feel a bit sorry for people who don’t particularly like sport. It’s hard for them at the moment. The football Euros are thrilling, there are cricket Test Series for men and women, there’s tennis at Wimbledon. There is still hope for the Olympic Games in Japan in a few weeks.

Some people will think that all this excitement is hardly a priority. Let’s get things in proportion! I have to admit that there are no mentions of football, cricket or tennis in the Christian Bible, but running gets mentioned quite often. Of course, the Olympic Games and other major athletic tournaments aroused great excitement hundreds of years before the New Testament told us about Jesus.

“In a race” (says the apostle Paul) “all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training . . . .” (see I Corinthians 9.24-27).

Also “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (see Hebrews 12.1).

Sport, especially running, can be a metaphor (picture) of life – of Christian life. It needs training . . . and perseverance!

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

God our Father,

Help us with our training.

Help us as we run our race.

Help us to persevere, even when it is hard.

Thank you for all your help!

Amen

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

We will be holding our delayed APCM on Thursday 15th July at 7pm. This will take place in the church building and will also be live-streamed. Further details to follow.

Quinquennial works at the Church

As you may have noticed, the work on the church has now commenced and there is scaffolding at the West Door to allow access to the clock, and at the East window, for the stonework repairs. The workmen are trying hard to minimise disruption in the church and in the churchyard, but the works are substantial so it’s not easy.

Please bear with us while these essential works are completed.

Moving on ..

it is lovely being able to meet with people again and share meals and coffees but these ‘unlocking’ times and the uncertainty of the coming weeks are challenging. If you have worries your church family is here to support you. None of what you share will be made public but it may be passed to a member of clergy to provide you with extra help if appropriate.

If you would like to talk one to one with someone call any of those listed below on our prayer line. They will be happy just to listen, or to pray with you.

Or you can add yourself or someone else (with their permission) to the prayer square in the weekly notice sheet so the whole church family can be praying.

In the event of sudden illness or an emergency do contact any of those below who can set off a prayer alert sent immediately to a prayer group again in confidence.

Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!!

Contact any of the following: Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07811 713522

Prayer Square

If you would like our church family to be praying for you or you know of someone else who would welcome prayer we would love to add the name to the Prayer Square. As the name will be public you MUST have the person’s permission but the circumstances remain confidential.

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For the consultation regarding our service patterns as we look at new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

Prayer for Extraordinary Time

God of Love,

We give thanks for the outpouring of your Spirit and the growth of the church which we celebrated at Pentecost.

As we enter a new season of 'Extraordinary Time' we pray for a fresh outpouring of your Spirit on your people and your Church. We pray for our own growth in faith, the courage to share the good news of your love with our communities and the gifts of wisdom and discernment for the way ahead.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for our Community

Thank you for all the ways in which you have blessed, and are blessing our community.

Help us to recognise where you are giving us opportunity to make new connections. Help us to reach out with thoughtfulness and gentleness, sharing the good news of your love.

Please continue to give wisdom, as along with our wider society, we keep pace with changes to restrictions. Thank you for all the ways in which you have enabled us to keep connected.

Bless our coming together in this variety of ways, and help us to re-engage safely, strengthening and blessing each other as we share life together.

Help us to be sensitive to each other’s needs and aware of those needing extra help and support.

We pray for those involved in the continuation of the vaccine roll-out, and especially for our Health Centre as they work to serve the health and wellbeing of our community.

We pray for the NHS and for those in our community awaiting treatment.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term and for wisdom in decision making as challenges continue;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

June 25th 2021

Rector’s Notices Cassa

Emerging from Lockdown Feedback

Thank you so much to everyone who has taken the time to give feedback using the grid to answer the questions and give feedback on services. This will be used by the PCC to do two things:

1) discern on up to three missional priorities for us going forward.

2) decide on a trial pattern of services for the autumn term.

God will have been speaking to us all and encouraging us to notice where he is at work so please do share what you have been hearing from God. Please return your feedback by Monday 28th June to Julie in the office or email to me: cassa.messervy@wychertvale.org.

Bishop Steven's Address

Overconsumption is choking the life from the planet. The deserts are growing. The seas are dying. What will God’s people do in such a time? Read Bishop Steven's address to Diocesan Synod:

https://blogs.oxford.anglican.org/river-of-life-cop15-and-cop26/

Cup of tea and a chat?

Church Services at St Mary’s

Sunday 27th June 10.30am Morning Worship service

Sunday 4th July 9am Holy Communion

The services will be live-streamed from the church via Zoom and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Church at Home

Our online benefice service this week can be found at the link below;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFu_l_yKdsY&t=165s

Coffee & Chat

Tim is hosting Coffee & Chat this week at 11.30am on Sunday, zoom link below;

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73033477538?pwd=a3ZLVktXTm9iOGN6NDdKanpGZUd1UT09

Meeting ID: 730 3347 7538 Passcode: coffee

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today.

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Word for this week Adrian

It looked like curtains for Baron Munchausen, the fictitious 18^th century German adventurer.

He was exploring in Ceylon, when he heard a noise behind him and he saw a large lion moving menacingly towards him. In front of him and to one side was a lake out of which an enormous crocodile was emerging with gaping jaws and on the other side was a chasm in which he could see venomous snakes. Seeing the lion about to spring on him, he threw himself to the ground. The lion unwittingly soared over him into the jaws of the crocodile, choking both the reptile and itself.

In a similar fashion 1 Samuel 23:26 narrates an escape of David from the hands of Saul, when the latter's capture of him seemed inevitable.But as we read just as Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, a messenger came to Saul saying. 'Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land' and Saul had to break off his pursuit of David.

We should not pretend that the Lord will always bail us out (remember Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:8 when he recounts that three times he besought the Lord to take away his thorn in the flesh) because in our difficulties and disasters we can still testify to his loving kindness (in Philippians 1:12 Paul testifies to how his incarceration in Rome has advanced the gospel) but equally well we should seek his mercy and his help and if he graciously grants it then we should spread it abroad. This is no more than what David does time and again in the Psalms. God got David out of many tough situations and David made sure people knew of it.

Heavenly Father, help us to remember that when we look to you, no matter what is happening, your purposes are advanced.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Update of the Church Electoral Roll

Please don’t forget to complete and return your Electoral Roll forms to the office by June 28th. Forms are available on the website or from the office (please email the office for a copy).

Annual Parochial Church Meeting

We will be holding our delayed APCM on Thursday 15th July at 7pm. Please put the date in your diaries. Further details to follow.

Quinquennial works at the Church

Scaffolding 1 Scaffolding 2 Clock Tower renovation

Please bear with us while these essential works are completed.

Moving on ..

If you would like to talk one to one with someone call any of those listed below on our prayer line. They will be happy just to listen, or to pray with you.

Or you can add yourself or someone else (with their permission) to the prayer square in the weekly notice sheet so the whole church family can be praying.

In the event of sudden illness or an emergency do contact any of those below who can set off a prayer alert sent immediately to a prayer group again in confidence.

Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!!

Contact any of the following: Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07811 713522

Schools Work

Some people may not know that the schools team of volunteers from Haddenham’s churches have been recording, editing (thanks to Andy Price!) and sending weekly Bible Story videos to the three Haddenham Schools, instead of going in to lead assemblies. This will continue until the end of the school year, but this term, we are delighted to be welcoming one class at a time from St Mary’s School into church for a short Collective Worship Service. The team, now supported by Cassa, is taking turns to lead these services and we are loving being able to finally talk to the children and their teachers face to face. It is hoped to expand these visits to include the other Haddenham schools and churches from September. In addition, we are hoping to host a small Leavers Service in church for the Year 2 children, to be live-streamed so parents will be able to watch online. Your prayers in support of our schools work are much appreciated.

Haddenham Virtual Gardens Visits

Enjoy the unique opportunity to visit six of Haddenham’s hidden gardens from the comfort of your own home. The gardens can be viewed from 15^th June by searching YouTube or clicking on: Haddenham Virtual Gardens Tours .

You can access these filmed gardens as a taster for our Open Gardens on 12^th September where you can visit more gardens.

If you enjoy the virtual visits and would like to make a donation please visit our JustGiving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/haddenham-community-support-group

For more information email: fnhcsg@gmail.com

or contact Sue Peck 01844 292110

Scarecrow Festival

Thank you to everyone who took part in and/or supported this year’s Scarecrow Festival. There were over 100 fantastic displays throughout the village and it is hoped the event will reach its target of raising £2000 for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Hundreds of votes have been cast and the results of your 3 Favourites plus all other details will be announced on the Haddenham.net community website on Saturday morning (26th) and other local media. Further donations are very welcome until end of June as follows:

1.Online:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/haddenhamscarecrowfestival21

2. In cash or by cheque payable to Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity delivered to Francesca Flaxton at 7 Dovecote

3. By bank transfer to designated account at Lloyds Bank: Sort Code: 30-98-56 A/C No: 29225168 A/C Name: F Flaxton Ref: Scarecrow21

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For the consultation regarding our service patterns as we look at new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

Prayer for Extraordinary Time

God of Love,

We give thanks for the outpouring of your Spirit and the growth of the church which we remember at Pentecost.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for our Community

Thank you for all the ways in which you have blessed, and are blessing our community.

Help us to recognise where you are giving us opportunity to make new connections. Help us to reach out with thoughtfulness and gentleness, sharing the good news of your love.

Please continue to give wisdom, as along with our wider society, we keep pace with changes to restrictions. Thank you for all the ways in which you have enabled us to keep connected.

Bless our coming together in this variety of ways, and help us to re-engage safely, strengthening and blessing each other as we share life together.

Help us to be sensitive to each other’s needs and aware of those needing extra help and support.

We pray for those involved in the continuation of the vaccine roll-out, and especially for our Health Centre as they work to serve the health and wellbeing of our community.

We pray for the NHS and for those in our community awaiting treatment.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all. Amen

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June 18th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

Sunday 20th 10.30am Morning Worship service

The services will be live-streamed from the church via Zoom and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today.

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Rector’s Notices

Happy Father’s Day

Unlike Mothering Sunday, Father’s Day does not have an obvious link with the seasons of the Church year. However, I think it is a great opportunity to give thanks for those who are biological fathers and for fatherhood in general. I have been and continue to be grateful for the ‘fathers in God’ who have supported me personally. I think we also have a deep appreciation for all who exercise ‘fatherhood’ in the church and community offering their wisdom, care and leadership to build up the Church and God’s Kingdom. So happy ‘Father’s Day’ to you all this Sunday, thank you for the way you model God’s fatherhood amongst us.

Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast

I am booked on the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast on Friday 25th June 8-8.45am organised by Christians in Parliament. This event went online last year and has fortunately stayed online which makes it very easy to attend. The event will be chaired by The Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom MP and the main speaker will be The Rt Revd Professor NT Wright, who will address the theme of ‘Life Beyond Covid: A Renewed Hope’. Anyone can book to attend just use this link:

https://www.christiansinparliament.org.uk/prayer-breakfast/

Good Books

The Bible Society has two new books/booklets out that might be of interest to you:

· God’s Brilliant Big Creation Story is a beautifully illustrated rhyming book suitable for small children. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/products/9780281084814/

· The ‘Room for God’ booklet is a resource that helps you find a way to connect with God in every room of your house, and outdoors. On a meditative tour of your own home, you can try out a variety of spiritual practices, listening to God, reflecting on your concerns, and using discernment in your decisions. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/products/room-for-god/

Cup of tea and a chat?

Word for this week

Father’s Day

When I was young, I don’t remember such a thing as ‘Father’s Day’. Mothering Sunday was celebrated, although not to the secular, commercial extent it is now. In Church we gave thanks for our mothers but fathers didn’t get a look in!

It is thought that Father’s Day only entered British popular culture sometime after the Second World War. It was inspired by the American custom celebrated on the third Sunday in June. Special services to give thanks for fatherhood only seem to have been part of Church life here from the late 1990’s.

Like Mothering Sunday, these services can be challenging. Great sensitivity is needed not to upset the people whose experience of fatherhood has been negative or whose fathers are no longer around.

For me, my Dad was the best role model that I could have had. He was kind, patient, hard working and God fearing. But he wasn’t perfect! Even the best Dads can sometimes mess up being a father.

The Bible shows us the best example of fatherhood as it describes how God treats each one of us.

In Hosea ch11 we see how God acts as a Father.

‘When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son…..it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.’(NIV)

This is a beautiful picture of how God fathers, teaches, and feeds us with kindness and love. How he heals our hurts and doesn’t give up on us when we reject him.

Jesus described God as Father, particularly in the opening words of the Lord’s Prayer. He also compares God to the loving earthly father who only wants to give good gifts to his children.

It is true also that we can have fatherly role models who aren’t physically related to us. Paul called Timothy his son. Barnabas acted as father to his cousin John Mark and for Jesus, it was his earthly stepfather Joseph who brought him up.

Friends… stepfathers… teachers… coaches… church leaders… dads… I wonder who you will want to thank on Sunday because they have been just a bit like God and ‘a father’ to you.

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

you entrusted your Son Jesus,

the child of Mary,

to the care of Joseph, an earthly father.

Bless all fathers,

as they care for their families.

Give them strength and wisdom,

tenderness and patience;

support them in the work they have to do, protecting those who look to them, as we look to you for love and salvation, through Jesus Christ our rock and defender.

Amen.

Update of the Church Electoral Roll

Anyone who is not currently on the Electoral Roll and would like to be a Church member is required to fill out an application form.

Please do consider this carefully as a wonderful way to be part of St Mary’s membership. Forms are available on the website or from the office (please email the office for a copy). They should be completed and returned by 28th June 2021, to the Electoral Roll Officer at the Benefice Office.

Haddenham Virtual Gardens Visits

Enjoy the unique opportunity to visit six of Haddenham’s hidden gardens from the comfort of your own home. The gardens can be viewed from 15th June by searching YouTube or clicking on: Haddenham Virtual Gardens Tours .

You can access these filmed gardens as a taster for our Open Gardens on 12th September where you can visit more gardens.

If you enjoy the virtual visits and would like to make a donation please visit our JustGiving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/haddenham-community-support-group

For more information email: fnhcsg@gmail.com

or contact Sue Peck 01844 292110

The 6th annual Haddenham Scarecrow Festival is open now until 21st June. Maps can be downloaded from haddenham.net. A3 paper Trail Maps are available from: Blooming Fruity, Cottage Bakery, Bradmoor Farm, Florence Nightingale Charity Shop, Haddenham Garden Centre and from outside 7 Dovecote and 70 Stanbridge Road.

This year, all funds raised are for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Details of how to donate are on the trail maps and on haddenham.net.

Everyone can vote for their THREE favourites by text 07554 141810 or email scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com by midnight on Monday 21st June.

Moving on ..

If you would like to talk one to one with someone call any of those listed below on our prayer line. They will be happy just to listen, or to pray with you.

Or you can add yourself or someone else (with their permission) to the prayer square in the weekly notice sheet so the whole church family can be praying.

In the event of sudden illness or an emergency do contact any of those below who can set off a prayer alert sent immediately to a prayer group again in confidence.

Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!!

Contact any of the following: Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07811 713522

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For all our church services as we find new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· The Rogers family

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

· The new Baby & Toddler group at St Mary’s Centre

Prayer for Extraordinary Time

God of Love,

We give thanks for the outpouring of your Spirit and the growth of the church which we remember at Pentecost.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for our Community

Thank you that you have been with us throughout all the challenges of the pandemic.

Please give us wisdom as restrictions are lifted and enable us to meet again and re-engage with each other safely and with joy. Help us to be sensitive to each other’s needs and aware of those needing extra help and support.

We pray for those working hard to continue the vaccine roll-out.

Help us to reach out with love, with sensitivity, and with prayer, and may Your Kingdom Come, here in our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

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June 11th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

Sunday 13th 10.30am Morning Worship service

The services will be live-streamed from the church via Zoom and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting coffee this week at 11.30am. Please note that we have changed to the second and fourth Sundays for our coffee.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74444111544?pwd=QmhicStwRi9UMlVmdUVRenhWdHQvQT09

Meeting ID: 744 4411 1544 Passcode: GDpcS0

Church at Home

Details of our online benefice service can be found on the benefice website.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Rector’s Notices Cassa

Extraordinary Time

Trinity Sunday marked the move in the Church’s seasons to the rather blandly named ‘Ordinary Time’ which is linked with the colour green and is therefore also known as ‘green time’ or ‘growing time’. This season lasts until Advent Sunday. Of course, this year this season will be quite different to previous years as we hopefully start the process of recovery from the pandemic whilst still living with some level of uncertainty. Our Bishops have sent us a message about this season which they are renaming ‘Extraordinary Time’

‘How will we navigate this next period of our life together? The Church calls this period ordinary time, but the next six months must be far more! We need them to be an extraordinary time of gentle regathering, of determined rebuilding, of God rekindling fire in our hearts, of nursing our communities back to health, of rebirth for our church, and of God calling many people to new ministries and faith.

For ordinary time to be an extraordinary time, we will need to remember to pray each day, Come, Holy Spirit, and invite God by his Spirit to breathe God’s life into all we do together. So we want rename this season this year. As bishops, we want to look back when we get to Advent and say: well that really was an extraordinary time, when the Church regathered and moved forward in mission. Look at how far we have come. Look at the fruits of the Spirit’s work. Who would have believed it back in May? The people of God across this whole diocese are amazing – but God is more wonderful and amazing still.’

Did you miss it?

In case you missed the brilliant Tom Wright preaching on the Cross, here is the link to the video on the Diocesan website:

https://www.oxford.anglican.org/mission-ministry/ministry/cmd-2/tom-wright-preaching-on-the-cross/

Emails in Spam

Unfortunately, I have had an issue with some emails going into my spam folder so if you have sent me an email and not received a reply I apologise. Please do send it to me again as I will now be checking my spam folder regularly.

Cup of tea and a chat?

Word for this week Trish 2

The other day I needed to wear clerical robes to lead a service. The day before the service, I noticed that the surplice (the white part, with wide sleeves, that goes over the black cassock) was in need of a wash. Some marks on the front, meant it needed a soak for a while to get rid of the stains. Having done that, I soaked it again, this time in a whitener, a product which promised (truthfully as it happens) to improve the whiteness. Soaking helped first to get rid of what wasn’t wanted and then to absorb what was.

Last Sunday, at our Communion service, Jonathan spoke to us about looking forward with hope and confidence in all our new beginnings, and of the importance of “soaking” everything in prayer, praying about new initiatives and generally soaking our situation in prayer as we find our way forward.

Prayer is always a vital part of our journey together as a church family, and especially so as we explore new direction. Jesus tells us that He is The Way, that being in relationship with Him is what gives us direction, and nothing builds that relationship like prayer. So now, at this point in time, how do we begin to make a habit of ‘soaking’ in prayer?

One of the best places to start is by counting our blessings. Prayers of thanksgiving can help us soak out any unhelpful feelings and absorb all the wonder of God’s blessings. We can thank God for where we are right now, for all His faithfulness in bringing us here, for all He is doing and will do as we listen to Him and follow where He leads. Having thankful hearts is a great way to open our eyes to recognise just what is happening around us, and where God is already working.

In our daily lives, in our personal prayers, and as we meet each other, whether in planned get togethers or chance meetings, let’s take every opportunity to count our blessings together and give God the glory. Soaking in prayer will undoubtedly help us grow in relationship with God and one another, and so to find our direction, and thankfulness is a great place from which to start.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Help us to grow in relationship with you and one another.

Help us to learn what it is to soak in prayer, and help us to begin with counting our blessings with thankful hearts.

Open our eyes, our ears and our hearts and lead us on.

We pray in Jesus name,

Amen.

Update of the Church Electoral Roll

Anyone who is not currently on the Electoral Roll and would like to be a Church member is required to fill out an application form.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today.

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

See below photographs of cakes made by the children at their last meeting. Yummy!!

Owen's cakes Hattie's cakes

The 6th annual Haddenham Scarecrow Festival is open now until 21st June. Maps can be downloaded from haddenham.net. A3 paper Trail Maps are available from: Blooming Fruity, Cottage Bakery, Bradmoor Farm, Florence Nightingale Charity Shop, Haddenham Garden Centre and from outside 7 Dovecote and 70 Stanbridge Road.

This year, all funds raised are for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. Details of how to donate are on the trail maps and on haddenham.net.

Please do not post photos of Scarecrows on social media during the first week of the Festival, to allow people to see for themselves.

Everyone can vote for their THREE favourites by text 07554 141810 or email scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com by midnight on Monday 21st June.

Moving on ..

If you would like to talk one to one with someone call any of those listed below on our prayer line. They will be happy just to listen, or to pray with you.

Or you can add yourself or someone else (with their permission) to the prayer square in the weekly notice sheet so the whole church family can be praying.

In the event of sudden illness or an emergency do contact any of those below who can set off a prayer alert sent immediately to a prayer group again in confidence.

Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!!

Contact any of the following: Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07811 713522

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For all our church services as we find new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· The Rogers family

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

· The new Baby & Toddler group at St Mary’s Centre

Prayer for Extraordinary Time

God of Love,

We give thanks for the outpouring of your Spirit and the growth of the church which we remember at Pentecost.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Prayer for our Community

Thank you that you have been with us throughout all the challenges of the pandemic.

We pray for those working hard to continue the vaccine roll-out.

Help us to reach out with love, with sensitivity, and with prayer, and may Your Kingdom Come, here in our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

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May 28th & June 4th 2021

THIS NOTICESHEET IS FOR TWO WEEKS

Church Services at St Mary’s

Sunday 30th May 10.30am Morning Worship service

Sunday 6th June 9am Holy Communion service

The services will be live-streamed from the church via Zoom and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Church at Home

The link for our online Youtube service for

Trinity Sunday is https://youtu.be/zPbrXAqQRMI

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today.

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Rector’s Notices Cassa

Did you miss it?

If you missed the Archbishop of York’s short (5 mins) Pentecost sermon you can access it on the link below. In it he reflects on the fact that God chose to gift the disciples different languages not one language, that God chose diversity so that the Gospel could be proclaimed in every language and that this leads to wonderful variety in the body of Christ, the Church but also a unity of purpose. Unity in diversity is I think the call of the Spirit at this time.

https://www.thykingdomcome.global/resources/resources-services

You may also like to look at the beautiful ‘peace doves’ art installation in Liverpool Cathedral, containing thousands of prayers for those who have died over the last year:

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2021/28-may/news/uk/thousands-of-doves-take-to-the-air-in-liverpool-cathedral

A fresh outpouring of the Spirit

Each Pentecost we pray for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit. This year we are praying particularly for God’s guidance and the gifts of discernment and wisdom as we think about the way ahead for our churches. Please consider what feedback you will give to help this discernment process in order to support the flourishing of our church families and communities as we move forward. Questions to ponder:

· What have we gained but would be happy to lose at the end of lockdown?

· What have we gained and want to keep?

· What have we lost and don’t want back?

· What have we lost and want back?

Cup of tea and a chat?

It has been lovely to start to get to know people in these first few weeks of my time in the benefice. Please do invite me over to your house for a cup of tea and a chat at some point over the next couple of months so that I can get to know you all and be able to hear your stories and those of our churches. My phone number is 01844 292416 or email cassa.messervy@wychertvale.org.

Word for this week

Gordon

The Jesus Dilemma

This dilemma is the vital background to Trinity Sunday. We all grow up with different stories that are important and memorable. Individuals, families, communities, countries all have stories – some happy, some sad and tragic. The Jewish people had their favourite stories – they included the call of Abraham, the rescue from Egypt under Moses, the famous song-writer and military leader king David – and many others. But behind all these stories was a story that made them very different from surrounding tribes and nations. This story was that their God made the world and everything – and that he was the only God!

The first of the famous Ten Commandments says “I am the Lord your God – you shall have no other gods”. The posh word for this story, this conviction, is monotheism – one God! So the centuries went past, and the Jews were frequently tempted to believe in other gods too. But the prophets kept warning them about this danger.

Then came another prophet, Jesus of Nazareth. And he said and did some very startling things;

· Other prophets had regularly said “Thus says the Lord”, but Jesus said “but I say to you” (the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5). What are we to make of that?

· He announced forgiveness of sins to people on his own authority. The Jewish leaders were scandalized and burst out “But only God can do that!” (Mark 2.5-10). But Jesus went on doing it. What were they to make of that?

· Jesus fiercely criticised the Temple leaders in Jerusalem, predicted its destruction, and very clearly implied He was taking the place of the Temple as the focus of God’s presence (Matthew 12.6). Talk about asking for trouble, and putting the cat among the pigeons!

· The first Christians saw in Jesus the fulfilment of the prophecy of the name “Immanuel” which means God is with us (Matthew 1.23).

You can see the dilemma for people whose whole story was predicated on there being one God. What were they to do? Here are two big clues :

· Thomas (that’s Doubting Thomas) met Jesus after his resurrection, and said “My Lord and my God” (John 2028).

· Not very much later, one of the first Christian hymn writers finished the lyric with “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . . and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” – and he or she added an awareness of the dilemma by saying that this would be “to the glory of God the Father”. Paul quotes the hymn in Philippians 2.6-11).

That is the beginning of a new story leading to Trinity Sunday.

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Dear God,

We worship you, the One God

The Father who sustains the world with unconditional love,

The Son who redeems people with undeserved forgiveness,

The Spirit who enables our discipleship with unlimited resources.

We worship you,

Amen

Pitter Patter - a new Baby/Toddler Group for Parents & Carers

Pitter Patter We are trialling a new group at St Mary’s Centre on Tuesdays from 9.30am –11am.

We will start on Tuesday 8th June. Please let your friends and neighbours with pre-school children know.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Madrigals from Witchert Chorale, directed by David Quinn.

Bank Holiday Monday, 31st May at 9.30am In the churchyard of St Nicholas Cuddington

Sing a song of Maytime!

Collection in aid of Christian Aid

Supporting each other

It is encouraging that the vaccine rollout is progressing so well and is now on the horizon for many more Light at the end of the tunnel even though there is still a way to go. Hurray!! However in the meantime we can all help each other with a chat or reassurance or prayer. If you would like to talk to someone – perhaps you are lonely or feel weighed down by family problems and issues – please call any of those listed below IN CONFIDENCE or ask someone to do it for you. They will be happy just to be listeners or to pray over the phone or later if you prefer. And we can all pray for people on the prayer square and ANYONE can add themselves or someone else with their permission. – see the prayer square information in this newssheet. If there is sudden illness or an emergency a prayer chain can immediately send a message round a prayer group again in confidence. Contact any of those below who can start that for you. Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!! Contact any of the following:

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For all our church services as we find new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The Rogers family

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

· The new Baby & Toddler group at St Mary’s Centre

Prayer for our Community

Thank you that you have been with us throughout all the challenges of the pandemic.

We pray for those working hard to continue the vaccine roll-out.

Help us to reach out with love, with sensitivity, and with prayer, and may Your Kingdom Come, here in our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for a restful half term for staff and children

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

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May 21st 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

There will be a short (30-40 minutes) Morning Worship service in St Mary’s church at 10.30am on Sunday 21st May. This will be led by Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt. If you would like to attend the church please book your place with the office by 12 noon on Friday, numbers are limited in accordance with the current guidance. To protect yourself and others, please wear a face covering and comply with social distancing guidelines. Thank you.

This service will be live-streamed from the church via Zoom and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

Red Kite 2

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Church at Home

See Wychert Vale website for details for this Sunday’s online service, the order of service is attached.

See this link for the service from the Oxford Diocese, these services have been extended for a couple more weeks.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today. Zoom link available from Philippa.

May 23, 2021 9.50 AM

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information; pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Rector’s Notices

Cassa

5 Minute Videos from Bishop Steven

A group of people from our benefice have enjoyed meeting to reflect on and discuss Bishop Steven’s book ‘Comfortable Words: A Call to Restoration’. We have looked at the first two chapters of the book which focus on God’s comfort for those suffering and the renewal of our strength through ‘waiting on the Lord’. I know not everyone has the time to read the book but I thought I would point you to the five minute videos created by Bishop Steven to accompany the book which I think are very useful for us all to reflect on. You can access them here:

https://thebigchurchread.co.uk/comfortable-words/

Where is God calling us now?

At Aylesbury Deanery Synod we will be reflecting on this useful grid to think about where God is calling our churches after lockdown. Whilst the last year has been very difficult in many ways it also provides us with an opportunity to review prayerfully our worship, ministry and mission as churches. May I encourage you to think about the areas in the grid and feedback your thoughts to your PCC and ministry team.

Matrix

Tea and a chat?

email cassa.messervy@wychertvale.org.

Word for this week Adrian

When things get bumpy...

Some years ago, while on holiday in New Zealand with my wife, we journeyed away from the west coast of the South Island and went inland on a road up the Buller river valley.

Along the way we came to an adventure park and with time to spare decided to have a look at it.

Most of the park was on the far side of the river, which flowed through a deep gorge. To cross it there was a 100 metre long narrow metal suspension bridge, a modernised version of the rope and plank bridges seen in adventure films.

However like the aforesaid it swayed as you walked across, especially in the middle, which was a bit unnerving to the uninitiated (me).

When the time came to return across it, we had to wait a while as other people were venturing across from the other side. As more people kept on coming we decided we couldn't keep on waiting and would have to pass them on the bridge. Interestingly they were not best pleased as we squeezed by, making the bridge sway that little bit more.

I have to confess, we gave the alternative crossing of the gorge by zip wire a miss.

Suspension Bridge

There is something about the christian life in such an experience. Our enemy, the evil one, goes about like a roaring lion and he will rock us about in life, put hazards in our path and make following Jesus demanding, but he can't bring the bridge down and it remains quite safe.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Father God

When things get bumpy in our lives, help us to remember that you are right there alongside us. When the path is uneven you help us to keep straight and when the road is rocky, your unfailing love keeps us safe.

Thank you God that you are with us through the rough and the smooth journeys of our life.

Amen

Private Prayer in the Church

We’re very pleased that the church building is now open every day. Please follow the COVID guidelines on the notices displayed at the church if you are visiting.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Quinquennial works in the Churchyard

Church from side You may notice builders and scaffolding in the churchyard over the next few weeks. Work is due to start any day on the repairs identified in the quinquennial report. There shouldn’t be too much disruption. Please contact the office if you would like to know what is being done.

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 5th – 21st June

Open to all! Full information & entry forms on haddenham.net or contact us:

scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com

07554 141810

Closing date for entries Friday 28th May 2021

All funds raised this year will be donated to

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For all our church services as we find new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The Rogers family

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

· For five people we know to come to know Jesus

Prayer for our Community

Thank you that you have been with us throughout all the challenges of the pandemic.

We pray for those working hard to continue the vaccine roll-out.

Help us to reach out with love, with sensitivity, and with prayer, and may Your Kingdom Come, here in our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

May 14th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

There will be a short (30-40 minutes) Morning Worship service in St Mary’s church at 10.30am on Sunday 16th May. This will be led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with Revd Phil Groves preaching. If you would like to attend the church please book your place with Dianne 01844 291219 or brackleys@aol.com , numbers are limited in accordance with the current guidance. To protect yourself and others, please wear a face covering and comply with social distancing guidelines. Thank you.

This service will be live-streamed from the church and for those watching from home the link is available from the office.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting our zoom coffee and chat this Sunday at 11.30am. Details below;

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4097488914?pwd=cFpwUWl4bStuYnpOU3ZhKy92RmFGdz09

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914 Passcode: 5c9cuC

Church at Home

See Wychert Vale website for details for this Sunday’s online service, the order of service is attached.

See this link for the service from the Oxford Diocese, these services have been extended for a couple more weeks.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today. Zoom links below;

May 16, 2021 9.50 AM

May 23, 2021 9.50 AM

Zoom Meeting details from Philippa.

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Rector’s Notices Cassa

Study Group on Zoom

It's not too late to join the benefice zoom study group, which started last week. There are two sessions on Mondays 11-12pm and 8-9pm. Just buy the book 'Comfortable Words: a call to restoration' by Steven Croft and join us on the zoom link available from the office.

Thy Kingdom Come

Each year we are encouraged by our Archbishops to pray with millions of other Christians from around the world ‘thy kingdom come’ for ten days of prayer from Ascension (13th May) to Pentecost (23rd May). This year we will be focussing on praying for aspects of the pandemic and looking to God’s promised future for our world. There are prayer resources available for you to use at home in the form of prayer journals or a digital family prayer map. Prayer journals are available in the church or speak to Cassa if you would like one delivered.

Please see the daily prayer suggestions at the end of this Noticesheet.

And the Wychert Vale facebook page for more daily prayers;

https://www.facebook.com/WychertValeBenefice

Thy Kingdom Come

Word for this week

Forget not……. Olive

Have you ever been in this situation - you meet someone new, are introduced, and then moments later you've forgotten their name! Names, passwords, pin and telephone numbers... these things are sometimes essential but quite difficult to memorise and keep in our head. Our memories have limitations.

But memories can be a tremendous source of comfort too, that’s why we keep photographs and videos to stimulate them.

In many ways our worship together is about remembering, not just in Holy Communion. David, in his songs, the psalms, often reminded the people what God had done for them. And we too can look back and recall what God has done in our lives and the lives of other people.

The wonderful Psalm 103 is one we know well because of Francis Henry Lyte ‘s hymn ‘Praise my soul the king of heaven.’ It begins with David talking to himself. ‘Praise the Lord, O my soul, all my inmost being, praise his holy name…. and forget not all his benefits'. (v2)

Look back and remember, says David!

He highlights the blessings of God in metaphors, ‘ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven’. (Hymn v1)

Sometimes people try to draw a contrast between the God of the Old Testament and Jesus in the New but the theme of ransom, healing, restoration and forgiveness are in both. Jesus came to give his life as a ‘ransom for many.’ He not only brought physical healing but also spiritual healing and restoration to those who needed to be freed from guilt or the pain of broken relationships.

In verse 10 and 13 of the Psalm, we read that God, our Father, does not ration his love to us according to how much we deserve. He is ‘slow to anger and He is abounding in love. ‘Father like he tends and spares us, well our feeble frame he knows. In his hands he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes,’ says the hymn.

When David thought about all these blessings that God had showered on him, he was overwhelmed. He expressed his emotion in words of deep gratitude. He didn’t take pride in being independent. He knew that without God’s love and acceptance, life had little meaning.

But looking back is not enough! Like David, we remember with gratitude but we have to resolve to follow God’s ways in the future, and to take His Word into this coming week. Why not meditate on this Psalm as you face it?

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Loving Father, we thank you for the many blessings you have showered upon us.

We thank you for your loving kindness and that you forgive us, having removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.

Help us never to forget what you have done for us.

We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Private Prayer in the Church

We’re very pleased that the church building is now open every day. Please follow the COVID guidelines on the notices displayed at the church if you are visiting.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Christian Aid Week 10th –16th May

This year the focus is on the climate crisis and the devastating impact on Kenyan communities.

As we are not doing house-to-house collections this year our CA committee has set up an on-line e-envelope if people wish to donate. The link to the Christian Aid online page is here.

Paper envelopes are also available if anyone would like to donate in this way please contact Wendy on 291627.

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 5th – 21st June

Open to all! Full information & entry forms on haddenham.net or contact us:

scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com

07554 141810

Closing date for entries Friday 28th May 2021

All funds raised this year will be donated to

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· For our Government as they continue to monitor and make decisions for the way ahead.

· For all our church services as we find new ways forward.

· For safety and wisdom as restrictions are eased.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The work of Christian Aid.

· Hope and healing for our communities as we face life after the pandemic.

· For five people we know to come to know Jesus

Prayer for our Community

Thank you that you have been with us throughout all the challenges of the pandemic.

We pray for those working hard to continue the vaccine roll-out.

Help us to reach out with love, with sensitivity, and with prayer, and may Your Kingdom Come, here in our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

Thy Kingdom Come - 10 days of prayer

Thy Kingdom Come

Praying through the pandemic

Thursday May 13th – the Ascension

Lord Jesus, as we remember the day when the cloud separated you from your disciples on the Mount of Olives when you returned to your Father, we recall the separation from friends and loved ones we have experienced over the last year. We thank you for the technology which has allowed us to keep in touch when we have not been able to meet face to face. We pray that it will soon be possible to meet up safely soon. Amen.

Friday May 14th

Lord of light, as we recall the last year, we thank you for the lights shining in the darkness, for the acts of kindness and compassion that we have experienced or witnessed. We thank you for Captain Sir Tom Moore and others who have inspired hope, perseverance and generosity. We pray that we will not grow weary of encouraging and helping others and that we will continue to remember your mercies even when the pandemic is behind us. Amen.

Saturday May 15th

Lord of compassion, we thank you for the wonderful work of the NHS and the social care services over the last year. We are so grateful for all those people who have gone beyond the call of duty in caring for the sick, the dying and the vulnerable. We pray that you would protect the carers and that you would give them opportunity to regain their strength as they work to restore a normal service. Amen

Sunday May 16th

Gracious Lord , we pray for our government and its advisers and all those who have carried extra burdens of leadership during the pandemic. We pray that you will give them wisdom and that they will act with integrity at all times. We pray for the leadership teams of our churches as they plan for a safe return to services and other church activities. Amen

Monday May 17th

Lord of all wisdom, we thank you for the scientists who have developed effective vaccines against coronavirus in a far shorter time than anyone thought possible. We thank you for the success of the vaccination programme in this country and we pray that vaccines would be distributed fairly around the world and that they would soon reach the countries which are in danger of being left behind. Amen

Tuesday May 18th

Dear Lord, we bring before you all those who are continuing to suffer as a result of the pandemic – for those who continue to experience ill health, those who have lost loved ones, those who have suffered financially and those for whom the future remains uncertain. We pray that you would come close to comfort and heal, and give them hope for the future. Amen

Wednesday May 19th

Lord of the nations, we pray for the people, countries and conflicts that have not made the news much during the pandemic. We remember the people of Yemen, Afghanistan and other countries where there is ongoing conflict. We remember all those who have been displaced by war or famine. We bring before you those who are suffering because of their faith in you. Please help us to be generous in our giving and we pray that our country will soon increase its overseas aid. Amen

Thursday May 20th

O Lord who overcame darkness, as we look forward to a greater level of personal freedom, we thank you for each new step we have been able to take out of lockdown – for each experience of being able to do something which has not been possible for many months. We pray for those who have lost their confidence and remain fearful of going out and meeting others even when it is safe to do so. We pray that you would reassure them and enable them to regain their confidence. Amen

Friday May 21st

O Lord our creator, we thank you for your world and the responsibility you have given us for looking after it. We recognize that we are damaging it through selfish and profligate use if its resources and that we are harming future generations because of this. As we emerge from the pandemic, we pray that we will not simply go back to our old ways, but will use the opportunity to live more sustainably. Amen

Saturday May 22nd

Dear Lord, we pray for the ongoing work and witness of your church in this area and in our country. As people have become more aware of the fragility of life over the last year, we pray that we you will make us ready to share our faith in the One who has overcome death. Amen

Pentecost Sunday May 23rd

Lord of life, we pray for the touch of your Holy Spirit today. Help us to reach out to others so that they may also feel your touch and be made whole. Amen.

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May 7th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

There will be a short (30-40 minutes) Morning Praise service in St Mary’s church at 10.30am on Sunday 9th May. This will be led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with Revd Cassa Messervy preaching. If you would like to attend the church please book your place with the parish office, numbers are limited in accordance with the current guidance. To protect yourself and others, please wear a face covering and comply with social distancing guidelines. Thank you.

This service will be live-streamed from the church for those watching from home

Revd Cassa Messervy will be leading an Ascension Day Simple Evening Prayer at 7.30pm on May 13th.

Zoom details are available from the office.

Red Kite 2

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

See this link for the last online service from the Oxford Diocese.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting at the new time of 9.50am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today. Zoom links are available from Philippa - see below.

May 9, 2021 9.50 AM

May 16, 2021 9.50 AM

May 23, 2021 9.50 AM

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information; pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Rector’s Notices Cassa

Study Group on Zoom

I am offering for everyone in the benefice an invitation to join a Zoom study group to reflect on Bishop Steven’s book ‘Comfortable Words: A Call to Restoration’, based on Isaiah 40-55. See: https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/comfortable-words-a-call-to-restoration-reflections-on-isaiah-40-55

The sessions will be on Mondays, daytime 11-12pm or 8-9pm starting 10th May and ending 12th July with no session on 31st May. These will include time to ‘Dwell in the Word’ on the passages from Isaiah together then discussion of the weekly chapter from the book. If you would like to join either the daytime or evening session or you would like more information please let Cassa know on

cassa.messervy@wychertvale.org or ring 01844 292416.

Comfortable Words

If you haven’t already signed up, there’s still time!

Thy Kingdom Come

Each year we are encouraged by our Archbishops to pray with millions of other Christians from around the world ‘thy kingdom come’ for ten days of prayer from Ascension (13th May) to Pentecost (23rd May). This year we will be focussing on praying for aspects of the pandemic and looking to God’s promised future for our world. There are prayer resources available for you to use at home in the form of prayer journals or a digital family prayer map. You will be able to collect these from Church from 9th May or speak to Cassa if you would like one delivered.

On Ascension Day Thursday 13th May, Cassa will lead a simple evening prayer on Zoom (link below) to mark the start of the Thy Kingdom Come ten days of prayer. Please do join her if you can.

Topic: Ascension Day Simple Evening Prayer Service

Time: May 13, 2021 07:30 PM London

Zoom Meeting details available from the office.

Thy Kingdom Come

Word for this week Trish 2

I love words and phrases that stick in the mind, pithy sayings that make me think. Last night I came across one in my feet-up-with-a-book-before-bed hour. One of the characters in the story is given to quoting short and appropriate sayings (usually derived from Latin) that sum up situations, and on this occasion, the phrase he used was “make haste slowly”. It reminded me of a time when my sister and I were working together, preparing to put our parents’ home on the market. It was hard work at a difficult time, our father was ill, and we were eager to get on and get things done. There was a rather silly TV advert at the time, for Bran Flakes, and it showed a chap who decides to set about getting fit. He puts on his running gear and sets out eagerly from his front door, jogs a few metres, stops, gets in to his car, and says to himself “One step at a time Martin”. The silliness made us laugh and yet the wisdom of being prepared to progress to our goals at a gentler pace, seemed so appropriate to our situation.

“Make haste slowly” is, in many ways what we are needing to do as a nation, at the moment. We are needing to move slowly forward as, bit by bit, restrictions are eased, so as to hasten the day when our freedoms are restored. We are eager and excited at the prospect of the direction in which we are heading, but we are needing to “make haste slowly”.

Earlier on Sunday morning I was powerfully moved by quite a different phrase. The Easter hymn “Now the green blade riseth”, featured as a beautiful part of the worship in our zoom service. I didn’t recognise the hymn at first, although it did seem vaguely familiar. It was sung much more slowly than I had heard before. The slower pace, for me, meant I was able to drink in not just the beauty of the words, but their deeply spiritual significance. The last line of the refrain that runs through the hymn - “Love is come again, like wheat that springeth green” expresses so simply, the wonder of Jesus’ resurrection and all the fulness of life and love that it makes possible. A video accompanied the hymn, showing tiny green seedlings breaking through the soil - tender, determined and strong beginnings of new life, with all the hope and promise they bring. Nature reminds us that good growth starts small and continues steadily, eager yet unhurried.

The reading from Isaiah 43, which we heard at Cassa’s licensing service, tells of God speaking to His people - “I am about to do a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” God’s plans for us are springing forth, along with His love.

Life and love are springing forth in new ways, as together we set out into a new beginning. As we gradually leave behind the restrictions, and begin the delight of being able to worship together again, there will be much to explore. As we make haste slowly, gently and steadily moving forward together, we will discover the new ways in which God is calling us to share our lives and His love and the warmth of His welcome with our community.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the love, life and hope that Jesus’ resurrection brings.

Help us to listen together, waiting on you, and follow you closely as you lead us into new beginnings.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Private Prayer in the Church

Spring Roses From next week we’re very pleased that the church building will be open every day. Please follow the COVID guidelines on the notices displayed at the church if you are visiting.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Christian Aid Week 10th –16th May

Christian Aid This year the focus is on the climate crisis and the devastating impact on Kenyan communities.

As we are not doing house-to-house collections this year our CA committee has set up an on-line e-envelope if people wish to donate. The link to the Christian Aid online page is here.

Paper envelopes are also available, if anyone would like to donate in this way please contact Wendy on 291627.

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 5th – 21st June

Open to all! Full information & entry forms on haddenham.net or contact us:

scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com

07554 141810

Closing date for entries Friday 28th May 2021

All funds raised this year will be donated to

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The family and friends of Paul Shearman; especially Hero, Finn, Iris and Cassius.

· The Queen and the Royal family as they mourn the loss of HRH Prince Philip.

· The family and friends of Revd John Fieldgate.

· The work of Christian Aid.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the beauty of the Spring flowers, and the joy of the Easter season.

Thank you that you are always with us.

We ask you to strengthen us. Help us to be a blessing to our community and to encourage and support one another in remaining positive, patient and wise as, hopefully, restrictions begin to ease in the coming weeks. Help us to be aware of those who need extra help and support.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine, that they will be able to keep up the momentum in the coming months.

We pray that we may reach out with love and share the Easter message of hope and joy, with every part of our community.

Amen

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

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April 30th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

We are pleased to announce that we are planning to return to worship in the church building from May 9th. Details will follow next week

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our benefice online services over the last few months, and there are no plans to discontinue these at present.

Our Zoom service this week will be held on Sunday at 10.30am. This will be led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with Revd Cassa Messervy preaching. Zoom details are available from the office.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Coffee & Chat

Hosted by Tim this Sunday at 11.30am;

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78716497273?pwd=Y3VuQ2pmdUJvaTArM3JsR1dvTGh5UT09
Meeting ID: 787 1649 7273 Passcode: coffee

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church Hughenden

From mid-May we are aiming for the church to be open every day. For this week it will be open on Wednesday and Sunday between 10am & 2pm.

Please follow the COVID guidelines on the notices displayed at the church.

Rector’s Notices

Cassa

Study Group on Zoom

Comfortable Words The sessions will be on Mondays, daytime 11-12pm or 8-9pm starting 10th May and ending 12th July with no session on 31st May. The sessions will include time to ‘Dwell in the Word’ on the passages from Isaiah together then discussion of the weekly chapter from the book. If you would like to join either the daytime or evening session or you would like more information please let Cassa know on cassa.messervy@wychertvale.org or ring 01844 292416.

Thy Kingdom Come

Each year we are encouraged by our Archbishops to pray with millions of other Christians from around the world ‘thy kingdom come’ for ten days of prayer from Ascension (13th May) to Pentecost (23rd May). This year we will be focussing on praying for aspects of the pandemic and looking to God’s promised future for our world. There are prayer resources available for you to use at home in the form of prayer journals or a digital family prayer map. You will be able to collect these from Church from 9th May or speak to Cassa if you would like one delivered. Further details on plans for this time of prayer will be available next week.

Thy Kingdom Come

Services in church

We are pleased to announce that we are planning to return to holding services in the church building from May 9th. All services held in church will also be live-streamed so everyone will be able to attend, either in person or remotely. The pattern of services is not yet finalised but we are hoping to hold a service in church every Sunday. A booking system will be in place and details will be circulated ahead of each Sunday.

Children’s Church

Is now meeting now at the new time of 10am. This term we will continue to learn more about Jesus, his stories and his teaching which we can apply to our lives today. Zoom links below;

May 2, 2021 10:00 AM

May 9, 2021 10:00 AM

May 16, 2021 10:00 AM

May 23, 2021 10:00 AM

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88456645722?pwd=WFk5TFNSblN4Y0Vpc1VqMjBMREdxQT09

Meeting ID: 884 5664 5722 Passcode: s4bMmt

Please contact Philippa Blowfield if you would like any more information;

pblowfield@doctors.net.uk

Update on Paul Brigham

Paul has been in the rehabilitation unit at Amersham hospital for about 10 weeks now. His progress is slow but steady and all the staff have been astonished by his determination. After not being able to see him in person for over 3 months, Sue has been able to visit for daily one hour slots for the last two weeks, which has been wonderful for them both.

His current goals are to climb stairs and to walk unaided. He is working hard to develop the stamina needed to live and look after himself independently at home. If he continues to make good progress and all goes to plan he should be home by mid-May. Please continue to pray for positive progress.

Sue and all the family are very grateful for your ongoing prayer support.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Gordon

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C S Lewis

I have just finished reading a biography of the famous writer (and professor) C S Lewis by another Oxford scholar (and professor) Alister McGrath. It is a really good read (Hodder 2013). Lewis is famous in much of the world for his seven little novels for children The Chronicles of Narnia – especially the first The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, now major motion pictures.

Born in Belfast (1898)), but mainly educated in English schools and then Oxford. He was injured in the Great War, became a teaching don at Oxford, and then was a reluctant convert to Christian faith in his early 30s. He spent his academic career teaching and writing about medieval and Renaissance English literature. But much of his “spare time” was devoted to writing some remarkable books explaining and commending the Christian Faith.

During the 2nd World War, the BBC were looking for people who were not too “churchy” or just representing one part of the church, to do some programmes that would be thoughtful about Christian faith and life. Amazingly the lay Anglican Oxford don became very popular. His broadcasts were later turned into the famous book Mere Christianity. Also among his earlier books were The Problem of Pain and the remarkably imaginative Screwtape Letters. These are letters from the older devil Screwtape to his younger apprentice Wormwood advising him how to be an effective little devil. It is amusing, and full of insight into the subtleties of temptation.

These books made him famous in Britain, but it was in the ‘50s that he became a publishing phenomenon throughout much of the world with the Narnia stories – now having sold well over 100 million. Like the parables of Jesus, they can be heard or read at different levels. Interesting and exciting to children, they subtly address a whole range of spiritual and moral issues.

Among his 30 or so books I would also commend The Four Loves. I think it’s worth keeping an eye open in second-hand book shops, and, of course they are all available in libraries or through Amazon. The first (and often thought best) Narnia story in the title of this article would make a good present for grand- or god-children. But do discuss it with them!

He died on 22nd November 1963 – but his death was quite over-shadowed by the assassination of President John F Kennedy on the same day. (Just three months after I graduated, married and started teaching)

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Retired Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for giving us both minds to think with,

And imaginations with which we can travel to “other worlds”.

May your Spirit guide our thinking and imaginations.

Through Jesus who taught both ways,

Amen

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The family and friends of Paul Shearman; especially Hero, Finn, Iris and Cassius.

· Safety for families as they begin to meet up again.

· The Queen and the Royal family as they mourn the loss of HRH Prince Philip.

· The family and friends of Revd John Fieldgate.

· Revd Cassa Messervy as she begins her new role as Rector of our benefice.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the beauty of the Spring flowers, and the joy of the Easter season.

Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine, that they will be able to keep up the momentum in the coming months.

We pray that we may reach out with love and share the Easter message of hope and joy, with every part of our community.

Amen

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

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April 23rd 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for Red Kite 2 continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. This will be led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with Revd Cassa Messervy joining the service later.

For Zoom details, please contact the office.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on the website.

Private Prayer in the Church Anenomies

The church is open for private prayer on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Saturday and Sunday this week between 10am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Sad News

We received news today that sadly Revd John Fieldgate died peacefully earlier this week. John was a much loved member of the Haddenham community and a non-stipendiary minister here in the 1980’s before relocating with his wife Jill. Please pray for Jill and the family at this very sad time.

Pebble Prayer Station

While the church remains closed for services, our pebble prayer station is still in the lychgate. The pebble prayers are prayed for regularly by a member of the ministry team, then placed in the churchyard.

Bishop Steven Podcasts

Come and Eat – The Exhausted Prophet

“The Lord, through his angel, simply sees what is needed. The Lord prepares a meal: fresh bread, cool, clear fresh water in a jar. Time to rest and sleep.”

Welcome to the first in a short series of podcasts on Holy Communion, the profound, wonderful meal at the heart of our faith.

Our starting point is the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19: the exhausted prophet, right at the end of his resources. Because that, if we’re honest, is where we are – tired and worn down, finding every day quite hard.

The Lord meets Elijah where he is – not with big visions or daunting tasks for the future, but with simply what he needs. An invitation to come and eat.

Link here

Bucks Historic Churches Trust

It was mentioned in the Weekly News a couple of weeks ago that we had received a grant towards work at the church from the Bucks Historic Churches Trust. It has been pointed out to us that individuals cannot join the trust, but a Friends of Bucks Historic Churches Group has been set up. If you would like to join please use the following link;

https://bucks-historic-churches.org/friends/

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Adrian

Tunnels

One of my more abiding memories of a holiday on the Faroe islands was travelling on the island of Borooy. Most of the islands are razor backed, that is they are narrow and mountainous and tunnels through them are not uncommon. Indeed the Faroese have constructed tunnels under the sea to link some of the main islands which in one case involves an undersea roundabout.

As we left the lttle town of Klaksvik we went into a long tunnel.

It was unlit.

Tunnel

It was single tracked with passing places ( Don't mention it to the Health and Safety Executive)

The lights in the picture are, I think, headlight reflections for passing places.

We came out the other side having passed a couple of vehicles going the other way.

There is a very good video on YouTube of the tunnel.

It can be compared to the Christian life in that we can't see the way ahead, we just have to go along with the Lord and sometimes we are faced with things (problems) coming straight for us but the Lord often has passing places for us along the way. However there is light at the end of the tunnel and we need to have our eyes fixed upon Jesus.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Lord

Thank you that although we can’t always see the way ahead, we know that you can.

Help us to remember to keep our eyes fixed on you.

Amen

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The family and friends of Paul Shearman; especially Hero, Finn, Iris and Cassius.

· Safety for families as they begin to meet up again.

· The Queen and the Royal family as they mourn the loss of HRH Prince Philip.

· The family and friends of Revd John Fieldgate.

· Revd Cassa Messervy as she begins her new role as Rector of our benefice.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the beauty of the Spring flowers, and the joy of the Easter season.

Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine, that they will be able to keep up the momentum in the coming months.

We pray that we may reach out with love and share the Easter message of hope and joy, with every part of our community.

Amen

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for renewed energy and strength for teachers and staff to sustain them through this Summer Term;

for children to enjoy learning together and being able to share together in the activities of the summer months;

for families coping with financial or other concerns;

for safety and wellbeing for all.

Amen

April 16th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. This will be led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with Adrian Collier preaching. Please contact the office for Zoom details.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Coffee and Chat

Tim is hosting Coffee & Chat on Sunday at 11.30am, details below;ps://us04web.zoom.us/j/72251539681?pwd=blNvc2UrY3JyaFFFdDdYUk02ZzFnUT09
Meeting ID: 722 5153 9681 Passcode: coffee

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church Spring Magnolia

Our new Rector and family

The Messervy family are now settled into the new rectory and getting to know the parish and benefice. We are so grateful for the delicious takeaway delivery on our first night, which was much needed after a very long and stressful moving day! Also we were delighted by the gorgeous welcome hamper which we have really enjoyed eating!

Cassa & Family So a little introduction to our family, I (Cassa) am married to Myles who was born in Ireland where some of his family still live. He is an electrical project manager for SSE Major Projects and is currently working in London. Our eldest is Mia who is 16 and in her GCSE year (rather difficult as you can imagine), she is passionate about music and loves to sing and play the piano. Roisin is 13 enjoying her studies and working hard in Yr 8 at school. Roisin loves art, textiles and creative writing, like her mother she is a bookworm. Our youngest is Caitlin who is 10 and will move to Haddenham Junior School for the summer term before she starts secondary school in September. Caitlin is our little sportswoman, who plays tennis and is looking forward to playing on the courts opposite the school.

Finally we have two dogs, Paddy and Twiglet who are really enjoying the wonderful footpaths locally. We are very much looking forward to meeting everyone over the summer term as restrictions allow.

Our church flag flies at half mast as we mourn the death of HRH Prince Philip. Half Mast Flag A bell was tolled on Friday and the tenor bell was tolled, half muffled, 99 times at 12 noon on Saturday as a mark of respect to His Royal Highness — part of the nationwide ring of remembrance.

The church will be open for private prayer on Saturday between 10am and 4pm in addition to the usual Sunday opening hours, 10am to 2pm.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Olive

In the line of duty

Many of us have been gripped by the TV programme, ‘Line of duty’, about the police ‘Anti -Corruption Unit (AC12). The series is about ‘bent coppers’ and the detectives who are sent to discover them. It is a risky business. Some have even been killed ‘in the line of duty’.

Duty is something that we’ve heard a lot about this week due to the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip. For nearly all of us, he has been a constant presence throughout our lives, working faithfully to support the Queen. In all the tributes that have poured out, ‘duty and service’ were constantly mentioned. That duty involved a role where he always had to come second to the Queen, where he was often accused of tactlessness when trying to put nervous people at their ease and where he didn’t claim merit for his tireless work.

Was it his duty not to outshine his wife? Was it simply duty that took him into the Royal Navy in a time of war? Was it just duty to be associated with 992 organizations, either as President, Patron, or in another capacity? Was the welfare of young people in education, conservation and sport just interests performed simply out of a sense of duty?

No, because for Prince Philip there was no distinction between what he did for duty and what for love. He loved the country that adopted him as a homeless refugee child and showed it by putting his life in danger in war time. He loved his wife and was willing to put up with the restrictions that the role as her husband would bring. And he loved mixing with ordinary people, those near and those far away.

We all have relationships that involve obligations. We have duties to our family, our Church, our neighbour, our employer and our nation. We don’t expect a pat on the back for fulfilling them. However, if they are not accompanied by love, they can seem very irksome.

Jesus said, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’, not ‘fulfil your duty and obligation to your neighbour as yourself.’

A sense of duty to others is often downplayed as out-dated and restrictive. But often these acts of the will show where our loyalty lies.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.’ And 1 John 5:3 ‘This is love for God, to obey His commands.’

Duty and love should be two sides of the same coin. As we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip let us pray that we may be willing to give our lives in the line of duty and in love for God and neighbour.

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Dear God

We remember before you Prince Philip. We thank you for his long life, for his love and care for the Queen and our country and for all that he achieved in his selfless devotion to duty.

We bring before you Her Majesty the Queen, praying that she will know your comfort and strength in the days to come. We pray that the whole royal family will come together to support her.

In Jesus' name.

Amen.

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Paul Brigham and his family

· The family and friends of Paul Shearman; especially Hero, Finn, Iris and Cassius.

· Safety for families as they begin to meet up again.

· Cassa and her family as they begin their life in Haddenham.

· The Queen and the Royal family as they mourn the loss of HRH Prince Philip.

· Revd John Fieldgate who is seriously ill in hospital following a stroke, and for his wife Jill.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the beauty of the Spring flowers, and the joy of the Easter season.

Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine, that they will be able to keep up the momentum in the coming months.

We pray that we may reach out with love and share the Easter message of hope and joy, with every part of our community.

Amen

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for a safe return to school for teachers, staff and children;

for wisdom and renewed energy for staff as they plan for the Summer term.

We thank you that the children are able to learn and play together again.

Amen

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April 9th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom Family service will take place on Sunday 10.30am. This will be led by Francesca Flaxton on the theme of "Believing is Seeing!", based on John 20: 19-31. An interactive service suitable for everyone including children with uplifting worship songs, Bible story, and all-age activities. It would be helpful for all participants to make 2 simple signs (approx A5) to bring to the Zoom service - one with TRUE and the other with FALSE written on them. In addition, an optional colouring/worksheet is available to download and print for children (or anyone!) to use during the service. Details are available from the parish office.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church Spring Flowers

The church is open for private prayer on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Church Building Repairs—report from our Treasurer

Every five years church law requires us to have a survey carried out of the church building: any repairs found necessary then have to be undertaken – at our expense! The last survey highlighted a number of issues, including some stonework and guttering repairs and these are scheduled to start in the coming weeks. The cost of this will be approximately £40,000 – we are pleased to say that Friends of St Mary’s has indicated it will be able to give a grant of £15,000 towards this and the Bucks Historic Buildings Trust has also promised a grant of £4,500. This leaves us with a balance of £20,500 – we have another grant application being considered by another body, but have yet to receive a decision. Irrespective of their decision, our Resources Fund will be able to meet the balance – just! - but this will use nearly all its current funds so any further improvements will have to be put on hold and we hope not to face any unexpected further repair costs until the balance can be rebuilt.

Please do consider supporting the Bucks Historic Churches Trust, perhaps by becoming a member or supporting their annual ‘Ride & Stride’ event which raises the funds they can distribute. Their website is at https://bucks-historic-churches.org/

David Morris

Easter Feedback

Despite the church building not being open for services we were delighted to be able to engage with many people over the Easter period.

Easter Porch Display

The wonderful porch display created by Cathie Deeley, Carolyn Hollick and Gordon Lawson was seen by hundreds of visitors over the Easter weekend.

The Great 2021 Haddenham Easter Egg Hunt

Approximately 400 children and their families took part in the Churches Together in Haddenham Easter Trail. A huge thank you to all the volunteers who helped. The surplus Easter Eggs were donated to Storehouse in Aylesbury.

Churches Together in Haddenham Stations of the Cross

Another lovely trail through the village to remind us of the Easter story.

Churches Together in Haddenham Outdoor Sunrise Service

In a new location, the Baptist church burial ground, this incredibly moving service was beautifully led by Baptist Minister Revd Jonny Fillis and attended by over 50 people.

Online Services—a great variety and all much appreciated. Thank you all.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Trish 2

A Very Happy Easter!

One of the things I love about Easter is that it goes on for weeks! Not that we get to eat Easter eggs for that long, but while the Easter eggs disappear from the supermarket shelves, we still have another six weeks to celebrate the season. One of the things that church tradition has always been so good at, is recognising the need for time, time to let things sink in and to take root. These next weeks give us the opportunity to marvel afresh at the glorious truths of grace, freedom, joy and hope, and to let them take deeper root in our lives. It is a time to delight in relationship. It is a time to look back and absorb again the unshakeable nature of God’s faithfulness. In short, it’s a time to celebrate.

Exactly a year ago, in the second issue of our Special Notice Sheet, we reflected on Her Majesty the Queen’s address to the nation, as the pandemic deepened. She spoke of the time when we would look back and know that our response to the crisis would be what had defined us.

As we look back at this last year, one of the things we have undoubtedly learned is that whilst plans have to be made, they need to be held lightly. We can never be certain quite what the road ahead will hold. Throughout the year we have drawn strength from the wisdom of the 23rd Psalm, and knowing that the Lord is Our Shepherd. Whether the path takes us beside still waters or through the shadowy valley, we can be confident in knowing that the Shepherd leads the way. Holding our plans lightly has enabled us to see where God is opening up new paths, ones we had never even dreamed of. This time last year a Zoom was, for most of us, either an ice lolly or something that fitted on a camera lens! A year on and it has become a means of meeting, of welcoming new friends, and sharing the love of God as we invite each other into our homes and our lives.

Our Easter porch display and the Easter Trail and Egg Hunt, have brought the message of Easter to so many young families in such imaginative ways. We have so much to be thankful for, to learn from and build on, as we continue to put our trust in the Lord.

On that first Easter Day, Mark’s Gospel tells us that as the women were heading for the tomb they asked one another, “Who will roll away the stone?”. They were on their way there, with the spices, having made their plans, as best they could, for the task they thought lay ahead. They were wondering how the problem of the stone was going to be overcome. When they reached the tomb, not only was that problem swept aside, but their world had taken a completely new and life changing turn.

As we journey together through these next weeks, let’s allow ourselves to be defined by our responses to the outpouring of God’s love. Let’s be thankful for so many blessings, past and present. Let’s continue to trust in God’s loving faithfulness for the way ahead and above all celebrate our relationships, both old and new, as we let the echoes of the Easter story light up our lives, energise and inspire us for the way ahead.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Through this Easter season, help us to celebrate your love and grow in our faith.

Help us to have thankful hearts, that are open to give and receive, more of your love.

Help us to follow where you lead, in trust and joy.

Amen.

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Paul Brigham and his family

· Safety for families as they begin to meet up again.

· Cassa and her family as they begin their life in Haddenham.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the early signs of Spring, that we see around us, and the encouragement they bring. Thank you that you are always with us.

We ask you to strengthen us. Help us to be a blessing to our community and to encourage and support one another in remaining positive, patient and wise in the coming weeks and months. Help us to be aware of those who need extra help and support.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine and that the roll-out will continue to be swift and effective.

We pray that we may reach out with love and share the Easter message of hope and joy, with every part of our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for safe-keeping, rest and refreshment for all throughout the Easter break;

for wisdom and renewed energy for staff as they plan for the Summer term.

We thank you that the children have been able to learn and play together again.

Amen

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Easter 2021

Easter Pic

Easter Services

Sadly we are not able to meet in the church building at Easter, details of our remote & outdoor services are below:

Maundy Thursday: Online service led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins

Good Friday: Online service led by Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

The links are available on the Benefice website.

Churches Together in Haddenham Sunrise Service.

This will be held in the Baptist Burial ground, opposite the Baptist church building, on Easter Sunday, 4th April, at 6.30am. A booking system will be in place for track and trace purposes, so please contact Marjorie Johnston:

marjoriejohnston@f2s.com to book your place.

Easter Sunday: 10.30am Zoom Holy Communion service led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with a message from Revd Trish Mander (details available from the office).

The Lamb of God: A journey through St John’s story of the passion

A series of six short addresses from Bishop Steven which include hymns and readings. You may want to listen to them throughout Good Friday or weekend as we journey to the cross together once more.

Download the booklet and listen to the audio here

Coffee and Chat

Ros is hosting coffee this week at 11.30am on Sunday. Details below;

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75058124517?pwd=MXp4T3VhbWt6Z2Z1RGQ3aGh0Z0NWdz09

Meeting ID: 750 5812 4517 Passcode: bu3H5v

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Camelias

Easter Porch Display

The current porch display will be in position until Easter Sunday when it will be replaced by a new tableau and available to view for the following week.

On Sunday the Easter Lily display will be in the church.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Gordon

The worst of times, the best of times

The famous first words of Charles Dickens in his novel “A Tale of Two Cities” goes “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. The story is of the brutal cruelty of the French Revolution, but ends with extraordinary unselfish and redemptive sacrifice – a victory of love. Such too, and even more, is the story of Holy Week and Easter.

The Bible never glosses over the full horror of human sin and evil. We remember the betrayal by one of Jesus’ friends Judas, the three-fold denial by the leader of his disciples Peter, the desertion by most of his followers, the utter injustice of the trials with its false witnesses and cowardice of Pilate, and finally the dreadful cruelty and humiliation of the ultimate Roman method of execution.

Secondly, the Bible never glosses over the reality of death. True – but God is there too. The famous Psalm 23 includes verse 4 “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you (the shepherd) are with me”. Even when Jesus uttered the terrible cry “Why have you abandoned me?” he prefaced it with the words “My God, my God”. It was later, when Christians began to realise quite what the death of Jesus achieved, that they began to call it “Good Friday”.

And so finally, the mysterious and veiled victory of the cross was demonstrated on the third day, the Day of Resurrection. When God raised Jesus, it demonstrated God’s victory over evil and death. God’s amazing love had overcome the worst of times. And we are invited to share in that new life, God’s life – where and when He reigns. Our prayer “Your kingdom come” is finally and fully answered. The best of times has arrived! Christ is risen! Hallelujah!

Gordon Kuhrt

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

God our Father,

Forgive us for all that is wrong in our lives, and the world.

Help us not to fear death, but know your presence.

We thank you that Jesus is alive,

and remember that our baptism speaks

of dying with him to an old life, and

rising with him to God’s life – now and for ever.

Amen

An Easter Poem

If you haven’t yet heard this lovely poem from Dundonald church, it’s well worth it! Link here

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· Lucy Ward and a clear route ahead for the Malachi project

· That the HOPE we have at Easter will be known in our communities

· Thankfulness for the wonder of Easter

· For all the families hearing the story of Easter whilst on the Easter Egg Trail.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the early signs of Spring, that we see around us, and the encouragement they bring. Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine and that the roll-out will continue to be swift and effective.

We pray that we may reach out with love and share the Easter message of hope and joy, with every part of our community.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for safe-keeping, rest and refreshment for all throughout the Easter break;

for wisdom and renewed energy for staff as they plan for the Summer term.

We thank you that the children have been able to learn and play together again.

Amen

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March 26th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Red Kite 2

Our Palm Sunday Zoom service will take place on Sunday 10.30am. This will be a morning worship service with David Robinson preaching. Details available from the office:

Maundy Thursday—Revd Jonathan Hawkins will lead us in an online service, the link will be available on the benefice website.

Easter

See next page.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church Early Iris

Easter

Sadly we are not able to meet in the church building at Easter but we are looking forward to the Churches Together in Haddenham Sunrise Service. This will be held in the Baptist Burial ground, opposite the Baptist church building, on Easter Sunday, 4th April, at 6.30am. A booking system will be in place for track and trace purposes, so please contact Marjorie Johnston:

marjoriejohnston@f2s.com to book your place.

Our Easter Sunday Zoom service at 10.30 am will be a service of Holy Communion. Details next week.

Easter Porch Display

Easter Porch Our creative team have produced another fabulous display for the church porch.

This will be open to view every day during Holy Week, closed on Easter Saturday, then rearranged for Easter Sunday.

The Great 2021 Haddenham Easter Egg Hunt

We’re delighted to be part of this Churches Together Easter Story Trail. We already have over 400 families registered!

Registration (with guaranteed chocolate egg!) closes on Sunday.

Stations of the Cross Walk in Haddenham during Holy Week

Monday 29th March to Friday 2nd April

Instead of the traditional Good Friday Walk of Witness, representatives from Churches Together in Haddenham have prepared a Stations of the Cross walk, open to all. The circular route of approx 3 miles is suitable for individuals, families and household bubbles to complete on one or more daily walks during Holy Week from Monday 29th March to Good Friday 2nd April.

The Stations of the Cross is a popular devotion used by individuals or groups who wish through prayer and reflection to follow Jesus Christ on his way to Calvary. The signposted route will contain 14 pictures of the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, suffering and finally His crucifixion.

Everyone is welcome to take part, stopping at each Station to view the images of hope that Jesus offers and to spend time in personal reflection or prayer. The walk starts and finishes at Churchend and maps are available from Blooming Fruity or can be downloaded, printed or viewed on your own device (please contact the office for a copy). A laminated copy of the map will also be displayed at each Station.

Arrival of our new Rector Cassa

Revd Cassa Messervy and her family will be moving into the new rectory in early April. Because of the coronavirus situation we are unable to prepare meals for the family as we normally would. We are arranging for a hamper of goodies to be delivered and the lovely Steve is making a Welcome card from all of us at St Mary’s. It would be great if you could send your messages of welcome to Julie in the office so she can collate these to include in the card. Please email these to; office@haddenhamstmarys.org by March 28th. Many thanks.

The Malachi Project

It was lovely having Lucy Ward with us at our morning service last month to share her plans for the Malachi project. If you weren’t at the service please have a look at this link to hear all about the project.

It is now a crucial time for Lucy. If she is going to Malawi in August, she needs to give in her notice by 18th April ( one term ) which is soon. It's a big and irreversible step. Funding still has a way to go, currently at £990 pm, rather than the £1400 pm that she really needs. If you are still considering supporting Lucy and this project, please pray about this now. Don’t hesitate to contact Lucy directly if you would like any more information.

Supporting each other

Almost a year of pandemic and many of us have been struggling. It is encouraging that the vaccine rollout is progressing so well and is now on the horizon for many more Light at the end of the tunnel even though there is still a way to go. Hurray!! However in the meantime we can all help each other with a chat or reassurance or prayer. If you would like to talk to someone – perhaps you are lonely or feel weighed down by family problems and issues – please call any of those listed below IN CONFIDENCE or ask someone to do it for you. They will be happy just to be listeners or to pray over the phone or later if you prefer. And we can all pray for people on the prayer square and ANYONE can add themselves or someone else with their permission. – see the prayer square information in this newssheet. If there is sudden illness or an emergency a prayer chain can immediately send a message round a prayer group again in confidence. Contact any of those below who can start that for you. Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!! Contact any of the following:

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the last planned session for this term;

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Please contact the office for Zoom details.

Word for this week Adrian

Volterra

The photo below is of Volterra. It is a walled hilltop town in Tuscany in Italy. It is slightly smaller than Thame and is a popular tourist site because apart from the walls and the views, it has many older buildings. As you may be able to just about see, a road winds up the hillside into the town from the main road traversing the valley below. My middle daughter and I visited it one year, early in our holiday in the area. We drove up the hill, through the city gate and then wondered where we could park. Volterra is very compact and there appeared to be very little parking although we eventually managed to squeeze the little hire car into a small space.

At the end of our holiday we decided to go back to Volterra. From somewhere we had got hold of a large scale map of the area and looking at it carefully I realised there was another road leading into the back of the town. It was very definitely a back road with virtually no traffic using it and at one place it ran along a narrow ridge with the ground falling away sharply on both sides. When we reached the town, we entered through a gate in the walls and there close by was a car park hardly half full and close to the cathedral.

Volterra

As I contemplated these events my thoughts went to the parable Jesus told in Matthew 7.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Merciful God, as we enter Holy week, turn our hearts again to Jerusalem, and to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Stir up within us the gift of faith that we may not only praise him with our lips, but may follow him in the way of the cross.

Amen

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All those involved in planning a safe route out of the COVID pandemic

· Patience and understanding for families disappointed at not being able to meet up at Easter.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· Lucy Ward and a clear route ahead for the Malachi project

· That the HOPE we have at Easter will be known in our communities

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the early signs of Spring, that we see around us, and the encouragement they bring. Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine and that the roll-out will continue to be swift and effective.

Thank you that our trust is in you and you are the Lord of all hopefulness.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for the last week of this term, and for safe-keeping, rest and refreshment for all throughout the Easter break;

for wisdom and renewed energy for staff as they plan for the Summer term.

We thank you that the children have been able to learn and play together again.

Amen

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March 19th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday 10.30am. Zoom details are available from the office.

The service this week is being led by Adrian Collier.

Easter

See next page.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting this week at 11.30am on Sunday. Zoom details below:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4097488914?pwd=cFpwUWl4bStuYnpOU3ZhKy92RmFGdz09

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914 Passcode: 5c9cuC

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Daffodil Valley 2 The church is open for private prayer on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Easter

marjoriejohnston@f2s.com to book your place.

There will be a special Easter display in the church porch in the week leading up to Easter, and of course the Easter Trail (see below) for families.

The Great 2021 Haddenham Easter Egg Hunt

We’re delighted to be part of this Churches Together Easter Story Trail. We already have over 300 families registered!

If you are able to spare an hour on Easter Sunday or Easter Monday afternoon we would be grateful for more volunteers. Many thanks to everyone who has already volunteered.

Pebble Prayers

It’s lovely to know that our pebble prayer station is still being used regularly.

Revd Trish Mander collected all the pebble prayers again last week, prayed and placed them in the churchyard.

Arrival of our new Rector Cassa

The Malachi Project

Supporting each other

Almost a year of pandemic and many of us have been struggling. It is encouraging that the first vaccination has been rolled out for over 70s and this is now on the horizon for many more. Light at the end of the tunnel even though there is still a way to go. Hurray!! However in the meantime we can all help each other with a chat or reassurance or prayer. If you would like to talk to someone – perhaps you are lonely or feel weighed down by family problems and issues – please call any of those listed below IN CONFIDENCE or ask someone to do it for you. They will be happy just to be listeners or to pray over the phone or later if you prefer. And we can all pray for people on the prayer square and ANYONE can add themselves or someone else with their permission. – see the prayer square information in this newssheet. If there is sudden illness or an emergency a prayer chain can immediately send a message round a prayer group again in confidence. Contact any of those below who can start that for you. Do keep us informed of difficulties and struggles – and the good things too!. We can give thanks for those!! Contact any of the following:

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Zoom details are available from the office.

Word for this week Olive

Relationships

In the last couple of weeks, the nation has been gripped by the story of a family torn apart by public division and recrimination. Instead of their family’s problems being discreet and private, they were exposed to a global audience.

It is important to remember that just because the family are Royal and famous does not make it any less painful for those involved. I was interested to see how the debate created has revealed a clear generational difference in people’s views.

Many younger people are much happier to discuss their relationships in public. They may say it is important for people to ‘have their say’ even if it raises uncomfortable truths about their closest relatives. Therefore, they have been more sympathetic to Meghan and Harry.

Many older people (like me) see things differently. We are concerned to see discussions which are damaging to an institution we hold dear. My admiration for the Queen means that I am upset when I see her hurt.

Of course, when any family relationships break down it causes great sadness. It’s ideal when our families make us feel valued and special, but we know that often this is not the case for many. Families are one of God’s greatest blessings: so why are they so hard to maintain?

From the start to the end of the Bible, we read about relationship problems. Adam and Eve had all they wanted but made a decision which broke their relationship with God. It’s a story which illustrates our human condition. We all have tendencies to want to go our own way and sin ruins relationships.

The Bible is realistic about this. Where in scripture do we read of a marriage without difficulties? Where is there a friendship unaffected by sin? It is far more realistic than many of the popular voices in the media who tell us that feelings are all important.

Christianity is rooted in something deeper than just our emotions. It is about conviction and obedience to God’s will. Faith in Christ helps us think differently about those we are committed to. Our relationships are rooted in what God has done, not just feelings.

‘This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.’ 1 John 3:16

Of course, we will fail and mess things up. But God offers us forgiveness in Christ which can help us restore the broken relationships: both with Him and with others.

God gave us relationships. Yes, they are difficult because we are not living in a perfect world and we are far from perfect people. But God has given us the resources through Jesus and the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, find forgiveness and restore what is fractured and broken.

And this renewal and restoration is available for all: whether we are Royal or not!

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Father God, give grace and understanding to all who live in families. May the spirit of peace settle between parent and child, brother and sister. Give wisdom and patience to all the families under strain in this pandemic and help them to share your royal law of love with all who are lonely and needy, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· Lucy Ward and a clear route ahead for the Malachi project

· Patience for us all as the lockdown begins to lift.

· All members of our Royal Family

· The people of Yemen

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the early signs of Spring, that we see around us, and the encouragement they bring. Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine and that the roll-out will continue to be swift and effective.

Thank you that our trust is in you and you are the Lord of all hopefulness.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for the next weeks and the transition to a full return to school;

for energy and wisdom for staff as they plan and reintegrate children into school- based learning;

for children and families to adjust confidently to the changing situation;

for all those involved in wrap around care;

for the school communities to flourish and for children to thrive as they play and learn together once again.

Amen

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March 12th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom services will take place on Sunday at 8.30am & 10.30am. Details available from the parish office:

There are two Zoom services this week; a Holy Communion service at 8.30am and a Family service at 10.30am.

Our Zoom Family Service will be led by Francesca Flaxton on the theme of Mothers' Day. This will be an All-age interactive service lasting 35-40 minutes, suitable for everyone - adults and children alike. We will be taking the opportunity to thank God for the women in our own lives who have loved and cared for us, inspired us and made us who we are. It would be helpful to think about this beforehand and to bring a flower (real/silk/paper/photo/anything), a sheet of paper and pen(s) to the service for our creative prayers and response. Thank you.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

The Great 2021 Haddenham Easter Egg Hunt

Easter 2021

We’re delighted to be part of this Churches Together Easter Story Trail. Please spread the word to any families you know, and make sure they register by March 28th. We are looking for volunteers to help out along the trail on Easter Sunday & Easter Monday afternoons. Please let Dianne or Val know if you can spare an hour.

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Zoom details are available from the parish office.

A World without Vaccines

The diocese has suggested that we watch this short BBC film about vaccines, link here.

Our Bishops; Steven, Alan and Olivia have put together some short messages of hope. Please use the links below to see these:

Bishop Alan Bishop Steven Bishop Olivia

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Trish 2

Revd Trish Mander

One of the hallmarks of the last year has been the very close attention we have all paid to news broadcasts and bulletins. We have become used to regular Downing Street briefings, and listening to different experts, advisors and commentators, as they have informed, explained and interpreted. During those press conferences, as questions asking for clarification have been put to the speakers, those answering have often summed up, and illustrated their replies by using metaphor. Perhaps one of the most significant was the football analogy Professor Jonathan Van Tam used when the first vaccine was found to be effective. He likened the situation to a football game with a score of 0:0 at the end of normal time. The result of the match will be decided on a penalty shoot-out. The first penalty has been taken and the striker has scored a goal. Professor Van Tam explained that this was still a very precarious position, with a long way to go, but we knew that the goalkeeper, i.e. the virus, could be beaten. Metaphor can be a powerful means of communicating truth.

During Lent I have been reminded how often scripture uses metaphor and how powerfully God uses it to speak to us. In the book of Jeremiah we see God’s frustration, sadness and pain at the unfaithfulness of his people. Many images are repeatedly used in scripture to portray God’s people, a tender vine, an olive tree, a bride, a child and countless more illustrations from nature, to interpret Israel’s situation and failure to listen to God’s loving call to faithfulness. In the New Testament Jesus uses imagery and metaphor to reveal Himself as our Saviour. He uses bread and wine to enable us to see the significance of His broken body and blood outpoured.

Our faith is carried to us in metaphor and yet the most powerful thing about these metaphors is that rather than being simply pictures to help us understand, the metaphors at the heart of the Christian story are truths which underpin our faith and have the power to change our lives. Each of us is not simply like a child, we are God’s children, and His love for us is the unwavering love of the only perfect father. When we gather together to celebrate Holy Communion, we are invited to draw near, and in taking the bread and wine to “receive the body of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gave for you, and his blood which he shed for you”. We recognise both the metaphor and its truth. Recognising Jesus’ sacrifice as our means of grace, and Him as the daily sustenance of our lives, is what defines us as Christian.

Our relationship with God depends on two-way communication. He enables and enriches that communication by His use of metaphor, but what of us, do we enter in to the power of God-given metaphor as we come to Him in prayer? Metaphor can give us confidence to come to God with more of the passion He longs for us to bring.

Throughout the scriptures, in a myriad of ways, we hear God say “Come to me…”.

We may feel completely unworthy, may doubt that we have what it takes, but still we hear Him say… “Come to Me…” Will we respond?

The prayer that follows is an opportunity to begin…...

“Come to me……”We want to come in thankfulness, and have the eyes of our hearts opened to see yet more of your blessings,

“Come to me…..” We want to come in honesty, to come face to face with the truth of ourselves, our failings, our motives, our spiritual poverty and our need of grace,

“Come to me….” We want to come in faithfulness, letting nothing take your place in our lives,

“Come to me….” We want to come in hope, with a longing for justice and righteousness, we want to play our part, to listen to you, to follow and obey, and abide in you,

“Come to me….” We want to come to you when we’re tired, and weak, when we’re lonely, anxious, helpless and seemingly on the edge of despair,

And still we hear you say..

“Come to me”…” We come Heavenly Father, just as we are, we run to you and we feel you lift us high in your arms, as a father lifts his child high in love and delight. We are where we belong.

In the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice.

Daffodil Valley

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· The continuing smooth rollout of the COVID vaccination programme

· Patience for us all as the lockdown begins to lift.

· All members of our Royal Family

· The people of Yemen

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you for the early signs of Spring, that we see around us, and the encouragement they bring. Thank you that you are always with us.

We thank you for the vaccines that have already been administered. We pray for all those working to deliver the vaccine and that the roll-out will continue to be swift and effective.

Thank you that our trust is in you and you are the Lord of all hopefulness.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for the next weeks and the transition to a full return to school;

for energy and wisdom for staff as they plan and reintegrate children into school- based learning;

for children and families to adjust confidently to the changing situation;

for all those involved in wrap around care;

for the school communities to flourish and for children to thrive as they play and learn together once again.

Amen

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

March 5th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to Red Kite 2 broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. Details are available from the church office.

This week will be a Holy Communion service led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins, please have a little bread and wine ready if you would like to join in.

Next week we are having two Zoom services; a Holy Communion service at 8.30am and a Mothers Day Family service at 10.30am.

Coffee and Chat

Tim is kindly hosting Coffee & Chat this week at 11.30am on Sunday.

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75437854656?pwd=K1ZPaVdNWHJ0b2lxcFFGbk9lcFlwZz09
Meeting ID: 754 3785 4656 Passcode: coffee

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Winter Crocus 2 The church is open for private prayer on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

The Great 2021 Haddenham Easter Egg Hunt

Easter 2021

We’re delighted to be part of this Churches Together Easter Story Trail. Please spread the word to any families you know, and make sure they register by March 28th. There will be posters around the village from this weekend.

We are looking for volunteers to help out along the trail on Easter Sunday & Easter Monday afternoons. Please let Dianne or Val know if you can spare an hour.

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Zoom details available from the church office.

World Day of Prayer - March 5th 2021

This service will be aired on the Churches Together in Haddenham Facebook page at 7pm on Friday 5th March. If you are not able to access the FB page, please contact Marjorie Johnston: marjoriejohnston@f2s.com for the link.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Gordon

Lent and Baptism

The Church of England has always had the rule that baptism should take place when the largest congregation is present. It’s there in the old Book of Common Prayer, and in the up-to-date Canons (laws). We all need to be reminded again and again of God’s loving covenant gift and sign. This is a real problem where particular services never have baptism, and for Christians who share in a pattern of worship which never includes baptism.

We often associate Lent with the story of Jesus’ temptation. That’s right, but immediately before that was the baptism of Jesus. Could you just look up the Gospel for the first Sunday in Lent – Mark 1.7-13.

1. This baptism was very surprising – not least to John (you have to look at Matthew to get this). Because it was a sign of repentance and God’s washing away of sin. But Jesus wanted to identify with us all – in our greatest need.

2. Jesus was assured of a new dimension of spiritual power in his life – the descent of the Holy Spirit. So, as well as being washed clean, we too receive a new spiritual power in our lives. Not all followers of Jesus are fully aware of this.

3. Jesus was assured that he was the much-loved Son of the Father God. We too in baptism are adopted into God’s beloved family. So we pray “Our Father . . . .”

4. It was only after this that Jesus was tested/tempted. The wonderful truths of baptism do not lead to a comfortable life. Not at all. God’s kingdom life is full of devilish threats and troubles.

Now we are almost halfway through Lent. Time for a sort of stocktake, perhaps?

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for giving us your covenant sign of baptism

For the cleansing from sin

For the spiritual power of your Spirit

For the assurance that we are your dearly loved children.

Help us to resist temptation, and deliver us from evil

In the name of Jesus

Amen

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· The smooth rollout of the COVID vaccination programme

· Patience for us all as the lockdown begins to lift.

· The family and friends of the late Deirdre Bevan

· The family and friends of the late Helen Murphy

· The family and friends of the late Betty Blake

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you that you are with us day by day as we journey through these winter months.

Help us to encourage each other in doing all we can to keep our community safe,

and to cope with the continued restrictions. Help us to be aware of those who are

finding things particularly hard.

We pray for those who are working hard to deliver the vaccine.

We pray that the roll-out may be swift and effective, in our own and in all communities, and we thank you for the hope this brings to us all.

Thank you that you are our refuge and strength.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for the next weeks and the transition to a full return to school;

for energy and wisdom for staff as they plan and reintegrate children into school- based learning;

for children and families to adjust confidently to the changing situation;

for all those involved in wrap around care;

for the school communities to flourish and for children to thrive as they play and learn together once again.

Amen

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February 26th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. Details are available from the office:

This week is a morning Worship service, led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins, with a message from Revd Trish Mander.

We are still looking for another volunteer or two to host Coffee & Chat occasionally, it is straightforward to set up and we can give you lots of support. Please let Dianne or Val know if you might be able to help.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

28th Feb Jesus Grows up in Nazareth

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

A message from Revd Trish Mander Trish 2

A word of explanation as to why I have not been able to contribute much to our online worship over the last few months, nor at present, our Zooms. Because of some voice problems I am needing to give my voice a rest at the moment. I look forward to being more ‘vocal’ again but in the meantime forgive me for not being quite so chatty!

World Day of Prayer - March 5th 2021

A Women led, global, ecumenical movement.

Our service this year is being pre-recorded due to the restrictions in place. The theme is Build on a Strong Foundation, prepared by the Christian Women of Vanuatu. The scattered islands of Vanuatu are just over 1,100 miles to the east of Australia in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu is one of the first countries to start to pray on the Day of Prayer, helping to set off the wave of prayer.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week

Adrian

Relics

Recently as I was reading how following the successful conclusion of the war against the Persians by Heraclius, the Holy Lance and the Holy Sponge were transferred to Constantinople, I was reminded of my own near encounter with a relic.

My wife and I were on holiday in Eastern France. My wife's niece was being married in Mulhouse and nearly the whole of Clan Leleux (my wife was one of 5) descended on the aforesaid town.

A few days after the marriage we were in the valley of the river Doubs and reached the village of St Hippolyte. We went into the church and looked around it and were on the point of leaving when we noticed a lady go into the little side chapel and genuflect in front of the altar table there. Being curious we went back into the side chapel. On the altar table in a glass case was a picture of a robe and on a pillar by it was an inscription. Calling upon my reserves of the French language, I started translating it and then historical knowledge took over.

I remembered that the Holy Shroud of Turin had only passed to Turin in the 15th century and for some years previously it had been kept in this little village church.

Oh dear, we were 550 years too late.

Most of us keep relics. Pictures or other possessions of family or places, which we particularly wish to remember. Relics with a religious connotation are after a fashion only another version of this. As Hebrews 9 tells us, in the Ark of the Covenant were placed a gold jar of manna, Aaron's rod that budded and the stone tablets of the covenant.

Relics are not to be worshipped but all are potentially reminders of the goodness of God and are available to us to help us remember his mercies and to encourage us as we go forward in his service day by day.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for all that reminds us of your goodness and your mercies.

May we take encouragement from these reminders and be strengthened as we serve you day by day.

Amen

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· The smooth rollout of the COVID vaccination programme

· Patience for us all as the lockdown begins to lift.

· The family and friends of the late Jean Van Der Hoeven

· The family and friends of the late Deirdre Bevan

· The family and friends of the late Helen Murphy

· The family and friends of the late Betty Blake

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you that you are with us day by day as we journey through these winter months.

Help us to encourage each other in doing all we can to keep our community safe,

and to cope with the continued restrictions. Help us to be aware of those who are

finding things particularly hard.

We pray for those who are working hard to deliver the vaccine.

We pray that the roll-out may be swift and effective, in our own and in all communities, and we thank you for the hope this brings to us all.

Thank you that you are our refuge and strength.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their ongoing hard work.

We pray:

for the next weeks and the transition to a full return to school;

for energy and wisdom for staff as they plan and reintegrate children into school- based learning;

for children and families to adjust confidently to the changing situation;

for all those involved in wrap around care;

for the school communities to flourish and for children to thrive as they play and learn together once again.

Amen

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February 19th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months. Red Kite 2

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am.

We are delighted to be joined by our own Lucy Ward at our Zoom service this week. Lucy is the daughter of Rosanne and Roger Ward. She grew up in Haddenham as a member of St. Mary's and will tell us about her plans to relocate to Malawi to do mission work. We are very much looking forward to hearing from Lucy about the Malachi project and hope that as many as possible will join us on Sunday morning.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting Coffee & Chat this Sunday at 11.30am, details below:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74136849011?pwd=bURHVDFaazk0VVlZOTR1U3AxUEZsZz09

Meeting ID: 741 3684 9011 Passcode: 7FVh71

We are looking for another volunteer or two to host Coffee & Chat occasionally, please let Dianne or Val know if you are able to help.

Church at Home

Our online services can be accessed through the YouTube channel.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details are available from the parish office.

Private Prayer in the Church

Winter Hellebores

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

21st Feb The family leave Egypt and move to Nazareth

28th Feb Jesus Grows up in Nazareth

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

For Zoom details, please contact the office.

News from the Stradlings

Dear St Mary's Church Family

Thank you all for the wonderful bouquet of flowers and the amazing hamper Hamper that were delivered to our new front door on Friday morning. You have been so very generous. Most of the house contents have arrived, the pianos come on Tuesday and then we have three weeks to get sorted before the workshop, garden, shed and conservatory contents appear on a second load. Thank you all for the cards, emails and FB messages that we have received. We have been welcomed by our immediate neighbours and Greg, the vicar, and have asked to join a house group. Nowhere will ever be quite the same as Haddenham though and we will miss you all but look forward to being able to welcome you up here.

With very much love and prayer for God's rich blessings for you all.

Hugh and Tricia

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Olive

Lockdown Lent (and a grumble-fast)

During the various lock-downs, many have taken the opportunity to clear the cupboards in their houses and to give away things that they no longer use. Whereas Spring has traditionally been the time to sort out and to get rid of rubbish, we seem to have been doing it all year!

We are now in the season of Lent. This is often seen as a time to give things up, such as alcohol and chocolate. However, it is also a time to do something positive, perhaps to make some kind of sacrifice or to examine our lives and clean up things that are unhelpful.

The Apostle Paul lived much of his life in various ‘lockdowns’ and he wrote many of his letters from prison. But despite these difficulties he once wrote, ‘I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am’. (Phil 4 v11)

What was his secret? I think it was because he focussed on 3 things.

Firstly, he focussed on his blessings. As a younger man he had known what it was to have plenty. But he adjusted his priorities after meeting Jesus on the Damascus Road. He knew how much Jesus had done for him and it changed everything.

Secondly, he focussed on God’s power. For him contentment was a gift from God. ‘I am strong enough for anything because of the one who gives me strength,’ (v 13) As someone who finds it easy to worry, I find this hard. But this is one reason why we need to pray. Just like Paul, we have someone we can take our worries to.

Thirdly, he focussed on others ‘Think about things that are pure and lovely and dwell on the fine good things in others.’ (Phil 4 v8 Living Bible) His love and concern for the Philippian Church, shines through in his letter.

Perhaps inevitably we hear a lot of complaints and grumbles these days but there are many great things that are emerging from awful circumstances. How about we choose to focus on them?

What are you going to aim for this Lent? I am going to aim to be positive and give up negativity. It might not be easy but I am sure it will be good for me – and those around me! If I focus on my blessings, on God’s power and on the needs of others, then I might just have a chance of sticking to my grumble -fast!

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Help us this Lent, O Lord, to know ourselves better, and give us strength to root out of our lives the unsuspected sins and the weak spots in our characters. Help us to practise self-denial, that we may be ready to give of our time, our energy and our leisure in service of others.

We pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· That vaccinations for COVID will reach those in need

· The family and friends of the late Jean Van Der Hoeven

· The family and friends of the late Deirdre Bevan

· The family and friends of the late Helen Murphy

· The family and friends of the late Betty Blake and for her funeral on 22nd February

Pebble Prayers

Pebble Prayers Just a reminder that our Pebble Prayer Station is still in use in the lychgate. Please pray for the many people who are still using this, and let others know about it.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you that you are with us day by day as we journey through these winter months.

Help us to encourage each other in doing all we can to keep our community safe,

and to cope with the continued restrictions. Help us to be aware of those who are finding things particularly hard.

We pray for those who are working hard to deliver the vaccine.

We pray that the roll-out may be swift and effective, in our own and in all communities, and we thank you for the hope this brings to us all.

Thank you that you are our refuge and strength.

Amen

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We give thanks for the teaching staff and all those in supporting roles, and for all their hard work over these last weeks.

We pray that the half-term break may have provided much needed refreshment for the staff, children and their families.

We pray for renewed energy and strength for the next half-term and for the important decisions to be made in the coming days.

Amen

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February 12th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. This week is an All-Age Family Service led by Francesca Flaxton, on the theme "God's Love". An uplifting, interactive service suitable for all ages, including children, lasting approx 30 minutes. It would be helpful for participants to have available one or more framed photo(s) of family or friends who are not in your household, plus pen and paper. An Order of Service will be circulated on St Mary’s Discuss before Sunday.

Ash Wednesday

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading an Ash Wednesday service at 7.30pm on Wednesday 17th February. If you would like to join in, please have a little bread and wine ready.

If you would like the Zoom details for these services, please contact the parish office.

Church at Home

See St Mary’s website for details for this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details are available from the parish office.

Private Prayer in the Church Winter Daffs

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

14th Feb All Age service on Zoom—see details above

21st Feb The family leave Egypt and move to Nazareth

28th Feb Jesus Grows up in Nazareth

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

New Flagpole

We are pleased to announce that after months of being unable to fly a flag, we now have a new flagpole in place. We are pleased that we are once again able to mark local and national occasions in this traditional way by flying the Union flag or St Georges flag.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who have put in a huge amount of effort to enable this.

Supporting each other

Jenny 01844 290990 Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583 Chris 01844 290694/07710 264009

Word for this week Trish 2

Just over 30 years ago I began the habit of keeping a diary, a daily journal. Needless to say it has recorded all sorts, masses of trivia and a great many significant events. It’s also been a great help in settling debates about exactly when something happened - “it was last year” “no I think it was at least 3 years ago” etc. It’s also been interesting, during lockdown, to look back to the same time in previous years and see just what was happening then.

On the first Sunday in February just a year ago, I’d been to the 8.30 am service at Haddenham, and chatted with friends afterwards. I never imagined then, that on the same Sunday one year later, I would be coming together with some of those same friends, and others too, seeing their faces, hearing their voices, to join in a similar service of worship, but all without going out of our own front door!

We have now had two Zoom services, and what a blessing they have been. It has been so good to be able to connect together with one another in worship and strengthen our church family relationship. As I have thought about last Sunday’s service, I’ve noticed one or two particular blessings.

There is, first of all, the privilege of being invited, albeit virtually, into one another’s homes, and the hospitality that affords, and the sense of belonging it nurtures. This, of course, helps us to grow in sharing a little more of each other’s lives. It is such a joy to see the children come to the screen and wave, or hold up a picture they have been working on. We take such pleasure in seeing them and they are hopefully growing in the assurance of being part of a wider loving Church family. This reminds us too, of perhaps the greatest blessing, that in seeing each other’s faces, however young or old, we are also seeing Jesus, and meeting Him in one another. During the service Olive spoke to us and reminded us that the ordinary everyday things we do for one another can be used by Jesus to do great things. By coming together in services like this, we can be used, just as we are, to be a blessing to others. Another blessing occurred to me as Olive unpacked the treasures of the Bible story for us. We listened gathered as a family gathers, at home, listening to a story, and taking its truths into our lives, just where we were. There is something very special in that, not only in listening together as a family, but also in that we didn’t need to take the word home with us, there was no subconscious danger of forgetting it by the time we’d got home, it met us right where we are!

We do, of course, look forward eagerly to being able to worship together in person, in church again, but in the meanwhile it is so important not to miss the blessings along the way, and the opportunities for growth that God enables as we journey together towards that time.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all your blessings.

We thank you that you lead us and guide us and are with us constantly.

Help us to recognise all your blessings and play our part in blessing, by giving ourselves in love and service to one another and to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer Square

Frozen Pond If you would like our church family to be praying for you or you know of someone else who would welcome prayer we would love to add the name to the Prayer Square. As the name will be public you MUST have the person’s permission but the circumstances remain confidential.

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· That vaccinations for COVID will reach those in need

· The family and friends of Glenys Lundy

· The family and friends of Jean Van Der Hoeven

· The family and friends of Deirdre Bevan

· The family and friends of Helen Murphy

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you that you are with us day by day as we journey through these winter months.

Help us to encourage each other in doing all we can to keep our community safe,

and to cope with the continued restrictions. Help us to be aware of those who are

finding things particularly hard.

We pray for those who are working hard to deliver the vaccine.

We pray that the roll-out may be swift and effective, in our own and in all communities, and we thank you for the hope this brings to us all.

Thank you that you are our refuge and strength.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We pray for each member of staff as they work tirelessly together

to provide online lessons,

to teach and care for those children who are attending school, in their separate bubbles,

and to care for, and provide for, families in particular need.

We pray too for the children who are missing their friends, and for families

coping with the pressures of home learning.

May all be strengthened and encouraged.

Amen.

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February 5th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. Details are available from the benefice office.

This week Revd Jonathan Hawkins will lead us in a Communion Service—if you would like to take part, please have a little bread and wine ready. We hope to see many of you there and if anyone has any questions about joining this service please call Dianne 291219 or Val 292383.

Coffee & Chat

Tricia will be hosting Coffee after church on Sunday at 11.30am. Details below:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82173963899?pwd=MEFzRDg3ZWRGR2xiUG4rWk9qTFg0UT09

Meeting ID: 821 7396 3899 Passcode: 1Bb5HZ

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

7th Feb Mary, Joseph and Jesus escape to Egypt

14th Feb NO SESSION - half term

21st Feb The family leave Egypt and move to Nazareth

28th Feb Jesus Grows up in Nazareth

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Please contact the office for Zoom details.

Hugh and Tricia Stradling

As most of you will know, Hugh and Tricia Stradling are leaving Haddenham to move to Widnes to be closer to their children and families. With the restrictions currently in place we are not able to give them the wonderful send-off they deserve, and we are hoping that we may have an opportunity to plan something next summer.

In the meantime, Hugh and Tricia are having a Drop-in Zoom session from 5-7pm on Sunday. We hope that many of you will have an opportunity to “drop in” and say goodbye.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87070106267?pwd=M0kxSGE0M3E0SW5NRkhUbElnaTlBUT09

Meeting ID: 870 7010 6267 Passcode: 188168

Prayer Square

To add a name contact Chris Headlong 01844 290694 or 07811 713522

Word for this week

Gordon

Diffidence and Encouragement in Praying Together

Of course, we all know that we can (and should) pray on our own. Jesus did, and told us to pray in secret.

But it is also good to pray with others, with God’s people in shared worship together. Reading Scripture and sharing in the Communion service have always been a key part of discipleship. Jesus shared in prayers in synagogue and Temple, and the early Christians quickly established the first day of the week (resurrection day) as a regular day for worship together.

In larger groups and in smaller ones there is sometimes the opportunity to say a public prayer with others. But many Christians are very diffident about this. Perhaps they are embarrassed – thinking such prayers should be clever, or new, or in a pious kind of language. This is a misunderstanding, of course. Simplicity and repetition are very significant in prayer – the “Lord’s Prayer” reminds us of that. We do not need to explain the issue to God in any detail – He knows!

Have you wondered what St Paul meant when he wrote “Pray continually” (or “without ceasing” KJV) to the disciples in Thessalonica (ch 5.17)? Not all day on our knees – with eyes closed! But living moment by moment trusting God and seeking his guidance. Before, during and after conversations with friends and family, about the news local, national and world, about our concerns including our business or professional lives. . . .and so on. So we will never be short of things to ask God about.

Sharing prayer could really encourage others! Why not think about a simple, short prayer about something “on your heart” – and share it with us all next time (even on Zoom!). I look forward to saying “Amen!”

Gordon Kuhrt

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Retired Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer Winter Crocus

Dear God,

Like the early disciples we want to say

“Lord, teach us to pray”.

We want to be more aware of you all through each day.

May your will be done in our daily lives.

Please guard and bless our families and friends.

We pray in Jesus name,

Amen

Prayer Line

If you would be comforted by a prayer for yourself, family or a friend in this time of uncertainty, please feel free to call one of the following people. They will be pleased to pray with you one-to-one over the phone, or after you have put the phone down if you prefer. You do not need to give a lot of information and the call will be in confidence. Please note this is not a counselling service or a helpline for anything other than prayer, although if we can suggest or signpost you to a source of help we will. Please pass this to friends, family and neighbours. All are welcome.

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522

For your prayers for the next week:

· All the couples who have postponed their weddings due to the pandemic and still cannot make firm new arrangements.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· The family and friends of Glenys Lundy

· The family and friends of Jean Van Der Hoeven

· The family and friends of Deirdre Bevan

· The Messervy family as they begin the preparations for moving to Haddenham.

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you that you are with us day by day as we journey through these winter months.

Help us to encourage each other in doing all we can to keep our community safe,

and to cope with the continued restrictions. Help us to be aware of those who are

finding things particularly hard.

We pray for those who are working hard to deliver the vaccine.

We pray that the roll-out may be swift and effective, in our own and in all communities, and we thank you for the hope this brings to us all.

Thank you that you are our refuge and strength.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We pray for each member of staff as they work tirelessly together

to provide online lessons,

to teach and care for those children who are attending school, in their separate bubbles,

and to care for, and provide for, families in particular need.

We pray too for the children who are missing their friends, and for families

coping with the pressures of home learning.

May all be strengthened and encouraged.

Amen.

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January 29th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our Zoom service will take place on Sunday at 10.30am. If you would like the details please contact the benefice office.

The service is planned to last for about 40 minutes. We hope to see many of you there and if anyone has any questions about joining this service please call Dianne 291219 or Val 292383.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.
A Church of England initiative in partnership with CONNECTIONS at Holy Trinity Claygate, and Faith in Later Life.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Church Door The church is open for private prayer on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

31st Jan 3 Wise Men visit Jesus

7th Feb Mary, Joseph and Jesus escape to Egypt

14th Feb NO SESSION - half term

21st Feb The family leave Egypt and move to Nazareth

28th Feb Jesus Grows up in Nazareth

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Zoom details are available from the parish office.

Jean Van Der Hoeven

You may have already seen on St Mary’s Discuss that a much-loved member of our congregation died unexpectedly earlier this week. Jean had moved to a nursing home near Durham to be closer to her daughter but her funeral is likely to be held in Buckinghamshire. We will update you with details when we have them. Please pray for Louise, Jean’s daughter, and the family.

COVID Vaccination Scams

We have been warned about the many and varied scams concerning Coronavirus vaccinations. Please be vigilant if you are contacted by any organisations asking you to book a vaccination. You should NEVER have to enter any bank details as all vaccinations are free of charge.

If anyone is concerned about the legitimacy of any email or letter concerning this and needs some help, please don’t hesitate to contact Val 292383, Dianne 291219 or any of the ministers and we will do our best to help you check.

Lucy Ward and The Malachi Project

Lucy, daughter of Roger & Rosanne, is embarking on a challenging new project based in Malawi. Full details can be seen in this video clip, link here.

We are hoping that Lucy will be able to join one of our morning Zoom services soon to tell us more about this initiative. She is looking for people to partner with her for this project.

Please pray for Lucy as she prepares for this challenge during the difficult circumstances of the Coronavirus pandemic. Pray that she receives the funding and support she needs to enable her to carry out this work, and pray particularly for her safety during the preparation, travel and her time in Malawi.

Zoom Services

It was lovely to see so many faces at our Zoom service last Sunday morning. Val as host and Jonathan leading did a great job and it was lovely to be able to worship together. We are planning to continue with these Zoom services every Sunday morning for the foreseeable future. It would be great to have different people to help lead the services and also to host them (the technical bit). Thank you to all those who have offered so far, and we look forward to hearing from a few more!

Word for this week Adrian

What links Moses and Peter Lacy?

Moses as you know was God's servant, who with God's help brought the Israelites out of Egypt and led them across the Sea on dry land after God had driven the sea back with a strong east wind. (Exodus 14:21 NIV)

Peter Lacy was an Irishman and a Jacobite, who left Ireland in 1691 after the failure of the rebellion against William III. He went to the Continent and soldiered with the Austrians, Saxons and Russians. With the latter he eventually became a general and an army commander.

In 1737 he was in command of a Russian army sent to invade the Crimea, which was controlled by the Tartars. Land access to the Crimea was limited to a narrow peninsula across which the Tartars had constructed a deep ditch and behind which their army was drawn up. Seeking access elsewhere, Lacy recognised that he could get his troops across the narrow Henichesk Strait on to the narrow Arabat Spit (Google for Arabat Spit for map). Here he built a bridge across the Strait using empty water barrels (Southern Ukraine has very little water in summer and the Tartars poisoned the available wells so the army brought their own water) and stakes, which were used to keep off harrassing Tartar horsemen. Once on the Spit there was only a narrow shallow strip of water to cross to get on to the Crimea.

In 1738 Lacy was again told to invade the Crimea. However the Tartars now had spread their forces wider to prevent him using the Arabat Spit. As Lacy pondered his options a local Coassack (s) was brought to him who said that if he waited until the west wind sprung up it would force the water of the Syvash (the stretch of water which separates the east of the Crimea from the rest of Russia) eastwards towards the Sea of Azov. Then as the water level declined he would find a narrow ridge leading across the Sea to the Crimea and they would be able to cross virtually dry shod.

Lacy waited and when a strong west wind blew, a narrow ridge of land was seen and so on 6.7. ordering the army into a straight line, they went across. Some carriages (supply wagons) were lost because they had not got across before the wind abated and the waters flowed back.

Of course the aforesaid event does not prove what is stated in Exodus is historical neither that the people of Israel were ever in Egypt but it does validate the Bible's account that a strong east wind could cause some part of a stretch of water to be displaced to one side and the bottom of the expanse of water to be exposed so that passage dryshod becomes possible.

(See page 208 of Memoirs of Russia Historical, Political and Military by C H von Manstein on Google books and page 213 of Empire and Military Revolution in Eastern Europe by Professor Brian Davies )

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Val Benefice

Prayer Winter Snowdrops

Heavenly Father,

When we feel daunted by circumstances or situations,

help us to remember that you go before us.

Help us to keep close to you,

to listen to your leading,

trust in your wisdom,

and follow on the paths you provide.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for the next week:

· Positive and smooth progress in negotiating the post-Brexit transtition. Energy and wisdom for all those dealing with the new systems that need to be implemented.

· All the couples who have postponed their weddings due to the pandemic and still cannot make firm new arrangements.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· The family and friends of Glenys Lundy

· The family and friends of Jean Van Der Hoeven

· The family and friends of Deirdre Bevan

The Messervy family as they begin the preparations for moving to Haddenham

Prayer for our Community

Father God we thank you that you are with us day by day as we journey through these winter months.

Help us to encourage each other in doing all we can to keep our community safe,

and to cope with the continued restrictions. Help us to be aware of those who are

finding things particularly hard.

We pray for those who are working hard to deliver the vaccine.

We pray that the roll-out may be swift and effective, in our own and in all communities, and we thank you for the hope this brings to us all.

Thank you that you are our refuge and strength.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools.

We pray for each member of staff as they work tirelessly together

to provide online lessons,

to teach and care for those children who are attending school, in their separate bubbles,

and to care for, and provide for, families in particular need.

We pray too for the children who are missing their friends, and for families

coping with the pressures of home learning.

May all be strengthened and encouraged.

Amen.

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January 22nd 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

Our first Zoom service will take place this Sunday at 10.30am.

The service is planned to last for about 40 minutes. We hope to see many of you there and if anyone has any questions about joining this service please call Dianne 291219 or Val 292383.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church Church Door

Glenys Lundy

We are sad to report the death of Glenys who many of you will remember, Glenys was a long-standing and much-loved member of St Mary’s church.

Her funeral will be taken by Revd Phil Groves on Monday 25th January at 12.30pm.

Glenys’ son Tim has asked us to share the details with you in case you would like to watch the livestream of the service.

Service Date: January 25th at 12.30, Service Chapel: Aylesbury Vale

Website: https://www.obitus.com/

Username: Wayu2582 Password: 860110

Lucy Ward and The Malachi Project

Lucy, daughter of Roger & Rosanne, is embarking on a challenging new project based in Malawi. Full details can be seen in this video clip, link here.

We are hoping that Lucy will be able to join one of our morning Zoom services soon to tell us more about this initiative. She is looking for people to partner with her for this project.

Churches Together in Haddenham

Renewal of Covenant Service

This service is being put together by Jonny Fillis, minister of the Baptist church, with contributions from members of all the churches. It will be live on the CTiH FaceBook page from 3pm on Sunday 24th January.

It will also be available on Haddenham.net from Sunday

Link here

Benefice Office

As you will be aware, the Benefice Office has not been open to visitors for many months, but Julie has been in most days. For the next few weeks, the office will not be manned everyday. Emails and telephone messages will be responded to as quickly as possible, but we ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. If you have an urgent need, the churchwardens will do their best to help.

Children’s Church Update—Philippa Blowfield

Please see below the list of the planned sessions for this term;

24th Jan 3 Wise Men meet King Herod

31st Jan 3 Wise Men visit Jesus

7th Feb Mary, Joseph and Jesus escape to Egypt

14th Feb NO SESSION - half term

21st Feb The family leave Egypt and move to Nazareth

28th Feb Jesus Grows up in Nazarerth

7th Mar Jesus in the temple at 12 years old

14th Mar From 12 years to adulthood

21st Mar Jesus is Baptised

28th Mar Jesus is Baptised/Easter

Reaching our community – let’s work together

Can you help in identifying people who may be struggling with loneliness and isolation who we as a church could reach out to? Not just older folk – it could be a single parent or someone who is housebound because of their spouse/partner’s or child ‘s circumstances - and let’s look beyond our church family to any neighbours. Is there anyone YOU can think of who might be glad of a phone call or wave through the window if you are out walking?? Unfortunately it is not wise to do doorstep visits now we are in lockdown but are you able to check that they are getting shopping OK and whether they have contact with a family member or someone in their social bubble? So that we can see what coverage we have - and more importantly what gaps - the following information would be helpful and will be IN CONFIDENCE. We would also like to send you a brief note about safeguarding yourself and the person you are contacting to ensure everyone’s wellbeing and expectations. We can put people in touch with other organisations and sources of information if necessary.

· If you yourself would be glad of a regular phone call please let us know.

· If you know a person would be glad of a phone call and you can do it yourself would you please let us know

· If you are already supporting someone could you let us know if you feel able to just so we know who we are reaching

· If you know of someone but cannot/do not want to do it yourself would you please let us know (WITH THEIR PERMISSION) so that we can arrange for someone to call them?

· If you feel you could take on phoning one or two people a week could you please let us know.

Please contact Chris Headlong on 290694 or 07811 713522

or email c.headlong@btinternet.com

or the Church Wardens; Val Walker or Dianne Brackley

Word for this week Olive

Leadership & Trust

This week a new President of the United States has been inaugurated. He faces the daunting task of trying to reunite his country and to restore confidence in the political system. Trust in leaders, particularly politicians, has been eroded in many democratic countries. Often the typical comment about them is, ‘They are only in it for themselves'.

In recent years, public confidence has been misplaced in other areas too. People in banking and business, the BBC, social and health services, journalists and even Churches are all thought to be covering up truth and so are not to be trusted. And with social media everyone can express their ill- informed opinions which quickly often get regarded as truth. It has been said, 'Nobody believes the official spokesperson... but everybody trusts an unidentified source.'

And yet, every week in our services we pray for those who lead us in government or in the Church. We do this because the scriptures command us to. In 1Timothy 2 we are urged to pray and give thanks for all in authority. But what exactly should we pray and give thanks for when it is so easy to be critical?

When Solomon, the king dreamt that God offered to give him whatever he wanted, he asked for wisdom and the ability to make right choices in government. When confronted with overwhelming problems, he would need to know which path to take. Solomon believed that ‘the fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom.’ He had the right starting point. He became widely known for his wisdom and his influence in the world.

However, this is only half the story. Later in his reign he was enticed away from God by his sexual appetites. His heart was led astray as he built high places where his numerous wives could worship their pagan gods. Despite his wonderful commitment at the beginning and his personal encounters with God, he foolishly became unfaithful. His folly meant he brought disaster on his kingdom too.

When we pray for wisdom for our leaders, we should also pray that they will have strength to stand up to all the temptations that come with power. We should not forget to give thanks too for all their commitment and hard work on our behalf.

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Crocus God of wisdom and power, whose authority is loving and merciful; inspire all those with authority in our world to be guided by you. We pray for godly wisdom for all leaders that they may seek not to control, but enable, not to manipulate but empower and work for the good of all.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.

Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for the next week:

· Positive and smooth progress in negotiating the post-Brexit transtition. Energy and wisdom for all those dealing with the new systems that need to be implemented.

· Wisdom & support for the new President of America, Joe Biden

· Funding for the Quinquennial Repairs

· Hope for those who are waiting for the COVID vaccine.

· Paul Brigham and his family

· All those suffering from COVID and the after-effects

· The family and friends of Glenys Lundy

· The Messervy family as they begin the preparations for moving to Haddenham.

Prayer for our Community

Father God, be with us all.

Help us to remain safe and well despite the difficult situation we are still coping with.

Show us how we can help each other in different ways. Prompt us to look out for those who are really struggling.

We pray for the swift and effective delivery of the vaccine in our community, and the hope that will bring for so many who have been isolated.

Thank you Lord for being with us always.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

God our Father,

We pray for children and young people whose education is so disrupted, and examinations cancelled.

Please guide staff and the BBC re on-line provision.

Please grant patience and wisdom to parents as they juggle priorities.

Amen

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our online services over the next few months.

We are going to trial Zoom services shortly—details below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Coffee & Chat

Tricia is hosting our Zoom Coffee & Chat at 11.30am on Sunday. Details below

Meeting ID: 896 5009 2093 Passcode: b7bLzf

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89650092093?pwd=a2dYNVBpWGFpTGR0d1l0SVNrY0FuZz09

Private Prayer in the Church

Zoom Services

Following successful trials in other churches we are going to try running a Zoom service at 10.30am each Sunday morning, starting on January 24th.

This will mean that many of us can meet together and worship together although we are not in the same building. The services will last no longer than 45 minutes and are planned to be very interactive.

This is going to be a challenge as many of us have limited knowledge of Zoom, but providing everyone is prepared for some hiccups, we should be OK. We will need a Zoom protocol and this will be explained at the start of each service.

Each of the Zoom services will need a service leader AND a Zoom host. If you are interested in offering to help we would love to hear from you.

If anyone has any questions about accessing these services, please let us know.

Our first service will be led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins with Val Walker hosting. More details will be circulated next week.

Look forward to seeing you then!

Dianne & Val

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to remember that all our hope is in you. May we be encouraged and uplifted in the darkness of difficult times by the wonder of your love revealed to us though our Lord Jesus, and the certainty of the hope it brings. May your Holy Spirit strengthen us and enable us to live and shine in the joy of that hope.

Amen

Share the Light

STL Whilst we may not have been open for services this Christmas, we had many visitors to the church, to post their prayer stars in our post-box, to see the Nativity Display in the church porch or to take part in the children’s church In Search of Christmas trail.

Huge thanks to all those involved in getting the leaflets ready, delivering them, collecting prayer stars, creating the wonderful Nativity scene, unlocking and locking the church porch and preparing the Christmas trail.

With the donations received during December, we were able to give £498 to Aylesbury Vineyard Foodbank.

Reaching our community – let’s work together Snowdrops

· If you yourself would be glad of a regular phone call please let us know.

· If you know a person would be glad of a phone call and you can do it yourself would you please let us know

· If you are already supporting someone could you let us know if you feel able to just so we know who we are reaching

· If you know of someone but cannot/do not want to do it yourself would you please let us know (WITH THEIR PERMISSION) so that we can arrange for someone to call them?

· If you feel you could take on phoning one or two people a week could you please let us know.

Please contact Chris Headlong on 290694 or 07811 713522

or email c.headlong@btinternet.com

or the Church Wardens; Val Walker or Dianne Brackley

Word for this week Trish 2

Something very special happened in our garden in the first few days of January this year. Each year, the first week of January seems to be the timing of this annual blessing - the first snowdrop. Some years ago we planted a number of early flowering snowdrop plants near the hedge, but each year it is the same particular plant that flowers first, producing just one tiny and determined little bloom. The much-watched for hopefulness of the green shoots, that have been peeping up through the soil over the last weeks, has again been fulfilled.

We are now in the season of Epiphany, the time of revealing, when we recall again the wonder of the tiny infant Jesus being revealed as the Light of the World and all the hopefulness that comes with that revelation. Epiphany is a time of hope, of light shining in the darkness.

January is perhaps never the most cheerful of months, and this year it brings extreme and grave challenges. The bleakness of rising case numbers, an overstretched health service and the isolating consequences of lockdown can seem overwhelming, and yet, amidst all this, the message of Epiphany shines as a light in the darkness, the eternal good news of Christian hope and the joy it brings.

Bishop Steven, reflecting on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, encourages us to remember that “joy is the outward expression of Christian hope” and that “Joy in the present moment is a mark of rebellion against the darkness”.

Back to my one little snowdrop, and it may seem a bit disproportionate to get so excited about one small speck of white in an otherwise bereft garden landscape, but that tiny forerunner gives joy because it heralds the hope of greater things to come. It lifts the heart and looks beyond to the time when the gardens around us will again be riots of colour. The joy of looking forward also represents a rebellion against the present state of the garden!

I write this on a particularly grey and dull day, when the village seems as though it is quietly waiting and very much in need of hope. How important it is to point the way to that hope, to look beyond to the time when it will be safe to gather again, when our church bells will ring again, when the church will be full of the gathered family of God’s people, when young couples can celebrate their marriages with all their families and friends, and when the church family can welcome new members in the joy of baptism. All of these are part of the tremendous joy we will share together again because of our love for the Lord Jesus and the unshakeable certainty of His love for us, but the real joy is in living in the knowledge of that love NOW. This knowledge, and the sure and certain hope it brings, are the hope we can bring to each other, and our community, just as we are, right now.

So amidst this grey and challenging time, rather than focussing on what isn’t yet possible, let’s rejoice in the revealing of the Epiphany season, remembering that “Joy in the present moment is a mark of rebellion against the darkness”, and remembering too, “that joy is the outward expression of Christian hope”. May our joy shine out, as a witness to the certainty and the wonder of God’s love for our community.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for the next week:

· Perseverance for those who are furloughed from work.

· Patience for those working from home with children at home.

· Positive and smooth progress in negotiating the post-Brexit transtition. Energy and wisdom for all those dealing with the new systems that need to be implemented.

· Funding for the Quinquennial Repairs

· Hope for those who are waiting for the COVID vaccine.

· The Messervy family as they begin the preparations for moving to Haddenham.

Prayer for our Community

Father God, be with us all as we enter this New Year.

Help us to remain safe and well despite the difficult situation we are still coping with.

Show us how we can help each other in different ways. Prompt us to look out for those who are really struggling.

We pray for the swift and effective delivery of the vaccine in our community, and the hope that will bring for so many who have been isolated.

Thank you Lord for being with us always.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

God our Father,

We pray for children and young people whose education is so disrupted, and examinations cancelled.

Please guide staff and the BBC re on-line provision.

Please grant patience and wisdom to parents as they juggle priorities.

Amen

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January 8th 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

Red Kite 2 We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our services over the next few months.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church

Do remember:

We realise this may be a particularly difficult time for those of us who are living alone. Narcissi Please know that you are being supported in prayer, and if you would like a chat, please see our Prayer Line details below.

Word for this week

Gordon Do not be afraid!

The telephone rings. You pick it up – a member of the family, a grandchild, has tested positive with the Covid virus. Fear strikes – it’s only natural, isn’t it. We live in the midst of multiple fears – health, the economy, employment, education, family life, mental health issues and disappointments over and over again!

Of course it’s not the first time. Olive and I were born early in the 2nd World War. Our grandparents lived through both great wars in London or the south-east (or in the forces). Daily fear was the norm – and in-between was the great economic depression. In my youthful years, I remember the fears during the Berlin crisis, the Cuban missiles, the polio epidemic . . . . .

Fear played a major role in the Christmas story. Mary fearful of being an unmarried mother. Joseph fearful of a shocking scandal around the girl he loved, shepherds fearful of the angelic appearance, Herod fearful of a royal competitor. Mary, Joseph and the shepherds were told separately “Do not be afraid!” In an extraordinary way, this was all under the control of a loving, caring God. The story is full of aspects beyond understanding at the time – but knowing the story of the covenant God provided the context of a bigger picture. Herod was not told “Fear not!” – he had plenty to fear, and it led to an infamous and savage fury.

Thinking about the Bible’s story of God’s big covenant plan – His patience, His forgiveness, His coming in Jesus – and then the Holy Spirit – can give us the context of a bigger picture – in which the message “Do not be afraid!” can make more sense to those who put their trust in the loving heavenly Father.

Mind you – they used their common sense as well. Mary and Joseph escaped to Egypt. The magi went home by a route that avoided Jerusalem and the murderous Herod. I write this a few hours after our Prime Minister announced the third national lockdown. May God strengthen our trust in Him, help us with our fears, give us the wisdom to be sensible, and grace to help others!

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Retired Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Loving Father God,
Help us, please, to recognize and cherish blessings and good things.
Thank you for family, friends, the NHS and the vaccines.
Help us in our fears to really value family, friends and neighbours, And help us to be a good friend and neighbour to others.
Help us to be sensible about food, rest, exercise - and enjoyable recreations.
God give wisdom to our government, national and local, and to scientific & medical advisors In Jesus' name .
Amen

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for the next week:

· Perseverance for those who are furloughed from work.

· Patience for those working from home with children at home.

· Positive and smooth progress as we officially leave the EU. Energy and wisdom for all those dealing with the new systems that need to be implemented.

· Funding for the Quinquennial Repairs

· Hope for those who are waiting for the COVID vaccine.

· The Messervy family as they begin the preparations for moving to Haddenham.

Prayer for our Community

Father God, be with us all as we enter this New Year.

Help us to remain safe and well despite the difficult situation we are still coping with.

Show us how we can help each other in different ways. Prompt us to look out for those who are really struggling.

We pray for the swift and effective delivery of the vaccine in our community, and the hope that will bring for so many who have been isolated.

Thank you Lord for being with us always.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

God our Father,

We pray for children and young people whose education is so disrupted, and examinations cancelled.

Please guide staff and the BBC re on-line provision.

Please grant patience and wisdom to parents as they juggle priorities.

Amen

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January 1st 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

With the current tier 4 restrictions in place we have no church services planned in the church building at present. We will continue to review this and keep you updated.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for continuing to broadcast our services over the next few months.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

And this link for the online services from the Oxford Diocese.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on the website.

Coffee and Chat

Ros is hosting Coffee and Chat this Sunday at 11.30am.

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914 Passcode: 5c9cuC

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4097488914?pwd=cFpwUWl4bStuYnpOU3ZhKy92RmFGdz09

Private Prayer in the Church

The church will be open for private prayer again from Wednesday 6th January.

It will be open again every week on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Do remember:

We realise this may be a particularly difficult time for those of us who are living alone. Please know that you are being supported in prayer, and if you would like a chat, please see our Prayer Line details below.

Word for this week Adrian

Adrian Collier

Passports

Passports open up for us the way into another country. Perhaps less speedily now that we are no longer part of the European Union. For with my very dark blue document I shall now have to join that other queue, if I go to most other countries in Europe.

Passports have been around for a very long time.

The Duke of Marlborough in 1702 was returning to the Hague down the Meuse when his boat was intercepted by enemy troops from a nearby town. In those days significant persons often received passes from their opponents so they could move about more freely. Marlborough didn't have his with him but his man servant slipped into his hand a pass which he was carrying made out for Marlborough's younger brother, another general. The troops plundered the boat but approved the passport Marlborough was carrying and not recognising, who he really was, let him proceed.

Even further back, in 2 Kings we have the story of Naaman the Syrian who had contracted leprosy. Told of the healing qualities of Elisha the prophet he decided to go to Israel to see him but in order to do so safely, his monarch, the King of Damascus equipped him with a letter to the King of Israel explaining why Naaman would be in his country. The letter probably operated as the equivalent of a passport. Without it Naaman might have been recognised and detained creating an international incident.

Passports or comparable documents are therefore of great importance when travelling abroad as they identify us and the country to which we belong.

When we become Christians, we are not handed a passport but as Paul writing to the Church at Ephesus says 'Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit'. May we be able to show the fruits of the Spirit in our daily lives, make clear to whose kingdom we really belong and be welcomed into it when our time comes.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Father God, as we come to the end of this very unexpected year, so many of us are feeling tired, anxious, lonely, disappointed and worn down. With heavy hearts we are ready to wave a rushed goodbye to 2020 and run ahead into 2021. But God before we do, please help us to be grateful for all that you did in 2020.

We know that your sovereign hand never wavered. That you remained completely in control, and were deeply concerned for each one of us. Thank you God for carrying us and sustaining us through this year; when we felt unable to go on and when we forgot to look to you for our strength. We know that your strength is made perfect in weakness. Please soften our hearts so we can see where you have been working and the Grace you have poured over us this year.

Amen

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for the next week:

· Safety for people returning to work after the Christmas break, both for those physically returning to a workplace and for those working from home.

· Perseverance for those who are furloughed from work.

· Positive and smooth progress as we officially leave the EU. Energy and wisdom for all those dealing with the new systems that need to be implemented.

· Funding for the Quinquennial Repairs

· Hope for those who are waiting for the COVID vaccine.

· The Messervy family as they begin the preparations for moving to Haddenham.

Prayer for our Community

Father God, be with us all as we enter this New Year.

Help us to remain safe and well despite the difficult situation we are still coping with.

Show us how we can help each other in different ways. Prompt us to look out for those who are really struggling.

We pray for the swift and effective delivery of the vaccine in our community, and the hope that will bring for so many who have been isolated.

Thank you Lord for being with us always.

Amen.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for staff and children as they return to schools after the Christmas break. Give them the energy they need to continue dealing with the effects of the virus. Give them hope. Keep them safe.

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December 18th & 25th 2020

Happy Christmas!

This Noticesheet is for 2 weeks, the next one will be out on January 1st 2021

Church Services at St Mary’s

Please see the News section below for a list of our services during December. Don’t forget you need to book ahead to attend any services held in the church building and follow the government guidance regarding social distancing and wearing a mask. We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our services this month.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers (except on Christmas Day) online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Coffee and Chat

Tricia is hosting Coffee and Chat this Sunday at 11.30am.

Meeting ID: 895 3167 3645 Passcode: iY3ytL

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89531673645?pwd=UzI2dGs4eWY3SFIyaUMxZDNsaUhoUT09

Private Prayer in the Church

Church 1 The church will NOT be open for private prayer between Sunday 20th December and Monday 4th January. This is because the Porch Display will be in position. From Wednesday 6th January it will be open again every week on Wednesdays between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Do remember:

Winter Snowdrops

Happy Christmas from the Wardens

Your churchwardens want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone for your support over the last few months. It has been a very difficult time which we have both found extremely challenging. We have had to make many difficult decisions and we now truly know that you definitely cannot please everyone all the time! We are however, really grateful for the wisdom and encouragement we have received from so many of you. It has reminded us what a privilege it is to serve here, as part of the church family at St Mary’s.

We have all learnt how to do things differently during the pandemic, in ways we would never have imagined. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you who have been so loyal in supporting, praying, encouraging and giving, over the last few months.

Special mention must go to Paul Smith, Andy Price and Keith Milmer for the hours of recording and editing that have enabled our online services to be created, and of course to all those, and there are so many, who have willingly led, preached, read, led prayers, arranged music, sung and played. It is wonderful that many of us have been able to continue worshipping together without physically meeting in the church building.

Many thanks also to the members of our PCC who have responded so willingly to all the extra meetings needed with thoughtfulness and understanding.

We are looking forward to next year with hope, with the arrival of our new Rector, a vaccination for Coronavirus and a return to some sense of normality. Where is church

None of us know what 2021 will be like, we may be continuing with our Online services, Zoom meetings and buildings closed for many months yet.

However we DO know that God has it all under control – so let’s remember that, and remain united as the Body of Christ here.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Val & Dianne

December Services

Please see below the list of December services. This includes services held in the church building, on the YouTube channel and broadcast on Red Kite Radio.

Red Kite 2

Date	Time	Service	Where
20th	8.30am	Holy Communion	Church Building
20th	10.30am	Advent 4 Service	Online
20th	12 noon	Advent 4 Service	Red Kite Radio
20th	6pm	Lessons & Carols	Online
20th	6pm	Lessons & Carols	Red Kite Radio
25th	10am	Christmas Day Family Service	Online

Nativity Display in the Church Porch

Porch Nativity Many thanks to the wonderfully creative team who have put together this beautiful Nativity Scene.

The porch will be open every day from Saturday 19th December until the schools return. We hope that most of you will have an opportunity to see it.

Christmas Collections

All non-regular donations received during the Christmas period will be given to support the work of our local FOODBANKS.

You can donate online; Link here

or by text;

To donate £5.00, simply text: STMARYSHADDENHAM 5 to 70450

or to donate £10.00, simply text: STMARYSHADDENHAM 10 to 70450, etc

This will cost your donated amount plus the cost of a standard rate message.

Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse has provided food for 8,500 people struggling to put food on the table. This is an increase of 3,500 people over the same period last year brought about by the uncertainty of employment situations, fluctuating incomes and more mouths to feed with children being at home.

Storehouse food boxes contain enough non-perishable food to make nutritious meals for an individual or family for a week supplemented by any fresh food donated by local supermarkets and from our partnership with the national charity Fairshare. Local churches and schools also usually provide a major seasonal injection of food donations from their harvest festivals but of course few have taken place this year. This Christmas Storehouse is reaching out to people with practical help of food and luxuries to make this time as special and enjoyable as possible.

All gifts to Storehouse whether in kind or financial are used solely to help people in need.

Children’s Church

Children’s Church have created a fabulous display. CC Display This is part of the Haddenham Festive Light Trail and can be found outside St Mary’s centre.

St Mary’s Church is In Search of Christmas!

St Mary’s Church have access to an exciting new opportunity to engage children and families in the local area. In Search of Christmas is a walking trail that encourages families with young children to explore the local area to find clues – posters with QR codes on – in order to help crack a code, unlocking a virtual space where they hear about the real meaning of Christmas. The QR codes take families to videos that contain clues and fun challenges to do while they explore and search.

There are 3 posters and 3 QR codes to find, all situated around Church End. (Please be mindful of current Covid Restriction and do not touch these posters.)

The posters will be up during the Christmas period. Members of the church will put posters up on Friday 18th December and then remove them on Thursday 31st December.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or concerns

pblowfield@doctors.org.uk

Children’s Church at St Mary’s Church, Haddenham

SU ISOC

Word for this week Olive

Traditions

Traditions are the customs and beliefs that are passed on from generation to generation. Our Church traditions of Christingles, Carol and Crib services have sadly been suspended this year. For many it is the only chance they get all year to sing! A year ago, we wouldn’t have envisaged just participating in our homes via the internet.

For most of us our family traditions are also going to be disrupted. Grandparents will probably not be able to watch the delight on their grandchildren’s faces as they open their gifts. Parents will be torn between their children and their own parents, not wanting to put anyone at risk. It won’t just be ‘post early for Christmas’ but ‘book your Zoom slot early for Christmas’, this year.

Then there are national traditions that are going to be different. The Queen’s speech will be recorded later than normal and her usually large Royal family gathering at Sandringham will be a smaller one at Windsor this year, staying within the rules.

For the first time since its inception in 1918, the carol service from King’s College Cambridge will be filmed without a congregation and with a socially distanced choir.

Of course, both these national traditions will have many of the same elements. It wouldn’t be Christmas without a solo chorister singing the first verse of ‘Once in royal David’s city’. Equally, listening to the Queen at 3pm on Christmas Day, is a must for many, although younger people don’t always appreciate this as much as their elders!

Traditions are important and the traditional carols are ones that most people know and love. None more so than ‘Silent Night’. The story behind this carol started way back in 1816 when Pastor Mohr in Austria wrote the words as a poem. When the organ broke down the organist got out his guitar and composed a tune to use at the midnight service. That simple carol has been one of the most performed and recorded in history. In World War 1 it was sung in the Christmas cease fire by soldiers on both sides, in German and English. It had the power to bring a few moments of peace in a very troubled world. Such is the potential of music and words.

My personal favourite carol is ‘Hark the herald angels sing,’ a combination of profound theological words and a strong tune. Whatever your favourite is, use it to stir your heart afresh this Christmas and perhaps be brave and sing along!

Olive Kuhrt

Licensed Lay Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Lord, we’ve sung and heard the Christmas story many times before.

We have allowed the most important event in history to become dulled by familiarity.

Help us, in this Christmas that is so different to others, to recapture a sense of wonder and to worship you afresh in our homes with genuine joy.

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

It’s the middle of December and everything has slowed down to tick over speed on the allotment now. It’s time to take stock of the season but also to gradually harvest the winter crops that I was so busy sowing and planting out earlier in the year. For many allotments, their plots are in complete dormancy with nothing in the greenhouse and sheds securely locked until March next year. I’ve never seen it like that and for me at least it is an all-year-round activity. The chickens need a daily visit any way so I might as well keep on with the gardening while I’m there! The recent outbreak of Avian flu in several areas has meant a restriction order on poultry which must now be kept indoors or at least out of contact with wild birds which means ours have been netted – quite a limit to their usual large area under the apple trees.

The main task for November is always to get the broad beans and first early peas sown and planted out. As we like to pick our beans young, tender and small, we grow quite a lot of plants, about a hundred in all. Pepper & Peas And a full 30-foot row of peas - variety ‘Meteor' have now gone in as well. These are not as hardy as broad beans so will be under cloches until about the end of February. In the greenhouse, temperatures can still get up to about 15 degrees C on a sunny day and as yet we haven’t had a really severe frost lasting days, so remarkably the sweet red peppers and the Cayenne pepper plants are still producing a crop – even slowly ripening to red in December! The greenhouse-grown pak choi sown in September are now being harvested for delicious stir-fried greens and we have plenty of salad greens both inside the greenhouse and out. Fortunately it has been a relatively mild winter so far, so even summer varieties of lettuce are surviving quite well.

Brassicas are the main staple greens for the winter and the Brussels sprouts are looking good for Christmas day! I’ve grown a new (for me) variety of cabbage this year – January King, which is actually an old traditional winter variety. I’m very pleased with them; really dense large heads which are standing well. This is fortunate because I still haven't finished using the summer cabbage yet. So next year I need to adjust the proportion and overall number of cabbages grown, I think! As you can see from the photo, we have a good supply of cavalo nero; aka Tuscan Kale with its narrow blue-green leaves contrasting with the more traditional kale in the foreground.

As the year draws to a close, the remaining tasks for December are slow jobs for short days; tidying; winter fruit tree pruning; turning compost heaps; repairing broken cloches; cleaning and oiling tools and planning for the next growing season as the days start to lengthen again just a few weeks ahead of us now.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for the next weeks;

· Safety for all those meeting up with friends and family during the Christmas holiday period.

· Peace for those people who are unable to be with families and will be spending Christmas alone.

· Good outcomes for Brexit deal negotiations.

· Comfort for those spending this Christmas without loved ones they have lost.

· Those opening shoeboxes at Christmas

· Funding for the Quinquennial Repairs

Prayer for our Community

Father we thank you for our village and community.

We thank you for all the different initiatives for celebrating Christmas within our community. Thank you for all the participants in the Festive Trail and for the delight and encouragement their efforts are bringing.

We pray for every home in our community at this special time of Christmas.

We pray for wellbeing, for wisdom in making plans, and for the peace and joy of Christmas.

We pray for those who are sick, and for the staff of our Health Centre and pharmacy, and for all those who work in the caring professions, over the Christmas period, and all those working as volunteers within our community.

We pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones this Christmas, that they may be comforted and strengthened in their loss.

We pray that our village may be blessed by the light and joy at the heart of the Christmas message.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for wellbeing and safety for staff and children over the Christmas holiday period. We pray for staff, that whilst the holiday time is short, there may be space for much needed rest.

December 11th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

Please see the News section below for a list of our services during December. To attend any services held in the church building, you will need to book a place with Julie in the parish office and follow the government guidance regarding social distancing and wearing a mask.

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our services this month.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and limited pews available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Do remember:

Sharing the Light

STL

All the leaflets have now been delivered and we have already had prayer stars in the postbox. Please pray for the people who have found comfort in the simple act of writing down and posting their prayers.

Please continue to encourage friends and neighbours to post their prayer stars in the postbox in the lychgate and to visit the church from December 19th, to see the Nativity Scene.

Watch the film here.

December Services

Please see below the list of December services. This includes services held in the church building, on the YouTube channel and broadcast on Red Kite Radio.

Date	Time	Service	Where
6th	8.30	Holy Communion	Church Building
6th	10.30	Advent Service 2	Online
6th	12 noon	Advent Service 2	Red Kite Radio
13th	8.30	Morning Worship	Church Building
13th	10.30	Advent Service 3	Online
13th	12 noon	Advent Service 3	Red Kite Radio
20th	8.30	Holy Communion	Church Building
20th	10.30	Advent Service 4	Online

20th	12 noon	Advent Service 4	Red Kite Radio
20th	6pm	Lessons & Carols	Online
20th	6pm	Lessons & Carols	Red Kite Radio
25th	10am	Christmas Family Service	Online
27th	8.30am	Morning Worship	Church Building

Red Kite 2

Word for this week Trish 2

We are now in the midst of Advent. We closed our church doors in the middle of Lent. What a strange time we have had in the months in between!

Advent and Lent are both special times in the Church’s year. Times to reflect, to think, to listen, to ask ourselves the awkward questions, to ask for forgiveness, to prepare, and to look forward with hope.

In many ways this year, all those weeks between Lent and Advent have also been times for more thought and reflection. We’ve thought about our priorities, we’ve recognised the things that are most important to us. Many people have talked about discovering a simpler way of living, and the difference that has made for them. It has been a challenging time, and for many a painful and anxious time. A time when we have had to look beyond ourselves for strength and resources. For us all it has been a time when we have had to think differently, a time to refocus.

Advent is a time particularly to focus our minds on God’s plans for His Kingdom coming. We think of His Kingdom being brought in as we live our day to day lives, and coming finally when Jesus returns. As Advent draws us closer to Christmas it is also, of course, a time for the joyful anticipation of celebrating the birth of Our Lord Jesus, of the wonder of His coming amongst us. This year it is even more important to take to our hearts just what this means, the wonder of Emmanuel, God with us. We are not alone.

We all have different traditions when it comes to celebrating Christmas – from what we eat, to what hangs on the Christmas tree, to when presents are opened etc. Some traditions will be longstanding ones, but this year things may not be quite the same. We may not be able to be together in quite the same way as we normally would, things might have to be different.

In the church building, things will be different. Our St Mary’s traditions of candles twinkling from the pillars, and a Christmas tree hung with decorations made by children, will not be in place this year, but the most important thing, the beautifully simple stable and crib, will be there, at the heart of all our worship, in our church building, online, and on radio.

This year has, in many ways, led us to think about the most important things in our lives, and to work outwards from there. As we make our own preparations for Christmas, in this very different year, that is perhaps, a good way to go about them, starting with the most important - starting from the simple beauty of the manger and working out from there. Who knows, we might even find we begin some new traditions!

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving us times to reflect and draw nearer to you.

Help us to use this Advent time wisely.

May we listen to your promptings, and see things the way you would have us see them.

As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth,

Lift our eyes to the wonder of its truth.

Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· America and the next stages of the presidential handover.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

·Thankfulness for the progress made in fighting COVID through the approval of a vaccine

· Revd Cassa Messervy and her family as they prepare for Cassa’s new role in our benefice.

Prayer for our Community

Father we pray for our village, that all may share in a combined sense of community.

We pray that we will support each other through the difficulties of these winter months.

We pray for those who are concerned about job security, and all those with financial concerns.

We pray for those who are sick, and for our Health Centre and pharmacy and for all those who work in the caring professions, and as volunteers, within our community.

We pray for the grieving, that they may be comforted and strengthened.

Father help us to be led by you in being a blessing to our community.

Prayer for our Schools

Father we pray for our schools in the second half of this Autumn term.

We pray for strength and energy for the staff as they continue to create safe and happy environments in which children can learn.

We pray especially for continued wisdom and resourcefulness in the preparation of lessons, and in preparations for celebrating the Christmas season amidst the restrictions.

We pray for protection, health and well-being for staff, children, parents and carers.

We pray for families experiencing practical, emotional and financial difficulties.

May all who work in our schools know how much they are valued by our community.

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December 4th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

We are extremely grateful to Red Kite radio for broadcasting our services this month.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting our Zoom Coffee at 11.30am on Sunday. Meeting ID: 795 8567 5811 Passcode: 83LqCN

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Do remember:

Sharing the Light

STL

This week and next week we are delivering leaflets containing prayer stars to the whole village (approx. 3300 homes).

This has only been possible thanks to an amazing army of volunteers who have Prayer Star Postbox been busy stringing stars and stapling them into the leaflets, and of course delivering them. THANK YOU!

Please encourage friends and neighbours to post their prayer stars in the postbox in the lychgate and to visit the church later in December to see the Nativity Scene.

Watch the film here.

December Services

Please see below the list of December services. This includes services held in the church building, on the YouTube channel and broadcast on Red Kite Radio.

Date	Time	Service	Where
6th	8.30	Holy Communion	Church Building
6th	10.30	Advent Service 2	Online
6th	12 noon	Advent Service 2	Red Kite Radio
13th	8.30	Morning Worship	Church Building
13th	10.30	Advent Service 3	Online
13th	12 noon	Advent Service 3	Red Kite Radio
20th	8.30	Holy Communion	Church Building
20th	10.30	Advent Service 4	Online

20th	12 noon	Advent Service 4	Red Kite Radio
20th	6pm	Lessons & Carols	Online
20th	6pm	Lessons & Carols	Red Kite Radio
25th	10am	Christmas Family Service	Online
27th	8.30am	Morning Worship	Church Building

Red Kite 2

Word for this week Gordon

Advent 2

The Prophets

So we have lit the second Advent candle and we think of the role of God’s prophets – some famous like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Daniel, some not so well known like Joel, Zechariah or Habakkuk. People often associate the prophets with sermons of judgement – resulting from people ignoring God’s holy law, worshipping idols, and being careless about needy people – the poor and the weak. That theme of judgement was, and is, important, but our Bible reading today from Isaiah 40 reminds us of two other major themes in the prophetic messages.

First, the message of comfort and encouragement (verses 1 & 2). The listeners had been ruthlessly conquered, and their leaders exiled far away in Babylon. They were having a really tough time, and many were in, or close to, despair. But the prophet Isaiah was told by God to bring a message of hope and comfort. “Comfort, comfort my people says your God, speak tenderly . . .”. What is this about? What are the grounds for this? Two reasons are given. First, God says their sins have been forgiven, and secondly, they are going to be restored to security after their defeat and exile.

Many of us are having a difficult time at present – for various reasons, not least the Covid epidemic. Many are anxious, frustrated, concerned about family and friends, and lonely through restrictions on visiting and travel. A message of comfort can come to you today – with the assurance of God’s forgiveness through Jesus. Receive this forgiveness, trust it, rejoice in it! Also there is good news of light at the end of the Covid tunnel with the various vaccines making such promising progress.

So the first message was of comfort – the second is the theme of preparation. Isaiah talks of preparation for the coming of the Lord – “prepare the way” (verse 3). When Isaiah first said this, it probably was about the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, and the presence of God in the new Temple. Later, it was seen as a prophecy of John who in his preaching and baptising was preparing the way for the Messiah – who they discovered was Jesus of Nazareth. Today we link this prophecy to our own preparations for Christmas – celebrating the extraordinary incarnation (becoming a human being) of God in Jesus. Prepare the way! – not just (or primarily) with decorations, presents and parties, but with moral and spiritual reformation and renewal – for

“the glory of the Lord will be revealed, the mouth of the Lord has spoken it”. (verse 5)

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Wychert Vale Benefice

This talk will be part of the Advent service on Sunday 6th December. It can be seen online via the website or listened to on Red Kite Radio.

Prayer

Father God,

We thank you for your forgiveness.

Help us gladly to receive it, trust in it,

And to rejoice in your loving patience and kindness.

Guide us to prepare the way

For the coming of the Lord

In our lives, in our families, and in our community.

Through Jesus the Saviour,

Amen

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· America and the next stages of the presidential handover.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

·Thankfulness for the progress made in fighting COVID through the approval of a vaccine

· Revd Cassa Messervy and her family as they prepare for Cassa’s new role in our benefice.

Prayer for our Community

Father we pray for our village, that all may share in a combined sense of community.

We pray that we will support each other through the difficulties of these winter months.

We pray for those who are concerned about job security, and all those with financial concerns.

We pray for those who are sick, and for our Health Centre and pharmacy and for all those who work in the caring professions, and as volunteers, within our community.

We pray for the grieving, that they may be comforted and strengthened.

Father help us to be led by you in being a blessing to our community.

Prayer for our Schools

Father we pray for our schools in the second half of this Autumn term.

We pray for strength and energy for the staff as they continue to create safe and happy environments in which children can learn.

We pray especially for continued wisdom and resourcefulness in the preparation of lessons, and in preparations for celebrating the Christmas season amidst the restrictions.

We pray for protection, health and well-being for staff, children, parents and carers.

We pray for families experiencing practical, emotional and financial difficulties.

May all who work in our schools know how much they are valued by our community.

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November 27th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

Following the latest government guidance, we are planning to hold 8.30am services on each Sunday in December. As you know, our capacity is limited. If you would like to attend any of these services please contact the office to reserve a space.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

Tower

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Do remember:

Haddenham Festive Trail 2020 - Sharon Smith

Let’s Light up Haddenham!

Light Trail

In these challenging times we need to bring cheer to those around us. This December we are inviting Haddenham families, organisations and businesses to create a festive display to bring some much-needed joy to us all. A map will be created so that families can take a walk and follow the trail. The Haddenham Festive Trail is a community collaboration raising funds jointly for Haddenham Community Junior School PTA and Haddenham Christian Aid Committee. We are grateful for the support of The Christmas Tree Festival and Haddenham Scarecrow Festival who are helping to run the trail. Your display should include one of the following: lights, a wreath, stars or trees. It could be a simple string of lights, or as elaborate as you like. Please ensure your display is on view between 12th-31st December. If your display includes lights, it should be illuminated between 6-8pm. Please ensure you submit your entry before 1st December. If you would prefer to complete a paper entry form please email christmaslightsfestival@gmail.com. There will be an opportunity for everyone to choose their favourite display with an online vote and a prize for the most popular. We will also encourage the sharing of photos of displays on our social media channels for Haddenham residents who are not able to get around the trail. A suggested donation of £5 is invited, however we know that 2020 has been a very difficult year for many families. We invite everyone to take part, whether or not they are in a position to make a donation. You don't need to tell us if you are not donating. We would ask any businesses who wish to participate to consider a larger contribution. Donations can be made as follows:

· Via our fundraising page: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/hcjsfestivetrail

· By bank transfer to HCJS PTA Sort Code: 30-90-38, Account No: 00330739, reference: Trail

· By cheque, made payable to 'Christian Aid' to 6 Long Furlong, Haddenham, HP17 8DQ . Festive trail maps will be available online, details to follow.

Sign up to host a display here: http://bit.ly/festivetrail, and if you have any queries or would prefer a paper entry form, please email Christmaslightsfestival@gmail.com or Sharon Smith thesmithfamily@waitrose.com .

Thank you for your support!

YOU ARE INVITED

We are very excited to invite you to a Free Virtual Bulembu Choir Christmas Concert. There will be 2 showings on Saturday 28 November at 5.00 pm GMT and MST. The choir have been learning Christmas Carols and would like to share these with you. Don’t miss the chance to kickstart the festive season, ignore the gloom of lockdown and let their heavenly voices transport you out of your living room for a short time.

So fasten your sofa seatbelts and get your virtual passports ready to fly to Eswatini.

The performances will be streamed on our Church Online Platform  and Facebook Live (@cmswazi.org.uk).

For Facebook please like and follow our page to receive a notification.

Please mark your calendar.  Do invite all your friends.

Juanita Hughes
Fundraising and Events Manager

Word for this week Adrian

There are many biblical sights in Jordan, which can be visited.

One can stand on what is considered to be Mount Nebo and from that high ridge of land try to see what the Lord showed Moses as set out at the end of the Book of Deuteronomy. Unfortunately you cannot see the Mediterranean or quite as much as Moses saw, but I suspect that the Lord was letting hin see by faith some sights, which were not visible to the naked eye.

Further south after travelling through bare hilly limestone countryside suddenly the road starts to go downhill and round a bend is a viewing point over a 1000 foot above the Arnon valley with vultures circling around many feet below. On the other side of the valley are the hills of Moab with perhaps a vehicle negotiating the winding road travelling up the steep ascent. On the top of the Moabite plateau the rock has broken down into fertile soil and westerly winds once more drop rain on the land and one understands why Elimelech and Naomi went there as refugees when there was famine around the stony fields of Bethlehem.

Further south again, is Kerak, still dominated by its immense Crusader castle on a ridge above most of the town. In biblical times it was known as Kir of Moab or Kir-Hareseth and in 2 Kings 3 we read that it was the last stronghold of the Moabite king, who there resisted all the attacks of the kings of Israel, Judah and Edom.

Generally the biblical sites in Jordan are less sanitised than those in Israel and enable the traveller to better appreciate Biblical settings especially those of the Old Testament.

Perhaps though and certainly for those who will never reach Israel or Jordan, the best picture of the countryside is encapsulated in The Historical Geography of the Holy Land by George Adam Smith.

First published in 1894 and still in print it gives a picture of the Land before modernity hit it.

Amon

I also remember standing in the mouth of a little sandstone wadi in the dry south of the country and looking at green shoots emerging round about me and gradually realising that the winter rains each year not only washed soil down the wadi but that the waters coming down it drained into the sand at its entrance and that people were still sowing barley and wheat in the same place as they had for thousands of years.

A reminder that the gospel, when faithfully proclaimed, still flourishes in what seems the most unlikely places.

Adrian Collier, LLM, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· America and the next stages of the presidential handover.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

· Kenny and the Eckardt family as they mourn the loss of Georgie.

· COVID and the research into vaccines and treatment.

Prayer for our Community

Father we pray for our village, that all may share in a combined sense of community.

We pray that we will support each other through the difficulties of these winter months.

We pray for those who are concerned about job security, and all those with financial concerns.

We pray for those who are sick, and for our Health Centre and pharmacy and for all those who work in the caring professions, and as volunteers, within our community.

We pray for the grieving, that they may be comforted and strengthened.

Father help us to be led by you in being a blessing to our community.

Prayer for our Schools

Father we pray for our schools in the second half of this Autumn term.

We pray for strength and energy for the staff as they continue to create safe and happy environments in which children can learn.

We pray especially for continued wisdom and resourcefulness in the preparation of lessons, and in preparations for celebrating the Christmas season amidst the restrictions.

We pray for protection, health and well-being for staff, children, parents and carers.

We pray for families experiencing practical, emotional and financial difficulties.

May all who work in our schools know how much they are valued by our community.

November 20th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

As you will all know, following the latest government guidance, we are not permitted to hold any church services at present. We are planning to hold 8.30am services on Sundays in December, providing the guidance permits that. Full details will follow as plans are confirmed.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Lychgate Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

PLEASE NOTE: The church will not be open for private prayer on Wednesday 25th November.

Do remember:

Haddenham Festive Trail 2020 - Sharon Smith

Light Trail

Let’s Light up Haddenham!

· Via our fundraising page: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/hcjsfestivetrail

· By bank transfer to HCJS PTA Sort Code: 30-90-38, Account No: 00330739, reference: Trail

· By cheque, made payable to 'Christian Aid' to 6 Long Furlong, Haddenham, HP17 8DQ . Festive trail maps will be available online, details to follow.

Thank you for your support!

BOXES, BLANKETS AND BUNNIES!

Parcels

A total of 53 shoeboxes from St. Mary’s, Haddenham and Kingsey Churches AND 40 beautifully knitted/crocheted blankets and soft toys, along with thousands of others from the UK will bring joy at Christmas to those in Eastern Europe who are enduring very tough times. We didn’t think we would be receiving so many, on behalf of Link-to-Hope, in this challenging year, but the doorbell continued to ring as people delivered.

Thankyou very much indeed and let’s keep the momentum going for next year’s appeal please.

“Every shoebox brings a smile”

Blessings

Jenny & Andy

Word for this week Olive

Two of my recent articles for the weekly notice sheet have been on the stories behind the hymns we love. This week I’ve chosen the most universally loved hymn ‘How great thou art’. In America and Britain, it is constantly at the top of favourite hymn lists. It has great words combined with a fine tune.

The original words were written by Carl Boberg, a Swedish pastor who was caught in a powerful storm, when out travelling. It was awe-inspiring - moments of flashing violence, rolling thunder and then a calm that was followed by clear brilliant sunshine. In the peace that followed, he heard the birds singing in the trees. This experience had a profound effect on him, causing him to fall on his knees in adoration. He then composed a poem which had references to many Psalms but particularly the eighth, and in 1885 it was set to a Swedish folk tune. It was later translated into German (1907) and then Russian (1912).

The English version was the work of Stuart Hine, a British missionary who had served in many eastern European countries. He first heard the Russian version when working in Ukraine in the Carpathian Mountains and used it in his evangelistic meetings. His English version contained two verses of his own. The third verse was inspired by the conversions among many of the mountain people,

‘and when I think that God, his Son not sparing,

sent him to die, I scarce can take it in.

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing,

he bled and died to take away my sin.’

In 1939 Hine had to return to England. After the war, he worked with displaced Eastern European refugees who were longing to return home. This inspired his fourth verse,

‘When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then shall I bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim my God, how great thou art!’

I remember first singing this hymn in the 1950’s, at the Billy Graham meetings. Since then, it has become a truly international favourite. Celebrities like Elvis Presley have recorded it. It can be played simply on a guitar, with a soloist, or powerfully with a full orchestra, choir or organ. There are over 1700 documented recordings and numerous translations, even one in the Maori language.

I think we love this hymn because it turns our eyes to God, rather than focusing on ourselves. It is truly inspirational and expresses the deep desires of our hearts.

Olive Kuhrt, LLM, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

‘O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder

consider all the works thy hand has made.

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy hand throughout the universe displayed!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to thee,

how great thou art, how great thou art!’ Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· America and the next stages of the presidential handover.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

· Kenny and the Eckardt family as they mourn the loss of Georgie.

· The next stage in the appointment of our new Rector.

· COVID and the research into vaccines and treatment.

Prayer for our Community

Father we pray for our village, that all may share in a combined sense of community.

We pray that we will support each other through the difficulties of these winter months.

We pray for those who are concerned about job security, and all those with financial concerns.

We pray for those who are sick, and for our Health Centre and pharmacy and for all those who work in the caring professions, and as volunteers, within our community.

We pray for the grieving, that they may be comforted and strengthened.

Father help us to be led by you in being a blessing to our community.

Prayer for our Schools

Father we pray for our schools in the second half of this Autumn term.

We pray for strength and energy for the staff as they continue to create safe and happy environments in which children can learn.

We pray especially for continued wisdom and resourcefulness in the preparation of lessons, and in preparations for celebrating the Christmas season amidst the restrictions.

We pray for protection, health and well-being for staff, children, parents and carers.

We pray for families experiencing practical, emotional and financial difficulties.

May all who work in our schools know how much they are valued by our community.

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November 13th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

As you will all know, following the latest government guidance, we are not permitted to hold any church services. We will be monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind.

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week Church Door

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

PLEASE NOTE: The church will not be open for private prayer on Wednesday 25th November.

Coffee & Chat

Tricia is kindly hosting on Sunday morning at 11.30am. Zoom details below;

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81676501913?pwd=ZE1HYmF4N0wwL2cxVmxnUEZ6SlQzQT09

Meeting ID: 816 7650 1913 Passcode: 986766

Autumn Do remember:

Red Kite Radio

Our community radio station has kindly offered to broadcast some of our services while we are not able to use the church building.

We are very grateful to them for this opportunity which means people without internet access will still be able to listen to the services.

Once the dates and times are agreed these will be published on the website and in the Weekly News. Please let your friends and neighbours know.

Churches together in Haddenham

The CTiH AGM is taking place on Monday 16th November at 7.30pm, via Zoom. It would be lovely to have lots of participation. If you would like to attend, please email Marjorie Johnston, marjoriejohnston@f2s.com , who will forward the link to the meeting.

Delivery Help needed!

As we are unable to hold our normal big Christmas services in church, we have been trying to find other ways to reach out into our community. There are several initiatives which will be taking place during December and more news on those will follow later.

One of the initiatives; “Share the Light” involves delivering to every home in Haddenham. We are reliably informed that this is about 3300 homes!

We really need help with this enormous task. If you can offer to cover a section of Haddenham we’d be very pleased to hear from you. Even just one street will be a big help.

Thanks in advance!

Dianne brackleys@aol.com 01844 291219

Ongoing redecoration at St Mary’s Centre

Just a couple of photos so you can all see the newly decorated stairwell, cloakroom lobby and the new flooring in the downstairs cloakrooms. It’s looking so much better and we are looking forward to our hirers returning to benefit from the improvements in the New Year. In the meantime Julie is loving the fresh new look!

Staircase Cloakroom

Word for this week

Trish 2

We’ve reached the point in the year when the days are shortening, and by late afternoon it’s time to turn on some lights. Sometimes I’m out walking around the village at that time of day, and seeing lamps lit in homes that I pass on my way, always lifts my spirits. There is something very powerful about lights that shine in the darkness.

A while ago I received a special gift from a friend – a lantern which can hold a large candle. On one of the glass sides to the lantern there is a Bible verse – “God has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 1:11). I love lighting that candle. Candle light is always beautiful, but candle light that gives glory to God is doubly so.

Short, dark days may not seem the most beneficial in helping us keep cheerful during this second period of lockdown along with the uncertainties about what will be possible at Christmas, but the simple act of turning on our lights each day, can help to remind us of the power that light has over darkness.

Lighting a candle while praying in times of distress or urgent need, can be powerful. It provides a visible symbol of the heartfelt nature of the prayer, and helps to bring comfort and strength to the person praying.

Holman Hunt’s famous picture, “The Light of the World” depicts Jesus’ words from Revelation 3:20 “Behold I stand at the door and knock”. Jesus is seen knocking on the door, holding a lantern, and waiting to be invited in. We can sometimes forget that these words are written in the middle of a letter calling its readers not to be “lukewarm”, but to be passionate about their love for their Lord and doing things His way. He’s waiting to come in, bringing His light into our lives.

Light also brings hope. Amnesty International’s symbol is a picture of a candle set in a spiral of barbed wire. It represents hope amidst situations where that hope has yet to be fulfilled, and urges us to remember those who are so much in need of hope and freedom.

We’re coming up to the very special time of Advent, so as we move through these next weeks, let’s allow switching on the light, and lighting the lamps and candles in our homes, to remind us of the wonder and power of light over darkness. Let’s praise God for the gift of light in our lives, for the hope it brings us, and also commit to praying for those in need of hope and freedom.

Above all may we continually invite the Lord Jesus into every aspect of our lives, lives aflame with love for Him.

With love and prayers,

Trish, Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Lord we thank you for the gifts of light and hope.

Help us to recognise the power of light over darkness, in all aspects of our lives.

Help us to pray for the persecuted and all those so in need of light and hope.

Keep our hearts on fire with love for you, and open to your light and your leading.

Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· The interviews for our new Rector, taking place on 19th November.

· America and a smooth transition to a new president.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

· Kenny and the Eckardt family as they mourn the loss of Georgie.

Prayer for our Community

Father we pray for our village, that all may share in a combined sense of community.

We pray that we will support each other through the difficulties of these winter months.

We pray for those who are concerned about job security, and all those with financial concerns.

We pray for those who are sick, and for our Health Centre and pharmacy and for all those who work in the caring professions, and as volunteers, within our community.

We pray for the grieving, that they may be comforted and strengthened.

Father help us to be led by you in being a blessing to our community.

Prayer for our Schools

Father we pray for our schools in the second half of this Autumn term.

We pray for strength and energy for the staff as they continue to create safe and happy environments in which children can learn.

We pray especially for continued wisdom and resourcefulness in the preparation of lessons, and in preparations for celebrating the Christmas season amidst the restrictions.

We pray for protection, health and well-being for staff, children, parents and carers.

We pray for families experiencing practical, emotional and financial difficulties.

May all who work in our schools know how much they are valued by our community.

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November 6th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

As you will all know, following the latest government guidance, we are not permitted to hold any church services. We will be monitoring the situation closely and will keep you informed.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

Our service for Remembrance Day will feature a sermon by Revd Ray Pentland , who lives in Aylesbury and was Chaplain-in-Chief to the RAF.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

Church Door The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and only a limited number of pews will be available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Do remember:

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HADDENHAM WITH MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

SUPPORTED BY THE HADDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

HADDENHAM WAR MEM0RIAL AT CHURCH END

10:45 am SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2020

Minister: Revd Jonathan Fillis

Haddenham cum Dinton Baptist Church

Due to the national lockdown, attendance at the Act of Remembrance this year will regretfully be significantly reduced. The service, which is planned for 10:45 am on Sunday 8th November by the war memorial at Church End, will comply with current Government guidance. Attendance will be restricted to those leading the service, councillors, members of the Royal British Legion, serving or retired military personnel, and those laying wreaths on behalf of various organisations. As the Government has stated that contact should be discouraged, other members of the public are respectfully requested to pay their respects to the fallen by observing the 11 am two-minute silence at home. A pre-recording of the service, with partial attendance, will be available for viewing on Haddenham.net. Everyone attending the commemoration will be expected to observe social distancing, wear a mask and provide their names and contact details for Track and Trace.

We are not allowed to use the church building for a Remembrance service this year, but that hasn’t prevented some of our church members from creating a beautiful Remembrance Display in the church porch.

Remembrance 1

Remembrance 2

Word for this week

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt Gordon

An extraordinary song (psalm)

As some of you may remember from my last piece, one of my current projects is to re-read the whole Bible using a translation I have not used before plus the Lion Bible Handbook. Recently I reached the Psalms, the Jewish hymn book – and was reminded how they cover such a range of human situations, emotions and feelings.

Psalm 119 is the longest, and the most elaborate in its structure. There are 22 eight-verse sections. Each section begins with the next letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and each verse in the section begins with that letter. Think of writing a poem in English with that pattern! The overall theme is about how we can learn God’s plan for the way we should live our lives. It is one of the wisdom psalms. Here are some key bits I have chosen –

How to bring up children v9 “How may a young man lead a clean life? By holding to your words”.

Seeing the truth that matters v18 “Take the veil from my eyes, that I may see the wonders to be found in your law”.

Who are the best friends? v63 “I keep company with all who fear you, with all who follow your precepts”.

Our attitude to wealth v72 “The law you have ordained means more to me than a fortune in gold and silver”.

Finding the way to live v105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path”.

Living in difficult circumstances v153 “See in what trouble I am and set me free, for I do not forget your law”.

All really worth thinking about, - do you agree?

Gordon Kuhrt

Prayer

Dear God our Father,

Thank you for the holy scriptures, your word,

The story of your covenant plan of salvation.

Help us to make time to read it,

To think about it,

And to use it as a guide for our lives.

Through Christ, our Saviour.

Amen

Notes from the Allotment—Tim Shaw

Last weekend – during a brief dry spell! - I managed to harvest the borlotti beans which had been left on the plants to ripen. With the relentlessly wet weather but frosts on the way it seemed like the time to get them in. I’ve mentioned before how superior the fresh borlotti beans are in terms of taste and so earlier this week was the ideal time to make the Italian classic ‘paste e fagioli’ a Tuscan dish of beans and pasta in a rich, thick tomato based sauce. Borlotti beans are at the heart of this disk made using a soffritto of carrot, onion and celery with white wine and Italian herbs added. Fresh Pasta Borlotti beans are introduced along with a tin of chopped tomatoes and some vegetable or chicken stock. Once simmered for about 30 minutes a handful of Tuscan Kale – Cavalo Nero is thrown into the casserole and some of the beans mashed a little to thicken the sauce. Finally add some pasta – something small like farfalline (small bows). Serve with olive oil, parmesan and warm crusty bread!

Peas Elsewhere on the allotment, peas have been sown in modules in the greenhouse for planting out under cloches late in November. The variety is Meteor which is one of the earliest pea varieties to mature in the early summer. Typically this is sown in the early spring but good results can be had with a late autumn sowing as long as the tiny plants are protected over the winter. I’ve grown peas overwinter successfully for a few years now and it gives you a very early crop the following year. The broad beans sown earlier in modules – also in the greenhouse at the moment are emerging and it will soon be time to plant them out before they get too used to the comforting warmth under glass. The salad leaves in the greenhouse are going great guns as are the peppers which I left in as they were still producing plenty of young fruit which may not fully ripen – but as you can see from the photo it is possible to pick ripe peppers from the greenhouse in November. Red Pepper

The onset of frosts in the last few days has put paid to much of Kirsten’s flower bed – the dahlias had been flowering profusely up until now filling the house with lovely autumn colours – but most flowering plants are now shutting down for the winter. The frost also revealed which of the outdoor lettuce are hardy – and which aren’t! The lovely red Grenoble Red lettuce seems to have survived the frost and – perhaps surprisingly – the lighter oak leafed lettuce, which has such thin and delicate leaves that you would have expected it to just collapse in the cold. I do grow some varieties which are truly winter hardy – Winter Density which is a Cos variety and does very well over the winter and also for the first time this year I’m growing a winter butterhead variety – Winter Imperial. The last job for this week will be to pack away the Winter Squash which have been sitting by the window in the kitchen ripening. They will be stored away in the cool garage for use over the winter – some more delicious meals to anticipate there and hopefully, before too long, to be able to share with friends once again!

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· The next steps in the search for our new Rector.

· America and the presidential election results.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

· Kenny and the Eckardt family as they mourn the loss of Georgie.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all the people in our village as we face an autumn and winter of uncertainty. We pray for wisdom for those in government so that the right decisions are taken locally and nationally, at each stage, as we move through these next months.

Whilst social distancing may prevent or limit our normal practices, may we still continue to grow together as a village community.

Help us to be more aware of the needs around us and prayerfully seek ways to respond .

Help us to be particularly mindful of those who are lonely and those who grieve.

In all our interactions with one another, may we seek to bring encouragement, hope and love.

Prayer for our Schools

Loving Father, thank you, for all who are part of our schools. Please bless and unite all those whose expertise and enthusiasm contribute so much to the smooth running of our schools.

Lord please provide our teachers and pupils with all they need during the COVID 19 times. Help children to readjust and catch up on their missed learning, especially those most affected by lockdown.

Comfort and restore those living with anxiety or unhappiness. Give them your peace.

Please pour out your blessings upon all our school communities.

In Jesus name, Amen.

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October 30th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

Our next service in church is planned for 22nd November, this will be a service of Holy Communion, government guidance permitting. If you would like to attend, we NEED to know in advance, (by 10am on the Friday before) so please contact the office to see if there is still space; office@haddenhamstmarys.org or 01844 291108, and to provide your name and contact number. Facemasks must be worn during the service. Thank you.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading a contemplative Communion service online for All Saints Day.

The following week will have a service for Remembrance Day and will feature a sermon by Revd Ray Pentland , who lives in Aylesbury and was Chaplain-in-Chief to the RAF.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Elsewhere in the Benefice;

Gordon and Olive Kuhrt are at Cuddington this Sunday.

Coffee and Chat

Ros is kindly hosting Coffee and Chat at 11.30am on Sunday morning.

Topic: Ros Haworth's Zoom Meeting
Time: Nov 1, 2020 11:30 AM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4097488914?pwd=cFpwUWl4bStuYnpOU3ZhKy92RmFGdz09

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914
Passcode: 5c9cuC

Do remember:

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

We will have our normal 4.30pm zoom on Sunday.

Nov 1, 2020 04:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting.zoom.us/j/89260204083?pwd=RFBIRjc0c3ZhUnh1dm9jK1U0VGhsdz09

Meeting ID: 892 6020 4083 Passcode: Dn38fG

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Churches Together in Haddenham

A Time of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

All are warmly invited to a gentle service to remember and give thanks for the lives of those we have loved and who have died.

If you are interested in attending or would like someone to be remembered, please email marjoriejohnston@f2s.com

Sunday 1st November 2020 at 4 pm

in the Baptist Chapel, Stockwell, Haddenham

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HADDENHAM WITH MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

SUPPORTED BY THE HADDENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

HADDENHAM WAR MEM0RIAL AT CHURCH END

10:45 am SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2020

Minister: Revd Jonathan Fillis

Haddenham cum Dinton Baptist Church

Word for this week Adrian

Where was Nympha's house?

It was only quite recently when reading through Paul's letter to the Colossians that I started thinking about Nympha and the church in her house.

There she is remembered by Paul in Colossians 4:15 alongside the churches in Hierapolis and Laodicea as well as that of Colossae. Colossae warranted an epistle, Laodicea was one of the churches addressed by John in Revelations and Hierapolis was a significant town with a considerable Jewish population (Wikipaedia) but of Nympha and her house we have no other information.

It is generally accepted by scholars that the references in early manuscripts of Colossians are to a lady, who has a Greek name and was probably a Greek (as with Timothy, mixed marriages took place so we can't be positive on this point).

Paul we know spent nearly 3 years in his evangelising and teaching ministry based on Ephesus and directly or indirectly the gospel reached all the places already mentioned.

If Nympha had been a Jew, we might have expected a town setting for her church (Jews being obligated to attend the great feasts in Jerusalem, which could involve several weeks journeying were not likely to be working farmers) but as she is likely to have been a Greek we cannot tell whether it was town or country.

Some commentators have suggested that it was in or in the proximity of Laodicea as she is mentioned in the same sentence as that town, but it seems to me more likely that as Paul dictates the letter, he remembers her and adds her on to the rest of the sentence. However it is also likely that her house was somewhere within 15 miles (a days journey) probably of Colossae as greetings were to be extended by the Colossians to her and the church in her house.

What we do know is that Nympha opened up her home and in doing so identified it and herself with a radical new religion. I wonder what the neighbours thought?

Pray that we may have a similar courage.

Adrian Collier, LLM

Prayer

Almighty God,
who built your Church upon the foundation
of the apostles and prophets,
with Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone:
so join us together in unity of spirit by their doctrine,
that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· The next steps in the search for our new Rector.

· America and its presidential election.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

· Kenny and the Eckardt family as they mourn the loss of Georgie.

Prayer for our Community

Whilst social distancing may prevent or limit our normal practices, may we still continue to grow together as a village community.

Help us to be more aware of the needs around us and prayerfully seek ways to respond .

Help us to be particularly mindful of those who are lonely and those who grieve.

In all our interactions with one another, may we seek to bring encouragement, hope and love.

Prayer for our Schools

Loving Father, thank you, for all who are part of our schools. Please bless and unite all those whose expertise and enthusiasm contribute so much to the smooth running of our schools.

Lord please provide our teachers and pupils with all they need during the COVID 19 times. Help children to readjust and catch up on their missed learning, especially those most affected by lockdown.

Comfort and restore those living with anxiety or unhappiness. Give them your peace.

Please pour out your blessings upon all our school communities.

In Jesus name, Amen.

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October 23rd 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

This Sunday we are holding a 30 minute All-Age service in church at 10.30am. Space is limited and we are almost full. If you would like to attend, we NEED to know in advance, (by 10am today) so please contact the office to see if there is still space; office@haddenhamstmarys.org or 01844 291108, and to provide your name and contact number. Facemasks must be worn during the service. Thank you.

Our next service in church is planned for 22nd November, this will be a service of Holy Communion, government guidance permitting.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service.

This week we have an interview with Philippa Blowfield talking about her marathon experience and about why Dignity and Hope Cambodia is such a great thing to support. Link here.

In addition Canon Phil has recorded a short video where he asks you to reflect on Anxiety and how we best respond to the worries we all have at this time. He has done this because he has noted just how anxious we all are as things around us do not seem to be getting any better. He reflects on Paul's response to anxiety in Philippians 4: 4-10 and encourages us to talk, to pray and to act. If you are affected by this video please contact our pastoral team.

Next week Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading a contemplative Communion service online for All Saints Day.

The following week will have a service for Remembrance Day and will feature a sermon by Revd Ray Pentland , who lives in Aylesbury and was Chaplain-in-Chief to the RAF.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Do remember:

Children’s Church—Philippa Blowfield

Next week is the start of half term. Although we are able to meet in church on 25th, we will still have the 4.30pm zoom.

Children’s Church next week, I thought we would focus on harvest. If anyone has anything they have grown over the last 6 months that they would like to show during this session then please bring it to the zoom meeting (even if it’s a photo). We will also have another brief look at the story of Ruth, but it will be super to see you all and have a catch up.

Oct 25, 2020 04:30 PM, Nov 1, 2020 04:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting.zoom.us/j/89260204083?pwd=RFBIRjc0c3ZhUnh1dm9jK1U0VGhsdz09

Meeting ID: 892 6020 4083 Passcode: Dn38fG

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Churches Together in Haddenham

A Time of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

All are warmly invited to a gentle service to remember and give thanks for the lives of those we have loved and who have died.

If you are interested in attending or would like someone to be remembered, please email marjoriejohnston@f2s.com

Sunday 1st November 2020 at 4 pm

in the Baptist Chapel, Stockwell, Haddenham

LINK-TO-HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL

ALMOST THERE.....

20 SHOEBOXES so far, and some beautiful blankets and soft toys too.

2 WEEKS TO GO Time to fill and deliver yours to Jenny & Andy ,

48 Churchway by Sunday 1st November.

THANK YOU to all who have delivered Link to Hope shoeboxes for those in desperate need in Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria. Please remember “Every Christmas shoebox brings a smile” It has been heart warming to welcome people on our doorstep with their boxes, and a smile too!

Jenny & Andy ( Tel: 291173 / email: hardy48@btinternet.com)

Word for this week

Olive Kuhrt Olive

What a friend!

Do we always realize the value and preciousness of friendship? There is so much about it in the Bible. God made us to be social and no one likes to be alone for very long. One of the worst ways of punishing prisoners has often been to put them in solitary confinement. We need close friends and a few of them are better than a whole host of Facebook acquaintances. What a comfort it has been in these last months to speak to those who know us well and can share our deepest feelings and anxieties.

One of our very special friends, who is no longer with us, had dementia in his later years. We visited as often as we could and tried to chat about the years we had shared. He listened but he kept returning to the same sentence over and over again. He seemed to have no memory of anything before his present circumstances. However, when I sat at the piano and played the hymns he had once known, he joined in lustily, remembering most of the words! One of those hymns was, ‘What a friend we have in Jesus’. The simple poetry of the verses were there deep in his heart and memory.

The hymn was written by Joseph Scriven, an Irishman, who after the tragic death of his fiancé in a drowning accident, the night before his wedding, emigrated to Canada. A few years later, he met Eliza and fell in love again. But within weeks of his wedding, she became ill and died.

Joseph was shattered but he clung on to his faith. He took a vow of poverty and from the age of twenty-five devoted himself to help the physically handicapped and the financially destitute. Later, when he heard that his mother in Ireland was ill, he didn’t have the money for the fare home so he wrote the verses of this hymn as a comfort to her.

‘What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear,

All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer…………

Are there trials and temptations, is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer…

That hymn has been a great comfort to countless people over the years. For out of all the friendships we could possibly have, none can be better than the one with our Lord Jesus Christ. Do we carry everything to him in prayer?

Olive Kuhrt, Licenced Lay Minister

Prayer

Loving Lord Jesus, our unseen but eternal friend,

We bring to you all our friends and loved ones wherever they are.

Especially we pray about the pain and loneliness of being separated at this time.

Grant us, and them, to know the strength and peace of your presence and the comfort of your love.

Amen.

Notes from the Allotment —Tim Shaw

As the season turns steadily through autumn, life on the allotment slows down as well – jobs which were put off during the growing season can now be tackled – a much needed coat of paint was applied to the shed during a sunny couple of days. One of our allotment neighbours even found time to tidy his shed – a rare event for him apparently! The work this week involves tidying up of the greenhouse – stripping out old tomato plants but leaving a few where there is still some slowly ripening fruit enjoying the relative warmth under the glass. The pepper and chilli plants have a lot of unripe fruits – but will be taken off as green peppers and chillies if a cold snap of weather is forecast. And salad rocket is doing very well in the greenhouse too – along with the Pak Choi planted into there a few weeks ago. Pak Choi is one of those crops which my grandfather – or indeed my father - would probably never of heard of let alone grown! It’s a brassica – and you will probably have seen or bought it in the supermarket if you make your own oriental dishes where it is used extensively. It’s low in carbohydrates but a good source of vitamins A, C and K. From the growers point of view it’s easy but works best as a late summer or autumn crop in my view – the only problem is that slugs love it!

Pak Choi

This week we lifted the first of the Jerusalem artichokes which we grew in a line along the back of the chicken enclosure. The form quite tall leafy stems during the summer but the edible roots can be lifted like potatoes from autumn onwards. Unfortunately they have a reputation for inducing flatulence so many people avoid them which is a pity because they have a delightful smoky, earthy taste. They can be eaten raw in salads or made into a delicious winter soup with spinach – which is described in the New Covent Garden Book of Soups. It’s very simple to make – 12oz well washed artichokes (no need to peel them) are cooked in butter with an chopped onion for 10 minutes and then chicken stock added together with seasoning and, essentially, freshly ground nutmeg. After cooking for 20 minutes 6oz spinach leaves are stirred in and the whole lot puréed in a blender. Add some milk or cream and serve with croutons!

Artichokes Soup

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919, Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522, Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· The advertising for our new Rector.

· The planning for Remembrance & Christmas services this year in these very difficult circumstances.

· America and its presidential election.

· All those who have lost loved ones recently.

Prayer for our Community

Whilst social distancing may prevent or limit our normal practices, may we still continue to grow together as a village community.

Help us to be more aware of the needs around us and prayerfully seek ways to respond .

Help us to be particularly mindful of those who are lonely and those who grieve.

In all our interactions with one another, may we seek to bring encouragement, hope and love.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for our village schools, for St. Mary’s C.of E. School; the Community Infant School; and the Community Junior School.

We pray for the staff and the children as they take a break over half term. Let them relax and enjoy time with their families. And return refreshed and ready for the next term.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Amen.

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October 16th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

We will be holding morning services at 10.30am at St Mary’s church on 25th October & 22nd November, (not November 29th as previously listed), government guidance permitting.

Each will be a short 30 minute service of worship and prayer and, at present, we are not planning to celebrate Holy Communion. No singing is allowed and everyone will be required to wear a mask or face covering. Pew spaces will be limited.

If you would like to attend, we NEED to know in advance, (by 10am on the Friday before the service) so please can you contact the office office@haddenhamstmarys.org or 01844 291108 to provide your name and contact number. Thank you.

Elsewhere in the Benefice, Gordon & Olive Kuhrt will be leading and preaching at Aston Sandford this Sunday.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to this Sunday’s online service. Members of our own Haddenham fellowship have again been busy in contributing to, and technically supporting this week’s service, so do join them in worship via the website

Some lovely Reflections recorded over the last few weeks and months are also available on the website.

Coffee & Chat

Tricia is hosting Coffee at 11.30am on Sunday. Zoom details below;

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89115798545?pwd=Y1IxNnBOalc3WW82Z0owdTR4UUxwdz09

Meeting ID: 891 1579 8545

Passcode: 529065

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Do remember:

Private Prayer in the Church - twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm and Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer Station continues to be well used.

Revd Trish Mander prayed over all the pebbles again this week and placed them in the churchyard.

Please continue to let people know about this facility.

LINK-TO-HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL

ALMOST THERE.....

20 SHOEBOXES so far, and some beautiful blankets and soft toys too.

2 WEEKS TO GO Time to fill and deliver yours to Jenny & Andy ,

48 Churchway by Sunday 1st November.

Jenny & Andy ( Tel: 291173 / email: hardy48@btinternet.com)

Bishop Steven at the Diocese of Oxford has suggested some challenges for our church family based on the governments rule of 6. A summary is below, please visit the website for further information:

oxford.anglican.org/six

DOX 6

Word for this week Trish 2

Revd Trish Mander

Last week we held our Annual Parochial Church Meeting, via Zoom, and how lovely it was to see those who were able to join the meeting. The business was conducted, officers were duly elected, and all was done properly and efficiently, with the appropriate degree of formality, and yet in a spirit of gathered Christian family and fellowship. These two aspects, I suggest, reflect the way in which all our elected officers approach the day to day business of our church life - their diligent attention to the responsibilities entrusted to them, alongside loving concern for, and commitment to, the Christian family who have entrusted them with these responsibilities. Our churchwardens were unanimously re-elected and will continue to lead us though this next period in our church family life.

I was privileged to spend a number of years married to a church warden. I would hasten to add that I am still privileged to be married to that same person, but he is no longer a church warden! It was an opportunity to witness, first hand, some of the complexities of the role, let alone the full-on, round the clock, nature of its calling. During his time as church warden I know my husband was ever mindful of his responsibilities and of his loving commitment to those who had placed their trust in him. This fellowship has been blessed with a long succession of church wardens who have demonstrated that same commitment to their calling, so markedly evidenced in our current wardens. It is important to remember at the moment, of course that the demands of being a church warden during a time without an incumbent, are greatly increased.

Recently I’ve been remembering the many holidays my family have enjoyed in the West Country, at a large number of campsites and a few cottages. Quite a few of these holidays have been returns to places where we’ve not only enjoyed the site or the accommodation, but also the welcome we’ve received and the feeling of being well provided for and looked after, by some lovely people. Site owners have become friends and we’ve heard many stories of their experiences. As we’ve listened to these kindly people, in quite a variety of settings, we’ve noticed a common thread – the significance of the weather in their relationships with their customers and guests. They frequently find themselves needing to explain to their visitors that the weather is not something they have control over. One cottage owner we knew, whose cottage was perfect, in an idyllic situation, superbly equipped, and with every thought and attention paid to the needs of the guest, resorted to greeting her guests with a printed out sheet of the weather forecast for the week ahead, apologising at the outset if the outlook wasn’t favourable, but gently making it clear that she could do nothing about it.

A couple of weeks ago Olive reminded us of the importance of encouragement, of encouraging each other in our walk. As we set out with our church wardens and officers on this next stage of our journey together, let’s determine to encourage them and give them our full and loving support. The outlook for the coming months is wintry and unsettled in more ways than one, so how important it will be to affirm those who are serving us so faithfully.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister

Notes from the Allotment —Tim Shaw

“We haven’t eaten much of our kale yet...” observed Kirsten the other day and she was right - but I’ve always seen kale as a winter crop and whilst there is so much else from the allotment it doesn't seem quite right to be going for the winter vegetables. The supply of greens has slowed down considerably now it's the middle of October, so kale is definitely on the menu. At one time the only kale grown on allotments seemed to be the tightly curled varieties which well withstood hard winter frosts which left most other crops dropping. Nowadays there are all sorts and kale has lost it's undeserved reputation as a poor man’s food or worse still animal fodder! Cavolo For the last decade or more though, the trendy crop is Tuscan or black kale or, in Italian, ‘Cavalo Nero’. As well as the broader leafed ‘Pentland Brig’ variety, we grow tuscan kale successfully although for a period during the summer months the undersides of the leaves can be infested with whitefly which generally means the waxy leaves must be washed with detergent to clean them before cooking. At this time of year though the new leaf growth is clean and free from the tiny pests so only a quick rinse is needed. Finely shredded; tossed oil and baked in the oven for 15 minutes produces a dish almost indistinguishable from the seaweed served as a starter in Chinese restaurants!

Last week I mentioned the endives in the salad bed, growing under plates to help blanch the leaves. Although mainly thought of as a salad leaf, in Italy the frisée leaved endives are called Scarola or Escarole and are often served as a hot dish; braised in oil with pine nuts, raisins and olives. I'll give you the recipe for this over on my blog at https://timshawsblog.wordpress.com. The endives are fully grown now so we'll be taking them for use as above over the next few weeks. They are an easy crop to grow and give a little variety to the greens available in the summer and autumn. They need a bit of protection from cold though and will quickly expire if exposed to a harsh frost.

The middle of October is when I sow broad beans for an early crop next year. Spring sown broad beans tend to form maturing pods just when the main broad bean pest; black fly are most prevalent in June and July and autumn sowing is the way to ensure a good crop before the black fly discover them. Sowing Beans We will try sowing late in the season as well next year in order to miss the peak black fly but the majority will be sown now - so the greenhouse will soon be full of pots again with next year's germinating beans to be planted out in November as very small plants. The most successful over-wintering variety is Aquadulce Claudia which tolerates harder frosts than some, although in recent years we haven't seen many hard winters - another sign of the changing climate perhaps?

Prayer Line

Churches have had to be closed, even just to sit in quietly. However if you would be comforted by a prayer for yourself, family or a friend in this time of uncertainty, please feel free to call one of the following people. They will be pleased to pray with you one-to-one over the phone, or after you have put the phone down if you prefer. You do not need to give a lot of information and the call will be in confidence. Please note this is not a counselling service or a helpline for anything other than prayer, although if we can suggest or signpost you to a source of help we will. Please pass this to friends, family and neighbours. All are welcome.

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· The advertising for our new Rector.

· The planning for Remembrance & Christmas services this year in these very difficult circumstances.

· Planning for all church services; both in our church buildings and online, and the safety of all those involved.

· America and its presidential election.

Prayer for our Community

Whilst social distancing may prevent or limit our normal practices, may we still continue to grow together as a village community.

Help us to be more aware of the needs around us and prayerfully seek ways to respond .

Help us to be particularly mindful of those who are lonely and those who grieve.

In all our interactions with one another, may we seek to bring encouragement, hope and love.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for our village schools, for St. Mary’s C.of E. School; the Community Infant School; and the Community Junior School.

We pray for the staff as they adjust to the current regulations, find solutions to challenges, and develop new ways of teaching. May they have wisdom in decision making.

We pray for the children as they become familiar with different ways of doing things.

We pray for the youngest children, who have just started school.

We pray for all to share in a confident and happy atmosphere in school.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Amen.

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October 9th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

We will be holding morning services at 10.30am at St Mary’s church on 25th October & 22nd November, government guidance permitting.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

Some lovely Reflections recorded over the last few weeks and months are also available on the website.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020—Zoom

Our first ever remote APCM by Zoom went ahead on Wednesday this week, very successfully, with 36 people in attendance. Kindly chaired by Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt , all the agenda items were addressed efficiently. Thank you to all those who attended.

Do remember: Eythrop

She did it!!!!

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported The Dignity and Hope Foundation, Cambodia. The support we have had has been overwhelming and it certainly was a great encouragement for me to complete the 26.2 mile run last Sunday. The 40th London Marathon, in Thame was definitely a community effort and personally, I would like to thank the fellow runners who joined me throughout the race, the steadfast supporters on the street undeterred by the rain, wind and cold and my wonderful family who co-ordinated supporters, organised food, water and battery charging along the way. DHF Cambodia are humbled by everyone's generosity in such challenging times - thank you ALL for your support and prayers.

Philippa Blowfield

Marathon Wet

Marathon 2 Finish

Private Prayer in the Church - Now twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm. It will now also be open on Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Christmas at St Mary’s

It’s going to be a very different Christmas for us this year. Most of our normal services will not be able to take place and anything we plan will be subject to changing government guidelines.

The Worship and Witness group is, however, exploring all kinds of creative ways we can bring Church into our community. If anyone has any ideas they would like to share with that group, please contact Paul Smith; paulpsmith1@gmail.com, the chair of the group. Thank you.

Warning—Scam Emails

Scammers are using the names of our clergy and others such as churchwardens and setting up false email addresses. They send out emails asking for help and soon ask for money. Please do not respond. It helps if you can forward the emails to the person who is being impersonated - they have no idea until you tell them. This week someone has been impersonating Canon Phil Groves.

LINK-TO-HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL “Every box brings a smile”

Can we encourage you to fill a Christmas shoebox for those in Eastern Europe who are living through desperate times? Their need is greater than ever. They have so little; we have so much.

All instructions for the Family / Elderly Shoeboxes are on the leaflets - we have plenty!

Perhaps you would prefer to knit or sew… aprons, lavender bags, hats, puppets to name a few. Baby blankets are well received and are packed separately. Take a look at the Shoebox Crafting page for ideas on the website; Link to Hope

Please email : hardy48@btinternet.com or call us on 01844 291173 for more information, leaflets and a shoebox if you need one. It’s fun to do and maybe you can encourage others who have time on their hands to make up a shoebox as well. Let’s exceed last year’s total of 49 boxes and bring an even bigger smile to those receiving Christmas boxes in 2020.

Please pray for all those who receive a shoebox, those who distribute them and for the year round work of Link to Hope.

ONLY 3 WEEKS TO GO

Still time to fill a ‘Family’ or ‘Elderly’ Christmas Shoebox for our annual support for Link to Hope.

Details, leaflets and a few spare shoeboxes are available from

Jenny & Andy Email: hardy48@btinternet.com Tel: 01844 291173.

THANK YOU!

Bishop Steven at the Diocese of Oxford has suggested some challenges for our church family based on the governments rule of 6. A summary is below, please visit the website for further information:

oxford.anglican.org/six

DOX 6

Word for this week Gordon

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

A story of loyalty and love

Have you, like me, found you have some more “spare time” during these weeks of lockdown and/or restrictions? Olive and I have watched some long series on TV available on i-player or some other channel. We watched the whole of Downton Abbey and the Cornish Poldark saga! Also I have read some lengthy series of books – like all 12 volumes of Winston Graham’s Poldark series (the fictious heroine grew up in the parish of Illogan where I was curate), and the 6-volume Penguin history of the Christian Church.

I have also been busy helping other people produce substantial books – especially my son Stephen’s major revision and expansion of my “Believing in Baptism” which was first published over 30 years ago.

Strongly commended by the former bishop of Oxford, and the present bishop of Kensington! (T&T Clark/Bloomsbury, August this year). If you want a copy do talk to me as co-author.

Another major project is to re-read the whole Bible. I am using a translation I have never used before – so it is all fresh – the Revised English Bible (1989 update of the 1960s New English Bible). But alongside it, I am reading the current 5th edition of the Lion Handbook to the Bible. This is quite brilliant - but make sure you get the 5th edition 2017. Don’t get palmed off with a cheap earlier edition through Amazon! Even if you have an earlier edition, like us, it is still so worth getting the brand-new 5th ed!

The Old Testament period of the Judges was a grim time for Israel – invasions, immorality and spiritual carelessness. The book is a shocker! But then comes the little jewel of Ruth – only 4 chapters. A story of exile, tragedy and courage. A story of loneliness (of Naomi and Ruth), of loyalty, and of loving kindness by the two women and kinsman-redeemer Boaz – and by God himself. Read it – with some imagination – and see the young widow sort of making a marriage proposal (extraordinary!) at the harvest festival (ch 3.7-9). The two women play major roles.

There are two other key bits – not to be missed. First, Ruth’s famous declaration of loyalty and love to her mother-in-law in ch1.16 “Where you go, I shall go; where you stay, I shall stay. Your people will be my people; and your God my God”. But equally important, and often missed, is what Boaz says to Ruth when they first meet, and she is gleaning in his field “The Lord reward you . . . . may you be richly repaid by the Lord under whose wings you have come for refuge” (2.12). What a lovely metaphor of God’s care – worth thinking about – and trusting in. This is one of the most famous short stories in world literature - for very good reason!

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

Prayer

Father God,

We thank you for your loyalty and love shown supremely in Jesus Christ (our kinsman-redeemer).

Help us to show loyalty and loving kindness to others, especially those who are lonely or living with tragedy.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

Notes from the Allotment —Tim Shaw

Squash

It’s very definitely autumn on the allotment now although the last lingering memories of summer survive in the greenhouse; tomatoes still in production but much slower to ripen and peppers and chilli peppers seem to find a new lease of life in the early autumn and are flowering like its Springtime! The basil is just about hanging in there but it really doesn't like the weather much now... Gradually the greenhouse is being turned over to salad crops for the winter as the tomatoes come out with lettuce, endives, rocket and Pak Choi taking their place. Outside, the squash plants have had nearly all their foliage removed to allow the sun to ripen their skins which will mean they keep longer in storage. Soon they will be brought indoors and left on a sunny windowsill to fully dry out and harden.

Outdoor salad leaves are growing well as you can see from the picture. The small plates on the endives are keeping the hearty growth out of the light in order to blanch them making a more tender and less bitter leaf. The lettuce were planted in between some beetroot which will probably not form roots now but the leaves will go in the salad or be stir fried with some olive oil and lemon juice for a tasty lunch one day.

Tree Band

The start of October is the time for the top fruit grower to apply grease bands to the fruit tree trunks. These are sticky paper bands which are tied on to encircle the trunk and reduce the numbers of winter moth caterpillars on the trees. The wingless female moths are prevented by the sticky paper from climbing the tree and laying eggs. This in turn reduces the number of caterpillars in the Spring – unchecked they would feed on the fruit buds and reduce the amount of fruit produced.

The Howgate Wonder cooking apples were harvested this week. It’s a large cooking apple – nowhere near as good a flavour as the Bramley seedling but, oh boy, they are really big apples! They are now in the apple trays in the shed but I’ll try to remember to show you a photo of them next week.
We have grown borlotti beans for quite a few years now, not because they are difficult to come by in the shops but because the fresh beans really do taste best and the bean pods look so attractive with their red and green pods turning to red and cream colours as they ripen. Not everything has to be intensively productive and although we enjoy only a little produce from the borlotti beans, it’s a delight to grow them anyway!

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· The advertising for our new Rector.

· The planning for Remembrance & Christmas services this year in these very difficult circumstances.

· Planning for all church services; both in our church buildings and online, and the safety of all those involved.

· America and its presidential election.

Prayer for our Community

Whilst social distancing may prevent or limit our normal practices, may we still continue to grow together as a village community.

Help us to be more aware of the needs around us and prayerfully seek ways to respond .

Help us to be particularly mindful of those who are lonely and those who grieve.

In all our interactions with one another, may we seek to bring encouragement, hope and love.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for our village schools, for St. Mary’s C.of E. School; the Community Infant School; and the Community Junior School.

We pray for the staff as they adjust to the current regulations, find solutions to challenges, and develop new ways of teaching. May they have wisdom in decision making.

We pray for the children as they become familiar with different ways of doing things.

We pray for the youngest children, who have just started school.

We pray for all to share in a confident and happy atmosphere in school.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Amen.

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October 2nd 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

We will be holding morning services at 10.30am at St Mary’s church on 25th October & 29th November, government guidance permitting.

Each will be a short 30 minute service of worship and prayer and we will not be celebrating Holy Communion. No singing is allowed and everyone will be required to wear a mask or face covering. Pew spaces will be limited.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s online service. This week’s service is mainly based in Haddenham with contributions from members of our Haddenham fellowship. Some lovely Reflections recorded over the last few weeks and months are also available on the website.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on the website.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting our Coffee & Chat at 11.30am on Sunday. Zoom details below:

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914

Password: 5c9cuC

Hope to see many of you there.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020—Zoom

The postponed APCM will now go ahead on Wednesday 7th October at 7.30pm via Zoom. All are welcome to attend.

Zoom Meeting details will be circulated next week with the agenda for the meeting and the reports.

If you need a printed copy of the reports, please contact the office.

Philippa is running the London Marathon

This Sunday 4th October I will be attempting to run the London Marathon 2020…in Thame, in aid of The Dignity and Hope Foundation, Cambodia.

The link to my giving page is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PhilippaBlowfield1 where you can find out more about DHF Cambodia.

Running 26.2 miles is going to be a huge challenge for me especially as I have a shoulder injury which has set my training back. If you are able to come and support me in person the start and finish point is Sycamore Drive, Thame, OX9 2AT (behind Lord Williams’s School) . Someone will hopefully be there under a gazebo with my supplies of water and vile gels!! I will be running 4 laps of this route with rough times passing at the red/green triangle as follows (of course all times are estimates).

Start 8.30am

Lap 1 9.40am

Lap 2 10.50am

Lap 3 12.10pm

Lap 4 13.30pm

I then finish off doing a circuit around Lord Williams’s School for the remaining 1.28 miles to make the total up to the magic 26.2 miles to match the London route. You can also liaise with Nick on the day (07887 676161).

Any support would be amazing, including prayers for a dry, calm day and my body holding out!!

Philippa Blowfield

Private Prayer in the Church - Now twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm. It will now also be open on Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Old School House

In between tenants this summer, we have been busy with some renovation work. A new bathroom has really enhanced the property and we look forward to welcoming a new tenant later this month.

OSH Bathroom

LINK-TO-HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL “Every box brings a smile”

Link to Hope Can we encourage you to fill a Christmas shoebox for those in Eastern Europe who are living through desperate times? Their need is greater than ever. They have so little; we have so much.

All instructions for the Family / Elderly Shoeboxes are on the leaflets - we have plenty!

Please pray for all those who receive a shoebox, those who distribute them and for the year round work of Link to Hope.

Bible Reading Notes

Many people in this Church study the Bible through these study notes. Titles available are Day by Day with God, Guidelines, and New Daylight all published by the Bible Reading Fellowship , also Encounter with God, and Daily Bread published by Scripture Union.

If you would like to commence taking any of these or change your existing order please contact me on 01844291254 or at chris@ Keir-t.com. Thank you. Kind regards, Chris Thorogood

Word for this week Adrian

Adrian Collier

Paul – in at the deep end

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul recounts his sufferings for the Gospel and in verse 25 he writes that he was shipwrecked 3 times and spent a night and a day in the open sea. I have a little second hand experience of this.

I had a great uncle whose ship was torpedoed in the First World War.

My father in law's naval vessel was torpedoed in the second world war and he had to cling to a life belt for several hours in cold water before he was rescued.

Paul recounts that he was shipwrecked 3 times but 2 Corinthians was written before his journey to Rome when Acts tells us he was again shipwrecked. Of the first 3 occasions mentioned in the letter to the Corinthians we know nothing. Luke does recount 9 sea voyages made by Paul during his missionary journeys but these seem to have been without mishap. It is possible that on the occasions Paul went up to Jerusalem from Antioch or Tarsus, he travelled by ship, which was quicker than walking.

His experiences do not seem to have inhibited later voyages and these events probably furnished him with the practical knowledge shown in Acts 28 when among several interventions he reminds others on board that sailing along the south coast of Crete late in the year was dangerous.

Two points came to mind thinking about these events.

Firstly the gospel involves risk. Churches don't tend to grow unless Christians talk about Christ and his part in their lives or otherwise involve themselves in ventures, where though prayerfully considered there is still risk.

Secondly we participate in something risky when we believe the end justifies it. In Paul's case this probably primarily relates back to his conversion experience. So striking was this and so indelibly printed on his personality, that he was prepared to take risks from which most of us would draw back. Accordingly there is much value in sharing with each other what the Lord has done for us, so that we might be prepared to step out a little more boldly for him.

Adrian Collier, LLM

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Help us each day to hear your voice, for in you shall we put our trust.

Help us daily to seek your wisdom, and show us the way that we should walk in, for you are our God.

Let your loving Spirit lead us in the right path, for your name’s sake.

Amen

Do remember:

Dahlias We realise this may be a particularly difficult time for those of us who are living alone. Please know that you are being supported in prayer, and if you would like a chat, please see our Prayer Line details below.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

For your prayers for this week;

· Philippa as she runs her marathon.

· The advertising for our new Rector.

· The planning for Remembrance & Christmas services this year in these very difficult circumstances.

· Planning for all church services; both in our church buildings and online, and the safety of all those involved.

Prayer for our Community

Whilst social distancing may prevent or limit our normal practices, may we still continue to grow together as a village community.

Help us to be more aware of the needs around us and prayerfully seek ways to respond .

Help us to be particularly mindful of those who are lonely and those who grieve.

In all our interactions with one another, may we seek to bring encouragement, hope and love.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for our village schools, for St. Mary’s C.of E. School; the Community Infant School; and the Community Junior School.

We pray for the staff as they adjust to the current regulations, find solutions to challenges, and develop new ways of teaching. May they have wisdom in decision making.

We pray for the children as they become familiar with different ways of doing things.

We pray for the youngest children, who have just started school.

We pray for all to share in a confident and happy atmosphere in school.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Amen.

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September 25th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

We will be holding morning services at 10.30am at St Mary’s church on 27th September, 25th October & 29th November, government guidance permitting.

If you would like to attend, we NEED to know in advance, so please can you contact Dianne (brackleys@aol.com or 01844 291219) to provide your name and contact number. Thank you.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s online service. This week’s service is mainly based in Haddenham with contributions from members of our Haddenham fellowship. There are some lovely Reflections recorded over the last few weeks and months also available on the website.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Private Prayer in the Church - Now twice a week

The church continues to be open for private prayer every week on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 2pm. It will now also be open on Sundays between 11am and 2pm.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020

The postponed APCM will now go ahead on Wednesday 7th October at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend.

We will have vacancies on the PCC and would love some new members, we also have a vacancy for another Deanery Synod Representative. Please consider if these roles might be something for you and contact Dianne 291219 or Val 292383 if you would like to find out more.

Apologies that there are no Notes from the Allotment this week. We hope to resume these as normal from next week.

Philippa is running the London Marathon

In less than 2 weeks times, on Sunday 4th October I will be attempting Philippa to run the London Marathon 2020…in Thame, in aid of The Dignity and Hope Foundation, Cambodia.

The link to my giving page is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PhilippaBlowfield1 where you can find out more about DHF Cambodia.

Running 26.2 miles is going to be a huge challenge for me especially as I have a shoulder injury which has set my training back. If you are able to come and support me in person, please see below a map of my intended route. The red and green triangle on the left hand side is the start and finish point. Address is : Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road, Thame, OX9 2BB. Someone will hopefully be there under a gazebo with my supplies of water and vile gels!! I will be running 4 laps of this route with rough times passing at the red/green triangle as follows (of course all times are estimates).

Map

Start 8.30am

Lap 1 9.40am

Lap 2 10.50am

Lap 3 12.10pm

Lap 4 13.30pm

Any support would be amazing, including prayers for a dry, calm day and my body holding out!!

Philippa Blowfield

Penny Stradling

Penny will be ordained deacon on Sunday 27th September Penny at 3pm in Liverpool Cathedral by Bishop Paul Bayes, bishop of the Liverpool Diocese. She has already started work as curate in Widnes, east of Liverpool, in the Parish of St Paul's and St John's where she has worked for the past two years as an ordinand on placement.

Many of you will remember Penny growing up in the village and through St Mary's church where she helped with the children and young people's work. She is a trained youth worker who worked in a church near Orpington before going to Uganda for two years to be involved in a development project in a slum area near Mbale. After returning to the UK she was at CMS in Oxford for five years as recruitment officer and then in St Andrews church, Fulham working in the church and local community. Her training has been with St Mellitus Northwest in Liverpool.

Please pray for her and other ordinands being ordained this coming weekend. Liverpool has seven identical ordination services over the weekend, each with only four ordinands who can invite only four guests plus their vicar, to comply with the Covid19 restrictions of having fewer than thirty people involved in total. Sadly, there can be no celebrating afterwards either, so ordination will be a very different experience this year.

LINK-TO-HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL “Every box brings a smile”

All instructions for the Family / Elderly Shoeboxes are on the leaflets - we have plenty!

Please pray for all those who receive a shoebox, those who distribute them and for the year round work of Link to Hope.

Bible Reading Notes

If you would like to commence taking any of these or change your existing order please contact me on 01844291254 or at chris@ Keir-t.com. Thank you.

Kind regards, Chris Thorogood

Word for this week Olive

Olive Kuhrt

Why is it so much easier to knock down than to build up? Why is it more fun to make a mess, than it is to clear it up? From our earliest childhood we have this problem, as parents well know! Perhaps you’ve seen ‘domino falling’ on the TV? People take weeks to design and build fantastic structures and then one little knock and the effect is catastrophic!

In the same way, why is it often easier to be destructive in our relationships, rather than constructive? So often we can focus on what’s wrong, rather than what is right.

One of my favourite characters in the New Testament is Joseph who was famous for building people up and not knocking them down. You could say, because of this, under God, he changed the whole course of church history. I’m not thinking of Mary’s husband but the Joseph who was a Jew from Cyprus.

He became a believer and he so impressed the new leadership in their new and bewildering responsibilities that they gave him the nickname Barnabas – the encourager. This nickname stuck and forever after people forgot his original birth name.

The picture we get of him, in the Acts and the Epistles, is a very warm one. He was universally respected and loved. Most importantly, he possessed great spiritual insight and could see behind situations, behind the obvious. Luke described him as ‘a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and he brought many people to the Lord’. (Acts Ch11 v 24)

It is wonderful to research his story through the New Testament and see how much the church owes to him. He encouraged the inexperienced church leaders, he supported the poor and needy, he pastored the new converts, he welcomed the outsiders and those on the margins and he stood alongside people, like Mark, who needed their confidence building, after believing they had failed. Because of Barnabas’ support, Paul was able to go out and preach to the Gentiles and write 13 letters. Also, through Barnabas' encouragement of Mark we gained the second Gospel. How remarkable that Barnabas never wrote a book as far as we know, but he encouraged two men who wrote over half of the New Testament.

In Romans 12 v 8 encouragement is listed as a spiritual gift. We all understand how vital it is. When we don’t feel appreciated or we feel taken for granted or misunderstood we often want to give up. When we meet with failure we get discouraged. It’s at these times that we need a Barnabas. Are we prepared to be a Barnabas to others in this time of anxiety and stress?

Olive Kuhrt

Prayer

Father God,

Your Son taught us that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Give us the grace, after the example of your servant Barnabas, the great encourager, to know the true joy of giving and like him to be generous in our judgements and in our deeds. Especially we pray that at this time of stress and uncertainty, we will give love and support to all we meet, who need encouragement.

We pray in the name of Jesus,

Amen.

For your prayers for this week;

· Penny Stradling for her ordination on September 27th.

· Philippa as she prepares for her marathon.

· The advertising for our new Rector next week.

· The planning for Remembrance & Christmas services this year in these very difficult circumstances.

· Planning for all church services; both in our church buildings and online, and the safety of all those involved.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember:

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for our village schools, for St. Mary’s C of E School; the Community Infant School; and the Community Junior School.

We pray for the staff as they adjust to the current regulations, find solutions to challenges, and develop new ways of teaching. May they have wisdom in decision making.

We pray for the children as they become familiar with different ways of doing things.

We pray for the youngest children, who have just started school.

We pray for all to share in a confident and happy atmosphere in school.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Amen.

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September 18th 2020

Church Services at St Mary’s

We are pleased to announce that we are planning to hold morning services at St Mary’s church on 27th September, 25th October & 29th November. This, of course, will be subject to government guidance.

If you would like to attend, we NEED to know in advance, so please can you contact Dianne (brackleys@aol.com or 01844 291219) to provide your name and contact number. Thank you.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Church services elsewhere in the Benefice on Sunday 20th September

Dinton: Morning Worship at 10am

Aston Sandford: Open Air Prayer with Music at 11am

Cuddington: Open Air Morning Service at 10am

Please note Test & Trace systems are in use at every church.

Coffee & Chat

Tricia will be hosting Coffee & Chat this Sunday, 20th September, she will circulate the details this weekend.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s online service, and for some lovely Reflections recorded over the last few weeks and months.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Harvest

Basket Although we are not holding a Harvest Service in church, we have a lovely Harvest Display in the Church Porch (see photos). A huge thank you to Lizzie and her team for arranging this.

We are still having a Harvest Collection. Please drop off any gifts for the Vineyard Storehouse in the collection box in the porch.

We are encouraging families to make crumbles (see below), so if you have any spare cooking apples, please leave them in the basket in the porch for people to take if needed.

Harvest at Home Sunflowers

Harvest is a time to:

· Give thanks for all the good things we have.

· Rejoice in the beauty of the world around us.

· Remember those who do not have much.

· Commit to caring for the world we share.

Flowers 9

For Harvest at Home you can download our harvest pack here.

The pack has ideas to decorate your home aimed at younger children, but we also want to see what adults and older children can do. Be creative and send your photos to us so we can put them on websites and social media.

You will also find a recipe for Apple Crumble. We want to get children cooking and enjoying eating local produce. This means we have asked for Cooking Apples to be left outside our church. Children can learn the value of what we have. You can talk about these apples not having pesticides and being wonderful even if they are not perfect. See our service online from Saturday here.

When you eat your crumble, you can say this prayer; Produce

Thank you that these apples are not perfect, but they are wonderful.
Thank you for the wonderful world that gives so much.
Thank you for farmers who grow our food.
Help us to protect our environment – to encourage insects and birds to thrive.
We pray for people who have very little. People who have lost jobs over Covid
and people who have suffered because of climate change.
May our gifts feed the hungry and encourage those afraid.
Our world is not perfect, but it is wonderful. Amen

Golden Wedding Anniversary 50 yrs

Many congratulations to Jenny and Bob Webb, on celebrating 50 years of marriage!

Thank you Jenny and Bob for sharing over 40 of those years as members of St. Mary’s Church family, and for the blessing your marriage has brought to our fellowship.

LINK-TO-HOPE SHOEBOX APPEAL “Every box brings a smile”

All instructions for the Family / Elderly Shoeboxes are on the leaflets - we have plenty!

Please pray for all those who receive a shoebox, those who distribute them and for the year round work of Link to Hope.

Schools update - Francesca Flaxton

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for our schools. As most people know, a small team of volunteers from Haddenham's churches usually go into our 3 village schools every week to lead assemblies or Collective Worship, tell "Open the Book" Bible stories and pray with the children. Obviously, we are unable to do this at the current time and we all really miss seeing the children and staff.

Collective Worship is currently happening within individual classes, and the Open the Book team are at present making recordings of Bible stories, with prayers etc tailored to the appropriate themes being planned in school. These will then be offered as a resource to each of our schools. In addition, a "Harvest" pack will be sent to all schools in our Benefice. We are aware how quickly circumstances can change, so we will keep monitoring the situation. In the meantime, please continue to pray for our schools, staff and children. Thank you.

Private Prayer in the Church

The church continues to be open for private prayer once a week on Wednesday mornings between 10 am and 2 pm. There will be social distancing in place, some areas of the church will be inaccessible and only a limited number of pews will be available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020

The postponed APCM will now go ahead on Wednesday 7th October at 7.30pm in St Mary's Church. If the governmental and diocesan guidelines no longer permit meeting together at that time then this will proceed as a Zoom meeting. All are welcome to attend. Face masks will be required to be worn.

Word for this week Trish 2

Revd Trish Mander

I am writing this on the day the new Government Regulation, The Rule of Six, comes into force, effectively marking the beginning of the next stage in our country’s progress through this challenging time.

Last week, during the Government’s televised Briefing, The Chief Medical Officer presented the facts of the current Coronavirus situation, drawing attention to both the positive and negative aspects. He likened the positive aspects to a cup half full, and the negatives to a cup half empty. It’s an analogy we are familiar with, but hearing it at this point perhaps provides us with an opportunity to take stock and refocus, as we move forward into these next months.

Hearing that our physical contact with our families and friends must again be so limited, is very disappointing to say the least. We are deeply saddened at not being able to gather together to worship in the ways we are so used to. There is no getting away from acknowledging the negative impact these limitations have on our lives, but it is vital that they do not become the factors that define our outlook and approach to life.

Throughout the pandemic we have referred back to the assurances of Psalm 23 and the knowledge of God’s presence and guiding hand. Ultimately it is this knowledge that defines our lives, and this is something wholly positive.

The Exodus story of the Israelites’ journey through the desert reminds us of the dangers of negativity, as they concentrated on what they didn’t have rather than what God had provided, and as they turned on Moses, blaming him for their situation.

How important it is to be thankful for all God provides for us, day by day, to appreciate all our blessings, and also to know that in encouraging each other, we become a blessing! How important it is too, not to be part of any “blame culture”. As the number of virus cases rise, it is important that we stand against seeking to apportion blame to groups of society defined by age, or culture, or any group that is “other”.

The positive assurance of being held in God’s love is the thing that defines who we are, giving us hope and confidence to face the future positively, and to do so as a blessing to those around us.

This point in time provides us with a unique opportunity to be that blessing by encouraging, by playing our part in upholding the regulations, in the spirit in which they are intended, and principally through our positivity, thanking God for His constant presence, all His provision, for new possibilities, and above all for His redeeming love.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your presence with us.

We thank you for providing for us, leading us and guiding us by your Holy Spirit.

May the wonder of being held in your love, daily strengthen us to serve you faithfully, bringing your love and encouragement to others.

Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

The Potato Famine occurred in Ireland in the years between 1845 and 1849 when the potato crop failed in successive years. The Irish famine was the worst to occur in Europe in the 19th century. and the crop failures were caused by late blight, a disease that destroys both the leaves and the edible roots, or tubers, of the potato plant. The cause of this blight is a fungus Phytophthora infestans. The fungus spreads rapidly, rotting the leaves which collapse and turn brown. Lesions develop on the stems and if unchecked it will affect the tubers. Tomatoes – a close relative of the potato - are affected in the same way and the fruit will develop brown patches and turn rotten. It is a common problem in warm wet weather and most allotment gardeners will have experienced it.

The rain we had at the end of August seems to have helped the fungus spread Rotten Tomatoes and I have lost some of the outdoor tomatoes this week and one plant in the greenhouse is also affected. Prevention is better than cure and various factors can help; crop rotation; good air flow around the plants; being careful not to wet the leaves when watering tomatoes – as well as a little luck with the weather! Affected fruit is being removed as soon as signs of blight are seen as this will slow the spread but will not stop it altogether. You can spray of course but there is evidence to show that resistance builds up to certain fungicides and it is better to isolate affected stems, leaves and fruit in bags and bury them deeply when the season is over. Affected fruit can be used if the brown patches are cut out – hence the enthusiasm for green tomato chutney amongst allotment gardeners!

Ezme Salad

The long red peppers in the same greenhouse have done really well this year. The variety I grew is ‘Marconi’. You don’t get a large number of peppers to a plant but the flavour is so much better than shop bought peppers that they are worth the space. These, together with the ripe tomatoes, recently harvested shallots and loads of fresh parsley I made the delicious Turkish ‘Ezme’ salad earlier this week from the ‘Persiana’ cookbook by Sabrina Ghayour – I’ll give you the recipe on the extended version of these notes on timshawsblog.wordpress.com if you want to try it yourself...

At this time of year our thoughts would naturally turn to the harvest festival and although things are very different this year, it doesn’t prevent us from giving thanks for God’s provision for us; the fruitfulness of the earth and committing ourselves to be even better stewards of the land we have been trusted with for a while. We were delighted to be able to make a display of produce from the allotment in the church porch this week to celebrate the harvest.

And finally a photo of our two allotments in September. All systems go! Leeks maturing in the foreground with a line of turnips and spinach beyond, with Kirstens cut flower bed and the netted brassicas before the greenhouses with cucumbers and tomatoes in full production still. Things change quickly at this time of year though and despite this week’s lovely sunshine autumn isn’t that far away.

Allotment View

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember:

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for our village schools, for St. Mary’s C.of E. School; the Community Infant School; and the Community Junior School.

We pray for the staff as they adjust to the current regulations, find solutions to challenges, and develop new ways of teaching. May they have wisdom in decision making.

We pray for the children as they become familiar with different ways of doing things.

We pray for the youngest children, who have just started school.

We pray for all to share in a confident and happy atmosphere in school.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Amen.

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September 11th 2020

After 23 weeks, and as circumstances change, we have decided to shorten these notice sheets. Full information about Diocesan online services, Community news and Daily Prayer details is now on the website where you can also find Church Contacts and much more.

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s online service.

On the Wychert Vale website, there are also find some lovely Reflections recorded over the last few weeks and months.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Meetings are scheduled to start at 9am and run for 15-20 minutes, Monday to Friday. Full details and words for the order of service are on St Mary’s website.

Coffee and Chat

Ros is kindly hosting our Zoom coffee after church at 11.30am this Sunday.

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914 Password: 5c9cuC

Services in Church

Government and Diocesan guidance permitting, we are planning to hold one Sunday morning service at St Mary’s each month for the next few months. Full details and dates will be circulated shortly and will also be on the website. Next week we hope to list all the services taking place across the benefice.

Harvest

Although we are not holding a Harvest Service in church, we are looking at how we can celebrate Harvest at home and also give to those in need.

We are planning to have a Harvest Display in the Church Porch, along with a Collection box—further details about the collection next week. If you would like to help with the display or contribute towards it, please contact Lizzie who is kindly co-ordinating this; 01844 292445 or lizzie.banister9@gmail.com.

Private Prayer in the Church

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020

Update: Following the announcements this week we are waiting for further guidance from the Diocese about the APCM.

Word for this week - Revd Jonathan Hawkins

Jonathan

March seems a long way back now, but it was in March that ‘lockdown’ in the UK started. Lockdown brought changes to our way of life and none of us have remained unaffected by those changes and indeed those changes continue, even now.

Lockdown has brought isolation, business failure, loss of employment and fear of the unseen to name just four things, but for many, one of the biggest and perhaps unspoken thing that the fight against Corvid-19 has brought, is the loss of hope.

The phrase “Hope springs eternal” is something that sounds like it should be a quote from the bible, but it is not. Its earliest use is believed to be in a poem by Alexander Pope, ‘An Essay on Man’, written in the 1730’s:

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest.
The soul, uneasy, and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.”

The lack of contact with our loved ones, the fear of losing jobs and houses, the fear of the unseen virus has all contributed to the concern for what is coming next and that fear for the unknown and unseen future is what impacts on hope.

But what does the bible say? What words does Paul share with us on the subject of hope? Romans 8:24-25 says: “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”

Paul tells us that our hope should be in the unseen, not the seen. That we should put our hope and therefore our trust in our unseen God and not in the world around us.

Today we see signs of things changing, greater freedom to mix with friends and relatives, to eat out, to go to work and for children to go back to school. Much is yet to happen before we can truly put the virus behind us, but we should continue in our faith to trust in God and to look forward with hope to a new future in a ‘new normal’ whatever that may be.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Pebble Prayer Station

Our Pebble Prayer station is being used even more now that the school has reopened.

Anyone passing through is invited to take and hold a pebble as a symbol of their prayer and then place it on the shelves. The pebbles can be decorated or not, taken home and returned later, or placed at that moment. Every few weeks the pebbles are collected by one of our ministers and all those prayer requests are prayed for collectively. The pebbles are then placed in the churchyard.

We are so thankful for the comfort that many people have received through this process.

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

At the end of July, I was sowing turnip seeds for planting out and expecting a September harvest. Some of the plants went in under fleece and some in the open air and, as expected, those under the fleece did a little better both in terms of growth and also the leaves were less perforated by flea beetle which can be quite a pest Root production was a little uneven but the best ones are now between the size of a golf ball and a tennis ball and ready for Turnips the table. This variety is called Purple Top Milan on account of the lovely purple tinge to the top of the roots. I’ve mentioned before the disparaging comments made by some cookery writers on the subject of turnips but they are quite versatile – not only can the roots be used but the green tops can be trimmed then quickly blanched in boiling water for about 30 seconds then stir-fried in oil with the addition of some chilli and chopped anchovies to make a nutritious lunch!

And with the roots, for those with conventional tastes of course Lamb & Turnips , an Irish stew would be the way to go but last night I cooked up a traditional Kashmiri curry of lamb with turnips – following a recipe by Camellia Panjabi in ‘50 Great Curries of India’. Apparently in the Kashmir, where they are stored in holes dug into the snow, turnips were traditionally one of the few winter vegetables available.

The pears which I took off the tree just before going on holiday sat in the fridge for 10 days to try to slow down the ripening but since my return have been sitting in the cool of the garage where they are now at the point where I have to either eat about 2 dozen pears in the next couple of days; or suffer the disappointment of eating over ripe floury textured pears over the next few weeks or preserve them by bottling so that although not fresh, they will at least be a little taste of late summer over the winter months ahead. Bottling pears involves packing the peeled pears into jars submerged in a sugar syrup. The jars are then heated at simmering point for about 40 minutes then the lids tightened . In true ‘Blue Peter’ style the photo below shows ‘one I made earlier’.

Bottled Pears

Elsewhere, the courgettes have now slowed down their rate of growth now the nights are much cooler and I have been busy sowing winter lettuce and pak choi which will go both into the greenhouse as the cucumber, pepper and tomato plants come out and also outside under cloches to provide salad leaves through the autumn. So there is still plenty to do on the allotment – the work done in these few remaining weeks of the summer season will determine the availability of produce in the winter months so it’s still all systems go!

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember: Cliveden Roses

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools as they open for the Autumn term. We think especially of the schools in our village; St Mary’s Infant, Haddenham Community Infant and Haddenham Community Junior schools.

We pray that the planning and preparation needed to ensure the safety of children and staff will be manageable and smooth.

We think of those who are uncertain about the return to school and we pray for wisdom and understanding for those in authority.

We pray for the teachers as they work out how to “teach” with new restrictions, and we pray for the children as they get used to different practices.

We think of all the families whose children are returning to school and the adjustments they will be making.

Father God, hear our prayers.

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September 4th 2020

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service

On the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Oxford Diocese Livestream has a wonderful choice of services both online and by telephone. Church at Home services from the Diocese of Oxford can now be accessed by telephone. Dial 01865 920930 to hear the latest service (press 0= short service, 1= full service). Normal call rates apply. Please pass this message on to anyone who might welcome this way to be involved in worship at this time.

Daily Hope telephone line
As well as the Church at Home weekly telephone service from the Diocese, a new national phoneline offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services. The line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044.

Services in Church

We are currently reviewing the trial service we held in August and exploring how we might move forward with more services this month. We will keep you updated.

Private Prayer in the Church

The church continues to be open for private prayer once a week on Wednesday mornings between 10 am and 2 pm. This follows a detailed risk assessment of the church to apply the Guidance from the Diocese. There will be social distancing in place, many areas of the church will be inaccessible and only a limited number of pews will be available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020

Word for this week - Gordon Kuhrt Gordon

Keen to GROW

Our youngest grand-daughter is seven. Some months ago she planted a bed of sunflowers. She has been so excited to watch them grow to four times her height! See the picture.

Sunflowers

Growth and growing have been in the news recently. Gardeners have delighted in the growth of some of their crops. On the other hand, parents have been anxious about the growth in children’s education and social interaction during school closures. We are all aware of the slowdown in growth for the economy, industry and other areas of life.

The apostle Peter had a pretty erratic track-record of growth in his discipleship of Jesus. Talk about ups and downs! One moment he makes great promises of absolute loyalty, on another occasion denies all knowledge of Jesus again and again! But his very last words (of which we have record) were about growth. He said “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3.18).

In difficult times, we can determine to avoid grumbling, and seek to grow

· In being good neighbours

· In developing family communications (zoom etc)

· In resilience – finding new ways of coping etc

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Jesus,

You know about difficulties and hardship

Please keep us from grumbling,

Help us to grow – in grace,

and in the way we know you.

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

This week I am on holiday so it’s more about what I’ll be doing next week when I’m back on the allotment again – and thanks to the generous helpers who are watering and feeding the chickens while we are away.

Composting is at the heart of the recycling activity which returns fertility to the soil on the allotment and as the season turns, it’s time to turn the compost heaps to mix the contents, check the activity and correct the balance of ‘ingredients ‘. Visitors to our allotment are sometimes surprised at the large quantity of cardboard lying around. Not only is cardboard good as a mulch for suppressing weeds on ground not in use, but when it has done that job it provides a useful source of brown matter – carbon rich, to balance the large amount of green stuff – nitrogen rich, which gets added to the compost heaps during the summer season as vegetable waste and grass clippings are produced in abundance. So the reason for all that cardboard is that you need about 3 parts carbon rich material to 1 part of nitrogen rich stuff! Other options are possible; twigs, sawdust, paper, ash, woodchips...but cardboard is the most easily available. I won’t go as far to say we’ll take all your cardboard but we are always on the lookout for more! Now, back to turning the heaps...if you get the balance right first time and carefully mix those ingredients as they go in, you won't need to turn the heap to mix it. Realistically that doesn’t happen and in our no-dig, organic allotment where we rely on a large quantity of available compost to add to the beds annually we have to attend to those heaps to make sure everything is going well!

Compost

Turning the heaps also has an added advantage – all sorts of things once lost turn up again like vegetable peelers, teaspoons accidentally dropped into the kitchen waste bin months ago!

Now we aren’t digging over the allotment each year, the finding of unusual object has diminished considerably. In the past I have found clay pipe stems and bowls, all sorts of bits of broken tools from the past, bolts, bottle tops – one clearly marked “Aylesbury Brewery Company Ltd.”. However it is the unseen detritus from the more recent past which ought to give us all great cause for concern. It was reported in the news today that researchers in China have discovered that micro plastic pollution causes significant damage to populations of soil-dwelling mites, larvae and other tiny creatures which play an essential role in recycling carbon and nitrogen and breaking down organic matter into a form that bacteria can consume. There has not been, to date, nearly enough research on the potential problems with micro plastics – the minute particles produced by the deterioration of oil-based plastic products in the environment - but each study which emerges tells the same story – of an increasing despoliation of God's creation. By gardening organically, and using as little plastic as possible on the allotment we are only doing the very minimum to swim against the tide of mass consumption of plastic products which will surely have profound environmental consequences for future generations.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember: Cliveden Roses

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools as they open for the Autumn term. We think especially of the schools in our village; St Mary’s Infant, Haddenham Community Infant and Haddenham Community Junior schools.

We pray that the planning and preparation needed to ensure the safety of children and staff will be manageable and smooth.

We think of those who are uncertain about the return to school and we pray for wisdom and understanding for those in authority.

We pray for the teachers as they work out how to “teach” with new restrictions, and we pray for the children as they get used to different practices.

We think of all the families whose children are returning to school and the adjustments they will be making.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Useful Community Information

Restaurants, pubs and many other businesses and organisations, including the library, are now able to start reopening, subject to social distancing. Arrangements for each will differ, and so please check with the organisation concerned before you make a journey there.

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown. Link Here , and is an excellent source of information.

The Parish Council has a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079. The Parish Council also has available an informative electronic Village Newsletter. You can subscribe to it by giving the Parish Council your email details via this link and read about it.

Bus Passes

To renew your bus pass call the automated renewal line on 01296 873011. You will need your old bus pass and your National Insurance number. You can renew up to 90 days before and 180 days after your birthday.

Haddenham Hamper ‘things you need from the people you know’.
This site has been designed to help local residents place orders (online or by phone) with retailers they know and trust in the local area by providing information about local shops and what they have on offer in a single place. The desire to shop locally became apparent during the lockdown and it is hoped that the website will encourage a sustainable long-term local shopping experience.

Have a look at the website: https://haddenham-hamper.co.uk/

The Haddenham Feast Festival will be taking place this year in a smaller and socially distanced way, from 18th to 21st September.

Please see the website for details.

There will be a Gathering at the Village Green to set off at 4pm on Saturday 19th September. The parade will be led by a representation of the Saxon Giant, Hadder, who founded the village and is represented on the village sign on Church End Green (ok- so more than a little artistic licence here!). The organisers want to encourage every group or society in the village to be represented in the parade, or individuals or families, and where possible to bring a giant… or representation of a giant. If you would like to join the parade please contact the organiser; thefeastfest@gmail.com

Buckinghamshire Community Board

This is a new initiative by the County Council, which aims to work with the local community to address local issues. The initial meeting was on 22nd July and the next meeting will be held on 24th September at 7 pm online. The September meeting will be open for the wider community to join in.
From early discussions with local people in a short time frame (due to current constraints), they have come up with some initial priorities for our area which includes the economy, social isolation and meeting the needs of vulnerable residents, highways and road safety, environment and green spaces, cycling and walking and they are keen to hear from as many people in the local community as possible as to what concerns them and whether they would like to be involved in some way in the Community Board. Each of the above priorities will have a working group to look at ways in which we can address these priorities.

If you have any views or wish for some input, contact Elaine Hassall (below) and see this link or for more general detail this link .

Community Board Coordinator for Haddenham and Waddesdon
Localities Team - Deputy Chief Executive Directorate
Buckinghamshire Council elaine.hassall@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

August 28th 2020

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service

On the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Coffee & Chat

Tricia Stradling is kindly hosting our Zoom Coffee after church at 11.30am this Sunday. Meeting ID: 830 6428 6723 Passcode: 3RfZnd

Private Prayer in the Church

Annual Parochial Church Meeting 2020

Word for this week - Adrian Collier Adrian

“Paul – What Next?“

On his second misionary journey, Paul with Silas revisited the churches that he had established on his first missionary journey and when this was completed the inevitable question arose, 'What next?

As can be seen from the passage in Acts 16 6-10 they were minded to go into the province of Asia. This was logical for Asia was a well populated area including Ephesus (probably the 4th largest city in the Empire) and Hierapolis, both of which would have numerous Jewish residents. Indeed on his next missionary journey when he came to Ephesus, he spent nearly 3 years evangelising there. However for now the Spirit forbade them to go into Asia. Perhaps going to Ephesus was so logical Paul and Silas had not sought the Lord's guidance sufficiently.

Next they purposed to go to Bithynia but again the Spirit forbade them and they drifted into Mysia, where upon reaching the coast at Troas, Paul had his vision of a man of Macedonia entreating them to come over into that area. Scripture has him beseeching Paul and the use of this strong image makes me wonder if Paul had still not quite grasped God's plan. Was Paul still perhaps restricting his evangelism to what we know as modern day Turkey?

When we go back to Peter's address on the first Pentecost, we notice that among the throng there were visitors from Rome and over the 20 or so years from that event there had no doubt been many more Jews from Rome, who had been to Jerusalem and heard something of Jesus. Indeed when later on in his journey we read about Paul reaching Ephesus we are introduced to Prisca and Aquila , converts to Christ, who with other Jews have been expelled from Rome by the Emperor.

Was the Spirit's plan to evangelise along the land route from Rome to Jerusalem, which many Jews used? For from Constantinople the Roman road the Via Ignatia led through Philippi to the Adriatic Coast where one took a sea voyage across the Adriatic to Brindisi and on to the Via Appia and Rome.

Paul's 'What next' does question relying on our own assumptions and reminds us to prayerfully to seek God's direction and try not to have too fixed an idea of what he has in plan for us.

Adrian Collier, Licensed Lay Minister

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

I mentioned last week that that well-known cook and writer Jane Grigson took a dim view of the culinary value of the humble swede. Not everyone agrees of course and I find them very acceptable! This year, for the first time, I sowed some swede seeds in modules and transplanted them whilst still quite small into a row on the allotment. I have previously related other successes in transplanting root vegetables which are normally sowed directly into the ground where they are to grow so I am hopeful that swede too will respond well to this alternative approach. For those unfamiliar with the problem here, a word of explanation. In heavy clay soil it is difficult to achieve the fine tilth necessary for sowing tiny seeds like swede so germinating them in seed tray modules and transplanting seems a good solution but traditionally, root crops do not respond well to this and often form poor roots as a result. William Cobbett, however, in his classic ‘Rural Rides’ of 1853 writes of a visit to Herefordshire in 1821 and gives some detail about the new method of transplanting rather than drilling ‘swedish turnips' that he encountered there. So there is precedent for my experiment and some of the roots are looking good. The experimental results will be in over the winter!

Leeks The first early variety of leeks (Jolant) are now being harvested with mixed success. I had inter- cropped some of the leeks with early beetroot and although the beet did well, the leeks didn’t thrive. Where they were given more space they did much better. One plant did show some signs of the leek miner pest; a grub which burrows into the leek, feeds and then pupates. I'll need to consider how best to fight against this pest whose prevalence seems to increase year by year. Growing several varieties of leek should mean a continuous supply from now through until March with the very late variety Blue Solaise, the last to mature.

It has been an unusual year for top fruit. Pears What looked to be a bumper crop of apples hasn’t turned out to be quite so great. A lot of the Cox's Orange Pippin have gone rotten on the tree and they have ripened very early. Last week, before the strongest winds lashed us, I took off the Worcester Pearmains and also the Buerre Hardy pears which were starting to fall and will ripen well off the tree.

Summer is salad time of course and so until next week, when I will be back from holiday, I’ll leave you with a picture of our home grown salad plate; nasturtium leaves and flowers, bulls blood beet leaves, Grenoble red lettuce and Santonio miniature plum tomatoes.

Salad

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990 Hilary 07954 371013 Loraine 07810 184919 Sally 07780 928583

Chris 07811 713522 Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember:

We realise this may be a particularly difficult time for those of us who are living alone. Deer Please know that you are being supported in prayer, and if you would like a chat, please see our Prayer Line details above.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Prayer for our Schools

We pray for our schools as they prepare to open for the Autumn term.

We pray that the planning and preparation needed to ensure the safety of children and staff will be manageable and smooth.

We think of those who are uncertain about the return to school and we pray for wisdom and understanding for those in authority.

We pray for the teachers as they work out how to “teach” with new restrictions, and we pray for the children as they get used to different practices.

We think of all the families who have children returning to school and the adjustments they will be making.

Father God, hear our prayers.

Useful Community Information

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown. Link Here , and is an excellent source of information.

Bus Passes

Have a look at the website: https://haddenham-hamper.co.uk/

The Haddenham Feast Festival will be taking place this year in a smaller and socially distanced way, from 18th to 21st September.

Please see the website for details.

Buckinghamshire Community Board

If you have any views or wish for some input, contact Elaine Hassall (below) and see this link or for more general detail this link .

Community Board Coordinator for Haddenham and Waddesdon
Localities Team - Deputy Chief Executive Directorate
Buckinghamshire Council elaine.hassall@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

August 21st 2020

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where we will continue with the theme of Receiving Jesus.

On the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Private Prayer in the Church

Vacancy Update—David Robinson

Dear All

I thought that it might be helpful to let everyone know where we are with our vacancy and to ask people to continue to pray that God’s chosen person may be appointed.

We will be advertising again for the role of Rector at the end of September in Pathways and also in the Church Times. The closing date will be Thursday 29th October and Interviews will be held on Thursday 19th November .

Every Blessing, David

David Robinson LVO,

Lay Chair of the Wychert Vale Benefice, Licensed Lay Minister

Word for this week Olive

Olive Kuhrt

One of the things that I have missed the most from our normal Church services is the joy of singing together the hymns that we know and love. We have had them in our online services from a wide variety of sources but it doesn’t feel quite the same to sing along in the home.

Hymns have always meant a great deal to me. I grew up in a musical home. My father was a Church organist for nearly seventy years, regularly playing for two or even three services on a Sunday. I have sung hymns and choruses as far back as I can remember. Gathering around the piano to sing was nothing unusual in my home. The hymns that I have sung all through my life are burned into my brain, even if as a child I didn’t understand all the words. The constant repetition of the words with music, have stayed with me much longer than most of the sermons I have heard!

Keith and Krystin Getty, the contemporary hymn writers, have campaigned to get the younger generation to know the great hymns of the faith. They say, ‘at the end of the day, a song you sing for fifty years is more valuable than one you sing for fifty months.’

In the hymn books we use, the names and dates of the authors are always mentioned. It is always enriching in our worship when the reason for the chosen hymn is given and perhaps something about when and why it was written.

Did you know that ‘Now thank we all our God’ was written by Martin Rinkart (1586 -1649) who ministered in Germany, during the thirty years war, when 30% of the population died. Then in the aftermath, famine and plague carried off thousands of people. It is said he conducted 50 funerals a day and his own wife died. He wrote the hymn as a thanksgiving for the eventual deliverance.

‘O may this bounteous God,

through all our life be near us,

with ever joyful hearts

and blessed peace to cheer us;

and keep us in his grace

and guide us when perplexed,

and free us from all ills

in this world and the next.’

How amazing that he could write that and people could sing it, after all they had been through.

Songs and hymns connect with the soul, they connect with the memory, they connect with the family and they connect with the struggles and the cries of our hearts in a very powerful way. Most of all they express the eternal truths of God’s word and constantly remind us of his love and care.

Olive Kuhrt, Licensed Lay Minster

New Additions to our Church Family

We have been blessed with some lovely “lockdown” babies over the last few weeks.

Angela and Chris Matthews are proud grandparents of Baby Connor seen here with big brother Callum, another son for George & Krystel.

Connor

Flora Poppy MacGregor, another daughter for Gordon & Keira and sister for Alba Lily — grandchild number five for Sally & Alastair MacGregor .

Flora

Introducing Arthur, first baby for Alex & Tom and first grandchild for Lizzie & David Banister.

Arthur

Paisley Grace Milmer, first baby for Sarah & Simon and third grandchild for Loraine & Keith Milmer.

Paisley

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

The latter part of August is when sweetcorn starts to come on stream. You may remember seeing a photo of these being planted on the allotment in May. We start to test to see if the cobs are ready for picking from about the middle of the month – and this year they are a little earlier than usual – which means sweetcorn as a starter every day for quite a while! Can we stand eating it every day? Sweetcorn 2 Absolutely – when it's as fresh and sweet as these. For the last few years I have grown the variety Goldcrest which is an absolutely delicious corn. Left too late the cobs become tough and floury but right now they are in perfect condition. If we can’t eat them all then they will go in the freezer – they freeze well but they aren’t as good as eaten fresh. Even if left on the plant too long they can still be frozen and used for sweetcorn chowder over the winter months.

I’ve been caught a little on the hop with the apples this year. Over the last week or so there seemed to have been a lot more windfalls than I would have expected. Actually the apples are ripe and starting to drop off – both the Cox’s Orange Pippin and the Worcester Pearmain. Rather earlier than in most years but I shall need to get picking this weekend. The later Egremont Russets and the Howgate Wonder cooking apples are much later anyway so they are still firmly on the trees!

Kohl Rabi

One of the more unusual crops I’ve grown this year is Kohl Rabi. These are a brassica – in the same family as cabbages but grow into a small solid globe shape about the size of a tennis ball when mature. It's something like a cross between a carrot and a turnip. Jane Grigson the renowned English cook and writer says about this vegetable; “there are better vegetables than kohl rabi but it is at least a pleasant alternative to the grim pair of turnip and swede”. Somewhat harsh I think – but it is a few years since I’ve grown it but I do remember it as being quite enjoyable. I’ll let you know when I've used it. My inclination is to eat it raw - possibly grated into a salad along with carrot and cumin.

About now the winter squash are swelling and benefiting from all the rain this week. Squash As well as the familiar bell shaped butternut squash we also grow the delightfully named Uchiki Kuri – an onion squash, bright orange in colour resembling a miniature basketball. They don’t get very big but they really are one of the best flavoured squash you can grow. This year for the first time we have grown them in and around the sweetcorn as an experiment – one which seems to have worked!

Pathways

Pathways has not been published during lockdown and is committed to publishing printed editions in future. Meanwhile for the first time there is an online version. You can download it here:

https://www.oxford.anglican.org/pathways-pdf-version/

Online Giving - Treasurer

Many thanks to those who have already contributed using our new on-line giving. So far just three people have used this, but it has already raised very worthwhile sums at this difficult time when our church building remains closed We are still a church; meeting virtually for prayer services and fellowship, loving our neighbours by offering practical support to the vulnerable, and caring for our communities. With the temporary closure of our building, the loss of all lettings income from St Mary’s Centre, and the imminent departure of both of our formal tenants, plus some people not being able to give due to the financial impact of the pandemic on them, our income has decreased and we really need your help now. If you have been unable to give with church services suspended, or if you are able to give a little more at this time, it is now easy to do so using our new on-line giving system.

Simply go to https://givealittle.co/campaigns/d86fbe6c-8d65-4fc2-9cee-7c261eb29db1 where you can contribute by debit or credit card. As part of the simple procedure you will be asked if you can Gift Aid your donation; if you are able to do so please do give your details even if you know we already have your declaration – the duplication will not matter but it will enable us to route your donation appropriately.

If you have not already done so, please consider if you can give a gift in this way? Your support is vital. Thank you.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember:

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Pebble Prayer Station

Our Pebble Prayer station has filled up quickly again. Our thanks to Hope Revd Trish Mander who again collected all the pebbles and prayers and placed them in the churchyard. You can watch this here.

Useful Community Information

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown. Link Here , and is an excellent source of information.

Bus Passes

“Eat Out to Help Out” scheme

Please see this link for details of local pubs and restaurants participating in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme. During August there will be discounts for eating out on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Have a look at the website: https://haddenham-hamper.co.uk/

The Haddenham Feast Festival will be taking place this year in a smaller and socially distanced way, from 18th to 21st September.

Please see the website for details.

Buckinghamshire Community Board

If you have any views or wish for some input, contact Elaine Hassall (below) and see this link or for more general detail this link .

Community Board Coordinator for Haddenham and Waddesdon
Localities Team - Deputy Chief Executive Directorate
Buckinghamshire Council elaine.hassall@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

August 14th 2020

Church Service at St Mary’s

This week it is our trial morning service at St Mary’s church at 10.30am on Sunday. Thank you to everyone who has let us know they will be attending and please remember your face masks.

This will be a short 30 minute service of worship and prayer, led by Canon Phil Groves. We will not be offering Holy Communion. Don’t forget, we are not permitted to have any singing during the service or to serve coffee. It will be a very different way of enjoying worship and fellowship, adhering to the social -distancing requirements. Pew spaces will be limited and the after-service fellowship, normally so much part of our time together in church, will sadly not be possible in the church setting. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Following this trial service, we will be reviewing the way forward with regard to services. We will keep you informed.

For the many who will not be attending, our online services are continuing and this week Revd Trish Mander will be preaching.

Dianne & Val, Churchwardens

Private Prayer in the Church

Church at Home

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where we will continue with the theme of Receiving Jesus. Revd Trish Mander will be preaching this week. On the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Coffee & Chat

Ros is hosting our Zoom Coffee & Chat at 11.30am on Sunday.

Meeting ID: 409 748 8914 Password: 5c9cuC

Hope to “see” many of you then.

Do remember:

Online Giving - Treasurer

If you have not already done so, please consider if you can give a gift in this way? Your support is vital. Thank you.

Word for this week - Revd Trish Mander Trish 2

One of the essential things about life is that it never stands still, even if sometimes we might like it to. It is the fact that it moves on and changes, that gives us the capacity to grow and develop, and the potential to mature, in all the ways God intends. This is true of our individual lives and in the life of our church family.

In times of change our families and our church family play a vital role in supporting one another. Our calling to be a united church family provides the setting God uses to enable us to grow both as individuals and as a family, and also the confidence to move forward together.

As a nation we are tentatively moving towards what we hope will be a ‘new normal’, and trying things out along the way. The same is true in our church life.

This Sunday there will be a short trial morning service at St. Mary’s. As you will have read above, it will be a very different form of service to what we have been used to before the pandemic. Some of our church family will feel they would like to attend, others will not, and that is exactly as it should be. Our circumstances will all vary and these are decisions for each of us to make, and for us all to respect with warmth and mutual understanding. The online connections that enable us to unite in worship and fellowship have proved a great blessing and will continue to be very much part of our church family life as we move forward.

Chapter four of John’s Gospel tells of a conversation between Jesus and a woman He meets as she comes to draw water from a well. She is a Samaritan, and so has a different understanding to some Jewish beliefs. She asks Him about the right place to worship. Jesus answers her question about worship but His reply takes the focus firmly away from place. He says that the most important thing about worship is that it is “in spirit and in truth.”

Whether we worship together in the church building or by coming together through our online worship, let us worship in spirit and truth. May we come together with joy and thanksgiving and a commitment to remain a united family as we find our way forward in God’s great adventure for the future of St. Mary’s.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Lambs

We thank you for the wonder of your love, and for the blessing of our church family.

Help us to worship you humbly, sincerely and wholeheartedly, as we grow in faith together. In Jesus name,

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

The smell of newly cut wheat and barley in the fields in August transports me back to my late teenage years; harvest time and those long days working on the farm, carting grain and then straw from the fields; days which in my memory at least were always warm and sunny. Nothing like as hot as this week has been of course and it is clear to me at least that there are very significant changes in the weather these days which point unmistakably to anthropogenic climate change.

The allotment takes these languid summer days in its stride of course. Deep rooted well-established crops sit through the heat pretty well, although they don’t put on much growth, Newly planted vegetables – of which there are a few just now – need daily watering until they are established. Overwintering onions have just gone in for harvest in June next year and turnips were planted out just before the heat – under fleece, not to keep them warm but to protect against the voracious flea beetle which perforate the leaves very quickly. Chinese cabbages, winter spinach and swiss chard are sitting in the cold frame awaiting their turn and hopefully a little cooler weather and rain – but they must go in the ground very soon whatever the weather. A row or two of carrots – variety ‘Autumn King’ were sown last weekend – a few weeks later than ideal but with cloche cover later on they may do alright…

The main story this week though is from the greenhouse. Tomatoes 2 I was fortunate some years ago to receive two greenhouses from people keen to have someone take them away! I’m an enthusiastic tomato grower with, this year, 22 plants between the two greenhouses of 5 different varieties; Akron, a newish F1 hybrid variety and a very heavy cropper with good flavour and large round, uniform fruit; Ailsa Craig, a hundred year old Scottish variety – wonderful flavour; San Marzano – the classic Italian plum tomato, great flavour and reasonably heavy cropping – great for sauces; Marmande – the beefsteak tomato with large ribbed fruit and very few seeds, grows best as a bush rather than a cordon and finally Santonio a delicious miniature variety, shaped like a tiny plum tomato. So come February next year those are my recommended varieties to grow and if you have some greenhouse or sunny patio space at home do give them a try yourselves!

Cucumber 2

I’ve reduced the number of cucumber plants - variety 'Delistar' to two this year on Kirsten’s orders as we had far too many to deal with last year – but even so we have more than enough at present.

Cayenne Peppers

But the real success story this year seems to be the peppers. For many years, I’ve had indifferent results with these, mostly I suspect through sowing the seeds too late and squeezing them into a corner of the greenhouse without good light and space. I determined to try harder this year and they have done very well. Cayenne Peppers (really a hot chilli pepper) are ripening now and the long sweet peppers – variety ‘Marconi’ will be turning red in the next few weeks I hope!

Already the tomatillo plants have been stripped out of the greenhouse and the remaining 5kg of fruits shipped off to Manchester to appear on the menu of a couple of tacquerias where my son, Sam works! The space has already been re-sown with ‘misticanza’ (Italian mixed salad leaves), ‘rocket’ and pak choi and overwintering lettuce will join them in due course and provide us with leaves over the winter.

As I write, the hot weather has just broken in a thunderstorm, high winds and rain. As the weather turns so do the seasons and in this most unusual of years, I’m reminded that September is now only a few weeks away. When I say things like that,people tell me not to wish the summer away! – but the gardener has to think ahead to the coming seasons because it is right now when the crops for November and early spring have to be planned for. It promises to be a difficult few months ahead for society with no immediate return to anything resembling a normal life just yet. The allotment and the little community in the plots around ours, though, will carry on much as in other years I expect; meeting and greeting (at a distance!); exchanging produce and young plants; discussing the weather; turning the soil but with decreasing frequency as the days get shorter and colder and there is less work until Spring comes around once more.

Pathways

Pathways has not been published during lockdown and is committed to publishing printed editions in future. Meanwhile for the first time there is an online version. You can download it here:

https://www.oxford.anglican.org/pathways-pdf-version/

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer station in the lychgate will remain in use for the foreseeable future, please let family and friends know about it.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Useful Community Information

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown. Link Here , and is an excellent source of information.

Bus Passes

“Eat Out to Help Out” scheme

Have a look at the website: https://haddenham-hamper.co.uk/

The Haddenham Feast Festival will be taking place this year in a smaller and socially distanced way, from 18th to 21st September.

Please see the website for details.

Buckinghamshire Community Board

If you have any views or wish for some input, contact Elaine Hassall (below) and see this link or for more general detail this link .

Community Board Coordinator for Haddenham and Waddesdon
Localities Team - Deputy Chief Executive Directorate
Buckinghamshire Council elaine.hassall@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

normal working days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

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August 7th 2020

Church Service at St Mary’s

We are pleased to announce that there will be a trial morning service at St Mary’s church at 10.30am on Sunday 16th August. This will be a short 30 minute service of worship and prayer, led by Canon Phil Groves. We will not be offering Holy Communion at the service.

We are not permitted to have any singing during the service or to serve coffee. It will be a very different way of enjoying worship and fellowship, adhering to the social -distancing requirements. Pew spaces will be limited and the after-service fellowship, normally so much part of our time together in church, will sadly not be possible in the church setting. Everyone attending will need to wear a mask or face covering, and provide contact details to comply with the track & trace process.

If you would like to attend, we NEED to know in advance, so please can you contact the parish office (office@haddenhamstmarys.org or 01844 291108 ) with your details. We can then confirm your place.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Our online services are continuing and are available via the links below.

Dianne & Val, Churchwardens

Lychgate

Church at Home

Bishop Steven’s reflections for a church in lockdown have now finished. Please visit the website to catch up on any you missed. Link here

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where we will continue with the theme of Receiving Jesus. On the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Do remember:

Online Giving - Treasurer

Simply go to this link where you can contribute by debit or credit card. As part of the simple procedure you will be asked if you can Gift Aid your donation; if you are able to do so please do give your details even if you know we already have your declaration – the duplication will not matter but it will enable us to route your donation appropriately.

If you have not already done so, please consider if you can give a gift in this way? Your support is vital. Thank you.

Word for this week - Revd Jonathan Hawkins

Jonathan

The Psalm set for Sunday 9th is Psalm 105.1–6,16–22,45b and this psalm, after a call to praise, briefly relates the history of Joseph and how he moved from being a prisoner to being placed in authority over the household of the king. Joseph moved from being what we might refer to as a spoilt brat to a sold slave in prison to becoming the second most powerful person in the kingdom and into a position where he was ultimately able to help his family. You can read the full details in Genesis chapter 37 and following chapters.

Joseph moved from a comfortable position to one of great adversity but even while in prison, in the worst of possible positions, he maintained his trust and faith in God which ultimately led to his exalted position within the household of the king.

I picked up on the theme of this psalm as I have been pondering, as I am sure many others have been as well, just what the future holds for us as individuals and as church, here in Haddenham. Our world has been turned upside down and inside out. We have all been through a difficult time and look forward to a return to normality. But will that be the old normality or a new one?

However one looks at it, it will be a new normality because we have all been touched by the events of the last four months which influences how we think and feel and what we do. The church of God, throughout the world has radically changed, online services via Facebook and YouTube are the norm, we have ‘coffee meetings’ on Zoom as well as weekday prayers, none of which we were doing a mere four months ago!

The one constant through all this difficult time has been the presence of God with us. Just as God was with Joseph, we have continued to meet with him in new and unexpected ways and I am sure that he will be there with us as we move into the new normality, whatever that is!

Times of adversity can befall any of us at any time and most of us at this present time, but we can draw comfort from the reminder of the support that God was to Joseph, that God is walking every step of the way with us, each and every day.

May God’s presence in your life continue to bless and uphold you, this day and always.

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Associate Minister

Prayer

Loving God

There is nothing better than knowing you.

Please continue to teach us more about who you are.

Help us daily receive from you all we need—your love, your strength, your wisdom.

Thank you for being our all sufficient God.

In Jesus name

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

Under the entry for August in my book ‘Vegetable Growers Calendar’ is this rather sanctimonious and self-satisfied quotation from ‘Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie’ written by Thomas Tusser in 1583:

’Tis good to be knowne,
to have all of thine owne.

Notwithstanding this smug-sounding couplet, August really is predominantly a time for the harvest and to be thankful for the bounty of the land. There is an abundance of crops; tomatoes and cucumbers in the glasshouse; french beans, runner beans, cabbages, carrots broccoli, beetroot all in good supply and now is the time for preserving and storing in preparation for the leaner days of winter ahead. With two adjacent allotments and no longer any hungry boys to feed at home there is no way we can possibly consume all we produce during the summer. A joke recently posted on Facebook went something like this: “WARNING: It's the time of year when allotment holders will be trying to give away their courgettes again!”. But as well as the real delight in giving away fresh fruit and vegetables to friends and family, we will be busy bottling and freezing what we can. A glut of tomatoes will be put through the passata machine; early windfall apples will not be wasted but cooked up and frozen; beetroot can be bottled; cucumbers pickled. Some crops escape this treatment – fresh cabbage for example is generally available most months of the year - so no sauerkraut for us! and some crops simply don’t lend themselves to long-term preservation.

Produce

Allotment holders are usually enthusiastic cooks as well as gardeners and each interest ‘feeds’ the other. We want to cook what we grow and grow what we like to cook and eat. So we step back from the allotment this week and into the kitchen for a few ideas of how to use some of the surplus!

Cucumber seems very much a love or hate thing – and some people do find it difficult to digest – but when we have more than we can use (and just two greenhouse plants can easily give rise to such a situation) we make a Cucumber Spritzer – very refreshing on a hot day.

Cucumber Spritzer

Take half a large cucumber, peel most of it – just leave a few small dark green strips for colour. Pop it in the blender along with half a bottle of white wine and some elderflower cordial. Blend until smooth then pass the whole lot through a fine sieve. Return the pulp from the sieve to the bender and whizz it again. Pass it through the sieve once more, then serve on ice in a highball glass. Liven it up with soda water or lemonade if you want more ‘fizz’!

You may remember me mentioning the basil variety ‘Gigante’ with huge leaves grown from seed bought in Italy. We have plenty for making fresh pesto which is so much more flavoursome and natural than any bottled version.

Real pesto (this is from Ursula Ferrigno’s book ‘Truly Italian’)

Grind together about 100g fresh basil leaves (that’s a lot!) with about 4 tbs good olive oil and three garlic cloves. Add 3 tbs parmesan and 2 tbs pine nut kernels and grind until the texture is how you like it.
It is said that the best pesto is made by grinding all the ingredients by hand in a pestle and mortar. I’m sure that’s true but the blender works just fine for me! Fresh pesto is absolutely fantastic!

Generally, harvesting rhubarb should stop by the end of June to give the plant time to build up it’s reserves and also because the stems become tough and woody by then. However there is often some tidying up to do because as the plants are so vigorous, the leaves grow out over other crops. Combined with the windfall apples and newly ripening cayenne peppers from the greenhouse I made this spicy chutney earlier this week.

Spicy Chutney

Simmer ¾ pint of cider vinegar with 2 lbs apples and whatever rhubarb you have – about 12 oz is ideal. Add 10 oz chopped onions, 4 oz sultanas, 10 oz soft brown sugar, 1½ oz grated root ginger, 2 crushed cloves garlic, 1 small, finely chopped cayenne pepper and a teaspoon of salt and simmer for about 40 minutes until reduced and setting. Bottle and leave for at least a month in a cool, dark place.

There’s a saying in the permaculture world – first come the pests then the predators. The point is that predators only arrive once there is something to eat! So you have to endure a short period of infestation in order to attract the natural enemies of the blackfly, aphids, slugs and other undesirables! The frogs which came from the spawn in our allotment ‘pond’ (actually an old original Sheerstock ‘Avocado’ coloured bath) this spring are now mature enough to venture forth from the safety of the bath/pond and take up daytime residence in various locations around the allotment. Despite the heat, we now have regular amphibious occupants of the greenhouses which are no doubt helping to keep the slug population in check. Perhaps surprisingly, they always leap clear of the spray from the watering can but seem determined to stay put. We never ‘seeded’ our pond with frogspawn so a pair of frogs must have found a new home there some years ago – and very welcome they are too!

Pathways

Pathways has not been published during lockdown and is committed to publishing printed editions in future. Meanwhile for the first time there is an online version. You can download it here:

https://www.oxford.anglican.org/pathways-pdf-version/

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer station in the lychgate will remain Pebble Prayers in use for the foreseeable future, please let family and friends know about it.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Church from side

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Useful Community Information

Restaurants, pubs and many other businesses and organisations, including the library, are now able to start reopening, subject to social distancing. Some recreational businesses like gyms are also able to start reopening. Arrangements for each will differ, and so please check with the organisation concerned before you make a journey there.

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/easing-of-lockdown.html

and is an excellent source of information more generally.

The Parish Council has a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

The Parish Council also has available an informative electronic Village Newsletter. You can subscribe to it by giving the Parish Council your email details via this link http://www.haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk/ and read about it here

Bus Passes

“Eat Out to Help Out” scheme

Please see the following link for details of local pubs and restaurants participating in the Eat Out scheme. During August there will be discounts for eating out on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/eat-out-to-help-out.html

Haddenham Hamper

Haddenham Parish Council has announced a new scheme called the Haddenham Hamper website – ‘things you need from the people you know’.

The site has been designed to help local residents place orders (on-line or by phone) with retailers they know and trust in the local area by providing information about local shops and what they have on offer in a single place. The desire to shop locally became apparent during the lockdown and it is hoped that the website will encourage a sustainable long-term local shopping experience.

The first retailers to join the site are: Bradmoor Farm, Blooming Fruity, The Cottage Bakery and Orchard View Farm.

Have a look at the website: https://haddenham-hamper.co.uk/

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July 31st 202

During this difficult and challenging time, we will not be able to hold church services as usual, and all normal church events are cancelled for now.

This means the usual weekly Notice Sheet is not very relevant, but we are aiming to keep in touch with this special version.

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

This week “ Rejoice in the Lord always” link here

Church Tower See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where we will continue with the theme of Receiving Jesus. This week Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading the service. Also on the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Zoom Coffee and Chat

Tricia Stradling is hosting this week at 11.30am on Sunday. Details below;

Meeting ID: 863 5202 7028 Passcode: 2VH4nT

Word for this week - Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt Gordon

Secrets of the Family Tree

My wife Olive and I have relatives who are keen on researching their family tree. There is a popular TV programme “Who do you think you are” which unearths secrets of a family tree. There are quite a lot of family trees (genealogies) in the Bible, and some people skip over them – as dead boring! (excuse the pun?).

But the family tree of Jesus (in chapter 1 of Matthew’s gospel) has some startling surprises. To be surprised we need to recognise certain things about Jewish family trees at that time.

· Normally women are unmentioned

· Non-Jews (Gentiles, foreigners) would usually be excluded

· Those with a dubious moral life-style could be left out

But in the genealogy of Jesus –

· There are 5 women – Tamar v3, Rahab and Ruth v5, Uriah’s wife (Bathsheba) v6 and Mary v16

· Foreigners – Rahab was Canaanite and Ruth was Moabite (both traditional enemies) – possibly Tamar too. Bathsheba’s first husband was a Hittite

· Immoral life-styles. Tamar deliberately became a prostitute to seduce her father-in-law (because he had treated her badly). Rahab was a regular prostitute in Jericho. Bathsheba seems to have deliberately bathed in sight of the palace window in Jerusalem to seduce King David (successfully too). Mary’s honour was initially regarded with great suspicion even by her fiance

These are extraordinary surprises. The stories can be read – Tamar in Genesis 38.1-30, Rahab in Joshua 2, Ruth in the little book named for her, Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11.1-12.25, and of course Mary in the gospel nativity stories of Matthew and Luke.

Why?

Would it be, that right at the beginning of the gospel (good news!), God (and Matthew!) wished to emphasise God’s special concern for people who, at that time, were the oppressed, disadvantaged and despised? Startling – and can be missed – but good news for many!

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Retired Minister

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for your special concern for the oppressed.

We pray for the women and the foreigners and those who are “different”

in many countries of the world today who live in fear and need.

Help us to keep caring

In the name of the caring Jesus

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

The summer pruning of the apple trees I mentioned a week or two ago is well under way and indeed the harvest of the earliest apples from the variety ‘Katy’ has already started – a good couple of weeks earlier than expected on account of the good weather earlier in the summer no doubt. Katy is an early juicy variety – a cross between Worcester Pearmain and James Grieve but also one of the varieties which can be rather susceptible to a disorder called “Bitter Pit”. Katy Apple

The term was first used in the 19th century and is characterised by brown spotty discolourations beneath uneven blotches on the fruit skin. These may be shallow at first and easily peeled away with the skin but may become more pronounced in storage. It was not until the 1960s that research revealed that this problem was due to calcium deficiency and all sorts of remedies have been tried over the years – spraying the trees with calcium chloride or calcium nitrate during the growing season or, in the case of commercial growers in Australia and New Zealand, dipping the fruit in calcium chloride solution and rinsing in water after 36 hours. Just think of that when you take a bite into your next supermarket apple! For the small scale grower, good horticultural practices are best; no artificial fertilisers to disturb the natural mineral balance of the soil and a steady supply of water during the growing season seems to be most important factor as the take-up of calcium by the tree is undoubtedly linked to this and we know that bitter pit is more pronounced in a dry season

Fennel Elsewhere on the allotment, the summer rolls on and more crops come into their own. We have some superb Florence fennel at the moment. These were sown in modules in April and planted out when very small indeed. Conventional wisdom says you should always sow fennel in its growing site and never transplant it but experience shows this is not the case. Planting out as early as possible though is key to a successful crop. Not everything can be treated in the same way – fresh coriander which is very useful to have and can easily be grown on the allotment really does need to be sown where it is to grow. Any disturbance or attempt to transplant will almost certainly cause it to bolt sending up tall flowering shoots instead of the lush aromatic foliage we love.

I have never had great success with growing turnips and, like swede, some regard this crop as little better than cattle food. This is unfair. Turnip Seedlings As long as they are harvested when no larger than a golf ball – they can be very tender and delicious. We don’t immediately associate them with Indian food but they grow well in Kashmir and all over North India where they are cooked with lamb or even on their own with fresh coriander and mint. Madhur Jaffrey’s classic ‘Indian Cookery’ has a good recipe for this last dish which will be re-visited when we get around to the turnip harvest – assuming I have better success this year!

We have had one or two colder nights lately – a reminder that the summer is on the wane and the last sowings of autumn maturing crops should be in the ground. The seed packets can then be put away until late autumn when we’ll review what grew well and what didn’t and place an order for the next season, almost certainly trying some new crop as well as the old favourites.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Do remember:

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Online Giving

During this difficult time when our church building remains closed, we are still a church; meeting virtually for prayer services and fellowship, loving our neighbours by offering practical support to the vulnerable, and caring for our communities.

With the temporary closure of our building, the loss of lettings income from St Mary’s Centre, and the imminent departure of our formal tenants, plus some people not being able to give due to the financial impact of the pandemic on them, our income has decreased and we really need your help now. If you have been unable to give with church services suspended, or if you are able to give a little more at this time, it is now easy to do so using our new on-line giving system. Simply use this link where you can contribute by debit or credit card.

As part of the simple procedure you will be asked if you can Gift Aid your donation; if you are able to do so please do give your details even if you know we already have your declaration – the duplication will not matter but it will enable us to route your donation appropriately. Thank you.

Private Prayer in the Church

Pebble Prayer Station

Pebble Prayers The Pebble Prayer station in the lychgate will remain in use for the foreseeable future, please let family and friends know about it.

Strengthen our hope dear Lord, especially when progress seems slow and circumstances bleak. Help us to feel your presence in all things. Amen.

New Wine

Although New Wine 2020 at Peterborough has been cancelled this year due to the Coronavirus, it is online. New Wine Breaks Out is happening from July 30th - August 3rd. There is worship, teaching and prayer, and children have their own activities involving the New Wine Space Agency, worship, craft, prayer and games, along with parents' support videos. There are also downloadable workbooks.

If you are interested go to new-wine.org and click on the links

Thanks to Gordon Lawson

Pathways

Pathways has not been published during lockdown and is committed to publishing printed editions in future. Meanwhile for the first time there is an online version. You can download it here:

https://www.oxford.anglican.org/pathways-pdf-version/

Useful Community Information

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/easing-of-lockdown.html

and is an excellent source of information more generally.

The Parish Council has a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

Bus Passes

“Eat Out to Help Out” scheme

Please see the following link for details of local pubs and restaurants participating in the Eat Out scheme. During August there will be discounts for eating out on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/eat-out-to-help-out.html

July 24th 2020

During this difficult and challenging time, we will not be able to hold church services as usual, and all normal church events are cancelled for now.

This means the usual weekly Notice Sheet is not very relevant, but we are aiming to keep in touch with this special version.

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

This week “Finding strength from the centre” link here

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where Canon Phil Groves will continue to lead us on the theme of Receiving Jesus. Also on the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Zoom Coffee and Chat

No Coffee & Chat this week, Tricia will be hosting next week, details will follow then.

Do remember:

Word for this week -

Revd Trish Mander Trish 2

One of the high spots of summer for me, last year, was sharing a day out with a group of our old school friends.

It was a day of catching up, lots of laughter, and of course all the shared memories. One of my chats that day was with a friend who was always really good at athletics. I told her of one of my particular memories of her, excelling at the hurdles race on Sports Day. All of the competitors were good at somehow getting over the hurdles, but it was the practiced graceful way in which she did it, that made all the difference.

Life itself is full of “hurdles” and the memory of that Sports Day, has come back to me at a number of different points over the years, as hurdles have had to be negotiated. It seems that it isn’t getting over the hurdle, but rather the way in which we do it, that ultimately matters most. During these last months, we’ve shared the experience of facing hurdles to get over, individually, as a fellowship, as a wider community and as a nation. There are some hurdles to get over now, and there will doubtless be more to overcome as we move through this time of pandemic and beyond. How will we go about getting over them?

Bishop Steven, in his recent reflection “How to face enormous problems” talks about the approach that is needed as together we encounter challenges. He makes clear that the present situations we face in our own church settings concerning the questions of :- the reopening of churches for physical worship; the provision of online worship; and all the surrounding issues; need to be approached in a defining way :- the way of humility. He explains that there is no blanket right or wrong answer to these questions, but rather, that the right way to approach these questions is in humility. He goes on to make clear that resolution of the far larger problems facing the whole of humanity, in the present and the years to come, depends on this same need for humility and unity.

It has been wonderful to witness the imaginative ways in which our fellowship and our community have pulled together in unity, and the loving concern for others that has made such a difference in these last months. This spirit of unity is something to treasure and to continue to commit to.

Humility is at the heart of our faith. Jesus’ earthly life, from birth to death, is the embodiment of humility. As we think about our own need for humility, it is both our calling and our lifelong challenge. Added to which humility is in itself a very powerful witness!

So as we approach our present hurdles, and those to come, let’s resolve to do so humbly, listening carefully to each other with open minds and hearts, respecting, valuing and giving thanks for our diversity, whilst being totally committed to our unity.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister

Prayer

May we, in the words of St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” and may we “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

One of the features of this summer’s growing season seems to have been the heaviest infestations of blackfly for some time. These small dark coloured aphids appear in late spring or early summer and affect a variety of crops but are most often seen firstly on broad beans before spreading to other leguminous plants and more – we have even seen them on the feathery tops of our sweetcorn which is a first for me! Control is difficult for the organic gardener. Even soft soap sprays will also detrimentally affect ladybirds and their larva which are a major predator of aphids. It is said that a spray made from an infusion of garlic cloves is the answer – as the strong taint it leaves is harmless but deters the aphids. It is interesting to look at the pattern of infestation – some early french bean plants are completely free of blackfly but others – planted a week later have succumbed. It is said that they are attracted to weakly growing plants and indeed those put in the ground during that later week later did experience a significant drought after planting. You may wonder, as I do, how tiny aphids know which plants are weakly growing! There has been some scientific research done on the tiny electrical signals which plants emit as the result of certain events and growing conditions and it may well be this which ‘attract’ the blackfly to certain plants and not others.

Cauliflour

Growing cauliflowers – especially organically - is a significant challenge for the amateur gardener. In season now, they require a fertile, moisture retentive soil and a steady, uninterrupted, long growing season with plenty of moisture at all stages. The curds do not stand well after maturing and are can turn greenish in sunlight. In short – many people don’t bother with them. It is with all this in mind that I show you a picture of a typical cauliflower from my allotment. It won’t win any awards but it is certainly edible!

Mower

In case you have been thinking that allotmenting is all about having green fingers, there are occasions when oily fingers are more useful. Between each allotment is a narrow grass path which has to be kept mown – an unspoken, informal, negotiation between adjacent plot holders generally works well here but it does depend on the availability of working machinery. I have an old Hayter Hunter petrol driven mower which I’ve had for years – it was second-hand when I bought it and finally last week it failed in the way that nearly all mowers of that model break – the black plastic moulding holding the rear wheel cracked and broke away. A quick investigation on the internet showed that although many parts for this 1997 mower are still available, of course that particular piece of plastic isn’t! This was particularly annoying as the engine still runs very well after all these years and, uniquely amongst mowers I have owned, always starts on the second pull after a winter in the shed. Not to be deterred, I managed a repair with a piece cut from a 2mm steel angle bracket and some small bolts so, for now, it lives on to cut another day. Repair, reuse, recycle – all in a days work at the allotments..

Prayer Line

Churches have had to be closed, even just to sit in quietly. However if you would be comforted by a prayer for yourself, family or a friend in this time of uncertainty, please free to call one of the following people. They will be pleased to pray with you one-to-one over the phone, or after you have put the phone down if you prefer. You do not need to give a lot of information and the call will be in confidence. Please note this is not a counselling service or a helpline for anything other than prayer, although if we can suggest or signpost you to a source of help we will. Please pass this to friends, family and neighbours. All are welcome.

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Schools

Please continue to pray for our village schools: - for Haddenham St Mary’s C of E School; Haddenham Community Infant School; for Haddenham Community Junior School;

Please pray

· that the holiday period will provide opportunity for rest and refreshment for all, particularly the staff, who have put in so much effort throughout these last months,

· for the preparations for the September term and the return of more children and adults, with the practicalities of incorporating new health and safety regimes,

· for the teams who provide wrap around care and their work which will continue throughout the holidays, for the safety of all the children and adults involved;

Please pray for families facing financial hardship and uncertainty.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Online Giving

Vacancy Update—David Robinson

I thought it would be helpful to inform everyone of the current position regarding our vacancy. We advertised earlier in the year for the position of Rector and we were due to interview the applicants in March 2020. Due to the pandemic the interviews were cancelled. In June Bishop Alan advised that he didn’t envisage things progressing until we got to stage 4 of relieving lockdown.

On July 6th, our parish development adviser, Gill Lovell, arranged a Zoom meeting with the Parish Representatives to look at how we move forward with re-advertising the post. We know that interviews may not be able to be held face to face, depending on the pandemic situation. The number of candidates currently looking to move position is much reduced due to the pandemic.

The Bishop, Area Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery, have expressed strongly that given the extreme uncertainty of the situation we are in, we should take our time and not rush into any appointment.

The Parish Representatives will be meeting again soon to collectively decide how they would like to proceed, before reporting back to the Bishop, who has the ultimate decision. We will keep you updated and welcome your prayers as we go through this long and frustrating process.

Best wishes, David

LVO Lay Chair Wychert Benefice Committee & Licensed Lay Minister

Private Prayer in the Church

The church will be open for private prayer once a week on Wednesday mornings between 10 am and 2 pm. This follows a detailed risk assessment of the church to apply the Guidance from the Diocese. There will be social distancing in place, many areas of the church will be inaccessible and only a limited number of pews will be available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available.

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer station in the lychgate will remain in use for the foreseeable future, please let family and friends know about it.

Strengthen our hope dear Lord, especially when progress seems slow and circumstances bleak. Help us to feel your presence in all things. Amen.

Useful Community Information

Restaurants, pubs and many other businesses and organisations, including the library, are able to start reopening as from 4th July, subject to social distancing, and some recreational businesses like gyms from 25th July. Arrangements for each will differ, and so please check with the organisation concerned before you make a journey there.

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown. https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/easing-of-lockdown.html

and is an excellent source of information more generally.

The Parish Council has a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

Bus Passes

Lighthouse Live

Did you think you would have been missing Lighthouse in

Thame or Princes Risborough this year?

You don’t have to!

Lighthouse Live has become virtual instead with all its usual fun.

Go to https://lighthousecentral.org to learn more and to sign up either as a 4-11 year old or as an >11year old

Enjoy!

Lighthouse

From Monday 27th to Friday 31st July 2020 we will be online with Lighthouse Live. There will be a morning and afternoon live Mainstage session full of everything we all love about Lighthouse - songs, actions, messy games, gunge, drama, craft, Bible stories, prayer and so much more!Find out more

July 17th 2020

During this difficult and challenging time, we will not be able to hold church services as usual, and all normal church events are cancelled for now.

This means the usual weekly Notice Sheet is not very relevant, but we are aiming to keep in touch with this special version.

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

How to face enormous problems can be listened to here.

Zoom Coffee and Chat

Ros Haworth has kindly agreed to host Coffee & Chat at 11.30am on Sunday, Meeting ID: 409 748 8914 Password: 5c9cuC

We look forward to “seeing” many of you then. Going forward we are aiming to do this twice a month.

Do remember:

Word for this week - Revd Jonathan Hawkins

One of the major prayer concerns raised at morning prayer recently was the question of the damage occurring to the environment and how, as we come out of lockdown, during which there have been so many positive good signs, we may ensure that we do our very best to create an environment where the positive signs we have recently seen, become the norm rather than a one off exception.

The bible tells us that God created the world, which he was pleased with and then he placed the man he had made in the Garden of Eden “to work it and take care of it.” Unfortunately, we are not very good at taking care of God’s creation and in the process have often exploited others for our own benefit.

Now, most of us are not actively involved in exploiting the richness of the earth, but we are all part of the economic system that often does do just that, so unconsciously, we contribute in our own way to the spoiling of the world that supports us.

So, what can we, in our own way, do to restore a balance within the world so that there is adequate food, water and shelter for everyone?

As I noted earlier, lockdown has created a situation where nature has shown distinct benefits from the lack of traffic on the roads and in the countryside, pollution levels have dropped considerably across the world, particularly from vehicles and industry and we need to capitalise on this opportunity.

Most of us are trying to do our bit by recycling, being economic where possible, not driving if we don’t have to etc, as well as supporting charities that work across the world to alleviate climate change and poverty. To do more we need to take an active part in some way to help bring about change and the most obvious immediate local opportunity is to join in the virtual village forum on Wednesday 22 July to discuss how we can all contribute to Haddenham Parish Council's Zero Carbon plan, in the post-Covid era.

You may wish to consider growing your own vegetables to reduce your own impact on the carbon footprint of international shipment of food; or other ways to do what you can to reduce the impact we have on the environment through our style of living.

There are many ways we can all make changes and the more of us who make the effort to do so, the better the chances for our children’s children to live in a world that flourishes.

Genesis 1: 31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” I pray that through all of our efforts, the world may be a better place for all to live in and that we may be able to say: “It is very good!” Amen.

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Associate Minister

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

“I'm not even sure what day of the week it is these days!" exclaimed an acquaintance in a conversation this week. And it’s certainly the case that the usual markers which gave a rhythm to everyday life have suddenly disappeared in the last few months. In 1987 the palaeontologist Stephen Gould wrote of seeing time in geological terms as not only like an arrow from the past to a distant future but at the same time as repeating cycles. We too see the progress of time as a journey; from barbarism to civilisation; from birth to death; youth to age; naivety to wisdom; and in biblical terms, from damnation to salvation. The cyclical nature of time though, underpins our day to day lives; night follows day; the weeks have a social pattern of activity and rest; the months are marked by particular events which are anticipated and enjoyed each year and of course the years themselves are marked by the four seasons with their characteristic weather patterns, day lengths and the way the natural world responds to Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter in turn. On the allotment there is a little breathing space in July as the spring and summer planting is mainly done, much of the soft fruit harvest is finished, and there is less time-critical work to do. But the regular rhythms of watering greenhouses, weeding, feeding chickens, sowing, planting and harvesting vegetables, picking cut flowers for the table, pruning fruit trees, mowing and composting all continue in their gentle unhurried cycles.

With the sudden enforced lockdown of society in March, the rhythms and markers of life were, at a stroke, lost; shared meals with friends, weekly gatherings for church, book clubs, shopping, library; and daily work for many. Annual festivals and events which formed part of the social fabric of the community were cancelled and social isolation became the new norm. Events like Cafeplus+ could hardly be better designed for the spreading of viruses and closed immediately along with church services. So, for many, life became an undifferentiated sequence of days with little structure or pattern. Organisations such as churches responded with new ways of operating online and many responded by starting new disciplines of exercise or hobbies and, in Haddenham at least, quite a few took on an allotment for the first time. In some cases no doubt, something to do with suddenly footloose children released from school, but in others I’m sure, a desire to connect to more fundamental things once the fragility of the consumer society was exposed. A return to rhythms lost perhaps in the easy availability of food of almost infinite choice, globally sourced at any season of the year; a restoration of connections to the land which, like our faith, fulfills a deep need within us.

An unusually reflective piece this week but that’s what happens when you take a few days holiday! Thank-you to the chicken feeders and greenhouse waterers who are keeping the allotment running while we are away - I'll leave you with a couple of photos of the on-going summer harvest: Beetroot 'Boltardy', Carrots 'Chantenay red core' and Spring Onions 'White Lisbon'.

Beetroot Carrots & Onions

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Schools

Please continue to pray for our village schools:- for Haddenham St Mary’s C of E School; Haddenham Community Infant School; for Haddenham Community Junior School; and

Please pray for the staff –

· who have worked throughout these last months to keep schools open for some children during lockdown;

· as they continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils; whilst receiving some year groups back into school;

· as they maintain smooth running whilst also making preparations ready for September and the return of more children and adults, with the practicalities of incorporating new health and safety regimes and protocols;

· for the teams who provide wrap around care and their work which will continue throughout the holidays, for the safety of all the children and adults involved.

· for staff as they support the welfare of families with particular needs.

Please pray for families facing financial hardship and uncertainty.

Please pray for confidence, safety and wellbeing for children, staff and families, and that the holiday period will provide opportunity for rest and refreshment for all, particularly the staff, who have put in so much effort throughout the lockdown and will continue to do so on an ongoing basis.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Online Giving

Vacancy Update—David Robinson

The Bishop, Area Dean and Lay Chair of the Deanery, have expressed strongly that given the extreme uncertainty of the situation we are in, we should take our time and not rush into any appointment.

Best wishes, David

LVO Lay Chair Wychert Benefice Committee & Licensed Lay Minister

Private Prayer in the Church

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer station in the lychgate will remain in use for the foreseeable future, please let family and friends know about it.

Strengthen our hope dear Lord, especially when progress seems slow and circumstances bleak. Help us to feel your presence in all things. Amen.

Useful Community Information

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown. https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/easing-of-lockdown.html and is an excellent source of information more generally.

The Parish Council has a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

Bus Passes

Zero Carbon Plan

There will be a meeting on the Parish Council's Zero Carbon plan in the post Covid era on 22nd July a Village virtual forum. See link below for details and how to register.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/building-a-better-future.html

Lighthouse Live

Did you think you would have been missing Lighthouse in

Thame or Princes Risborough this year?

You don’t have to!

Lighthouse Live has become virtual instead with all its usual fun.

Go to https://lighthousecentral.org to learn more and to sign up either as a 4-11 year old or as an >11year old

Enjoy!

Lighthouse

July 10th 2020

During this difficult and challenging time, we will not be able to hold church services as usual, and all normal church events are cancelled for now.

This means the usual weekly Notice Sheet is not very relevant, but we are aiming to keep in touch with this special version.

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

There was a break last week but now Episode 11; “Living is Christ and dying is gain” can be listened to here.

Overflowing Font

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where Canon Phil Groves will continue to lead us on the theme of Receiving Jesus. Worship is the focus of this week's service. Revd Jonathan Hawkins is preaching and will enable us to think through how we can worship as a community while we are each in our own homes.

Also on the Wychert Vale website, you can find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Coffee and Chat

We would love to have an occasional Coffee and Chat on Sunday mornings and are looking for volunteer Zoom hosts. If you are able to help enable this, please let us know.

Last week's interview with Richard Fisher is now on our Youtube channel and is being shared by BRF.

Another of Phil’s friends - Professor Joseph Galgalo - was given an award alongside Richard, in part for the work we did together. You can read Phil’s tribute to Joseph on the Wychert Vale website.

Word for this week - Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

Families - can be hard work

The virus pandemic has brought new issues for many families. Some have realised acutely that absence really can make hearts grow fonder. Some have found that the weeks (turning into months) of being “trapped at home” with spouse, partner or children can really “get on one’s nerves”.

It isn’t just the virus. There are elements of our current culture which can have significant effects on family relationships. If I’m working in our front garden, I can often see parents collecting children from school walking past. It’s striking how many adults are on their mobile phones while children straggle disconsolately behind. How much opportunity, then, is there for children to share immediate and detailed reporting on the good news (and not-so-good news) of the day?

To enable a family to flourish is, I submit, usually hard work. It often involves (for example)

· Wives and husbands giving and forgiving – month in and month out, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health – to love and to cherish.

· Parents endlessly patient with their children, offering clear and convincing examples in spiritual and moral issues. The enormous challenge of encouraging children to develop their own personalities – but always loving them unconditionally

· Concern for the lonely and isolated – single parents facing heavy pressures on their own, the bereaved (of whatever age).

Families are rarely (if ever) happy by accident or luck. It’s usually the result of hard work (and prayer!).

But I hope you would agree – it really is worth it!

Gordon

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt, Retired Minister

Prayer Poppies

Dear God our Father,

Thank you for families and friends.

Help us to work hard at protecting them,

And may they flourish

For the well-being of our communities,

Through Jesus Christ who calls us to be his friends and family.

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

One day, some years ago when holidaying in Tuscany, we enjoyed a particularly good bunch of grapes – sweet and juicy but full of seeds! I kept a few of the seeds from the large pile accumulating on my plate and popped them in a small envelope in my box of seeds on our return home. I had completely forgotten about these until early May this year when they turned up again and I decided, not very hopefully, to see if they would germinate. Eight weeks went by and the pot was still sitting on our deck outside showing no signs of life and I had all but given up on it when Kirsten noticed a couple of tiny shoots emerging to be followed a day or two later by three more. I now must work out where the vineyard is going to go...

Grape Seedlings

Vineyards and vines are mentioned more than any other plant in the Bible; very important culturally and economically in that area and those times. Because of this, it is often used symbolically in scripture. A fruitful vine was a symbol of obedient Israel, while wild grapes or an empty vine spoke of Israel’s disobedience. Pruning of vines and the bearing of fruit is an important biblical metaphor for how we are strengthened through testing so that our character produces more fruit of the Spirit. And on the allotment, the beginning of July is when thoughts turn to summer pruning of fruit trees to encourage them to bear more fruit in future years.

Pruning top fruit is more usually thought to be a winter activity but not in all cases. 25 or so years ago I bought three ‘maiden’ apple trees (about 1-2 meters tall) to plant at the back of the allotment to train as ‘espaliers' along horizontal wires running the width of our two plots. These trained trees, when mature, are principally pruned in the summer to open up the tree to let light and air to the ripening fruit and to promote the growth of fruit buds for the following year. In short there are three things to do; remove spindly growths which will not fruit at all; cut back strong new season growth to about 4 leaves and reduce the height of the tree which, although trained horizontally, desperately wants to grow higher! The aim is to stop the tree sending more energy into growing longer new shoots and instead encourage it to form fruiting buds on the short remaining stem which will flower and fruit next year. In the photos I’ve pruned half of the Cox’s Orange Pippin espalier to show you the difference and tried to show you pruning back to 4 leaves. Those ancient Rolcut no.4 secateurs are my favourite – they were my grandfather’s and I still use them today.

Espalier Pruning Secateurs

You may remember that I mentioned we were experimenting with growing potatoes in a ‘no-dig’ bed. No Dig Well the first results are in – see the photo of Kirsten pulling up the first ‘no-dig’ potatoes. The yield is small, but not much smaller than those more conventionally grown. Now we have had some welcome rain the second earlies and maincrop potatoes might well do better.

And finally, as we anticipated, we are drowning in tomatillos – if anyone wants any for a Mexican salsa just let me know!

Private Prayer in the Church

An update from the Churchwardens

Church 1 Church 2 Church 3

Although it’s sad to see our lovely building all taped up, we were reminded of words from the chorus of a wonderful Matt Redman song: “The Heart of Worship”

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, All about You, Jesus.

We are so thankful to know that the church building will be there ready & waiting for us to return to when it is safe to do so, and in the meantime, our loving Father is with us wherever we meet with Him.

Pebble Prayer Station

Pebble Prayers

The Pebble Prayer station has been well used and this week, Revd Trish Mander prayed over all the pebbles before placing them in the churchyard.

You can watch Trish here.

The prayer station will remain in use for the foreseeable future, please let family and friends know about it.

Lighthouse Live This Summer

Life as we know it has changed and will continue to change. Following advice, all Lighthouses across the country have taken the very sad decision not to run this summer BUT …they will be running Lighthouse Live!

From Monday 27th to Friday 31st July 2020 there is a chance to go online with Lighthouse Live. There will be a morning and afternoon live Mainstage session full of everything we all love about Lighthouse – songs, actions, games, gunge, drama, craft, stories, prayer and so much more!

There will be separate Craft videos, a Sports Challenge – and a few surprises!

Have a look at this to find out more WATCH THE VIDEO HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5cQaF0dmLc&feature=youtu.be

Lighthouse Live is free to join, but there are setting up costs involved, so there is a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the brilliant new Lighthouse initiative. If you would like to donate see the fundraising page here

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Schools

Lockdown has been a particularly challenging time for all those involved in education. We were very sad not to be able to welcome Haddenham St Mary’s School to the service we had planned with them for the end of March. Please pray for our village schools:- for Haddenham Community Infant School; for Haddenham Community Junior School; and Haddenham St Mary’s C of E School.

Please pray for the staff –

who have worked throughout the holidays to keep schools open for some children;

and continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils;

and now receive some year groups back into school;

as they incorporate new health and safety regimes and protocols;

and as they support the welfare of families in particular need.

Please pray for confidence and safety for children and staff.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Useful Community Contacts

Restaurants, pubs and other businesses are able to start reopening for business from 4th July, subject to social distancing. Arrangements for each will differ, and so please check with the business concerned before you make a journey there.

Haddenham.net has a useful update on some local businesses and organisations easing lockdown.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/easing-of-lockdown.html

Haddenham.net https://www.haddenham.net/

also has a list of local suppliers who are offering a delivery service, see the updated link below;

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

The Parish Council now has an informative electronic Village Newsletter available. You can subscribe to it by giving the Parish Council your email details via this link http://www.haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk/ and read about it here

JM Vicary Pharmacy have been arranging delivery of repeat prescriptions for those registered, via the Fish Scheme (see below). Please contact the pharmacy; jmwvicaryltd@aol.com or 01844 291960.

Update: The FISH scheme ask that those who no longer need their prescriptions delivered now arrange collection themselves from the Pharmacy, and ask the Pharmacy for their names etc to be removed from the home delivery list.

See https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/home-delivery-of-prescriptions-more.html

Ivor Miles: New opening times, 7.30 am to 7pm weekdays, Saturdays 8.30 am to 5pm, closed Sunday. Customers can now self- serve using plastic gloves.

Haddenham Garden Centre has now reopened Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, although the cafe remains closed. Link here

Phased library reopening

The library is to reopen from Tuesday 7th July at 10 am, on Tuesdays and Fridays initially . There will be a very reduced service and social distancing, hygiene measures and limited access will be in operation. Initial opening is for the return and loan of books. Other services are hoped to follow. See here

Morrisons have introduced a service for vulnerable adults. Phone 0345 6116111 . You choose from a list of 47 essentials they read to you eg. bananas, apples etc. They then deliver quickly, usually next day.

Marks & Spencer have relaunched their food boxes, with different boxes for essentials, fruit, veggies essentials, traditional meals and without wheat. All for home delivery next day. Link here

Bus Passes

Zero Carbon Plan

There will be a meeting on the Parish Council's Zero Carbon plan in the post Covid era on 22nd July a Village virtual forum. See link below for details and how to register.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/building-a-better-future.html

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July 3rd 2020

During this difficult and challenging time, we will not be able to hold church services as usual, and all normal church events are cancelled for now.

This means the usual weekly Notice Sheet is not very relevant, but we are aiming to keep in touch with this special version.

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

Episode 11.

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where Canon Phil Groves will continue to lead us on the theme of Receiving Jesus.

On the Wychert Vale website, you can also find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Richard Fisher honoured by the Archbishop of Canterbury

Richard

We are delighted to let you know that our very own Richard Fisher has been awarded The Alphege Award for Witness and Evangelism by The Rt Revd Justin Welby. This is an incredible honour for Richard and a well-deserved recognition of his ministry at BRF and his service to the church.

You can read more about this and listen to an interview with Richard here.

Word for this week - Revd Trish Mander

Trish One of the really positive things to have come out of these last weeks, has been hearing how increasing numbers of people have ‘got into’ gardening. In back gardens around the country and in our own community, it seems, adults and children alike are discovering the fun, (and of course the patience) of looking each day at the patch of soil where seeds have been carefully sown. They’ve experienced that spirit-lifting wonder of the day the seeds germinate, and the first tiny shoots begin to appear. Hopefully they’ll be experiencing the joy of tasting home grown produce in the weeks and months ahead.

We have a few gardening books on our shelves, but two that I gravitate towards. One is about fifty years old and needs some attention to stop it falling apart, and the other a more recent volume that’s in much better condition.

The first one belonged to my Father. It is an encyclopaedia of plants that he referred to often but more importantly, added to, with his own notes and findings. The second book is a more recent acquisition, a charity-shop-buy, on how to be a gardener, written by Alan Titchmarsh.

The books have a couple of things in common. My father learned most of what he knew about gardening from his father, my grandfather, who was Head Gardener at a country house in the early 1900’s. Alan Titchmarsh, in one of his books, describes how he learned much from his father who was also a professional gardener. In both cases, what passed from father to son was a lifetime’s love of gardening.

I may reach for these books for a bit of advice, or practical information, but whether or not I find what I was looking for, I always sense something else in their pages – a passion. A passion for growing things, and that can’t help but be passed on.

I write this on 29th June, the day the Church gives thanks for the ministry of St Peter and St Paul. Peter and Paul were both men of passion, passionate in their love for their Lord and passionate about passing on that love to those who would come after. May we always be ready to learn and grow in our walk of faith, and love of the Lord Jesus. May we be so passionate about that relationship, that our passion cannot help but be passed on.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Heavenly Father help us always to be ready to learn and eager to grow as we move on in our journey of faith. May we be so strengthened and encouraged by your Holy Spirit, that our love for you grows ever more passionate, and may that passion be passed on to those around us and those who will come after, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

The start of July is the time when the allotmenteer can finally satisfy their impatience to lift new potatoes. Planted in early April, first early potatoes need about 90 days in the ground before harvesting so from July onwards it’s a treat to finally plunge the fork into the ground and with a slight wiggle and a shake, lift up a mound of soil containing a clutch of clean, white, new potatoes. With fragile skins, they are best quickly rinsed off, dropped into a pan of boiling water for about 5 minutes or so then dressed with olive oil and fresh mint for the perfect allotment snack! We have, for the last few years, settled on growing the first early variety ‘Coleen’ which are organically produced by our supplier and it has good resistance to a number of the common potato diseases and pests.

Regular readers will have deduced by now that we follow organic methods as far as possible on our allotment – no artificial pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilisers where possible. In addition to this we have for some years now been mainly following the ‘No-Dig’ method of cultivation – where the allotment is divided into beds of 4 foot wide (that’s about 1.3 metres), and the soil is never dug or trodden on at all; just liberally dressed with a layer of compost from time to time. Now, cultivating potatoes has always involved digging and disturbing the soil both at planting and harvest time and that is still how we grow them but this year, as an experiment, we took some of the seed potatoes and planted them in a no-dig bed, lightly covered with soil to see how it would work – the results will be out on a few weeks time…

One of the ways to make use of natural fertilisers is to make comfrey ‘tea’. Not for human consumption, this involves taking comfrey leaves and soaking them in water until the mixture turns foul smelling and black. The liquid is then poured off, stored in a drum (with the lid firmly on) and used when watering. Tests have shown that it contains more Nitrogen than farmyard manure and significantly more potash making it a great feed for tomatoes.

Comfrey Comfrey Tea

The newly acquired chickens are thriving not only on layers pellets but on vegetable scraps and weeds from the allotment. A large quantity of the early pea plants now cleared to make way for borlotti beans gave the delighted birds a special treat earlier this week. We now have 3 birds laying out of the 4 and the main task at the moment is to protect some runner bean plants growing just by their enclosure from prying beaks which threaten to chew them to bits.

As the nights start to get longer now, thoughts turn towards planning the later summer sowings of crops such as spinach, swiss chard, fennel, pak choi and carrots which will stand through the autumn and hopefully early winter. Here, timing is everything; the crops need to be sown just at the right time so there is enough of the growing season left for them to mature but not so early that the crop matures long before the nights start to turn colder and everything slows down for the autumn.

Private Prayer in the Church

An update from the Churchwardens

From July 8th, the church will be open for private prayer once a week on Wednesday mornings between 10 am and 2 pm. This follows a detailed risk assessment of the church to apply the Guidance from the Diocese. There will be social distancing in place, many areas of the church will be inaccessible and a limited number of pews will be available. The toilet and kitchen will NOT be in use. You may need to wait outside the building for a short while if no space is available .

Further guidance from the Government on possible reopening of churches for services is awaited, and guidance from the Church of England will then follow. There is much to be considered. The most important thing is to prepare prayerfully, thoroughly, carefully and locally, with clergy and PCCs consulting together about how to resume public worship. We are advised that this should not be rushed and we are not planning any services at St Mary’s before September.

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer station is now installed in the lychgate. And has been well-used so far, as you can see from the pebbles on the shelves.

Pebble Prayers

A minister will be collecting these pebbles over the next few days and praying again for all the prayers & thoughts associated with them, before placing them in the churchyard.

Please do let friends and neighbours know about this initiative.

Lighthouse Live This Summer

There will be separate Craft videos, a Sports Challenge – and a few surprises!

Have a look at this to find out more WATCH THE VIDEO HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5cQaF0dmLc&feature=youtu.be

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for the staff –

who have worked throughout the holidays to keep schools open for some children;

and continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils;

and now receive some year groups back into school;

as they incorporate new health and safety regimes and protocols;

and as they support the welfare of families in particular need.

Please pray for confidence and safety for children and staff.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

If you are not on Facebook you can read (but not comment on) this by clicking on the FB tab at the top. This website also has a list of local suppliers who are offering a delivery service, see the updated link below;

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

JM Vicary Pharmacy have been arranging delivery of repeat prescriptions for those registered, via the Fish Scheme (see below). Please contact the pharmacy; jmwvicaryltd@aol.com or 01844 291960.

See https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/home-delivery-of-prescriptions-more.html

Ivor Miles: New opening times, 7.30 am to 7pm weekdays, Saturdays 8.30 am to 5pm, closed Sunday. Customers can now self- serve using plastic gloves.

Haddenham Garden Centre has now reopened Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, although the cafe remains closed. Link here

Phased library reopening

Marks & Spencer have relaunched their food boxes, with different boxes for essentials, fruit, veggies essentials, traditional meals and without wheat. All for home delivery next day. Link here

Bus Passes

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June 26th 2020

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

Episode 10. The River of Life. Listen here.

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where Canon Phil Groves will continue to lead us on the theme of Receiving Jesus.

Our worship this Sunday will focus on the second step in our life with Christ - to learn.

Marrian Budde encourages us to learn from God through the world around us, through the experience of love, and most of all from the Scriptures. The book Receiving Jesus can be purchased on Amazon here. Kindle books can be read on a number of platforms including laptops and tablets.

The service will be led by Phil and Tricia Stradling and will feature Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the power of love and Bishop Dinis Sengulane of Mozambique on the power of the Bible.

We will be singing How Great Thou Art and Lord of All Hopefulness.

On the Wychert Vale website, you can also find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Remote Coffee after Church

We’re not having our Zoom Coffee and Chat this Sunday. Hopefully there will be another in a couple of weeks.

Word for this week - Revd Jonathan Hawkins

40 ‘Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; 42and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.’

These verses from Matthew, chapter 10, the gospel reading for this Sunday, constitute part of the instructions Jesus gave to the 12 disciples when he first sent them out and I wanted to focus on the first sentence:

“Whoever welcomes you (the disciples) welcomes me (Jesus), and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me (the Father).”

Jesus was very clear that wherever his disciples went, he was with them. That had to be true if, when the disciples were welcomed, Jesus was welcomed with them and because Jesus is united with the Father, he is also welcomed with the disciples.

So let’s consider that verse again and re-read it, putting our own name in place of the generic disciple”

“Whoever welcomes you (your name) welcomes me (Jesus), and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me (the Father).”

Corvid-19 and social distancing have reduced the occasions on which we are greeted, let alone welcomed with open arms but we still manage to recognise family, friends and neighbours when out and about and to greet them and be greeted by them and hopefully those opportunities will grow over the coming days and weeks as the challenge of the virus recedes.

My thought for you to ponder over the next few days is the question “When I am greeted or welcomed, is it me that is welcomed, or is it both myself and Christ dwelling within me that is greeted and welcomed?” For Christ said: “I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” – John 17:23

May the peace that comes from knowing that Christ lives in you, bless you, comfort and uphold you, each and every day. Amen.

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Associate Minister

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

Chapter three of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes contains a well-known passage which lists 14 "opposites," a common element in Hebrew poetry; “a time to be born and a time to die”; a time to weep and a time to laugh". The underlying significance is that there is a divinely chosen purpose for everything we experience in our lives. One of the stanzas proclaims a truth well-known to the allotment gardener; that there is “a time to plant and time to harvest”. Timing for the gardener can be at once both crucial and yet flexible. Rain at the right time can make all the difference, as it did for our mangetout peas last week – now producing a tremendous crop – but had looked like withering away in the drought just a week or two earlier. But also flexible in the sense that it’s not possible to predict when that peculiar changeover takes place; when you start to harvest more than you plant and sow, and you start to bring home more weight in produce than just the first fruits. Tomatoes

We are on the cusp of that change right now with the first tomatoes now ripe in the greenhouse; the wonderful Italian cherry tomato ‘Santonio' beautifully shaped like a miniature plum tomato and deliciously sweet; 'San Marzano', an Italian plum tomato and may standby heavy cropping variety 'Akron' . The redcurrants are still dripping with fruit and are being picked fast. Summer cabbages – the pointed variety ‘Caraflex' – are mature and ready and young beetroot ‘Boltardy' are finding themselves uprooted on route to the kitchen at number 22!

Putting crops aside for a moment, we have this last week welcomed 4 chickens to our allotment. A solidly constructed chicken coop made from the remains of an old garden shed will be their home and they will be free to roam at will under the fruit trees.

These birds are all Goldstars which are supposedly good layers but at present, as they are only about 18 weeks old, they are at the ‘point of lay’ and only one is actually laying - rather small – eggs!

Eggs This is the third lot of birds we have had in the last few years. Having originally rehomed ex-battery hens, we have now gone down a more traditional route.

Keeping chickens is of course not just about the eggs, they fertilize the ground and their spent bedding makes a good activator for our compost heaps helping them to rot down more quickly. And of course when the time comes, they provide meat too. 'A time to be born...'

Private Prayer in the Church

An update from the Churchwardens

Further to the recent national and diocesan guidance, we have decided to open the church for private prayer once a week from early July. All details will follow in next week’s notice sheet.

We have been asked by Bishop Steven to resist any pressure to act rapidly regarding the church re-opening. There is much to consider and we need to do this carefully, prayerfully and in good humour!

Christmas Eve

We will keep you fully informed of any decisions.

Val and Dianne

Pebble Prayer Station

The Pebble Prayer station will be installed in the lychgate for this weekend.

A poster and some sample prayers will be on display which we hope will be helpful for those who may need inspiration.

Every few weeks, the pebbles will be collected by one of our ministers and all those prayer requests will be prayed for collectively, then the pebbles will be placed in the churchyard.

We hope very much that you will benefit from this initiative, and we encourage you to take part.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for the staff –

who have worked throughout the holidays to keep schools open for some children;

and continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils;

and now receive some year groups back into school;

as they incorporate new health and safety regimes and protocols;

and as they support the welfare of families in particular need.

Please pray for confidence and safety for children and staff.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Garden

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

JM Vicary Pharmacy have been arranging delivery of repeat prescriptions for those registered, via the Fish Scheme (see below). Please contact the pharmacy; jmwvicaryltd@aol.com or 01844 291960.

See https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/home-delivery-of-prescriptions-more.html

Ivor Miles: New opening times, 7.30 am to 7pm weekdays, Saturdays 8.30 am to 5pm, closed Sunday. Customers can now self- serve using plastic gloves.

Haddenham Garden Centre has now reopened Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, although the cafe remains closed. Link here

Phased library reopening

Haddenham library is to reopen in a phased way from 7th July onwards. There will be a very reduced service and social distancing, hygiene measures and limited access will be in operation. More detailed plans to be announced in the next two weeks, see Haddenham.net for details https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/phased-re-opening-of-library.html

Marks & Spencer have relaunched their food boxes, with different boxes for essentials, fruit, veggies essentials, traditional meals and without wheat. All for home delivery next day. Link here

Bus Passes

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June 19th 2020

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

Episode 9. A more Christ-like church. Listen here.

See the Wychert Vale Benefice website for the link to Sunday’s service where Canon Phil Groves will continue to lead us on the theme of Receiving Jesus. This service will feature a new song by John Bell called We will Meet. It is a reflection on us as a Christian Community during our lockdown and beyond, and you can watch it here .

On the Wychert Vale website, you can also find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below.

Remote Coffee after Church

Tricia Stradling is kindly hosting another Zoom Coffee and Chat at 11.30am on Sunday, do join her if you are able using this link.

Meeting ID: 828 3537 7945 Password: 4CGGC9

Please note; during coffee this week, Gordon Kuhrt will be challenging us with a short quiz —please bring a knife, fork & spoon.

(All will be revealed on Sunday!)

Word for this week– Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

How to open? - that is the question

We all want our church buildings to be open again. Many of us love them – for so many reasons;

· we have worshipped there – often for many years

· we meet up with friends – old and new

· we have such special memories which may include baptisms, weddings and funerals

· we love the beauty, the quietness when empty

· we appreciate the acoustic qualities which readily lend themselves to musical performance

We all agree – we want them open again. The questions for us all (note that – not just for the bishop and archdeacon, the wardens and the PCC), the questions for us all are;

· how and when do we do it safely? We have all seen on the news the problems of opening schools, and shops, and Parliament too. It is not simple and straightforward at the moment –

· what distances should be observed?

· how do we sanitise surfaces that have been, or might have been, touched? (including hymn books and Bibles, and WC facilities)

· should we have some kind of permanent policing/supervision/vergering?

These issues will pose real dilemmas especially for our churchwardens (who have the additional stress of the rector vacancy). We must treasure and encourage our wardens!

Well now – how can we help?

· pray for our church leaders – national and parish (good question – do I give as much attention to praying for them as criticising them? – by the way, this applies to politicians as well!)

· be patient and considerate concerning different views. What will be the consequences? And the effects on others?

· what extra work and responsibilities will arise? – and who will see to them? (We do not have regular paid staff to look after the church building – unlike schools and shops).

We all know these are difficult times. We are grateful for the online services, the zoom coffee group and the weekly News-sheet.

Difficult issues – I’ve been a vicar many years, and an archdeacon with 75 parishes (but never a warden – though, of course, I had 150 as colleagues). But we have never experienced anything like this – I can’t see easy answers . . . . . !

So prayer for wisdom, and patience for some time yet - - - -!

Revd Gordon Kuhrt, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for all the work of NHS staff, and the many other key workers.

Thank you for all who are helping their neighbours, and others who are still unable to get out and about.

Please give wisdom to all who are involved in decisions about opening schools, colleges and churches.

Please give us all both continued compassion and patience in these difficult times.

In Jesus name , Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

At last some rain! But that doesn’t fully satisfy the allotment! Even after several hours of rain overnight, just having a look at the ground an inch or so below the surface still turns up bone dry soil. It’s asking a lot for one night of light rain to compensate from the driest May on record and no significant rain for 6 weeks. So the watering continues!

Deep rooted, long-established fruit bushes are still looking good though, and the redcurrant harvest is in full swing now. This is a variety called ‘Red Lake’ and produces good quantities of fruit – as long as you net the bushes for protection against birds who can easily strip the fruit from a bush in an hour or so! Redcurrants are something of a lesser known relative of the blackcurrant which many people regard as far superior in many ways. However there are plenty of ways to use redcurrants and, if you are interested, head over to my blog at https://timshawsblog.wordpress.com for some recipes and ideas for redcurrants!

For the second year, I’ve planted the herb basil in the greenhouses in the ground around the tomato plants. Once again I’m using seed obtained from an Italian supermarket in 2018 – the variety is called ‘Gigante’ and if you look at the photo (with a trolley token for scale) you’ll see why! It’s fair to say that as well as being industrial in scale and size, these basil leaves are also a little industrial in texture, being quite coarse and occasionally tough – but picked young they are great for chopping up with a few tomatoes and ideal for making your own pesto of course.
Basil

Speaking of tomatoes – we are just seeing the first hint of ripening with some of the greenhouse fruits turning a slight orange colour – we look forward to the first fruits of that harvest in a week or 10 days time. At the same time we are still sowing and planting with successional sowings of carrots and beetroot going in this week and borlotti beans germinated in seed trays ready to go in as soon as possible.

‘June drop’ where fruit trees shed some immature fruit after flowering has been much in evidence on the allotment this month – especially on our Cox’s Orange Pippin apple, grown and trained as an espalier tree some 20 odd years ago. Fruit trees often set more flowers than needed for a full crop and this year the flowering season was exceptional. It is sometimes said that only one bloom in 20 is needed for a good crop on a full-blossoming apple tree. So the June drop is not really a problem – just a thinning out to make sure that the remaining fruit has the best chance of ripening to maturity.

The big story this week – a little late to press - is the arrival of some chickens so more on that next week!

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for the staff –

who have worked throughout the holidays to keep schools open for some children;

and continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils;

and now receive some year groups back into school;

as they incorporate new health and safety regimes and protocols;

and as they support the welfare of families in particular need.

Please pray for confidence and safety for children and staff.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Ongoing Church Closure

A further update from the Churchwardens and Ministers

The Government is now allowing places of worship to reopen for private prayer. Diocesan guidance issued in preparation for when this step would be
announced, has directed us to a number of safety concerns which individual
churches need to take into account before this can be considered.
The safety of any visitors is our top priority. We will closely monitor any further guidance as we consider the way ahead for St. Mary's and will be exploring the possibility of opening the building for short periods of time and what that would entail.
We very much regret that for the moment, however, St Mary's must remain
closed.

I write this post script on Thursday 11th June, as the Notice sheet prepares to “go to print”, and today is the day the Church remembers St Barnabas, the ‘Son of Encouragement’. Whilst we may feel sad that the church is closed, let’s put those feelings to one side and use this as an opportunity to encourage one another, with what we know to be true about prayer. We know that our prayers are heard and received, wherever we pray. In the Gospels we read that when Jesus wanted to pray, he withdrew to somewhere quiet, which would almost certainly have been outdoors. Prayer itself makes places special, so whether we are indoors, in the garden, or out on a walk, when we pray we draw close to God.

Wherever we pray, let’s thank God for the privilege and the power of prayer.

Revd Trish Mander

Pebble Prayers—Worship & Witness Sub-Committee

While the church building remains locked, we have been thinking of creative opportunities for prayer in the churchyard.

Over the next few days, a Pebble Prayer station will be installed in the lychgate.

Anyone passing through will be able to take & hold a pebble as a symbol of their prayer and then place it on the shelf provided. The pebbles can be decorated or not, taken home and returned later, or placed at that moment. A poster and some sample prayers will be on display which we hope will be helpful for those who may need inspiration.

Every few weeks, the pebbles will be collected by one of our ministers and all those prayer requests will be prayed for collectively, then the pebbles will be placed in the churchyard.

We hope very much that you will benefit from this initiative.

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 1st-14th June

The Scarecrow Festival has now finished after an exceptionally popular and well enjoyed two weeks. You can still see photos of all the scarecrows on Haddenham,net. at https://www.haddenham.net/galleries.html

Read about the results of the voting, with feedback and thoughts of the organiser, Francesca Flaxton here

Lighthouse Live This Summer

There will be separate Craft videos, a Sports Challenge – and a few surprises!

Have a look at this to find out more WATCH THE VIDEO HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5cQaF0dmLc&feature=youtu.be

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

JM Vicary Pharmacy are hoping to arrange delivery of repeat prescriptions for those registered, via the Fish Scheme (see below). Please contact the pharmacy; jmwvicaryltd@aol.com or 01844 291960, and for more detail see;

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

There is a new hotline for non-prescription items from the pharmacy shop 07592 088180; 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, you can email or use the main pharmacy number.

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles: New opening times, 7.30 am to 7pm weekdays, Saturdays 8.30 am to 5pm, closed Sunday. Customers can now self- serve using plastic gloves.

Haddenham Garden Centre has now reopened Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, although the cafe remains closed. Link here

Marks & Spencer have relaunched their food boxes, with different boxes for essentials, fruit, veggies essentials, traditional meals and without wheat. All for home delivery next day. Link here

Bus Passes

Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse - from Chris Headlong

Many of you will have supported Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse in the past through furniture and food bank donations. We hear about the increased demand for food banks in the news so a quick update on what is happening locally. Storehouse Food Bank is open for drop-in 10.00-12.00 Monday- Saturday and since lockdown the work has more than doubled now providing food for over 1100 people each month. They are also delivering to people who are isolating. Last week reached the highest level with food for 117 people in a single session. Volunteers have also produced 5,000 meals in the church’s commercial kitchen using food donated by the food industry. These are frozen and given out with the food bags. For example the donation of 4 enormous turkeys was turned into individual roast dinners!

Storehouse serves our local villages as well as Aylesbury so if you know of anyone who might be struggling financially to buy food please encourage them to ask for help. They can drop into Storehouse at times above or contact Chris in confidence on 07811 713522 for more information.

If you would like to support the work of Storehouse you can make a donation at https://aylesburyvineyard.churchsuite.co.uk/donate or you can donate non-perishable food at 8 Townside HP17 8BG

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June 12th 2020

During this difficult and challenging time, we will not be able to hold church services as usual, and all normal church events are cancelled for now. This means the usual weekly Notice Sheet is not very relevant, but we are aiming to keep in touch with this special version.

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

What are human beings that you are mindful of them? Link here

Children’s Church

Are exploring the story of Anna & Simeon this week, looking at being Prayerful & Faithful, see here for a lovely interpretation by Anna & Alice.

More details in the Children's Church section of the website.

Remote Coffee after Church

Tricia Stradling is kindly hosting another Zoom Coffee and Chat at 11.30am on Sunday, do join her if you are able using this link

Meeting ID: 838 1510 1117 Password: 5VyD1k

The meeting ID and password below remain the same for each day
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87501204370?pwd=aVNVZFVkRXErS3pNUTZKbW1wQzJDQT09

Meeting ID: 875 0120 4370 Password: 8SyTQ0

Word for this week– Revd Trish Mander

Life itself is something to celebrate, and so is a life which has been long, full, and well-lived.

Last week, Joyce Harvey’s earthly life came to its natural end. This of course brings sadness and a deep sense of loss, but Joyce’s family quite rightly feel that when such a life, full of faith, reaches its end, there is so much to give thanks for, and celebrate.

It has been lovely to hear some of the members of our Church family sharing their own particular special memories of Joyce. One person whose personal story had been greatly impacted by Joyce, said that whenever he shared his story he was amazed how many other people had similar personal experience of Joyce’s care and influence on their lives.

Alan and I, and our family, moved to Haddenham in the late 1970s and were immediately welcomed into Joyce’s homegroup, and into her life, along with a number of other young families at the time. Joyce was always there for us all, ready with a welcome, a cup of tea, a listening ear, a prayer and some practical help. Spirituality and practicality went hand in hand with Joyce. She was a very spiritual person, with her feet firmly on the ground, which enabled those around her to be themselves and know they were loved and accepted. The loving support she extended to us all as our families grew, and years passed by, was to be a blessing we could depend upon throughout life.

The time will come when we will be able to gather together again, and in time, hold a memorial service. At that time we will be able to share each other’s memories more fully, and join in celebrating Joyce’s life and giving thanks to God for all she meant to us. In the meantime, knowing Joyce, we know that she would want us to focus on the business of nurturing and building our faith.

Joyce’s life was founded on her faith, on a personal relationship with her Lord, and all she learned and loved in Scripture. She lived her life as one who nurtures, nurtures others through caring for them as people and helping them grow in faith.

Her life was also lived out with kindness. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, a fruit so much needed in our society generally and particularly so in the challenging times we are experiencing at the moment.

Faith, nurture and kindness are a powerful combination.

We will greatly look forward to the time when we will be able to celebrate Joyce’s life together, but in the meantime may we follow in those footsteps, in faith, in nurture and in kindness.

With love and prayers, Trish,

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

Gardening is full of folklore and received wisdom handed down over the years from generation to generation and a lot of what I learned as a small boy came from my grandfather who instructed me in side-shooting tomato plants to make them grow taller and not bushy; and in removing the flowers of potato plants to make the plant devote it’s energies to producing tubers. It’s only recently that I’ve come to question some of these practices – like double digging your allotment in the autumn and using chemical controls instead of organic methods. As the potatoes on the allotment begin to mature, flowers start to appear and, as usual, I have been going along the rows of first earlies to start with, removing the small white flowers as they appear. However, doing a little research on this suggests that the increase in crop yield is likely to be a very small percentage indeed – to the extent that it isn’t worth it! So perhaps I’ll not bother in future and hope my grandfather will understand!

Potato Flowers Tomatotillo flowers

One of the pictures here shows potato flowers; the other the flower of a related plant from the same Solonacae family – the Mexican tomatillo. Inspired by my son Sam opening a large tin of tomatillos when cooking for his TacosforPeace community interest company (https://tacosforpeace.org), I thought I would have a go at growing these in the greenhouse this summer as an experiment. Sowing the seed in a propagator in February and planting them out in the greenhouse in April, they are now about 2 meters high; very bushy, covered in small yellow flowers which the bees love and the papery fruit casing containing the tomatillo are beginning to appear. They closely resemble physalis fruits sometimes known as Cape gooseberries – which you have probably seen in the supermarkets. I’ve now just got to work out what to do with them – shipping them fresh to Manchester where he lives is not really feasible so clearly more Mexican food is going to be on the menu soon!

The most significant weed which we have to deal with at the allotment is bindweed. It has very deep roots which send up long shoots which then extend in all directions along the surface of the ground winding their way up other plants. It is perennial and can take some seasons to get rid of. Digging up the roots is good – but difficult amongst other plants. Hoeing off the tops at least weekly is probably the best approach – but has to be done regularly. And opinions differ as to what to do with the dug up roots. Some say compost them; others suggest burning – we rot them down under water first and then compost them.

Lettuce

And finally – we are harvesting some splendid lettuce right now – which has grown really well despite the drought. Last year I bought a packet of lettuce seed in a shop in Brittany because lettuce in French shops always looks so fantastic – the variety is ‘Grenoble Red’ and it has cropped really well. It is a ‘cut and come again’ plant which means you take off the outer leaves and leave the heart – which then opens up to form more outer leaves. In this way you can keep on cropping from the same plant for several weeks.

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for the staff –

who have worked throughout the holidays to keep schools open for some children;

and continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils;

and now receive some year groups back into school;

as they incorporate new health and safety regimes and protocols;

and as they support the welfare of families in particular need.

Please pray for confidence and safety for children and staff.

Prayer for our Community

We pray for all those in our community who have been bereaved.

We pray for those who have suffered sudden, tragic and untimely loss.

May they all know they are held in the love and the prayers of their community,

and may they know the strength and comfort of God’s love in their grief.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Ongoing Church Closure

A further update from the Churchwardens and Ministers

Wherever we pray, let’s thank God for the privilege and the power of prayer.

Revd Trish Mander

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 1st-14th June

Thank you to everyone who has entered Haddenham Scout & Guide Association’s Scarecrow Festival. We have had a fantastic response of well over 100 fabulous creations from all over Haddenham. Generous donations in aid of the Medical Detection Dogs charity have already been received and it is hoped that further funds will be raised during the Festival itself. All proceeds will be donated to MDD in aid of their new research into the ability of dogs being able to detect Covid-19.

Donations are invited for any amount of £1 upwards in one of the following ways:

Via Justgiving https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scarecrow-festival

By BACS to Haddenham Association of Scouts & Guides 40-08-39, Account 51035185

By cheque (payable to Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides) or cash in an envelope delivered to 7 Dovecote or 70 Stanbridge Road (full addresses above).

Please use the link here for the scarecrow gallery on Haddenham.net.

And don’t forget to vote for your three favourite scarecrows here.

Francesca Flaxton

Lighthouse Live This Summer

There will be separate Craft videos, a Sports Challenge – and a few surprises!

Have a look at this to find out more WATCH THE VIDEO HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5cQaF0dmLc&feature=youtu.be

https://www.gofundme.com/f/lighthouse-live-2020

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

There is a new hotline for non-prescription items from the pharmacy shop 07592 088180; 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, you can email or use the main pharmacy number.

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles: New opening times, 7.30 am to 7pm weekdays, Saturdays 8.30 am to 5pm, closed Sunday. Customers can now self- serve using plastic gloves.

Haddenham Garden Centre has now reopened Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, although the cafe remains closed. Link here

Marks & Spencer have relaunched their food boxes, with different boxes for essentials, fruit, veggies essentials, traditional meals and without wheat. All for home delivery next day. Link here

Bus Passes

Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse - from Chris Headlong

If you would like to support the work of Storehouse you can make a donation at https://aylesburyvineyard.churchsuite.co.uk/donate or you can donate non-perishable food at 8 Townside HP17 8BG

June 5th 2020

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

Episode 7; God is a righteous judge. Link here.

Please have a look at the Wychert Vale Benefice website where Canon Phil Groves is leading a variety of worship, prayers and stories for all, including Sunday services. You can also find some Video Reflections and a link to the Daily Prayers being led by Revd Jonathan Hawkins below. This Sunday will have a real Haddenham feel to it, with Revd Trish Mander preaching, prayers from Tim and Kirsten Shaw and readings from Val and Trevor Walker. Link Here

Remote Coffee after Church

Tricia Stradling is kindly hosting another Zoom Coffee and Chat at 11.30am on Sunday, do join her if you are able using this link

Meeting ID: 856 3138 2908 Password: 5c5XDa

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Meetings are scheduled to start at 9am and run for 15-20 minutes, Monday to Friday. Please have a bible to hand to follow the daily reading which will be given out each day. Please note new details below:

The meeting ID and password below remain the same for each day

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87501204370?pwd=aVNVZFVkRXErS3pNUTZKbW1wQzJDQT09

Meeting ID: 875 0120 4370 Password: 8SyTQ0

Do remember: We realise this may be a particularly difficult time for those of us who are living alone. Please know that you are being supported in prayer, and if you would like a chat, please see our Prayer Line details below.

Word for this week– Revd Jonathan Hawkins

Until recently my only association with the word zoom was to either move quickly, the name of a long gone ice lolly (anyone remember these multicoloured ices?) and of course this children’s song:

I want to ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM Zoom

Into the ROOM, ROOM, ROOM

I want to ZOOM into the ROOM

And praise the Lord!

When the gates are open wide
I will sit by Jesus’ side
I want to CLAP, I want to SNAP
I want to ZOOM, into the ROOM

And praise the Lord!

Now I guess, a good proportion of the world population will immediately think of video conferencing or chatting when the word ‘Zoom’ is mentioned. What a change in just a few short weeks!

As a benefice we have used ‘Zoom’ to stay in touch, to hold virtual meetings and to come together to pray, all of which has enabled us to keep in touch with family, friends and fellow Christians locally and across the world. We, as a family regularly meet up with one son in Milton Keynes and another in New York for a chat. I am constantly grateful that we are able to do so, as I remember as a child, living in west Africa, that our only connection with family in the UK was by mail and getting a reply to a letter could take several weeks! The ability to chat over the internet, whether by Zoom or an alternative truly is a blessing.

The churches of Cuddington, Stone and Dinton and Haddenham have all met on occasion on a Sunday morning for a ‘post service coffee get together’ which have been great and if you have not yet had a chance to join in with Haddenham’s get together, do look out the link information elsewhere in this newsletter.

I would also invite you to join in with our Zoom virtual morning prayers each week day at 9am for about 20 minutes. Details of which again can be found in this newsletter or on the front page of our benefice web site www.wychertvale.org.

Do join in if you can, ZOOM into the ROOM and “Praise the Lord!”

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Associate Minister

Prayer for our Schools

Please pray for the staff –

who have worked throughout the holidays to keep schools open for some children;

and continue to meet the demands of home learning provision for the majority of pupils;

and now receive some year groups back into school;

as they incorporate new health and safety regimes and protocols;

and as they support the welfare of families in particular need.

Please pray for confidence and safety for children and staff.

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

The start of the allotmenter’s year is hard to define since a productive plot could really have crops available all year round. Sadly, it is seen as a summer venture for many, with ground left empty for the winter months. However, those who want to benefit from early crops of broad beans, for example, must take action in October and sow the variety ‘Aquadulce Claudia’ the best-known bean for over-wintering. Sown ideally under glass and planted out in November, these will give a good crop of beans in May and June and need little in the way of protection over the winter. Beans

This early crop avoids the main pest of broad beans - blackfly which are drawn to the leafy tips of the plants in particular and choke it’s growth. There are pesticides of course – but not for the organic gardener. Soft soap is recommended as a spray treatment but really has limited effect. Rubbing the blackfly off is effective if a little messy! Shelling the beans is a delight and there’s no need to waste the pods either. Colin Spencer in his cookery book ‘Cordon Vert’ describes a broad bean soup made largely from the pods! No room here to give you the recipe but if you are interested you can head over to https://timshawsblog.wordpress.com/ for an extended version of this article!

Swede is a crop which is traditionally one of the later brassica sowings – usually in May. I’ve had little success with this in the past – it used to be said that root vegetable seeds should always be sown direct into the ground where they are to grow but the difficulty of achieving the right seedbed in May on a heavy clay soil for such tiny seeds is an annual problem. This year, encouraged by the example of the no-dig market gardener, Charles Dowding and a little note on the back of the seed packet, I have tried sowing them in modules and transplanting them into the growing site whilst small seedlings. I’ll let you know how this works.

The drought continues and thanks to another generous allotment neighbour we now have a mesh net over our fruit bushes – recycled pigeon protection netting from a large building – perfect! In exchange we supplied him with two old patio doors which he has used to make a small greenhouse for growing sweet peppers! I’ll close with a photo of part of our allotment – runner beans now in the ground; sweet corn growing well and our fruit cage and apple trees. “What a mess!” - I guess you will be thinking – but all that cardboard makes both a good weed suppressant and a mulch to stop the soil drying out too much. When it disintegrates, it goes into the compost heaps! Nothing is wasted down at the allotments!

View

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Ongoing Church Closure

An update from the Churchwardens and Ministers

In these difficult times, it has been hard for us all that churches have had to remain closed. This means we have been unable to hold any services or times of prayer in our church building, although of course there have been many online services and prayer help and support has been, and remains, always available.

As some of the lockdown measures are beginning to ease, we think it might be helpful to point out how things stand with regard to churches and church worship, and some of the considerations for the way ahead.

The latest Government position, set out in the Covid 19 Recovery Strategy document, is that places of worship “may be able to reopen no earlier than 4th July “ subject to scientific guidance at the time, if social distancing measures mean that the rate of infection has dropped sufficiently for the plan to be deemed safe.

This, however would not mean just unlocking the doors to the church and returning to our previous practice. Social distancing will have to be followed. The Government recognises that this may be difficult for some venues which “where it may prove difficult to enact social distancing, may not be able to reopen safely at this point “ It suggests that some reopenings are phased and piloted to ensure safety.

We are closely monitoring all Government guidance, along with that of the Church of England, and the guidance and advice of our own Oxford Diocese. The Church of England has set out a three stage plan to lead towards reopening. Stage 1 has been implemented, to allow limited activity such as access to a church by a priest for online services or private prayer, but still subject to social distancing and hygiene measures. Stage 2 will allow for some services but the timing remains unknown as to that, as it does for Stage 3. This guidance remains under review.

In considering the way ahead, our priority remains the welfare and safety of all. Social distancing and sanitising are essential, before any reopening, however limited, can be considered. We are sorry that we are not able to offer a firm date for any church reopening. We will continue to try and plan ahead for the day when some reopening is possible.

In the meantime we can take comfort and be strengthened by remembering that however we gather to worship, whether physically or via technology, whenever we do so, Jesus is with us. In the 5th episode of Reflections in Lockdown, Bishop Steven, reminds us that “Our churches have never been the centre of our faith, that honour is reserved for Jesus Christ”.

Virtual Gardens

The Village Society has created a series of Virtual Garden Tours to replace the Open Gardens event that would normally take place during Haddenham’s annual fete sadly cancelled this year, of course.

This is a fundraising initiative for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity;

Link here

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 1st-14th June

From Monday 1st June, Trail Maps will be made available online at haddenham.net and limited numbers of paper copies will be available in 4 locations: near the exits of Bradmoor Farm and Haddenham Garden Centre, from outside 7 Dovecote, Haddenham HP17 8BP and from outside 70 Stanbridge Road, Haddenham HP17 8HN. To simplify the fundraising process, an 'honesty' system will be in place and voluntary donations will be invited for any amount of £1 upwards in one of the following ways:

Via Justgiving https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scarecrow-festival

By BACS to Haddenham Association of Scouts & Guides 40-08-39, Account 51035185

By cheque (payable to Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides) or cash in an envelope delivered to 7 Dovecote or 70 Stanbridge Road (full addresses above).

We will be discouraging photos of Scarecrows appearing on local social media during the first week of the Festival to give people an opportunity to see the Scarecrows for themselves, but in order to include those who may be self-isolating or unable to get out into the village, a gallery containing photos of each Scarecrow will be made available on haddenham.net at the start of the second week of the Festival, from Monday 7th June onwards. Entrants will receive details about this.

Francesca Flaxton

07554 141810

Lighthouse Live This Summer

There will be separate Craft videos, a Sports Challenge – and a few surprises!

Have a look at this to find out more WATCH THE VIDEO HERE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5cQaF0dmLc&feature=youtu.be

https://www.gofundme.com/f/lighthouse-live-2020

May 29th 2020

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Steven

Episode 6: In our journey through the Psalms we come now to a psalm which focusses on illness, on anxiety and on healing. Link here.

Remote Coffee after Church

Tricia Stradling is hosting a Zoom Coffee and Chat at 11.30am on Sunday, do join her if you are able using this link

Meeting ID: 240 873 7435 Password: 5DnDTZ

Do remember:

Word for this week– Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

God’s Holy Spirit – the Helper for God’s people

Next Sunday is the Christian festival of Pentecost when we celebrate the special sending of the Holy Spirit to the disciples of Jesus after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit is God’s special way of helping his people.

· He helps us to be strong – in difficult times. The word ‘comforter’ can be misunderstood. It is not so much about soothing, as the giving of strength and support. The word was also used of an Advocate in a court who stands alongside as a defender.

· He helps us to know the truth – in confusing times. Trish Mander wrote about this last week. We are called to love God with our mind (the way we think) as well as with our heart and strength. Jesus said he was the Truth (as well as the Way and the Life). The Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth if we are really willing to learn.

· He helps us to be holy – in tempting times. God’s Spirit is often described as ‘holy’. He nurtures in the followers of Jesus the fruit of the Spirit – that is

love, joy, peace

patience, kindness, goodness

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (see Galatians 5.22)

· He helps us to work for God’s kingdom – at all times. The Bible writers speak of the gifts of the Spirit. Some gifts seem spectacular or supernatural (healing, speaking with tongues), but many seem very ordinary (serving, encouraging, giving help, acts of kindness, administration). Do you recognise your gifts? And use them? (Look up Romans 12.6; 1 Corinthians 12.8,28; Ephesians 4.11)

Thank you, God, for the constant help of your Spirit in our lives day by day.

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

The Collect

God, who as at this time

taught the hearts of your faithful people

by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit:

grant us by the same Spirit

to have a right judgement in all things

and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort;

through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever.

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

All of a sudden it’s summer; the swifts screech overhead and the frosts are well and truly behind us – but there’s still plenty for the allotment holder to complain about and this time it’s drought! We’ve had a very dry spell and just when it’s peak planting time for french and runner beans, squash, courgettes and brassicas like brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and broccoli. All this means that quite a lot of watering is required until the plants get established in their new homes away from the security of the plant pot and greenhouse and into a brave new world with pigeons and slugs to contend with. Nowadays the Wood Pigeon is a considerable pest with numbers having noticeably grown over the years. (Apologies to the naturalists and bird watchers – but this is a gardening column!) So our brassicas – which they love – stay under netting all year now. Slugs are a different matter but, since we sunk our old ‘avocado’ coloured bath into the ground at the allotment, filled it with water and welcomed some frogs to take up residence, we have not been much troubled by slugs as the frogs devour them before they become a problem. Strawberries

The greatest delight of all at this time of year is the gradual ripening of the first strawberries – rather early this year on account of the warm sunny weather. We have been able to enjoy some very sweet and delicious fruit already with loads more to come . This is a newish strawberry bed, planted two years ago and this is the first full year of ‘production’. The plants were taken from runners from a variety of existing plants which is a very easy way to propagate strawberries.

In the supermarkets we have got used to buying Spanish strawberries almost all year round, grown with heat under glass but nothing like as good as our own English varieties – in my opinion at least!

My ancient paperback ‘Vegetable Growers Calendar’ has a little saying for each month and for May it reads;

“Who weeding slacketh, good husbandrie lacketh”… Well the drought has one advantage at least – the weeds stop growing.

Our Buildings

For those of you who may not have had an opportunity to visit Church End lately, we thought you would like to see this lovely photo of the church in the sunshine, view from the pond.

Church Font

And, as promised, a picture of the font in full bloom.

At St Mary’s Centre, the new flooring is not completely finished, but here’s a photo of the lovely bright entrance hallway. Hall

(Looks like we need to do something about the walls now!)

Virtual Gardens

This is a fundraising initiative for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity;

Link here

Haddenham Scarecrow Festival 1st-14th June

Via Justgiving https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scarecrow-festival

By BACS to Haddenham Association of Scouts & Guides 40-08-39, Account 51035185

By cheque (payable to Haddenham Association of Scouts and Guides) or cash in an envelope delivered to 7 Dovecote or 70 Stanbridge Road (full addresses above).

Francesca Flaxton

07554 141810

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

There is a new hotline for non-prescription items from the pharmacy shop 07592 088180; 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, you can email or use the main pharmacy number.

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles remain open for petrol, servicing and MOT’s 8am—6pm.

Marks & Spencer are now doing next day delivery of various boxes eg vegetables, fruit, meat. All for 4 people. Choose a nominated day for free delivery .

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/gifts/food-boxes

Bus Passes

Morning Prayer Outline

The meeting ID and password below remain the same for each day

To Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75288113640?pwd=NlJSRmF4aUtlVHlJRHVpUFdjR3luUT09
Meeting ID: 752 8811 3640 Password: 1Xe8iB

Leader Blessed are you, creator of all, to you be praise and glory for ever.

As your dawn renews the face of the earth bringing light and life to all creation,

may we rejoice in this day you have made; as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,

open our eyes to behold your presence and strengthen our hands to do your will, that the world may rejoice and give you praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All Blessed be God for ever.

Leader The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.

Silence is kept.

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.

All Amen.

Bible readings

A Psalm is read together and the Bible readings for the day are read by volunteers

Intercessions

We pray for:

for the day and its tasks

for the world and its needs

for the church and her life

Anyone can pray during this time. Give space to be quiet and feel comfortable with times of silence. If you have not prayed aloud before don’t worry if it is not that eloquent – God understands!

Intercessions end with the Lord’s Prayer

All Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

Leader Let us go into the world bearing the Good News of the Kingdom.

All Let us go with Christ’s peace in our hearts.

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May 22nd 2020

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Stephen

Episode 5: Samuel Wesley’s beautiful setting of Psalm 5.8 is my starting place this week. Wesley crafts a peaceful song of trust out of the middle of a Psalm which refuses to hide from life’s difficulties. Link here

Ascension Day Service of Holy Communion

The celebration of Christ risen continues with the remembrance of him leaving his disciples waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Join Revd Jonathan Hawkins (preaching) and Canon Phil Groves (leading) in a service of Holy Communion. You can download the service sheet from the Wychert Vale website.

Our Word for this week, below, can also be watched here .

At a time when our churches are closed have you heard of or seen the Youtube music video ‘The UK Blessing’? It brings together people from 65 churches of all denominations across the UK - and representing many more - joining together to sing an amazing blessing. Tim Hughes leader of Gas Street Church in Birmingham and well known worship song writer has been awarded the Prime Minister’s daily Point of Light award for using the power of music to bring us together. Link here. You can read more about it on www.premierchristianity.com.

Christian Aid week has now ended but local families have been hard at work climbing Kilimanjaro ( Haddenham ) and Everest ( Cuddington ) Please support them by donating using these links; Haddenham or Cuddington

Word for this week– Revd Trish Mander

“We’ll just have to wait and see”. I used to find that answer so frustrating as a child, when I’d asked could we do something, or could I have something. All too soon however, it seemed I was the one saying “we’ll just have to wait and see” and frustrating my own children and now my grandchildren.

When it’s spoken to children, the phrase usually comes in response to a question that wants to get things settled with the grown-ups, whether it’s the promise of an outing, or a bar of chocolate, or some other important matter that needs tying down.

When it’s spoken between adults “we’ll just have to wait and see” is often a shared acceptance that circumstances are beyond our control, and that’s not an easy situation to be in. So much of our contemporary culture is built upon our desire to take control of all the aspects of our lives. As well as the lack of control, the phrase speaks of the lack of certainty. Nothing can be tied down.

Whilst lockdown has been full of challenges, it’s nature has been quite clear cut, but now restrictions are beginning to ease, things are more uncertain. The present has some complexities to it and the way ahead is conditional. It’s not possible to tie things down. It also raises questions and anxieties – what is safe and what isn’t?

There was another phrase I heard when I was growing up, quite a different one. My honorary uncle, a very close family friend, was great fun. More often than not he agreed to the schemes thought up by my sister, my cousins and me, but whenever he referred to future plans he always ended by saying “God willing”, in a respectful and reverent way. He was not an openly religious man, but his long and very full life, and particularly his time serving in the Royal Navy throughout the Second World War had taught him that life is precious, and should be lived thankfully. Most importantly he’d learned that life is ultimately in God’s hands.

We know the first disciples were no strangers to uncertainty and indeed anxiety.

When Jesus left them, at the time we now call Ascensiontide, He told them that he would send the Holy Spirit. We know that 10 days later, that is what happened, but they had to wait and see, to pray and wait and see.

Earlier, when Jesus had spoken of sending the Holy Spirit, He had referred to Him as the Spirit of Truth. This same Spirit of Truth is with us now and guides us into all truth if we will let Him. Truth is a solid foundation. Part of the truth the Spirit reveals is that while we are not in control of what life brings us, nor able to tie things down, while we may have to “wait and see”, we can be confident, as we wait and pray, that ultimately our times are in God’s hands.

The Spirit of Truth leads us into all truth. He enables us, not just to value establishing the truths of a situation, but also to consider those truths in the light of God’s love, and so to guide our actions in response.

In the coming weeks and months, information will be gathered, weighed and interpreted and important decisions will be made at many levels, from national government, to decisions in our own homes. Let us resolve to pray for all those making such important decisions, that they and we, will be guided into all truth by the Spirit of Truth.

With love and prayers, Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Gracious God, Heavenly Father, you are full of compassion.

Help us, we pray, to follow you closely, and be ever mindful of your ways,

as we seek to do your will.

We pray for all with the responsibility of leadership.

May your Spirit of Truth lead and guide us all to the path of wisdom,

for your mercy’s sake.

Amen

Notes from the Allotment by Tim Shaw

In my last posting I was expecting some cold weather and we certainly got it!

On Monday 11th we had a late frost which was particularly severe and despite covering up our potatoes at the allotment, they did suffer; their exposed foliage withered and blackened. Where we had used a woollen blanket rather than a rather tatty woven plastic tarpaulin, things were much better and we saw only a little damage! The maincrop potatoes had not yet emerged from underground so were unaffected but the first earlies were much too advanced to earth up and suffered the consequences. They will recover but will knock them about a week to 10 days behind.

Those with unprotected grape vines were more severely affected and those vines will likely not fruit at all this year following that sharp frost. Sweetcorn

Anyway – things move on and the warm sunny weather this week has meant we are able to start planting out all the young plants which have been confined to the greenhouse awaiting their turn. We will leave the most tender plants like courgettes and squash until the end of the month but first to go in are the sweet corn. Last year we grew a variety called ‘Goldcrest’ which turned out to have a very good taste and delivered a bumper crop so we are repeating the same this year. 52 plants have now gone in – planted close together since they rely on wind pollination and this works better when they are planted in a block rather than a row.

At the weekend just as I was planting out a new asparagus bed – with plants grown from seed last year and unlikely to produce any spears worth cutting for another couple of years at least – I heard a call from an allotment neighbour - “Tim, would you like some asparagus?”. Well, yes please, I would! One of the great delights of the allotment community is the generosity both in terms of produce but also in spirit as we delight in food produced and shared, offer each other advice and help - and of course commiserate when late frosts decimate our crops!

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07811 713522 , Tricia 07932 626027

Virtual Gardens

This is a fundraising initiative for the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity;

Link here

Scarecrow Festival

I’m delighted and grateful to say that many church members have already submitted entries for Haddenham Scout & Guide Association’s annual Scarecrow Festival, which will go ahead 1st - 14th June. We are challenging people to use their imagination and creativity to make a Scarecrow using any resources you already have at home. Scarecrows can be ANY shape or size as long as they can be visibly displayed at the front of your own property in Haddenham 24 hours a day from the morning of 1st until the evening of 14th June.

The deadline to be included on the official Scarecrow Trail Map is strictly Wednesday 27th May. Copies of the map will be made available from 1st June both online and from limited outlets in the village.

We are inviting voluntary donations towards our chosen charity, Medical Detection Dogs. The Scout & Guide Association will donate 100% of the funds raised towards MDD’s new research into the ability of dogs detecting COVID-19. Donations can be made by cheque, BACS or on our Justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scarecrow-festival

To take part, simply complete and return an entry form to register your Scarecrow. Full details and forms are available to download from haddenham.net or by contacting Francesca by email on scarecrowhaddenham.festival@gmail.com or send a text to 07554 141810.

Thank you, Francesca Flaxton

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D469785.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

There is a new hotline for non-prescription items from the pharmacy shop 07592 088180; 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, you can email or use the main pharmacy number.

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles remain open for petrol, servicing and MOT’s 8am—6pm.

Marks & Spencer are now doing next day delivery of various boxes eg vegetables, fruit, meat. All for 4 people. Choose a nominated day for free delivery .

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/gifts/food-boxes

Bus Passes

Morning Prayer Outline

The meeting ID and password below remain the same for each day

To Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75288113640?pwd=NlJSRmF4aUtlVHlJRHVpUFdjR3luUT09
Meeting ID: 752 8811 3640 Password: 1Xe8iB

Leader Blessed are you, creator of all, to you be praise and glory for ever.

As your dawn renews the face of the earth bringing light and life to all creation,

may we rejoice in this day you have made; as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,

open our eyes to behold your presence and strengthen our hands to do your will, that the world may rejoice and give you praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All Blessed be God for ever.

Leader The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.

Silence is kept.

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.

All Amen.

Bible readings

A Psalm is read together and the Bible readings for the day are read by volunteers

Intercessions

We pray for:

for the day and its tasks

for the world and its needs

for the church and her life

Anyone can pray during this time. Give space to be quiet and feel comfortable with times of silence. If you have not prayed aloud before don’t worry if it is not that eloquent – God understands!

Intercessions end with the Lord’s Prayer

All Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

Leader Let us go into the world bearing the Good News of the Kingdom.

All Let us go with Christ’s peace in our hearts.

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May 15th 2020

Church at Home

Reflections for a Church in Lockdown with Bishop Stephen

The lockdown is an opportunity to come deeper with God, to address our spiritual poverty, to dare to explore that inner space. Psalm 4 is our guide this week. You can Listen to episode 4 here.

Please see the Wychert Vale Benefice YouTube for Canon Phil Groves leading a variety of worship and prayers for adults and children. This week is a special session on sharing for pre-school and KS1 children which can be seen here.

After VE Day—Christian Aid week

Canon Phil Groves

I am English. I hate asking people for money – but this is so important I am going to do just that right now.

People in Haddenham are climbing stairs in their homes so they can collectively get to the top of Kilimanjaro. They are asking you for money.

Give here.

The pandemic has hit everyone, everywhere in the world. In Africa the reported deaths are few, but that is mainly because they don’t have the systems in place to test. Some of you will know that I lived in Africa for 7 years and yesterday I phoned a friend of mine – Bishop Dickson Chilongani.

Dickson has spent time in Haddenham – he was with us on our Good Friday walk of witness in 2015 and he and his family stayed with us again later.

When I rang him, he was about to attend another funeral. Just like here, there are alot more funerals going on. Just like us, COVID is just one of the problems. Across Africa there are huge infestations of insects eating vital crops, and in Kenya there are drastic floods as a result of climate change.

Then a friend from DR Congo rang me. They have a new influx of internal migrants fleeing ongoing violence and they need tents and basic equipment so they can host them. The need is huge and he helps in the short-term, and gives trauma counselling so people can recover in the long-term.

Christian Aid helps with the urgent, the long-term, and in advocacy.

Urgent needs are at the door of so many and help is required. Christian Aid is a brilliant organisation to help.

Many of the problems are long-term. Christian Aid is fantastic at listening to local communities and not just putting in short term aid – they enable local people to find their own long-term solutions. Look at this video. This is a typical project driven by local need, involving local people and producing great results.

The problems are huge and need governments to work together. Christian Aid is an essential advocacy group, trusted by governments and able to represent local need.

What about VE Day?

We celebrated freedom last week just like in 1945. Then, our nation needed rebuilding and you might think that they would have been right to ignore the needs in Africa and Asia. BUT it was then that Christian Aid was founded. British people saw the need at home and abroad. We founded the NHS out of our taxes, and we sent help to people across the globe through Christian Aid.

Please give.

Please do something else – ask others to give.

Normally we can put envelopes through doors anonymously, but we can’t do that this year. Please find a way to direct your friends and family to the giving page. Please do it.

Thank you, Phil. Canon Phil Groves

Memories of VE Day

Gillian Harvey recalls her Mother’s journey on VE Day

Today we commemorate 75 years of peace in Europe. Today my 95 year old mother is bedridden in her Nursing Home, & I have been unable to visit her for almost 2 months due to Covid 19.

75 years ago today Mum was living in Norwich, approaching the end of the 2 year course of study that would grant her the teaching qualification which was to shape the rest of her life. When the end of hostilities was announced & May 8th was declared a national holiday, my mother & her best friend hatched a plan. The next morning, they got up early, & cycled home to be with their families.

I don't know what time they would have woken - would they have needed to set an alarm? I don't know if the weather was as kind to them as it has been to celebrating families today. I don't know how long it would have taken them - 30 miles, after 6 long years of wartime rationing. I can only imagine how they must have felt - the joy & exhilaration that finally it was over & England was at peace. No more carrying gas masks, no more nights lying awake waiting for air raid sirens to sound, no more scurrying down to cold, damp shelters in fear & panic.

I expect they set out at dawn. I expect the birds were in full voice - maybe they heard a cuckoo, or a woodpecker. Perhaps they would have startled a hare along the way, or a fox, or a badger, or a hedgehog, maybe even a deer. I expect the hedges were bursting with may blossom, & the verges frothing with cow parsley. I expect the trees were laden with chestnut flowers, & the pastures strewn with dandelions & buttercups.

I can only imagine the growing excitement as home drew nearer - their weary, aching muscles finding new energy for the last few miles. I can only imagine the scene waiting for them in the tiny village where my Grandparents kept the post office - the post office where one of my mother's earliest memories had been standing on a chair to help her father count the farthings & ha'pennies at the end of each day, where as she grew older she was allowed to help weigh out the pounds of butter, sugar & flour, where her mother had taught her to cook & sew & knit, & her father had taught her to paint.

Perhaps my Grandfather would have been sitting at the kitchen table, poring over the jubilant reports in the special Victory Edition of the newspaper - the very paper in which he had won £100 in a crossword competition that had paid for my Mum's college fees. Perhaps my Grandmother was eking out the last of the tea leaves, feeling hopeful that soon they would be freely available again & she would be able to make their morning cuppa as strong as they liked.

I can only imagine the looks on their faces as my mother burst in the door, the hugs & kisses & tears that would have followed. I don't know how they would have spent the day. I don't know what time Mum would have had to set out to cycle the 30 miles back to Norwich, or how she would have found the energy to make that return journey - but I know she felt it was worth the effort. It's a story she has loved to tell me many times over the years; it's a memory so deeply ingrained that even the fog of dementia has so far been unable to take it from her; it's a story I will always cherish.

Irene Kennedy recalls her own journey on VE Day

That was a lovely true story and very like mine. I was on holiday with my best friend Paddy and her parents on Canvey Island. When the announcement was made we were horrified to be away from London and all our friends. We decided to cycle home that morning (my friends parents had gone out for the day) we left a note saying what we intended to do ( we were eventually forgiven for the worry we had given them). It was quite a long and frightening journey, especially cycling through Blackwall tunnel but we made it home much to the delight of my Mother and Father. And later got ourselves all dressed up to go to the celebration dance at the Town Hall. I lost my dearest friend Paddy this year and so miss her but I still have very happy memories not only of that day but the years that followed .

Word for this week– Revd Jonathan Hawkins

Love your neighbour as yourself

“Love your neighbour as yourself.” A tough challenge at any time, but especially as ‘lockdown’ continues, albeit with some recent slight easing. The gospel reading for Sunday 17th May is from the gospel of John, chapter 14, verses 15 to 21 which starts:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever.” Now, we are regularly reminded in our services of two commandments, that we should love the Lord our God and our neighbour as yourself and that brought to mind the question “Just how are we doing in the regard in the present time?”

‘Lockdown’ has meant a complete rethink about how we continue to be church when we cannot meet together as we are used to doing. But we are continuing to meet in new and different ways and that while it is challenging is also exciting as we have been able to reach out to people in different and new ways.

Our Sunday services and other videos are on our YouTube channel and were watched for a total of 152 hours in April, which bearing in mind very few people watch the whole of a video, that is a lot of people who have dipped in to see what we are up to! So we can worship, virtually in our own homes but knowing others are doing exactly the same. We can also pray. There is a regular Monday to Friday, short prayer meeting on Zoom at 9am, to which people across the benefice are joining in, so while we are apart, we continue to pray together!

As I write this, we are in Christian Aid week and normally we support this charity in its worldwide work by collecting for them. While this is not as easy as usual as we cannot go from door to door, we have seen new initiatives to raise money across the benefice with the young people of Haddenham climbing their stairs to the equivalent height of Mt Kilimanjaro and in Cuddington they are climbing Everest, all with the aim of showing love for our neighbour.

Much effort is being made to ensure that as far as possible, those in need at this time are being kept in contact with. You can imagine that this is not easy and some will regrettably be missed, but this is where you and I come in as we can all chat to a neighbour, keeping well apart of course, and we can telephone others to see how individuals are doing and if they have any needs.

May God bless you in your efforts to regularly worship and pray and as you continue in acts of kindness and generosity, demonstrating your love and the love of God for your neighbours.

Jonathan, Revd Jonathan Hawkins

CA Prayer

Our Church Building & St Mary’s Centre

During the last few weeks, whilst our buildings have not been used, we have been able to safely carry out some improvement works. Electrical inspections and repairs, where necessary, have been carried out both in the church and in the Centre.

Kitchen 1 We have refurbished the Upstairs Kitchen in the centre and hope you will agree that it looks fabulous. What an improvement! Many thanks to Steve Misseldine for this work.

This week the Marmoleum flooring that was kindly donated is being fitted in the hallways at St Mary’s centre—photos to follow next week.

Font

The lovely font outside the church was looking very sad and Lizzie has kindly taken this in hand, with some pretty planting.

We will have another photo in a couple of weeks when it’s in full bloom.

A BIG THANK YOU to all those who are helping to keep an eye on the church building and especially to David Morris who is carrying out regular internal inspections.

Morning Prayer Outline

The meeting ID and password below remain the same for each day

To Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75288113640?pwd=NlJSRmF4aUtlVHlJRHVpUFdjR3luUT09
Meeting ID: 752 8811 3640 Password: 1Xe8iB

Leader Blessed are you, creator of all, to you be praise and glory for ever.

As your dawn renews the face of the earth bringing light and life to all creation,

may we rejoice in this day you have made; as we wake refreshed from the depths of sleep,

open our eyes to behold your presence and strengthen our hands to do your will, that the world may rejoice and give you praise.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All Blessed be God for ever.

Leader The night has passed, and the day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind.

Silence is kept.

As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, so may the light of your presence, O God, set our hearts on fire with love for you; now and for ever.

All Amen.

Bible readings

A Psalm is read together and the Bible readings for the day are read by volunteers

Intercessions

We pray for:

for the day and its tasks

for the world and its needs

for the church and her life

Anyone can pray during this time. Give space to be quiet and feel comfortable with times of silence. If you have not prayed aloud before don’t worry if it is not that eloquent – God understands!

Intercessions end with the Lord’s Prayer

All Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever.

Amen.

Leader Let us go into the world bearing the Good News of the Kingdom.

All Let us go with Christ’s peace in our hearts.

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May 8th 2020

Friday 8th May is VE day, the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. In our present situation, most celebrations are cancelled, but many people are finding ways to mark the occasion. There are lots of suggestions online, if you are looking for ideas, including the Nationwide Stay at Home Street Party. In the midst of such celebrations, let us not forget those who sacrificed everything, and observe the two minutes silence at 11 am, on our doorsteps. For those who want to do more, at 3pm Churchill’s speech will be shown on BBC and at 9pm there will be a sing-a-long with the Royal British Legion after the Queen’s address.

Please use the following link for Revd Phil Groves VE Day 75 Service

There will also be two VE day services with Revd Phil Groves available on the

Wychert Vale Benefice

Church at Home

Please see Wychert Vale Benefice for Canon Phil Groves leading worship and prayers for adults and children, do have a look at Peter’s story. Also featured this week are two video reflections; a Bible Study by David Robinson on 1 Corinthians 16 and a video version of last week’s “Word for the Week” by Revd Trish Mander.

Christian Aid

It is Christian Aid week from May 10th—16th. There will not be any house to house collections this year but please visit the Christian Aid Website to find out how you can donate. Also see below, in the note from Tricia, details of some local initiatives.

For our Young Families — from Tricia Stradling Hugh

Much love to you all from the Stradling family where some of us are keeping busy;

We are trying to keep some contact with the many families who attend Cafeplus+ through weekly emails with suggestions about crafts and activities that they might like to do as families together. Messy Church is producing weekly resources which are an excellent way for families to think, create and pray together while having lots of fun. This week is on the subject of Peace to fit in with VE Day. You can find what might be done here . Please pray for families as parents juggle working from home with home schooling or are working in essential services, many of them in hospitals or caring roles.

Mums with babies and toddlers are finding things very difficult at the moment as they cannot get out to meet with other parents at Parent and Toddler groups or use play equipment in the parks. Please pray for them.

Next week is Christian Aid week but without the usual fundraising collections. The idea of ‘Climbing Kilimanjaro – one stair at a time’ has been suggested. This would see families climbing their stairs at home so that, between all the participants, the equivalent of Kilimanjaro is climbed. It is 19,340ft tall, which is the equivalent to 31,000 stairs!! There would be a link to a Christian Aid Just Giving page but families would not specifically be expected to seek sponsorship in the present climate of uncertainty, although any funds for Christian Aid would be very welcome. There are still details to be worked out so further progress reports may appear.

Children’s Church Update—from Philippa Blowfield

Children’s Church is continuing its theme of LIFE’s CHALLENGES, using Google classroom which the children are used to from doing their homework online. The next character from The Bible we are exploring , who faced challenges, is RUTH. She faced bereavement and separation and her story is one of devotion, loyalty and perseverance. What amazing qualities to have and for such a time as we are currently living in. Please see details of the videos and challenges about RUTH on the website. If you would like to take a photo of your creations to be uploaded onto the website, please email pictures to dianne.brackley@haddenhamstmarys.org If you know anyone who might like to be in touch with the Children’s Church team then please email Philippa at pblowfield@doctors.org.uk

Word for this week– Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

Some stories really matter

May 8th is the 75th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe 1945). Commemorations have been massively disrupted by the Covid 19 epidemic. But TV and radio will remind us of the stories. What were the most remarkable aspects or incidents in that story? I might think that after the frightening surge of Nazi forces across so much of Europe, we might suggest – the recovery of such large numbers of allied troops from Dunkirk (May-June 1940) with its extraordinary effect on morale

or, the achievements of RAF Fighter Command (and all the support staff) in the aerial Battle of Britain over southern England (Summer 1940) which prevented the planned invasion

or, the hubris of Hitler in then taking the risk of turning East to attack the vast expanses of Russia

or, the full-scale entry of the USA into the war following the assault on Pearl Harbour (Dec 1941)

or, the largest amphibious invasion in history on the Normandy beaches (1944) D-Day

I asked three people which story they thought most remarkable –

· a teenager said the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-3) with its appalling casualties, but arguably its significance as a turning point for Europe

· a man who is involved in social and economic policy said the UK national election in 1945 when Attlee replaced Churchill as Prime Minister and introduced unprecedented social reform

· a historian said the survival of a democratic Britain after many months when it seemed very alone, desperate and almost beyond hope

Stories matter – in families too. Its good to keep sharing them across the generations, often with letters, photos and film, as well as telephone and Facetime etc. Stories of family highlights, celebrations and achievements, but also of sad and challenging times. Especially we need to revisit good stories at this difficult present time!

Stories play a major role in the Bible – about Israel (OT), Jesus (gospels) and the Early Church (rest of NT). What do you think are the most remarkable aspects or incidents in these stories? They have been treasured and significant for many centuries throughout the world. It might be good to ask others this question – especially about Jesus, arguably the greatest story ever told.

God bless you - Gordon Kuhrt (Ven Dr GW Kuhrt)

Prayer

Our Father, Cornflowers

Thank you for the liberty preserved in this country through the 2nd World War and specially commemorated this day.

May we use this liberty for the good of all.

We pray for those throughout the world who are trapped in any kind of oppression or abuse.

We pray for compassion, freedom, healing and justice.

In the name of Jesus.

Amen

On the buses!!

With thanks to Chris Headlong

As most of us are not currently using bus services you may not have noticed that your bus pass has expired!! Could be a nasty shock when lock down is over and you are looking forward to your first outing and …! They expire on your birthday so check the year. You can renew up to 90 days before and 180 days after and it’s really easy. Call the automated renewal line on 01296 873011. You will need your old bus pass and your National Insurance number.

Notes from Tim and Kirsten Shaw’s allotment

MiIdew and other matters

The Old Testament book of Leviticus contains a number of laws and warnings about how to deal with mildew on clothing, leather and other materials. Once it has appeared it is difficult to clean or remove and for a nomadic people, reliant on tent material and clothing for protection allowing mildew to spread unchecked would have caused real problems. It is the same for the allotment holder today. American Gooseberry mildew - Podosphaera mors-uvae - used to be a serious problem for commercial growers before the introduction of the resistant UK developed cultivar called Invicta sometime in the 1970s. The powdery white mildew appears on young berries and shoots in early summer (see photo) and for those of us who grow older varieties such as 'Lancashire Lad' - a lovely red dessert gooseberry, it remains a problem and, surprisingly, more of an issue in dry weather than wet. Gooseberries

So the recent run of dry sunny weather whilst the gooseberries were flowering and sending out their new growth has seen the appearance of gooseberry mildew on my 'Lancashire Lad' bush. What can you do about it? Unlike the book of Leviticus I need not get a priest to examine the bushes; the fruit will develop - the mould can be washed off but will have brown patches and will discolour on cooking. The affected shoots will need to be cut back and burnt. There are a number of fungicide sprays available but not to the organic grower like me. Prevention is always better than cure and the answer is that I haven't been severe enough with my pruning over winter - the bush has become very dense which keeps stagnant air trapped within the leaves and shoots which has encouraged growth of the mildew. Washing the bushes with a 10:1 concentration of water to wood ash is an old remedy but it is the rigorous pruning of the bush to an open shape which is the key protection I have missed.

Elsewhere, this week's low overnight temperatures have seen frenzied activity in the evening earthing up soil to protect the young shoots of potatoes and dahlias emerging from the ground. You only need the temperature to fall to just under 4 degrees C for this to be a problem for such tender plants. The mean last frost time for this area is the middle of May so it's not unexpected - you just have to watch the weather very carefully right now!

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May 1st 2020

Online Links

The Diocese of Oxford has a wonderful choice of services which you can find via the following link ;

Oxford Diocese Livestream

If you know anyone who does not have internet access Church at Home services from the Diocese of Oxford can now be accessed by telephone. Dial 01865 920930 to hear the latest service (press 0= short service, 1= full service). Normal call rates apply.

Canon Phil Groves will be leading worship opportunities using the following link ;

Wychert Vale Benefice

There is a beautiful Prayer Walk – a Reflection on walking with Jesus, with photos from Eythrope estate near Stone. If you haven’t already, do have a look at the brilliant Easter photos.

Revd Jonathan Hawkins will be leading Daily Morning Prayers online via Zoom, which everyone is very welcome to join. Meetings are scheduled to start at 9am and run for 15-20 minutes, Monday to Friday. Words for the order of service are at the bottom of this notice-sheet. Please have a bible to hand to follow the daily reading which will be given out each day.

The meeting ID and password below remain the same for each day
To Join Zoom Meeting https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75288113640?pwd=NlJSRmF4aUtlVHlJRHVpUFdjR3luUT09
Meeting ID: 752 8811 3640 Password: 1Xe8iB

To encourage you, see below a message from our Administrator, Julie; “Getting through each day can seem daunting, very long and often lonely for many of us. Our inner strength has been weakened and our individual worlds have changed shape. This morning I joined the Morning Prayers - through Zoom and found the encouragement of God through praying with others. My notebook for work has a short verse on each page and today it was " but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength" Isaiah 40: 31. As we pray each day for others who are in great difficulty we are reminded that God is with us and we will lean on Him for courage and wisdom in these uncertain times.”

Word for this week—Revd Trish Mander

“How are you?” “How are you doing?” Whether in phone conversations, or greetings called out across the street, hopefully these are questions we’re asking each other, as this strange time continues, The response to the enquiries is more often than not “fine thanks”. Well we’re British after all!

Hopefully “fine thanks” is a truthful answer, but it may not tell the whole story. We wouldn’t be human if we were fine the whole time.

Lockdown is a strange phenomenon, not something we’ve ever experienced before and it doesn’t come naturally. We are now several weeks in, and it’s perhaps a good time to ask ourselves “How am I doing?” It’s a question the writers of the psalms appear to have asked themselves, and the Psalms we have today are their honest answers.

King David’s psalms are often cries from an anguished heart when life feels really tough. David tells it the way it is, whether good or bad. It is this honesty, which speaks powerfully, and can encourage us to be honest too.

Bishop Steven, at the start of the pandemic, encouraged us all to read Psalm 23 each day throughout the crisis. As it happens, it is also one of the readings set for this Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Easter, and one aspect of its rich wisdom is particularly timely for us at this point, in this strangest of Easters.

Throughout these last weeks, as we’ve read David’s psalm, we’ve been thinking about the Lord’s presence with us, and drawing great comfort and strength from that, but David goes further. He describes not just the Lord’s presence, but also what the Lord does: - “He restores my soul”.

David knew God as the One who “restores”, with all the re-creative fullness of life and well-being that the translated word carries with it.

Well-being is talked about increasingly in our contemporary culture. Recognising its importance is sometimes considered a recent idea, but the Bible leaves us in no doubt that the well-being of His children has always been at the heart of God’s plans from Creation onwards.

Creation itself holds keys to understanding two vital aspects of wellbeing. Firstly our God is a Creator God and we are made in His image, made to be creative, and secondly He is a God of relationship and we too are made to be in relationship.

These two aspects of well-being are really important for us at the moment.

Firstly being creative - You might think, “Oh I’m not creative” but the truth is we are all creative in different ways. There are all sorts of ways of being creative: obvious ones like the arts; making music; painting and drawing; writing; cooking; gardening; digging; decorating; to perhaps less obvious ones like cleaning; tidying; turning out a cupboard; singing a song; doing a jigsaw; to name just a few. Anything that builds up, or brings beauty, improves an environment, or encourages, can be creative. Asking God to show us ways to be creative lifts our spirits and keeps us in step with His plans for our well-being.

Secondly, being in relationship - We may not be able to see and spend time with those we love, but we can still be in relationship. Let’s do all we can to encourage ourselves and one another by making those phone calls, by joining in with some of the online services of worship, and using everything available to us to keep growing in relationship, both with one another and with our Lord. We are made for relationship.

This morning was the first time since the lockdown began that my daily exercise walk has involved an umbrella! As I walked up the lane I could almost sense the relief of the hedgerows and gardens as the much needed rain fell steadily. The wonderfully sunny Spring weather we’ve been enjoying has been a great blessing, but nature needs restoring, and so do we.

So as lockdown continues, let’s walk closely with the Lord, asking Him to show us how to grow in His image , by being creative and by growing the relationships He has given us, and allow Him to restore our souls.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Come creator Spirit, source of life,

sustain us when our hearts are heavy and our wells have run dry.

Heavenly Father, strengthen us with your creative purpose, and fill our hearts afresh with love for you and one another,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Notes from Tim and Kirsten Shaw’s allotment

Out with the old and in with the new.

Allotment 1

It's a busy time of year on the allotment for gardeners and in terms of organising the growing beds, it's juggling the space between older crops such as leeks, purple-sprouting broccoli, swiss chard and over wintered brassicas and spinach with the new plants which need to go into the ground now - summer cabbages, beetroot, peas, broad beans, early leeks, potatoes, shallots and onions. We try not to leave ground uncovered for long so as soon at the winter brassicas come out, the bed will get a thick layer of compost and then be quickly planted up with the next crop.

In the greenhouse, the over-winter salad greens are coming out to make way for tomato plants and, in due course, cucumbers and peppers. It's always a risky calculation at this time of year to know when to plant in an un-heated greenhouse - but it looks like my early tomato plants are going to make it this year - unlike last when I lost the lot due to a late frost.

In the fruit area, the flowers on the top fruit have been superb this year with an unbroken run of sunny days throughout the pear and apple blossom period. Nipping out the occasional fruiting spur showing signs of powdery mildew has been the only job needed during flowering. A couple of pot grown blackcurrant bushes have gone into the ground this week filling up a space in the bush fruit area; a little late maybe but better late than sitting in pots over the summer.

One of the greatest delights at this time of year is the forced rhubarb - created by throwing an inverted dustbin over the rhubarb crowns in February forcing them to grow in the absence of light; making them tender, sweet and redder than those grown in daylight.

This week's photo shows late harvested leeks - variety 'Blue Solaise' and forced rhubarb 'Victoria' - the old and the new.

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April 24th 2020

Online Links

The Diocese of Oxford has a wonderful choice of services which you can find via the following link ;

Oxford Diocese Livestream

Canon Phil Groves will be leading Daily Prayer and Holy Communion, using the following link ;

Wychert Vale Benefice

The theme for this Sunday’s Service is Thomas the Believer. Phil will be posting an all-age communion service.

Don’t forget to have a look at the brilliant Easter photos, and other Easter activities to see what people have been up to.

Word for this week

The Gospel reading set for the principal service on the 26th is Luke 24.13–35. It tells us about the two disciples of Jesus on the road to Emmaus following the execution of Jesus, how they met a man who opened their eyes to the scriptures and who they at last recognised as Jesus in the breaking and blessing of the bread they were sharing as part of their meal.

As I read this passage, I was struck by the way Jesus spoke to the disciples and what he said to them: “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?”

Sunday the 26th, in the church calendar is referred to as the ‘Third Sunday of Easter.’ Easter Day is a very special day when we celebrate the rising of Christ from the grave, his victory over death. The great event which gives each one of us hope for our own eternal life in the presence of our God. Our hope for the future.

Two weeks on from celebrating on that day it is hard to retain in one’s heart the joy that Easter Day brings – especially this year as we find ourselves, still in ‘Lockdown’ and unable to meet and greet as we would wish. Easter brings us hope! At the time of writing we have just been informed that the ‘Lockdown’ has been extended for a further three weeks and talk of easing of the restrictions has taken a back seat for the time being. Hope of freedom of movement has been deferred, but we still hope!

As our Queen recently said: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”

And we should also continue to find joy in our hearts from the event of Easter Day, when Jesus rose from the dead. We should not be slow to heed the words spoken by Jesus to his disciples, to accept what was declared - the victory over death! The Bible is not called ‘The Good News’ for nothing! Read it, especially the passages around the resurrection that can be found Matthew Chapter 28, Mark Chapter 16, Luke Chapter 25 and John Chapters 20 and 21.

May the ‘Good News’ that you find there be a blessing to you and uphold you through these difficult times.

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Assistant Area Dean

Easter Prayer

Heavenly Father,

In your love for us all, you enabled the first disciples to see the Risen Jesus, and to pass on the Good News of the Risen Lord with joyful hearts.

May we grow in appreciating the wonder of Jesus’ presence with us, and may this lift our heads and our hearts as we go forward with Him.

In the precious name of Jesus,

Amen

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07710 264009 , Tricia 07932 626027

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D458224.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

There is a new hotline for non-prescription items from the pharmacy shop 07592 088180; 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, you can email or use the main pharmacy number.

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles remain open for petrol, servicing and MOT’s 8am—6pm.

Morrisons have introduced a service for vulnerable adults. Phone 0345 61116111. You choose from a list of 47 essentials they read to you eg bananas, apples etc. They then deliver quickly, usually next day.

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April 17th 2020

Online Links

The Diocese of Oxford has a wonderful choice of services which you can find via the following link ;

Oxford Diocese Livestream

We have just heard the announcement following the meeting of SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies), that the current restrictions are to remain in place. Let’s give thanks that these measures are being effective and do all we can to encourage one another as we go forward into the coming weeks. Gordon’s message to us this week reminds us of the certainty on which our faith is built. We stand on the sure and certain hope which is at the heart of this Easter season.

Word for this week— I will not believe it

So said Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, often nicknamed “Doubting Thomas”. Some people seem to think that doubt or scepticism is a fairly recent thing linked to the remarkable discoveries of modern science. But here in Thomas is an example from many centuries earlier (John 20.25).

But I just wonder whether many people do not quite put it as bluntly as that. Many perhaps have a vague belief that Jesus was executed but then came back to life on the third day – and the tomb was indeed empty. But it is all a bit vague, and not transformative for their world-view or their life-style. Actually, the evidence is remarkable ;

· of an empty tomb, and the Roman authorities unable to produce his body

· of the transformation of the followers of Jesus from distress and fear to excitement and courage – and as they looked back on the two or three years of his teaching and activity, they were struck

· by the character of Jesus, and his determination to fulfil the ministry and role of God’s suffering servant (see Isaiah 53) who would rescue God’s people through a new covenant.

· how his promise of the Spirit flowered at Pentecost and brought a new power and purpose. This led to an extraordinary and rapid growth in the number of the followers of Jesus all round the Mediterranean Sea and eastward as far as India – all within a generation or so, during which time it was often very dangerous to be named a Christian. And they were convinced.

Christ is risen

He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

In the light of all this, I have to tell you – I find it very difficult NOT to believe!

A bit later Thomas changed his mind – and I gladly echo his words to the risen Jesus “My Lord and my God” (John 20.28).

Ven Dr Gordon Kuhrt

An Easter Prayer

Lord, please increase our faith, our hope, our love –

Faith that enables us to face both life and death calm and unafraid.

Hope that grasps God’s promises about things unseen and eternal.

Love that binds us more closely to one another. Amen.

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013 , Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07710 264009 , Tricia 07932 626027

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D458224.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

There is a new hotline for non-prescription items from the pharmacy shop 07592 088180; 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, you can email or use the main pharmacy number.

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles remain open for petrol, servicing and MOT’s 8am—6pm.

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April 9th 2020

Online Links

The Diocese of Oxford will be livestreaming services during Easter weekend, which includes a Maundy Thursday evening service at 8:15pm. The link for this and all the Diocesan services is;

Oxford Diocese Livestream

On Good Friday at 11am, a Churches Together in Haddenham service, will be led by the Baptist church. Please use the following link;

CTiH Good Friday Service

Canon Phil Groves will continue with regular Prayers online and a special Easter Sunday service. These and all services available at Wychert Vale can be found on the Benefice website and St Mary’s website.

You will also find a link to Easter Bunting, a brilliant activity package for Holy Week, ideal for sharing with family and especially children, as well as the Story of the Rainbow in the Sky, a story for kids.

http://www.wychertvale.org

https://www.haddenhamstmarys.org/newwelcome.htm

And if you haven’t already read it, Ven Gordon Kuhrt has written an Easter article, use the following link; This Easter

Word for this week

“When this is all over…” is a phrase being used quite frequently at the moment.

They are words that indicate a looking forward, and a confidence that troubled times will, with the passage of time, be overcome. They are words being used by families and friends as they look to the future and promise each other actual, rather than virtual, get-togethers and hugs, and as they look forward to getting together for a meal, or just being able to meet up and go to the pub. Thoughts like these are a great comfort and help to give us strength and purpose and keep us looking forward.

Her Majesty The Queen, in her address to the nation spoke of the future and the time when we will look back on this crisis and reflect on what it will say about us as a nation. Her Majesty encouraged us to be “united and resolute” and made clear that the way we respond will “define our present and our future”.

The notion of present and future is very much part of the 23rd Psalm, recognising that paying attention to both is important for our wellbeing. The psalm reminds us first that God is with us in the present, whether the present time is quiet and peaceful or dark and challenging, God is with us. He is with us this week as we journey through the uncertainty of this present valley.

This Holy Week is like no other we have known. How will we journey through these next days leading up to Easter? How will this define our present?

This is an unprecedented Holy Week, but we do not walk it alone. Our Lord, The Shepherd, is present with us, and is calling us to be present with Him.

These next days provide us with a unique opportunity to allow our faith to grow stronger as we join together in walking closely with Jesus. Some links to the services and resources that may help us in this can be found above.

We have the opportunity to draw close, to reflect again on the events of Maundy Thursday and the Last Supper, and to stay close through the desolation and darkness of Good Friday, to hear and see, and in our minds’ eyes to be there, present with Him, on the way to the cross and beyond.

As we do so we will open our hearts to begin to appreciate just a fragment more of the enormity of His immeasurable love and his stop-at-nothing desire and determination to bring us to the future He has and wants for us.

Taking this opportunity to be present with Jesus will strengthen our awareness and certainty of His presence with us as we journey on, growing our faith, and defining our future.

The last few verses of Psalm 23, have both a present and a lifelong focus. They speak of a table spread, a cup overflowing, a host providing lavishly for his guest, a glimpse of a feast that the Lord prepares. As our journey with Jesus brings us to the glorious climax of Easter Day, may we be united in celebrating together the wonder of the Easter Feast.

Knowing He is Risen, may we be united and resolute in living out the Easter message of sure and certain hope, as we share our lives with our community, and may this be what defines both our present and our future.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all as we approach this Easter together.

With love and prayers,

Trish

Revd. Trish Mander, Associate Minister, Wychert Vale Benefice

Prayer

Come now and dwell with us Lord Christ Jesus;

hear our prayer and be with us always.

And when you come in your glory:

make us to be one with you

and to share the life of your kingdom.

Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse Foodbank

This foodbank is now opening every day Monday to Saturday 10am-12pm to provide emergency food supplies to people in the area, including our villages, who are struggling financially to feed themselves and their families. The Vineyard Church is in Gatehouse Close Aylesbury HP19 8DN – turning near the Toyota garage on A41 Gatehouse Road. This is a drop-in service. You do not need a food voucher or an appointment and all who are in financial hardship are welcome. For further information, or if you need food but cannot get there, please contact Chris Headlong on 01844 290694. If you can support the food bank financially to help them buy food you can give on the Vineyard website https://aylvin.ch/give-storehous

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April 3rd 2020

Online Links

You are invited to join Canon Phil Groves in weekday Prayers online, and also a regular Sunday Communion service. These can be found on the Benefice website http://www.wychertvale.org and this website:

A Palm Sunday service from the Diocese of Oxford will livestream at 10am on Sunday and can be watched live or on demand at anytime afterwards; Oxford Diocese Livestream

Details of other services in Holy Week will also be published at the same link.

Word for the week: Palms for Palm Sunday

The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11) marks the start of Holy Week. Jesus came into the city and people cut palm branches and laid them on the ground for him to walk over, a symbol of the King they hoped he would be, and he was, just not the King they expected! Holy Week reminds us of the challenge that Jesus knew he faced, of his struggle in tears in the Garden of Gethsemane and of his death on a cross. Holy Week is a reminder that the great celebration of Easter followed much pain, suffering and torment; our lives were redeemed at a cost.

On Palm Sunday, our children have often made palm branches which they have joyfully paraded round our churches, showing off their creations. Hopefully, the joy of creating and doing will enable children everywhere to once again, create palm branches to wave in parents faces and perhaps over the internet to distant relatives. A quick look on the internet can bring much inspiration and guidance as to how palms can be created with the most simple of materials such as a rolled up newspaper.

In these troubled times of isolation, it is however to a different palm that my thoughts turn. When I think of a palm, I immediately think of the palm of my hands. Those hands that reach out to touch, to bring comfort, aid, sustenance, healing and demonstrate love but which cannot do so now. Those hands that reach out and risk contamination and which we consequently spend much time washing.

When Jesus died, which we remember on Good Friday, he used the words from Psalm 31 “Into your hands I commit my spirit”. He placed his trust in God’s hands. In those words we are reminded that each one of us is loved by God and held in his hands, a place of comfort, safety and peace.

Jesus in his ministry reached out to touch the unclean, to bring healing to those in society infected by leprosy. As we ponder the journey of Christ from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to his death on a cross, let us remember those whose hands continue to reach out to those affected by the Corvid-19 virus, giving thanks for their ministry and praying for their safety, as they seek to bring comfort, aid, sustenance, healing and love which we cannot now do.

May the God of love be with you, uphold you and protect you.

Jonathan

Revd Jonathan Hawkins, Associate Minister and Assistant Area Dean

Jonathan’s word for this week has been recorded and can be seen on the Wychert Vale Benefice website; http://www.wychertvale.org

A Prayer for Our World

God, You alone are worthy of honour, glory and praise. With You, we can overcome every storm—including the global impact COVID-19 is having on our world.

Right now we are asking You to:

· Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not.

· Give our leaders extra wisdom as they navigate this pandemic and economic uncertainty

· Strengthen your global Church. Reveal to us how we can partner together to reach the needs of those around us.

· Calm our fears. Fill us with Your hope, joy and peace as we continue to trust in You.

· Use this pandemic to pave the way for spiritual renewal. We want Your glory, power and healing to be on display.

Come Lord Jesus, come

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Prayer Line

Jenny 01844 290990, Hilary 07954 371013, Loraine 07810 184919

Sally 07780 928583, Chris 07710 264009, Tricia 07932 626027

Useful Community Contacts

Haddenham.net is a mine of information https://www.haddenham.net/

https://www.haddenham.net/doc/supplier-list-D452506.pdf

The Parish Council has set up a Helpline for those who need or can offer help. Please email; help@haddenham-bucks-pc.gov.uk. If you are unable to email the number is; 07760 458079.

JM Vicary Pharmacy are hoping to arrange delivery of repeat prescriptions for those registered, via the Fish Scheme (see below). Please contact the pharmacy; jmwvicary@aol.com or 01844 291960, and for more detail see;

https://www.haddenham.net/newsroom/help-our-pharmacy.html

The Fish Scheme may be able to offer help and collect repeat prescriptions. For more detail contact Jeanne Watt 01844 291337 or Alison Green 01844 292088.

Ivor Miles remain open for petrol, servicing and MOT’s 8am—6pm.

Aylesbury Vineyard Church Storehouse Foodbank

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Weekly News

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March 19th 2021

YOU ARE INVITED

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast; Man never Is, but always To be blest. The soul, uneasy, and confin'd from home, Rests and expatiates in a life to come.”

Christian Aid helps with the urgent, the long-term, and in advocacy.

What about VE Day?

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest.
The soul, uneasy, and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a life to come.”