Wednesday 29th October 2022
Graham Buckle
An extremely youthful sixty
overflowing with high spirits
swimming in the Serpentine
speeding on his bicycle
full-time Vicar of St. Stephen’s
where he minsters and preaches welcoming the London Bishop flying off to New York City
finding time for pastoral care
serving Christians everywhere
Graham’s a fast-moving man
so try and catch him if you can!
Elizabeth Witts for 16 October 2022 on the occasion of Graham's significant birthday
Graham Buckle
An extremely youthful sixty
overflowing with high spirits
swimming in the Serpentine
speeding on his bicycle
full-time Vicar of St. Stephen’s
where he minsters and preaches welcoming the London Bishop flying off to New York City
finding time for pastoral care
serving Christians everywhere
Graham’s a fast-moving man
so try and catch him if you can!
Elizabeth Witts for 16 October 2022 on the occasion of Graham's significant birthday
Wednesday 12th October 2022
John Turpin
Here’s to John, so brave and bold –
today he’s eighty-five years old!
He is a man of many parts,
poet, teacher, photographer,
a gardener of consummate skill,
a connoisseur of cemeteries,
a singer in St. Stephen’s choir,
rehearsing at an early hour,
welcoming the world that comes
to lunch-time concerts at St. John’s.
He is a kind and thoughtful man
helping others when he can,
a loyal friend of many years –
today to John we say Three Cheers!
Elizabeth Witts for 10 October 2022
John Turpin
Here’s to John, so brave and bold –
today he’s eighty-five years old!
He is a man of many parts,
poet, teacher, photographer,
a gardener of consummate skill,
a connoisseur of cemeteries,
a singer in St. Stephen’s choir,
rehearsing at an early hour,
welcoming the world that comes
to lunch-time concerts at St. John’s.
He is a kind and thoughtful man
helping others when he can,
a loyal friend of many years –
today to John we say Three Cheers!
Elizabeth Witts for 10 October 2022
Friday 23rd September 2022
Wednesday 14th September 2022
We are holding a Sung Compline on Sunday evening at 7:45pm at the church, please do join us.
We are holding a Sung Compline on Sunday evening at 7:45pm at the church, please do join us.
Wednesday 7th September 2022
On Sunday, 7th. August, Pat and David Cave returned to the church where Eric James had married them 67 years ago. Previously we had not been since the last service taken by Reindrop who had helped Pat enter the Anglican Church and prepared us for marriage; he had also been the "Sky Pilot" of my ship during the war. We were very happy to have our family with us adding nostalgia to the service. David was introduced to a ringer who knew the lady who taught him to ring in 1946 a time when she gave up some of her petrol ration to teach a band of teenagers. Come to think of it this was God doing the impossible.
David Cave
On Sunday, 7th. August, Pat and David Cave returned to the church where Eric James had married them 67 years ago. Previously we had not been since the last service taken by Reindrop who had helped Pat enter the Anglican Church and prepared us for marriage; he had also been the "Sky Pilot" of my ship during the war. We were very happy to have our family with us adding nostalgia to the service. David was introduced to a ringer who knew the lady who taught him to ring in 1946 a time when she gave up some of her petrol ration to teach a band of teenagers. Come to think of it this was God doing the impossible.
David Cave
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Friday 2nd September 2022
It has been such an amazing year. I have learnt so much over this past year at St Stephen’s church. I have met so many amazing, wonderful and unique children and young people who come from all different walks of life. I am very sorry to say that I have made the hard and challenging decision to leave St Stephen’s due to being offered another job in the area that I would ideally like to be living. I will be doing the same kind of work with the children and young people, just in a different church and a different area. It was so sad to be leaving St Stephen’s last weekend and I am so grateful for all the kind words of encouragement I received form fellow staff members and members of our lovely congregation. God has taught me so much while I was at St Stephen’s and introduced me so many brilliant young people. I will miss the church so much and all the work I did with the children. However, I strongly believe that God has got the church community of St Stephen’s in the palm of His hand and He will be looking after the children and youth ministry at St Stephen’s church. I leave my prayers with you all and wish you the best of luck for the future and hope that God blesses you and your families through this new, academic year.
Kim Philips
(outgoing Youth Apprentice Worker)
Wednesday 3rd August 2022
You may have noticed that, in church at the moment, we are praying a lot for something called The Lambeth Conference. The Lambeth Conference is one of the four main bits of “glue” that keeps the Anglican Communion together since it was founded in 1867. It meets every ten years (with a couple of exceptions) and aims to provide a place where Bishops from all over the world can meet together, share in worship, and discuss important issues of the day. At the end of the conference, what has been decided in response to those issues is shared throughout the Anglican Communion as “resolutions” or “calls.” The resolutions have no legal affect on the churches, but do significantly influence policy throughout the Anglican Communion.
As you may imagine in a time before aeroplanes, the first ever Lambeth Conference in 1867 was quite small – only 76 bishops were present. In contrast, the one taking place in Canterbury at the moment has over 600 bishops from around 165 countries across the world, as well as their spouses and other church representatives. It’s no wonder that in the 1970s, the conference moved from Lambeth Palace itself to the University of Kent in Canterbury! Throughout its 155 year history, the conference has debated issues as wide ranging as Christian Science and spiritualism, sex and sexuality, and the role of women in the church. These debates have not always been easy, and some churches have not sent bishops to Lambeth Conferences because they don’t agree with the stance the Conference takes on certain issues.
The Lambeth Conference may seem either very dry and legalistic, or a source of difficulty and controversy, but it’s an important part of who we are as Christians. Despite being members of the Church of England, we are also part of a worldwide church in the Anglican Communion – one in which we are brothers and sisters in Christ, even when we don’t always agree. On top of that is Jesus’s prayer that his disciples might all be united, that “they might be one” (John 17:22). Jesus didn’t want us to be divided, but we also have to reckon with the pain and distress that Christians have caused one another in the name of our faith.
There are divisions and difficulties within the Anglican Communion that can come further into the light at the Lambeth Conference, but it is also a time that should be governed by one of the most fundamental aspects of being a Christian: hope. This year, the conference will be focusing on 1 Peter, with a theme of all Christians being “Called into hope and holiness in Christ.” Even when we feel stuck in the mire of our disagreements, we can always look up and ahead to the sure and certain hope of God’s kingdom come on earth, and that day when we will all truly be one.
You may have noticed that, in church at the moment, we are praying a lot for something called The Lambeth Conference. The Lambeth Conference is one of the four main bits of “glue” that keeps the Anglican Communion together since it was founded in 1867. It meets every ten years (with a couple of exceptions) and aims to provide a place where Bishops from all over the world can meet together, share in worship, and discuss important issues of the day. At the end of the conference, what has been decided in response to those issues is shared throughout the Anglican Communion as “resolutions” or “calls.” The resolutions have no legal affect on the churches, but do significantly influence policy throughout the Anglican Communion.
As you may imagine in a time before aeroplanes, the first ever Lambeth Conference in 1867 was quite small – only 76 bishops were present. In contrast, the one taking place in Canterbury at the moment has over 600 bishops from around 165 countries across the world, as well as their spouses and other church representatives. It’s no wonder that in the 1970s, the conference moved from Lambeth Palace itself to the University of Kent in Canterbury! Throughout its 155 year history, the conference has debated issues as wide ranging as Christian Science and spiritualism, sex and sexuality, and the role of women in the church. These debates have not always been easy, and some churches have not sent bishops to Lambeth Conferences because they don’t agree with the stance the Conference takes on certain issues.
The Lambeth Conference may seem either very dry and legalistic, or a source of difficulty and controversy, but it’s an important part of who we are as Christians. Despite being members of the Church of England, we are also part of a worldwide church in the Anglican Communion – one in which we are brothers and sisters in Christ, even when we don’t always agree. On top of that is Jesus’s prayer that his disciples might all be united, that “they might be one” (John 17:22). Jesus didn’t want us to be divided, but we also have to reckon with the pain and distress that Christians have caused one another in the name of our faith.
There are divisions and difficulties within the Anglican Communion that can come further into the light at the Lambeth Conference, but it is also a time that should be governed by one of the most fundamental aspects of being a Christian: hope. This year, the conference will be focusing on 1 Peter, with a theme of all Christians being “Called into hope and holiness in Christ.” Even when we feel stuck in the mire of our disagreements, we can always look up and ahead to the sure and certain hope of God’s kingdom come on earth, and that day when we will all truly be one.
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O God, by your grace and Spirit you have raised up
witnesses and servants in many lands and cultures: Pour out your blessing upon the churches and provinces of the Anglican Communion, and upon their leaders as they gather for fellowship in the Lambeth Conference, that their diversity may enrich their common witness and service to the honor and glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Revd Helena Bickley-Percival (Curate) |
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Wednesday 27th July 2022
This week's devotion from our vicar Revd Graham Buckle in New York.
Please do join us this Sunday 31st July 7pm on Zoom as we speak to Graham about his reflections as he nears the end of his stay at Holy Trinity, New York. For all details please see here.
This week's devotion from our vicar Revd Graham Buckle in New York.
Please do join us this Sunday 31st July 7pm on Zoom as we speak to Graham about his reflections as he nears the end of his stay at Holy Trinity, New York. For all details please see here.
Wednesday 20th July 2022
Another update from our vicar Revd Graham Buckle from New York, where he has been at our link parish Holy Trinity for the past 3 weeks.
Our amazing year 6's having a blast here at St Stephen's singing along to Little Mix
Wednesday 13th July 2022
It has been such a rollercoaster of a year this year. I can’t believe we are near to the end of the academic year of 2022. It is a very exciting and yet very emotional time. Especially for those families who are watching and journeying with their children and young people who are leaving their Primary or Secondary schools. I have spent a lot of time with the year 6’s in our community over the last couple of weeks and I am beyond amazed of the strength all of these young people have exhibited. There are a lot of nerves circulating amongst our young people and rightly so. They are about to leave the school they have known their whole lives, to be plunged into a new one where all the other students are older than them and very experienced with secondary school. They are showing wonderful signs of bravery, courage and a willingness to take on this new chapter. Let’s keep our young people in our prayers at this very sad and emotional time. For only God has the strength to truly understand how each child is feeling and how exactly to comfort them in this challenging time. Let’s also not forget their families who must be feeling as nervous and anxious as their children are. Their strength and support will be carrying all our young people in such a way that only families can provide. To all the year 6’s in our community, you are amazing and so very strong. Whenever times get hard, remember how you are loved by God and fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. We here at St Stephen’s are always around if you need any kind of support.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. Psalm 139: 14
Kim Phillips
Youth Apprentice Worker
It has been such a rollercoaster of a year this year. I can’t believe we are near to the end of the academic year of 2022. It is a very exciting and yet very emotional time. Especially for those families who are watching and journeying with their children and young people who are leaving their Primary or Secondary schools. I have spent a lot of time with the year 6’s in our community over the last couple of weeks and I am beyond amazed of the strength all of these young people have exhibited. There are a lot of nerves circulating amongst our young people and rightly so. They are about to leave the school they have known their whole lives, to be plunged into a new one where all the other students are older than them and very experienced with secondary school. They are showing wonderful signs of bravery, courage and a willingness to take on this new chapter. Let’s keep our young people in our prayers at this very sad and emotional time. For only God has the strength to truly understand how each child is feeling and how exactly to comfort them in this challenging time. Let’s also not forget their families who must be feeling as nervous and anxious as their children are. Their strength and support will be carrying all our young people in such a way that only families can provide. To all the year 6’s in our community, you are amazing and so very strong. Whenever times get hard, remember how you are loved by God and fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. We here at St Stephen’s are always around if you need any kind of support.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well. Psalm 139: 14
Kim Phillips
Youth Apprentice Worker
Wednesday 6th July 2022
A video from our vicar Graham in New York!
A video from our vicar Graham in New York!
Wednesday 29th June 2022
Saying goodbye/farewell/so-long is always difficult and comes with so much “stuff” we have to process. I write this Daily Devotion as I am about to leave for New York City to look after our link parish, the Church of the Holy Trinity for a month whilst John is on Sabbatical. But it also comes on the back of having to say goodbye to our wonderful bursar Alison last Sunday morning, and Kevin and Jackie who are moving to Bexleyheath in the evening.
I found I had a mixture of emotions, for whilst pleased for them personally, I was sad to be seeing them take their leave - though I am sure we will be still seeing them occasionally, but obviously in a different capacity. So we bid them well and send them off with our prayers and love, as I do you. I shall miss St Stephen's very much, but look forward to seeing you all in August and hope to send you some updates and videos which we shall upload to our Weekly Devotion.
Of course, one of the things which we as Christians have at our disposal is prayer. It was a powerful thing on Sunday to pray for and with those who were leaving. And as part of our weekly devotion this week I would like to share with you what we prayed with Alison at the morning’s eucharist. Please use it and perhaps pray it for those moments of your leave taking of various things and places. God bless and see you all soon friends
Revd Graham Buckle, Vicar
God of our beginnings and endings,
we celebrate all we have shared with Alison
and ask your blessing as she continues her journey.
May the love that is in our hearts
be a bond that unites us forever,
wherever we may be.
May the power of your presence
bless this moment of our leave-taking;
this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
The following RESPONSE may be prayed; Congregation [St S], Alison [A].
[St S] As you journey onward,
we ask forgiveness where we have failed you;
we give thanks for all you have given us;
we assure you of our love and prayers.
[A] As I leave, I ask forgiveness where I have failed you;
leaving I give thanks for all that you have given to me;
I assure you of my love and prayers.
[St S] As you experience the pain of change,
and the insecurity of moving on,
we pray that you may also experience
the blessing of inner growth.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
[St S] As you meet the poor, the pained,
and the stranger on the Way,
we pray that you may see in each one
the face of Christ.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
[St S] As you walk through the good times and the bad,
we pray that you may never lose sight
of the shelter of God's loving arms.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
[St S] As you ponder your decisions
and wonder over the fruits of your choice,
we pray that the peace of Christ
may reign in your heart.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
We praise and thank you, God of the journey,
for our sister Alison who is soon to leave us.
We entrust her into your loving care,
knowing that you are always the faithful traveller
and companion on the Way.
Shelter and protect her from all harm and anxiety.
Grant her the courage to meet the future,
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Saying goodbye/farewell/so-long is always difficult and comes with so much “stuff” we have to process. I write this Daily Devotion as I am about to leave for New York City to look after our link parish, the Church of the Holy Trinity for a month whilst John is on Sabbatical. But it also comes on the back of having to say goodbye to our wonderful bursar Alison last Sunday morning, and Kevin and Jackie who are moving to Bexleyheath in the evening.
I found I had a mixture of emotions, for whilst pleased for them personally, I was sad to be seeing them take their leave - though I am sure we will be still seeing them occasionally, but obviously in a different capacity. So we bid them well and send them off with our prayers and love, as I do you. I shall miss St Stephen's very much, but look forward to seeing you all in August and hope to send you some updates and videos which we shall upload to our Weekly Devotion.
Of course, one of the things which we as Christians have at our disposal is prayer. It was a powerful thing on Sunday to pray for and with those who were leaving. And as part of our weekly devotion this week I would like to share with you what we prayed with Alison at the morning’s eucharist. Please use it and perhaps pray it for those moments of your leave taking of various things and places. God bless and see you all soon friends
Revd Graham Buckle, Vicar
God of our beginnings and endings,
we celebrate all we have shared with Alison
and ask your blessing as she continues her journey.
May the love that is in our hearts
be a bond that unites us forever,
wherever we may be.
May the power of your presence
bless this moment of our leave-taking;
this we ask for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.
The following RESPONSE may be prayed; Congregation [St S], Alison [A].
[St S] As you journey onward,
we ask forgiveness where we have failed you;
we give thanks for all you have given us;
we assure you of our love and prayers.
[A] As I leave, I ask forgiveness where I have failed you;
leaving I give thanks for all that you have given to me;
I assure you of my love and prayers.
[St S] As you experience the pain of change,
and the insecurity of moving on,
we pray that you may also experience
the blessing of inner growth.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
[St S] As you meet the poor, the pained,
and the stranger on the Way,
we pray that you may see in each one
the face of Christ.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
[St S] As you walk through the good times and the bad,
we pray that you may never lose sight
of the shelter of God's loving arms.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
[St S] As you ponder your decisions
and wonder over the fruits of your choice,
we pray that the peace of Christ
may reign in your heart.
[A] I know that God goes with me.
We praise and thank you, God of the journey,
for our sister Alison who is soon to leave us.
We entrust her into your loving care,
knowing that you are always the faithful traveller
and companion on the Way.
Shelter and protect her from all harm and anxiety.
Grant her the courage to meet the future,
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Wednesday 22nd June 2022
I always find it exciting when preparing for our Annual St Stephen’s Week. Not only due to the pride I feel in our own wonderful community, but because it feels like a true celebration and opportunity to showcase and join in with the community of which we form part.
This year, after the difficult times we’ve been through, after clapping together, mourning together and pulling together as a community, it is with great delight that I can announce that our St Stephen’s Week this year will run in conjunction with The South West Fest, which is happening for the first time in over two years!
The South West Fest’s theme this year is ‘Breathe’. What better way than to take a moment to ourselves and breathe in the atmosphere during one of our varied and wonderful events. From moving music, to energetic Zumba, to joining us for a relaxing cup of tea at one of our many events, there is bound to be something for everyone.
We look forward to celebrating our community in all the activities we are hosting and hope very much that you will join us and even bring a friend!
Revd Graham Buckle, Vicar
I always find it exciting when preparing for our Annual St Stephen’s Week. Not only due to the pride I feel in our own wonderful community, but because it feels like a true celebration and opportunity to showcase and join in with the community of which we form part.
This year, after the difficult times we’ve been through, after clapping together, mourning together and pulling together as a community, it is with great delight that I can announce that our St Stephen’s Week this year will run in conjunction with The South West Fest, which is happening for the first time in over two years!
The South West Fest’s theme this year is ‘Breathe’. What better way than to take a moment to ourselves and breathe in the atmosphere during one of our varied and wonderful events. From moving music, to energetic Zumba, to joining us for a relaxing cup of tea at one of our many events, there is bound to be something for everyone.
We look forward to celebrating our community in all the activities we are hosting and hope very much that you will join us and even bring a friend!
Revd Graham Buckle, Vicar
Wednesday 15th June 2022
Wednesday 8th June 2022
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
At the end of February this year I received an email informing me that I had been chosen to receive the 2021 Jill Smythies Award from the Linnean Society of London. The Society, based in Burlington House, Piccadilly, was founded in 1788 when James Edward Smith bought the plant, animal specimens and library of Carolus Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who had died ten years previously. It was Linnaeus who developed the system of classifying and naming of living organisms that we continue to use today. The Linnaean collections still reside in Burlington House. The Jill Smythies Award is, in contrast, only 36 years old. It recognises the scientific work of botanical illustrators. Normally, only one award is made per year, sometimes no award is made. Recipients cannot propose themselves. Samples of their published illustrations are subject to scrutiny by the selection panel and a decision is made. When the email arrived my first thought was that I might be the subject of a hoax, it was such a surprise! On 24 May I was presented with my (silver) medal showing the young Linnaeus drawing a plant of Linnaea borealis, the twin-flower, a very small sweet-smelling plant of the honeysuckle family which grows in the far North of Scandinavia.
Why am I telling this story? I need to go back to Paris between 1916 and 1918 where my paternal grandfather was driving lorries for the Royal Flying Corps. He met my French grandmother and they married in 1918 shortly before he brought her back to England and civilian life in Wandsworth. He had, in Paris, a small watercolour box (8 colours) and I have two small paintings by him of Versailles and Fontainebleau. How many young servicemen went to war with their watercolours? He drove vans for a living and, later in life, was a lift-attendant but he always enjoyed work with wood and I have a chess set that he created with a lathe and hand-carving. My maternal grandfather was a signwriter for all his working life.
I lived with my parents in the same small suburban house as my paternal grandparents. Grandpa loved gardening and we went to Kew Gardens, on the bus, a couple of times each year. I remember when I was about eight years old seeing a hand-coloured plant illustration on the wall of Museum No. 1 (now a destination restaurant opposite the Palm House) at Kew and I tried to reproduce it from memory with my paints when I got home.
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?
At the end of February this year I received an email informing me that I had been chosen to receive the 2021 Jill Smythies Award from the Linnean Society of London. The Society, based in Burlington House, Piccadilly, was founded in 1788 when James Edward Smith bought the plant, animal specimens and library of Carolus Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist who had died ten years previously. It was Linnaeus who developed the system of classifying and naming of living organisms that we continue to use today. The Linnaean collections still reside in Burlington House. The Jill Smythies Award is, in contrast, only 36 years old. It recognises the scientific work of botanical illustrators. Normally, only one award is made per year, sometimes no award is made. Recipients cannot propose themselves. Samples of their published illustrations are subject to scrutiny by the selection panel and a decision is made. When the email arrived my first thought was that I might be the subject of a hoax, it was such a surprise! On 24 May I was presented with my (silver) medal showing the young Linnaeus drawing a plant of Linnaea borealis, the twin-flower, a very small sweet-smelling plant of the honeysuckle family which grows in the far North of Scandinavia.
Why am I telling this story? I need to go back to Paris between 1916 and 1918 where my paternal grandfather was driving lorries for the Royal Flying Corps. He met my French grandmother and they married in 1918 shortly before he brought her back to England and civilian life in Wandsworth. He had, in Paris, a small watercolour box (8 colours) and I have two small paintings by him of Versailles and Fontainebleau. How many young servicemen went to war with their watercolours? He drove vans for a living and, later in life, was a lift-attendant but he always enjoyed work with wood and I have a chess set that he created with a lathe and hand-carving. My maternal grandfather was a signwriter for all his working life.
I lived with my parents in the same small suburban house as my paternal grandparents. Grandpa loved gardening and we went to Kew Gardens, on the bus, a couple of times each year. I remember when I was about eight years old seeing a hand-coloured plant illustration on the wall of Museum No. 1 (now a destination restaurant opposite the Palm House) at Kew and I tried to reproduce it from memory with my paints when I got home.
During my childhood and teenage years I continued to draw and paint, very often images of plants. I went on to read Botany at university, then did a PhD on the vegetational history of Southwest England and might have become an academic but there were no jobs available at the time in my research field. We were expecting our first child and, needing an income, having enjoyed teaching undergraduates, I went to teach Biology in the independent sector and spent 25 years at Westminster School. Whilst there, in 1985, I had the privilege to travel with three colleagues and ten pupils for a few weeks to the wilderness of the Brooks Range of Alaska, the most northerly mountains in Northwest USA. I drew the plants and, on my return, worked the drawings up into paintings which I was invited to show at the Linnean Society! Then they were shown at an RHS show in Vincent Square where I was awarded my first RHS medal – a Silver Gilt. I continued my teaching of Biology and my exhibiting at the RHS and was then asked to work for botanists at the Herbarium at Kew Gardens.
I said to the man who had asked me that I could not work for Kew because I had a full-time teaching job, so he said ‘Work for us when you retire!’ At the time, my wife Jane was suffering ongoing multiple medical issues and we had talked about my retiring early to get on with my illustration. Sadly, Jane succumbed to sepsis and died in June 1999. Two years later I took early retirement from Westminster and had some time to myself with no particular commitments. But in 2002 I started work at Kew and have been there, getting busier ever since (and commuting – which I never had to do in my teaching life!)
What happens in the Herbarium? It is a collection of nearly 8 million pressed, dried plants from around the world. It is added to continuously. Many of the incoming plants have never been described by botanists and, though it sounds old-fashioned, the ideal description of a ‘new species’ will have a black and white (pen and ink) illustration to show all the relevant diagnostic features. These days, of course, there may be wonderful smart-phone photographs available, but no single photo can summarise what can be shown by an artist’s illustration. The description will also include an announcement of the name (the LINNEAN name!) of the new species. There is a team of about a dozen (freelance) artists who the botanists commission to record the specimens. Many of the artists are elderly but, as long as their eyesight is fine and their hand steady, age is no barrier!
In twenty years I have made observations (using a microscope – everything has to be measured and drawn to an appropriate scale) of 840 species including new species, species for floras (I have worked on the Flora of Iraq, the Flora of Singapore, Flora Zambesiaca and four or five others), revisions of classification and a monograph of all the species of birch around the world. Latterly, much of my work involves species under threat from environmental degradation, particularly in West Africa. I personally can’t do anything to save the habitats, but I can help provide the evidence about a region’s vulnerability by supporting the reports by botanists.
Why am I writing this? Firstly, because Graham Buckle invited me to do so, but secondly, at the age of 74 and the approach of the end of life, I am so grateful that, with a quarter of each of my grandfathers’ genes and no training in ‘art’ I have had an enriching unsought second career during which I have been able to use my talent to support science and, hopefully, at least reduce the amount of damage we are doing to our planet’s ecosystems. It is a privilege to work each week with botanists and other artists. It keeps me sane and fulfils my creative urge - the urge which first made itself apparent at the age of eight after a visit to Kew. I have come home.
Thanks be to God.
Andrew Brown
I said to the man who had asked me that I could not work for Kew because I had a full-time teaching job, so he said ‘Work for us when you retire!’ At the time, my wife Jane was suffering ongoing multiple medical issues and we had talked about my retiring early to get on with my illustration. Sadly, Jane succumbed to sepsis and died in June 1999. Two years later I took early retirement from Westminster and had some time to myself with no particular commitments. But in 2002 I started work at Kew and have been there, getting busier ever since (and commuting – which I never had to do in my teaching life!)
What happens in the Herbarium? It is a collection of nearly 8 million pressed, dried plants from around the world. It is added to continuously. Many of the incoming plants have never been described by botanists and, though it sounds old-fashioned, the ideal description of a ‘new species’ will have a black and white (pen and ink) illustration to show all the relevant diagnostic features. These days, of course, there may be wonderful smart-phone photographs available, but no single photo can summarise what can be shown by an artist’s illustration. The description will also include an announcement of the name (the LINNEAN name!) of the new species. There is a team of about a dozen (freelance) artists who the botanists commission to record the specimens. Many of the artists are elderly but, as long as their eyesight is fine and their hand steady, age is no barrier!
In twenty years I have made observations (using a microscope – everything has to be measured and drawn to an appropriate scale) of 840 species including new species, species for floras (I have worked on the Flora of Iraq, the Flora of Singapore, Flora Zambesiaca and four or five others), revisions of classification and a monograph of all the species of birch around the world. Latterly, much of my work involves species under threat from environmental degradation, particularly in West Africa. I personally can’t do anything to save the habitats, but I can help provide the evidence about a region’s vulnerability by supporting the reports by botanists.
Why am I writing this? Firstly, because Graham Buckle invited me to do so, but secondly, at the age of 74 and the approach of the end of life, I am so grateful that, with a quarter of each of my grandfathers’ genes and no training in ‘art’ I have had an enriching unsought second career during which I have been able to use my talent to support science and, hopefully, at least reduce the amount of damage we are doing to our planet’s ecosystems. It is a privilege to work each week with botanists and other artists. It keeps me sane and fulfils my creative urge - the urge which first made itself apparent at the age of eight after a visit to Kew. I have come home.
Thanks be to God.
Andrew Brown
Wednesday 1st June 2022
Coming from a Commonwealth country and having travelled for work to many countries my experience has been that if someone says these two words, “the Queen” everyone in the room knows who is being referred to, no matter where you are. This is due in part to the longevity of the Queen’s reign plus how she has conducted herself and how she has travelled and set out to meet people everywhere. For the Jubilee celebrations this has resulted in a little remarked assumption held by everyone. That is, everyone feels they can naturally join in the celebrations, the street parties, etc, no matter where they are from, whether Nairobi or Latvia, Swanage or Sydney.
That everyone feels they can naturally join in the Jubilee no matter where they come from can help encourage us at St Stephen’s in how important it is to be welcoming. That when people pass by St Stephen’s they naturally feel they can come in because, even if they don’t have faith, they recognise that Jesus welcomes everyone and that church people will do this as well. Fortunately being welcoming is what St Stephen’s is known for and as the pandemic recedes we are seeing more and more tourists coming into church in numbers similar to before Covid. Our vergers, Tony and Alex, are often the first point of physical contact for visitors and Jessie in the office the first phone contact many people have. We need to remember and pray for Tony, Alex and Jessie in this vital contact ministry with people popping into the church.
Sides-people are the other, vital, first point of contact in showing the face of Jesus to people at St Stephen’s on Sundays. Just welcoming someone as they walk in the door can be crucial especially if someone is not just unfamiliar to St Stephens or very uncertain about what they should do or say. This is a crucial ministry amongst our many ministries; it would be great if being a sides-person is something everyone would consider being involved in. So as we give thanks for the Queens reign, when we come together this weekend, let’s continue to be steadfast in welcoming as the Queen has been in putting herself before people everywhere and as Christ put himself before people for the sake of eternity.
O Lord, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
we give you thanks for your servant Elizabeth our Queen.
May she ever be provided with all she may need
for her ministry among us,
strengthened to meet every demand
which her office may make,
and in all things nourished by your word and example,
who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign,
world without end.
Amen.
Rev Jeremy Cavanagh, SSM curate
Coming from a Commonwealth country and having travelled for work to many countries my experience has been that if someone says these two words, “the Queen” everyone in the room knows who is being referred to, no matter where you are. This is due in part to the longevity of the Queen’s reign plus how she has conducted herself and how she has travelled and set out to meet people everywhere. For the Jubilee celebrations this has resulted in a little remarked assumption held by everyone. That is, everyone feels they can naturally join in the celebrations, the street parties, etc, no matter where they are from, whether Nairobi or Latvia, Swanage or Sydney.
That everyone feels they can naturally join in the Jubilee no matter where they come from can help encourage us at St Stephen’s in how important it is to be welcoming. That when people pass by St Stephen’s they naturally feel they can come in because, even if they don’t have faith, they recognise that Jesus welcomes everyone and that church people will do this as well. Fortunately being welcoming is what St Stephen’s is known for and as the pandemic recedes we are seeing more and more tourists coming into church in numbers similar to before Covid. Our vergers, Tony and Alex, are often the first point of physical contact for visitors and Jessie in the office the first phone contact many people have. We need to remember and pray for Tony, Alex and Jessie in this vital contact ministry with people popping into the church.
Sides-people are the other, vital, first point of contact in showing the face of Jesus to people at St Stephen’s on Sundays. Just welcoming someone as they walk in the door can be crucial especially if someone is not just unfamiliar to St Stephens or very uncertain about what they should do or say. This is a crucial ministry amongst our many ministries; it would be great if being a sides-person is something everyone would consider being involved in. So as we give thanks for the Queens reign, when we come together this weekend, let’s continue to be steadfast in welcoming as the Queen has been in putting herself before people everywhere and as Christ put himself before people for the sake of eternity.
O Lord, the Way, the Truth, and the Life,
we give you thanks for your servant Elizabeth our Queen.
May she ever be provided with all she may need
for her ministry among us,
strengthened to meet every demand
which her office may make,
and in all things nourished by your word and example,
who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign,
world without end.
Amen.
Rev Jeremy Cavanagh, SSM curate
Wednesday 25th May 2022
We are so fortunate to have Revd Michael Redman help us navigate through the great religions of the world and how we share our faith. Since his retirement, Michael has studied extensively these religions both academically and in serving as the Diocesan Interfaith Advisor.
Please do watch the final video in our series of "Sharing Faith with our Neighbours" series on What Christians can learn from Muslims, which we will be discussing next Wednesday 1st June at 7:30pm on Zoom. Please click here for access.
We are so fortunate to have Revd Michael Redman help us navigate through the great religions of the world and how we share our faith. Since his retirement, Michael has studied extensively these religions both academically and in serving as the Diocesan Interfaith Advisor.
Please do watch the final video in our series of "Sharing Faith with our Neighbours" series on What Christians can learn from Muslims, which we will be discussing next Wednesday 1st June at 7:30pm on Zoom. Please click here for access.
Wednesday 18th May 2022
We are so fortunate to have Revd Michael Redman help us navigate through the great religions of the world and how we share our faith. Since his retirement, Michael has studied extensively these religions both academically and in serving as the Diocesan Interfaith Advisor.
Please do watch the third video in our series of "Sharing Faith with our Neighbours" series on Buddhism, which we will be discussing tomorrow at 7:30pm on Zoom. Please click here for access.
Wednesday 11th May 2022
We are so fortunate to have Revd Michael Redman help us navigate through the great religions of the world and how we share our faith. Since his retirement, Michael has studied extensively these religions both academically and in serving as the Diocesan Interfaith Advisor.
Please do watch the second video in our series of "Sharing Faith with our Neighbours" series on Hinduism, which we will be discussing tonight at 7:30pm on Zoom. Please click here for access.
Wednesday May 4th 2022
We are so fortunate to have Revd Michael Redman help us navigate through the great religions of the world and how we share our faith. Since his retirement, Michael has studied extensively these religions both academically and in serving as the Diocesan Interfaith Advisor.
Please do watch the first video in our series of "Sharing Faith with our Neighbours" series on Judaism, which we will be discussing tomorrow at 7:30pm on Zoom. Please click here for access.
Wednesday April 27th 2022
We are so fortunate to have Revd Michael Redman help us navigate through the great religions of the world and how we share our faith. Since his retirement, Michael has studied extensively these religions both academically and in serving as the Diocesan Interfaith Advisor.
Over the next few weeks we are invited to watch a short YouTube video he has prepared and then come together for an hour to discuss and share together on zoom. We shall be joined by our friends from St Barnabas and St Matthews. Please do come and share this important course with any interested family of friends who might like to come.
“Sharing Faith with our Neighbours”
The Revd Michael Redman @ 7:30pm
Thursday 5 May - Judaism (video https://youtu.be/gb-ZYNnjzvw)
Wednesday 11 May - Hinduism (video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjEEV8u5uI4)
Thursday 19 May - Buddhism (video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTCNDEC5bs4)
Wednesday 1 June - Islam (video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D96-auLqfmk)
All on zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3593039474
Please watch Michael’s short introductory YouTube video before and come along and join in our discussions!
Revd Graham Buckle
Vicar
April 8, Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent
God’s Grandeur
Gerard Manley Hopkins
The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs --
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
Photo by Maryann E. Tyrer, Holy Trinity (Pastoral Associate-Christian Formation, Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary)
God’s Grandeur
Gerard Manley Hopkins
The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs --
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
Photo by Maryann E. Tyrer, Holy Trinity (Pastoral Associate-Christian Formation, Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary)
April 7, Thursday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Tamara Katzenback, St. Stephens (Congregant, Reader & Poet)
April 6, Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Hoy es el día más hermoso de nuestra vida, querido Sancho...
Los obstáculos más grandes, nuestras propias indecisiones...
Nuestros enemigos más fuertes, el miedo al poderoso y a nosotros mismos...
La cosa más fácil, equivocarnos...
Las más destructivas, la mentira y el egoísmo...
La peor derrota, el desaliento...
Los defectos más peligrosos, la soberbia y el rencor...
Las sensaciones más gratas, la buena conciencia, el esfuerzo para ser mejores sin ser perfectos, y sobre todo, la disposición para hacer el bien y combatir las injusticias donde quiera que estén.
Today is the most beautiful day of our life dear Sancho...
The biggest obstacles, our own indecisions...
Our strongest enemies, fear of the powerful and ourselves...
The easiest thing, to be wrong...
The most destructive, lies and selfishness...
The worst defeat, discouragement...
The most dangerous defects, pride, and resentment...
The most pleasant sensations, a good conscience, the effort to be better without being perfect, and above all, the willingness to do good and fight injustices wherever they are.
Fragment of Don Quijote de La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Lydia Colón, Holy Trinity (Vestry Member, Holy Trinity Neighborhood Center Board Member and Volunteer)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Hoy es el día más hermoso de nuestra vida, querido Sancho...
Los obstáculos más grandes, nuestras propias indecisiones...
Nuestros enemigos más fuertes, el miedo al poderoso y a nosotros mismos...
La cosa más fácil, equivocarnos...
Las más destructivas, la mentira y el egoísmo...
La peor derrota, el desaliento...
Los defectos más peligrosos, la soberbia y el rencor...
Las sensaciones más gratas, la buena conciencia, el esfuerzo para ser mejores sin ser perfectos, y sobre todo, la disposición para hacer el bien y combatir las injusticias donde quiera que estén.
Today is the most beautiful day of our life dear Sancho...
The biggest obstacles, our own indecisions...
Our strongest enemies, fear of the powerful and ourselves...
The easiest thing, to be wrong...
The most destructive, lies and selfishness...
The worst defeat, discouragement...
The most dangerous defects, pride, and resentment...
The most pleasant sensations, a good conscience, the effort to be better without being perfect, and above all, the willingness to do good and fight injustices wherever they are.
Fragment of Don Quijote de La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Lydia Colón, Holy Trinity (Vestry Member, Holy Trinity Neighborhood Center Board Member and Volunteer)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
April 5, Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
As I grow older, and less able to get out and about, I find that listening to music, both live and on the radio, revives my spirits and gives me new hope.
At St. Stephen’s, when restrictions have allowed, there have been some splendid recitals of music, and the excellent singing and playing of the choir and organ have done much to keep the church alive.
I also tune in to BBC Radio 3 to hear Choral Evensong on Sunday afternoons, broadcast from many churches, cathedrals and chapels round the country. It is an inspiration, and an ongoing source of hope, to hear so many Christians praising God!
It is not always easy to define hope, but I have been moved by this verse of a poem by Emily Dickinson:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -
Liz Witts, St. Stephen’s (Poet and Long-term Member)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
As I grow older, and less able to get out and about, I find that listening to music, both live and on the radio, revives my spirits and gives me new hope.
At St. Stephen’s, when restrictions have allowed, there have been some splendid recitals of music, and the excellent singing and playing of the choir and organ have done much to keep the church alive.
I also tune in to BBC Radio 3 to hear Choral Evensong on Sunday afternoons, broadcast from many churches, cathedrals and chapels round the country. It is an inspiration, and an ongoing source of hope, to hear so many Christians praising God!
It is not always easy to define hope, but I have been moved by this verse of a poem by Emily Dickinson:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all -
Liz Witts, St. Stephen’s (Poet and Long-term Member)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Fifth Week in Lent
Loving Lord Jesus, We pray with hope for your world And for your blessing on our Anglican family; Thank you for opportunities to make real your love in a world that is filled with scarcity, prejudice, and ear We pray for a radical rediscovery of your uncompromising identification with the poor Of your deep love of and fraternal caring for all of your creation, and all who suffer; Help us to come alongside your people for whom your cross has such deep meaning So that all may share in the abundance with which you have blessed us. Amen
Bishop Allan John Kannemeyer, Pretoria, Southern Africa
April 4, Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Reason to Hope
On January 26 of this year, The New York Times reported a California Redwood forest was returned to native tribes who were descended from the original occupants.
In Mendocino County, 523 acres of ancient redwoods were harvested by loggers, leaving nothing but stumps. Fortunately, 200 acres remained untouched and are still filled with old-growth redwoods.
The land was the hunting, fishing and ceremonial grounds of indigenous tribes, until it was taken from them by European settlers. A redwood conservation organization, the Save the Redwoods League, purchased the land and transferred ownership of the property to the Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council.
The tribes will serve as guardians of the land in partnership with the Save the Redwoods League. Sam Hodder, the chief executive of the League, said, “In this process, we have an opportunity to restore balance in the ecosystem and in the communities connected to it.”
Mary Jane Gocher, Holy Trinity (Church tours & environmental stewardship)
Loving Lord Jesus, We pray with hope for your world And for your blessing on our Anglican family; Thank you for opportunities to make real your love in a world that is filled with scarcity, prejudice, and ear We pray for a radical rediscovery of your uncompromising identification with the poor Of your deep love of and fraternal caring for all of your creation, and all who suffer; Help us to come alongside your people for whom your cross has such deep meaning So that all may share in the abundance with which you have blessed us. Amen
Bishop Allan John Kannemeyer, Pretoria, Southern Africa
April 4, Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Reason to Hope
On January 26 of this year, The New York Times reported a California Redwood forest was returned to native tribes who were descended from the original occupants.
In Mendocino County, 523 acres of ancient redwoods were harvested by loggers, leaving nothing but stumps. Fortunately, 200 acres remained untouched and are still filled with old-growth redwoods.
The land was the hunting, fishing and ceremonial grounds of indigenous tribes, until it was taken from them by European settlers. A redwood conservation organization, the Save the Redwoods League, purchased the land and transferred ownership of the property to the Intertribal Sinkyone Wilderness Council.
The tribes will serve as guardians of the land in partnership with the Save the Redwoods League. Sam Hodder, the chief executive of the League, said, “In this process, we have an opportunity to restore balance in the ecosystem and in the communities connected to it.”
Mary Jane Gocher, Holy Trinity (Church tours & environmental stewardship)
April 1, Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent
A Fools Hope
Our culture influences us to construe hope in a certain way. Often hope equates to a manifest certainty brought about by our actions. The following two quotes remind me to reflect on hope as foolishness to the world and surprise at potentials far greater than my limited imagination and will to power.
“There never was much hope. Just a fool’s hope.” — Gandalf the White, Lord of the Rings
“May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.” — Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox, OSB, A Non-Traditional Blessing
Calvyn du Toit, Holy Trinity (Theologian and Sunday Evening Musician)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
A Fools Hope
Our culture influences us to construe hope in a certain way. Often hope equates to a manifest certainty brought about by our actions. The following two quotes remind me to reflect on hope as foolishness to the world and surprise at potentials far greater than my limited imagination and will to power.
“There never was much hope. Just a fool’s hope.” — Gandalf the White, Lord of the Rings
“May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you really can make a difference in this world, so that you are able, with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.” — Sr. Ruth Marlene Fox, OSB, A Non-Traditional Blessing
Calvyn du Toit, Holy Trinity (Theologian and Sunday Evening Musician)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 31, Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Experiencing the world around us gives me hope, particularly in the garden at this time of year. As the days get longer, the signs of new life are all around. The sweet box next to my front door has a wonderful honey-like scent. The camellia is covered with voluptuous blousy flowers and the bashful hellebores are emerging. The daffodils are coming through, with just one in flower now but the promise of many more. There are new shoots on the roses and clematis which will be a mass of flowers in just a few months’ time. The sound of the joyful birdsong from the trees is uplifting. I love to watch the redwings feasting on the last of the berries on the tree outside my bedroom window and the robin following me around the garden hoping I will have exposed a tasty morsel.
The circumstances in which some gardens feature in the bible do not provide signs of hope, but this cannot take away the joy of experiencing God in the world just outside the door of our homes.
As Jesus tells us: “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.”
Alison Neilson, St. Stephen’s (Bursar)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Experiencing the world around us gives me hope, particularly in the garden at this time of year. As the days get longer, the signs of new life are all around. The sweet box next to my front door has a wonderful honey-like scent. The camellia is covered with voluptuous blousy flowers and the bashful hellebores are emerging. The daffodils are coming through, with just one in flower now but the promise of many more. There are new shoots on the roses and clematis which will be a mass of flowers in just a few months’ time. The sound of the joyful birdsong from the trees is uplifting. I love to watch the redwings feasting on the last of the berries on the tree outside my bedroom window and the robin following me around the garden hoping I will have exposed a tasty morsel.
The circumstances in which some gardens feature in the bible do not provide signs of hope, but this cannot take away the joy of experiencing God in the world just outside the door of our homes.
As Jesus tells us: “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.”
Alison Neilson, St. Stephen’s (Bursar)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
30th March 2022
It's been fantastic since Covid restrictions have eased to be able to pick up one aspect of our developing musical programme that got interrupted very early on by Covid - inviting visiting choirs to sing choral evensong on Thursdays, enriching our weekday liturgical and musical offering. Our Curate Helena has previously written in these Devotions about some of the history and background of the evensong service. Choral evensong is a beautifully rich liturgy to which anyone can turn up for space and time to reflect, pray, or simply be still; they can actively engage as much or as little as suits their spiritual or mental state, kind or degree of faith, or interests; and they can do this while listening to a variety of wonderful musical settings of the daily prayer texts - such as the canticles, the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis - and anthems fitting the day's and season's themes. This service being a regular offering, especially on weekdays, is very associated with cathedrals and university and college chapels; but it's also an important and valuable offering in our parish churches for all and any members of our communities, or those visiting and passing through, to have the opportunity to pause, pray, and be lifted up spiritually and emotionally, aided by glorious music, during the week as well as in regular Sunday worship.
The aim was and is to have these Thursday Choral Evensongs sung by visiting choirs approximately once a month, around the 3rd Thursday of each month, perhaps sometimes shifting as the liturgical calendar dictates. To invite other choirs facilitates links and partnerships with other institutions - like churches, schools, universities, organisations - and individuals, thereby enriching the variety of people and music that our church welcomes. Westminster School Chapel Choir very kindly sang the first of these evensongs just before Covid lockdown hit in 2020, and when it was possible in 2021 we were delighted they sang again; they sang most recently on Thursday 3rd March 2022 - do follow the link below to a recording of this service to get a taste of what the service is like. Our Associate Musicians Floreat have also sung for Thursday evensong, and we've had many expressions of interest from a variety of types of choir; with some of the uncertainty around Covid regulations last year there was some hesitancy from some choirs to book dates, but we look forward to welcoming a number of different choirs, as well as those we are already associated with, to sing in the coming months.
The next Thursday Choral Evensong is THIS Thursday 31st March at 6pm, when the newly formed Hertford Chamber Choir, directed by Manvinder Rattan - an excellent friend to St Stephen's! - will sing music by William Smith, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Claudio Monteverdi. All are very welcome.
Do look out, too, for information about more of these choral evensongs, as well as several other aspects of our music. Our Lent Friday organ recital series continues on Fridays 1st and 8th April at 13:15, featuring respectively Peter Stevens (Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral) and our very own Organist Emeritus Rosemary Field. Our own Choir of St Stephen's sings Choral Evensong this Passion Sunday 3rd April at 6pm. And we have exciting musical events in the pipeline for the Easter term too, including for St Stephen's Week at the end of June...!
Matthew Blaiden
Choral Evensong sung by Westminster School Chapel Choir 3.3.22
It's been fantastic since Covid restrictions have eased to be able to pick up one aspect of our developing musical programme that got interrupted very early on by Covid - inviting visiting choirs to sing choral evensong on Thursdays, enriching our weekday liturgical and musical offering. Our Curate Helena has previously written in these Devotions about some of the history and background of the evensong service. Choral evensong is a beautifully rich liturgy to which anyone can turn up for space and time to reflect, pray, or simply be still; they can actively engage as much or as little as suits their spiritual or mental state, kind or degree of faith, or interests; and they can do this while listening to a variety of wonderful musical settings of the daily prayer texts - such as the canticles, the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis - and anthems fitting the day's and season's themes. This service being a regular offering, especially on weekdays, is very associated with cathedrals and university and college chapels; but it's also an important and valuable offering in our parish churches for all and any members of our communities, or those visiting and passing through, to have the opportunity to pause, pray, and be lifted up spiritually and emotionally, aided by glorious music, during the week as well as in regular Sunday worship.
The aim was and is to have these Thursday Choral Evensongs sung by visiting choirs approximately once a month, around the 3rd Thursday of each month, perhaps sometimes shifting as the liturgical calendar dictates. To invite other choirs facilitates links and partnerships with other institutions - like churches, schools, universities, organisations - and individuals, thereby enriching the variety of people and music that our church welcomes. Westminster School Chapel Choir very kindly sang the first of these evensongs just before Covid lockdown hit in 2020, and when it was possible in 2021 we were delighted they sang again; they sang most recently on Thursday 3rd March 2022 - do follow the link below to a recording of this service to get a taste of what the service is like. Our Associate Musicians Floreat have also sung for Thursday evensong, and we've had many expressions of interest from a variety of types of choir; with some of the uncertainty around Covid regulations last year there was some hesitancy from some choirs to book dates, but we look forward to welcoming a number of different choirs, as well as those we are already associated with, to sing in the coming months.
The next Thursday Choral Evensong is THIS Thursday 31st March at 6pm, when the newly formed Hertford Chamber Choir, directed by Manvinder Rattan - an excellent friend to St Stephen's! - will sing music by William Smith, Charles Villiers Stanford, and Claudio Monteverdi. All are very welcome.
Do look out, too, for information about more of these choral evensongs, as well as several other aspects of our music. Our Lent Friday organ recital series continues on Fridays 1st and 8th April at 13:15, featuring respectively Peter Stevens (Assistant Master of Music at Westminster Cathedral) and our very own Organist Emeritus Rosemary Field. Our own Choir of St Stephen's sings Choral Evensong this Passion Sunday 3rd April at 6pm. And we have exciting musical events in the pipeline for the Easter term too, including for St Stephen's Week at the end of June...!
Matthew Blaiden
Choral Evensong sung by Westminster School Chapel Choir 3.3.22
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March 29, Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Icon of Friendship A copy of this icon is displayed in the Church of Reconciliation at the Taizé Community. I love this icon; it inspires me and gives me hope. Until the pandemic I would visit Taizé each September, and often chose to sit close to this icon during the community worship. The Icon of Friendship dates from the 7th century and depicts Jesus putting his arm around the shoulder of a friend. This man is Menas, a Coptic Abbot who has been interpreted as symbolising ‘everyone’. Jesus does not face Menas, he walks alongside him as his friend and companion and shares his burdens. Receiving the love and friendship of Jesus, Menas is able with his right hand to bless others. Brother Jean-Marc of Taizé says that this icon illustrates one of the essential movements of the Gospel: letting ourselves be loved by Christ leads naturally and simply to transmitting blessing to other people. The love between Christ and the believer is not a closed circle, it opens out more and more widely. Sarah Compton, St. Stephen’s (Weekday Zoom Congregant) To download our full Lent book, please click here. |
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Fourth Week in Lent
Almighty God you have called many to serve you in different kinds of ministries in your church. We pray for men and women throughout the Anglican Communion, called to be evangelists. May they be inspired and strengthened by the divine power of your Holy Spirit. We pray that the mission work of the Church will continue to reach out to the world, so that, through their lives and teaching, your glory may be revealed. We pray, through the mighty name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Sister Anne Alaha, Head Sister, Community of the Sisters of Melanesia
March 28, Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent
This is the magnolia tree outside of my office window. Right now, you can only see the fuzzy bud scales, protecting the magnolia blossoms from the cold. (The buds are called “bracts.”) The bud scales last until the blossoms flower in the spring. To me, the bud scales represent what supports us in our hopes. We protect and define our desires. We work towards our hopes. We protect our hopes so that they can “blossom.” We cannot be bystanders. Our hopes are a means to reach a goal.
Erlinda Brent, Holy Trinity (Parish Secretary, Volunteer, Community Leader)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Almighty God you have called many to serve you in different kinds of ministries in your church. We pray for men and women throughout the Anglican Communion, called to be evangelists. May they be inspired and strengthened by the divine power of your Holy Spirit. We pray that the mission work of the Church will continue to reach out to the world, so that, through their lives and teaching, your glory may be revealed. We pray, through the mighty name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Sister Anne Alaha, Head Sister, Community of the Sisters of Melanesia
March 28, Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent
This is the magnolia tree outside of my office window. Right now, you can only see the fuzzy bud scales, protecting the magnolia blossoms from the cold. (The buds are called “bracts.”) The bud scales last until the blossoms flower in the spring. To me, the bud scales represent what supports us in our hopes. We protect and define our desires. We work towards our hopes. We protect our hopes so that they can “blossom.” We cannot be bystanders. Our hopes are a means to reach a goal.
Erlinda Brent, Holy Trinity (Parish Secretary, Volunteer, Community Leader)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 25, Friday in the Third Week of Lent
On All Saints’ Sunday, I heard the names of the beloved dead from our parish and families of our parish. As I heard the names, I thought especially about my grandfather, who passed away a few years ago. He was a white “Boer” – that means farmer. He was committed to producing the best corn and milk in the northwest of South Africa. He was a man of a different time with values and actions that I deeply disagree with today. I think he could never have imagined that his name would be read out loud in an Episcopal Church, in a foreign country, in a different language. The time he lived through was more comfortable and familiar with similarity than difference. Despite all his failings, he was remembered, his name spoken by a stranger different from him, a stranger that he never knew. To me, that is a sign of Hope. Embracing our differences and hoping that acceptance becomes the new normal. I invite you to think about what gives you hope and where you can sow tiny seeds of Hope.
Christine du Toit, Holy Trinity (Vestry member, Parish Treasurer)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
On All Saints’ Sunday, I heard the names of the beloved dead from our parish and families of our parish. As I heard the names, I thought especially about my grandfather, who passed away a few years ago. He was a white “Boer” – that means farmer. He was committed to producing the best corn and milk in the northwest of South Africa. He was a man of a different time with values and actions that I deeply disagree with today. I think he could never have imagined that his name would be read out loud in an Episcopal Church, in a foreign country, in a different language. The time he lived through was more comfortable and familiar with similarity than difference. Despite all his failings, he was remembered, his name spoken by a stranger different from him, a stranger that he never knew. To me, that is a sign of Hope. Embracing our differences and hoping that acceptance becomes the new normal. I invite you to think about what gives you hope and where you can sow tiny seeds of Hope.
Christine du Toit, Holy Trinity (Vestry member, Parish Treasurer)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 24, Thursday in the Third Week of Lent
There is one body and one spirit
There is one hope to which we were called
One Lord, one faith, one baptism
One God and Father of all
(Ephesians 4:4)
True happiness is only found,
Where grace and truth and love abound
(from Thomas Morrell’s libretto to Handel’s dramatic oratorio Theodora).
Graham’s request of me to write on the theme of hope was a timely one, as (although he didn’t at the time know), my confirmation was imminent (one is never too old…). It took place in Westminster Abbey a few days ago and was entirely and joyously life-enhancing, not only because of the love of my dearest friends who came along in support, but because of the radiance that emanated from and to everyone present in that vast and magnificent building at that special time. As the priest and author Richard Giles says, ‘the great thing to remember about a sacrament is this: that God always turns up’…
A significant part of my decision came from experience of being welcomed, for what I am, as a godmother to two small children. Every moment spent with them, and the extended godparental family that their remarkable parents have woven together, represents the culmination of everything I have ever needed – friendship, tolerance, love, understanding, community and, yes, hope. The hope that these children grow to lead fulfilling lives and that I will remain part of them for, well, for ever.
Some would say that Christians’ hope is in the existence of an afterlife, but I demur: if there were none, the earthly journey alone would be no less enriching, no less virtuous, no less worthwhile, no less full of hope.
The raptur'd soul defies the sword,
Secure of virtue's claim,
And trusting Heav'n's unerring word,
Enjoys the circling flame.
No engine can a tyrant find,
To storm the truth-supported mind.
(from Theodora)
Looking back at the Confirmation service, where every single word was relevant and true and resonated with emotion, the verses of the hymn come to mind. For yes, I hope for all of these, and to be loved in return.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
Be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee, Lord;
Be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;
Be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
For the full version of this cf http://www.sswsj.org/weekly-devotion.html
Gilly French, St. Stephen’s (Congregant. Teacher at Westminster School & Musical Director of Floreat)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
There is one body and one spirit
There is one hope to which we were called
One Lord, one faith, one baptism
One God and Father of all
(Ephesians 4:4)
True happiness is only found,
Where grace and truth and love abound
(from Thomas Morrell’s libretto to Handel’s dramatic oratorio Theodora).
Graham’s request of me to write on the theme of hope was a timely one, as (although he didn’t at the time know), my confirmation was imminent (one is never too old…). It took place in Westminster Abbey a few days ago and was entirely and joyously life-enhancing, not only because of the love of my dearest friends who came along in support, but because of the radiance that emanated from and to everyone present in that vast and magnificent building at that special time. As the priest and author Richard Giles says, ‘the great thing to remember about a sacrament is this: that God always turns up’…
A significant part of my decision came from experience of being welcomed, for what I am, as a godmother to two small children. Every moment spent with them, and the extended godparental family that their remarkable parents have woven together, represents the culmination of everything I have ever needed – friendship, tolerance, love, understanding, community and, yes, hope. The hope that these children grow to lead fulfilling lives and that I will remain part of them for, well, for ever.
Some would say that Christians’ hope is in the existence of an afterlife, but I demur: if there were none, the earthly journey alone would be no less enriching, no less virtuous, no less worthwhile, no less full of hope.
The raptur'd soul defies the sword,
Secure of virtue's claim,
And trusting Heav'n's unerring word,
Enjoys the circling flame.
No engine can a tyrant find,
To storm the truth-supported mind.
(from Theodora)
Looking back at the Confirmation service, where every single word was relevant and true and resonated with emotion, the verses of the hymn come to mind. For yes, I hope for all of these, and to be loved in return.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
Be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee, Lord;
Be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;
Be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
For the full version of this cf http://www.sswsj.org/weekly-devotion.html
Gilly French, St. Stephen’s (Congregant. Teacher at Westminster School & Musical Director of Floreat)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 23, Wednesday in the Third Week of Lent
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5
Photo by Maryann E. Tyrer, Holy Trinity (Pastoral Associate-Christian Formation, Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 22, Tuesday in the Third Week of Lent
In our household we live within two cyclical calendars that we have no control over. One of changing seasons in the natural world, and one of the church calendar. Over the last couple of years we have not cleared all of the Autumn leaves, yet we still had Spring. In 2020 we bought very few presents and didn’t buy a turkey, yet we still had Christmas.
My 6 year-old has no concept of life pre-lockdown, and as adults we have lost track of time Where did those last two years go? How can we already be starting our third pandemic year?!
The cycles of the changing seasons of the natural world continue; the leaves of spring bulbs are starting to appear in the parks and the birds are making their nests. In his hymn, Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord, St Francis of Assisi sings about this cyclical nature of the day and of human life – see verses 2 and 3 below - And, as one of my favourite verses for difficult times reminds us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). That is what gives me hope.
2 My Lord be praised by brother sun
who through the skies his course doth run,
and shines in brilliant splendour;
with brightness he doth fill the day,
and signifies thy boundless sway.
3 My Lord be praised by sister moon
and all the stars, that with her soon
will point the glittering heavens.
Let wind and air and cloud and calm
and weathers all, repeat the psalm.
Jen Adam, St. Stephen’s, (Ordinand, Toddler Group Coordinator at St Stephen’s)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
In our household we live within two cyclical calendars that we have no control over. One of changing seasons in the natural world, and one of the church calendar. Over the last couple of years we have not cleared all of the Autumn leaves, yet we still had Spring. In 2020 we bought very few presents and didn’t buy a turkey, yet we still had Christmas.
My 6 year-old has no concept of life pre-lockdown, and as adults we have lost track of time Where did those last two years go? How can we already be starting our third pandemic year?!
The cycles of the changing seasons of the natural world continue; the leaves of spring bulbs are starting to appear in the parks and the birds are making their nests. In his hymn, Most High, Omnipotent, Good Lord, St Francis of Assisi sings about this cyclical nature of the day and of human life – see verses 2 and 3 below - And, as one of my favourite verses for difficult times reminds us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). That is what gives me hope.
2 My Lord be praised by brother sun
who through the skies his course doth run,
and shines in brilliant splendour;
with brightness he doth fill the day,
and signifies thy boundless sway.
3 My Lord be praised by sister moon
and all the stars, that with her soon
will point the glittering heavens.
Let wind and air and cloud and calm
and weathers all, repeat the psalm.
Jen Adam, St. Stephen’s, (Ordinand, Toddler Group Coordinator at St Stephen’s)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Third Week in Lent
Gracious and loving Father, we thank you that in spite of the hardship and devastating effects of this present pandemic, this is your world over which you have full control. We thank you for the gifts of love, hope, and resilience through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. We pray to you to keep our faith alive, grant us the grace to live out our faith in you through loving service to all in need. Help us to live sacrificially so that we may preserve your creation for the next generation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Office
March 21, Monday in the Third Week of Lent
I gain hope most of all from the courageous witness of land and water protectors in North America and around the world, who are willing to risk their personal safety and incarceration to oppose the construction of pipelines and other infrastructure of the rapacious fossil fuel industry.
Many of these land and water protectors are members of Indigenous nations. While most Indigenous peoples do not share our Christian faith tradition, all of us could learn from their deep reverence for the land, which has nourished them and their ancestors for millennia. It is to people like these that we must turn to find hope for the possibility of a habitable Earth for future generations.
Steve Knight, Holy Trinity (Environmental Stewardship)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Gracious and loving Father, we thank you that in spite of the hardship and devastating effects of this present pandemic, this is your world over which you have full control. We thank you for the gifts of love, hope, and resilience through the redemptive work of Christ Jesus. We pray to you to keep our faith alive, grant us the grace to live out our faith in you through loving service to all in need. Help us to live sacrificially so that we may preserve your creation for the next generation. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Office
March 21, Monday in the Third Week of Lent
I gain hope most of all from the courageous witness of land and water protectors in North America and around the world, who are willing to risk their personal safety and incarceration to oppose the construction of pipelines and other infrastructure of the rapacious fossil fuel industry.
Many of these land and water protectors are members of Indigenous nations. While most Indigenous peoples do not share our Christian faith tradition, all of us could learn from their deep reverence for the land, which has nourished them and their ancestors for millennia. It is to people like these that we must turn to find hope for the possibility of a habitable Earth for future generations.
Steve Knight, Holy Trinity (Environmental Stewardship)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 18, Friday in the Second Week of Lent
Easter
Two of the fingers on his right hand
had been broken
so when he poured back into that hand it surprised
him— it hurt him at first.
And the whole body was too small. Imagine
the sky trying to fit into a tunnel carved into a hill.
He came into it two ways:
From the outside, as we step into a pair of pants.
And from the center— suddenly, all at once.
Then he felt himself awake in the dark alone.
Marie Howe wrote about coming into the body again, and knowing oneself, and feeling the inner and outer world all at once and I think this poem especially has a quiet hope to it.
Clare McCormick, Holy Trinity (Sunday Evening Community Eucharist parishioner)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 17, Thursday in the Second Week of Lent
Hope is a process. In exploring the experiences around us that we enjoy - good company, nature, reading, our practices (fitness, walking, or prayer, to name a few, you can come up with your own ideas) - we get a better feel for what excites and motivates us. Then Hope is the tilting into that enjoyment, it’s the prospect of having a life ahead of us where we can experiment, play and explore. Sometimes in our own company, and maybe sometimes with others in community. In my work, as a yoga teacher, this is best explained through embodiment, bodily awareness as the starting point for everything. Then from there, as a foundation, there is greater connection with our spiritual growth and experience, and in our interpersonal relationships. Hope is a process as it’s always unfolding in front of us, it is truly abundant, and also needs some love, care and nurturing to fully flourish. Hope is not an end point, nor is it something that can be owned, purchased in the capitalist or consumerist sense. We are all born intrinsically rooted in beautiful hope, we just sometimes need to lose a few layers for all the possibilities to flow out.
Charles Smith, St. Stephen’s (Online Yoga Instructor)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Hope is a process. In exploring the experiences around us that we enjoy - good company, nature, reading, our practices (fitness, walking, or prayer, to name a few, you can come up with your own ideas) - we get a better feel for what excites and motivates us. Then Hope is the tilting into that enjoyment, it’s the prospect of having a life ahead of us where we can experiment, play and explore. Sometimes in our own company, and maybe sometimes with others in community. In my work, as a yoga teacher, this is best explained through embodiment, bodily awareness as the starting point for everything. Then from there, as a foundation, there is greater connection with our spiritual growth and experience, and in our interpersonal relationships. Hope is a process as it’s always unfolding in front of us, it is truly abundant, and also needs some love, care and nurturing to fully flourish. Hope is not an end point, nor is it something that can be owned, purchased in the capitalist or consumerist sense. We are all born intrinsically rooted in beautiful hope, we just sometimes need to lose a few layers for all the possibilities to flow out.
Charles Smith, St. Stephen’s (Online Yoga Instructor)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 16, Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent
What is serious to men is very often trivial in the sight of God. What in God may appear to us as “play” is perhaps what He Himself takes most seriously. At any rate the Lord plays and diverts Himself in the garden of His creation, and if we could let go of our own obsession of what we think is the meaning of it all, we might be able to hear His call and follow Him in His mysterious, cosmic dance. We do not have to go very far to catch echoes of that game, and of that dancing. When we are alone on a starlit night; when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children; when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet Basho we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash—at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the “newness”, the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance.
For the world and time are the dance of the Lord in emptiness. The silence of the spheres is the music of a wedding feast. The more we persist in misunderstanding the phenomena of life, the more we analyze them out into strange finalities and complex purposes of our own, the more we involve ourselves in sadness, absurdity, and despair. But it does not matter much, because no despair of ours can alter the reality of things, or stain the joy of the cosmic dance which is always there. Indeed, we are in the midst of it, and it is in the midst of us, for it beats in our very blood, whether we want it to or not.
Yet the fact remains that we are invited to forget ourselves on purpose, cast our awful solemnity to the winds and join in the general dance. -- “The Cosmic Dance” Thomas Merton (New Seeds of Contemplation)
Joe Lipuma, Holy Trinity (Vestry Member, HTNC Board Member)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
What is serious to men is very often trivial in the sight of God. What in God may appear to us as “play” is perhaps what He Himself takes most seriously. At any rate the Lord plays and diverts Himself in the garden of His creation, and if we could let go of our own obsession of what we think is the meaning of it all, we might be able to hear His call and follow Him in His mysterious, cosmic dance. We do not have to go very far to catch echoes of that game, and of that dancing. When we are alone on a starlit night; when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children; when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet Basho we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash—at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the “newness”, the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance.
For the world and time are the dance of the Lord in emptiness. The silence of the spheres is the music of a wedding feast. The more we persist in misunderstanding the phenomena of life, the more we analyze them out into strange finalities and complex purposes of our own, the more we involve ourselves in sadness, absurdity, and despair. But it does not matter much, because no despair of ours can alter the reality of things, or stain the joy of the cosmic dance which is always there. Indeed, we are in the midst of it, and it is in the midst of us, for it beats in our very blood, whether we want it to or not.
Yet the fact remains that we are invited to forget ourselves on purpose, cast our awful solemnity to the winds and join in the general dance. -- “The Cosmic Dance” Thomas Merton (New Seeds of Contemplation)
Joe Lipuma, Holy Trinity (Vestry Member, HTNC Board Member)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 15, Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent
"Hope"
I was inspired in my contribution one Saturday evening as I was preparing and organising the music for the Sunday: I noticed a hymn the next morning would be "All my hope on God is founded", with words by Robert Bridges based on original German lyrics by Joachim Neander, set to a wonderful tune by one of my favourite composers Herbert Howells - and I thought it would be ideal for the theme of this year's Lent book. Not only because of the first line of the text, but also because the rest of the text is so widely-encompassing, making it one of those hymns you can turn to pretty much any time or season. It ranges from the cosmic and eternal in verses 2 and 3 - earthly human vanities come and go, but God is constant sanctuary and source of light and rebirth to whole worlds - to the everyday and personal, guiding us through times of change and uncertainty, calling 'my heart to be his own', being 'my temple and my tower', 'Daily' giving us 'Bounteous gifts'. And it all comes together in the final promise that God's way will sustain us: 'Christ doth call / One and all: / Ye who follow shall not fall'. Below are the words in full.
A great recording of the hymn to sing along can also be found below:
"Hope"
I was inspired in my contribution one Saturday evening as I was preparing and organising the music for the Sunday: I noticed a hymn the next morning would be "All my hope on God is founded", with words by Robert Bridges based on original German lyrics by Joachim Neander, set to a wonderful tune by one of my favourite composers Herbert Howells - and I thought it would be ideal for the theme of this year's Lent book. Not only because of the first line of the text, but also because the rest of the text is so widely-encompassing, making it one of those hymns you can turn to pretty much any time or season. It ranges from the cosmic and eternal in verses 2 and 3 - earthly human vanities come and go, but God is constant sanctuary and source of light and rebirth to whole worlds - to the everyday and personal, guiding us through times of change and uncertainty, calling 'my heart to be his own', being 'my temple and my tower', 'Daily' giving us 'Bounteous gifts'. And it all comes together in the final promise that God's way will sustain us: 'Christ doth call / One and all: / Ye who follow shall not fall'. Below are the words in full.
A great recording of the hymn to sing along can also be found below:
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1. All my hope on God is founded;
He doth still my trust renew. Me through change and chance he guideth, Only good and only true. God unknown, He alone Calls my heart to be his own. 2. Pride of man and earthly glory, Sword and crown betray his trust; What with care and toil he buildeth, Tower and temple, fall to dust. But God’s power, Hour by hour, Is my temple and my tower. 3. God’s great goodness aye endureth, Deep his wisdom, passing thought: Splendour, light, and life attend him, Beauty springeth out of naught. Evermore From his store New-born worlds rise and adore. 4. Daily doth th’Almighty Giver Bounteous gifts on us bestow; His desire our soul delighteth, Pleasure leads us where we go. Love doth stand At his hand; Joy doth wait on his command. 5. Still from man to God eternal Sacrifice of praise be done, High above all praises praising For the gift of Christ his Son. Christ doth call One and all: Ye who follow shall not fall. Matthew Blaiden, St. Stephen’s (Musical Director) To download our full Lent book, please click here. |
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March 14, Monday in the Second Week of Lent 2
Hope is defined as the desire for something accompanied by an expectation of OR belief in the fulfillment of that something. For instance, the something, as a Christian, could be our salvation at our death or the vision of God or eternal life.
Growing up I was exposed to a belief of Faith that these would occur. As the years went by my religious knowledge grew. It became apparent that Faith alone was not enough and that there had to be something else growing too. This was what I dubbed "Religious Hope'. For me this is a hope that has become more and more a positive thinking and less of a wish.
Finally, as I have moved into my later years, I noticed that I have a confidence in what the ultimate future has for me. It keeps me working on projects and doing activities that have a sole purpose in mind. It is no longer hope for the future but a sure thing.
May everyone be exposed to this transition of hope to a reality.
Frank Doyle, Holy Trinity (Daily Office Participant through Zoom, Vestryperson and volunteer at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Mohegan Lake, NY)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Hope is defined as the desire for something accompanied by an expectation of OR belief in the fulfillment of that something. For instance, the something, as a Christian, could be our salvation at our death or the vision of God or eternal life.
Growing up I was exposed to a belief of Faith that these would occur. As the years went by my religious knowledge grew. It became apparent that Faith alone was not enough and that there had to be something else growing too. This was what I dubbed "Religious Hope'. For me this is a hope that has become more and more a positive thinking and less of a wish.
Finally, as I have moved into my later years, I noticed that I have a confidence in what the ultimate future has for me. It keeps me working on projects and doing activities that have a sole purpose in mind. It is no longer hope for the future but a sure thing.
May everyone be exposed to this transition of hope to a reality.
Frank Doyle, Holy Trinity (Daily Office Participant through Zoom, Vestryperson and volunteer at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Mohegan Lake, NY)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 11, Friday in the First Week of Lent
What inspires me and continues to give me hope.
Most important to me is who has inspired me. I was blessed to be born to Roland and Jeanne Charbonnel and “you know they are Christians by their love” is how I remember them.
They lived through the depression, causing them never to waste, I think they were the first recyclers! They did not “build up treasures on earth”.
I inherited a love for gardening from my parents. This love has rubbed off onto my husband Frank.
During Covid, gardening gave us a purpose and kept us sane for two years. Sometimes our hectic lives need us to “Be still and know that God is there”. Each time we plant a seed we know God made it and it gives us hope that something wonderful will grow.
What inspires me and continues to give me hope.
Most important to me is who has inspired me. I was blessed to be born to Roland and Jeanne Charbonnel and “you know they are Christians by their love” is how I remember them.
They lived through the depression, causing them never to waste, I think they were the first recyclers! They did not “build up treasures on earth”.
I inherited a love for gardening from my parents. This love has rubbed off onto my husband Frank.
During Covid, gardening gave us a purpose and kept us sane for two years. Sometimes our hectic lives need us to “Be still and know that God is there”. Each time we plant a seed we know God made it and it gives us hope that something wonderful will grow.
Hope is knowing this....
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Will become THIS!!!
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Iris Doyle, Holy Trinity (Daily Office Participant through Zoom, Vestryperson and volunteer at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Mohegan Lake, NY)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 10, Thursday in the First Week of Lent
“What hope is there” was my immediate response to the suggestion I might write about it. What gleaming future do the young of today have to look forward to? The hotting up if the planet, exorbitant fuel costs, world threats from Russia and China, a government in disarray with very few world leaders worthy of respect, chaos in education, what encouragement and hope is there? And for me, when you are past 90 and must depend on others for any expedition beyond the front door, the hopes grow very limited except for a longing for a better future for my loved ones, and for a quiet night and a perfect end.
And then I thought how elastic hope is. There are so many long and short hopes. It is a long, long hope that the world’s people will change to contain the warming of the planet to a reasonable level for life to go on, and there are short hopes that a friendly neighbour will come to tea this afternoon. For me I can no longer hope to go on expeditions to explore the world, but I can hope for some kindly friend or family member can take me to a picture gallery, or for university life to return to normal for the students in the family.
I turned to the dictionaries for a definition of hope. “Expectation and desire combined with feeling of trust : to look with expectation and desire” says the Oxford. My ancient Chambers declares it is “to cherish” a desire of good with the expectation of obtaining it, belief in the prospect of obtaining: confidence, hopeful anticipation. The Readers’ Digest offers “expectation and desire combined”, and adds the archaic meaning, “feeing of trust”.
All these definitions are uplifting and positive. “All our hope on God is founded” the hymn tells the believer. Then, one wonders, why God allowed the pandemic. Is it a warning to mankind that “the end is nigh” for the world that has so neglected Him? At 91 it is hard to see hope with the dictionary definitions that so depend on the confidence of expectation. And yet, and yet, life is full of short hopes: the catkins on tree, the visit of a daughter from across the world, the success of students in the family, the neighbour coming to tea.
There are many things to hope for that I shall not live to see, so I concentrate on shorter hopes and return again to the hymn, “All my hopes on God are founded: he doth still my trust renew.” That is a prayer. Do I have a long term hope of something more, or just a blacking out of all hopes and fears? Or can I cling to the hope at the ending of that hymn, “Christ doth call one and all: he who follow shall not fall.”
Margaret Duggan, St. Stephen’s, (Congregant, Retired Journalist for Church Times)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
“What hope is there” was my immediate response to the suggestion I might write about it. What gleaming future do the young of today have to look forward to? The hotting up if the planet, exorbitant fuel costs, world threats from Russia and China, a government in disarray with very few world leaders worthy of respect, chaos in education, what encouragement and hope is there? And for me, when you are past 90 and must depend on others for any expedition beyond the front door, the hopes grow very limited except for a longing for a better future for my loved ones, and for a quiet night and a perfect end.
And then I thought how elastic hope is. There are so many long and short hopes. It is a long, long hope that the world’s people will change to contain the warming of the planet to a reasonable level for life to go on, and there are short hopes that a friendly neighbour will come to tea this afternoon. For me I can no longer hope to go on expeditions to explore the world, but I can hope for some kindly friend or family member can take me to a picture gallery, or for university life to return to normal for the students in the family.
I turned to the dictionaries for a definition of hope. “Expectation and desire combined with feeling of trust : to look with expectation and desire” says the Oxford. My ancient Chambers declares it is “to cherish” a desire of good with the expectation of obtaining it, belief in the prospect of obtaining: confidence, hopeful anticipation. The Readers’ Digest offers “expectation and desire combined”, and adds the archaic meaning, “feeing of trust”.
All these definitions are uplifting and positive. “All our hope on God is founded” the hymn tells the believer. Then, one wonders, why God allowed the pandemic. Is it a warning to mankind that “the end is nigh” for the world that has so neglected Him? At 91 it is hard to see hope with the dictionary definitions that so depend on the confidence of expectation. And yet, and yet, life is full of short hopes: the catkins on tree, the visit of a daughter from across the world, the success of students in the family, the neighbour coming to tea.
There are many things to hope for that I shall not live to see, so I concentrate on shorter hopes and return again to the hymn, “All my hopes on God are founded: he doth still my trust renew.” That is a prayer. Do I have a long term hope of something more, or just a blacking out of all hopes and fears? Or can I cling to the hope at the ending of that hymn, “Christ doth call one and all: he who follow shall not fall.”
Margaret Duggan, St. Stephen’s, (Congregant, Retired Journalist for Church Times)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 9, Wednesday in the First Week of Lent
Expression of Hope
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with compassion.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Mary Jane Gocher, Holy Trinity (Church tours & environmental stewardship)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Expression of Hope
“Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with compassion.” Thich Nhat Hanh
Mary Jane Gocher, Holy Trinity (Church tours & environmental stewardship)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
March 8, Tuesday in the First Week of Lent
The Window
Look through the window,
There is the sky, there is the outside
Everything that is or ever was,
Locked in present reality
Made present in the instant,
Is the stuff of creation,
in its dated incarnation,
Now, today
God, in creation, in time.
Hope, and anticipation
Of future present reality,
Pregnant with possibility.
For creation never stands
Still, nor we within creation.
Creation carries eternity
As it rushes on, to endless, Blessing.
The Reverend David Hobden, St. Stephen’s, (Retired Hospital Chaplain)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
The Window
Look through the window,
There is the sky, there is the outside
Everything that is or ever was,
Locked in present reality
Made present in the instant,
Is the stuff of creation,
in its dated incarnation,
Now, today
God, in creation, in time.
Hope, and anticipation
Of future present reality,
Pregnant with possibility.
For creation never stands
Still, nor we within creation.
Creation carries eternity
As it rushes on, to endless, Blessing.
The Reverend David Hobden, St. Stephen’s, (Retired Hospital Chaplain)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
First Week in Lent
The Collect appointed for each week is taken from The 2021 Lambeth Conference Journey ‘Prayers of Hope for the World’, Featuring prayers from Anglican bishops and others involved in the Lambeth Conference Community and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Loving God, look with mercy on your world and the many challenges we face - through environmental crisis, poverty and hurt. Make your church a sign of hope that we may bring your peace and justice to the world. And bound together by your love, may the churches of the Anglican Communion show people Jesus. We ask this in his name. Amen.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, Diocese of York, Primate of England
March 7, Monday in the First Week of Lent
I am a runner who has participated in the New York City Marathon several times to raise money for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is not very far from Holy Trinity.
For these reasons, the word hope reminds me of the Canadian runner Terry Fox’s 1980 Marathon of Hope. As a teenager, Fox was diagnosed with cancer, and while the treatment was successful, it came at the cost of his right leg. He began distance running with a prosthetic leg, and in 1980 announced that he would run a Marathon of Hope across Canada from east to west in order to raise money for cancer research, setting a goal of raising C$1 for every citizen of Canada at the time - a total of C$23 million (about $55 million USD today).
In April of that year, Fox began his journey in Newfoundland and ran the equivalent of a marathon per day for 143 days until, outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, he fell ill and could not continue; the cancer had returned. Although he could not complete the Marathon of Hope, Fox had inspired Canadians and people around the world, and the donations kept pouring in. Sadly, Terry Fox passed away the following summer, but not before reaching his fundraising goal.
Terry Fox’s legacy continues. The foundation started in his name has organized an annual Terry Fox Run in Canada and sixty other countries. Since 1981, millions of runners have participated, raising over C$850 million ($665 million USD) and counting.
Congregant, Holy Trinity
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
The Collect appointed for each week is taken from The 2021 Lambeth Conference Journey ‘Prayers of Hope for the World’, Featuring prayers from Anglican bishops and others involved in the Lambeth Conference Community and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Loving God, look with mercy on your world and the many challenges we face - through environmental crisis, poverty and hurt. Make your church a sign of hope that we may bring your peace and justice to the world. And bound together by your love, may the churches of the Anglican Communion show people Jesus. We ask this in his name. Amen.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, Diocese of York, Primate of England
March 7, Monday in the First Week of Lent
I am a runner who has participated in the New York City Marathon several times to raise money for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is not very far from Holy Trinity.
For these reasons, the word hope reminds me of the Canadian runner Terry Fox’s 1980 Marathon of Hope. As a teenager, Fox was diagnosed with cancer, and while the treatment was successful, it came at the cost of his right leg. He began distance running with a prosthetic leg, and in 1980 announced that he would run a Marathon of Hope across Canada from east to west in order to raise money for cancer research, setting a goal of raising C$1 for every citizen of Canada at the time - a total of C$23 million (about $55 million USD today).
In April of that year, Fox began his journey in Newfoundland and ran the equivalent of a marathon per day for 143 days until, outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, he fell ill and could not continue; the cancer had returned. Although he could not complete the Marathon of Hope, Fox had inspired Canadians and people around the world, and the donations kept pouring in. Sadly, Terry Fox passed away the following summer, but not before reaching his fundraising goal.
Terry Fox’s legacy continues. The foundation started in his name has organized an annual Terry Fox Run in Canada and sixty other countries. Since 1981, millions of runners have participated, raising over C$850 million ($665 million USD) and counting.
Congregant, Holy Trinity
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Friday 4th March
Holding Steady
Sparks gone viral
steal our breath and flourish
in our lungs
we struggle to live..
Think of a mountain,
thrust up over
inconceivable time
a spike on a death graph.
Steady on the mountain!
Although we humans
bend in the Covid wind,
grass grows, trees leaf out,
pink roses bloom in a haze
of blue spired sage.
A promise has been kept.
Steady on Spring
Our dog, Daisy, unafraid.
runs like a tornado
through our rooms
skidding at the corners,
then curls up trustfully
between us to rest,
Steady on Daisy!
Patsy Weille, Holy Trinity (Poet & Coordinator of Trinity Cares)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Thursday 3rd March
As we look toward this season of lent and how we can prepare to celebrate the day God’s amazing rescue plan was put into action, I am reminded of my favourite bible verse.
“For I know the plans I have for declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you and hope and a future” Jeremiah 29 :11
Life is unpredictable. It is confusing and often, we don’t know what is coming our way half the time. Sometimes, we can’t even see what the next month looks like. But that is why it is so important to look back on this scripture and know that this promise God made is also made to us as well. God has plans for us, we just might not know what they are yet. But there is always hope Jesus Christ. That’s why God sent him, so we can be reunited with Christ again. God doesn’t want His people to suffer and struggle, He wants then to have an amazing and fruitful life, working together to build His church. God knows the plans he has for us and we as His people must trust that His will is what is best for our lives and futures. Let us be reminded, this Easter, that God’s plan for us is to be reunited with Him and we can hold on to the hope that he has wonderful plans over our future hopes and dreams.
Kim Phillips, St. Stephen’s (Children’s Apprentice)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Holding Steady
Sparks gone viral
steal our breath and flourish
in our lungs
we struggle to live..
Think of a mountain,
thrust up over
inconceivable time
a spike on a death graph.
Steady on the mountain!
Although we humans
bend in the Covid wind,
grass grows, trees leaf out,
pink roses bloom in a haze
of blue spired sage.
A promise has been kept.
Steady on Spring
Our dog, Daisy, unafraid.
runs like a tornado
through our rooms
skidding at the corners,
then curls up trustfully
between us to rest,
Steady on Daisy!
Patsy Weille, Holy Trinity (Poet & Coordinator of Trinity Cares)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Thursday 3rd March
As we look toward this season of lent and how we can prepare to celebrate the day God’s amazing rescue plan was put into action, I am reminded of my favourite bible verse.
“For I know the plans I have for declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you and hope and a future” Jeremiah 29 :11
Life is unpredictable. It is confusing and often, we don’t know what is coming our way half the time. Sometimes, we can’t even see what the next month looks like. But that is why it is so important to look back on this scripture and know that this promise God made is also made to us as well. God has plans for us, we just might not know what they are yet. But there is always hope Jesus Christ. That’s why God sent him, so we can be reunited with Christ again. God doesn’t want His people to suffer and struggle, He wants then to have an amazing and fruitful life, working together to build His church. God knows the plans he has for us and we as His people must trust that His will is what is best for our lives and futures. Let us be reminded, this Easter, that God’s plan for us is to be reunited with Him and we can hold on to the hope that he has wonderful plans over our future hopes and dreams.
Kim Phillips, St. Stephen’s (Children’s Apprentice)
To download our full Lent book, please click here.
Wednesday 2nd March
We have all been saddened and shocked by the horrific events in Ukraine. As we watch in horror the news of the violent events unfolding, it is difficult to know what to do - we are numb and feel helpless. Today is Ash Wednesday - the start of the penitential season of Lent. It coincides with the escalation of violence and war in that region. On Sunday I asked the congregation of St Stephen’s to join me in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine and our world today. Perhaps you might like to give up one meal or fast all day, and give what you would have spent on that meal to help the people of Ukraine to Unicef . Also please join me in prayer and use the ‘Litany for Peace’.
Finally please do use our Lent Book together, which has as it theme “Hope” as we pray and hope for peace. We will be uploading the Lent book contributions Monday to Friday if you would like to follow along on our Devotions link instead.
We have a wonderful lineup of speakers preaching at our main Eucharists at 10am on Sundays during Lent.
March 6th – Revd Cath Duce
March 13th – Revd Jeremy Cavanagh
March 20th – Revd John Beddingfield
March 27th – Revd Rosemary Lain-Priestly (Mothering Sunday)
You can see all the services and study groups on our Lent Page. May we all be instruments of peace.
Collect for Ash Wednesday
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
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
Revd Graham Buckle
We have all been saddened and shocked by the horrific events in Ukraine. As we watch in horror the news of the violent events unfolding, it is difficult to know what to do - we are numb and feel helpless. Today is Ash Wednesday - the start of the penitential season of Lent. It coincides with the escalation of violence and war in that region. On Sunday I asked the congregation of St Stephen’s to join me in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine and our world today. Perhaps you might like to give up one meal or fast all day, and give what you would have spent on that meal to help the people of Ukraine to Unicef . Also please join me in prayer and use the ‘Litany for Peace’.
Finally please do use our Lent Book together, which has as it theme “Hope” as we pray and hope for peace. We will be uploading the Lent book contributions Monday to Friday if you would like to follow along on our Devotions link instead.
We have a wonderful lineup of speakers preaching at our main Eucharists at 10am on Sundays during Lent.
March 6th – Revd Cath Duce
March 13th – Revd Jeremy Cavanagh
March 20th – Revd John Beddingfield
March 27th – Revd Rosemary Lain-Priestly (Mothering Sunday)
You can see all the services and study groups on our Lent Page. May we all be instruments of peace.
Collect for Ash Wednesday
Almighty and everlasting God,
you hate nothing that you have made
and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent:
create and make in us new and contrite hearts
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our wretchedness,
may receive from you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
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
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 23rd February
After six weeks here in Beijing I am looking forward to being back at St Stephen’s having had a very good time at St Saviour’s prior to Beijing. I have been reflecting on being a curate first at St Saviour’s and now in this time in Beijing.
I have been trying to discern what ministry looks like in being at work and amongst my colleagues here in Beijing and interacting with the people living here. Covid has meant we have spent the entire time in a quarantine bubble, not allowed out of our hotels and travelling on closed buses to our broadcasting sites. I have not seen anything of this amazing city and the only local people I have met are those who are sharing this Covid quarantine with us. From my point of view it has seemed very constrained in terms of being a minister or ‘showing’ ministry and I spent time praying for discernment.
After six weeks here in Beijing I am looking forward to being back at St Stephen’s having had a very good time at St Saviour’s prior to Beijing. I have been reflecting on being a curate first at St Saviour’s and now in this time in Beijing.
I have been trying to discern what ministry looks like in being at work and amongst my colleagues here in Beijing and interacting with the people living here. Covid has meant we have spent the entire time in a quarantine bubble, not allowed out of our hotels and travelling on closed buses to our broadcasting sites. I have not seen anything of this amazing city and the only local people I have met are those who are sharing this Covid quarantine with us. From my point of view it has seemed very constrained in terms of being a minister or ‘showing’ ministry and I spent time praying for discernment.
Perhaps my praying has been seeking to create for myself some visible aspect of being a minister, to show I was not wasting my time as a curate. My work colleagues have readily accepted my ordination and in some conversations I can see they are using my identity as a minister to think about their own spirituality. I have realized from these conversations it is just my being present that is important and to leave them to it unless they want to go further.
I have had only fleeting contact with the hotel staff also quarantined with us and unable to see their families and loved ones but who have always been cheerful and efficient. I thought there would be no way of being a ministry presence with them. On the day we were packing up I steeped off the bus back at the hotel to be singled out by the security staff all wanting selfies with me and hugging me but not my colleagues. My colleagues and I were astonished as we had only said hello to them as they checked us each morning before we boarded the bus.
I have had only fleeting contact with the hotel staff also quarantined with us and unable to see their families and loved ones but who have always been cheerful and efficient. I thought there would be no way of being a ministry presence with them. On the day we were packing up I steeped off the bus back at the hotel to be singled out by the security staff all wanting selfies with me and hugging me but not my colleagues. My colleagues and I were astonished as we had only said hello to them as they checked us each morning before we boarded the bus.
Reflecting on this I thought of what Helena had said in her sermon last Sunday about ‘God never being asleep on the job’ from Luke’s account of the storm on the lake. The security staff wanting selfies struck me that even though I couldn’t see how God could use me in the hotel it didn’t mean God was asleep on the job. Whether this was God doing something directly doesn’t matter it is more in being present, whether lay or ordained, it is a privilege to see God’s ever present grace in His world just in the actions and responses of people. My being present is not so much as acting on this privilege but being ready to receive it as it happens and being humble enough to discern it.
Jeremy Cavanagh, Self Supporting Minister, St Stephen's
Jeremy Cavanagh, Self Supporting Minister, St Stephen's
Wednesday 16th February
There is one body and one spirit
There is one hope to which we were called
One Lord, one faith, one baptism
One God and Father of all
(Ephesians 4:4)
True happiness is only found,
Where grace and truth and love abound
(from Thomas Morrell’s libretto to Handel’s dramatic oratorio Theodora).
There is one body and one spirit
There is one hope to which we were called
One Lord, one faith, one baptism
One God and Father of all
(Ephesians 4:4)
True happiness is only found,
Where grace and truth and love abound
(from Thomas Morrell’s libretto to Handel’s dramatic oratorio Theodora).
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Graham’s request of me to write on the theme of hope was a timely one, as (although he didn’t at the time know), my confirmation was imminent (one is never too old…). It took place in Westminster Abbey a few days ago and was entirely and joyously life-enhancing, not only because of the love of my dearest friends who came along in support, but because of the radiance that emanated from and to everyone present in that vast and magnificent building at that special time. As the priest and author Richard Giles says, ‘the great thing to remember about a sacrament is this: that God always turns up’.
The previous week I had been at the Royal Opera’s challenging new production of Handel’s Theodora, a dramatic oratorio about two early Christian martyrs which had been given a powerful and edgy updating by the director. The long and many da capo arias provided plenty of time to think about the libretto and the messages behind it. Some of it does not make for comfortable reading (not least the somewhat simplistic assumption that Christians = good, Romans = bad) but the message of Christian hope poured out of every exquisite note: Thither let our hearts aspire: Objects pure of pure desire, Still increasing, Ever pleasing, Wake the song, and tune the lyre Of the blissful holy choir. (from Theodora) |
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In asking myself why I chose to embark on this journey towards confirmation, I find the answers are multifold and add up to a whole greater than the sum of the parts. Part of it comes from practical immersion into the emotionally extraordinary music of the Renaissance: it is impossible to sing the works of, say, William Byrd without an intense longing for a connection with something deeper. Another emerged out of the deaths of my parents and the acknowledgement that our relationships were complex and unfulfilled. Some of it comes from the warmth and depth of welcome that I have experienced at St Stephen’s and other local churches. All of it is underpinned by an indefinable, almost fragile yet quietly persistent sense of hope.
Oh, that I on wings could rise,
Swiftly sailing through the skies,
As skims the silver dove!
That I might rest,
For ever blest,
With harmony and love.
(from Theodora)
A significant part of my decision came from experience of being welcomed, for what I am, as a godmother to two small children. Every moment spent with them, and the extended godparental family that their remarkable parents have woven together, represents the culmination of everything I have ever needed – friendship, tolerance, love, understanding, community and, yes, hope. The hope that these children grow to lead fulfilling lives and that I will remain part of them for, well, for ever.
Some would say that Christians’ hope is in the existence of an afterlife, but I demur: if there were none, the earthly journey alone would be no less enriching, no less virtuous, no less worthwhile, no less full of hope.
The raptur'd soul defies the sword,
Secure of virtue's claim,
And trusting Heav'n's unerring word,
Enjoys the circling flame.
No engine can a tyrant find,
To storm the truth-supported mind.
(from Theodora)
Looking back at the Confirmation service, where every single word was relevant and true and resonated with emotion, the verses of the hymn come to mind. For yes, I hope for all of these, and to be loved in return.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
Be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee, Lord;
Be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;
Be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Gilly French
Oh, that I on wings could rise,
Swiftly sailing through the skies,
As skims the silver dove!
That I might rest,
For ever blest,
With harmony and love.
(from Theodora)
A significant part of my decision came from experience of being welcomed, for what I am, as a godmother to two small children. Every moment spent with them, and the extended godparental family that their remarkable parents have woven together, represents the culmination of everything I have ever needed – friendship, tolerance, love, understanding, community and, yes, hope. The hope that these children grow to lead fulfilling lives and that I will remain part of them for, well, for ever.
Some would say that Christians’ hope is in the existence of an afterlife, but I demur: if there were none, the earthly journey alone would be no less enriching, no less virtuous, no less worthwhile, no less full of hope.
The raptur'd soul defies the sword,
Secure of virtue's claim,
And trusting Heav'n's unerring word,
Enjoys the circling flame.
No engine can a tyrant find,
To storm the truth-supported mind.
(from Theodora)
Looking back at the Confirmation service, where every single word was relevant and true and resonated with emotion, the verses of the hymn come to mind. For yes, I hope for all of these, and to be loved in return.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;
Be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,
Both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
Be Thou ever with me, and I with Thee, Lord;
Be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son;
Be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Gilly French
Wednesday 9th February 2022
The primary purpose of ringing the bells at St Stephen’s, or any other church, is to call people to worship. However, from time to time, we also mark events of local, national or historical importance with special performances. One such occasion was last Sunday, when we celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The performance recorded below was rung by members of our regular Sunday service band:
St Stephen’s, Westminster
Sunday 6th February 2022
70 Grandsire Triples
the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
While this is only what we would describe as a “short touch” - its seventy changes chosen specifically to represent the seventy years since the Queen’s accession to the throne - much longer performances (i.e. “peals”) have been rung for royal occasions at St Stephen’s in the past. For example, the bells were rung for 3 hours and 16 minutes in 1887 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria; the footnote attached to this performance highlights a royal connection to the church:
“This is the first peal rang in the same parish as Her Majesty the Queen [Victoria] was born…”
As jubilee celebrations continue this year I hope that we will have the opportunity to dedicate a similarly substantial performance on the same bells, which have hung in the tower since 1850.
In (relatively) recent times, the Silver Jubilee of our current queen was marked by a peal of 3 hours and 32 minutes, and the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by a handbell peal at the church. It’s notable that at least three people who rang in the 1977 peal are still regular members of our band - two having rung with us on Sunday (these people are marked with an asterisk above).
Such dedication - reminiscent of the Queen’s own commitment to serving the country and the church - is not uncommon amongst bell ringers or members of the wider church community. Many of those lucky enough to live to an old age with good health celebrate their fiftieth, sixtieth or even seventieth anniversaries of ringing. We are thankful for these people, who still turn up every week to ring with us, and their attitude is certainly an appropriate subject for a “weekly devotion”.
Years of commitment to a community or service are not always easy, but they are rewarding. Not only do they bring knowledge, skills and experience, they also enrich our lives by broadening our horizons, providing opportunities for us to meet new people from all sorts of backgrounds, and helping us to better understand and collaborate with each other. Having learned to ring at around the age of ten, I hope that one day I might also reach a significant personal jubilee.
Laurence Bourton
Ringing Master
St Stephen’s, Westminster
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things
in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,
to the honour and glory of your name
and the good of your Church and people;
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.
The primary purpose of ringing the bells at St Stephen’s, or any other church, is to call people to worship. However, from time to time, we also mark events of local, national or historical importance with special performances. One such occasion was last Sunday, when we celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The performance recorded below was rung by members of our regular Sunday service band:
St Stephen’s, Westminster
Sunday 6th February 2022
70 Grandsire Triples
- Patricia Murray Cox
- Luke Bradley
- James Belshaw *
- Stephanie Pattenden (Conductor) *
- Paul Daybell
- Laurence Bourton
- Sam Cave
- James Ansell
the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
While this is only what we would describe as a “short touch” - its seventy changes chosen specifically to represent the seventy years since the Queen’s accession to the throne - much longer performances (i.e. “peals”) have been rung for royal occasions at St Stephen’s in the past. For example, the bells were rung for 3 hours and 16 minutes in 1887 to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria; the footnote attached to this performance highlights a royal connection to the church:
“This is the first peal rang in the same parish as Her Majesty the Queen [Victoria] was born…”
As jubilee celebrations continue this year I hope that we will have the opportunity to dedicate a similarly substantial performance on the same bells, which have hung in the tower since 1850.
In (relatively) recent times, the Silver Jubilee of our current queen was marked by a peal of 3 hours and 32 minutes, and the Diamond Jubilee in 2012 by a handbell peal at the church. It’s notable that at least three people who rang in the 1977 peal are still regular members of our band - two having rung with us on Sunday (these people are marked with an asterisk above).
Such dedication - reminiscent of the Queen’s own commitment to serving the country and the church - is not uncommon amongst bell ringers or members of the wider church community. Many of those lucky enough to live to an old age with good health celebrate their fiftieth, sixtieth or even seventieth anniversaries of ringing. We are thankful for these people, who still turn up every week to ring with us, and their attitude is certainly an appropriate subject for a “weekly devotion”.
Years of commitment to a community or service are not always easy, but they are rewarding. Not only do they bring knowledge, skills and experience, they also enrich our lives by broadening our horizons, providing opportunities for us to meet new people from all sorts of backgrounds, and helping us to better understand and collaborate with each other. Having learned to ring at around the age of ten, I hope that one day I might also reach a significant personal jubilee.
Laurence Bourton
Ringing Master
St Stephen’s, Westminster
Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,
bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,
and all who are in authority under her;
that they may order all things
in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace,
to the honour and glory of your name
and the good of your Church and people;
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.
Wednesday 2nd February 2022
Though we celebrated on Sunday, today, 2 February, is officially the feast day of Candlemas, also called Presentation of the Lord or Presentation of Christ in the Temple or Hypapante (in the Greek church “Hypapante” - Meeting, referring to Jesus’ meeting in the Temple with Simeon). It marks the occasion when Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem, both to be purified 40 days after the birth of Jesus, and to present him to God as her firstborn (Luke 2:22–38).
It also marks the end of the season of Christmastide, our decorations will be taken down, and our tree will begin to look like a cross, as our attention turns towards Lent and our preparations for Christ’s passion. But today we pause to reflect how the child who was manifested to the magi is recognised by Simeon and Anna, when he comes to be presented in the Temple according to the Law of Israel. He is both ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ and ‘the glory of God’s people Israel’.
Light is the key theme, and on Sunday we lit candles and took them away with us into the world - the communities we are apart. Symbolically taking Christ with us into our lives and sharing his light with others we meet. I love this painting by Rembrandt, ‘Presentation of Jesus in the Temple’, which really depicts the Lukan narrative of the light shining in the midst of the gathered peoples within the darkness of the Temple precincts, and the affect of that light (Christ) on others.
We often come across such depictions of light vs darkness in our own lives, which emphasises how the Christ of light often penetrates those darker elements we encounter. I was lucky enough to catch the wonderful light exhibition by Bruce Munro in Chichester Cathedral’s 600 year old Cloisters. https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/field-blooms The artwork, “Field of Bloom” comprised of 1000 stems of lights, which gently illuminated spheres of light, gradually change and morph in colour. Describing his work, Bruce Munro said: “I wanted to create field of light stems that, like the dormant seed in a dry desert, would quietly wait until darkness falls and then under a blazing blanket of southern stars bloom with gentle rhythms of light”
Though we celebrated on Sunday, today, 2 February, is officially the feast day of Candlemas, also called Presentation of the Lord or Presentation of Christ in the Temple or Hypapante (in the Greek church “Hypapante” - Meeting, referring to Jesus’ meeting in the Temple with Simeon). It marks the occasion when Mary, in obedience to Jewish law, went to the Temple in Jerusalem, both to be purified 40 days after the birth of Jesus, and to present him to God as her firstborn (Luke 2:22–38).
It also marks the end of the season of Christmastide, our decorations will be taken down, and our tree will begin to look like a cross, as our attention turns towards Lent and our preparations for Christ’s passion. But today we pause to reflect how the child who was manifested to the magi is recognised by Simeon and Anna, when he comes to be presented in the Temple according to the Law of Israel. He is both ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles’ and ‘the glory of God’s people Israel’.
Light is the key theme, and on Sunday we lit candles and took them away with us into the world - the communities we are apart. Symbolically taking Christ with us into our lives and sharing his light with others we meet. I love this painting by Rembrandt, ‘Presentation of Jesus in the Temple’, which really depicts the Lukan narrative of the light shining in the midst of the gathered peoples within the darkness of the Temple precincts, and the affect of that light (Christ) on others.
We often come across such depictions of light vs darkness in our own lives, which emphasises how the Christ of light often penetrates those darker elements we encounter. I was lucky enough to catch the wonderful light exhibition by Bruce Munro in Chichester Cathedral’s 600 year old Cloisters. https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/events/field-blooms The artwork, “Field of Bloom” comprised of 1000 stems of lights, which gently illuminated spheres of light, gradually change and morph in colour. Describing his work, Bruce Munro said: “I wanted to create field of light stems that, like the dormant seed in a dry desert, would quietly wait until darkness falls and then under a blazing blanket of southern stars bloom with gentle rhythms of light”
I personally found it such an uplifting experience, the combination of colour and light within the grounds and backdrop of this ancient cathedral literally ‘lit’ me up spiritually, particularly as the day was being over taken by the darkness of the night. It reminded of Christ’s light penetrating those dark arenas and areas of our lives and world. I was reminded of Candlemas.As part of your weekly devotion do ponder on this picture I took of the exhibition or Rembrandt’s wonderful painting. Use them, together with this prayer, as a symbol of renewal and energy in your spiritual lives and may Christ’s light burn bright within you.
Lord Jesus Christ,
light of the nations and glory of Israel:
make your home among us,
and in our world today,
and present us pure and holy
to your heavenly Father,
your God, and our God. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 26th January 2022
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Wednesday 19th January 2022
Evensong from the Book of Common Prayer is one of my favourite services. There is something about the combination of the language and the structure of the service that leaves me feeling more peaceful – more ready to face the evening and to rest. And this should come as no surprise. The service itself has its roots in two of the monastic offices said in the afternoon and evening: Vespers, and Compline. Historically, Vespers would have been said at sunset, and compline at the end of the day before going to bed, but over time it became more common to say these two services together – perhaps because there wasn’t much of a span of time between sunset and going to bed in a time before electric lighting! In England, before the Reformation, the source for services in the church was called the Sarum Rite. This was broadly the same as the Roman rite, but with some material drawn from other sources. When the Church of England was first established as separate from the Roman Catholic Church, the Sarum Rite remained the source for the prayers said during the day (the Office) including Vespers and Compline. Even when the Book of Common Prayer was produced as the service book for the church, the Sarum Rite provided the basics for the new service of Evensong – combining Vespers and Compline, with some changes to the order in which things happen. This is why we have both the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimittis in Evensong. The Magnificat was the canticle at Vespers, and the Nunc Dimittis the canticle at Compline. All of this history means that some of the prayers we say at Evensong have their roots in prayers that have been said for a thousand years and more. The final collect at Evensong was translated almost literally from the Sarum Rite (established in the 11th Century), but a version of it had been used even before this time. |
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Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord;
and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
As we pray this great prayer asking God to defend us from darkness, we say it as part of a great community of Christians stretching back through the centuries. When we come to a service of Evensong, we are praying not only with those in the pews with us, but with those around the world who will pray the same service, and with those throughout history who, like us, have wished for an end to darkness. As I head home from the service towards my own rest, I find that a great comfort.
Please do join us for our Choral Evensong this Thursday 20th January, which will be sung by Floreat with wonderful music from Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night;
for the love of thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
As we pray this great prayer asking God to defend us from darkness, we say it as part of a great community of Christians stretching back through the centuries. When we come to a service of Evensong, we are praying not only with those in the pews with us, but with those around the world who will pray the same service, and with those throughout history who, like us, have wished for an end to darkness. As I head home from the service towards my own rest, I find that a great comfort.
Please do join us for our Choral Evensong this Thursday 20th January, which will be sung by Floreat with wonderful music from Orlando Gibbons and William Byrd.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Thursday 13th January 2022
Thursday 23rd December
A very happy and blessed Christmas to you all!
This will be our last Weekly Devotion until the New Year, and we hope you all continue well and safe until then.
A very happy and blessed Christmas to you all!
This will be our last Weekly Devotion until the New Year, and we hope you all continue well and safe until then.
Thursday 16th December
This Sunday, at Evensong, we will be reflecting on an aspect of Christmas that I’m sure we’ve all experienced, but is far from the lights and the Christmas adverts and the popular understanding of Christmas as a time of totally unalloyed joy – the fact that Christmas, for many people, is a difficult and stressful time. Last year, in conjunction with our link church in New York, we had a “Blue Christmas” service, which gave us space to reflect on the fact that Christmas can be a dark time, and this year we will be doing the same but in the context of our usual Sunday evensong.
When I was putting our Blue Christmas Evensong service together, I suddenly ran into a problem. I wanted to have a Christmas poem in there, but one that wasn’t all tinsel and sparkles. A poem that would hold together the wonder of Christmas with the sense of struggle some will feel. In order to find my poem, I turned to Elizabeth Jennings.
Jennings was an extraordinary poet, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 75. She was a devout Roman Catholic all her life, and often explored her faith in her poetry, but her life was also full of struggle, particularly with her mental health, and that struggle is almost always present in her work. Sometimes, that struggle was with her faith. She once said ‘sometimes I feel that an act of imagination is more use than an act of faith.’ So, this Sunday, we will be hearing part of Elizabeth Jennings’s Christmas Sequence, which ends:
O let us, even in our fear, join hands,
As we think of a story that is old,
Yet new each year. It is a mystery
How God took time and entered history.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
This Sunday, at Evensong, we will be reflecting on an aspect of Christmas that I’m sure we’ve all experienced, but is far from the lights and the Christmas adverts and the popular understanding of Christmas as a time of totally unalloyed joy – the fact that Christmas, for many people, is a difficult and stressful time. Last year, in conjunction with our link church in New York, we had a “Blue Christmas” service, which gave us space to reflect on the fact that Christmas can be a dark time, and this year we will be doing the same but in the context of our usual Sunday evensong.
When I was putting our Blue Christmas Evensong service together, I suddenly ran into a problem. I wanted to have a Christmas poem in there, but one that wasn’t all tinsel and sparkles. A poem that would hold together the wonder of Christmas with the sense of struggle some will feel. In order to find my poem, I turned to Elizabeth Jennings.
Jennings was an extraordinary poet, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 75. She was a devout Roman Catholic all her life, and often explored her faith in her poetry, but her life was also full of struggle, particularly with her mental health, and that struggle is almost always present in her work. Sometimes, that struggle was with her faith. She once said ‘sometimes I feel that an act of imagination is more use than an act of faith.’ So, this Sunday, we will be hearing part of Elizabeth Jennings’s Christmas Sequence, which ends:
O let us, even in our fear, join hands,
As we think of a story that is old,
Yet new each year. It is a mystery
How God took time and entered history.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Wednesday 8th December
I was mulling over the first Advent of this year and, in describing it to some fellow parishioners, I started out by saying that the morning Eucharist service was, to me, an unmitigated disaster. When asked to elaborate, I mentioned a few of the issues that had gone wrong. Firstly there was the gentleman near the front, who caused some low level anxiety due to clearly struggling in controlling his emotions, voice and gestures. Then the technological problems with Zoom, prompting Graham to take the second reading, subsequently mistakenly reading out the Evensong readings, for which he apologized but continued to finish the reading. Then the interruption during Kim’s insightful sermon, by a troubled man, familiar to the church, who had been drinking and under the influence, who entered loudly to cause disruption, who then returned to apologize, again loudly, during the service. Not to mention the mix up in sheets due to reverting to pre Covid sheets, combined with the omission of the Offertory Hymn in the service sheets, causing no one bar the choir, to know what hymn we were to sing.
At the end of my reeling off of errors, I concluded by saying it was a very St Stephen’s service. Not because of the sum of errors, but because of the response TO all of these. Rather than becoming flummoxed, irritated or even annoyed by any or all of these, Graham choose to lead by example and work through them, highlighting the need for compassion and patience for all who are clearly struggling and those for whom the struggle is not so obvious. The ability to shake off errors and mistakes is not one with which I am blessed. I am by nature one who dwells constantly on mistakes I have made (such as leaving off the offertory hymn) and not so much on the final outcome. However, by moving past these errors on Sunday and coming out in a positive, inclusive and most of all compassionate manner, by the entirety of the congregation, that, to me, felt like it most exemplified the attitude of St Stephen’s congregation. After all, we are here to gather and to worship and whether or not it is perfect, it is the intent and the exemplification of that intent, which to me, shows God’s love most clearly reflected at St Stephen’s.
Jessie Campbell
I was mulling over the first Advent of this year and, in describing it to some fellow parishioners, I started out by saying that the morning Eucharist service was, to me, an unmitigated disaster. When asked to elaborate, I mentioned a few of the issues that had gone wrong. Firstly there was the gentleman near the front, who caused some low level anxiety due to clearly struggling in controlling his emotions, voice and gestures. Then the technological problems with Zoom, prompting Graham to take the second reading, subsequently mistakenly reading out the Evensong readings, for which he apologized but continued to finish the reading. Then the interruption during Kim’s insightful sermon, by a troubled man, familiar to the church, who had been drinking and under the influence, who entered loudly to cause disruption, who then returned to apologize, again loudly, during the service. Not to mention the mix up in sheets due to reverting to pre Covid sheets, combined with the omission of the Offertory Hymn in the service sheets, causing no one bar the choir, to know what hymn we were to sing.
At the end of my reeling off of errors, I concluded by saying it was a very St Stephen’s service. Not because of the sum of errors, but because of the response TO all of these. Rather than becoming flummoxed, irritated or even annoyed by any or all of these, Graham choose to lead by example and work through them, highlighting the need for compassion and patience for all who are clearly struggling and those for whom the struggle is not so obvious. The ability to shake off errors and mistakes is not one with which I am blessed. I am by nature one who dwells constantly on mistakes I have made (such as leaving off the offertory hymn) and not so much on the final outcome. However, by moving past these errors on Sunday and coming out in a positive, inclusive and most of all compassionate manner, by the entirety of the congregation, that, to me, felt like it most exemplified the attitude of St Stephen’s congregation. After all, we are here to gather and to worship and whether or not it is perfect, it is the intent and the exemplification of that intent, which to me, shows God’s love most clearly reflected at St Stephen’s.
Jessie Campbell
Wednesday 1st December
Sunday 5 December
A Slow Look at Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze, The Virgin and Child with Ten Saints from The National Gallery
Sunday 5 December
A Slow Look at Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze, The Virgin and Child with Ten Saints from The National Gallery
The Virgin and Child with Ten Saints, The National Gallery
Join us for a a slow look at Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze's The Virgin and Child with Ten Saints from The National Gallery collection. Andrea di Bonaiuto da Firenze or Andrea da Firenze (I) was an Italian painter active in Florence. He was probably born in Florence where he was active from 1343. His earliest works suggest that he must have been in close contact with the workshop of Andrea di Cione
We’ll share thoughts on the depiction of the Madonna and Child, and discuss the frame, the colours and the composition of this intriguing painting. We’ll look closely at the saints, discuss their identity and attributes, and investigate why these particular saints were chosen for this painting.
Looking forward to discussing this.
All good wishes,
Marc Woodhead
We’ll share thoughts on the depiction of the Madonna and Child, and discuss the frame, the colours and the composition of this intriguing painting. We’ll look closely at the saints, discuss their identity and attributes, and investigate why these particular saints were chosen for this painting.
Looking forward to discussing this.
All good wishes,
Marc Woodhead
Wednesday 24th November
Whilst you read this I shall be in Glasshampton Monastery on my annual silent retreat, reflecting as I always do on the year that’s been and the year ahead. This is such an important season in such an important time, particularly for the church. What is Advent, well the Church of England say in it’s introduction to this season that “Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and liturgies not only direct us towards Christ’s birth, they also challenge the modern reluctance to confront the theme of divine judgement:
Every eye shall now behold him robed in dreadful majesty.
(Charles Wesley)
The Four Last Things – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – have been traditional themes for Advent meditation. The characteristic note of Advent is therefore expectation, rather than penitence, although the character of the season is easily coloured by an analogy with Lent. The anticipation of Christmas under commercial pressure has also made it harder to sustain the appropriate sense of alert watchfulness, but the fundamental Advent prayer remains ‘Maranatha’ – ‘Our Lord, come’ (1 Corinthians 16.22). Church decorations are simple and spare, and purple is the traditional liturgical colour. In the northern hemisphere, the Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout Advent and Christmas. The lighting of candles on an Advent wreath was imported into Britain from northern Europe in the nineteenth century, and is now a common practice. The Moravian custom of the Christingle has similarly enjoyed great success in Britain since the latter part of the twentieth century, with the encouragement of the Children’s Society; Christingle services may take place before or after Christmas. (We have ours at St Stephen’s at the end of Christmas at Candlemas) The Third Sunday of Advent was observed in medieval times as a splash of colour in the restrained atmosphere of Advent (Gaudete or ‘Rose Sunday’), and the last days of Advent were marked by the sequence of Great ‘O’ Antiphons, which continue to inspire modern Advent hymns and meditations.”
Taken from CofE Website: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/churchs-year/times-and-seasons/advent#mmm1
Please do read my Advent letter with all the wonderful things we are doing during this wonderful season. And as part of your Weekly Devotion please pray the Advent Prayer:
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Whilst you read this I shall be in Glasshampton Monastery on my annual silent retreat, reflecting as I always do on the year that’s been and the year ahead. This is such an important season in such an important time, particularly for the church. What is Advent, well the Church of England say in it’s introduction to this season that “Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and liturgies not only direct us towards Christ’s birth, they also challenge the modern reluctance to confront the theme of divine judgement:
Every eye shall now behold him robed in dreadful majesty.
(Charles Wesley)
The Four Last Things – Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell – have been traditional themes for Advent meditation. The characteristic note of Advent is therefore expectation, rather than penitence, although the character of the season is easily coloured by an analogy with Lent. The anticipation of Christmas under commercial pressure has also made it harder to sustain the appropriate sense of alert watchfulness, but the fundamental Advent prayer remains ‘Maranatha’ – ‘Our Lord, come’ (1 Corinthians 16.22). Church decorations are simple and spare, and purple is the traditional liturgical colour. In the northern hemisphere, the Advent season falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work throughout Advent and Christmas. The lighting of candles on an Advent wreath was imported into Britain from northern Europe in the nineteenth century, and is now a common practice. The Moravian custom of the Christingle has similarly enjoyed great success in Britain since the latter part of the twentieth century, with the encouragement of the Children’s Society; Christingle services may take place before or after Christmas. (We have ours at St Stephen’s at the end of Christmas at Candlemas) The Third Sunday of Advent was observed in medieval times as a splash of colour in the restrained atmosphere of Advent (Gaudete or ‘Rose Sunday’), and the last days of Advent were marked by the sequence of Great ‘O’ Antiphons, which continue to inspire modern Advent hymns and meditations.”
Taken from CofE Website: https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/churchs-year/times-and-seasons/advent#mmm1
Please do read my Advent letter with all the wonderful things we are doing during this wonderful season. And as part of your Weekly Devotion please pray the Advent Prayer:
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 17th November
As I removed my red and white poppies from the lapel of my coat, I was reading an interesting article by the historian Dr Fiona Reid on ‘When the paper poppy became a symbol of remembrance’ in the BBC History Magazine.
She recalls that it is one hundred years ago, in 1921, that the very first paper poppies were first sold to raise money for those soldiers who had returned from the First World War. Many veterans struggled to find homes, employment and financial security, so associations were formed to campaign for their rights. There was also great anxiety in the British political establishment at the time about the implications of the Russian Revolution and postwar political radicalism across Europe. So naturally there was great support for the British Legion’s idea of selling paper poppies as a fundraising campaign to alleviate the material been political, distress that lay at the root of veteran discontent and political agitation.
In its first year over 9 million poppies were sold as well poppies, entrenching the deeply felt symbolism attached to the poppy since the 1915 publication of the poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Throughout the 1920s, most British people chose to wear poppies every 11 November, but attempts to unify the nation in a shared memory were never completely successful.
As I removed my red and white poppies from the lapel of my coat, I was reading an interesting article by the historian Dr Fiona Reid on ‘When the paper poppy became a symbol of remembrance’ in the BBC History Magazine.
She recalls that it is one hundred years ago, in 1921, that the very first paper poppies were first sold to raise money for those soldiers who had returned from the First World War. Many veterans struggled to find homes, employment and financial security, so associations were formed to campaign for their rights. There was also great anxiety in the British political establishment at the time about the implications of the Russian Revolution and postwar political radicalism across Europe. So naturally there was great support for the British Legion’s idea of selling paper poppies as a fundraising campaign to alleviate the material been political, distress that lay at the root of veteran discontent and political agitation.
In its first year over 9 million poppies were sold as well poppies, entrenching the deeply felt symbolism attached to the poppy since the 1915 publication of the poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Throughout the 1920s, most British people chose to wear poppies every 11 November, but attempts to unify the nation in a shared memory were never completely successful.
Commemorative events were scaled back during the Second World War, and poppy-wearing remained limited. It wasn’t until the 1990s when the British Legion campaigned successfully to reintroduce the two-minute silence. Since then, poppy-wearing has become wide-spread not just on Armistice Day but in the weeks leading up to 11 November. It is now unimaginable for a public figure or a BBC journalist to appear without wearing a poppy in early November.
100 years of wearing poppies reminds us that the after-effects of war still endure and we still have no answers to the sociopath-political and ethical questions posed by war. However, wearing the poppy is no neutral act, and it should not be a symbol to highlight the glorification of war, but rather worn as a reminder of its tragedies.
Creator God,
whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2014/07/20/prayer-for-an-end-to-violence-war-and-death/
Revd Graham Buckle
100 years of wearing poppies reminds us that the after-effects of war still endure and we still have no answers to the sociopath-political and ethical questions posed by war. However, wearing the poppy is no neutral act, and it should not be a symbol to highlight the glorification of war, but rather worn as a reminder of its tragedies.
Creator God,
whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all:
govern the hearts and minds of those in authority,
and bring the families of the nations,
divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin,
to be subject to his just and gentle rule;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen
https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2014/07/20/prayer-for-an-end-to-violence-war-and-death/
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 10th November
I was ordained a deacon over four months ago and this week’s devotion is reflecting on what a deacon is. I guess people at St Stephen’s have also been wondering what I have been up to in these first months of my curacy while at St Saviour’s, Pimlico where I will be till Lent. While I may not have been around this experience of being a deacon has been a privilege.
The ordinal describes the role of the deacon as, ‘to serve the community in which they are set, bringing to the Church the needs and hopes of all the people’. Service is key to understanding what it is to be ordained as well as central to what we do as a congregation and this understanding is fitting as we commemorate this week the life of Martin of Tour’s in the Church calendar because his life was one of service that was selfless yet proactive. Very importantly, the context of this role of the deacon is eternity as the ordinal also says the deacon’s role is, ‘to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God’s purposes of love’ and our ultimate model for service is Christ himself.
I am finding this exclusive time as a deacon extremely valuable because by concentrating on service I can give myself over to being taught what it is to serve Christ by being ordained. In this, I am being taught by the congregations at St Stephen’s and at St Saviour’s along with Graham, Helena, Lindsay and Father Matthew at St Saviour’s. When I was ordained on that Saturday early in July I didn’t really know what to expect, now, nearly five months in I cannot imagine not having this time as a deacon. Everyone is teaching me what it is to be ordained and for that I am grateful.
I remain a deacon even after I am, God willing, ordained a priest. Likewise Graham, Helena, Lindsay, Father Matthew, Bishop Sarah, etc, never stop being deacons. And because understanding how to serve as Christ served is such a valuable thing then this exclusive time as a deacon is perhaps the most important time in the life of a priest.
Thank you to both St Stephen’s and St Saviour’s for teaching me what it is to be ordained.
A collect for Martin of Tours, first a soldier then a priest and bishop.
God all powerful,
who called Martin from the armies of this world
to be a faithful soldier of Christ:
give us grace to follow him
in his love and compassion for the needy,
and enable your Church to claim for all people
their inheritance as children of God;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Amen.
Revd Jeremy Cavanagh
I was ordained a deacon over four months ago and this week’s devotion is reflecting on what a deacon is. I guess people at St Stephen’s have also been wondering what I have been up to in these first months of my curacy while at St Saviour’s, Pimlico where I will be till Lent. While I may not have been around this experience of being a deacon has been a privilege.
The ordinal describes the role of the deacon as, ‘to serve the community in which they are set, bringing to the Church the needs and hopes of all the people’. Service is key to understanding what it is to be ordained as well as central to what we do as a congregation and this understanding is fitting as we commemorate this week the life of Martin of Tour’s in the Church calendar because his life was one of service that was selfless yet proactive. Very importantly, the context of this role of the deacon is eternity as the ordinal also says the deacon’s role is, ‘to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God’s purposes of love’ and our ultimate model for service is Christ himself.
I am finding this exclusive time as a deacon extremely valuable because by concentrating on service I can give myself over to being taught what it is to serve Christ by being ordained. In this, I am being taught by the congregations at St Stephen’s and at St Saviour’s along with Graham, Helena, Lindsay and Father Matthew at St Saviour’s. When I was ordained on that Saturday early in July I didn’t really know what to expect, now, nearly five months in I cannot imagine not having this time as a deacon. Everyone is teaching me what it is to be ordained and for that I am grateful.
I remain a deacon even after I am, God willing, ordained a priest. Likewise Graham, Helena, Lindsay, Father Matthew, Bishop Sarah, etc, never stop being deacons. And because understanding how to serve as Christ served is such a valuable thing then this exclusive time as a deacon is perhaps the most important time in the life of a priest.
Thank you to both St Stephen’s and St Saviour’s for teaching me what it is to be ordained.
A collect for Martin of Tours, first a soldier then a priest and bishop.
God all powerful,
who called Martin from the armies of this world
to be a faithful soldier of Christ:
give us grace to follow him
in his love and compassion for the needy,
and enable your Church to claim for all people
their inheritance as children of God;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Amen.
Revd Jeremy Cavanagh
Wednesday 3rd November
What makes a saint? This is one of those questions where if you ask four people you’ll probably get eight answers. If you wanted to become a formally canonised saint in the Roman Catholic church, for example, you’d first need to be deceased, then your life would be investigated by a panel of experts, and finally you’d need two verified miracles taken place after prayers for your intercession. In the Eastern Orthodox church, a saint is defined as anyone who is in heaven, as it is communion with God that is the primary aspect of sainthood. For them to be recognised as a saint and given a day in the calendar, it must go through an ecclesiastical review, but no miracles need to have taken place.
For some, it is the miracles that make the saint – and some miracles are very bizarre indeed. A brief dip into any list of saints will produce levitations, occasional transformations, a couple of dragons, subsisting on some very odd diets, and many visions (to name a very few). I sometimes think of this as the superhero saint complex. The idea that saints are somehow imbued with superpowers that allow them to rise above the humdrum of everyday humanity. Like the costumes or armour of superheroes, they wear their halo and are surrounded by gold. These superhero saints seem to place sainthood far out of our reach, as impossible in the “real world” as Spiderman, the Hulk, or any of the other “supers” we may find in our media.
This season should act as an antidote to superhero thinking. When we celebrate all the saints, we are not just celebrating those whose stories are weird and wonderful enough to be remembered, but everyone who has led a holy and Christlike life. We do not need superpowers or miracles to be saints, but to live as Christ called us to live. After all, in Acts and in Paul’s letters, “saint” (hagios) was used to describe any fellow Christians. We are all called to be saints. We are all living our own superhero origin story.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
What makes a saint? This is one of those questions where if you ask four people you’ll probably get eight answers. If you wanted to become a formally canonised saint in the Roman Catholic church, for example, you’d first need to be deceased, then your life would be investigated by a panel of experts, and finally you’d need two verified miracles taken place after prayers for your intercession. In the Eastern Orthodox church, a saint is defined as anyone who is in heaven, as it is communion with God that is the primary aspect of sainthood. For them to be recognised as a saint and given a day in the calendar, it must go through an ecclesiastical review, but no miracles need to have taken place.
For some, it is the miracles that make the saint – and some miracles are very bizarre indeed. A brief dip into any list of saints will produce levitations, occasional transformations, a couple of dragons, subsisting on some very odd diets, and many visions (to name a very few). I sometimes think of this as the superhero saint complex. The idea that saints are somehow imbued with superpowers that allow them to rise above the humdrum of everyday humanity. Like the costumes or armour of superheroes, they wear their halo and are surrounded by gold. These superhero saints seem to place sainthood far out of our reach, as impossible in the “real world” as Spiderman, the Hulk, or any of the other “supers” we may find in our media.
This season should act as an antidote to superhero thinking. When we celebrate all the saints, we are not just celebrating those whose stories are weird and wonderful enough to be remembered, but everyone who has led a holy and Christlike life. We do not need superpowers or miracles to be saints, but to live as Christ called us to live. After all, in Acts and in Paul’s letters, “saint” (hagios) was used to describe any fellow Christians. We are all called to be saints. We are all living our own superhero origin story.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Wednesday 27th October
On Sunday, we start what has become known in the Church as the “Kingdom Season”, by celebrating All Saints closely followed by All Souls. Both celebrate mutual belonging and remind us that no Christian is solitary. It is through our baptism that we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death. As Charles Wesley says:
One family, we dwell in him,
one Church, above, beneath;
though now divided by the stream,
the narrow stream of death.
All Saints’ Day celebrates people in whose lives the Church as a whole has seen the grace of God powerfully at work. It is an opportunity to give thanks for that grace, and for the wonderful ends to which it shapes our human life; it is a time to be encouraged by the example of the saints and to recall that sanctity may grow in the ordinary circumstances, as well as the extraordinary crises, of human living. The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed celebrates the saints in a more local and intimate key. It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith.
Remembrance Sunday goes on to explore the theme of memory, both corporate and individual, as we confront issues of war and peace, loss and self-gift, memory and forgetting.
The annual cycle of the Church’s year and the “Kingdom Season” ends with the Feast of Christ the King. The year that begins with the hope of the coming Messiah ends with the proclamation of his universal sovereignty. The ascension of Christ has revealed him to be Lord of earth and heaven, and final judgement is one of his proper kingly purposes. The Feast of Christ the King returns us to the Advent theme of judgement, with which the cycle once more begins.
This is poignant time for us all. Not only with the pandemic which still threatens our way of life. But also of some of the horrifying acts we have witnessed on our streets recently. The tragic and unnecessary deaths of Sarah Everard by a policeman; two sisters - Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry, killed in London park; and the 28 year old teacher, Sabina Nessa, killed going to see a friend... all the countless knife-crime deaths, remind us of the fragility on our streets.
I am sure I was not alone in being saddened by the slaying of Sir David Amess, five years after Jo Cox was killed outside one of her constituency surgeries, on 15 October. It is a chilling reminder of the risks our MPs run to fulfill their democratic function. They are often dismissed as “out of touch”, but are anything but. Amess was acutely aware of the dangers he faced, but like other MPs, he insisted on being not just in touch, but “physically present, personally attentive, intimately available”. His life should also remind our MPs that we do this best when we stop fighting over our differences, and instead look for common cause. As Alison McGovern MP said in The Guardian, “Empathy, understanding and compassion are what make our politics function”. This is what Jo Cox knew, and Amess knew it too,
So this time is a season to remember all the departed, to give thanks for them and to ponder on our own preparation for God’s kingdom.
Rest eternal grant unto them O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon them.
May they rest in peace and rise in Christ in glory.
Revd Graham Buckle
On Sunday, we start what has become known in the Church as the “Kingdom Season”, by celebrating All Saints closely followed by All Souls. Both celebrate mutual belonging and remind us that no Christian is solitary. It is through our baptism that we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of saints whose mutual belonging transcends death. As Charles Wesley says:
One family, we dwell in him,
one Church, above, beneath;
though now divided by the stream,
the narrow stream of death.
All Saints’ Day celebrates people in whose lives the Church as a whole has seen the grace of God powerfully at work. It is an opportunity to give thanks for that grace, and for the wonderful ends to which it shapes our human life; it is a time to be encouraged by the example of the saints and to recall that sanctity may grow in the ordinary circumstances, as well as the extraordinary crises, of human living. The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed celebrates the saints in a more local and intimate key. It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith.
Remembrance Sunday goes on to explore the theme of memory, both corporate and individual, as we confront issues of war and peace, loss and self-gift, memory and forgetting.
The annual cycle of the Church’s year and the “Kingdom Season” ends with the Feast of Christ the King. The year that begins with the hope of the coming Messiah ends with the proclamation of his universal sovereignty. The ascension of Christ has revealed him to be Lord of earth and heaven, and final judgement is one of his proper kingly purposes. The Feast of Christ the King returns us to the Advent theme of judgement, with which the cycle once more begins.
This is poignant time for us all. Not only with the pandemic which still threatens our way of life. But also of some of the horrifying acts we have witnessed on our streets recently. The tragic and unnecessary deaths of Sarah Everard by a policeman; two sisters - Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry, killed in London park; and the 28 year old teacher, Sabina Nessa, killed going to see a friend... all the countless knife-crime deaths, remind us of the fragility on our streets.
I am sure I was not alone in being saddened by the slaying of Sir David Amess, five years after Jo Cox was killed outside one of her constituency surgeries, on 15 October. It is a chilling reminder of the risks our MPs run to fulfill their democratic function. They are often dismissed as “out of touch”, but are anything but. Amess was acutely aware of the dangers he faced, but like other MPs, he insisted on being not just in touch, but “physically present, personally attentive, intimately available”. His life should also remind our MPs that we do this best when we stop fighting over our differences, and instead look for common cause. As Alison McGovern MP said in The Guardian, “Empathy, understanding and compassion are what make our politics function”. This is what Jo Cox knew, and Amess knew it too,
So this time is a season to remember all the departed, to give thanks for them and to ponder on our own preparation for God’s kingdom.
Rest eternal grant unto them O Lord,
and let light perpetual shine upon them.
May they rest in peace and rise in Christ in glory.
Revd Graham Buckle
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Wednesday 20th October
On Sunday I took myself off to the ENO in St Martin’s Lane to see the wonderful production of Philip Glass’s ‘Satyagraha’ (सत्याग्रह, satyāgraha). Satyagraha (Sanskrit and Hindi: “holding onto truth”) is a concept introduced in the early 20th century by Mahatma Gandhi to designate a determined but nonviolent resistance to evil, and in so doing, the satyagrahi encounters truth in the absolute. Philip Glass’s 1979 three act opera is loosely based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi and his concept of nonviolent resistance to injustice, Satyagraha, and the text, from the Bhagavad Gita, is sung in the original Sanskrit. In performance, translation is usually provided in subtitles. |
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Picture of Philip Glass https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyagraha_(opera)
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This opera forms the second part of Glass' "Portrait Trilogy" of operas about men who changed the world, which also includes ‘Einstein on the Beach' and ‘Akhnaten’.
Glass's style can broadly be described as minimalist. The work is divided into three which keeps your attention throughout the three hour performance. It was a real spiritual experience both musically and visually. I am sure there are many occasions we are taken by surprise by something we see, or a piece of music we might listen to and have such an experience. Perhaps you might like as part of your Daily Devotion, to set some time during your day to pray with a painting, or listen to a piece of music and use this to see and hear God. |
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Bless the creators, O God of creation,
who by their gifts make the world a more joyful and beautiful realm. Through their labors they teach us to see more clearly the truth around us. In their inspiration they call forth wonder and awe in our own living. In their hope and vision they remind us that life is holy. Bless all who create in your image, O God of creation. Pour your Spirit upon them that their hearts may sing and their works be fulfilling. Amen Revd Graham Buckle |
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Wednesday 13th October
Westminster Abbey has become, over the centuries, the principal place where the great and the good of the nation have been buried or memorialised. We might remember that particularly this week, as the church celebrates the life of Edward the Confessor, whose shrine at the Abbey is still a site of pilgrimage to this day. Our own founder, Baroness Burdett-Coutts is buried at the Abbey, as well as around 3,000 others ranging from Stephen Hawking to Geoffrey Chaucer.
Chaucer was the first writer (that we know of) who was buried in what is now called the Poet’s Corner in 1400. Although Chaucer wasn’t granted this honour because of his writing, but because of his position at court, he was joined in the South Transept in 1599 by Edmund Spenser, and the tradition of burying notable writers in the South Transept was born. By the 1700s it was so notable a trend that it began to be referred to as the Abbey’s “poetical quarter,” and the first use of the phrase “The Poet’s Corner” can be found in the title of a poem written in 1733 by Thomas Fitzgerald. Today, around 40 writers are buried in Poet’s Corner, with 70 more memorialised there.
Although the Abbey has long, long been the resting place of notable figures, Poet’s Corner is something special. It isn’t a memorial to great feats of arms, or statesmanship, or kingship, or other more obvious types of power, but instead a memorial to the arts and the profound effect the arts can have. This is clearly emphasised in Fitzgerald’s 1733 poem mentioned above, and which I leave below for your devotion this week.
Westminster Abbey has become, over the centuries, the principal place where the great and the good of the nation have been buried or memorialised. We might remember that particularly this week, as the church celebrates the life of Edward the Confessor, whose shrine at the Abbey is still a site of pilgrimage to this day. Our own founder, Baroness Burdett-Coutts is buried at the Abbey, as well as around 3,000 others ranging from Stephen Hawking to Geoffrey Chaucer.
Chaucer was the first writer (that we know of) who was buried in what is now called the Poet’s Corner in 1400. Although Chaucer wasn’t granted this honour because of his writing, but because of his position at court, he was joined in the South Transept in 1599 by Edmund Spenser, and the tradition of burying notable writers in the South Transept was born. By the 1700s it was so notable a trend that it began to be referred to as the Abbey’s “poetical quarter,” and the first use of the phrase “The Poet’s Corner” can be found in the title of a poem written in 1733 by Thomas Fitzgerald. Today, around 40 writers are buried in Poet’s Corner, with 70 more memorialised there.
Although the Abbey has long, long been the resting place of notable figures, Poet’s Corner is something special. It isn’t a memorial to great feats of arms, or statesmanship, or kingship, or other more obvious types of power, but instead a memorial to the arts and the profound effect the arts can have. This is clearly emphasised in Fitzgerald’s 1733 poem mentioned above, and which I leave below for your devotion this week.
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Upon the Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey
Hail, sacred Reliques of the tuneful Train! Here ever honour’d, ever lov’d remain. No other Dust of the once Great or Wise, As each beneath the hallow’d Pavement lies, To this old Dome a juster Rev’rence brings; No, though she keeps the Ashes of our Kings, Yet you the Herald’s idle Art disdain, (“Tis yours to give, and not to borrow Fame): No Vaunts of far-fetch’s Ancestry are here, Nor dusty Trophies waving in the Air No blazon’s Metals spread their tawdry Charms, And only Shadwell shews a Coat of Arms: Though those who foremost of our Nobles stand, Peers of the Realm, and Princes of the Land, Croud to appear to your high Merits just, And rear the Tomb, and place the breathing Bust; Villers is read with Cowley on the Stone, And Sheffield adds to Dryden’s Name his own. And this in future Times shall be their Boast, When all Memorials else of Fame are lost; When Time shall have devour’d whate’er proclaims The Grandeur of their now illustrious Names, And levell’d, as successive Ages pass, The proud Inscription and the sculptured Brass; Your sanction then Eternity shall give, In Your immortal Lustre Theirs shall live; As still Mecaenas our lov’d Theme we make And Honour Pollio for his Virgil’s sake. - Thomas Fitzgerald Revd Helena Bickley-Percival For more about those buried in Westminster Abbey do visit their website. |
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Wednesday 6th October 2021
I love this time of year. Not just because the light is so marvellous as the sun barely rises enhancing all the lovely vibrant autumnal colours, and the water is just the perfect temperature to swim in, but also liturgically. A time when we think and pray for God’s creation. Just take a look at the serpentine this morning - the light on the bridge and its reflection in the water is one you only get during October:
I love this time of year. Not just because the light is so marvellous as the sun barely rises enhancing all the lovely vibrant autumnal colours, and the water is just the perfect temperature to swim in, but also liturgically. A time when we think and pray for God’s creation. Just take a look at the serpentine this morning - the light on the bridge and its reflection in the water is one you only get during October:
The school harvest service, our own Harvest Thanksgiving and the animal blessing services, all give us that chance to give thanks for this glorious world we live.
This is a picture of our our School Harvest this morning, where we listened to Genesis Creation Story and created our own world with gifts in church.
And here are two pictures taken from last night’s animal blessing service:
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This Sunday is our Harvest Festival of Thanksgiving which a celebration of the harvest and food grown in our land It is about giving thanks for a successful crop yield over the year as winter starts to approach. A time to give thanks for all the good and positive things in our lives such as family, friendships and our church. It is also an opportunity whilst giving thanks to give to those less fortunate and so we shall be collecting for the homeless and for the work of The Passage. Please give generously. Use these pictures, together with the collect for Harvest for your Daily Devotion this week:
Eternal God,
You crown the year with your goodness
And you give us the fruits of the earth in their season;
Grant that we may use them to your glory,
For the relief of those in need and for our own well-being
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Eternal God,
You crown the year with your goodness
And you give us the fruits of the earth in their season;
Grant that we may use them to your glory,
For the relief of those in need and for our own well-being
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 29th September 2021
What do angels look like? This Michaelmas Graham and I have asked that question of two different schools, with some really interesting answers. They have long robes, wings and halos, they are beautiful or even look like a ”perfect person” – they could even be little cherubs. So far, angels look as we expect to see them in stained glass windows, or in works of art. The exception that seems to prove the rule is St Michael, with his sword and his armour, though wings and halo usually still visible.
When we think more deeply about what angels look like, however, the picture becomes less clear. There are various visions of heaven, and various appearances of angels in scripture. They might be six winged seraphs covered with eyes (Isaiah 6:1), they might be human-animal hybrids, or a series of interlocking wheels also covered with eyes (Ezekiel 1). They might not even be visible to us, as in the story of Balaam’s Donkey, or they might just appear as human beings, such as the three men who came to visit Abraham (Genesis 18).
It’s perhaps not so surprising that our stock image of angels has come to be the one the children described – it’s very hard to even imagine how one would depict a series of interlocking wheels covered with eyes! However, our desire for angels to be beautiful and “otherworldly,” as well as the sometimes bizarre descriptions in scripture, point to something deeper about how we think about heaven. Heaven is unknowable to us in our earthly lives, but we try to understand it using our earthly references. It must be the most beautiful, and so we imagine it populated by the most beautiful figures we can devise, and that is what we depict (it’s no accident that heaven is often described as a beautiful city made of precious stones). Visions of heaven in scripture are much more strange, and perhaps that is the result of a human mind trying to make sense of what it has seen. The effect of trying to describe the landscape of a dream, or if we put a bus in front of someone from first century Palestine and asked them to describe it.
What do angels look like? Well, really they could look like almost anything, including things we could not imagine. On this St Michael and All Angels day, we think of these messengers and ask for their help and protection – no matter what they look like.
O EVERLASTING God,
who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order:
Mercifully grant that, as thy holy Angels alway do thee service in heaven,
so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
What do angels look like? This Michaelmas Graham and I have asked that question of two different schools, with some really interesting answers. They have long robes, wings and halos, they are beautiful or even look like a ”perfect person” – they could even be little cherubs. So far, angels look as we expect to see them in stained glass windows, or in works of art. The exception that seems to prove the rule is St Michael, with his sword and his armour, though wings and halo usually still visible.
When we think more deeply about what angels look like, however, the picture becomes less clear. There are various visions of heaven, and various appearances of angels in scripture. They might be six winged seraphs covered with eyes (Isaiah 6:1), they might be human-animal hybrids, or a series of interlocking wheels also covered with eyes (Ezekiel 1). They might not even be visible to us, as in the story of Balaam’s Donkey, or they might just appear as human beings, such as the three men who came to visit Abraham (Genesis 18).
It’s perhaps not so surprising that our stock image of angels has come to be the one the children described – it’s very hard to even imagine how one would depict a series of interlocking wheels covered with eyes! However, our desire for angels to be beautiful and “otherworldly,” as well as the sometimes bizarre descriptions in scripture, point to something deeper about how we think about heaven. Heaven is unknowable to us in our earthly lives, but we try to understand it using our earthly references. It must be the most beautiful, and so we imagine it populated by the most beautiful figures we can devise, and that is what we depict (it’s no accident that heaven is often described as a beautiful city made of precious stones). Visions of heaven in scripture are much more strange, and perhaps that is the result of a human mind trying to make sense of what it has seen. The effect of trying to describe the landscape of a dream, or if we put a bus in front of someone from first century Palestine and asked them to describe it.
What do angels look like? Well, really they could look like almost anything, including things we could not imagine. On this St Michael and All Angels day, we think of these messengers and ask for their help and protection – no matter what they look like.
O EVERLASTING God,
who hast ordained and constituted the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order:
Mercifully grant that, as thy holy Angels alway do thee service in heaven,
so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
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Wednesday 22nd September 2021
The founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood were inspired by the paintings of the fifteenth century that displayed minute attention to detail and were drenched in symbolism and story. The story of the most iconic painting to emerge from the movement is a fascinating account of how Victorian entrepreneurialism and the age of Empire created what became the most travelled artwork in history and one of the most recognised Christian images in the world. The Light of the World, or at least the third and largest version of the painting by William Holman Hunt, is normally on display in the Middlesex Chapel at St Paul’s Cathedral but has been temporarily removed while work takes place to create a National Covid Memorial. The painting shows Christ standing in a moonlit garden, raising his hand to knock at a door covered in brambles and ivy which, with no handle on the outside can only be opened from within. Christ carries a lantern - the light of conscience with another light behind his head - the light of salvation - illuminating the scene. Inscribed into the golden frame that was specially designed for the painting are the words of Revelation 3.20; ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me.’ The door in the painting represents the human soul. Lord Jesus, Light of the World, help us to hear your voice today. Shine your light wherever there is darkness in our lives. Grant us the courage to open the door of our heart to you. Amen. Find out more about the The Light of the World in an online talk organised by St Paul’s Cathedral at 7pm on Thursday 4th November. Register for a free ticket at this link: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/history-collections/the-collections/activities-events/online-talks? Image : The Light of the World, William Holman Hunt, 1904 (St Paul's Cathedral) : https://twitter.com/stpaulslondon/status/905693198126903296 Phillip Dawson, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology |
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Tuesday 14th September 2021
This week on Tuesday (Sept 14th) the Christian Liturgical calendar celebrates the feast of the Holy Cross, sometimes known as Holy Rood Day. The cross on which our Lord was crucified has become the universal symbol for Christianity, replacing the fish symbol of the early church, though the latter has been revived in recent times. There are several different Feasts of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Unlike Good Friday, which is dedicated to the passion of Christ and the crucifixion, this weeks feast celebrate the cross itself, as the sign of salvation.
As I’m sure you are aware, after the end of the persecution era, early in the fourth century, pilgrims began to travel to Jerusalem to visit and pray at the places associated with the life of Jesus. Helena, the mother of the emperor, was a Christian and, whilst overseeing excavations in the city, is said to have uncovered a cross, which many believed to be the Cross of Christ. A basilica was built on the site of the Holy Sepulchre and dedicated on this day in the year 335, and so a day was thus set for Christians to think and contemplate the cross.
As part of our daily devotion this week please use this picture of the cross together with the collect of the day.
Collect
Almighty God,
who in the passion of your blessed Son
made an instrument of painful death
to be for us the means of life and peace:
grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ
that we may gladly suffer for his sake;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
This week on Tuesday (Sept 14th) the Christian Liturgical calendar celebrates the feast of the Holy Cross, sometimes known as Holy Rood Day. The cross on which our Lord was crucified has become the universal symbol for Christianity, replacing the fish symbol of the early church, though the latter has been revived in recent times. There are several different Feasts of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. Unlike Good Friday, which is dedicated to the passion of Christ and the crucifixion, this weeks feast celebrate the cross itself, as the sign of salvation.
As I’m sure you are aware, after the end of the persecution era, early in the fourth century, pilgrims began to travel to Jerusalem to visit and pray at the places associated with the life of Jesus. Helena, the mother of the emperor, was a Christian and, whilst overseeing excavations in the city, is said to have uncovered a cross, which many believed to be the Cross of Christ. A basilica was built on the site of the Holy Sepulchre and dedicated on this day in the year 335, and so a day was thus set for Christians to think and contemplate the cross.
As part of our daily devotion this week please use this picture of the cross together with the collect of the day.
Collect
Almighty God,
who in the passion of your blessed Son
made an instrument of painful death
to be for us the means of life and peace:
grant us so to glory in the cross of Christ
that we may gladly suffer for his sake;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 7th September 2021
I cannot believe how incredible the Lord’s power is. I moved here, to London from Australia in March 2019. I grew up in Melbourne with my parents and younger brother. I went to a Christian school and I helped out with the children’s church every Sunday morning. I only had the intention of staying here for a year, however through a few crazy turns of events, a global pandemic and God’s perfect timing, I found myself emailing churches through the Diocese of London, asking if one of them could take me on as their new Apprentice Children’s and Youth worker. I have found a wonderful placement here at St Stephen’s and I cannot thank God enough for blessing me with this wonderful church and the opportunity of learning how to help children and young people grow in their faith. I’m only young, but I have been volunteering in children’s ministry ever since I was 12 (I am now 22) and I cannot wait to see how much more I can learn about it. I have always believed that children and young people have as much of a right to be in church as adults. Children need a safe space to come to on a Sunday, to ask questions about their Heavenly Father and to further grow their relationship with Him, I am so honoured that I get to play a role in helping as many young people, as possible, grow spiritually and feel like they have a place to call home, in the church. In Matthew 19:14 it reads ‘ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Dear almighty God. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for both myself and St Stephen’s church. We are so grateful that we have the ability to reach all children of different backgrounds, faith and schools. We pray over the children of this community. We ask that you touch every single one of them with your blessings. We lean on you for support and guidance in reaching out to all our young people in this community that they may grow in their relationship with you. All the glory and praise is yours Father, Amen.
Kim Phillips, Apprentice Youth Worker at St Stephen's
We are delighted that Junior church again starts this Sunday, 12th of September!!
I cannot believe how incredible the Lord’s power is. I moved here, to London from Australia in March 2019. I grew up in Melbourne with my parents and younger brother. I went to a Christian school and I helped out with the children’s church every Sunday morning. I only had the intention of staying here for a year, however through a few crazy turns of events, a global pandemic and God’s perfect timing, I found myself emailing churches through the Diocese of London, asking if one of them could take me on as their new Apprentice Children’s and Youth worker. I have found a wonderful placement here at St Stephen’s and I cannot thank God enough for blessing me with this wonderful church and the opportunity of learning how to help children and young people grow in their faith. I’m only young, but I have been volunteering in children’s ministry ever since I was 12 (I am now 22) and I cannot wait to see how much more I can learn about it. I have always believed that children and young people have as much of a right to be in church as adults. Children need a safe space to come to on a Sunday, to ask questions about their Heavenly Father and to further grow their relationship with Him, I am so honoured that I get to play a role in helping as many young people, as possible, grow spiritually and feel like they have a place to call home, in the church. In Matthew 19:14 it reads ‘ Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Dear almighty God. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for both myself and St Stephen’s church. We are so grateful that we have the ability to reach all children of different backgrounds, faith and schools. We pray over the children of this community. We ask that you touch every single one of them with your blessings. We lean on you for support and guidance in reaching out to all our young people in this community that they may grow in their relationship with you. All the glory and praise is yours Father, Amen.
Kim Phillips, Apprentice Youth Worker at St Stephen's
We are delighted that Junior church again starts this Sunday, 12th of September!!
Wednesday 25th August 2021
I wonder if it’s by accident that the number of travel stories going viral on the internet seems to be rising. There’s the historian Tom Holland (writer of the best-selling history of Christianity, “Dominion”) who has gone on several long history walks through the pandemic, live-tweeting his progress as he passes various historical sites. Just this week, he completed a 50-mile walk from the site of the first ever recorded cricket match to the cricket ground at Lord’s in order to raise money for charity. Then there’s Jo Kibble, a council employee who decided to see how far he could get from London in 24 hours travelling only by bus. The answer turns out to be Morecambe, where he arrived (believe it or not!) six minutes before schedule. A phenomenon of recent years has been the rise of “Slow Television,” in which journeys are shown in real time. You can watch the whole of the train journey from Bergen to the Arctic Circle in Norway on YouTube for example – it’ll only take you ten hours. Maybe it’s a response to the enforced immobility of the pandemic – a rising desire to just go somewhere, or at least to see others travelling.
Stories of travel aren’t exactly new, however. Some of the oldest writings and stories we have are tales of extraordinary journeys. The Bible is full of them! From the Exodus to Paul’s missionary journeys, scripture is packed with tales of travel. Many saints have stories of travel associated with them, such as Brenden of Clonfert (also known as Brenden the Navigator) who went on a legendary quest to The Isle of the Blessed, encountering many fantastical beasts and phenomena along the way. Pilgrimage is an ancient spiritual practice centred around journeying to visit a holy place, and during the pandemic there was even a rise in virtual pilgrimages, which attempt to capture some of the same feeling without you having to leave your front door.
The whole idea of a virtual pilgrimage recalls an old debate about travelling for spiritual benefit. Is there any point in going anywhere if you aren’t also making a journey in your spirit? And if you’re making a journey in spirit (as arguably we all are as we go about our lives) is there any point in going somewhere at all? Augustine complained that people gaze in wonder upon landscapes, but pay no attention to themselves, and so the landscapes become a distraction from prayer. How we travel is as important as the travelling itself.
Creator God, on the palm of whose hand we journey,
Hold and guide you gently.
Incarnate God, whose earthly pilgrimage is our inspiration,
Walk with you every step.
Companion God, whose wisdom kindles our hearts,
Give you strength and courage.
Amen
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
I wonder if it’s by accident that the number of travel stories going viral on the internet seems to be rising. There’s the historian Tom Holland (writer of the best-selling history of Christianity, “Dominion”) who has gone on several long history walks through the pandemic, live-tweeting his progress as he passes various historical sites. Just this week, he completed a 50-mile walk from the site of the first ever recorded cricket match to the cricket ground at Lord’s in order to raise money for charity. Then there’s Jo Kibble, a council employee who decided to see how far he could get from London in 24 hours travelling only by bus. The answer turns out to be Morecambe, where he arrived (believe it or not!) six minutes before schedule. A phenomenon of recent years has been the rise of “Slow Television,” in which journeys are shown in real time. You can watch the whole of the train journey from Bergen to the Arctic Circle in Norway on YouTube for example – it’ll only take you ten hours. Maybe it’s a response to the enforced immobility of the pandemic – a rising desire to just go somewhere, or at least to see others travelling.
Stories of travel aren’t exactly new, however. Some of the oldest writings and stories we have are tales of extraordinary journeys. The Bible is full of them! From the Exodus to Paul’s missionary journeys, scripture is packed with tales of travel. Many saints have stories of travel associated with them, such as Brenden of Clonfert (also known as Brenden the Navigator) who went on a legendary quest to The Isle of the Blessed, encountering many fantastical beasts and phenomena along the way. Pilgrimage is an ancient spiritual practice centred around journeying to visit a holy place, and during the pandemic there was even a rise in virtual pilgrimages, which attempt to capture some of the same feeling without you having to leave your front door.
The whole idea of a virtual pilgrimage recalls an old debate about travelling for spiritual benefit. Is there any point in going anywhere if you aren’t also making a journey in your spirit? And if you’re making a journey in spirit (as arguably we all are as we go about our lives) is there any point in going somewhere at all? Augustine complained that people gaze in wonder upon landscapes, but pay no attention to themselves, and so the landscapes become a distraction from prayer. How we travel is as important as the travelling itself.
Creator God, on the palm of whose hand we journey,
Hold and guide you gently.
Incarnate God, whose earthly pilgrimage is our inspiration,
Walk with you every step.
Companion God, whose wisdom kindles our hearts,
Give you strength and courage.
Amen
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Wednesday 18th August 2021
I was reminded when writing my sermon for Sunday of the great Marian Hymn Ave Maris Stella – Hail Mary, Star of the sea. It’s quite probable that this title for our Lady is actually a medieval typo, and it should have been Ave Matris Stella – Hail Mary, Star of Mothers. Typo or not, the Ave Maris Stella fits into a long and continuing tradition of associations between the sea and the holy. There are many, many examples of seafaring and boating in the Gospels, quite apart from Paul’s shipwrecks on his missionary journeys. Jesus himself calms storms and walks on water. Maritime metaphors and devotions are also common – St Paul describes Jesus as the anchor of our souls in Hebrews – leading to many places of worship being called the Anchorage, or the Lighthouse or similar. The word for the centre of the church, the Nave, comes from the same root as that for Navy. The roof of a church nave supposedly looking like an upturned boat, a boat that we travel together in throughout our lives.
It doesn’t take much thought to understand why the sea has had such a powerful hold on religious imagination. In its size and strength it is unknowable, literally unfathomable (we have better maps of the surface of mars than of our ocean floor), and there is nothing we can do to escape or influence its moods or its storms. On the other hand, the sea can be bountiful, providing food as well as other natural resources. As a metaphor for life, or the divine, the parallels just seem to stack up. It’s no accident that places by the sea are often described as “thin places,” and that so many great monasteries and retreat houses are by the sea.
Phineas Fletcher absorbed many of these themes into his poem “Vast Ocean of Light,” a portion of which Jonathan Dove set in this fantastic anthem. I leave you with the text of the whole poem, and also a video of the anthem for your devotion this week.
I was reminded when writing my sermon for Sunday of the great Marian Hymn Ave Maris Stella – Hail Mary, Star of the sea. It’s quite probable that this title for our Lady is actually a medieval typo, and it should have been Ave Matris Stella – Hail Mary, Star of Mothers. Typo or not, the Ave Maris Stella fits into a long and continuing tradition of associations between the sea and the holy. There are many, many examples of seafaring and boating in the Gospels, quite apart from Paul’s shipwrecks on his missionary journeys. Jesus himself calms storms and walks on water. Maritime metaphors and devotions are also common – St Paul describes Jesus as the anchor of our souls in Hebrews – leading to many places of worship being called the Anchorage, or the Lighthouse or similar. The word for the centre of the church, the Nave, comes from the same root as that for Navy. The roof of a church nave supposedly looking like an upturned boat, a boat that we travel together in throughout our lives.
It doesn’t take much thought to understand why the sea has had such a powerful hold on religious imagination. In its size and strength it is unknowable, literally unfathomable (we have better maps of the surface of mars than of our ocean floor), and there is nothing we can do to escape or influence its moods or its storms. On the other hand, the sea can be bountiful, providing food as well as other natural resources. As a metaphor for life, or the divine, the parallels just seem to stack up. It’s no accident that places by the sea are often described as “thin places,” and that so many great monasteries and retreat houses are by the sea.
Phineas Fletcher absorbed many of these themes into his poem “Vast Ocean of Light,” a portion of which Jonathan Dove set in this fantastic anthem. I leave you with the text of the whole poem, and also a video of the anthem for your devotion this week.
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Vast Ocean of light, whose rayes surround
The Universe, who know'st nor ebb, nor shore, Who lend'st the Sun his sparkling drop, to store With overflowing beams Heav'n, ayer, ground, Whose depths beneath the Centre none can sound, Whose heights 'bove heav'n, and thoughts so lofty soar, Whose breadth no feet, no lines, no chains, no eyes survey, Whose length no thoughts can reach, no worlds can bound, What cloud can mask thy face? where can thy ray Find an Eclipse? what night can hide Eternal Day? Our Seas (a drop of thine) with arms dispread Through all the earth make drunk the thirsty plains; Our Sun (a spark of thine) dark shadows drains, Guilds all the world, paints earth, revives the dead; Seas (through earth pipes distill'd) in Cisterns shed, And power their liver springs in river veins. The Sun peeps through jet clouds, and when his face, and gleams Are maskt, his eyes their light through ayers spread; Shall dullard earth bury life-giving streams? Earths foggs impound heav'ns light? hell quench heav'n-kindling beams? How miss I then? in bed I sought by night, But found not him in rest, nor rest without him. I sought in Towns, in broadest streets I sought him, But found not him where all are lost: dull sight Thou canst not see him in himself: his light Is maskt in light: brightness his cloud about him. Where, when, how he'l be found, there, then, thus seek thy love: Thy Lamb in flocks, thy Food with appetite, Thy Rest on resting dayes, thy Turtle Dove Seek on his cross: there, then, thus Love stands nail'd with love. - Phineas Fletcher Revd Helena Bickley-Percival |
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Wednesday 12th August 2021
Ollie and I went to the Young Vic last week to see the excellent ‘Changing Destiny.’ This play follows the adventures of the Warrior King, Sinuhe, in Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri’s bold new adaptation of one of the world’s first known stories, written over 4,000 years ago. There are only two actors - Joan Iyiola and Ashley Zhangazha, who create a hundred characters and share the role of Sinuhe, with a game played on stage at the start of each performance to decide who plays the role. Forced to flee Egypt, Sinuhe is captured as a prisoner of war by the foreign Kingdom of Retenu. Stripped of status and tormented by memories, it takes all of Sinuhe’s will to survive as a stranger in an unknown land. This is all vividly brought to life with an intriguing and well-designed set by architect Sir David Adjaye. Changing Destiny is a good play retelling an ancient tale - but is Sinuhe and his story real? Whether true or not, the story yields information about political and social conditions of the time. It is likely that Sinuhe was based on an official of the harem maintained for Amenemhet I by his queen.
The church celebrates lots of Saints whose tales may well be based on folklore rather than actual facts - a little like this play. People whose stories evolve over time in the retelling. On the 11 August the church commemorates Clare of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition. Clare wrote their Rule of Life, the first set of monastic guidelines known to have been written by a woman. Of course, we are in no doubt of her existence, but I am sure that this an Italian saint, one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi, has had many tales and legends grown up around her. But those stories, give us an understanding of the culture, mindset and socio-political conditions of the day. Do watch and listen to John’s excellent short video about St Clare as part of your daily devotion.
Collect
God of peace,
who in the poverty of the blessed Clare
gave us a clear light to shine in the darkness of this world:
give us grace so to follow in her footsteps
that we may, at the last, rejoice with her in your eternal glory;
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
Revd Graham Buckle
Ollie and I went to the Young Vic last week to see the excellent ‘Changing Destiny.’ This play follows the adventures of the Warrior King, Sinuhe, in Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri’s bold new adaptation of one of the world’s first known stories, written over 4,000 years ago. There are only two actors - Joan Iyiola and Ashley Zhangazha, who create a hundred characters and share the role of Sinuhe, with a game played on stage at the start of each performance to decide who plays the role. Forced to flee Egypt, Sinuhe is captured as a prisoner of war by the foreign Kingdom of Retenu. Stripped of status and tormented by memories, it takes all of Sinuhe’s will to survive as a stranger in an unknown land. This is all vividly brought to life with an intriguing and well-designed set by architect Sir David Adjaye. Changing Destiny is a good play retelling an ancient tale - but is Sinuhe and his story real? Whether true or not, the story yields information about political and social conditions of the time. It is likely that Sinuhe was based on an official of the harem maintained for Amenemhet I by his queen.
The church celebrates lots of Saints whose tales may well be based on folklore rather than actual facts - a little like this play. People whose stories evolve over time in the retelling. On the 11 August the church commemorates Clare of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition. Clare wrote their Rule of Life, the first set of monastic guidelines known to have been written by a woman. Of course, we are in no doubt of her existence, but I am sure that this an Italian saint, one of the first followers of Francis of Assisi, has had many tales and legends grown up around her. But those stories, give us an understanding of the culture, mindset and socio-political conditions of the day. Do watch and listen to John’s excellent short video about St Clare as part of your daily devotion.
Collect
God of peace,
who in the poverty of the blessed Clare
gave us a clear light to shine in the darkness of this world:
give us grace so to follow in her footsteps
that we may, at the last, rejoice with her in your eternal glory;
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
Revd Graham Buckle
Friday 30th July 2021
Every year on the 30th July, the church remembers the work of three anti-slavery campaigners of the 18th Century: William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano, and Thomas Clarkson. Last year, our Daily Devotion looked at some of the legacy of William Wilberforce, but Thomas Clarkson was as prolific a campaigner, whose work did much to hasten the abolition of slavery in England.
Clarkson was the son of an Anglican Priest, and also studied to be ordained. He was ordained a deacon, but never receiving a priest’s orders. His interest in the arguments against slavery stemmed from an essay competition he entered as a student, writing on the title “is it lawful to make slaves of others against their will?” Having read as much as he could on the subject, and delivered his paper, Clarkson had a profound Damascus road experience on his way home. In his own words:
‘As it is usual to read these essays publicly in the senate-house soon after the prize is adjudged, I was called to Cambridge for this purpose. I went and performed my office. On returning however to London, the subject of it almost wholly engrossed my thoughts. I became at times very seriously affected while upon the road. I stopped my horse occasionally, and dismounted and walked. I frequently tried to persuade myself in these intervals that the contents of my Essay could not be true. The more however I reflected upon them, or rather upon the authorities on which they were founded, the more I gave them credit. Coming in sight of Wades Mill in Hertfordshire, I sat down disconsolate on the turf by the roadside and held my horse. Here a thought came into my mind, that if the contents of the Essay were true, it was time some person should see these calamities to their end. Agitated in this manner I reached home. This was in the summer of 1785.’
Clarkson spent the rest of his life campaigning to end slavery throughout the world, collecting together various articles involved in the slave trade to illustrate its barbarity, producing drawings of slave ships and helping former slaves to testify, as well as collecting the goods enslaved people produced in order to demonstrate their humanity. His work took him all over the world, as he continued to campaign for the end of slavery in the Americas, even after the passing of the British Slavery Abolition Act in 1833.
During his life, Clarkson spent some time in the Lake District and became friends with William Wordsworth. Here is a sonnet Wordsworth wrote about Clarkson as an aid to our devotion this week.
Every year on the 30th July, the church remembers the work of three anti-slavery campaigners of the 18th Century: William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano, and Thomas Clarkson. Last year, our Daily Devotion looked at some of the legacy of William Wilberforce, but Thomas Clarkson was as prolific a campaigner, whose work did much to hasten the abolition of slavery in England.
Clarkson was the son of an Anglican Priest, and also studied to be ordained. He was ordained a deacon, but never receiving a priest’s orders. His interest in the arguments against slavery stemmed from an essay competition he entered as a student, writing on the title “is it lawful to make slaves of others against their will?” Having read as much as he could on the subject, and delivered his paper, Clarkson had a profound Damascus road experience on his way home. In his own words:
‘As it is usual to read these essays publicly in the senate-house soon after the prize is adjudged, I was called to Cambridge for this purpose. I went and performed my office. On returning however to London, the subject of it almost wholly engrossed my thoughts. I became at times very seriously affected while upon the road. I stopped my horse occasionally, and dismounted and walked. I frequently tried to persuade myself in these intervals that the contents of my Essay could not be true. The more however I reflected upon them, or rather upon the authorities on which they were founded, the more I gave them credit. Coming in sight of Wades Mill in Hertfordshire, I sat down disconsolate on the turf by the roadside and held my horse. Here a thought came into my mind, that if the contents of the Essay were true, it was time some person should see these calamities to their end. Agitated in this manner I reached home. This was in the summer of 1785.’
Clarkson spent the rest of his life campaigning to end slavery throughout the world, collecting together various articles involved in the slave trade to illustrate its barbarity, producing drawings of slave ships and helping former slaves to testify, as well as collecting the goods enslaved people produced in order to demonstrate their humanity. His work took him all over the world, as he continued to campaign for the end of slavery in the Americas, even after the passing of the British Slavery Abolition Act in 1833.
During his life, Clarkson spent some time in the Lake District and became friends with William Wordsworth. Here is a sonnet Wordsworth wrote about Clarkson as an aid to our devotion this week.
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Clarkson! it was an obstinate Hill to climb:
How toilsome, nay how dire it was, by Thee Is known,—by none, perhaps, so feelingly; But Thou, who, starting in thy fervent prime, Didst first lead forth this pilgrimage sublime, Hast heard the constant Voice its charge repeat, Which, out of thy young heart's oracular seat, First roused thee.—O true yoke-fellow of Time With unabating effort, see, the palm Is won, and by all Nations shall be worn! The bloody Writing is for ever torn, And Thou henceforth wilt have a good Man's calm, A great Man's happiness; thy zeal shall find Repose at length, firm Friend of human kind! - William Wordsworth Revd Helena Bickley-Percival |
Clarkson is the central figure in this painting which is of the 1840 Anti-Slavery Convention.
Image from Wikipedia Commons.
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Wednesday 21st July 2021
I have attended St Stephen’s all my 15 years. I have many old memories of playing and singing in the church. These last two days, I was able to do my work experience with Graham and Helena and I’ve found it an incredibly interesting experience to learn about the church from a new perspective. I had always thought that all a vicar had to do was lots of praying and leading services and it is but recently I have come to appreciate the variety of duties a vicar must undertake. Priesthood has many pastoral aspects, and Graham has emphasised to me the importance of being known and a friendly face in the community. I was able to enjoy for the first time both Tea@3 on Monday and the Sewer’s group on Tuesday where the church provided a welcoming space for conversation and in the latter’s case crafting too. Through these activities, I was able to meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise. It is so important during times like these that churches are able to provide structure and support for people. While I haven’t become totally set on a future in the church during my two days, I’ve had a great opportunity to understand a church from the inside and I am grateful to Graham and Helena for letting me tag along.
Lucy
It was lovely to host you Lucy, and I know you enjoyed praying and ringing the Angelus before morning and evening prayer. Why not us it as your daily devotion:
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you' (Lk 1: 28)
'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb' (Lk 1: 42).
Revd Graham Buckle
I have attended St Stephen’s all my 15 years. I have many old memories of playing and singing in the church. These last two days, I was able to do my work experience with Graham and Helena and I’ve found it an incredibly interesting experience to learn about the church from a new perspective. I had always thought that all a vicar had to do was lots of praying and leading services and it is but recently I have come to appreciate the variety of duties a vicar must undertake. Priesthood has many pastoral aspects, and Graham has emphasised to me the importance of being known and a friendly face in the community. I was able to enjoy for the first time both Tea@3 on Monday and the Sewer’s group on Tuesday where the church provided a welcoming space for conversation and in the latter’s case crafting too. Through these activities, I was able to meet people I wouldn’t have otherwise. It is so important during times like these that churches are able to provide structure and support for people. While I haven’t become totally set on a future in the church during my two days, I’ve had a great opportunity to understand a church from the inside and I am grateful to Graham and Helena for letting me tag along.
Lucy
It was lovely to host you Lucy, and I know you enjoyed praying and ringing the Angelus before morning and evening prayer. Why not us it as your daily devotion:
The Angelus
The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary...
And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
'Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you' (Lk 1: 28)
'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb' (Lk 1: 42).
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 14th July 2021
Sermon on Daily Devotions from Sunday 10th July 2021 from curate Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Sermon on Daily Devotions from Sunday 10th July 2021 from curate Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
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Friday 9th July 2021
I am sure it has not past you by, that the men’s England Football team have reached their first major tournament final since winning the World Cup in 1966, after beating Denmark 2-1 in a gripping encounter on Wednesday at Wembley Stadium. In fact it is the first time they have reached a European Championship final. For England, the game itself bore similarities to its last semifinal at a European Championship, against Germany in 1996. That too was played in front of a packed Wembley Stadium but the tie ended in very different circumstances. Gareth Southgate was the man to miss the decisive penalty that night but, fast forward 25 years, and the 50-year-old has guided his country into its first European Championship final against Italy on Sunday night. Every football fan in the country felt like it was needed, almost expected, a win after so many years of disappointment and we finally got our wish. As we are all aware, it has been a most extraordinary year, and this is no exception for sport, which has suffered greatly from the pandemic. So, whatever the final score I hope that it is a good game, played in the right spirit and let us all give thanks for all those involved in sport and those who minister to them - “Common England!” - https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10164074406155694&id=585665693&anchor_composer=false Revd Graham M Buckle |
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Image from Wikipedia, click image for link
Thursday 8th July 2021
When entering a church, there is nothing likely to make me stand and stare in wonder more than stained glass. It is a totally extraordinary art form, in that it makes everything around it art as well. The colours and light change throughout the day as the sun moves, and change the interior of the building as rays of coloured light move over surfaces, transforming everything it touches.
All stained-glass windows can do this, but Rose Windows are some of the most glorious and complex windows one can find. They stem from the rather simple Oculi of Roman architecture – holes incorporated into buildings to let in light and air (the one in the ceiling of the Pantheon in Rome being a famous example.) Over time they became more complicated, incorporating Byzantine and Islamic architectural influences, until you reach the full gothic glory of Rose Windows such as that in Notre-Dame, and this one from the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris.
There are a couple of traditional subjects for a Rose Window. The most common is to have scenes of the Last Judgment, as there is a long tradition of the Last Judgment being depicted in some way on the west wall of Christian places of worship. As places of worship became larger, Rose Windows started to appear at the ends of transepts as well (if you are looking down at a church and it is in the shape of the cross, the transepts are the “arms” of the cross), and would commonly depict the Virgin Mary or God’s dominion over all the earth. This window from Saint-Denis is from the north transept, and shows God the creator in the centre. The next circle shows each of the days of creation (plus some angels to make the numbers work), then the next circle has all the signs of the zodiac, and the final circle shows all the months of the year depicted through agricultural work associated with each month (known as the labours of the month). In this way, God is shown to be at the centre not only of his creation, but of all time as well.
We are lucky enough to glory in some gorgeous stained glass at St Stephen’s, but next time you go somewhere with a Rose Window (Westminster Abbey perhaps?) I encourage you to spend some time with it. Not only does every detail hold rich symbolism, but as the sun moves, it will change everything around you as well.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
When entering a church, there is nothing likely to make me stand and stare in wonder more than stained glass. It is a totally extraordinary art form, in that it makes everything around it art as well. The colours and light change throughout the day as the sun moves, and change the interior of the building as rays of coloured light move over surfaces, transforming everything it touches.
All stained-glass windows can do this, but Rose Windows are some of the most glorious and complex windows one can find. They stem from the rather simple Oculi of Roman architecture – holes incorporated into buildings to let in light and air (the one in the ceiling of the Pantheon in Rome being a famous example.) Over time they became more complicated, incorporating Byzantine and Islamic architectural influences, until you reach the full gothic glory of Rose Windows such as that in Notre-Dame, and this one from the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris.
There are a couple of traditional subjects for a Rose Window. The most common is to have scenes of the Last Judgment, as there is a long tradition of the Last Judgment being depicted in some way on the west wall of Christian places of worship. As places of worship became larger, Rose Windows started to appear at the ends of transepts as well (if you are looking down at a church and it is in the shape of the cross, the transepts are the “arms” of the cross), and would commonly depict the Virgin Mary or God’s dominion over all the earth. This window from Saint-Denis is from the north transept, and shows God the creator in the centre. The next circle shows each of the days of creation (plus some angels to make the numbers work), then the next circle has all the signs of the zodiac, and the final circle shows all the months of the year depicted through agricultural work associated with each month (known as the labours of the month). In this way, God is shown to be at the centre not only of his creation, but of all time as well.
We are lucky enough to glory in some gorgeous stained glass at St Stephen’s, but next time you go somewhere with a Rose Window (Westminster Abbey perhaps?) I encourage you to spend some time with it. Not only does every detail hold rich symbolism, but as the sun moves, it will change everything around you as well.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Wednesday 7th July 2021
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy
It was wonderful to be back at St Stephen’s Rochester Row to celebrate Jeremy Cavanagh’s ordination to the Diaconate and a great treat to sing a hymn again for the first time in six months - and quite appropriate to sing this particular hymn in the great outdoors!
The text of “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy” is taken from a longer poem titled “Come to Jesus” written by Frederick William Faber (1814-1863) who spent an extended period overseas after his ordination (like Jeremy!) - his letters and diaries describe in lyrical detail the beauty of the landscapes he saw and the diverse customs of the people he met. After his conversion to Roman Catholicism, he led a more interior, cloistered life, founding a small religious community in Birmingham and then in London.
Much of Faber’s writing, like the hymn we sang, encourages us to meditate on the reality that while “God’s love is broader than the measures of the mind” it is also highly particular - amongst the myriad of other creatures on earth God loves each of us individually.
In “All men have a special vocation,” (1859) Faber explains that this is a thought so old, it is always new; so broad we can never learn it thoroughly - although we are called to spend a lifetime trying. He writes;
“God’s love of us is so bewilderingly great, and so bewilderingly special, that we must love him with a glorious love, to be worthy of the name of love at all.”
“The truth is, - and it follows from the speciality of God’s love of us, - every man has a distinct vocation, a vocation of his own, a vocation which might be like other men’s vocations, but is never precisely the same.” We are all “necessary to God.”
As we celebrate the start of the next phase of Jeremy’s vocation, Faber reminds us, whether we are conscious of it or not that we all, like the individual notes of a hymn, have an important and particular place in God’s song of love; a song drawing us ever closer to Him.
“In the far back of an unbeginning eternity we shall see a clear and special purpose for which God has created us, an individual speciality, which he has never quite repeated in any of his other creatures, a special attraction which called out his love to us, or rather, which his love invented... This speciality decided our vocation upon earth. It fixed our place. It determined our time. It fashioned our work….All our inspirations, like according notes in music, were a unity, and each sounded out of that eternal purpose and seemed to call us on to its fulfilment. Each present moment was a partial development of the one grand special end; and now our glory in heaven answers to the old eternal speciality of God’s love for us.”
Phillip Dawson
Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
The full text of Faber’s Poem “Come to Jesus” can be found on page 117-119 at this link. Faber’s essay “All men have a special vocation” is published as part of his ‘Spiritual Conferences’ which can be read in full at this link.
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy
It was wonderful to be back at St Stephen’s Rochester Row to celebrate Jeremy Cavanagh’s ordination to the Diaconate and a great treat to sing a hymn again for the first time in six months - and quite appropriate to sing this particular hymn in the great outdoors!
The text of “There’s a wideness in God’s mercy” is taken from a longer poem titled “Come to Jesus” written by Frederick William Faber (1814-1863) who spent an extended period overseas after his ordination (like Jeremy!) - his letters and diaries describe in lyrical detail the beauty of the landscapes he saw and the diverse customs of the people he met. After his conversion to Roman Catholicism, he led a more interior, cloistered life, founding a small religious community in Birmingham and then in London.
Much of Faber’s writing, like the hymn we sang, encourages us to meditate on the reality that while “God’s love is broader than the measures of the mind” it is also highly particular - amongst the myriad of other creatures on earth God loves each of us individually.
In “All men have a special vocation,” (1859) Faber explains that this is a thought so old, it is always new; so broad we can never learn it thoroughly - although we are called to spend a lifetime trying. He writes;
“God’s love of us is so bewilderingly great, and so bewilderingly special, that we must love him with a glorious love, to be worthy of the name of love at all.”
“The truth is, - and it follows from the speciality of God’s love of us, - every man has a distinct vocation, a vocation of his own, a vocation which might be like other men’s vocations, but is never precisely the same.” We are all “necessary to God.”
As we celebrate the start of the next phase of Jeremy’s vocation, Faber reminds us, whether we are conscious of it or not that we all, like the individual notes of a hymn, have an important and particular place in God’s song of love; a song drawing us ever closer to Him.
“In the far back of an unbeginning eternity we shall see a clear and special purpose for which God has created us, an individual speciality, which he has never quite repeated in any of his other creatures, a special attraction which called out his love to us, or rather, which his love invented... This speciality decided our vocation upon earth. It fixed our place. It determined our time. It fashioned our work….All our inspirations, like according notes in music, were a unity, and each sounded out of that eternal purpose and seemed to call us on to its fulfilment. Each present moment was a partial development of the one grand special end; and now our glory in heaven answers to the old eternal speciality of God’s love for us.”
Phillip Dawson
Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
The full text of Faber’s Poem “Come to Jesus” can be found on page 117-119 at this link. Faber’s essay “All men have a special vocation” is published as part of his ‘Spiritual Conferences’ which can be read in full at this link.
Tuesday 6th July 2021
We bid Jeremy ‘God’s Speed’ as he flys to Tokyo this afternoon to help set up TV systems for the delayed Summer Olympics. There has much media attention about Tokyo preparing to hosts these games in the midst of the pandemic. However, I was reading an interesting article yesterday about how Japan used the previous games in 1964 to restore its global status from postwar parish to high-tech go-getter. In October 1964 the athlete Yoshinori Sakai lit the flame at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. He had been born just over 19 years earlier, on the same day that the US dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This was no coincidence. Sakal was chosen for the role to symbolise Japan's journey from the dark days of the war to its triumphant reconstruction as a modern technological and welcoming nation - a thread that ran throughout the Games. As these second Tokyo Olympics are about to begin, let us not only remember our friend Yoji Shibata, but all the athletes and those associated with these games and let us pray for the peace in our world :
We bid Jeremy ‘God’s Speed’ as he flys to Tokyo this afternoon to help set up TV systems for the delayed Summer Olympics. There has much media attention about Tokyo preparing to hosts these games in the midst of the pandemic. However, I was reading an interesting article yesterday about how Japan used the previous games in 1964 to restore its global status from postwar parish to high-tech go-getter. In October 1964 the athlete Yoshinori Sakai lit the flame at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. He had been born just over 19 years earlier, on the same day that the US dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. This was no coincidence. Sakal was chosen for the role to symbolise Japan's journey from the dark days of the war to its triumphant reconstruction as a modern technological and welcoming nation - a thread that ran throughout the Games. As these second Tokyo Olympics are about to begin, let us not only remember our friend Yoji Shibata, but all the athletes and those associated with these games and let us pray for the peace in our world :
A PRAYER FOR THOSE INVOLVED IN SPORTS
O God, you gave us bodies--
as well as minds and hearts--
with which to praise and worship you.
Our sports and exercises are a fitting use of gifts
and talents you have given us.
Bless our workouts and the games we play,
and those with whom we exercise or compete.
Give us strength, endurance, courage
and agility as we compete or train.
Keep us safe and healthy as we celebrate
our physical and mental skills in sport. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
O God, you gave us bodies--
as well as minds and hearts--
with which to praise and worship you.
Our sports and exercises are a fitting use of gifts
and talents you have given us.
Bless our workouts and the games we play,
and those with whom we exercise or compete.
Give us strength, endurance, courage
and agility as we compete or train.
Keep us safe and healthy as we celebrate
our physical and mental skills in sport. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
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Monday 5th July 2021
It was so lovely to catch up with a few of my curates yesterday evening at our welcome for Jeremy at Evensong. Of course, it is important to remember that both he and Helena are still training capacity with us. I am, what the church calls, a ‘training incumbent’. However we all play a part of a curates formation and is why St Stephens is seen by the Diocese as a ‘Title Parish’ - A parish in which they can continue their training as curates. This is an immense privilege for us as a church, so I ask you all to continue to pray and support them: Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts, by your Holy Spirit you have appointed various orders of ministry in the Church: look with mercy on your servants recently ordained as deacons and priests; maintain them in truth and renew them in holiness, that by word and good example they may faithfully serve you to the glory of your name and the benefit of your Church; through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Revd Graham M Buckle |
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Friday 2nd July 2021
Following Floreat's wonderful singing of Renaissance polyphony last week - in their recital on Wednesday and in Choral Evensong on Thursday - we were delighted to welcome back on Wednesday this week Hugh Benson (tenor) and Richard Hammond-Hall (piano), who performed a gorgeous recital programme of French and English song by Duparc, Debussy, Vaughan Williams, Gurney, and Finzi. It was wonderful to hear Hugh and Richard again, and we can look forward to more from them in the coming year, as I'm really pleased they, along with Floreat and others, are also part of our new Associate Musicians scheme (soon to be fully publicised...!).
There's one more musical feast to look forward to, to round off these St Stephen's Weeks. On Sunday 4th July at 6pm, our Parish Choir will sing Choral Evensong, to mark and celebrate the ordination of Jeremy Cavanagh as Deacon. It's been a great pleasure to have worked closely with Jeremy over the last few weeks to plan the music for this occasion. In his Daily Devotion earlier this week, Jeremy wrote that "the ministry of a deacon is to serve", and he calls attention to and prays for the gifts and ministry of all in the St Stephen's community. This is, of course, right and decent - but it's also typically, admirably humble Jeremy. And, accordingly, he's chosen to conduct Evensong using the lectionary's given readings for the day, rather than choose his own set of readings; and similarly, in his selection of hymns and choral music he has been keen not to feature texts which focus attention on the minister themselves, despite the occasion. If I may resist his natural modesty for a moment: I'd like here to thank Jeremy for the care and attention he's given the details of putting together all the music for the service; and, having begun St Stephen's Weeks celebrating and giving thanks for Helena's gifts and/of ministry, I'm sure on Sunday evening we as a community will be keen to give thanks to Jeremy and for his gifts and ministry, which St Stephen's is fortunate and richer to have had over the last few years as Pastoral Assistant, and to continue to have in the coming years of his Curacy.
Matthew Blaiden
Matthew Blaiden
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Thursday 1st July 2021
Great scientists are often defined by their legacies and with this being so, they come no greater than Michael Faraday, the man who was the subject of the play Fire from Heaven, written by Murray Watts and performed at St Stephen's by actor Andrew Harrison on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. In a compelling 75 minutes, Harrison transported his audience to 19th-century London to share the story of the remarkable scientist who is known as the Father of Electromagnetism, though his contributions to science and technology extend way beyond even this development, so vital to modern life. From a humble background, Faraday rose to become the most celebrated scientist of his generation, his name becoming synonymous with the Royal Institution where, among many other things he was responsible for the inauguration of the annual Christmas Lectures for Young People. His emergence as a great scientist unquestionably owed an enormous amount to his boss and mentor Sir Humphrey Davy with whom he had a famously intense relationship, brilliantly explored in the play. Faraday's Christian faith played a huge part in his life and he lived every day epitomising humility and diligence for the highest cause and his unshakeable belief that it was the hand of the Creator that sketched all he discovered and developed lay at the heart of his work throughout his life. This powerful and memorable performance had a hard-hitting and profound message and we, the audience, were left in no doubt about the spiritual cornerstones of Faraday's greatness. How fitting, too, that just a few days earlier halfway through our St Stephen's fortnight, John Turpin mentioned in his talk how Angela Burdett-Coutts enjoyed conversations with Faraday. Oh, to have overheard them. |
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Thank you Graham, Helena, Eddie and all at St Stephen's for hosting these - dare I say - electrifying performances.
Dr K A P Walsh, Project Director, Westminster China Schools
Dr K A P Walsh, Project Director, Westminster China Schools
Wednesday 30th June 2021
On Saturday I will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Sarah in St Paul’s Cathedral. The past three and a half years have meant huge changes in my life but the right road to take and St Stephen’s has been key to this ongoing formation, something I will always be grateful for.
Getting ordained coincides with Ember days in the church calendar and Ember days were days traditionally set aside to mark the seasons through prayer and fasting. These days Ember days are set aside for prayer for the clergy and ordinations and this fits with change happening at certain times as will happen to myself and the other 44 from London being ordained on Saturday.
The ministry of a deacon is to serve and even after being priested a minister formally remains a deacon. Looking back at the role St Stephens has had in my ministerial formation I have become aware of all the different ways people carry out their own ministry in and around St Stephen’s even if they don’t call it ‘ministry’ or even realise it is ministry. But it is part of who we are as Christians as 1 Peter 2: 9 puts it, “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. Part of the privilege for me these past few years has been to see this in the people in and around St Stephen’s.
I want to thank everyone for their prayers, their encouragement and their interest during this period. I would also like us to recognise each other’s gifts, ministry and vocation in so many different ways that are part of being this royal priesthood that declares the praises of him who called us. There are two collects for Embertide; one that concentrates on ordained ministry and the other on ministry and vocation in general. As I move toward ordination I would like to pray the second one as recognition of us all giving ourselves for him who gave himself for us.
Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Jeremy Cavanagh
On Saturday I will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Sarah in St Paul’s Cathedral. The past three and a half years have meant huge changes in my life but the right road to take and St Stephen’s has been key to this ongoing formation, something I will always be grateful for.
Getting ordained coincides with Ember days in the church calendar and Ember days were days traditionally set aside to mark the seasons through prayer and fasting. These days Ember days are set aside for prayer for the clergy and ordinations and this fits with change happening at certain times as will happen to myself and the other 44 from London being ordained on Saturday.
The ministry of a deacon is to serve and even after being priested a minister formally remains a deacon. Looking back at the role St Stephens has had in my ministerial formation I have become aware of all the different ways people carry out their own ministry in and around St Stephen’s even if they don’t call it ‘ministry’ or even realise it is ministry. But it is part of who we are as Christians as 1 Peter 2: 9 puts it, “you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. Part of the privilege for me these past few years has been to see this in the people in and around St Stephen’s.
I want to thank everyone for their prayers, their encouragement and their interest during this period. I would also like us to recognise each other’s gifts, ministry and vocation in so many different ways that are part of being this royal priesthood that declares the praises of him who called us. There are two collects for Embertide; one that concentrates on ordained ministry and the other on ministry and vocation in general. As I move toward ordination I would like to pray the second one as recognition of us all giving ourselves for him who gave himself for us.
Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Jeremy Cavanagh
Tuesday 29th June 2021
Today the church celebrates not one, but two saints! The 29th June has been celebrated as the feast of St Peter and St Paul from the very early church – so early that we’re not sure exactly why this date. It may be the date they were thought to be martyred, or the date when their relics were translated (moved to a place where they could be reverenced). This time of year takes its name from the feast: Petertide. The time of year when people traditionally are ordained – hence my ordination last week, and Jeremy’s at the end of this week.
Ordinations traditionally take place at Petertide because both Peter and Paul were so crucial in the establishment of the early church. Tradition has it that Peter was the first Pope, and the Gospels have Jesus clearly stating that Peter will be the foundation stone of the church. “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matt 16:18) Jesus tells Peter, and in his resurrection appearance in John Jesus instructs Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). In the ordination service for priests, the Bishop tells those to be ordained to “Remember always with thanksgiving that the treasure now to be entrusted to you is Christ’s own flock.”
Petertide is not only a time to think about ordination however, but also about the church more broadly. Those who are ordained are to be ministers in Christ’s church, and we are all called to be the body of the Christ in the church. When I was training for ordination, we were continually reminded to ask three questions: Who is Jesus Christ? What is a Priest? What is the church? At this time of year, as we look back to our beginnings in the ministry of Peter and Paul, that final question is particularly pertinent. What is the church? How do we fulfil our calling to be church? For it does not rest only on those who are ordained, but on all of us.
God our Father, Lord of all the world,
through your Son you have called us into the fellowship
of your universal Church:
hear our prayer for your faithful people
that in their vocation and ministry
each may be an instrument of your love,
and give to your servants now to be ordained
the needful gifts of grace;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Today the church celebrates not one, but two saints! The 29th June has been celebrated as the feast of St Peter and St Paul from the very early church – so early that we’re not sure exactly why this date. It may be the date they were thought to be martyred, or the date when their relics were translated (moved to a place where they could be reverenced). This time of year takes its name from the feast: Petertide. The time of year when people traditionally are ordained – hence my ordination last week, and Jeremy’s at the end of this week.
Ordinations traditionally take place at Petertide because both Peter and Paul were so crucial in the establishment of the early church. Tradition has it that Peter was the first Pope, and the Gospels have Jesus clearly stating that Peter will be the foundation stone of the church. “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” (Matt 16:18) Jesus tells Peter, and in his resurrection appearance in John Jesus instructs Peter to “feed my sheep” (John 21:17). In the ordination service for priests, the Bishop tells those to be ordained to “Remember always with thanksgiving that the treasure now to be entrusted to you is Christ’s own flock.”
Petertide is not only a time to think about ordination however, but also about the church more broadly. Those who are ordained are to be ministers in Christ’s church, and we are all called to be the body of the Christ in the church. When I was training for ordination, we were continually reminded to ask three questions: Who is Jesus Christ? What is a Priest? What is the church? At this time of year, as we look back to our beginnings in the ministry of Peter and Paul, that final question is particularly pertinent. What is the church? How do we fulfil our calling to be church? For it does not rest only on those who are ordained, but on all of us.
God our Father, Lord of all the world,
through your Son you have called us into the fellowship
of your universal Church:
hear our prayer for your faithful people
that in their vocation and ministry
each may be an instrument of your love,
and give to your servants now to be ordained
the needful gifts of grace;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Image from Wikipedia, click on image for link
Monday 28th June 2021
Last Friday our wonderful church of St Stephen was 171 years old…What an amazing witness to Christ in our community of Westminster. Right in the midst of our St Stephen’s Weeks we commemorate our feast of dedication and of course pray for our church, past and present. On Sunday evening John gave a fascinating pictorial talk on the history of the church, please do look at our YouTube channel to see it. He gave some interesting insights to our founder - Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts, one was the fact she enjoyed scientific conversations with Michael Faraday. He contributed to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His main discoveries include the principles underlying electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis, and himself a practising christian. So it is fitting that we have our one-act play, “Fire from Heaven” by Murray Watts, this week (Tuesday 29th June at 11am and Wednesday 30th June 2:45pm). I think The Baroness would approve…Please do come , if you are able, and continue to pray for St Stephen's:
Almighty God,
to whose glory we celebrate the dedication of this house of prayer:
we praise you for the many blessings
you have given to those who worship you here:
and we pray that all who seek you in this place may find you,
and, being filled with the Holy Spirit,
may become a living 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
Revd Graham M Buckle
Last Friday our wonderful church of St Stephen was 171 years old…What an amazing witness to Christ in our community of Westminster. Right in the midst of our St Stephen’s Weeks we commemorate our feast of dedication and of course pray for our church, past and present. On Sunday evening John gave a fascinating pictorial talk on the history of the church, please do look at our YouTube channel to see it. He gave some interesting insights to our founder - Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts, one was the fact she enjoyed scientific conversations with Michael Faraday. He contributed to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His main discoveries include the principles underlying electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis, and himself a practising christian. So it is fitting that we have our one-act play, “Fire from Heaven” by Murray Watts, this week (Tuesday 29th June at 11am and Wednesday 30th June 2:45pm). I think The Baroness would approve…Please do come , if you are able, and continue to pray for St Stephen's:
Almighty God,
to whose glory we celebrate the dedication of this house of prayer:
we praise you for the many blessings
you have given to those who worship you here:
and we pray that all who seek you in this place may find you,
and, being filled with the Holy Spirit,
may become a living 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
Revd Graham M Buckle
Friday 25th June 2021
I don’t know about you, but when I first heard about “Ember Days,” I thought of a dying fire! However, when I began my ordination process over forty years ago, I quickly found out that Ember Days are about ordination and Holy Orders, not about fireplaces. As the 2019 ACNA BCP notes, “Ember Days are set aside for prayers for those called to Holy Orders, and occur on the following Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays:” This means that there are four sets of Ember Days, one for each season of the year—winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The association of Ember days with prayer for ordination candidates is preserved in modern Anglican liturgies, even when the usual times for Ordinations has changed.
The titled “Ember” has been a matter of some debate. The Latin name for these days is Quatuor tempora or “four times.” One theory is that “Ember” comes from the Latin Quatuor becoming Quatember in German. At some point we dropped the beginning of the word and just kept the “ember” ending in English. The other theory is that “Ember” comes from the Old English ymbren meaning “recurring,” a reference to the fact that Ember Days recur throughout the year every year. (However, so do all the other special days of the Church year!) Whatever it is, it is good to have times of the year when we think about those offering themselves for ordained ministry in the church. Of course, this time is significant for us as a church. We have just celebrated Helena’s Priesting, and now our attention turns to Jeremy as he prepares at this Embertide to be ordained deacon. Please pray for him, his family, friends and our Christian Community of St Stephens.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts,
by your Holy Spirit you have appointed
various orders of ministry in the Church:
look with mercy on your servants
now called to be deacons and priests;
maintain them in truth and renew them in holiness,
that by word and good example they may faithfully serve you
to the glory of your name and the benefit of your Church;
through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Revd Graham M Buckle
I don’t know about you, but when I first heard about “Ember Days,” I thought of a dying fire! However, when I began my ordination process over forty years ago, I quickly found out that Ember Days are about ordination and Holy Orders, not about fireplaces. As the 2019 ACNA BCP notes, “Ember Days are set aside for prayers for those called to Holy Orders, and occur on the following Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays:” This means that there are four sets of Ember Days, one for each season of the year—winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The association of Ember days with prayer for ordination candidates is preserved in modern Anglican liturgies, even when the usual times for Ordinations has changed.
The titled “Ember” has been a matter of some debate. The Latin name for these days is Quatuor tempora or “four times.” One theory is that “Ember” comes from the Latin Quatuor becoming Quatember in German. At some point we dropped the beginning of the word and just kept the “ember” ending in English. The other theory is that “Ember” comes from the Old English ymbren meaning “recurring,” a reference to the fact that Ember Days recur throughout the year every year. (However, so do all the other special days of the Church year!) Whatever it is, it is good to have times of the year when we think about those offering themselves for ordained ministry in the church. Of course, this time is significant for us as a church. We have just celebrated Helena’s Priesting, and now our attention turns to Jeremy as he prepares at this Embertide to be ordained deacon. Please pray for him, his family, friends and our Christian Community of St Stephens.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, the giver of all good gifts,
by your Holy Spirit you have appointed
various orders of ministry in the Church:
look with mercy on your servants
now called to be deacons and priests;
maintain them in truth and renew them in holiness,
that by word and good example they may faithfully serve you
to the glory of your name and the benefit of your Church;
through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Thursday 24th June 2021
Music is returning at St Stephen's!
Firstly, it's been wonderful to have members of our Choir back singing in our services and enriching worship over the last few weeks - despite some frustration, shared with the wider musical community, at some of the restrictions that remain in place. I'm so grateful to our singers for their continuing work, gracious support, and good humour in working through challenges in order to make it possible.
Secondly, it's really exciting that music is taking its next step in restarting and developing during this year's St Stephen's Weeks. On Sunday evening, 6 of our singers sang beautifully in some demanding repertoire (especially for a small ensemble!) for Helena's first celebration of the Eucharist. And yesterday lunchtime, one of our new Associate Musicians at St Stephen's (about which, more soon!) Floreat, directed by Gilly French, sang a recital of glorious Renaissance polyphonic choral music "For all the Saints...". It was such a thrill to hear live music in concert in St Stephen's again, and especially so to see a good number of people (safely) in the audience.
There's more music to look forward to in St Stephen's Weeks. Tonight(!) Floreat join us again, this time to sing Choral Evensong marking the Nativity of St John the Baptist at 6pm, again exploring their specialty Renaissance polyphonic repertoire. Next week on Wednesday 30th June at 1pm, we have another lunchtime recital, featuring Hugh Benson (tenor) and Richard Hammond-Hall (piano) - both also new Associate Musicians - performing a varied song recital; admission will again be free, with a collection invited in aid of St Stephen's Music Fund. And St Stephen's Weeks round off on Sunday 4th July with Choral Evensong at 6pm, sung by members of our own Parish Choir, marking the ordination as Deacon of Jeremy Cavanaugh. All are welcome to join at these events - please do spread the word and come along!
All of which is to say nothing of other exciting longer term plans for musical development at St Stephen's, involving Associate Musicians, choristers, an organ scholar, more recitals and concerts, more choral evensongs by our own and visiting choirs, more video content, and more... Watch this space!
Matthew Blaiden
Music is returning at St Stephen's!
Firstly, it's been wonderful to have members of our Choir back singing in our services and enriching worship over the last few weeks - despite some frustration, shared with the wider musical community, at some of the restrictions that remain in place. I'm so grateful to our singers for their continuing work, gracious support, and good humour in working through challenges in order to make it possible.
Secondly, it's really exciting that music is taking its next step in restarting and developing during this year's St Stephen's Weeks. On Sunday evening, 6 of our singers sang beautifully in some demanding repertoire (especially for a small ensemble!) for Helena's first celebration of the Eucharist. And yesterday lunchtime, one of our new Associate Musicians at St Stephen's (about which, more soon!) Floreat, directed by Gilly French, sang a recital of glorious Renaissance polyphonic choral music "For all the Saints...". It was such a thrill to hear live music in concert in St Stephen's again, and especially so to see a good number of people (safely) in the audience.
There's more music to look forward to in St Stephen's Weeks. Tonight(!) Floreat join us again, this time to sing Choral Evensong marking the Nativity of St John the Baptist at 6pm, again exploring their specialty Renaissance polyphonic repertoire. Next week on Wednesday 30th June at 1pm, we have another lunchtime recital, featuring Hugh Benson (tenor) and Richard Hammond-Hall (piano) - both also new Associate Musicians - performing a varied song recital; admission will again be free, with a collection invited in aid of St Stephen's Music Fund. And St Stephen's Weeks round off on Sunday 4th July with Choral Evensong at 6pm, sung by members of our own Parish Choir, marking the ordination as Deacon of Jeremy Cavanaugh. All are welcome to join at these events - please do spread the word and come along!
All of which is to say nothing of other exciting longer term plans for musical development at St Stephen's, involving Associate Musicians, choristers, an organ scholar, more recitals and concerts, more choral evensongs by our own and visiting choirs, more video content, and more... Watch this space!
Matthew Blaiden
Wednesday 23rd June 2021
Our new churchwarden, Suzanne, was telling me a couple of Sunday’s ago that she was off to see the elephants! I was intrigued and have been meaning to go and see this spectacle for myself. So, today, on my way back from my swim in the Serpentine, I veered off to Green park where I was met with the amazing sight of 100 majestic elephants. These magnificent sculptures are meant to be an important reminder for us to share space with other living beings on our over-populated planet.
To be honest it’s hard to overlook them, and you may have wondered what on earth they are doing here in Green Park in the central London: That’s precisely what the creators behind the environmental art exhibition “CoExistence” wanted us to ponder when they installed herds of life-sized elephant sculptures all over the city. They’re incredible to look at, but are not just there for our viewing pleasure — they’re meant to share an important message, encouraging us to live peacefully alongside animals on a planet that’s continuously losing space.
These life-sized herds are a bit more eye-catching. The artwork project is brought to us by the wildlife conservation charity Elephant Family, in partnership with The Real Elephant Collective, and aims to bring awareness to the challenges our wildlife faces on a crowded planet being ruled by humans. Elephant Family works to create landscapes that allow all species to live peacefully together, which is what the exhibition is all about.
Learn more about CoExistence and what you can do to help create a better world for our wildlife here. So thank you Suzanne for mentioning them, do take time to go and see them for yourselves, the beautiful creatures will be in Green Park till the July 23, you’ll be surprised, they are a kind of prayer in themselves…
Our new churchwarden, Suzanne, was telling me a couple of Sunday’s ago that she was off to see the elephants! I was intrigued and have been meaning to go and see this spectacle for myself. So, today, on my way back from my swim in the Serpentine, I veered off to Green park where I was met with the amazing sight of 100 majestic elephants. These magnificent sculptures are meant to be an important reminder for us to share space with other living beings on our over-populated planet.
To be honest it’s hard to overlook them, and you may have wondered what on earth they are doing here in Green Park in the central London: That’s precisely what the creators behind the environmental art exhibition “CoExistence” wanted us to ponder when they installed herds of life-sized elephant sculptures all over the city. They’re incredible to look at, but are not just there for our viewing pleasure — they’re meant to share an important message, encouraging us to live peacefully alongside animals on a planet that’s continuously losing space.
These life-sized herds are a bit more eye-catching. The artwork project is brought to us by the wildlife conservation charity Elephant Family, in partnership with The Real Elephant Collective, and aims to bring awareness to the challenges our wildlife faces on a crowded planet being ruled by humans. Elephant Family works to create landscapes that allow all species to live peacefully together, which is what the exhibition is all about.
Learn more about CoExistence and what you can do to help create a better world for our wildlife here. So thank you Suzanne for mentioning them, do take time to go and see them for yourselves, the beautiful creatures will be in Green Park till the July 23, you’ll be surprised, they are a kind of prayer in themselves…
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Hear our humble prayer, O God,
for our friends, the animals, especially for those who are suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed, and cruelly treated; for all the wistful creatures in captivity, that beat their wings against bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted, or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the Merciful. Amen Revd Graham M Buckle |
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Tuesday 22nd June 2021
It’s been an extraordinary weekend! My ordination and my first Eucharist were both wonderful events, and I felt very blessed and aware of the grace of God carrying me through. A crucial part of the experience however was the few days before the weekend – the time I spent on retreat at St Katherine’s. Taking time out to read and reflect and pray is a good idea before any major event, but I found it particularly needful in the lead up to this great change and great privilege that has been bestowed upon me. In order to make the most use of my retreat, however, I had to decide what to pack…
When going on retreat I always find it helpful to take a couple of aids to prayer (such as a holding cross and a rosary) as well as things to read. I had carefully chosen a couple of books to take with me, along with the service sheet for my first Eucharist so I could read it through a couple of times. Settling down in the little library, however, I found that I didn’t spend as much time with the books as I’d intended. Instead, I began to reflect on something quite unexpected.
As you may imagine, choosing the hymns for my first Eucharist was quite difficult, since there are so many that I love and are special for me! When I had found a comfy chair in the library, however, and decided to read my service sheet through, I found myself spending a lot of time thinking and praying about the words of the first hymn – “All My Hope on God is Founded”.
All my hope on God is founded;
He doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
Only good and only true.
God unknown,
He alone
Calls my heart to be his own.
As I prepared for my own great change I found myself reflecting on all the “chances” that had brought me here. All the people and places that I had known, and words that I had read, through which God has guided me in following his call upon my life. The times when all my plans (like the reading I had taken with me on retreat!) had been upset in favour of what God wanted me to do – and the blessings that had risen out of that, even if not clear at the time. The people of St Stephen’s have been a large part of that blessing, and I cannot thank the community enough for their support and help over the past year. I can’t wait to see what changes and chances come next.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
It’s been an extraordinary weekend! My ordination and my first Eucharist were both wonderful events, and I felt very blessed and aware of the grace of God carrying me through. A crucial part of the experience however was the few days before the weekend – the time I spent on retreat at St Katherine’s. Taking time out to read and reflect and pray is a good idea before any major event, but I found it particularly needful in the lead up to this great change and great privilege that has been bestowed upon me. In order to make the most use of my retreat, however, I had to decide what to pack…
When going on retreat I always find it helpful to take a couple of aids to prayer (such as a holding cross and a rosary) as well as things to read. I had carefully chosen a couple of books to take with me, along with the service sheet for my first Eucharist so I could read it through a couple of times. Settling down in the little library, however, I found that I didn’t spend as much time with the books as I’d intended. Instead, I began to reflect on something quite unexpected.
As you may imagine, choosing the hymns for my first Eucharist was quite difficult, since there are so many that I love and are special for me! When I had found a comfy chair in the library, however, and decided to read my service sheet through, I found myself spending a lot of time thinking and praying about the words of the first hymn – “All My Hope on God is Founded”.
All my hope on God is founded;
He doth still my trust renew.
Me through change and chance he guideth,
Only good and only true.
God unknown,
He alone
Calls my heart to be his own.
As I prepared for my own great change I found myself reflecting on all the “chances” that had brought me here. All the people and places that I had known, and words that I had read, through which God has guided me in following his call upon my life. The times when all my plans (like the reading I had taken with me on retreat!) had been upset in favour of what God wanted me to do – and the blessings that had risen out of that, even if not clear at the time. The people of St Stephen’s have been a large part of that blessing, and I cannot thank the community enough for their support and help over the past year. I can’t wait to see what changes and chances come next.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Monday 21st June 2021
Well what a weekend it’s been! Helena’s ordination on Saturday and celebration of the her first Eucharist the following evening. Both occasions special for Helena and our community of St Stephens. We certainly got our St Stephens Weeks off to a terrific start. I don’t know about you, but I found both services intensely moving and renewing.
Whilst I was away in Windsor last week, a member of Helena’s home congregation in Ealing, herself a priest now, gave me this picture (Helen’s mum, Pam, subsequently emailed it to me). It’s surprising what effect our Confirmation might have on us and our Christian journey. It made me think that all of us are ministers from our baptismal call, and we are all called to engaged in sharing our faith in Christ Jesus, in whatever capacity. As we look at these pictures of Helena and continue to pray for her Priestly ministry, let us also pray for our community and church of St Stephen and our part in bringing people to it in faith. I hope you are able to come and join in the other events these two weeks as we celebrate the life of our church and let us pray for life and growth of our church:
Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Well what a weekend it’s been! Helena’s ordination on Saturday and celebration of the her first Eucharist the following evening. Both occasions special for Helena and our community of St Stephens. We certainly got our St Stephens Weeks off to a terrific start. I don’t know about you, but I found both services intensely moving and renewing.
Whilst I was away in Windsor last week, a member of Helena’s home congregation in Ealing, herself a priest now, gave me this picture (Helen’s mum, Pam, subsequently emailed it to me). It’s surprising what effect our Confirmation might have on us and our Christian journey. It made me think that all of us are ministers from our baptismal call, and we are all called to engaged in sharing our faith in Christ Jesus, in whatever capacity. As we look at these pictures of Helena and continue to pray for her Priestly ministry, let us also pray for our community and church of St Stephen and our part in bringing people to it in faith. I hope you are able to come and join in the other events these two weeks as we celebrate the life of our church and let us pray for life and growth of our church:
Almighty God,
in Christ you make all things new:
transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace,
and in the renewal of our lives
make known your heavenly glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
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Image from Herald NZ - click for source link
Friday 18th June 2021
Today the Anglican Church commemorates another interesting person about a similar time as Samuel and Henrietta Barnett yesterday, but couldn’t be more different. Bernard Mizeki was born in Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique) in about 1861. He left his home about twelve years old to go to work in Cape Town and there he was converted to the Christian faith by the Cowley Fathers. He mastered English, French, high Dutch, and at least eight local African languages. In time he would be an invaluable assistant when the Anglican Church began translating its sacred texts into African languages.
After graduating, he accompanied Bishop Knight-Bruce to Mashonaland, a tribal area in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), as a lay catechist. In 1891 the bishop assigned him to Nhowe, the village of paramount-chief Mangwende, where he built a mission complex. He prayed the Anglican Offices each day, tended his subsistence garden, studied the local language and cultivated friendships with the villagers. He eventually opened a school and won the hearts of many of the Mashona.
In time he moved his mission onto a nearby plateau, next to a grove of trees sacred to the ancestral spirits of the Mashona. Although he had the chief’s permission, he angered the local religious leaders when he cut down some of the trees and carved crosses into others. However, Bernard was very attentive to the nuances of the Shona Spirit religion. He developed and built on people’s faith in one God, Mwari, and on their sensitivity to spirit life, while at the same time forthrightly proclaiming Christ. Over the next five years (1891 – 1896), the mission at Nhowe produced any converts.
Today the Anglican Church commemorates another interesting person about a similar time as Samuel and Henrietta Barnett yesterday, but couldn’t be more different. Bernard Mizeki was born in Portuguese East Africa (Mozambique) in about 1861. He left his home about twelve years old to go to work in Cape Town and there he was converted to the Christian faith by the Cowley Fathers. He mastered English, French, high Dutch, and at least eight local African languages. In time he would be an invaluable assistant when the Anglican Church began translating its sacred texts into African languages.
After graduating, he accompanied Bishop Knight-Bruce to Mashonaland, a tribal area in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), as a lay catechist. In 1891 the bishop assigned him to Nhowe, the village of paramount-chief Mangwende, where he built a mission complex. He prayed the Anglican Offices each day, tended his subsistence garden, studied the local language and cultivated friendships with the villagers. He eventually opened a school and won the hearts of many of the Mashona.
In time he moved his mission onto a nearby plateau, next to a grove of trees sacred to the ancestral spirits of the Mashona. Although he had the chief’s permission, he angered the local religious leaders when he cut down some of the trees and carved crosses into others. However, Bernard was very attentive to the nuances of the Shona Spirit religion. He developed and built on people’s faith in one God, Mwari, and on their sensitivity to spirit life, while at the same time forthrightly proclaiming Christ. Over the next five years (1891 – 1896), the mission at Nhowe produced any converts.
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Many black African nationalists regarded all missionaries as working for the European colonial governments, even today Bernard is not revered by some (cf https://www.thepatriot.co.zw/old_posts/bernard-mizeki-was-no-martyr/). Bernard was warned to flee a tribal uprising in 1896, but refused because he did not wan to desert his converts. He was fatally speared outside his hut on 18 June 1896.
The place of his death at Marondellas in Zimbabwe has become a focus of great devotion for Anglicans and other Christians, as you can see from this picture. Pilgrims from many countries, including Mozambique, go there every June to attend one of the greatest of all Christian festivals in Africa. |
Click image for source
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As you are aware Mozambique is the Link Diocese to our own London Diocese: https://www.almalink.org/dioceses/mezeki.htm and as such, Bernard is someone important to them and to us.
Almighty and everlasting God, who kindled the flame of your love in the heart of your holy martyr Bernard Mizeki: Grant to us, your humble servants, a like faith and power of love, that we who rejoice in his triumph may profit by his example; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Thursday 17th June 2021
In my last parish we had the offices of Octavia Hill Housing Trust - providers of Social Housing and housing reform in that community since the late 1800s. I have always been fascinated by those Victorian Social reformers who, against all the odds, fought for the poor and destitute in our land. Today the Church of England commemorates Samuel and Henrietta Barnett, 1913 and 1936. I knew little about them until my association with OHH. Samuel Augustus Barnett was born in Bristol in 1844 and educated at Wadham College, Oxford. To trace the beginnings of great movements is always difficult but it is clear that, following his ordination, Samuel was closely concerned with the inception of the Charity Organisation Society, and worked alongside Octavia Hill. From 1873 to 1894, he was vicar of St Jude’s Whitechapel, where his unorthodox methods, including evening schools and entertainments, aroused much criticism. However, he soon became recognised as a loyal priest, devoted to the religious and cultural improvement of the East End of London. A print after my own heart! In all his work, he was ably assisted by Henrietta his wife. Henrietta Octavia Weston Rowland was born in Clapham in 1851 and, before her marriage to Samuel in 1873, had been a co-worker with Octavia Hill. In her later years, she founded Hampstead Garden Suburb, a community in which all classes might live together. Samuel’s spiritual gifts, combined with Henrietta’s robust energy and assertive personality, made for a dynamic expression of Christian faith. Samuel died on this day at Hove in 1913; Henrietta died at Hampstead Garden Suburb on 10 June 1936. Both are rightfully commemorated in the south choir aisle of Westminster Abbey. On the white and green marble memorial Samuel is represented as the figure of a sower with the inscription "Fear not to sow because of the birds" above (referring to the parable of the sower in the Bible). Thank God for the likes of Samuel and Henrietta Barnett
Dear Lord,
We reverence you as the God of mercy, grace and provision.
We thank you for the strength you give us each day.
Lord, we intercede for those that do not have shelter of their own.
Lord, bless them with protection from the elements,
bless them to have sufficiency of food and clothing,
bless them with joy and peace of mind.
We know you are able to protect your people and supply our every need.
Deliver the homeless to have their own residence
and to bless them with the security of your love and protection each day.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
In my last parish we had the offices of Octavia Hill Housing Trust - providers of Social Housing and housing reform in that community since the late 1800s. I have always been fascinated by those Victorian Social reformers who, against all the odds, fought for the poor and destitute in our land. Today the Church of England commemorates Samuel and Henrietta Barnett, 1913 and 1936. I knew little about them until my association with OHH. Samuel Augustus Barnett was born in Bristol in 1844 and educated at Wadham College, Oxford. To trace the beginnings of great movements is always difficult but it is clear that, following his ordination, Samuel was closely concerned with the inception of the Charity Organisation Society, and worked alongside Octavia Hill. From 1873 to 1894, he was vicar of St Jude’s Whitechapel, where his unorthodox methods, including evening schools and entertainments, aroused much criticism. However, he soon became recognised as a loyal priest, devoted to the religious and cultural improvement of the East End of London. A print after my own heart! In all his work, he was ably assisted by Henrietta his wife. Henrietta Octavia Weston Rowland was born in Clapham in 1851 and, before her marriage to Samuel in 1873, had been a co-worker with Octavia Hill. In her later years, she founded Hampstead Garden Suburb, a community in which all classes might live together. Samuel’s spiritual gifts, combined with Henrietta’s robust energy and assertive personality, made for a dynamic expression of Christian faith. Samuel died on this day at Hove in 1913; Henrietta died at Hampstead Garden Suburb on 10 June 1936. Both are rightfully commemorated in the south choir aisle of Westminster Abbey. On the white and green marble memorial Samuel is represented as the figure of a sower with the inscription "Fear not to sow because of the birds" above (referring to the parable of the sower in the Bible). Thank God for the likes of Samuel and Henrietta Barnett
Dear Lord,
We reverence you as the God of mercy, grace and provision.
We thank you for the strength you give us each day.
Lord, we intercede for those that do not have shelter of their own.
Lord, bless them with protection from the elements,
bless them to have sufficiency of food and clothing,
bless them with joy and peace of mind.
We know you are able to protect your people and supply our every need.
Deliver the homeless to have their own residence
and to bless them with the security of your love and protection each day.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Image from Wikipedia, click on image for link
Wednesday 16th June 2021
I was interested to read something historically significant about our friends ‘North of the Boarder’ - namely on this day in 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in Lochleven Castle prison, in Scotland.
Mary was Queen regnant of Scotland from 14 December 1542 to 24 July 1567 ascending to the throne on the death of her father, King James V, despite being only 6 days old.
Raised at the French court, Mary grew in stature both physically and in stature, being over 6 feet tall. She married the French dauphin Francis II aged 16, and became queen of both countries. After Francis' early death Mary returned to Scotland in 1651 as a Catholic regent in a Protestant country, which was obviously problematic.
Her relationship to her cousin Elizabeth I of England began cordially with the two exchanging correspondence. Mary's second and third marriages to men who sought greater power soured their relationship and Mary's with the Scottish people. Mary was arrested in 1567 and forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son the future James VI of Scotland and James I of England.
Mary famously escaped her capture a year later, only to be imprisoned in England on her arrival. She then lived under house arrest for 18 years before Elizabeth ordered her execution on 8th February 1587, being only 44 years old. I have had the privilege of actually holding in my hand the letter that Elizabeth I wrote ordering the execution, an act, which it is said she regretted for t of her life.
As England prepare to do battle against Scotland once again this Friday, let us hope it will be played with passionate sportsmanship and let us give thanks for our friendship regardless of any historical narrative.
A Prayer - Mary Queens of Scots
Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretence and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.
Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.
Teach us to put in action our better impulses - straight forward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realise it is the little things of life that create difficulties; that in the big things of life we are as one. Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind.
In your name we pray. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
I was interested to read something historically significant about our friends ‘North of the Boarder’ - namely on this day in 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in Lochleven Castle prison, in Scotland.
Mary was Queen regnant of Scotland from 14 December 1542 to 24 July 1567 ascending to the throne on the death of her father, King James V, despite being only 6 days old.
Raised at the French court, Mary grew in stature both physically and in stature, being over 6 feet tall. She married the French dauphin Francis II aged 16, and became queen of both countries. After Francis' early death Mary returned to Scotland in 1651 as a Catholic regent in a Protestant country, which was obviously problematic.
Her relationship to her cousin Elizabeth I of England began cordially with the two exchanging correspondence. Mary's second and third marriages to men who sought greater power soured their relationship and Mary's with the Scottish people. Mary was arrested in 1567 and forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son the future James VI of Scotland and James I of England.
Mary famously escaped her capture a year later, only to be imprisoned in England on her arrival. She then lived under house arrest for 18 years before Elizabeth ordered her execution on 8th February 1587, being only 44 years old. I have had the privilege of actually holding in my hand the letter that Elizabeth I wrote ordering the execution, an act, which it is said she regretted for t of her life.
As England prepare to do battle against Scotland once again this Friday, let us hope it will be played with passionate sportsmanship and let us give thanks for our friendship regardless of any historical narrative.
A Prayer - Mary Queens of Scots
Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness; let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretence and meet each other, face to face, without self-pity and without prejudice. May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous.
Let us take time for all things; make us to grow calm, serene, gentle.
Teach us to put in action our better impulses - straight forward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realise it is the little things of life that create difficulties; that in the big things of life we are as one. Oh, Lord, let us not forget to be kind.
In your name we pray. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Tuesday 15th June 2021
Evelyn Underhill was an extraordinary spiritual writer and thinker of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Her writings were profoundly influenced by the events and thinking of her time, including psychology and the advance of science, but combined with romanticism and the mystical. She was a committed pacifist, and grappled with what that meant in a time of World Wars that brought new trauma to society. She even wrote a poem defending the cause of non-combatants in 1915.
This poem, Candlemas, was also written in 1915. Although we are not currently in the middle of a world war, the sense of the dislocation may seem familiar to us after the events of the past year. The pain of our rituals that ground us being swept away by something we cannot control, as ‘the puzzled world is reeling to despair.’ For Underhill, however, the light that shines in the darkness is the same light, even if we have a new understanding of darkness, or feel overwhelmed by it. The darkness cannot overcome that light, and so there is always the hope of meeting it, no matter where we are or how dark things might seem.
Candlemas, 1915
In the past years,
We joyed to play the mystery of old;
Strange poem, and sweet
Conclusion of Incarnate Love that told
How a new light was to the Gentiles brought,
A clean and holy light, to pierce the glooms of thought.
We lit our candles to enray the dim,
Gave each to each the flame that figured him:
Yet, in that distant day, the darkness held no fears.
But now all's changed: we, tempest-driven,
To the great night are given.
Beneath our feet
The puzzled world is reeling to despair,
And on its black horizon there's a glare
That mocks our little light.
Dare we, in such a day,
Through all the drifting cohorts of our dead,
And across fields wherefrom the lovely life has fled,
Carry the torch of faith upon its way,
Fulfil the ancient rite?
As sudden lightning mars
The kindly radiance of eternal stars,
So does the splendour of his fury shame
That small, dear flame.
Yet, when the storm is done,
And ere the promised rising of the sun
Makes all thing new,
There comes a black and stilly hour, when all
The quiet stars shine out perpetual
And every homely lamp that seemed to cease
Burns with young beauty in the empty place,
Because the lights are few.
Then, perchance, one
Raising his anguished face,
His poor grey face, from those swept fields of pain,
And peering in the dark before the day,
Most glad shall greet
Our humble light again.
And say,
"Mine eyes have seen, and I depart in peace."
Evelyn Underhill
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Evelyn Underhill was an extraordinary spiritual writer and thinker of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Her writings were profoundly influenced by the events and thinking of her time, including psychology and the advance of science, but combined with romanticism and the mystical. She was a committed pacifist, and grappled with what that meant in a time of World Wars that brought new trauma to society. She even wrote a poem defending the cause of non-combatants in 1915.
This poem, Candlemas, was also written in 1915. Although we are not currently in the middle of a world war, the sense of the dislocation may seem familiar to us after the events of the past year. The pain of our rituals that ground us being swept away by something we cannot control, as ‘the puzzled world is reeling to despair.’ For Underhill, however, the light that shines in the darkness is the same light, even if we have a new understanding of darkness, or feel overwhelmed by it. The darkness cannot overcome that light, and so there is always the hope of meeting it, no matter where we are or how dark things might seem.
Candlemas, 1915
In the past years,
We joyed to play the mystery of old;
Strange poem, and sweet
Conclusion of Incarnate Love that told
How a new light was to the Gentiles brought,
A clean and holy light, to pierce the glooms of thought.
We lit our candles to enray the dim,
Gave each to each the flame that figured him:
Yet, in that distant day, the darkness held no fears.
But now all's changed: we, tempest-driven,
To the great night are given.
Beneath our feet
The puzzled world is reeling to despair,
And on its black horizon there's a glare
That mocks our little light.
Dare we, in such a day,
Through all the drifting cohorts of our dead,
And across fields wherefrom the lovely life has fled,
Carry the torch of faith upon its way,
Fulfil the ancient rite?
As sudden lightning mars
The kindly radiance of eternal stars,
So does the splendour of his fury shame
That small, dear flame.
Yet, when the storm is done,
And ere the promised rising of the sun
Makes all thing new,
There comes a black and stilly hour, when all
The quiet stars shine out perpetual
And every homely lamp that seemed to cease
Burns with young beauty in the empty place,
Because the lights are few.
Then, perchance, one
Raising his anguished face,
His poor grey face, from those swept fields of pain,
And peering in the dark before the day,
Most glad shall greet
Our humble light again.
And say,
"Mine eyes have seen, and I depart in peace."
Evelyn Underhill
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Picture taken by me
Monday 14th June 2021
Last week I went to the highly acclaimed Thomas Becket exhibition in the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/thomas-becket-murder-and-making-saint. This was meant to to coincide last year on 850th anniversary of the birth of the great Londoner, but for obvious reasons was unable. It certainly doesn’t matter that it is now 851st anniversary of his birth. As the Evening Stardard, stated, “this is as good a year as any to see the wonderful artefacts brought together to mark Becket’s life and death”. The stunning stained glass windows from Canterbury Cathedral is quite magnificent, particularly seeing them horizontally. They have been taken from the top of tall windows, the first time in 800 years that it’s been possible to see the lively detail of the stories in the glass so close up. But there is much more besides.
As we know, Becket, a flamboyant, charismatic politician who’d started his career as the king’s right-hand man then became a thorn in his side as a champion of church over crown, was struck down at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170 by four of the king’s knights – one of whom stirred up his spilled brains with the point of his sword. This murder – whether or not Henry really intended it – started a remarkable cult the story rapidly spreading around Europe, Becket was canonised three years afterwards his death and a widespread devotion to him became widespread. This medieval cult of Becket was promoted with shockingly realistic murder scenes on bejewelled caskets, the glowing pages of illuminated manuscripts and mystical stained glass. The exhibition has plenty to fascinate history buffs. But in true BM form, its glory is to make the art of the middle ages come alive. The emotional story of Becket’s slaying and the strangeness of the rites and rituals that celebrated him provide a direct human connection with the people and images of a remote world. One has to say that the art of yesterday does see brutally contemporary.
In their review (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/may/13/spectacular-gorefest-thomas-becket-and-the-making-of-a-saint-review), The Guardian suggests that “..if you thought medieval religious art was all clasped hands and uplifted eyes, then prepare yourself for the gorefests that shudder through this brilliant new show like a broadsword hitting bone”. I am not so sure that it is so ‘Hammerhouse of Horror’, but it is certainly worth a visit if you have the time.
Let us pray:
Lord God,
who gave grace to your servant Thomas Becket
to put aside all earthly fear
and be faithful even to death:
grant that we, disregarding worldly esteem,
may fight all wrong,
uphold your rule,
and serve you to our life’s end;
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.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Last week I went to the highly acclaimed Thomas Becket exhibition in the British Museum: https://www.britishmuseum.org/exhibitions/thomas-becket-murder-and-making-saint. This was meant to to coincide last year on 850th anniversary of the birth of the great Londoner, but for obvious reasons was unable. It certainly doesn’t matter that it is now 851st anniversary of his birth. As the Evening Stardard, stated, “this is as good a year as any to see the wonderful artefacts brought together to mark Becket’s life and death”. The stunning stained glass windows from Canterbury Cathedral is quite magnificent, particularly seeing them horizontally. They have been taken from the top of tall windows, the first time in 800 years that it’s been possible to see the lively detail of the stories in the glass so close up. But there is much more besides.
As we know, Becket, a flamboyant, charismatic politician who’d started his career as the king’s right-hand man then became a thorn in his side as a champion of church over crown, was struck down at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral on 29 December 1170 by four of the king’s knights – one of whom stirred up his spilled brains with the point of his sword. This murder – whether or not Henry really intended it – started a remarkable cult the story rapidly spreading around Europe, Becket was canonised three years afterwards his death and a widespread devotion to him became widespread. This medieval cult of Becket was promoted with shockingly realistic murder scenes on bejewelled caskets, the glowing pages of illuminated manuscripts and mystical stained glass. The exhibition has plenty to fascinate history buffs. But in true BM form, its glory is to make the art of the middle ages come alive. The emotional story of Becket’s slaying and the strangeness of the rites and rituals that celebrated him provide a direct human connection with the people and images of a remote world. One has to say that the art of yesterday does see brutally contemporary.
In their review (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/may/13/spectacular-gorefest-thomas-becket-and-the-making-of-a-saint-review), The Guardian suggests that “..if you thought medieval religious art was all clasped hands and uplifted eyes, then prepare yourself for the gorefests that shudder through this brilliant new show like a broadsword hitting bone”. I am not so sure that it is so ‘Hammerhouse of Horror’, but it is certainly worth a visit if you have the time.
Let us pray:
Lord God,
who gave grace to your servant Thomas Becket
to put aside all earthly fear
and be faithful even to death:
grant that we, disregarding worldly esteem,
may fight all wrong,
uphold your rule,
and serve you to our life’s end;
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.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Friday 11th June 2021
The parables of Jesus can be surprisingly difficult to interpret. This is certainly true of the parables of the Kingdom in Mark 4. Are they riddles, straightforward allegories (like Ezekiel 17) or homely Jewish wisdom? Did Jesus’ original audience (pre-crucifixion and pre-resurrection) hear them differently from Mark’s audience and do we adapt their meaning according to our own cultural context and immediate concerns? If only Mark had written down what Jesus told the disciples privately (Mark 4.34)! But, like the disciples to whom Jesus ‘explained everything’ after the resurrection (Luke 24.27, 45), the New Testament does not offer spoilers.
Should we read the parables as part of a radical countercultural message or was Jesus trying to tease his audience into hearing what they already knew? Either way, Jesus message was unsettling in the first century and is likely to be unsettling now. But how?
We may think we know what the parables mean, but do we?
Revd Gavin Williams
Gavin Williams was ordained at St Paul’s in 1989 at the same time as Graham Buckle. After a curacy in Muswell Hill, he has been a school chaplain, at Shrewsbury School and, for the last nineteen years, at Westminster School. This summer he will be moving to pastures new with his wife of 30+ years.
The parables of Jesus can be surprisingly difficult to interpret. This is certainly true of the parables of the Kingdom in Mark 4. Are they riddles, straightforward allegories (like Ezekiel 17) or homely Jewish wisdom? Did Jesus’ original audience (pre-crucifixion and pre-resurrection) hear them differently from Mark’s audience and do we adapt their meaning according to our own cultural context and immediate concerns? If only Mark had written down what Jesus told the disciples privately (Mark 4.34)! But, like the disciples to whom Jesus ‘explained everything’ after the resurrection (Luke 24.27, 45), the New Testament does not offer spoilers.
Should we read the parables as part of a radical countercultural message or was Jesus trying to tease his audience into hearing what they already knew? Either way, Jesus message was unsettling in the first century and is likely to be unsettling now. But how?
We may think we know what the parables mean, but do we?
Revd Gavin Williams
Gavin Williams was ordained at St Paul’s in 1989 at the same time as Graham Buckle. After a curacy in Muswell Hill, he has been a school chaplain, at Shrewsbury School and, for the last nineteen years, at Westminster School. This summer he will be moving to pastures new with his wife of 30+ years.
Thursday 10th June 2021
Last Sunday just as I was arriving at church I bumped into another member of St Stephen’s outside who was physically attending for the first time since February last year. They were so excited and joyous at being able to be worship God alongside other people and full of nervous energy they practically skipped into the building. I’ve had similar encounters since lockdown relaxed in May and some Sunday Eucharists and Evensongs are starting to feel almost normal which has been a great blessing.
It would have been so much harder if we hadn’t had Zoom and during the Peace in the Eucharist and afterward seeing the faces of everyone at home on the big TV in church is just so encouraging. Seeing each other physically, face-to-face just completes us as people, as God made us, and this is emphasized for me each time I have an encounter like Sunday outside church. This was brought home to me early this morning because I was standing on the wide and empty expanse of Camber Sands in East Sussex. There were four people including myself all separated by this wide expanse of shoreline in brilliant early morning sunshine and you had to squint to make out the others. It was a time of solitude for each of us there and that is good in itself but a real contrast to that joyous encounter on Sunday morning.
Last Sunday just as I was arriving at church I bumped into another member of St Stephen’s outside who was physically attending for the first time since February last year. They were so excited and joyous at being able to be worship God alongside other people and full of nervous energy they practically skipped into the building. I’ve had similar encounters since lockdown relaxed in May and some Sunday Eucharists and Evensongs are starting to feel almost normal which has been a great blessing.
It would have been so much harder if we hadn’t had Zoom and during the Peace in the Eucharist and afterward seeing the faces of everyone at home on the big TV in church is just so encouraging. Seeing each other physically, face-to-face just completes us as people, as God made us, and this is emphasized for me each time I have an encounter like Sunday outside church. This was brought home to me early this morning because I was standing on the wide and empty expanse of Camber Sands in East Sussex. There were four people including myself all separated by this wide expanse of shoreline in brilliant early morning sunshine and you had to squint to make out the others. It was a time of solitude for each of us there and that is good in itself but a real contrast to that joyous encounter on Sunday morning.
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Jesus did much of his ministry face to face, one on one, even with crowds present, and it is those face to face encounters we seem to most come back to when we read the gospels. Whether it is Nicodemus coming under the cover of darkness, the woman with the hemorrhage alone in the crowd, Jesus with Mary and Martha or that most poignant moment in human history when Mary Magdalene recognized the risen Jesus face to face outside the tomb, Jesus always seems to be closest to us through these encounters. As we continue to come out of Covid, even if the immediate future is uncertain and difficult encounters like I had on Sunday morning will be special and reflect who we are and Jesus being with us in our humanity.
Jeremy Cavanagh |
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Wednesday 9th June 2021
I shall never forget the first time I cycled from Glasgow to Iona. The road from the ferry port of Craignure to Fionnphort on Mull, is one of the finest cycle routes I’ve ever taken. As you come over the pass towards Loch Beg, winding past the slopes of Ben More on your right, you get your first glimpse of one of Scotland’s most beautiful Islands - Iona. No wonder Kings and ‘would-be’ Prime Minsters wish to be buried here. However I should imaged that St Columba would have haviewed this magnificent little island from a different angle, coming as he would have, from the other direction, by boat from Ireland, from whence he was banished by the King for starting a war. Before leaving Ireland to settle on Iona, Columba was trained as a monk by Finnian about and then founded several monasteries himself, including probably that of Kells. He took with him twelve companions and the number grew as the monastic life became more established and well-known. Columba seems to have been an austere and, at times, harsh man who reputedly mellowed with age. He was concerned with building up both the monastery and its life and of enabling them to be instruments of mission in a heathen land. He converted kings and built churches, Iona becoming a starting point for the expansion of Christianity throughout Scotland. In the last four years of his life, when his health had failed, he spent the time transcribing books of the gospels for them to be taken out and used. He died on this day in the year 597. We often find ourselves in situations that are out of our comfort zone, or views things differently to what we might have expected or imagined. As we give thanks for Columba, let us also give thanks for the beauty of the things we see - whatever the angle we might view... The Collect O God, by the preaching of your blessed servant Columba you caused the light of the Gospel to shine in Scotland: Grant, we pray, that, having his life and labours in remembrance, we may show our thankfulness to you for the things we see and by following the example of his zeal and patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/isle-of-iona-p246471 Revd Graham M Buckle |
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Tuesday 8th June 2021
“He who sings, prays twice.” These famous words from St Augustine may seem particularly poignant to us when we are still not able to sing hymns together in church. A great hymn tune sung together can move us profoundly, and simply watching others sing the hymns doesn’t quite feel the same. In our Sunday services, however, Graham has suggested that we might speak the words along with the choir, which made me think about the words of our hymns a little more than I might have done when just focusing on the tune.
Hymn writing is an extraordinary skill. The ability to wrap up sometimes complicated theology in rhyme and rhythm so that it can be set to a tune and move hearts and minds must require an enormous amount of prayer and dedication. Today the church remembers one of our great hymn writers of the seventeenth century – Thomas Ken. A man whose name I did not recognise, but when I started to scroll through the list of hymns he has written realised I knew (at least through his hymnary) very well indeed. Here is just one of them, but a favourite hymn of mine. Here is a link if you wish to sing along with it, or maybe just read through the text as a prayer.
NEH 232
1 Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.
2 Redeem thy mis-spent time that's past,
Live this day as if 'twere thy last:
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.
3 Let all thy converse be sincere,
Thy conscience as the noon-day clear;
Think how the all-seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.
4 Awake, awake, ye heavenly choir,
May your devotion me inspire,
That I like you my age may spend,
Like you may on my God attend.
5 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him, all creatures here below,
Praise him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
“He who sings, prays twice.” These famous words from St Augustine may seem particularly poignant to us when we are still not able to sing hymns together in church. A great hymn tune sung together can move us profoundly, and simply watching others sing the hymns doesn’t quite feel the same. In our Sunday services, however, Graham has suggested that we might speak the words along with the choir, which made me think about the words of our hymns a little more than I might have done when just focusing on the tune.
Hymn writing is an extraordinary skill. The ability to wrap up sometimes complicated theology in rhyme and rhythm so that it can be set to a tune and move hearts and minds must require an enormous amount of prayer and dedication. Today the church remembers one of our great hymn writers of the seventeenth century – Thomas Ken. A man whose name I did not recognise, but when I started to scroll through the list of hymns he has written realised I knew (at least through his hymnary) very well indeed. Here is just one of them, but a favourite hymn of mine. Here is a link if you wish to sing along with it, or maybe just read through the text as a prayer.
NEH 232
1 Awake, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run;
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.
2 Redeem thy mis-spent time that's past,
Live this day as if 'twere thy last:
Improve thy talent with due care;
For the great day thyself prepare.
3 Let all thy converse be sincere,
Thy conscience as the noon-day clear;
Think how the all-seeing God thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.
4 Awake, awake, ye heavenly choir,
May your devotion me inspire,
That I like you my age may spend,
Like you may on my God attend.
5 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him, all creatures here below,
Praise him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Monday 7th June 2021
I do realise that cricket is not everyone’s cup of tea! But you might be aware that I love cricket. So it was so good to have the opportunity to go over the weekend to see the first Test Match to have supporters in the ground for over a year at Lords: Just a shame about England’s performance! It was also good, last month, to have the opportunity to interview Mike Brealey (past England Captain and Psychotherapist) about his new book, The Spirit of Cricket, for Sion College. He talked about the fact that if someone were to say 'it's not tennis', or 'not football' of shabby behaviour in any walk of life, he or she would not be understood. But if they said “It’s not just Cricket!”, they might be understood. Is there some special spirit of cricket?
In Spirit of Cricket, Mike Brearley alternates between issues and examples within the game - from 'Mankading' and the 'Sandpaper' affair to sledging, mental disintegration and racism - as well as broader issues. Brearley examined the issue of how far what purports to be justice (in law or in spirit) may or may not be the expression of the powerful within the activity or within society.
Mike Brearley is a thoughtful, engaging and eclectic thinker and it was an honour to interview him. His book even had a good review in the Church Times and is a good read. So in this light it was with interest I followed the issue of the England Cricketer Ollie Robinson. For those who do not know, Ollie Robinson has been suspended from international cricket pending an investigation into racist and sexist tweets he made 10 years ago, which came to light by a journalist, whilst he was on the field during the middle of this match.
There is no place for this in whatever sport or warp of life. But it does highlight that our actions of our past, however long ago, have an effect on us in the ‘here and now’. There are lots of issues that arise from this, but yesterdays sermon by Rabbi Richard Jacobi, really challenged us all to take responsibility for our wrongs, and to acknowledge our part and call to repentance whatever our religion, whatever our sport…! I am sure Ollie Robinson is now on such a journey. But is is probably “not just cricket” to point and accuse. Let us all take seriously our actions of the past to make a better today.
Jesus,
You opened the eyes of the blind,
healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman,
and after Peter's denial confirmed him in your love.
Listen to our prayers:
forgive our sins, renew your love in our hearts,
help us to live in unity with all people
that we may proclaim your saving love
to all the world. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
I do realise that cricket is not everyone’s cup of tea! But you might be aware that I love cricket. So it was so good to have the opportunity to go over the weekend to see the first Test Match to have supporters in the ground for over a year at Lords: Just a shame about England’s performance! It was also good, last month, to have the opportunity to interview Mike Brealey (past England Captain and Psychotherapist) about his new book, The Spirit of Cricket, for Sion College. He talked about the fact that if someone were to say 'it's not tennis', or 'not football' of shabby behaviour in any walk of life, he or she would not be understood. But if they said “It’s not just Cricket!”, they might be understood. Is there some special spirit of cricket?
In Spirit of Cricket, Mike Brearley alternates between issues and examples within the game - from 'Mankading' and the 'Sandpaper' affair to sledging, mental disintegration and racism - as well as broader issues. Brearley examined the issue of how far what purports to be justice (in law or in spirit) may or may not be the expression of the powerful within the activity or within society.
Mike Brearley is a thoughtful, engaging and eclectic thinker and it was an honour to interview him. His book even had a good review in the Church Times and is a good read. So in this light it was with interest I followed the issue of the England Cricketer Ollie Robinson. For those who do not know, Ollie Robinson has been suspended from international cricket pending an investigation into racist and sexist tweets he made 10 years ago, which came to light by a journalist, whilst he was on the field during the middle of this match.
There is no place for this in whatever sport or warp of life. But it does highlight that our actions of our past, however long ago, have an effect on us in the ‘here and now’. There are lots of issues that arise from this, but yesterdays sermon by Rabbi Richard Jacobi, really challenged us all to take responsibility for our wrongs, and to acknowledge our part and call to repentance whatever our religion, whatever our sport…! I am sure Ollie Robinson is now on such a journey. But is is probably “not just cricket” to point and accuse. Let us all take seriously our actions of the past to make a better today.
Jesus,
You opened the eyes of the blind,
healed the sick, forgave the sinful woman,
and after Peter's denial confirmed him in your love.
Listen to our prayers:
forgive our sins, renew your love in our hearts,
help us to live in unity with all people
that we may proclaim your saving love
to all the world. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Friday 4th June 2021
As I look forward to joining the congregation on Sunday morning, I’d like to offer a thought arising from a difference in how Judaism and Christianity read the same text.
In Judaism, the Ten Commandments are known in Hebrew by a slightly different name - Aseret Ha-dibrot, which means “Ten Statements”. The first of our Ten is what Christianity sees as a prelude: “I am the Eternal One, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” The second is “You shall have no other gods before me; you shall not make for yourself a carved image …”
This pairing has been seen in the rabbinic tradition of 1800 years ago as the words spoken out loud by God to everyone gathered by the mountain, after which everything else was told to Moses. I love an abbreviated version of these two ‘commandments’ by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, which became the title of this book, “I’m God, You’re Not.” In his introduction, Kushner says:
"To paraphrase the Talmud, God says, 'There ain't enough room in this here world for your ego and Me. You pick.’ I now suspect that the real reason for religion is to help you keep your ego under control."
When I’m feeling strong, this teaching helps to ground me. (The flip-side is what to do when I can’t locate my ego or forgive myself for my erring. More about this on Sunday.)
Rabbi Richard Jacobi
Rabbi Richard Jacobi was ordained in 2008, serving Woodford Liberal Synagogue until it merged with a neighbouring Liberal community in January 2017. He is now leading this larger community through these traumatic Covid times alongside an amazing array of lay leaders and volunteers. Married for 30+ years, enjoying grand-parenting and watching children holding adult responsibilities, and grappling with ageing!
As I look forward to joining the congregation on Sunday morning, I’d like to offer a thought arising from a difference in how Judaism and Christianity read the same text.
In Judaism, the Ten Commandments are known in Hebrew by a slightly different name - Aseret Ha-dibrot, which means “Ten Statements”. The first of our Ten is what Christianity sees as a prelude: “I am the Eternal One, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” The second is “You shall have no other gods before me; you shall not make for yourself a carved image …”
This pairing has been seen in the rabbinic tradition of 1800 years ago as the words spoken out loud by God to everyone gathered by the mountain, after which everything else was told to Moses. I love an abbreviated version of these two ‘commandments’ by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, which became the title of this book, “I’m God, You’re Not.” In his introduction, Kushner says:
"To paraphrase the Talmud, God says, 'There ain't enough room in this here world for your ego and Me. You pick.’ I now suspect that the real reason for religion is to help you keep your ego under control."
When I’m feeling strong, this teaching helps to ground me. (The flip-side is what to do when I can’t locate my ego or forgive myself for my erring. More about this on Sunday.)
Rabbi Richard Jacobi
Rabbi Richard Jacobi was ordained in 2008, serving Woodford Liberal Synagogue until it merged with a neighbouring Liberal community in January 2017. He is now leading this larger community through these traumatic Covid times alongside an amazing array of lay leaders and volunteers. Married for 30+ years, enjoying grand-parenting and watching children holding adult responsibilities, and grappling with ageing!
Thursday 3rd June 2021
If we are familiar with the round of the Christian year, we are familiar with the odd way in which Christian feasts fit into our understanding of time. As we remember and celebrate the events of Jesus’s life and ministry, we do so in a way that partakes of both “now” and “then.” During Advent, we await Christ’s arrival at the same time as we celebrate what Christ has done for us having arrived. At Christmas, we speak of Jesus born today, as well as “Once in Royal David’s City.” Just a few months after we celebrate his birth, we celebrate the events of our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection in Holy Week and Easter – itself a feast celebrated on a different day each year. “Jesus Christ is risen today” we sing every year. The feasts that follow – The Ascension and Pentecost – come at the “correct” time after Easter as gleaned from the Gospels and Acts, but are still dependent on that moveable feast. Christian feasts live in both the past and present tenses. As a child, feasts were described to me as pinpricks going through the fabric of time, anchoring us to our faith in an ever moving, ever changing world.
Today’s feast, however, is all about the present. Corpus Christi (along with Trinity Sunday) is part of the answer to the “so what?” of all the rest of the feasts of the church’s year. It is the day where we celebrate Christ’s continuing, incarnate presence among us in the bread and wine that are consecrated at the altar. That transformative presence that we literally take into ourselves as we receive. The extraordinariness of Jesus’s presence here, now, in the ordinariness of bread and wine. When we come to the altar, we come as we are now, with our own internal tangles of past and present, and enter into an eternal present moment of communion with God.
One of the many things that we have had to mourn in this past year is that we have not always been able to receive communion, and so it is particularly poignant to be able to celebrate that eternal present moment in this year’s feast. We are delighted to be joined by some members of the Civil Service Choir to help us to celebrate, and hope you can join us too at 6pm this evening in church, and on Facebook Live.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
If we are familiar with the round of the Christian year, we are familiar with the odd way in which Christian feasts fit into our understanding of time. As we remember and celebrate the events of Jesus’s life and ministry, we do so in a way that partakes of both “now” and “then.” During Advent, we await Christ’s arrival at the same time as we celebrate what Christ has done for us having arrived. At Christmas, we speak of Jesus born today, as well as “Once in Royal David’s City.” Just a few months after we celebrate his birth, we celebrate the events of our Lord’s passion, death and resurrection in Holy Week and Easter – itself a feast celebrated on a different day each year. “Jesus Christ is risen today” we sing every year. The feasts that follow – The Ascension and Pentecost – come at the “correct” time after Easter as gleaned from the Gospels and Acts, but are still dependent on that moveable feast. Christian feasts live in both the past and present tenses. As a child, feasts were described to me as pinpricks going through the fabric of time, anchoring us to our faith in an ever moving, ever changing world.
Today’s feast, however, is all about the present. Corpus Christi (along with Trinity Sunday) is part of the answer to the “so what?” of all the rest of the feasts of the church’s year. It is the day where we celebrate Christ’s continuing, incarnate presence among us in the bread and wine that are consecrated at the altar. That transformative presence that we literally take into ourselves as we receive. The extraordinariness of Jesus’s presence here, now, in the ordinariness of bread and wine. When we come to the altar, we come as we are now, with our own internal tangles of past and present, and enter into an eternal present moment of communion with God.
One of the many things that we have had to mourn in this past year is that we have not always been able to receive communion, and so it is particularly poignant to be able to celebrate that eternal present moment in this year’s feast. We are delighted to be joined by some members of the Civil Service Choir to help us to celebrate, and hope you can join us too at 6pm this evening in church, and on Facebook Live.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Click image for link to Tate's original image
Wednesday 2nd June 2021
Yesterday I went to see an art exhibition at the Pallant House Gallery entitled: ‘Richard Hamilton: Respective’. What made this visit so interesting was that I saw many of the paintings and exhibits previously on online on a webinar, given by the Gallery, thinking that they might not able to host the exhibition due to covid. It was fascinating seeing Hamliton’s art having a little prior knowledge and understanding. For those who might not know, Richard Hamilton (1922-2011) is widely considered to be a founding figure in British pop art, and a leading proponent of what the art critics call a 'fine/pop art continuum', in which all art is equal and there is no hierarchy of value. Hamilton was fascinated by the impact of photography on painting, the use of collage and the increasing digital means used to produce and transmit images and information. Hamilton studied at the Royal Academy Schools (1938-1940), and after the Second World War, he attended the Slade School of Art (1948-1951).
The picture is one that I took of a collage entitled ‘Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different?’ It is a remake of an image Hamilton originally created in 1956 as part of his contribution to the group exhibition ‘This is Tomorrow’ which was held at the Whitechapel Art Gallery.
As we return to do some of the things we haven’t been able to do, we might believe that we have prior knowledge or understanding. But like seeing the art in the ‘in flesh’ - it gives fresh and deeper insights into the knowledge we might have acquired. So let the collage of ‘what makes today’s life so different’ be a true thanksgiving to God for all those things in that life take for granted.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Yesterday I went to see an art exhibition at the Pallant House Gallery entitled: ‘Richard Hamilton: Respective’. What made this visit so interesting was that I saw many of the paintings and exhibits previously on online on a webinar, given by the Gallery, thinking that they might not able to host the exhibition due to covid. It was fascinating seeing Hamliton’s art having a little prior knowledge and understanding. For those who might not know, Richard Hamilton (1922-2011) is widely considered to be a founding figure in British pop art, and a leading proponent of what the art critics call a 'fine/pop art continuum', in which all art is equal and there is no hierarchy of value. Hamilton was fascinated by the impact of photography on painting, the use of collage and the increasing digital means used to produce and transmit images and information. Hamilton studied at the Royal Academy Schools (1938-1940), and after the Second World War, he attended the Slade School of Art (1948-1951).
The picture is one that I took of a collage entitled ‘Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different?’ It is a remake of an image Hamilton originally created in 1956 as part of his contribution to the group exhibition ‘This is Tomorrow’ which was held at the Whitechapel Art Gallery.
As we return to do some of the things we haven’t been able to do, we might believe that we have prior knowledge or understanding. But like seeing the art in the ‘in flesh’ - it gives fresh and deeper insights into the knowledge we might have acquired. So let the collage of ‘what makes today’s life so different’ be a true thanksgiving to God for all those things in that life take for granted.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Tuesday 1st June 2021
Today the church commemorates the early saint - Justin, c.165. Justin was born at the beginning of the second century in Palestine. As a young man he explored many different philosophies before, at the age of thirty, embracing Christianity. He continued to wear the distinctive dress of a professional philosopher, and taught Christianity as a philosophy first at Ephesus, and later at Rome. He became an outstanding apologist for the Christian faith, and is honoured as the first Christian thinker to enter into serious dialogue with the other intellectual disciplines of his day, including Judaism. Justin always sought to reconcile the claims of faith and reason. It was at Rome in about the year 165 that he and some of his disciples were denounced as Christians, and beheaded. The authentic record of their martyrdom based on an official court report has survived. Traditionally, Justin is often surnamed ‘Martyr’ because of his two-fold witness to Christ, through his apologetic writings and also put to death in Rome, alongside some of his students. We give thanks for his life and witness. And as we do so, and pray this collect set for today, I ask you also please take a couple of minutes of your time to fill out this short questionnaire for us, thank you: http://www.sswsj.org/daily-devotions-survey.html
Prayer:
God our redeemer,
who through the folly of the cross taught your martyr Justin
the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ:
remove from us every kind of error
that we, like him, may be firmly grounded in the faith,
and make your name known to all peoples;
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.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Today the church commemorates the early saint - Justin, c.165. Justin was born at the beginning of the second century in Palestine. As a young man he explored many different philosophies before, at the age of thirty, embracing Christianity. He continued to wear the distinctive dress of a professional philosopher, and taught Christianity as a philosophy first at Ephesus, and later at Rome. He became an outstanding apologist for the Christian faith, and is honoured as the first Christian thinker to enter into serious dialogue with the other intellectual disciplines of his day, including Judaism. Justin always sought to reconcile the claims of faith and reason. It was at Rome in about the year 165 that he and some of his disciples were denounced as Christians, and beheaded. The authentic record of their martyrdom based on an official court report has survived. Traditionally, Justin is often surnamed ‘Martyr’ because of his two-fold witness to Christ, through his apologetic writings and also put to death in Rome, alongside some of his students. We give thanks for his life and witness. And as we do so, and pray this collect set for today, I ask you also please take a couple of minutes of your time to fill out this short questionnaire for us, thank you: http://www.sswsj.org/daily-devotions-survey.html
Prayer:
God our redeemer,
who through the folly of the cross taught your martyr Justin
the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ:
remove from us every kind of error
that we, like him, may be firmly grounded in the faith,
and make your name known to all peoples;
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.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Image from Wikipedia, click on image for link
Friday 28th May 2021
Today the church commemorates Lanfranc. He was born in Pavia, Lombardy, Italy in c. 1005. A Benedictine who became archbishop of Canterbury (1070–89) and a trusted counsellor of William the Conqueror, and was largely responsible for the excellent church–state relations of William’s reign after the Norman Conquest of England. Lanfranc's carried out reforms and changes in the Church in England which laid the foundations of our church today. Some of these changes were purely political and involved replacing Saxon bishops and abbots with foreigners wherever possible. To effect his reforms, he held a series of councils; those of Winchester (1072 and 1076) and London (1075) were of great importance. He tried to enforce stricter discipline in monasteries and the rule of celibacy upon the secular clergy. He also presided over the removal of bishoprics from villages to towns; for example, in 1075 the sees of Lichfield, Sherborne, and Selsey were transferred to Chester, Salisbury, and Chichester. About the same time, no doubt with Lanfranc's approval, William ordered that Church cases should no longer be heard in secular courts. Lanfranc also claimed supremacy for Canterbury over York; his claims were endorsed by a legatine council held at Winchester in 1072. He died this day May 28, in 1089
We all need change and reform, even in our lives and in the life of our church. For the past year, we have brought to you a daily devotion each day throughout this time of the pandemic. However, we noticed that not so many of you are looking or using this. To help our time to be more efficient and rather than any sweeping Lanfranc reforms, we ask you to help us, and fill out this simple questionnaire to aid any reforms we might take.
Lord, as we prepare our hearts and minds for this time of change,
we ask that your divine nature will be clear to us.
Help us and use us to make the necessary changing in our church and in our lives
so that we might reflect your glory, not ours, more efficiently and effectively.
As we look to You for strength and guidance,
allow your way to rule in our thoughts and actions:
Guide and direct us, we pray.
Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Today the church commemorates Lanfranc. He was born in Pavia, Lombardy, Italy in c. 1005. A Benedictine who became archbishop of Canterbury (1070–89) and a trusted counsellor of William the Conqueror, and was largely responsible for the excellent church–state relations of William’s reign after the Norman Conquest of England. Lanfranc's carried out reforms and changes in the Church in England which laid the foundations of our church today. Some of these changes were purely political and involved replacing Saxon bishops and abbots with foreigners wherever possible. To effect his reforms, he held a series of councils; those of Winchester (1072 and 1076) and London (1075) were of great importance. He tried to enforce stricter discipline in monasteries and the rule of celibacy upon the secular clergy. He also presided over the removal of bishoprics from villages to towns; for example, in 1075 the sees of Lichfield, Sherborne, and Selsey were transferred to Chester, Salisbury, and Chichester. About the same time, no doubt with Lanfranc's approval, William ordered that Church cases should no longer be heard in secular courts. Lanfranc also claimed supremacy for Canterbury over York; his claims were endorsed by a legatine council held at Winchester in 1072. He died this day May 28, in 1089
We all need change and reform, even in our lives and in the life of our church. For the past year, we have brought to you a daily devotion each day throughout this time of the pandemic. However, we noticed that not so many of you are looking or using this. To help our time to be more efficient and rather than any sweeping Lanfranc reforms, we ask you to help us, and fill out this simple questionnaire to aid any reforms we might take.
Lord, as we prepare our hearts and minds for this time of change,
we ask that your divine nature will be clear to us.
Help us and use us to make the necessary changing in our church and in our lives
so that we might reflect your glory, not ours, more efficiently and effectively.
As we look to You for strength and guidance,
allow your way to rule in our thoughts and actions:
Guide and direct us, we pray.
Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Photo from New Scientist. Please click photo for link
Thursday 27th May 2021
I have always gone on silent retreat once a year throughout my ministry. This has been in a variety of places. Now, my annual silent retreat is usually in Glasshampton Monastery. But at the start of my ministry, I used to go to Hillfield Friary, in Dorset. My prayer was punctuated with local walks, where the countryside was/is always stunning and varied in that part of the world. So it was with great interest that I read an article in the New Scientist early this week, about the Cerne Abbas giant - a place I would often walk to. The origins of the Cerne Abbas giant are shrouded in mystery: many historians and archaeologists have argued that the huge figure of a naked man, carved onto a chalk hillside in this part of Dorset, is prehistoric. But as there is no written record of it until 1694, others have argued that it was created in the 17th century - perhaps to mock Oliver Cromwell. But now, scientists have recently analysed soil samples to determine its origins, and found that the giant most likely dates to the late Saxon period, around the 10th century, which is extraordinary. “Everyone was wrong, and that makes these results even more exciting,” said geoarchaeologist Mike Allen in the article. The researchers used a thing called an ‘Optically Stimulated Luminescence’, which can determine when grains of sand were last exposed to sunlight, and so were able to work out when the chalk-filled trenches that form the giant's outline were dug. And it produced a time frame of AD700 to AD1000 at the earliest.
They speculated that the giant was created by local people when the area was pagan and then became overgrown and forgotten after it was converted to Christianity by the monks at Cerne Abbey, founded in AD987. Then, sometime in the mid-17th century, someone spotted the faint lines in of the giant, cut the grass and re-filled the trenches. This, the article states, would explain why the figure is not mentioned in the abbey's medieval records, nor in an extensive 1617 survey of the area. Intriguingly, it may only have been in the 17th century that the giant acquired its phallic nakedness - courtesy, perhaps, by a local prankster. Topographical mapping reveals that a “belt” line that goes across the figure's middle, suggesting the giant once wore trousers.
I find it fascinating that we are making such discoveries today about our yesterday. So as part of our daily devotion today, let us celebrate the providence of God and gift of scientific discovery:
We give thanks to you, God our Father, Maker of the universe,
for the unity and order of created things;
for the resources of the earth;
for the gift of human life;
for our share in the continuing work of creation.
O Creator and Lord of all, we thank you for the hidden forces of nature now brought within our control by scientific discovery. We thank you for creative vision and inventiveness, and for the different abilities and skills which you have given us and which we use in daily work. Help us to use all your gifts wisely and faithfully, for the benefit of humankind, that all may rejoice in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
I have always gone on silent retreat once a year throughout my ministry. This has been in a variety of places. Now, my annual silent retreat is usually in Glasshampton Monastery. But at the start of my ministry, I used to go to Hillfield Friary, in Dorset. My prayer was punctuated with local walks, where the countryside was/is always stunning and varied in that part of the world. So it was with great interest that I read an article in the New Scientist early this week, about the Cerne Abbas giant - a place I would often walk to. The origins of the Cerne Abbas giant are shrouded in mystery: many historians and archaeologists have argued that the huge figure of a naked man, carved onto a chalk hillside in this part of Dorset, is prehistoric. But as there is no written record of it until 1694, others have argued that it was created in the 17th century - perhaps to mock Oliver Cromwell. But now, scientists have recently analysed soil samples to determine its origins, and found that the giant most likely dates to the late Saxon period, around the 10th century, which is extraordinary. “Everyone was wrong, and that makes these results even more exciting,” said geoarchaeologist Mike Allen in the article. The researchers used a thing called an ‘Optically Stimulated Luminescence’, which can determine when grains of sand were last exposed to sunlight, and so were able to work out when the chalk-filled trenches that form the giant's outline were dug. And it produced a time frame of AD700 to AD1000 at the earliest.
They speculated that the giant was created by local people when the area was pagan and then became overgrown and forgotten after it was converted to Christianity by the monks at Cerne Abbey, founded in AD987. Then, sometime in the mid-17th century, someone spotted the faint lines in of the giant, cut the grass and re-filled the trenches. This, the article states, would explain why the figure is not mentioned in the abbey's medieval records, nor in an extensive 1617 survey of the area. Intriguingly, it may only have been in the 17th century that the giant acquired its phallic nakedness - courtesy, perhaps, by a local prankster. Topographical mapping reveals that a “belt” line that goes across the figure's middle, suggesting the giant once wore trousers.
I find it fascinating that we are making such discoveries today about our yesterday. So as part of our daily devotion today, let us celebrate the providence of God and gift of scientific discovery:
We give thanks to you, God our Father, Maker of the universe,
for the unity and order of created things;
for the resources of the earth;
for the gift of human life;
for our share in the continuing work of creation.
O Creator and Lord of all, we thank you for the hidden forces of nature now brought within our control by scientific discovery. We thank you for creative vision and inventiveness, and for the different abilities and skills which you have given us and which we use in daily work. Help us to use all your gifts wisely and faithfully, for the benefit of humankind, that all may rejoice in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Graham M Buckle
Wednesday 26th May 2021
A super blood moon will be seen in parts of the world tonight as a total lunar eclipse will bring some magnificent views. Evidently Hawaii will have the best view of May’s full supermoon, followed by California, the Pacific north-west, New Zealand and Australia. Sadly London doesn’t feature, but this will be the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years and coincides with a supermoon this week for quite a cosmic show of a super “blood” moon. If you happen to be in one of these “hot-spots”, you’d better look quick: for the total eclipse will last about 15 minutes as Earth passes directly between the moon and the sun. However, the entire show will last five hours, as Earth’s shadow gradually covers the moon, then starts to ebb. I understand that the reddish-orange colour is the result of all the sunrises and sunsets in Earth’s atmosphere projected on to the surface of the eclipsed moon. I find this all so facinating, and hope that we will be able to see some good pictures, like this one taken in Marseille in France over two years ago:
A super blood moon will be seen in parts of the world tonight as a total lunar eclipse will bring some magnificent views. Evidently Hawaii will have the best view of May’s full supermoon, followed by California, the Pacific north-west, New Zealand and Australia. Sadly London doesn’t feature, but this will be the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years and coincides with a supermoon this week for quite a cosmic show of a super “blood” moon. If you happen to be in one of these “hot-spots”, you’d better look quick: for the total eclipse will last about 15 minutes as Earth passes directly between the moon and the sun. However, the entire show will last five hours, as Earth’s shadow gradually covers the moon, then starts to ebb. I understand that the reddish-orange colour is the result of all the sunrises and sunsets in Earth’s atmosphere projected on to the surface of the eclipsed moon. I find this all so facinating, and hope that we will be able to see some good pictures, like this one taken in Marseille in France over two years ago:
Photo from the Guardian, please click on photo for link to source
Prayer from John Calvin for our daily devotion:
Grant, Almighty God, that as we have not only been created by thee, but when thou hast placed us in this world, thou hast also enriched us with abundance of all blessings, - O grant, that we may not transfer to others the glory duo to thee, and that especially since we are daily admonished by thy word, and even severely reproved, we may not with an iron hardness resist, but render ourselves pliable to thee, and not give ourselves up to our own devices, but follow with true docility and meekness, that rule which thou hast prescribed in thy word, until at length having put off all the remains of errors, we shall enjoy that blessed light, which thou hast prepared for us in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Revd Graham M Buckle |
Talking of France, the Church commemorates today the French reformer John Calvin. He was born at Noyon in Picardy in 1509 and, unbelievably, he received his first benefice at the age of twelve. Two years later he began studying theology at Paris but for some reason changed to law and moved to Orléans where he came under his first Protestant influences. He broke with the Roman Church in 1533, having had a religious experience which he believed commissioned him to purify and restore the Church of Christ. The first edition of his Institutes appeared in 1536, which was a justification for his Reformation principles. Calvin accepted a position in Geneva which involved organizing the Reformation in that city and spent most of his life there. His immense reputation and influence have continued in the churches of the Reform to the present day. He died on this day in 1564. I have looked that this great reformer rather than the other saints also commemorated today, because he is reputed to have said:
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Tuesday 25th May 2021
Today the church remembers St Bede – often known as the Venerable Bede – who was born in the north of England in 673, and died in 735. If St Helena (who we celebrated last Friday) was a travelling saint, Bede was a window saint. He certainly didn’t travel, as he was possibly born and certainly lived his whole life in the same Northumbrian town. His writings did travel, however, and it is these writings that he is most remembered for.
Bede gives us both a window onto the contemporary thinking of his day, and also on the history of Britain. He was something of a polymath, writing a series of scientific treatises, as well as a “Martyrology” (a list of martyrs and saints arranged in calendar order) which became the model on which later martyrologies were written, and his most famous Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum – The Ecclesiastical History of the English People.
Bede’s Ecclesiastical History remains crucial for our understanding of the establishment and spread of Christianity in England, and the emergence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. He tells us which works he draws upon, citing them in the text, and so giving us another window on texts that have since been lost. There are biases and omissions – Bede didn’t have access to many sources about the west of England, for example – but the Ecclesiastical History nevertheless rapidly grew in popularity and began to spread to other countries. The British Library holds French copies of the text made as early as the beginning of the ninth century.
It is not only Bede’s actual writings that give us a window onto his time, and the history leading up to it, but also what happened to the physical manuscripts. This image is from the earliest extant copy of the Ecclesiastical History, also held in the British Library, and was made within a few years of his death in the monastery where he had lived and worked. It’s written in a script that facilitated rapid copying (rather than the high-grade script we might recognise from prestigious manuscripts), which points to how popular the work already was that copies were needed this fast. The manuscript then left England, and was in France for a very long time, perhaps since the reign of Charlemagne. It was then moved to the cathedral in Le Mans, before being acquired by the Bishop of Ely in the early eighteenth-century. Click on the image for more information and more images of the manuscript.
Bede opens a window for us on the sprititual and wordly life of his day, as well as a window onto what came before. He didn’t think that his scientific treatises were any less to do with God than his scriptural writings, or his Ecclesiastical History, instead seeing them all as dealing with the works of God. Like Helena inspires us to seek Holy Things and Holy Places, may Bede inspire us to see the work of God in all creation, and moving in our own lives and our own histories.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Today the church remembers St Bede – often known as the Venerable Bede – who was born in the north of England in 673, and died in 735. If St Helena (who we celebrated last Friday) was a travelling saint, Bede was a window saint. He certainly didn’t travel, as he was possibly born and certainly lived his whole life in the same Northumbrian town. His writings did travel, however, and it is these writings that he is most remembered for.
Bede gives us both a window onto the contemporary thinking of his day, and also on the history of Britain. He was something of a polymath, writing a series of scientific treatises, as well as a “Martyrology” (a list of martyrs and saints arranged in calendar order) which became the model on which later martyrologies were written, and his most famous Historia Ecclesiastica Gentis Anglorum – The Ecclesiastical History of the English People.
Bede’s Ecclesiastical History remains crucial for our understanding of the establishment and spread of Christianity in England, and the emergence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. He tells us which works he draws upon, citing them in the text, and so giving us another window on texts that have since been lost. There are biases and omissions – Bede didn’t have access to many sources about the west of England, for example – but the Ecclesiastical History nevertheless rapidly grew in popularity and began to spread to other countries. The British Library holds French copies of the text made as early as the beginning of the ninth century.
It is not only Bede’s actual writings that give us a window onto his time, and the history leading up to it, but also what happened to the physical manuscripts. This image is from the earliest extant copy of the Ecclesiastical History, also held in the British Library, and was made within a few years of his death in the monastery where he had lived and worked. It’s written in a script that facilitated rapid copying (rather than the high-grade script we might recognise from prestigious manuscripts), which points to how popular the work already was that copies were needed this fast. The manuscript then left England, and was in France for a very long time, perhaps since the reign of Charlemagne. It was then moved to the cathedral in Le Mans, before being acquired by the Bishop of Ely in the early eighteenth-century. Click on the image for more information and more images of the manuscript.
Bede opens a window for us on the sprititual and wordly life of his day, as well as a window onto what came before. He didn’t think that his scientific treatises were any less to do with God than his scriptural writings, or his Ecclesiastical History, instead seeing them all as dealing with the works of God. Like Helena inspires us to seek Holy Things and Holy Places, may Bede inspire us to see the work of God in all creation, and moving in our own lives and our own histories.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Monday 24th May 2021
Picture from Wikipedia, click on picture for link
Friday 21st May 2021
St Helena is a travelling saint. Throughout her life she moved through very different places in very different circumstances, and not until the later years of her life did she have much choice in the matter. Despite being the wife (though possibly not formally married) of one Emperor, and the mother of another, we actually know very little about her for certain – but from what we do know we can glean something of her wanderings.
We don’t know where she was born – traditions range from her being the daughter of “Old King Cole” (King Coel of Colchester), to being born in Greece, to being an innkeeper that Constantine took a liking to and took under his protection. She gave birth to the future Emperor Constantine when in modern day Serbia, and in 289AD was set aside by her husband and lived a long time in obscurity. In 306AD her son Constantine became Emperor, and he brought Helena back to Rome and appointed her Augusta Imperatrix. At this point, Helena was given access to the Imperial Treasury in order to find Christian relics, and undertook her journey to Palestine where she found the true cross, and instigated the building of several basilicas of the Christian faith – kickstarting the tradition of pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
During much of her life, Helena would have had little to no control over what happened to her – a feeling that Evelyn Waugh’s ahistorical but extremely atmospheric novel of her life captures profoundly. Once she became Imperatrix, however, she suddenly had the resources and the status to take more control, at which point she decided to seek out Holy Places and Holy Things. Helena went all the way to Jerusalem, but we don’t need to travel that far – or travel at all! Helena, for me, has always been a reminder to actively try to find Holy Places and Holy Things, even if it’s just at home, or outside our front door. And, no matter how far we travel, or how winding our life’s road might be, to try to travel always towards our Lord.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
St Helena is a travelling saint. Throughout her life she moved through very different places in very different circumstances, and not until the later years of her life did she have much choice in the matter. Despite being the wife (though possibly not formally married) of one Emperor, and the mother of another, we actually know very little about her for certain – but from what we do know we can glean something of her wanderings.
We don’t know where she was born – traditions range from her being the daughter of “Old King Cole” (King Coel of Colchester), to being born in Greece, to being an innkeeper that Constantine took a liking to and took under his protection. She gave birth to the future Emperor Constantine when in modern day Serbia, and in 289AD was set aside by her husband and lived a long time in obscurity. In 306AD her son Constantine became Emperor, and he brought Helena back to Rome and appointed her Augusta Imperatrix. At this point, Helena was given access to the Imperial Treasury in order to find Christian relics, and undertook her journey to Palestine where she found the true cross, and instigated the building of several basilicas of the Christian faith – kickstarting the tradition of pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
During much of her life, Helena would have had little to no control over what happened to her – a feeling that Evelyn Waugh’s ahistorical but extremely atmospheric novel of her life captures profoundly. Once she became Imperatrix, however, she suddenly had the resources and the status to take more control, at which point she decided to seek out Holy Places and Holy Things. Helena went all the way to Jerusalem, but we don’t need to travel that far – or travel at all! Helena, for me, has always been a reminder to actively try to find Holy Places and Holy Things, even if it’s just at home, or outside our front door. And, no matter how far we travel, or how winding our life’s road might be, to try to travel always towards our Lord.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Thursday 20th May 2021
Today the church commemorates Alcuin of York, 804. Alcuin was descended from a noble Northumbrian family. Although the date and place of his birth are not known, it was thought that he was probably born in the year 735 in or near York. He entered the cathedral school there as a child, continued as a Scholar and became Master. In 781, he went to Aachen as adviser to Charlemagne on religious and educational matters and as Master of the Palace School, where he established an important library. Although not a monk and served as a deacon, in 796 he became Abbot of Tours, dying there in the year 804. This is obviously good news to our deacon - Helena! Alcuin wrote poetry, revised the lectionary, compiled a sacramentally and was involved in other significant liturgical work. He achieved so much in his life. Perhaps as we look at this early picture of Alcuin and pray the collect set for today, we might use our daily devotion to contemplate what we have achieved and what we would still like to do for our God:
A Carolingian manuscript, c. 831. Rabanus Maurus (left), with Alcuin (middle), dedicating his work to Archbishop Odgar of Mainz (right)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcuin
God of wisdom, eternal light,
who shone in the heart of your servant Alcuin,
revealing to him your power and pity:
scatter the darkness of our ignorance
that, with all our heart and mind and strength,
we may seek your face
and be brought with all your saints
to your holy presence;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
PS. On Sunday is the feast of Pentecost, please don’t forget our AGM and also Slow Art. Do watch John’s short video where he talks about this feast and the pictures we are look at together: https://vimeo.com/552482926?ref=em-share
Revd Graham M Buckle
Today the church commemorates Alcuin of York, 804. Alcuin was descended from a noble Northumbrian family. Although the date and place of his birth are not known, it was thought that he was probably born in the year 735 in or near York. He entered the cathedral school there as a child, continued as a Scholar and became Master. In 781, he went to Aachen as adviser to Charlemagne on religious and educational matters and as Master of the Palace School, where he established an important library. Although not a monk and served as a deacon, in 796 he became Abbot of Tours, dying there in the year 804. This is obviously good news to our deacon - Helena! Alcuin wrote poetry, revised the lectionary, compiled a sacramentally and was involved in other significant liturgical work. He achieved so much in his life. Perhaps as we look at this early picture of Alcuin and pray the collect set for today, we might use our daily devotion to contemplate what we have achieved and what we would still like to do for our God:
A Carolingian manuscript, c. 831. Rabanus Maurus (left), with Alcuin (middle), dedicating his work to Archbishop Odgar of Mainz (right)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcuin
God of wisdom, eternal light,
who shone in the heart of your servant Alcuin,
revealing to him your power and pity:
scatter the darkness of our ignorance
that, with all our heart and mind and strength,
we may seek your face
and be brought with all your saints
to your holy presence;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
PS. On Sunday is the feast of Pentecost, please don’t forget our AGM and also Slow Art. Do watch John’s short video where he talks about this feast and the pictures we are look at together: https://vimeo.com/552482926?ref=em-share
Revd Graham M Buckle
Wednesday 19th May 2021
Opening Up
It was in 2013 that the Actors’ Church Union, founded in 1899, was relaunched as Theatre Chaplaincy UK. At the time, we wrote a prayer for the charity, reflecting something of the wonder of a creative God and the ups and downs of the vocation of those called to work in the theatre. The prayer included the words, “… give them humility in success and hidden reserves when the going is tough”. We had no idea back then, just how tough things could get.
For almost all of those who work in the theatre - producers, performers, technical crew, box office and front of house staff - the last 14 months have been horrendously hard. This has been the case even more so for the 70% of the theatre workforce who are freelance, and so didn’t qualify for either of the government’s financial support schemes. Hopes were rising when a few theatres managed to re-open briefly in December, but were dashed only days later when we went from Tier 3 to Tier 4 and they had to go dark once more.
Finally this week our theatres are allowed to re-open, albeit with distancing still in place. I’ll be watching a preview tonight and I can’t wait to be back in a theatre! We hope and pray that this time our theatres really will stay open. It is a time for cautious optimism, but some of the larger shows are not able to return until later in the summer or even the autumn and must be patient for a few more months.
This week will be full of excitement for many, along with a whole host of emotions, so please spare a prayer for the apprehension experienced by those who have been cast into the wilderness for over a year. Many have become key workers, in supermarkets, in teaching or as couriers. It was suggested during lockdown that one branch of Sainsbury’s had so many West End people working there that they could have staged their own musical! I know of one stage manager who has been working for a funeral director, and of an actor in a high profile West End show who has been working on a building site in Germany.
Coming back in front of a live audience after such a long time can bring its own anxiety and there are many whose confidence will have taken a considerable knock. They are the lucky ones. There are others who still don’t know when, how or even if they will find their way back. So as we give thanks in this momentous week, and as we look to the future, we pray the going may never be this tough again.
The TCUK Prayer
Creator God, Source of all life,
from you comes the inspiration
and the talent to create.
Encourage those who seek through
the performing arts to portray faithfully
the struggles, hopes, tears and laughter
of life’s journey.
Inspire them by your Spirit;
give them humility in success and
hidden reserves when the going is tough.
Bless all who work in the sacred spaces
of stage and studio, that their craft may be
a source of healing, hope and unity
in our broken world. Amen.
The Revd Lindsay Meader
Opening Up
It was in 2013 that the Actors’ Church Union, founded in 1899, was relaunched as Theatre Chaplaincy UK. At the time, we wrote a prayer for the charity, reflecting something of the wonder of a creative God and the ups and downs of the vocation of those called to work in the theatre. The prayer included the words, “… give them humility in success and hidden reserves when the going is tough”. We had no idea back then, just how tough things could get.
For almost all of those who work in the theatre - producers, performers, technical crew, box office and front of house staff - the last 14 months have been horrendously hard. This has been the case even more so for the 70% of the theatre workforce who are freelance, and so didn’t qualify for either of the government’s financial support schemes. Hopes were rising when a few theatres managed to re-open briefly in December, but were dashed only days later when we went from Tier 3 to Tier 4 and they had to go dark once more.
Finally this week our theatres are allowed to re-open, albeit with distancing still in place. I’ll be watching a preview tonight and I can’t wait to be back in a theatre! We hope and pray that this time our theatres really will stay open. It is a time for cautious optimism, but some of the larger shows are not able to return until later in the summer or even the autumn and must be patient for a few more months.
This week will be full of excitement for many, along with a whole host of emotions, so please spare a prayer for the apprehension experienced by those who have been cast into the wilderness for over a year. Many have become key workers, in supermarkets, in teaching or as couriers. It was suggested during lockdown that one branch of Sainsbury’s had so many West End people working there that they could have staged their own musical! I know of one stage manager who has been working for a funeral director, and of an actor in a high profile West End show who has been working on a building site in Germany.
Coming back in front of a live audience after such a long time can bring its own anxiety and there are many whose confidence will have taken a considerable knock. They are the lucky ones. There are others who still don’t know when, how or even if they will find their way back. So as we give thanks in this momentous week, and as we look to the future, we pray the going may never be this tough again.
The TCUK Prayer
Creator God, Source of all life,
from you comes the inspiration
and the talent to create.
Encourage those who seek through
the performing arts to portray faithfully
the struggles, hopes, tears and laughter
of life’s journey.
Inspire them by your Spirit;
give them humility in success and
hidden reserves when the going is tough.
Bless all who work in the sacred spaces
of stage and studio, that their craft may be
a source of healing, hope and unity
in our broken world. Amen.
The Revd Lindsay Meader
Picture from ‘The Week’ May 15 Issue 1331
Tuesday 15th May 2021
I meeting a few of my cousins today to conclude sorting out my Auntie Joan’s estate. She died of Covid-19 over a year ago after being sadly being expose to the virus in hospital with a broken hand. One of the many memories I have of her is our family holidays - and my mum having to protect Joan from any wasps that might be buzzing by - for Auntie Joan had an unnecessary and over the top phobia of them. I wonder if she would have been any different if she’s had read the article I read on Saturday - ‘Wasps are under-appreciated’. It is interesting how we love, cherish and protect bees, yet wasps are considered a pest, and squished on sight, and like my mum protecting her younger sister, would do everything in her power to swipe and kill any that might be near her. Yet they both sting, so why are we so waspish about wasps? The answer, according to a wasp expert, is simple: we don't know what wasps do. There are some seeking to rectify this. In a new paper, Dr Seirian Sumner, of University College London, and her colleagues drew on the existing research in order to make the case for wasps. They found evidence that wasps pollinate at least 960 plant species, including 164 that are dependent on them. The insect world's "top predators", wasps play a vital role in regulating insect populations, and so protect a wide variety of crops. Their nests and larvae are a source of human food; their venom has antimicrobial properties; and what's more, they're beautiful, says Sumner, whereas bees are just "fat and furry”. They don't make honey, however - and they're not exactly benign: whereas bees "buzz around harmlessly", wasps like to capture insects, take them to their nests, lay eggs on them, and then watch as their young feast on their prey's still-living bodies. "You don't have to love them," concedes Sumner. "But they are useful." All this fits in nicely with one of our young people’s prayer requests. Allegra, (age 4) has suggested that we ask God to "protect all of the insects". So let this be our daily devotion today as we pray:
Creator God,
you made the goodness of the land,
the riches of the sea
and the rhythm of the seasons;
as we thank you for your gracious providing
may we cherish and respect insects who inhabit
this planet and with us peoples,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
I meeting a few of my cousins today to conclude sorting out my Auntie Joan’s estate. She died of Covid-19 over a year ago after being sadly being expose to the virus in hospital with a broken hand. One of the many memories I have of her is our family holidays - and my mum having to protect Joan from any wasps that might be buzzing by - for Auntie Joan had an unnecessary and over the top phobia of them. I wonder if she would have been any different if she’s had read the article I read on Saturday - ‘Wasps are under-appreciated’. It is interesting how we love, cherish and protect bees, yet wasps are considered a pest, and squished on sight, and like my mum protecting her younger sister, would do everything in her power to swipe and kill any that might be near her. Yet they both sting, so why are we so waspish about wasps? The answer, according to a wasp expert, is simple: we don't know what wasps do. There are some seeking to rectify this. In a new paper, Dr Seirian Sumner, of University College London, and her colleagues drew on the existing research in order to make the case for wasps. They found evidence that wasps pollinate at least 960 plant species, including 164 that are dependent on them. The insect world's "top predators", wasps play a vital role in regulating insect populations, and so protect a wide variety of crops. Their nests and larvae are a source of human food; their venom has antimicrobial properties; and what's more, they're beautiful, says Sumner, whereas bees are just "fat and furry”. They don't make honey, however - and they're not exactly benign: whereas bees "buzz around harmlessly", wasps like to capture insects, take them to their nests, lay eggs on them, and then watch as their young feast on their prey's still-living bodies. "You don't have to love them," concedes Sumner. "But they are useful." All this fits in nicely with one of our young people’s prayer requests. Allegra, (age 4) has suggested that we ask God to "protect all of the insects". So let this be our daily devotion today as we pray:
Creator God,
you made the goodness of the land,
the riches of the sea
and the rhythm of the seasons;
as we thank you for your gracious providing
may we cherish and respect insects who inhabit
this planet and with us peoples,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Monday 14th May 2021
I hope the Chelsea’ fans in the congregation will forgive me if I mention Saturday’s FA cup final. What a game!: It was not just because Youri Tielemans scored one of the great FA Cup final goals ever. Or the fact that Leicester City won the trophy for the first time after four attempts. Or indeed that it was an emotional win, given the previous owner died tragically three years ago in a helicopter accident leaving the stadium after watching Leicester. His son who took over the helm and directorship, was obviously moved to tears. It was a good game to watch full of tactical intrigue and incident. Personally, what made it so special was the fact that a team, which has come from humble roots won. This to me is essence of the competition, which every football team in the land, have a chance to win.
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zkn247h
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leicesters-celebration-owner-epitome-what-24118874?
fbclid=IwAR1hv3YUHmuTcrBrFowQA__zXyGBMX3p-qWppjnyfXLewo5YFZguSBvlIg4
By beating Chelsea 0-1 on Saturday, Leicester beat a team that had experience of winning the FA Cup many times before, probably tipped as favourites on the day and regarded as one of the “big 6”. Being a Londoner, I was rooting for Chelsea, but there was part of me that was delighted that Leicester over came all the odds to win. Yes, I like the underdog, my son even bought me the book: “Underdog” - knowing my appreciation of such teams, and of course supporting Crystal Palace we know what it is like not to be “favourites”. It’s all about hope: hope that the ordinary might become great, might have a real chance too…to dream. This is something that the creators of the European Super League failed to recognise not just in the football, but in life. And it resonates within our faith too. As Christians, we all have that hope of fulfilment and winning, regardless of our background, ability or culture. As we await the coming of God’s Holy Spirit this Pentecost, as we pray “Thy Kingdom Come”, we know that all of us are apart of the dream of God being with us …
O God the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
I hope the Chelsea’ fans in the congregation will forgive me if I mention Saturday’s FA cup final. What a game!: It was not just because Youri Tielemans scored one of the great FA Cup final goals ever. Or the fact that Leicester City won the trophy for the first time after four attempts. Or indeed that it was an emotional win, given the previous owner died tragically three years ago in a helicopter accident leaving the stadium after watching Leicester. His son who took over the helm and directorship, was obviously moved to tears. It was a good game to watch full of tactical intrigue and incident. Personally, what made it so special was the fact that a team, which has come from humble roots won. This to me is essence of the competition, which every football team in the land, have a chance to win.
www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zkn247h
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/leicesters-celebration-owner-epitome-what-24118874?
fbclid=IwAR1hv3YUHmuTcrBrFowQA__zXyGBMX3p-qWppjnyfXLewo5YFZguSBvlIg4
By beating Chelsea 0-1 on Saturday, Leicester beat a team that had experience of winning the FA Cup many times before, probably tipped as favourites on the day and regarded as one of the “big 6”. Being a Londoner, I was rooting for Chelsea, but there was part of me that was delighted that Leicester over came all the odds to win. Yes, I like the underdog, my son even bought me the book: “Underdog” - knowing my appreciation of such teams, and of course supporting Crystal Palace we know what it is like not to be “favourites”. It’s all about hope: hope that the ordinary might become great, might have a real chance too…to dream. This is something that the creators of the European Super League failed to recognise not just in the football, but in life. And it resonates within our faith too. As Christians, we all have that hope of fulfilment and winning, regardless of our background, ability or culture. As we await the coming of God’s Holy Spirit this Pentecost, as we pray “Thy Kingdom Come”, we know that all of us are apart of the dream of God being with us …
O God the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Image from Wikipedia, click on photo for link
Friday 14th May 2021
Today the church celebrates St Matthias the Apostle (14th May). After the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, the apostles brought their number back to twelve by choosing Matthias to replace him. He was chosen by lot from amongst the disciples (cf Acts 1.15–26). The author of the Acts of the Apostles sees apostleship differently from Paul’s interpretation of the rôle and seems to reflect the understanding of the gospel of Luke. The number had to be restored so that they might ‘sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel’. It was conditional that they had to have been with Jesus during his earthly ministry and witnesses to the resurrection. The point of being chosen by lot, rather than by some democratic method, indicated the election or choosing by God, rather than by mortals. Now you know a little about him, why not come along to St John’s Smith Square today at 1:15pm for our Sung BCP Holy Communion to celebrate him.
Let us prayer
Almighty God,
who in the place of the traitor Judas
chose your faithful servant Matthias
to be of the number of the Twelve:
preserve your Church from false apostles
and, by the ministry of faithful pastors and teachers,
keep us steadfast in your truth;
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.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Today the church celebrates St Matthias the Apostle (14th May). After the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, the apostles brought their number back to twelve by choosing Matthias to replace him. He was chosen by lot from amongst the disciples (cf Acts 1.15–26). The author of the Acts of the Apostles sees apostleship differently from Paul’s interpretation of the rôle and seems to reflect the understanding of the gospel of Luke. The number had to be restored so that they might ‘sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel’. It was conditional that they had to have been with Jesus during his earthly ministry and witnesses to the resurrection. The point of being chosen by lot, rather than by some democratic method, indicated the election or choosing by God, rather than by mortals. Now you know a little about him, why not come along to St John’s Smith Square today at 1:15pm for our Sung BCP Holy Communion to celebrate him.
Let us prayer
Almighty God,
who in the place of the traitor Judas
chose your faithful servant Matthias
to be of the number of the Twelve:
preserve your Church from false apostles
and, by the ministry of faithful pastors and teachers,
keep us steadfast in your truth;
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.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Thursday 13th May 2021
One of my favourite things about artistic depictions of the Ascension is the feet! There has been a tradition down the centuries for artists to depict the Ascension with only Jesus’s feet sticking out of the bottom of a cloud. This stained-glass window from the chapel of The Queen’s College, Oxford is one I know well, and looks a little like Jesus is paddling or swimming up into the sky. In the Ascension Chapel in Walsingham, there is a sculpture of Jesus’s feet disappearing into the ceiling, complete with rays of light coming off them. It all looks rather silly, really, but it makes a profound point about what is actually happening.
If you look closely at the stained-glass window, you can see Jesus’s footprints between the two angels. These footprints, along with the potential silliness of the way the feet are “paddling” point to the fact that this is a bodily happening. It isn’t a metaphor, Jesus isn’t a wafting spirit, he is a physically incarnate body, and he is rising into heaven. This is an essential point about the resurrection – Jesus rose from the dead in his body. He eats fish, he invites Thomas to touch him, he leaves footprints, and it is this incarnate body that ascends. This is crucial, because it is part and parcel of the fundamental change that the incarnation has wrought upon us. As the incarnate body of Jesus ascends to heaven, so are we caught up in the eternal life of the Trinity.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God,
that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens;
so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend,
and with him continually dwell,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
One of my favourite things about artistic depictions of the Ascension is the feet! There has been a tradition down the centuries for artists to depict the Ascension with only Jesus’s feet sticking out of the bottom of a cloud. This stained-glass window from the chapel of The Queen’s College, Oxford is one I know well, and looks a little like Jesus is paddling or swimming up into the sky. In the Ascension Chapel in Walsingham, there is a sculpture of Jesus’s feet disappearing into the ceiling, complete with rays of light coming off them. It all looks rather silly, really, but it makes a profound point about what is actually happening.
If you look closely at the stained-glass window, you can see Jesus’s footprints between the two angels. These footprints, along with the potential silliness of the way the feet are “paddling” point to the fact that this is a bodily happening. It isn’t a metaphor, Jesus isn’t a wafting spirit, he is a physically incarnate body, and he is rising into heaven. This is an essential point about the resurrection – Jesus rose from the dead in his body. He eats fish, he invites Thomas to touch him, he leaves footprints, and it is this incarnate body that ascends. This is crucial, because it is part and parcel of the fundamental change that the incarnation has wrought upon us. As the incarnate body of Jesus ascends to heaven, so are we caught up in the eternal life of the Trinity.
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God,
that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens;
so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend,
and with him continually dwell,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Amen.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Wednesday 12th May 2021
As we continue to give thanks for agriculture on these three Rogation days before Ascension Day it gives us an opportunity to reflect on how Covid has shown us that living in here the centre of London we mustn’t take supply networks for granted.
Before Covid a Rogation Day would’ve seemed a distant tradition for us here in Westminster and Pimlico, after all we are unlikely to see Graham ‘beating the bounds’ of the parish as vicars traditionally used to do when the UK was largely rural. However, this past year we have been brought up against just how much we are dependent on creation and all those who have worked so hard to keep us supplied during the pandemic. Let’s use today to remember and give thanks to God for those who not only work in agriculture or have devised and manufactured vaccines but all those we see around us each day keeping us supplied: the delivery drivers, the workers in supermarkets and stores and especially small food businesses, restaurants and cafes that have struggled to keep going during lockdown.
And as we give thanks for those who provide us with food and goods from God’s creation we mustn’t forget the fragility of creation itself as we are warned daily about the despoliation of the land and sea environments and the problem of Climate Change. As we give thanks for God providing for us let us also ask His forgiveness for how we have treated His creation and pray for those who both warn us of the trouble it is in while caring for it.
A possible confession we might like to use as we pray:
Let us ask God to have mercy on our tired land,
and to prosper the work of our soiled hands.
Let us ask God to forgive our delusion of self-sufficiency
so that we may praise him for his provision and goodness.
Amen.
Jeremy Cavanagh
As we continue to give thanks for agriculture on these three Rogation days before Ascension Day it gives us an opportunity to reflect on how Covid has shown us that living in here the centre of London we mustn’t take supply networks for granted.
Before Covid a Rogation Day would’ve seemed a distant tradition for us here in Westminster and Pimlico, after all we are unlikely to see Graham ‘beating the bounds’ of the parish as vicars traditionally used to do when the UK was largely rural. However, this past year we have been brought up against just how much we are dependent on creation and all those who have worked so hard to keep us supplied during the pandemic. Let’s use today to remember and give thanks to God for those who not only work in agriculture or have devised and manufactured vaccines but all those we see around us each day keeping us supplied: the delivery drivers, the workers in supermarkets and stores and especially small food businesses, restaurants and cafes that have struggled to keep going during lockdown.
And as we give thanks for those who provide us with food and goods from God’s creation we mustn’t forget the fragility of creation itself as we are warned daily about the despoliation of the land and sea environments and the problem of Climate Change. As we give thanks for God providing for us let us also ask His forgiveness for how we have treated His creation and pray for those who both warn us of the trouble it is in while caring for it.
A possible confession we might like to use as we pray:
Let us ask God to have mercy on our tired land,
and to prosper the work of our soiled hands.
Let us ask God to forgive our delusion of self-sufficiency
so that we may praise him for his provision and goodness.
Amen.
Jeremy Cavanagh
Tuesday 11th May 2021
Two things happened this weekend which gave me a glimmer of hope. Firstly, I ran my first competitive race for over a year. I entered the Regents Park 10k organised by ‘Nice Work’ - it was so lovely to be able to have the opportunity to run and to race along side (or near) others, to just feel a bit alive running again and not just on ones own. Of course, due to Covid restrictions, it was a little different; no mass start, no running along side ones fellow runners, no spectators, no fuel stops etc. But nevertheless it was still a wonderful thing to partake in.
The second thing, a little closer to home - The wonderful cake sale that Isabel Campbell initiated and ran, out of her concern and care for the homeless, on Sunday after our service. What joy it was to see people outside our church interacting, joying themselves and raising much needed funds together. Of course, due to covid restrictions, it was run slightly differently; we had to observe the correct distances, the cakes, biscuits, and soap (yes - hand made soap!) had to be prepared and packaged in a special way, and you could pay by credit card via Just Giving (you can still contribute here).
Two things happened this weekend which gave me a glimmer of hope. Firstly, I ran my first competitive race for over a year. I entered the Regents Park 10k organised by ‘Nice Work’ - it was so lovely to be able to have the opportunity to run and to race along side (or near) others, to just feel a bit alive running again and not just on ones own. Of course, due to Covid restrictions, it was a little different; no mass start, no running along side ones fellow runners, no spectators, no fuel stops etc. But nevertheless it was still a wonderful thing to partake in.
The second thing, a little closer to home - The wonderful cake sale that Isabel Campbell initiated and ran, out of her concern and care for the homeless, on Sunday after our service. What joy it was to see people outside our church interacting, joying themselves and raising much needed funds together. Of course, due to covid restrictions, it was run slightly differently; we had to observe the correct distances, the cakes, biscuits, and soap (yes - hand made soap!) had to be prepared and packaged in a special way, and you could pay by credit card via Just Giving (you can still contribute here).
Both these events showed what we’ve missed but also gave a glimmer of hope of the possibility of a return to life. It showed me was how others - the organisers of the race and our young bakers - worked for others, for community and for the common good.
The danger with lockdown is that we have all become a little bit agoraphobic, that we have lost our ability to truly interact with others, not just personally but also collectively. It’s a vital that we use this time, particularly as restrictions begin to lift, to ensure that we begin to interact with each other creatively and as a community. It was so encouraging to see those volunteers helping and ensuring that the 10k race happened and was safe. It was so lovely seeing all those young people in church but also outside selling their wares and creating a sense of community. We need to ensure that we re-engage with others - that we converse and partake in these events as Christians; they can be great opportunities for mission too. Perhaps we need to lift off the shackles of lockdown fatigue and almost relearn how to communicate fully with others again. Well done ‘Nice Work’ (aptly named) and nice work Isabelle, Amelia and their young friends, we can learn from them as we return to being a community again and so know God more fully.
Let us pray:
Lord of light, we pray that unity may prevail in our church and in our community. Help us to be an instruments of Your peace. Help us in the city to come together to resolve the issues that affect us all. Help us cooperate well in overcoming health issues and prejudice. Help us to be community and church again, in your name we pray, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
The danger with lockdown is that we have all become a little bit agoraphobic, that we have lost our ability to truly interact with others, not just personally but also collectively. It’s a vital that we use this time, particularly as restrictions begin to lift, to ensure that we begin to interact with each other creatively and as a community. It was so encouraging to see those volunteers helping and ensuring that the 10k race happened and was safe. It was so lovely seeing all those young people in church but also outside selling their wares and creating a sense of community. We need to ensure that we re-engage with others - that we converse and partake in these events as Christians; they can be great opportunities for mission too. Perhaps we need to lift off the shackles of lockdown fatigue and almost relearn how to communicate fully with others again. Well done ‘Nice Work’ (aptly named) and nice work Isabelle, Amelia and their young friends, we can learn from them as we return to being a community again and so know God more fully.
Let us pray:
Lord of light, we pray that unity may prevail in our church and in our community. Help us to be an instruments of Your peace. Help us in the city to come together to resolve the issues that affect us all. Help us cooperate well in overcoming health issues and prejudice. Help us to be community and church again, in your name we pray, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Image from Liturgical Arts Journal, Click on picture for link
Monday 10th May 2021
Today we as Anglicans throughout the word celebrate Rogation day. If you look Rogation Day up you will find that they “are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity. They are observed with processions and the Litany of the Saints. The so-called major rogation is held on 25 April; the minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday preceding Ascension Thursday. However, Rogation Days remind us that our lives and seasons are in God’s hands”. But what does “Rogation” mean? Well “Rogation” comes from the Latin noun rogatio, meaning “asking” (the verb is rogare, “to ask”). “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry“. Yesterday, the Sixth Sunday of Easter (the fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday BCP) is traditionally known as “Rogation Sunday.” This is because the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week are known as the “Rogation Days,. The Thursday of that week is the feast of the Ascension, which comes on a Thursday, the 40th day after Easter (when Easter Sunday is counted as the 1st day). Churches have often marked the Rogation days with a “Rogation procession,” and the praying of the Great Litany. “The Great Litany is especially appropriate for Rogation days, other days of fasting or thanksgiving, and occasions of solemn and comprehensive entreaty”
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Today we as Anglicans throughout the word celebrate Rogation day. If you look Rogation Day up you will find that they “are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity. They are observed with processions and the Litany of the Saints. The so-called major rogation is held on 25 April; the minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday preceding Ascension Thursday. However, Rogation Days remind us that our lives and seasons are in God’s hands”. But what does “Rogation” mean? Well “Rogation” comes from the Latin noun rogatio, meaning “asking” (the verb is rogare, “to ask”). “Rogation Days are the three days preceding Ascension Day, especially devoted to asking for God’s blessing on agriculture and industry“. Yesterday, the Sixth Sunday of Easter (the fifth Sunday after Easter Sunday BCP) is traditionally known as “Rogation Sunday.” This is because the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the following week are known as the “Rogation Days,. The Thursday of that week is the feast of the Ascension, which comes on a Thursday, the 40th day after Easter (when Easter Sunday is counted as the 1st day). Churches have often marked the Rogation days with a “Rogation procession,” and the praying of the Great Litany. “The Great Litany is especially appropriate for Rogation days, other days of fasting or thanksgiving, and occasions of solemn and comprehensive entreaty”
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Friday 7th May 2021
Tomorrow is the Feast Day for Julian of Norwich (1343 – after 1416), also known as Dame Julian or Mother Julian. She is someone who has interested me ever since I studied some of her writings in the original English as part of my Theology Degree. Julian was an English anchorite of the Middle Ages , who lived practically her whole life in the English city of Norwich, which was an important centre for commerce that also had a vibrant religious life. The city suffered the devastating effects of the Black Death of 1348–50; the Peasants' Revolt, which affected large parts of England in 1381; and the suppression of the Lollards. At this time, aged thirty and seriously ill she thought she was dying; During which Julian received a series of visions or "shewings" of the Passion of Christ. She recovered from her illness and wrote two versions of her experiences. The best known surviving book in the English language written by a mystic, Revelations of Divine Love. The book is the first written in English by a known woman author.
For much of her life, Julian lived in permanent seclusion as an anchoress in her cell, which was attached to St Julian's Church, Norwich. Please us either the prayer or extract below for your daily devotion today. Also do watch John’s weekly video, which is about Dame Julian: https://vimeo.com/545522658
"For we are so preciously loved by God that we cannot even comprehend it. No created being can ever know how much and how sweetly and tenderly God loves them. It is only with the help of his grace that we are able to persevere in spiritual contemplation with endless wonder at his high, surpassing, immeasurable love which our Lord in his goodness has for us."
- Julian of Norwich
Lord God, in your compassion you granted to the Lady
Julian many revelations of your nurturing and sustaining
love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek you above all
things, for in giving us yourself you give us all; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Tomorrow is the Feast Day for Julian of Norwich (1343 – after 1416), also known as Dame Julian or Mother Julian. She is someone who has interested me ever since I studied some of her writings in the original English as part of my Theology Degree. Julian was an English anchorite of the Middle Ages , who lived practically her whole life in the English city of Norwich, which was an important centre for commerce that also had a vibrant religious life. The city suffered the devastating effects of the Black Death of 1348–50; the Peasants' Revolt, which affected large parts of England in 1381; and the suppression of the Lollards. At this time, aged thirty and seriously ill she thought she was dying; During which Julian received a series of visions or "shewings" of the Passion of Christ. She recovered from her illness and wrote two versions of her experiences. The best known surviving book in the English language written by a mystic, Revelations of Divine Love. The book is the first written in English by a known woman author.
For much of her life, Julian lived in permanent seclusion as an anchoress in her cell, which was attached to St Julian's Church, Norwich. Please us either the prayer or extract below for your daily devotion today. Also do watch John’s weekly video, which is about Dame Julian: https://vimeo.com/545522658
"For we are so preciously loved by God that we cannot even comprehend it. No created being can ever know how much and how sweetly and tenderly God loves them. It is only with the help of his grace that we are able to persevere in spiritual contemplation with endless wonder at his high, surpassing, immeasurable love which our Lord in his goodness has for us."
- Julian of Norwich
Lord God, in your compassion you granted to the Lady
Julian many revelations of your nurturing and sustaining
love: Move our hearts, like hers, to seek you above all
things, for in giving us yourself you give us all; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Thursday 6th May 2021
One of the glorious things that I have discovered this spring is the existence of live “nest cams.” As a child I absolutely loved Springwatch, and the fact that I can just go to a webpage and watch these beautiful wild animals live whenever I wish on my computer has been a joy when I’ve felt very stuck indoors. Salisbury cathedral has a live nest cam of their resident Peregrine Falcons, with four very fluffy chicks! And there are plenty of others a quick Google away.
I find it very easy to lose track of the cycle of the seasons in the centre of the city, and so lose some of the wonder of God’s creation. In this season of Eastertide, we think a lot about the cycle of death and rebirth as present in the natural world, and one of my favourite Easter hymns is “Now the Green Blade Riseth.”
Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain,
Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
When I can’t get into the countryside and experience some of the joy of Spring for myself, being able to watch the birth and growth of these little chicks has been a blessing. The Salisbury Cathedral Peregrine Falcon webcam can be found here.
Creator God, forgive our moments of ingratitude,
the spiritual blindness that prevents us
from appreciating the wonder that is this world,
the endless cycle of nature,
of life and death and rebirth.
Forgive us for taking without giving,
reaping without sowing.
Open our eyes to see,
our lips to praise,
our hands to share,
and may our feet tread lightly
on the road that, together, we travel.
Amen.
The Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
One of the glorious things that I have discovered this spring is the existence of live “nest cams.” As a child I absolutely loved Springwatch, and the fact that I can just go to a webpage and watch these beautiful wild animals live whenever I wish on my computer has been a joy when I’ve felt very stuck indoors. Salisbury cathedral has a live nest cam of their resident Peregrine Falcons, with four very fluffy chicks! And there are plenty of others a quick Google away.
I find it very easy to lose track of the cycle of the seasons in the centre of the city, and so lose some of the wonder of God’s creation. In this season of Eastertide, we think a lot about the cycle of death and rebirth as present in the natural world, and one of my favourite Easter hymns is “Now the Green Blade Riseth.”
Now the green blade riseth, from the buried grain,
Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;
Love lives again, that with the dead has been:
Love is come again like wheat that springeth green.
When I can’t get into the countryside and experience some of the joy of Spring for myself, being able to watch the birth and growth of these little chicks has been a blessing. The Salisbury Cathedral Peregrine Falcon webcam can be found here.
Creator God, forgive our moments of ingratitude,
the spiritual blindness that prevents us
from appreciating the wonder that is this world,
the endless cycle of nature,
of life and death and rebirth.
Forgive us for taking without giving,
reaping without sowing.
Open our eyes to see,
our lips to praise,
our hands to share,
and may our feet tread lightly
on the road that, together, we travel.
Amen.
The Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Wednesday 5th May 2021
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, many people have taken part in the Captain Tom 100 challenge to raise funds for charity and continue the legacy of the selfless centenarian who raised £38.9 million for the NHS. Captain Tom Moore was rightly hailed for his positivity and determination in the last year of his life, not giving in to his advanced age or physical health challenges but facing them in a way that inspired thousands not just here in the UK but around the world. His was an example of self-giving, of ‘living outwards’ right up to the end of his life, when tragically, Covid claimed him. Nevertheless, his generosity, positivity and spirit live on. I’m reminded of this life in full bloom in E.J. Scovell’s poem, “Deaths of Flowers”:
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, many people have taken part in the Captain Tom 100 challenge to raise funds for charity and continue the legacy of the selfless centenarian who raised £38.9 million for the NHS. Captain Tom Moore was rightly hailed for his positivity and determination in the last year of his life, not giving in to his advanced age or physical health challenges but facing them in a way that inspired thousands not just here in the UK but around the world. His was an example of self-giving, of ‘living outwards’ right up to the end of his life, when tragically, Covid claimed him. Nevertheless, his generosity, positivity and spirit live on. I’m reminded of this life in full bloom in E.J. Scovell’s poem, “Deaths of Flowers”:
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I would if I could choose
Age and die outwards as a tulip does; Not as this iris drawing in, in-coiling Its complex strange taut inflorescence, willing Itself a bud again - though all achieved is No more than a clenched sadness, The tears of gum not flowing. I would choose the tulip’s reckless way of going; Whose petals answer light, altering by fractions From closed to wide, from one through many perfections, Til wrecked, flamboyant, strayed beyond recall, Like flakes of fire they piecemeal fall. The Revd Lindsay Meader, Senior Chaplain, Theatre Chaplaincy UK, Lead Theatre Chaplain, Diocese of London |
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Tuesday 4th May 2021
On July the 3rd I get ordained as a deacon, God willing, only two months away and then I’ll begin my curacy across St Stephen’s and St Saviour’s. The past two years of study and training has flown by and now I can start to reflect on it.
In my training to be a minister formation has been very much emphasised, that is; formation as a minister, a deacon, a priest and formation as servant, shepherd, steward, messenger and sentinel in Christ. It’s a whole life thing. When I started training at St Augustine’s its principal, wrote a letter to us new ordinands telling us that formation was a journey that will last our lifetimes and even beyond. After two years I can see how wise that letter was, I have barely begun to scratch the surface of formation.
Everyone at St Stephen’s have been part this journey of formation, for which I am deeply grateful. What you see next in my development and growth as a minister, deacon, priest over the next three years will be partly a reflection of each and everyone at St Stephen’s and made possible by God’s love, patience and wisdom. Any shortcomings will be mine but I am looking forward to everyone at St Stephen’s being a part of this journey in Christ over the next three years.
Jeremy Cavanagh
On July the 3rd I get ordained as a deacon, God willing, only two months away and then I’ll begin my curacy across St Stephen’s and St Saviour’s. The past two years of study and training has flown by and now I can start to reflect on it.
In my training to be a minister formation has been very much emphasised, that is; formation as a minister, a deacon, a priest and formation as servant, shepherd, steward, messenger and sentinel in Christ. It’s a whole life thing. When I started training at St Augustine’s its principal, wrote a letter to us new ordinands telling us that formation was a journey that will last our lifetimes and even beyond. After two years I can see how wise that letter was, I have barely begun to scratch the surface of formation.
Everyone at St Stephen’s have been part this journey of formation, for which I am deeply grateful. What you see next in my development and growth as a minister, deacon, priest over the next three years will be partly a reflection of each and everyone at St Stephen’s and made possible by God’s love, patience and wisdom. Any shortcomings will be mine but I am looking forward to everyone at St Stephen’s being a part of this journey in Christ over the next three years.
Jeremy Cavanagh
Friday 30th April 2021
Today the Church of England commemorates a very special woman - Pandita Mary Ramabai. Rambai (1858-1922) faced most of the obstacles a woman could encounter in the India of her lifetime. She was denied access to formal education and was ostracized from society as first an orphan and then a widow. She experienced first-hand the effects of India’s rigid caste system that placed discriminatory walls between social and racial groups. Yet she fought back, first as a Hindu, then as a Christian.
Mary Ramabai was born in 1858, the daughter of a Sanscrit scholar who believed in educating women, who taught her both the Sanskrit language and the Vedas, the sources classical Hindu beliefs. The famine of 1876 killed most of her family and a few years later a cholera epidemic killed her husband of nineteen months. Ramabai was increasingly drawn to social work and in 1883 traveled to England where she spent time with the Wantage Sisters, an Anglican religious community near Oxford. Whilst here she Converted to Christianity, but she nevertheless remained loyal to many aspects of her Hindu background, pioneering an Indian vision of the faith. Ramabai returned to India six years later and, like Mother Teresa later, worked tirelessly among India’s poor, depending on the generosity of others to fund her activities. She became well known as a lecturer on social questions. Being fluent in several languages, Ramabai translated the Bible into Marathi, a West Indian language. It was little wonder that she was the first woman to be awarded the title ‘Pandita’, meaning “the learned one.” She spent many years working for the education of women and orphans, founding schools and homes. Personally, she lived in great simplicity and was a prominent opponent of the caste system and child marriage. Her evangelical enthusiasm never waned. “What a blessing this burden does not fall on me. But Christ bears it on his shoulders,” she wrote, and “no one but He could transform and uplift the downtrodden womanhood of India and of every land.” She died on this day in 1922.
Everliving God,
you called the women at the tomb to witness to the resurrection of your Son:
We thank you for the courageous and independent spirit of your servant Pandita Ramabai, the mother of modern India;
and we pray that we, like her, may embrace your gift of new life, caring for the poor,
braving resentment to uphold the dignity of women,
and offering the riches of our culture to our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Today the Church of England commemorates a very special woman - Pandita Mary Ramabai. Rambai (1858-1922) faced most of the obstacles a woman could encounter in the India of her lifetime. She was denied access to formal education and was ostracized from society as first an orphan and then a widow. She experienced first-hand the effects of India’s rigid caste system that placed discriminatory walls between social and racial groups. Yet she fought back, first as a Hindu, then as a Christian.
Mary Ramabai was born in 1858, the daughter of a Sanscrit scholar who believed in educating women, who taught her both the Sanskrit language and the Vedas, the sources classical Hindu beliefs. The famine of 1876 killed most of her family and a few years later a cholera epidemic killed her husband of nineteen months. Ramabai was increasingly drawn to social work and in 1883 traveled to England where she spent time with the Wantage Sisters, an Anglican religious community near Oxford. Whilst here she Converted to Christianity, but she nevertheless remained loyal to many aspects of her Hindu background, pioneering an Indian vision of the faith. Ramabai returned to India six years later and, like Mother Teresa later, worked tirelessly among India’s poor, depending on the generosity of others to fund her activities. She became well known as a lecturer on social questions. Being fluent in several languages, Ramabai translated the Bible into Marathi, a West Indian language. It was little wonder that she was the first woman to be awarded the title ‘Pandita’, meaning “the learned one.” She spent many years working for the education of women and orphans, founding schools and homes. Personally, she lived in great simplicity and was a prominent opponent of the caste system and child marriage. Her evangelical enthusiasm never waned. “What a blessing this burden does not fall on me. But Christ bears it on his shoulders,” she wrote, and “no one but He could transform and uplift the downtrodden womanhood of India and of every land.” She died on this day in 1922.
Everliving God,
you called the women at the tomb to witness to the resurrection of your Son:
We thank you for the courageous and independent spirit of your servant Pandita Ramabai, the mother of modern India;
and we pray that we, like her, may embrace your gift of new life, caring for the poor,
braving resentment to uphold the dignity of women,
and offering the riches of our culture to our Saviour Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Thursday 29th April 2021
Well the Saints are now coming thick and fast in the liturgical calendar, especially as Easter is drawing to its conclusions. Today we celebrate the life of Catherine of Siena, who witnessed her Christian faith in the late 1300’s. Catherine Benincasa was born in 1347, the second youngest of twenty-five children...yes you read correctly - twenty-five! Families were bigger then. From a young age, Catherine lived a pious life, and she overcame family opposition to her vocation and became a Dominican tertiary at the age of eighteen. Nourished by a life of contemplative prayer and mystical experience, she devoted herself to active care for the poor and sick. She became increasingly sought out as an adviser on political as well as religious matters and, in 1376, she journeyed to Avignon as an ambassador to the pope and influenced his decision to return to Rome. She wrote a Dialogue on the spiritual life as well as numerous letters of counsel and direction, which stressed her devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus. She suffered a stroke on 21 April and died eight days later, on this day in the year 1380.
God of compassion,
who gave your servant Catherine of Siena
a wondrous love of the passion of Christ:
grant that your people may be united to him in his majesty
and rejoice for ever in the revelation of his glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Well the Saints are now coming thick and fast in the liturgical calendar, especially as Easter is drawing to its conclusions. Today we celebrate the life of Catherine of Siena, who witnessed her Christian faith in the late 1300’s. Catherine Benincasa was born in 1347, the second youngest of twenty-five children...yes you read correctly - twenty-five! Families were bigger then. From a young age, Catherine lived a pious life, and she overcame family opposition to her vocation and became a Dominican tertiary at the age of eighteen. Nourished by a life of contemplative prayer and mystical experience, she devoted herself to active care for the poor and sick. She became increasingly sought out as an adviser on political as well as religious matters and, in 1376, she journeyed to Avignon as an ambassador to the pope and influenced his decision to return to Rome. She wrote a Dialogue on the spiritual life as well as numerous letters of counsel and direction, which stressed her devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus. She suffered a stroke on 21 April and died eight days later, on this day in the year 1380.
God of compassion,
who gave your servant Catherine of Siena
a wondrous love of the passion of Christ:
grant that your people may be united to him in his majesty
and rejoice for ever in the revelation of his glory;
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Image from Wikipedia, click image for link
Wednesday 28th April 2021
Today the church commemorates Peter Chanel. To be honest I knew little about him, but having looked him up it is easy to see why he has a special day. Peter was born at Cras in France in 1803 and, after ordination, joined the Marist missionary congregation in 1831. In 1836 he was sent to the islands of the South Pacific to preach the faith. Peter and his companions brought healing medicines as well as the gospel and were much loved and respected. On the island of Futuna in the Fiji group, where Peter was living, the chief’s son asked for baptism, which so infuriated his father that he dispatched a group of warriors with explicit orders to murder Peter. They attacked him with clubs, axes and knives and he died on this day in the year 1841. Within a year, the whole island was Christian and Peter became revered throughout the Pacific Islands and Australasia as its protomartyr. So as we commemorate Peter, let us give thanks for all those who have given their lives for the sake of the gospel, remembering those who are in danger today and who worship in dangerous and difficult circumstances:
Almighty God,
by whose grace and power your holy martyr Peter and all your martyrs throughout the ages
triumphed over suffering and was faithful unto death:
strengthen us with your grace,
that we may endure reproach and persecution
and faithfully bear witness to the name
of 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.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Today the church commemorates Peter Chanel. To be honest I knew little about him, but having looked him up it is easy to see why he has a special day. Peter was born at Cras in France in 1803 and, after ordination, joined the Marist missionary congregation in 1831. In 1836 he was sent to the islands of the South Pacific to preach the faith. Peter and his companions brought healing medicines as well as the gospel and were much loved and respected. On the island of Futuna in the Fiji group, where Peter was living, the chief’s son asked for baptism, which so infuriated his father that he dispatched a group of warriors with explicit orders to murder Peter. They attacked him with clubs, axes and knives and he died on this day in the year 1841. Within a year, the whole island was Christian and Peter became revered throughout the Pacific Islands and Australasia as its protomartyr. So as we commemorate Peter, let us give thanks for all those who have given their lives for the sake of the gospel, remembering those who are in danger today and who worship in dangerous and difficult circumstances:
Almighty God,
by whose grace and power your holy martyr Peter and all your martyrs throughout the ages
triumphed over suffering and was faithful unto death:
strengthen us with your grace,
that we may endure reproach and persecution
and faithfully bear witness to the name
of 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.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
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Tuesday 27th April 2021
Today the church remembers Christina Rossetti – a Victorian poet best known for her carols “In the Bleak Midwinter” and “Love Came Down at Christmas.” Rossetti was a devout Anglican all her life, and wrote many religious poems. Her carols are her most famous, but many of her poems deal with suffering, loss, and unrequited love. It can sometimes be hard to tell whether a poem is supposed to be “religious” or not, as for her all life is completely bound up in a life lived in God. In one poem, entitled “Trust Me” she writes: I cannot love you if I love not Him. I cannot love Him if I love not you. Rossetti was a part of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, of which her brother Dante Gabriel Rossetti was a founding member. She posed for him in several of his religious paintings, including his first completed oil painting “The Girlhood of Mary Virgin.” Rossetti was the model for the Virgin Mary in this, and many other of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s paintings. For the Pre-Raphaelites, the natural world was an important source of inspiration and imagery, and that is certainly true for Rossetti. Below one of two poems that she wrote inspired by Jesus’s sayings in Matthew 6: Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? |
Dante Gabriel Rossetti - The Girlhood of Mary Virgin (1848)
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CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD
FLOWERS preach to us if we will hear:--
The rose saith in the dewy morn:
I am most fair;
Yet all my loveliness is born
Upon a thorn.
The poppy saith amid the corn:
Let but my scarlet head appear
And I am held in scorn;
Yet juice of subtle virtue lies
Within my cup of curious dyes.
The lilies say: Behold how we
Preach without words of purity.
The violets whisper from the shade
Which their own leaves have made:
Men scent our fragrance on the air,
Yet take no heed
Of humble lessons we would read.
But not alone the fairest flowers:
The merest grass
Along the roadside where we pass,
Lichen and moss and sturdy weed,
Tell of His love who sends the dew,
The rain and sunshine too,
To nourish one small seed.
Rev'd Helena Bickley-Percival
FLOWERS preach to us if we will hear:--
The rose saith in the dewy morn:
I am most fair;
Yet all my loveliness is born
Upon a thorn.
The poppy saith amid the corn:
Let but my scarlet head appear
And I am held in scorn;
Yet juice of subtle virtue lies
Within my cup of curious dyes.
The lilies say: Behold how we
Preach without words of purity.
The violets whisper from the shade
Which their own leaves have made:
Men scent our fragrance on the air,
Yet take no heed
Of humble lessons we would read.
But not alone the fairest flowers:
The merest grass
Along the roadside where we pass,
Lichen and moss and sturdy weed,
Tell of His love who sends the dew,
The rain and sunshine too,
To nourish one small seed.
Rev'd Helena Bickley-Percival
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Monday 26th April 2021
2021 marks the 60th anniversary of Graham Sutherland’s painting Noli Me Tangere which is displayed on the altar of the Mary Magdalene Chapel in the south-eastern corner of Chichester Cathedral. The painting depicts the moment when Mary Magdalene discovers the tomb of Christ lying empty and on encountering Christ resurrected, mistakes him for a gardener. Not just a significant piece of modern art, the painting is important symbolically as it portrays the first realisation by a mortal that Christ had indeed risen from the dead. Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) was commissioned by Walter Hussey when he was Dean of Chichester Cathedral. |
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To mark the 60th anniversary of this extraordinary work, The Reverend Canon Daniel Inman and Director of Pallant House Gallery Simon Martin explored the painting’s significance and symbolism in an online webinar I attended, delivered via Zoom.
In the first in a series of three short films, The Reverend Canon Daniel Inman, Chancellor of Chichester Cathedral, considers the depiction of Jesus and Mary Magdalene within Graham Sutherland's Noli Me Tangere. Please use the painting, video or both as part of your daily devotion today.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
In the first in a series of three short films, The Reverend Canon Daniel Inman, Chancellor of Chichester Cathedral, considers the depiction of Jesus and Mary Magdalene within Graham Sutherland's Noli Me Tangere. Please use the painting, video or both as part of your daily devotion today.
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
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Friday 23rd April 2021
I hope you have enjoyed this weeks offerings of different short videos which have been important to me personally. I would like to conclude the week with a video we used in a previous parish as part of an autumn initiative we were involved with - ‘Back to Church Sunday’. Whilst some of the material was a trifle “cringe-worthy” which needed careful selection, we found the video material really useful in trying to entice people back to church. The video I have selected for our Daily Devotion is one people particularly enjoyed and related to. As the easing of the restrictions come more to the fore, I do hope that people might feel confident and able to begin to return to church to enhance our worshiping community in person, for, as the video concludes - “church is about relationship”. So can I ask that as you watch this video as part of our devotion today, please hold St Stephens Church in your prayer. Rev’d Graham M Buckle |
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Thursday 22nd April 2021
Carrying on with the theme of our link with CHT, our friend Yvonne O’Neal from New York has been involved in a series of social media videos, some we have previously, throughout this past year, uploaded as part of our Daily Devotion. I have really enjoyed and occasionally been challenge by some of the contributions. I asked Yvonne to write a paragraph about it and she states: “Just as the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, One Boat: International Chaplaincy for Covid Times, a Facebook page, was started by the Revd Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford "to connect those of formal and less formalised faith who wish to respond to Pope Francis' call to acknowledge we are during these strange and altered times, members of one fragile boat, the boat of humanity, and pray.” A two-woman crew of captain and chief helms-woman, Carrie Ford and Yvonne O’Neal, respectively, seek diversity on the boat. They were pleased to welcome The Revd Lindsay Meader, Lead Theatre Chaplain in the Diocese of London and member of our community, with a reflection on the role of the Arts during times of conflict, lock-down, grief and challenge.” Please use Lindsay’s contribution as part of your Daily Devotion and prayer today: https://fb.watch/4VwW56zoF3/
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Carrying on with the theme of our link with CHT, our friend Yvonne O’Neal from New York has been involved in a series of social media videos, some we have previously, throughout this past year, uploaded as part of our Daily Devotion. I have really enjoyed and occasionally been challenge by some of the contributions. I asked Yvonne to write a paragraph about it and she states: “Just as the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, One Boat: International Chaplaincy for Covid Times, a Facebook page, was started by the Revd Dr Carrie Pemberton Ford "to connect those of formal and less formalised faith who wish to respond to Pope Francis' call to acknowledge we are during these strange and altered times, members of one fragile boat, the boat of humanity, and pray.” A two-woman crew of captain and chief helms-woman, Carrie Ford and Yvonne O’Neal, respectively, seek diversity on the boat. They were pleased to welcome The Revd Lindsay Meader, Lead Theatre Chaplain in the Diocese of London and member of our community, with a reflection on the role of the Arts during times of conflict, lock-down, grief and challenge.” Please use Lindsay’s contribution as part of your Daily Devotion and prayer today: https://fb.watch/4VwW56zoF3/
Rev’d Graham M Buckle
Wednesday 21st April 2021
I always look forward to been spiritually fed every week by our friend John Beddingfield. His weekly Wednesday Videos on a range of current topics and religious themes is something, members of my family and myself really look forward to. I have found them invaluable, occasionally assuming but always relevant, particularly during this past year - so thank you John. Don’t forget you also can always watch them each Wednesday either on the CHT website or via their FB page: https://www.holytrinity-nyc.org/ This week’s John meditation is on ‘Unlearning & Learning towards Anti-Racism’, please use this video as part of your daily devotion today: https://vimeo.com/539268851
Revd Graham Buckle
I always look forward to been spiritually fed every week by our friend John Beddingfield. His weekly Wednesday Videos on a range of current topics and religious themes is something, members of my family and myself really look forward to. I have found them invaluable, occasionally assuming but always relevant, particularly during this past year - so thank you John. Don’t forget you also can always watch them each Wednesday either on the CHT website or via their FB page: https://www.holytrinity-nyc.org/ This week’s John meditation is on ‘Unlearning & Learning towards Anti-Racism’, please use this video as part of your daily devotion today: https://vimeo.com/539268851
Revd Graham Buckle
Tuesday 20th April 2021
Each week we receive an email from our diocese of London promoting all sorting of articles, news and videos to watch. It can occasionally be a little “information overload”, but generally there are some material of interest; and I encourage you to look at the diocesan website which has all these to upload with other interesting articles, news and prayers: https://www.london.anglican.org
Last Friday’s edition captured my attention as it featured our friend Revd Harry Ching who lived in Helena’s flat when he first came to London, and Harry also preached about his work as a Chinese Chaplain at Evensong last year. The article/video stated that least 130,000 people are expected to migrate to the UK from Hong Kong this year. Please watch, pray and share:
https://vimeo.com/524352181?utm_source=Full+Diocese+list+2020&utm_campaign=8b2b11ddb7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_06_25_09_32_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33ff8205dc-8b2b11ddb7-453567905
Each week we receive an email from our diocese of London promoting all sorting of articles, news and videos to watch. It can occasionally be a little “information overload”, but generally there are some material of interest; and I encourage you to look at the diocesan website which has all these to upload with other interesting articles, news and prayers: https://www.london.anglican.org
Last Friday’s edition captured my attention as it featured our friend Revd Harry Ching who lived in Helena’s flat when he first came to London, and Harry also preached about his work as a Chinese Chaplain at Evensong last year. The article/video stated that least 130,000 people are expected to migrate to the UK from Hong Kong this year. Please watch, pray and share:
https://vimeo.com/524352181?utm_source=Full+Diocese+list+2020&utm_campaign=8b2b11ddb7-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_06_25_09_32_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33ff8205dc-8b2b11ddb7-453567905
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Monday 19th April 2021
This week I would like to share with you each day various short videos that I have found useful recently, and I hope you might be able to use as part of your daily devotion. I would like to begin the week with short animated film by award–winning director and filmmaker Emily Downe - ‘My Dream, My Taste’ 9 30/03/2021). It was part of Zoom discussion evening I attended hosted by ‘Theos’ - a Christian think tank based in Westminster, who helped us with last week’s Daily Devotion. The film is based on an audio clip from episode 50 of The Sacred podcast with Professor Miroslav Volf, in which the film brings us into the world of a young girl who, in pursuit of her dreams, ends up detached from others and the world around her. Interestingly it was produced before any lockdowns - but is most poignant for us today. I do not want to go into the discussion findings, I would rather leave that to you to come to your own conclusions as you pray with this film. Revd Graham Buckle |
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Friday 16th April 2021
We thank the Theos team this week for their Easter reflections. If you would like to know more about their theological work please visit: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
Seedlings
In recent months, our relatively normal 2nd floor flat has been transformed into a greenhouse. Three varieties of potatoes sprouting in the living room, rose cuttings lining a wall of the kitchen, an old bucket filled with earth and dry bulbs and trays of tiny tomato seeds sat in a sunny spot by the window.
Given the limited opportunities for entertainment of late it’s been rather captivating viewing. To start with nothing at all, just bare soil. Watering, waiting and watching. Until one by one little green tips started breaking through the dark earth. Most remarkable of them all, the transformation of the tomato seed. A tiny, dry fleck planted in some soil but completely lifeless, it was hard to imagine anything could come from something so seemingly dead. Until we saw it shoot, bright green, face tilted towards the sun, one day to become a towering plant with armfuls of fruit each filled with hundreds of seeds.
Jesus uses the metaphor of a seed/a grain of wheat in the gospel of John to speak about his imminent death.
“Let me make this clear, a single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.”
And theologian John Stott puts it this way, “as long as a seed remains in the dry, warm, security of the granary it will never reproduce itself. It has to be buried in the cold, dark grave of the soil and there it has to die. Then out of its wintry grave, the springtime grain will sprout.”
This is the Christian hope of Easter. That because Jesus didn’t cling to life, but died in darkness there is life for the world. And with that death, a chain of events that means our broken earth will one day be fully beautiful again, bursting with life but without the sting of death or decay. Without injustice or sickness. No longer watered by our tears.
My tomato plants are a very imperfect picture of this remarkable exchange, but after a year of death feeling so close at hand, they remind me that it won’t have the final word.
Lizzie Harvey is Head of Communications at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
We thank the Theos team this week for their Easter reflections. If you would like to know more about their theological work please visit: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
Seedlings
In recent months, our relatively normal 2nd floor flat has been transformed into a greenhouse. Three varieties of potatoes sprouting in the living room, rose cuttings lining a wall of the kitchen, an old bucket filled with earth and dry bulbs and trays of tiny tomato seeds sat in a sunny spot by the window.
Given the limited opportunities for entertainment of late it’s been rather captivating viewing. To start with nothing at all, just bare soil. Watering, waiting and watching. Until one by one little green tips started breaking through the dark earth. Most remarkable of them all, the transformation of the tomato seed. A tiny, dry fleck planted in some soil but completely lifeless, it was hard to imagine anything could come from something so seemingly dead. Until we saw it shoot, bright green, face tilted towards the sun, one day to become a towering plant with armfuls of fruit each filled with hundreds of seeds.
Jesus uses the metaphor of a seed/a grain of wheat in the gospel of John to speak about his imminent death.
“Let me make this clear, a single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.”
And theologian John Stott puts it this way, “as long as a seed remains in the dry, warm, security of the granary it will never reproduce itself. It has to be buried in the cold, dark grave of the soil and there it has to die. Then out of its wintry grave, the springtime grain will sprout.”
This is the Christian hope of Easter. That because Jesus didn’t cling to life, but died in darkness there is life for the world. And with that death, a chain of events that means our broken earth will one day be fully beautiful again, bursting with life but without the sting of death or decay. Without injustice or sickness. No longer watered by our tears.
My tomato plants are a very imperfect picture of this remarkable exchange, but after a year of death feeling so close at hand, they remind me that it won’t have the final word.
Lizzie Harvey is Head of Communications at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
Thursday 15th April 2021
Jesus was a morning person
I love mornings. I will happily wake up with my alarm and bounce straight out of bed, picking up unfinished conversations with my husband from the night before and thinking through the day ahead. Mistakes have not yet been made, ideas have yet to be tested, and nobody quite knows exactly how the day will pan out. It’s exciting, if we allow it to be.
The Bible is full of references to the morning, using this tangible, everyday occurrence to illustrate the refreshment and renewal that Christians believe is on offer through the presence of God. The book of Lamentations reminds readers that, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning”. Psalm 30 gives the encouragement that “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning”.
Mornings, especially early ones, buzz with potential. Perhaps this is why Jesus embraced them, too. Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus would preach in the temple “early in the morning”. Mark’s gospel similarly reports that Jesus would get up “very early in the morning, while it was still dark”, in order to pray. And, perhaps most significant of all, the resurrection of Jesus was discovered “at dawn on the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1). Easter Sunday is a time when Christians remember that the extraordinary, history–shaping resurrection of Jesus means a fresh start. A new day, filled with space for forgiveness, celebration and hope. The resurrection is the sign to all who wish to see it that death – in all its thievery and pain – is not the end, and that another reality is possible. As is often the case in life, this idea is perfectly summed up by the inimitable Nina Simone: “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me; and I’m feeling good”.
Lucy Colman is Head of Development at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
Jesus was a morning person
I love mornings. I will happily wake up with my alarm and bounce straight out of bed, picking up unfinished conversations with my husband from the night before and thinking through the day ahead. Mistakes have not yet been made, ideas have yet to be tested, and nobody quite knows exactly how the day will pan out. It’s exciting, if we allow it to be.
The Bible is full of references to the morning, using this tangible, everyday occurrence to illustrate the refreshment and renewal that Christians believe is on offer through the presence of God. The book of Lamentations reminds readers that, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning”. Psalm 30 gives the encouragement that “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes with the morning”.
Mornings, especially early ones, buzz with potential. Perhaps this is why Jesus embraced them, too. Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus would preach in the temple “early in the morning”. Mark’s gospel similarly reports that Jesus would get up “very early in the morning, while it was still dark”, in order to pray. And, perhaps most significant of all, the resurrection of Jesus was discovered “at dawn on the first day of the week” (Matthew 28:1). Easter Sunday is a time when Christians remember that the extraordinary, history–shaping resurrection of Jesus means a fresh start. A new day, filled with space for forgiveness, celebration and hope. The resurrection is the sign to all who wish to see it that death – in all its thievery and pain – is not the end, and that another reality is possible. As is often the case in life, this idea is perfectly summed up by the inimitable Nina Simone: “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me; and I’m feeling good”.
Lucy Colman is Head of Development at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
Wednesday 14th April 2021
The Tendency to Fix
We humans have the tendency to grip happiness and positivity the moment it peeps out of the ground. For good reason; we all want to look forward to something. An NHS Manager described the desperation to put the bad past behind us as “banking something before it has ended” and that really, that is not the right thing to do. I love BBC1’s ‘The Repair Shop’ but humans are not fixable as easily as a musical box or leather bag. Our permanent state is fragile with the capacity to be broken. Pain and exhaustion cannot be ticked off like another task on the ‘to do’ list. Adopt Leonard Cohen’s thought – we’re all full of cracks, that’s how the light gets in.
C. S. Lewis writes in The Four Loves: “Man approaches God most nearly when he is in one sense least like God.” The embodiment of that couldn’t be much more evident than in the nailing of a human to a make–shift wooden cross at Golgotha – meaning ‘skull’. Some years I’ve sensed the sigh of relief amongst some Christians on Easter Sunday when Resurrection is celebrated and the weight of torture is behind, almost to the point of “let’s forget all that nasty stuff”. A bit like our attitude to the pandemic at times. But that’s not reality and nor is it particularly helpful for those still on crosses.
R.S. Thomas reminds us –
When we are weak, we are
strong. When our eyes close
on the world, then somewhere
within us the bush
burns. When we are poor
and aware of the inadequacy
of our table, it is to that
uninvited the guest comes.
Easter is a short period of time when all of life’s long spectrum of experience is encapsulated – the darkest and most painful of experiences take place and can remain with us, while simultaneously hope and light filter through. A theme expressed so beautifully by Annie Dillard, alluding to that dark Golgotha as being also home to hope, in Pilgrim At Tinker Creek: “Cruelty is a mystery…But if we describe a world to compass these things…then we bump against another mystery: the inrush of power and light, the canary that sings on the skull.”
Anna Wheeler is Operations and Events Manager at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
The Tendency to Fix
We humans have the tendency to grip happiness and positivity the moment it peeps out of the ground. For good reason; we all want to look forward to something. An NHS Manager described the desperation to put the bad past behind us as “banking something before it has ended” and that really, that is not the right thing to do. I love BBC1’s ‘The Repair Shop’ but humans are not fixable as easily as a musical box or leather bag. Our permanent state is fragile with the capacity to be broken. Pain and exhaustion cannot be ticked off like another task on the ‘to do’ list. Adopt Leonard Cohen’s thought – we’re all full of cracks, that’s how the light gets in.
C. S. Lewis writes in The Four Loves: “Man approaches God most nearly when he is in one sense least like God.” The embodiment of that couldn’t be much more evident than in the nailing of a human to a make–shift wooden cross at Golgotha – meaning ‘skull’. Some years I’ve sensed the sigh of relief amongst some Christians on Easter Sunday when Resurrection is celebrated and the weight of torture is behind, almost to the point of “let’s forget all that nasty stuff”. A bit like our attitude to the pandemic at times. But that’s not reality and nor is it particularly helpful for those still on crosses.
R.S. Thomas reminds us –
When we are weak, we are
strong. When our eyes close
on the world, then somewhere
within us the bush
burns. When we are poor
and aware of the inadequacy
of our table, it is to that
uninvited the guest comes.
Easter is a short period of time when all of life’s long spectrum of experience is encapsulated – the darkest and most painful of experiences take place and can remain with us, while simultaneously hope and light filter through. A theme expressed so beautifully by Annie Dillard, alluding to that dark Golgotha as being also home to hope, in Pilgrim At Tinker Creek: “Cruelty is a mystery…But if we describe a world to compass these things…then we bump against another mystery: the inrush of power and light, the canary that sings on the skull.”
Anna Wheeler is Operations and Events Manager at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
Tuesday 13th April 2021
The Risk of Love
The past year or so we have all, perhaps, become increasingly aware of our humanity; reminded daily of our fragility, our mortality, and increasingly aware of those connections that make us human in their absence.
As this Easter approaches, I’ve found myself re–reading Herbert McCabe on the Easter triduum – particularly his sermon on Good Friday, in which he emphasises and re–examines Christ’s humanity. He remarks upon how we see in the Gospels that Jesus doesn’t want the cross – especially in Matthew, Mark, and Luke – “not my will but thine be done.” He is recognisably human in the Garden of Gethsemane. He panics. He is in obvious distress.
It’s often tempting to take this route, to see Christ as most human when He’s experiencing moments of pain or distress, united with us in our suffering. Perhaps there is more reason than ever, this year, to do this. But McCabe offers a powerful, differing view of Christ’s humanity: “As I see it, not Adam but Jesus was the first human being, the first member of the human race in whom humanity came to fulfilment, for whom to live was simply to love – for this is what human beings are for.”
Christ, for McCabe, represents the fulfilment of humanity in his capacity for love. He is “the human being we dare not be. He takes the risks of love which we recognise as risks and so for the most part do not take.” McCabe goes further on the risk of love in separate sermons in God Matters, at one point remarking that: “If you do not love, you will not be alive. If you do love, you will be killed.”
Love, of course, makes us vulnerable to loss, to heartbreak. There has been too much of that of late, and I suspect it won’t go unremarked upon in sermons across the land that we celebrate this time of victory over death at the same time that the worst of a deadly pandemic appears to be behind us. As we emerge renewed from another Easter season, my hope is that we emerge more like Christ – more willing to take the risk of love.
Pete Whitehead is Research, Communications and Events Assistant at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
The Risk of Love
The past year or so we have all, perhaps, become increasingly aware of our humanity; reminded daily of our fragility, our mortality, and increasingly aware of those connections that make us human in their absence.
As this Easter approaches, I’ve found myself re–reading Herbert McCabe on the Easter triduum – particularly his sermon on Good Friday, in which he emphasises and re–examines Christ’s humanity. He remarks upon how we see in the Gospels that Jesus doesn’t want the cross – especially in Matthew, Mark, and Luke – “not my will but thine be done.” He is recognisably human in the Garden of Gethsemane. He panics. He is in obvious distress.
It’s often tempting to take this route, to see Christ as most human when He’s experiencing moments of pain or distress, united with us in our suffering. Perhaps there is more reason than ever, this year, to do this. But McCabe offers a powerful, differing view of Christ’s humanity: “As I see it, not Adam but Jesus was the first human being, the first member of the human race in whom humanity came to fulfilment, for whom to live was simply to love – for this is what human beings are for.”
Christ, for McCabe, represents the fulfilment of humanity in his capacity for love. He is “the human being we dare not be. He takes the risks of love which we recognise as risks and so for the most part do not take.” McCabe goes further on the risk of love in separate sermons in God Matters, at one point remarking that: “If you do not love, you will not be alive. If you do love, you will be killed.”
Love, of course, makes us vulnerable to loss, to heartbreak. There has been too much of that of late, and I suspect it won’t go unremarked upon in sermons across the land that we celebrate this time of victory over death at the same time that the worst of a deadly pandemic appears to be behind us. As we emerge renewed from another Easter season, my hope is that we emerge more like Christ – more willing to take the risk of love.
Pete Whitehead is Research, Communications and Events Assistant at Theos
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Theos)
Monday 12th April 2021
My First Sermon
John Everett Millais
(1829-1896)
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My Second Sermon John Everett Millais (1829-1896)
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When looking for a picture for my reflection for Evensong last night, I stumbled across these two small paintings by John Everett Millais. Titled My First Sermon and My Second Sermon the image of a little girl dressed up for her first church service, and then the same little girl fast asleep in the box pew at her second might speak to us in these days after Easter. After all the excitement of Holy Week, and perhaps a surfeit of Easter Eggs and images of bunnies and chicks, it’s so easy to lapse back into the comfortable everyday. Especially at the moment, as things seem to be returning to something more like normality – a normality I certainly long for, as I think do many others – the scandal and the shock of the events of Holy Week already feel rather distant. Like the little girl, we begin to fall asleep.
The death of his Royal Highness, Prince Philip last Friday upset any of that sense of the slide into the everyday. Any death is a shock, but one that causes the normal life of the nation to be put on hold can be peculiarly disturbing. The fact that the BBC has received so many complaints about coverage of Prince Philip’s death disturbing the normal programming is testament to this. The fact that it happened in the most joyful week of the church’s year makes it even more jarring. And yet, amid the media coverage and mourning, funeral plans and reflections on Prince Philip’s life, there is a greater shock that we have all experienced last week – and that is the events of Easter Day. The empty tomb, the Son of God risen, death defeated. Death jolts us out of the everyday, but so too does the resurrection. As we pray for Prince Philip, and all of his family, we pray in the resurrection promise and the resurrection hope – a hope so profoundly disturbing and deeply shocking that some who first heard it ran away and were afraid. As we move away from Easter, let us hold on to that eternal surprise of the resurrection, startling us with that new fact about the universe – death is not the end. Stay awake!
The Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
The death of his Royal Highness, Prince Philip last Friday upset any of that sense of the slide into the everyday. Any death is a shock, but one that causes the normal life of the nation to be put on hold can be peculiarly disturbing. The fact that the BBC has received so many complaints about coverage of Prince Philip’s death disturbing the normal programming is testament to this. The fact that it happened in the most joyful week of the church’s year makes it even more jarring. And yet, amid the media coverage and mourning, funeral plans and reflections on Prince Philip’s life, there is a greater shock that we have all experienced last week – and that is the events of Easter Day. The empty tomb, the Son of God risen, death defeated. Death jolts us out of the everyday, but so too does the resurrection. As we pray for Prince Philip, and all of his family, we pray in the resurrection promise and the resurrection hope – a hope so profoundly disturbing and deeply shocking that some who first heard it ran away and were afraid. As we move away from Easter, let us hold on to that eternal surprise of the resurrection, startling us with that new fact about the universe – death is not the end. Stay awake!
The Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Friday 9th April 2021
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God of our lives, we give thanks for the life of Prince Philip, for his love of our country, and for his devotion to duty. We entrust him now to your love and mercy, through our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen. The Church of England has an online condolence book, which can be accessed here. |
Happy Easter!
We wish you all a very blessed and joyful Easter
We wish you all a very blessed and joyful Easter
Titian - Noli me Tangere
Maundy Thursday, 1 April - Exodus 12.1–4[5–10] 11–14
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbour in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. [5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.] 11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
14 This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.
Reflection
The “new normal” is a phrase often thrown around during the pandemic with a mixture of anxiety and hope. While we might pride ourselves on our flexibility, we often encrust the future with past expectations. The paschal story and Maundy Thursday invite us to readiness to move out of anxiety into brave and rooted humble hope. Brave, because resolve in the face of hardship needs resolve. Rooted because the stories and rituals we inhabit help transform simple, ordinary things like meals and water into reminders of God’s love and God’s faithfulness to God’s people. Humble because we do not pretend foreknowledge of what awaits us. But hopeful, because although suffering is real and leaves deep scars, we know it transforms into an expansion and new appreciation of a fuller life integrated with God. It invites us into God’s every expanding and evolving new normal, which moves in us, through us, towards us, and beyond us—even in the most inconspicuous things like food and water.
Calvyn du Toit, Holy Trinity (Theologian and 6PM Musician)
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: 2 This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. 4 If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbour in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. [5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. 6 You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. 7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn.] 11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgements: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.
14 This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.
Reflection
The “new normal” is a phrase often thrown around during the pandemic with a mixture of anxiety and hope. While we might pride ourselves on our flexibility, we often encrust the future with past expectations. The paschal story and Maundy Thursday invite us to readiness to move out of anxiety into brave and rooted humble hope. Brave, because resolve in the face of hardship needs resolve. Rooted because the stories and rituals we inhabit help transform simple, ordinary things like meals and water into reminders of God’s love and God’s faithfulness to God’s people. Humble because we do not pretend foreknowledge of what awaits us. But hopeful, because although suffering is real and leaves deep scars, we know it transforms into an expansion and new appreciation of a fuller life integrated with God. It invites us into God’s every expanding and evolving new normal, which moves in us, through us, towards us, and beyond us—even in the most inconspicuous things like food and water.
Calvyn du Toit, Holy Trinity (Theologian and 6PM Musician)
Wednesday of Holy Week, 31 March - Isaiah 50.4–9a
4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
O Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards.
6 I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7 The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8 he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
9 It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
Reflection
There are points in life where we are the teacher, and those where we take the role of a listening student. In both cases, there is always potential for wonderful, active learning and growth. For those who teach, in its very broadest form - parent, uncle, aunt, service provider, friend, colleague, manager, professional - the role takes a lot of time, growth and a desire to relate to others in away that improves their experience of the world, and the world around us. This can sometimes be in the smallest, tiniest way - yet I truly believe positive ripples can be sent out that have numerous benefits, sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle. The role of a teacher means staying honest to yourself and conveying your experience and knowledge to those who listen and are inspired. There may be times when things throw you off track, and that’s ok, you can re-find your path and continue to offer guidance, love and support - which is at the heart of any teaching. We can all be teachers in this way, simultaneously learning, evolving as students, asking ourselves important questions, that we encourage others to reflect upon. Now that social media is so enormously present, we need to reflect carefully on the words we choose. Follow thoughtful, kind, reflexive teachers, and realise that we all have a responsibility on those platforms. Each and every one of us becomes a teacher when we write, or speak, and so chose your words carefully, create positivity, care and love, because you never know who might read or interpret your words - you can lead by example.
Charles Smith, St Stephen’s Church (Yoga Teacher @ St Stephen’s)
4 The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word.
O Morning by morning he wakens—wakens my ear
to listen as those who are taught.
5 The Lord God has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious,
I did not turn backwards.
6 I gave my back to those who struck me,
and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.
7 The Lord God helps me;
therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8 he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
Let them confront me.
9 It is the Lord God who helps me;
who will declare me guilty?
All of them will wear out like a garment;
the moth will eat them up.
Reflection
There are points in life where we are the teacher, and those where we take the role of a listening student. In both cases, there is always potential for wonderful, active learning and growth. For those who teach, in its very broadest form - parent, uncle, aunt, service provider, friend, colleague, manager, professional - the role takes a lot of time, growth and a desire to relate to others in away that improves their experience of the world, and the world around us. This can sometimes be in the smallest, tiniest way - yet I truly believe positive ripples can be sent out that have numerous benefits, sometimes obvious, sometimes subtle. The role of a teacher means staying honest to yourself and conveying your experience and knowledge to those who listen and are inspired. There may be times when things throw you off track, and that’s ok, you can re-find your path and continue to offer guidance, love and support - which is at the heart of any teaching. We can all be teachers in this way, simultaneously learning, evolving as students, asking ourselves important questions, that we encourage others to reflect upon. Now that social media is so enormously present, we need to reflect carefully on the words we choose. Follow thoughtful, kind, reflexive teachers, and realise that we all have a responsibility on those platforms. Each and every one of us becomes a teacher when we write, or speak, and so chose your words carefully, create positivity, care and love, because you never know who might read or interpret your words - you can lead by example.
Charles Smith, St Stephen’s Church (Yoga Teacher @ St Stephen’s)
Tuesday of Holy Week, 30 March - Isaiah 49.1–7
1 Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’
4 But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
and my reward with my God.’
5 And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength--
6 he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’
7 Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
‘Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.
Reflection
A number of reflections crossed my mind when I first read through this reading. I thought, well I was born in Cleethorpes which is definitely on the coast.
‘Made my mouth like a sharp sword’ - You should have met my Methodist Geordie grandmother. She certainly didn’t hide and didn’t need to be hidden.
‘I have laboured in vain’ - I can’t stand moaners, especially those who feel sorry for themselves. Maybe I did inherit that from my grandmother.
God taking the credit for creating Isaiah in the womb as a tool to sort Israel out? - I wonder if the present Israeli government feels the same?
And then I moved onto verse 6 - Definitely sounds like a revolution to me. Very evangelical. He’s certainly given Isaiah, and Jacob, one heck of a job. I think the job spec could have been a bit clearer when Isaiah took it on, don’t you?
Kate McCarthy, Chair of School Governors – St Barnabas CofE Primary School
1 Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’
4 But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
and my reward with my God.’
5 And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honoured in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength--
6 he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’
7 Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
‘Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.
Reflection
A number of reflections crossed my mind when I first read through this reading. I thought, well I was born in Cleethorpes which is definitely on the coast.
‘Made my mouth like a sharp sword’ - You should have met my Methodist Geordie grandmother. She certainly didn’t hide and didn’t need to be hidden.
‘I have laboured in vain’ - I can’t stand moaners, especially those who feel sorry for themselves. Maybe I did inherit that from my grandmother.
God taking the credit for creating Isaiah in the womb as a tool to sort Israel out? - I wonder if the present Israeli government feels the same?
And then I moved onto verse 6 - Definitely sounds like a revolution to me. Very evangelical. He’s certainly given Isaiah, and Jacob, one heck of a job. I think the job spec could have been a bit clearer when Isaiah took it on, don’t you?
Kate McCarthy, Chair of School Governors – St Barnabas CofE Primary School
Monday of Holy Week, 29 March 2021 - Isaiah 42.1–9 (CHT)
1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
5 Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8 I am the Lord, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them.
Reflection
“A bruised reed he will not break.”
I have always loved this phrase. It is part of Isaiah’s vision of Israel’s Messiah, the Suffering Servant. Christians came to see Jesus the Messiah as the Suffering Servant who suffered on behalf of sinful humanity. Because he bore the pains of human life, including death on the Cross, Christ can even now share our own suffering. We can bear our misfortunes, Isaiah adds, because God has “taken us by the hand and kept” us.
So, while we cannot expect a perfect existence on earth, we can believe that God will help us to endure the problems that come our way. While these problems may “bruise” us—bruise us terribly, sometimes—they will not break us. For Christ bears our pains with us. The God who is revealed in the Suffering Servant takes us by the hand and keeps us.
The Rev. J. Douglas Ousley, Holy Trinity, Honorary Priest Associate and NY Coordinator (with Graham Buckle) of the Diocese of London – Diocese of New York Link Program.
1 Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry or lift up his voice,
or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be crushed
until he has established justice in the earth;
and the coastlands wait for his teaching.
5 Thus says God, the Lord,
who created the heavens and stretched them out,
who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
and spirit to those who walk in it:
6 I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people,
a light to the nations,
7 to open the eyes that are blind,
to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon,
from the prison those who sit in darkness.
8 I am the Lord, that is my name;
my glory I give to no other,
nor my praise to idols.
9 See, the former things have come to pass,
and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth,
I tell you of them.
Reflection
“A bruised reed he will not break.”
I have always loved this phrase. It is part of Isaiah’s vision of Israel’s Messiah, the Suffering Servant. Christians came to see Jesus the Messiah as the Suffering Servant who suffered on behalf of sinful humanity. Because he bore the pains of human life, including death on the Cross, Christ can even now share our own suffering. We can bear our misfortunes, Isaiah adds, because God has “taken us by the hand and kept” us.
So, while we cannot expect a perfect existence on earth, we can believe that God will help us to endure the problems that come our way. While these problems may “bruise” us—bruise us terribly, sometimes—they will not break us. For Christ bears our pains with us. The God who is revealed in the Suffering Servant takes us by the hand and keeps us.
The Rev. J. Douglas Ousley, Holy Trinity, Honorary Priest Associate and NY Coordinator (with Graham Buckle) of the Diocese of London – Diocese of New York Link Program.
Friday, 26 March (Harriet Monsell, 1883) - Jeremiah 20.10–13
10 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around!
Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’
All my close friends are watching for me to stumble.
‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him,
and take our revenge on him.’
11 But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior;
therefore my persecutors will stumble,
and they will not prevail.
They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed.
Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten.
12 O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous,
you see the heart and the mind;
let me see your retribution upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
13 Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy
from the hands of evildoers.
Reflection
I was once told that I was pathologically happy. I think they meant it as a critism, but that wasn’t the way I saw it or took it. Yes, we can look at the world and think – what and awful place it is – or we can look up and out and around and see and touch and feel and taste and hear the wonders of God’s world.
Times would have been hard in Jeremiah’s era. But probably no less hard than now. Just different. This reading speaks of endless possibilities. Knowing that God walks with us each step of the way, preventing us from stumbling, if we keep our eyes on him.
Ignore that whisperings of the negative, the pessimistic and gloom-sharers. And listen to the whisperings of God in our lives, in our churches and in society. And once again ‘Sing to the Lord’ our praises of thanksgiving and joy – albeit we can only sing at home!
John Pearson-Hicks, parish priest, St Barnabas Pimlico
10 For I hear many whispering: ‘Terror is all around!
Denounce him! Let us denounce him!’
All my close friends are watching for me to stumble.
‘Perhaps he can be enticed, and we can prevail against him,
and take our revenge on him.’
11 But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior;
therefore my persecutors will stumble,
and they will not prevail.
They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed.
Their eternal dishonour will never be forgotten.
12 O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous,
you see the heart and the mind;
let me see your retribution upon them,
for to you I have committed my cause.
13 Sing to the Lord; praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy
from the hands of evildoers.
Reflection
I was once told that I was pathologically happy. I think they meant it as a critism, but that wasn’t the way I saw it or took it. Yes, we can look at the world and think – what and awful place it is – or we can look up and out and around and see and touch and feel and taste and hear the wonders of God’s world.
Times would have been hard in Jeremiah’s era. But probably no less hard than now. Just different. This reading speaks of endless possibilities. Knowing that God walks with us each step of the way, preventing us from stumbling, if we keep our eyes on him.
Ignore that whisperings of the negative, the pessimistic and gloom-sharers. And listen to the whisperings of God in our lives, in our churches and in society. And once again ‘Sing to the Lord’ our praises of thanksgiving and joy – albeit we can only sing at home!
John Pearson-Hicks, parish priest, St Barnabas Pimlico
Thursday, 25 March (Annunciation BVM) - Isaiah 7.10–14
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. 13 Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Reflection
God speaks to Ahaz
as he did of old to humankind
and offers a sign.
Proud Ahaz refuses.
‘”I will not put the Lord to the test”
Isaiah finds him tiresome
and opens himself to receive
the sign God sends anyway,
The Good News of the birth
of Immanuel, God with us.
Here is his promise that
He will be with us stumbling humans.
Jesus will speak God’s truth to us.
For us an amazing prophecy;
But for God, all time is present.
Patsy Weille, Holy Trinity (Poet & Coordinator of Trinity Cares)
10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. 13 Then Isaiah said: ‘Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Reflection
God speaks to Ahaz
as he did of old to humankind
and offers a sign.
Proud Ahaz refuses.
‘”I will not put the Lord to the test”
Isaiah finds him tiresome
and opens himself to receive
the sign God sends anyway,
The Good News of the birth
of Immanuel, God with us.
Here is his promise that
He will be with us stumbling humans.
Jesus will speak God’s truth to us.
For us an amazing prophecy;
But for God, all time is present.
Patsy Weille, Holy Trinity (Poet & Coordinator of Trinity Cares)
Wednesday, 24 March (Walter Hilton, 1396; Paul Couturier, 1953; Oscar Romero, 1980) - Daniel 3.14–20, 24–25, 28
14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?’ 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defence to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us.18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.’ 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace to be heated up seven times more than was customary, 20 and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counsellors, ‘Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?’ They answered the king, ‘True, O king.’ 25 He replied, ‘But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.’28 Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.
Reflection
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, together with Daniel, were young Jewish aristocrats who Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon in the fifth century BC, had selected as ‘young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for any kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace’. They were to be taught the language and literature of the Babylonians and to be fed with food and wine from the king’s table. But, to the dismay of the court official responsible for them, led by Daniel their leader, they refused the royal diet but compromised on one of vegetables and water, and as early vegans they finished up looking better nourished than those on royal food. They became favourites of the King, who found them wiser than all the magicians and enchanters of his kingdom, even though they remained loyal to to the God of Israel. Daniel in particular excelled at interpreting the King’s dreams as God’s prophesies, and the King put him in charge of all the wise men in Babylon. Meanwhile Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were made administrators.
Nebuchadnezzar (who seems to have had much in common with Donald Trump) erected a ninety feet high gold image - the Bible does not say if it was of himself - and summoned all the governors, advisers, treasurers and judges to come and worship it every time they heard the sound of music, otherwise they would be thrown into the furnace. But the faithful young Israelites, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to worship the image, and the King was furious. They stood up to him, resolving to face the fire rather than betray their God.
As the furnace was made seven times hotter they prayed to God to deliver them, but - and this is the point this story makes - they vowed that, even if God did not deliver them, they would still submit to the fire rather than betray God by worshipping an image.
And isn’t this the proviso that is, or perhaps should be, part of all prayer? Not my will but thine be done? We can pray desperately for the outcome we want, but always knowing - or fearing - that it might not be what God intends. Or is it the fundamental doubt that always haunts some of us? The plea of St Thomas to the risen Jesus: ‘Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief’. As for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, God did indeed give them what they hoped for.
Margaret Duggan, St Stephen’s Church (Retired Journalist - Church Times)
14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, ‘Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble to fall down and worship the statue that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?’ 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defence to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us.18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.’ 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace to be heated up seven times more than was customary, 20 and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counsellors, ‘Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?’ They answered the king, ‘True, O king.’ 25 He replied, ‘But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.’28 Nebuchadnezzar said, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants who trusted in him. They disobeyed the king’s command and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.
Reflection
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, together with Daniel, were young Jewish aristocrats who Nebuchadnezzar II, King of Babylon in the fifth century BC, had selected as ‘young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for any kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace’. They were to be taught the language and literature of the Babylonians and to be fed with food and wine from the king’s table. But, to the dismay of the court official responsible for them, led by Daniel their leader, they refused the royal diet but compromised on one of vegetables and water, and as early vegans they finished up looking better nourished than those on royal food. They became favourites of the King, who found them wiser than all the magicians and enchanters of his kingdom, even though they remained loyal to to the God of Israel. Daniel in particular excelled at interpreting the King’s dreams as God’s prophesies, and the King put him in charge of all the wise men in Babylon. Meanwhile Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were made administrators.
Nebuchadnezzar (who seems to have had much in common with Donald Trump) erected a ninety feet high gold image - the Bible does not say if it was of himself - and summoned all the governors, advisers, treasurers and judges to come and worship it every time they heard the sound of music, otherwise they would be thrown into the furnace. But the faithful young Israelites, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused to worship the image, and the King was furious. They stood up to him, resolving to face the fire rather than betray their God.
As the furnace was made seven times hotter they prayed to God to deliver them, but - and this is the point this story makes - they vowed that, even if God did not deliver them, they would still submit to the fire rather than betray God by worshipping an image.
And isn’t this the proviso that is, or perhaps should be, part of all prayer? Not my will but thine be done? We can pray desperately for the outcome we want, but always knowing - or fearing - that it might not be what God intends. Or is it the fundamental doubt that always haunts some of us? The plea of St Thomas to the risen Jesus: ‘Lord I believe, help thou mine unbelief’. As for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, God did indeed give them what they hoped for.
Margaret Duggan, St Stephen’s Church (Retired Journalist - Church Times)
Tuesday, 23 March - Numbers 21.4–9
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ 6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Reflections
Jenni writes - This is a stern God speaking. Not much sympathy or compassion for the hardships of those on pilgrimage to a better life. It is hard not to look on this passage other than in an allegorical way, given these grim times. Perhaps not a bronze serpent on a pole but the cross of Christ: bitten or not by the virus, we can look to the Cross for relief. Apologise and by the grace of God we move on. Forgive and we will be forgiven. The wrath of the stern God will not last if we keep the faith.
David writes - Cairo to Jerusalem is about 450 miles. Walking 6 miles a day at four miles an hour would take 3 weeks, instead it took 40 years. The Exodus is not only a fascinating, at times horrifying, historical story, it is also an allegory of human life. It tells of dissension, yearning, disobedience, carnage and repentance. And yet at the end of the epic there is the Promised Land; though curiously Moses is only able to view it from Mount Pisgah. One must not presume!
Jenni Hopkins, Church Warden and David Batchelor, St Barnabas Pimlico
4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. 5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food.’ 6 Then the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord to take away the serpents from us.’ So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ 9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.
Reflections
Jenni writes - This is a stern God speaking. Not much sympathy or compassion for the hardships of those on pilgrimage to a better life. It is hard not to look on this passage other than in an allegorical way, given these grim times. Perhaps not a bronze serpent on a pole but the cross of Christ: bitten or not by the virus, we can look to the Cross for relief. Apologise and by the grace of God we move on. Forgive and we will be forgiven. The wrath of the stern God will not last if we keep the faith.
David writes - Cairo to Jerusalem is about 450 miles. Walking 6 miles a day at four miles an hour would take 3 weeks, instead it took 40 years. The Exodus is not only a fascinating, at times horrifying, historical story, it is also an allegory of human life. It tells of dissension, yearning, disobedience, carnage and repentance. And yet at the end of the epic there is the Promised Land; though curiously Moses is only able to view it from Mount Pisgah. One must not presume!
Jenni Hopkins, Church Warden and David Batchelor, St Barnabas Pimlico
Artwork: Artemisia Gentileschi, Susanna and the
Elders , 1610
Monday, 22 March - Susannah 1–9, 15–17, 19–30, 33–62 (CHT)
1 There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. 2 He married the daughter of Hilkiah, named Susanna, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. 3 Her parents were righteous, and had trained their daughter according to the law of Moses. 4 Joakim was very rich, and had a fine garden adjoining his house; the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honoured of them all. 5 That year two elders from the people were appointed as judges. Concerning them the Lord had said: ‘Wickedness came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.’ 6 These men were frequently at Joakim’s house, and all who had a case to be tried came to them there. 7 When the people left at noon, Susanna would go into her husband’s garden to walk. 8 Every day the two elders used to see her, going in and walking about, and they began to lust for her. 9 They suppressed their consciences and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering their duty to administer justice.
15 Once, while they were watching for an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and wished to bathe in the garden, for it was a hot day. 16 No one was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her. 17 She said to her maids, ‘Bring me olive oil and ointments, and shut the garden doors so that I can bathe.’
19 When the maids had gone out, the two elders got up and ran to her. 20 They said, ‘Look, the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us. We are burning with desire for you; so give your consent, and lie with us. 21 If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and this was why you sent your maids away.’ 22 Susanna groaned and said, ‘I am completely trapped. For if I do this, it will mean death for me; if I do not, I cannot escape your hands. 23 I choose not to do it; I will fall into your hands, rather than sin in the sight of the Lord.’
24 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and the two elders shouted against her. 25 And one of them ran and opened the garden doors. 26 When the people in the house heard the shouting in the garden, they rushed in at the side door to see what had happened to her. 27 And when the elders told their story, the servants felt very much ashamed, for nothing like this had ever been said about Susanna.
28 The next day, when the people gathered at the house of her husband Joakim, the two elders came, full of their wicked plot to have Susanna put to death. In the presence of the people they said, 29 ‘Send for Susanna daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.’ 30 So they sent for her. And she came with her parents, her children, and all her relatives. 33 Those who were with her and all who saw her were weeping.
34 Then the two elders stood up before the people and laid their hands on her head. 35 Through her tears she looked up towards Heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord. 36 The elders said, ‘While we were walking in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and dismissed the maids. 37 Then a young man, who was hiding there, came to her and lay with her. 38 We were in a corner of the garden, and when we saw this wickedness we ran to them. 39 Although we saw them embracing, we could not hold the man, because he was stronger than we are, and he opened the doors and got away. 40 We did, however, seize this woman and asked who the young man was, 41 but she would not tell us. These things we testify.’
Because they were elders of the people and judges, the assembly believed them and condemned her to death.
42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, ‘O eternal God, you know what is secret and are aware of all things before they come to be; 43 you know that these men have given false evidence against me. And now I am to die, though I have done none of the wicked things that they have charged against me!’
44 The Lord heard her cry. 45 Just as she was being led off to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young lad named Daniel, 46 and he shouted with a loud voice, ‘I want no part in shedding this woman’s blood!’
47 All the people turned to him and asked, ‘What is this you are saying?’ 48 Taking his stand among them he said, ‘Are you such fools, O Israelites, as to condemn a daughter of Israel without examination and without learning the facts? 49 Return to court, for these men have given false evidence against her.’
50 So all the people hurried back. And the rest of the elders said to him, ‘Come, sit among us and inform us, for God has given you the standing of an elder.’ 51 Daniel said to them, ‘Separate them far from each other, and I will examine them.’
52 When they were separated from each other, he summoned one of them and said to him, ‘You old relic of wicked days, your sins have now come home, which you have committed in the past, 53 pronouncing unjust judgements, condemning the innocent and acquitting the guilty, though the Lord said, “You shall not put an innocent and righteous person to death.” 54 Now then, if you really saw this woman, tell me this: Under what tree did you see them being intimate with each other?’ He answered, ‘Under a mastic tree.’55 And Daniel said, ‘Very well! This lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God has received the sentence from God and will immediately cut you in two.’
56 Then, putting him to one side, he ordered them to bring the other. And he said to him, ‘You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, beauty has beguiled you and lust has perverted your heart. 57 This is how you have been treating the daughters of Israel, and they were intimate with you through fear; but a daughter of Judah would not tolerate your wickedness. 58 Now then, tell me: Under what tree did you catch them being intimate with each other?’ He answered, ‘Under an evergreen oak.’59 Daniel said to him, ‘Very well! This lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God is waiting with his sword to split you in two, so as to destroy you both.’
60 Then the whole assembly raised a great shout and blessed God, who saves those who hope in him. 61 And they took action against the two elders, because out of their own mouths Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness; they did to them as they had wickedly planned to do to their neighbour. 62 Acting in accordance with the law of Moses, they put them to death. Thus innocent blood was spared that day.
Reflection
The story of Susannah and the Elders is full of intrigue and steeped in symbolism and patriarchy. Found in the Apocrypha, it is Daniel Chapter 13 in the Catholic Bible, and also in the Eastern Orthodox Bible. It is likely from the First Century BCE; the Book of Daniel is from the Second Century BCE. It takes place during the Babylonian Exile.
Susannah, meaning lily, is pure and innocent; she has a good upbringing and married a wealthy man. In a show of abuse of power when Susannah refuses to lie with them, two men accuse her of adultery with a young man and are believed. We see how justice can be twisted when two people give false witness against a third person declared guilty. Susannah appealed to her God, and he heard her cry. A young Daniel comes forward; he has become a legendary hero. He follows the proper stringency in examining witnesses as laid out in tractate Sanhedrin, in the Mishnah and G'marah. There is vindication, with these two lecherous men not identifying the tree that they say they saw Susannah under in the act of adultery, an act punishable by death. For baring false witness, the two elders were put to death. Thus innocent blood was spared that day.
This story has been depicted in art by famous painters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Tintoretto. But an Italian Baroque woman artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, outshines them all with her painting of Susannah and the Elders when she was just 17 years old. Gentileschi’s Susannah notices the men and looks distressed. As depicted by male artists, Susannah does not notice the men watch her and is portrayed in a voluptuous, sensual way as if encouraging the men. Gentileschi herself had a similar fate to that of Susannah – she had to endure unwanted sexual advances and was raped by her art teacher. Throughout the ages, the continuing scourge of violence against women must end once and for all. Let us follow the example of the Province of Southern Africa, that our Lenten focus should be on gender-based violence and its elimination.
Yvonne O’Neal, Holy Trinity (Warden of Vestry, Activist & Diocesan Leader)
1 There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. 2 He married the daughter of Hilkiah, named Susanna, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. 3 Her parents were righteous, and had trained their daughter according to the law of Moses. 4 Joakim was very rich, and had a fine garden adjoining his house; the Jews used to come to him because he was the most honoured of them all. 5 That year two elders from the people were appointed as judges. Concerning them the Lord had said: ‘Wickedness came forth from Babylon, from elders who were judges, who were supposed to govern the people.’ 6 These men were frequently at Joakim’s house, and all who had a case to be tried came to them there. 7 When the people left at noon, Susanna would go into her husband’s garden to walk. 8 Every day the two elders used to see her, going in and walking about, and they began to lust for her. 9 They suppressed their consciences and turned away their eyes from looking to Heaven or remembering their duty to administer justice.
15 Once, while they were watching for an opportune day, she went in as before with only two maids, and wished to bathe in the garden, for it was a hot day. 16 No one was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her. 17 She said to her maids, ‘Bring me olive oil and ointments, and shut the garden doors so that I can bathe.’
19 When the maids had gone out, the two elders got up and ran to her. 20 They said, ‘Look, the garden doors are shut, and no one can see us. We are burning with desire for you; so give your consent, and lie with us. 21 If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was with you, and this was why you sent your maids away.’ 22 Susanna groaned and said, ‘I am completely trapped. For if I do this, it will mean death for me; if I do not, I cannot escape your hands. 23 I choose not to do it; I will fall into your hands, rather than sin in the sight of the Lord.’
24 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and the two elders shouted against her. 25 And one of them ran and opened the garden doors. 26 When the people in the house heard the shouting in the garden, they rushed in at the side door to see what had happened to her. 27 And when the elders told their story, the servants felt very much ashamed, for nothing like this had ever been said about Susanna.
28 The next day, when the people gathered at the house of her husband Joakim, the two elders came, full of their wicked plot to have Susanna put to death. In the presence of the people they said, 29 ‘Send for Susanna daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim.’ 30 So they sent for her. And she came with her parents, her children, and all her relatives. 33 Those who were with her and all who saw her were weeping.
34 Then the two elders stood up before the people and laid their hands on her head. 35 Through her tears she looked up towards Heaven, for her heart trusted in the Lord. 36 The elders said, ‘While we were walking in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, shut the garden doors, and dismissed the maids. 37 Then a young man, who was hiding there, came to her and lay with her. 38 We were in a corner of the garden, and when we saw this wickedness we ran to them. 39 Although we saw them embracing, we could not hold the man, because he was stronger than we are, and he opened the doors and got away. 40 We did, however, seize this woman and asked who the young man was, 41 but she would not tell us. These things we testify.’
Because they were elders of the people and judges, the assembly believed them and condemned her to death.
42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, ‘O eternal God, you know what is secret and are aware of all things before they come to be; 43 you know that these men have given false evidence against me. And now I am to die, though I have done none of the wicked things that they have charged against me!’
44 The Lord heard her cry. 45 Just as she was being led off to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young lad named Daniel, 46 and he shouted with a loud voice, ‘I want no part in shedding this woman’s blood!’
47 All the people turned to him and asked, ‘What is this you are saying?’ 48 Taking his stand among them he said, ‘Are you such fools, O Israelites, as to condemn a daughter of Israel without examination and without learning the facts? 49 Return to court, for these men have given false evidence against her.’
50 So all the people hurried back. And the rest of the elders said to him, ‘Come, sit among us and inform us, for God has given you the standing of an elder.’ 51 Daniel said to them, ‘Separate them far from each other, and I will examine them.’
52 When they were separated from each other, he summoned one of them and said to him, ‘You old relic of wicked days, your sins have now come home, which you have committed in the past, 53 pronouncing unjust judgements, condemning the innocent and acquitting the guilty, though the Lord said, “You shall not put an innocent and righteous person to death.” 54 Now then, if you really saw this woman, tell me this: Under what tree did you see them being intimate with each other?’ He answered, ‘Under a mastic tree.’55 And Daniel said, ‘Very well! This lie has cost you your head, for the angel of God has received the sentence from God and will immediately cut you in two.’
56 Then, putting him to one side, he ordered them to bring the other. And he said to him, ‘You offspring of Canaan and not of Judah, beauty has beguiled you and lust has perverted your heart. 57 This is how you have been treating the daughters of Israel, and they were intimate with you through fear; but a daughter of Judah would not tolerate your wickedness. 58 Now then, tell me: Under what tree did you catch them being intimate with each other?’ He answered, ‘Under an evergreen oak.’59 Daniel said to him, ‘Very well! This lie has cost you also your head, for the angel of God is waiting with his sword to split you in two, so as to destroy you both.’
60 Then the whole assembly raised a great shout and blessed God, who saves those who hope in him. 61 And they took action against the two elders, because out of their own mouths Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness; they did to them as they had wickedly planned to do to their neighbour. 62 Acting in accordance with the law of Moses, they put them to death. Thus innocent blood was spared that day.
Reflection
The story of Susannah and the Elders is full of intrigue and steeped in symbolism and patriarchy. Found in the Apocrypha, it is Daniel Chapter 13 in the Catholic Bible, and also in the Eastern Orthodox Bible. It is likely from the First Century BCE; the Book of Daniel is from the Second Century BCE. It takes place during the Babylonian Exile.
Susannah, meaning lily, is pure and innocent; she has a good upbringing and married a wealthy man. In a show of abuse of power when Susannah refuses to lie with them, two men accuse her of adultery with a young man and are believed. We see how justice can be twisted when two people give false witness against a third person declared guilty. Susannah appealed to her God, and he heard her cry. A young Daniel comes forward; he has become a legendary hero. He follows the proper stringency in examining witnesses as laid out in tractate Sanhedrin, in the Mishnah and G'marah. There is vindication, with these two lecherous men not identifying the tree that they say they saw Susannah under in the act of adultery, an act punishable by death. For baring false witness, the two elders were put to death. Thus innocent blood was spared that day.
This story has been depicted in art by famous painters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, and Tintoretto. But an Italian Baroque woman artist, Artemisia Gentileschi, outshines them all with her painting of Susannah and the Elders when she was just 17 years old. Gentileschi’s Susannah notices the men and looks distressed. As depicted by male artists, Susannah does not notice the men watch her and is portrayed in a voluptuous, sensual way as if encouraging the men. Gentileschi herself had a similar fate to that of Susannah – she had to endure unwanted sexual advances and was raped by her art teacher. Throughout the ages, the continuing scourge of violence against women must end once and for all. Let us follow the example of the Province of Southern Africa, that our Lenten focus should be on gender-based violence and its elimination.
Yvonne O’Neal, Holy Trinity (Warden of Vestry, Activist & Diocesan Leader)
Church of Light by Tadao Ando: © https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Light
Friday, 19 March (Joseph of Nazareth) - 2 Samuel 7.4–16
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ 8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. 15 But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.
Reflection
What kind of world do you want to build?
King David wanted to build a permanent home for the ark of God, one as splendid as his own new palace. But God reveals to the prophet Nathan that rather than David building a house for God, God will build David a house - a dynasty - that will reign for ever.
In my working life I am fortunate to encounter architects who are great visionaries. We know when we walk in to a glorious building because we can feel it. These spaces are always more than the sum of their parts - more than what is seen.
How often, like David, do we jump to conclusions about the world we want to build, based on what we see from the windows of our own palaces?
How much more glorious the world can be if we allow God to broaden our perspective.
Phillip Dawson, St Stephen’s Church (Ordinand at St Augustine’s College)
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: 5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle. 7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’ 8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel; 9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with a rod such as mortals use, with blows inflicted by human beings. 15 But I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.
Reflection
What kind of world do you want to build?
King David wanted to build a permanent home for the ark of God, one as splendid as his own new palace. But God reveals to the prophet Nathan that rather than David building a house for God, God will build David a house - a dynasty - that will reign for ever.
In my working life I am fortunate to encounter architects who are great visionaries. We know when we walk in to a glorious building because we can feel it. These spaces are always more than the sum of their parts - more than what is seen.
How often, like David, do we jump to conclusions about the world we want to build, based on what we see from the windows of our own palaces?
How much more glorious the world can be if we allow God to broaden our perspective.
Phillip Dawson, St Stephen’s Church (Ordinand at St Augustine’s College)
Thursday, 18 March (Cyril of Jerusalem, 386) - Exodus 32.7–14
7 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” ’ 9The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.’
11 But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, “It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth”? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.” ’ 14And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Reflection
“You shall have no other Gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them”. But the Israelites became impatient. Instead of worshipping the God who brought them out of Egypt, the people turned to a god of their own making, that of a golden calf. We see a human reaction from God – someone who displays wrath and threatens revenge. Moses argues with God reminding him of his own promises, particularly to remember Abraham, Isaac and Israel to whom he promised multiple descendants and the land for them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
God’s response to Moses tells us much about being faithful. He chose not to destroy his people because of his covenant faithfulness. It also shows us how the free will of humans which can cause suffering and grief may also challenge God himself at times and despite his initial reaction displaying anger, God chooses to embrace the relationship with his people and to love them unconditionally.
It demonstrates that regardless of the thanklessness of God’s people, God is willing to forgive and to give them another chance. Let us draw comfort from the times when we fail God and know that his mercy and compassion are always there for us, and let it lead us closer to God.
Fiona Andrews, St Saviour’s, Pimlico and St Barnabas, Pimlico
7 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; 8they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them; they have cast for themselves an image of a calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it, and said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” ’ 9The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. 10Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.’
11 But Moses implored the Lord his God, and said, ‘O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12Why should the Egyptians say, “It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth”? Turn from your fierce wrath; change your mind and do not bring disaster on your people. 13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, how you swore to them by your own self, saying to them, “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it for ever.” ’ 14And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.
Reflection
“You shall have no other Gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them”. But the Israelites became impatient. Instead of worshipping the God who brought them out of Egypt, the people turned to a god of their own making, that of a golden calf. We see a human reaction from God – someone who displays wrath and threatens revenge. Moses argues with God reminding him of his own promises, particularly to remember Abraham, Isaac and Israel to whom he promised multiple descendants and the land for them, a land flowing with milk and honey.
God’s response to Moses tells us much about being faithful. He chose not to destroy his people because of his covenant faithfulness. It also shows us how the free will of humans which can cause suffering and grief may also challenge God himself at times and despite his initial reaction displaying anger, God chooses to embrace the relationship with his people and to love them unconditionally.
It demonstrates that regardless of the thanklessness of God’s people, God is willing to forgive and to give them another chance. Let us draw comfort from the times when we fail God and know that his mercy and compassion are always there for us, and let it lead us closer to God.
Fiona Andrews, St Saviour’s, Pimlico and St Barnabas, Pimlico
Wednesday, 17 March (Patrick of Ireland, c.460) - Deuteronomy 32.1–9
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;
let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
2 May my teaching drop like the rain,
my speech condense like the dew;
like gentle rain on grass,
like showers on new growth.
3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;
ascribe greatness to our God!
4 The Rock, his work is perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God, without deceit,
just and upright is he;
5 yet his degenerate children have dealt falsely with him,
a perverse and crooked generation.
6 Do you thus repay the Lord,
O foolish and senseless people?
Is not he your father, who created you,
who made you and established you?
7 Remember the days of old,
consider the years long past;
ask your father, and he will inform you;
your elders, and they will tell you.
8 When the Most High apportioned the nations,
when he divided humankind,
he fixed the boundaries of the peoples
according to the number of the gods;
9 the Lord’s own portion was his people,
Jacob his allotted share.
Reflection
This passage opens with an eloquent plea for help. Help speaking and teaching in a way that will be welcomed, listened to, inspirational and transformational for those who hear it. Exactly what I pray for every time I teach a yoga class. The above exaltation of God is also deeply familiar from church and from the mat--yoga is prayer done with one’s body. I’d like to say that to me the “degenerate children” mentioned are the students who dare to talk during class…but that’s not the case! We all err, forgetting about God, following our own desires and worse. But we return to the Lord just the way we return to our yoga practice: rejoicing that both are always there for us, that we belong, allowing ourselves to be filled with hope and astonished at the gifts we receive.
Liz Poole, Holy Trinity (Usher Coordinator, HTNC Board member, Yoga Teacher, advertising consultant)
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak;
let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
2 May my teaching drop like the rain,
my speech condense like the dew;
like gentle rain on grass,
like showers on new growth.
3 For I will proclaim the name of the Lord;
ascribe greatness to our God!
4 The Rock, his work is perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God, without deceit,
just and upright is he;
5 yet his degenerate children have dealt falsely with him,
a perverse and crooked generation.
6 Do you thus repay the Lord,
O foolish and senseless people?
Is not he your father, who created you,
who made you and established you?
7 Remember the days of old,
consider the years long past;
ask your father, and he will inform you;
your elders, and they will tell you.
8 When the Most High apportioned the nations,
when he divided humankind,
he fixed the boundaries of the peoples
according to the number of the gods;
9 the Lord’s own portion was his people,
Jacob his allotted share.
Reflection
This passage opens with an eloquent plea for help. Help speaking and teaching in a way that will be welcomed, listened to, inspirational and transformational for those who hear it. Exactly what I pray for every time I teach a yoga class. The above exaltation of God is also deeply familiar from church and from the mat--yoga is prayer done with one’s body. I’d like to say that to me the “degenerate children” mentioned are the students who dare to talk during class…but that’s not the case! We all err, forgetting about God, following our own desires and worse. But we return to the Lord just the way we return to our yoga practice: rejoicing that both are always there for us, that we belong, allowing ourselves to be filled with hope and astonished at the gifts we receive.
Liz Poole, Holy Trinity (Usher Coordinator, HTNC Board member, Yoga Teacher, advertising consultant)
Tuesday, 16 March - Ezekiel 47.1–9, 12
Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple towards the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. 2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me round on the outside to the outer gate that faces towards the east; and the water was coming out on the south side. 3 Going on eastwards with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. 4 Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the waist. 5 Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed. 6 He said to me, ‘Mortal, have you seen this?’ Then he led me back along the bank of the river. 7 As I came back, I saw on the bank of the river a great many trees on one side and on the other. 8 He said to me, ‘This water flows towards the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. 9 Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. 12 On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’
Reflection
As we read it, we interpret the river to be a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Flowing from the temple: something that is easier to walk with, rather than try to cross and walk away from.
At this juncture, it could represent our own Christian faith and the way faith manifests in our lives. We feel supported in our journey, with Christ moving beside us, sometimes even pushing us along and keeping us with his flow. Things have happened in our lives that are too unusual to explain: for instance meeting each other; or finding St Stephen’s on moving to the parish. For many reasons, we find life easier to walk with Christ rather than not.
In the daily decisions we make we try to have a Christian attitude and outlook. As the river of our lives continues, those around us hopefully benefit. Equally, as they bear fruit around us, we can be stimulated and nourished by them, rather than our lives stagnate. As the river flows with us, around us, and between us, hopefully a betterment of life can evolve in us and around everyone we whom we interact.
Rob & Nick Davies, St Stephen’s Church (Congregants & Local Doctors)
Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple towards the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar. 2 Then he brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me round on the outside to the outer gate that faces towards the east; and the water was coming out on the south side. 3 Going on eastwards with a cord in his hand, the man measured one thousand cubits, and then led me through the water; and it was ankle-deep. 4 Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was knee-deep. Again he measured one thousand, and led me through the water; and it was up to the waist. 5 Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross, for the water had risen; it was deep enough to swim in, a river that could not be crossed. 6 He said to me, ‘Mortal, have you seen this?’ Then he led me back along the bank of the river. 7 As I came back, I saw on the bank of the river a great many trees on one side and on the other. 8 He said to me, ‘This water flows towards the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah; and when it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. 9 Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. 12 On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’
Reflection
As we read it, we interpret the river to be a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. Flowing from the temple: something that is easier to walk with, rather than try to cross and walk away from.
At this juncture, it could represent our own Christian faith and the way faith manifests in our lives. We feel supported in our journey, with Christ moving beside us, sometimes even pushing us along and keeping us with his flow. Things have happened in our lives that are too unusual to explain: for instance meeting each other; or finding St Stephen’s on moving to the parish. For many reasons, we find life easier to walk with Christ rather than not.
In the daily decisions we make we try to have a Christian attitude and outlook. As the river of our lives continues, those around us hopefully benefit. Equally, as they bear fruit around us, we can be stimulated and nourished by them, rather than our lives stagnate. As the river flows with us, around us, and between us, hopefully a betterment of life can evolve in us and around everyone we whom we interact.
Rob & Nick Davies, St Stephen’s Church (Congregants & Local Doctors)
Monday, 15 March - Isaiah 65.17–21
17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
Reflection
This reading makes me think of the pandemic, because it is talking about new beginnings and making the world a better place and right now we are stuck in a dismal time but we are all hoping for a better future. We are all feeling that we are a bit stuck in lockdown and it is hard not playing with our friends and going to school the way we usually do. But this reading promises that God is going to hear our worries and help us out when we are feeling down. It is hard to remember a time when we didn’t need to wear our masks and stay at home, but soon we will have a new start. Just like in the reading, we will get to eat the fruit of all of our hard work during lock down, which means we will get back to normal. I (Alfie) am looking forward to playing football with my friends again, and I (Imogen) can’t wait to hug my friends again and see my grandparents as well.
Alfie and Imogen Bates – aged 9 years, St Barnabas Pimlico
17 For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice for ever in what I am creating; for I am about to create Jerusalem as a joy, and its people as a delight.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; no more shall the sound of weeping be heard in it, or the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives but a few days, or an old person who does not live out a lifetime; for one who dies at a hundred years will be considered a youth, and one who falls short of a hundred will be considered accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
Reflection
This reading makes me think of the pandemic, because it is talking about new beginnings and making the world a better place and right now we are stuck in a dismal time but we are all hoping for a better future. We are all feeling that we are a bit stuck in lockdown and it is hard not playing with our friends and going to school the way we usually do. But this reading promises that God is going to hear our worries and help us out when we are feeling down. It is hard to remember a time when we didn’t need to wear our masks and stay at home, but soon we will have a new start. Just like in the reading, we will get to eat the fruit of all of our hard work during lock down, which means we will get back to normal. I (Alfie) am looking forward to playing football with my friends again, and I (Imogen) can’t wait to hug my friends again and see my grandparents as well.
Alfie and Imogen Bates – aged 9 years, St Barnabas Pimlico
Friday, 12 March - Hosea 14
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2 Take words with you
and return to the Lord;
say to him,
‘Take away all guilt;
accept that which is good,
and we will offer
the fruit of our lips.
3 Assyria shall not save us;
we will not ride upon horses;
we will say no more, “Our God”,
to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.’
4 I will heal their disloyalty;
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall blossom like the lily,
he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon.
6 His shoots shall spread out;
his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.
7 They shall again live beneath my shadow,
they shall flourish as a garden;
they shall blossom like the vine,
their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress;
your faithfulness comes from me.
9 Those who are wise understand these things;
those who are discerning know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.
Reflection
The photograph formed part of our art installation - the stones have been painted by Year 5 & 6 children, depicting images of "growth as we emerge from this pandemic" with each child illustrating on a natural river stone, an image of what they are most looking forward to doing once we have our freedom back.
The images are:
Dove - Peace and Freedom
Beach Scene - visiting friends and relatives abroad
Bowling Pins - going out - to indoor venues
Park Scene - Playing with friends - no restrictions on numbers
Heart - Love and care for others
Grandparent - Giving and Receiving a Hug!
These are all linked to the verse from the Old Testament passage we were given: “They shall again live beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom like the vine"
Yvonne Barnett, St Stephen’s Church (Head Teacher at Burdett Coutts Primary School)
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God,
for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
2 Take words with you
and return to the Lord;
say to him,
‘Take away all guilt;
accept that which is good,
and we will offer
the fruit of our lips.
3 Assyria shall not save us;
we will not ride upon horses;
we will say no more, “Our God”,
to the work of our hands.
In you the orphan finds mercy.’
4 I will heal their disloyalty;
I will love them freely,
for my anger has turned from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
he shall blossom like the lily,
he shall strike root like the forests of Lebanon.
6 His shoots shall spread out;
his beauty shall be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like that of Lebanon.
7 They shall again live beneath my shadow,
they shall flourish as a garden;
they shall blossom like the vine,
their fragrance shall be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols?
It is I who answer and look after you.
I am like an evergreen cypress;
your faithfulness comes from me.
9 Those who are wise understand these things;
those who are discerning know them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
and the upright walk in them,
but transgressors stumble in them.
Reflection
The photograph formed part of our art installation - the stones have been painted by Year 5 & 6 children, depicting images of "growth as we emerge from this pandemic" with each child illustrating on a natural river stone, an image of what they are most looking forward to doing once we have our freedom back.
The images are:
Dove - Peace and Freedom
Beach Scene - visiting friends and relatives abroad
Bowling Pins - going out - to indoor venues
Park Scene - Playing with friends - no restrictions on numbers
Heart - Love and care for others
Grandparent - Giving and Receiving a Hug!
These are all linked to the verse from the Old Testament passage we were given: “They shall again live beneath my shadow, they shall flourish as a garden; they shall blossom like the vine"
Yvonne Barnett, St Stephen’s Church (Head Teacher at Burdett Coutts Primary School)
Thursday, 11 March - Jeremiah 7.23–28
23 But this command I gave them, ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.’ 24 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but, in the stubbornness of their evil will, they walked in their own counsels, and looked backwards rather than forwards. 25 From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; 26 yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did. 27 So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28 You shall say to them: This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.
Reflection
This is a reading that really speaks to me as a teenager. I feel it is a call to make sure your voice is heard – to speak your truth loudly so that you cannot be denied. I liked how Jeremiah talked about being persistent and how people need to keep trying to be heard. It is hard to keep speaking up when people aren’t listening and it can be easy to feel cast aside and not listened to, which is hurtful. As a teenager, I know the feeling of having to shout to feel heard. I think it is important for everyone to make sure that they share their ideas and that they also take the time to listen to other people’s ideas. The world is built of new thoughts – we need to be open to them. Our minds are like parachutes – they work best when they are open.
Nell Bates – aged 13, St Barnabas Pimlico
23 But this command I gave them, ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with you.’ 24 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but, in the stubbornness of their evil will, they walked in their own counsels, and looked backwards rather than forwards. 25 From the day that your ancestors came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have persistently sent all my servants the prophets to them, day after day; 26 yet they did not listen to me, or pay attention, but they stiffened their necks. They did worse than their ancestors did. 27 So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. 28 You shall say to them: This is the nation that did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, and did not accept discipline; truth has perished; it is cut off from their lips.
Reflection
This is a reading that really speaks to me as a teenager. I feel it is a call to make sure your voice is heard – to speak your truth loudly so that you cannot be denied. I liked how Jeremiah talked about being persistent and how people need to keep trying to be heard. It is hard to keep speaking up when people aren’t listening and it can be easy to feel cast aside and not listened to, which is hurtful. As a teenager, I know the feeling of having to shout to feel heard. I think it is important for everyone to make sure that they share their ideas and that they also take the time to listen to other people’s ideas. The world is built of new thoughts – we need to be open to them. Our minds are like parachutes – they work best when they are open.
Nell Bates – aged 13, St Barnabas Pimlico
Wednesday, 10 March - Deuteronomy 4.1, 5–9
So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.
5 See, just as the Lord my God has charged me, I now teach you statutes and ordinances for you to observe in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. 6You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!’ 7For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? 8And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today? 9 But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.
Reflection
Moses called the people to hear and obey the rules of conduct that God had given them to observe. Successful conquest and full enjoyment of life in the Land was based on submission to God’s law. Moses keeps reminding them that their eternal life and their well-being on this earth is dependent upon total obedience to the LORD. The statutes and the judgements are for all of the people. Moses will teach them before they enter the Promised Land, because he will not go into the Promised Land with them. They must go in and possess the land of promise. They must obey God.
The one thing that set Israel aside, was the fact that God had entrusted them with His law.
Israel’s obedience to God’s law would provide a testimony to the world that God was near to His people and that His laws were righteous. One purpose of the law was to make Israel morally and spiritually unique among all the nations and, therefore draw those nations to the true and living God. They were from their beginnings to be a witness nation. The law and statutes God had given Israel was not just to please God, but to cause Israel to live uprightly.
Deuteronomy stresses the responsibility of parents to pass on their experiences with God and the knowledge they have gained from Him to their children. This law is not just for this generation, but for all the generations to come. They must walk in the knowledge God had entrusted them with. They were to keep themselves holy before the LORD. We are all warned to gird up our mind. Sin begins in the heart and mind of men. Sin is the transgression of the law. Sin brings death. They must live by the law that God gave them. We Christians, must walk in our salvation that we have received. It is important to stay in the Christian walk, after you receive your salvation.
The Book of Deuteronomy restates God’s love for Israel, the history of His provision for them, the benefits or blessings of walking in covenant with God, and the consequences for disobeying the stipulations of the covenant. Christians today live in a New Covenant relationship with God, based on the blood of Christ, a covenant written on the heart rather than on tables of stone.
Lydia Colón, Holy Trinity (Member of Vestry and HTNC Board)
So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.
5 See, just as the Lord my God has charged me, I now teach you statutes and ordinances for you to observe in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. 6You must observe them diligently, for this will show your wisdom and discernment to the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and discerning people!’ 7For what other great nation has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is whenever we call to him? 8And what other great nation has statutes and ordinances as just as this entire law that I am setting before you today? 9 But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.
Reflection
Moses called the people to hear and obey the rules of conduct that God had given them to observe. Successful conquest and full enjoyment of life in the Land was based on submission to God’s law. Moses keeps reminding them that their eternal life and their well-being on this earth is dependent upon total obedience to the LORD. The statutes and the judgements are for all of the people. Moses will teach them before they enter the Promised Land, because he will not go into the Promised Land with them. They must go in and possess the land of promise. They must obey God.
The one thing that set Israel aside, was the fact that God had entrusted them with His law.
Israel’s obedience to God’s law would provide a testimony to the world that God was near to His people and that His laws were righteous. One purpose of the law was to make Israel morally and spiritually unique among all the nations and, therefore draw those nations to the true and living God. They were from their beginnings to be a witness nation. The law and statutes God had given Israel was not just to please God, but to cause Israel to live uprightly.
Deuteronomy stresses the responsibility of parents to pass on their experiences with God and the knowledge they have gained from Him to their children. This law is not just for this generation, but for all the generations to come. They must walk in the knowledge God had entrusted them with. They were to keep themselves holy before the LORD. We are all warned to gird up our mind. Sin begins in the heart and mind of men. Sin is the transgression of the law. Sin brings death. They must live by the law that God gave them. We Christians, must walk in our salvation that we have received. It is important to stay in the Christian walk, after you receive your salvation.
The Book of Deuteronomy restates God’s love for Israel, the history of His provision for them, the benefits or blessings of walking in covenant with God, and the consequences for disobeying the stipulations of the covenant. Christians today live in a New Covenant relationship with God, based on the blood of Christ, a covenant written on the heart rather than on tables of stone.
Lydia Colón, Holy Trinity (Member of Vestry and HTNC Board)
Tuesday, 9 March - Song of the Three 2, 11–20
2 Then Azariah stood still in the fire and prayed aloud:
11 For your name’s sake do not give us up for ever, and do not annul your covenant.
12 Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one,
13 to whom you promised to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the shore of the sea.
14 For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any other nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
15 In our day we have no ruler, or prophet, or leader, no burnt-offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy.
16 Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted,
17 as though it were with burnt-offerings of rams and bulls, or with tens of thousands of fat lambs; such may our sacrifice be in your sight today, and may we unreservedly follow you, for no shame will come to those who trust in you.
18 And now with all our heart we follow you; we fear you and seek your presence.
19 Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy.
20 Deliver us in accordance with your marvellous works, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.
Reflection
As for all for whom making live music is the raison d’etre, last year was on the face of it disastrous for the Civil Service Choir. We cancelled our Holy Week concert with only three weeks’ notice and our main summer and autumn concerts followed soon after. In all we would have had over 20 performances large and small in 2020. All gone.
However, out of these despairing times I have sustained a hope that we shall come out the other side and that it is worth persevering. Instead of seeing the year as a disaster, in some respects it was remarkably successful. We have produced four virtual recordings so far and within guidelines a few of us met for real and sang in St Stephen’s for All Souls and for our own carol service. The carol service was viewed by 770 people and overall our virtual outputs have been viewed over 16,000 times. Operating virtually is not sustainable and the choir and I are desperate to return to real activities as soon as these are practicable and safe but undoubtedly there will be longer term benefits from having to adapt, not least in widening participation and our audiences through technology.
Pleni sunt caeli from Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass sung by members of the Virtual Civil Service Choir: https://youtu.be/vRa_xs45dZM with brief footage from the choir’s live performance in 2019.
Stephen Hall, St Stephen’s Church (Music Director of the Civil Service Choir)
2 Then Azariah stood still in the fire and prayed aloud:
11 For your name’s sake do not give us up for ever, and do not annul your covenant.
12 Do not withdraw your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham your beloved and for the sake of your servant Isaac and Israel your holy one,
13 to whom you promised to multiply their descendants like the stars of heaven and like the sand on the shore of the sea.
14 For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any other nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins.
15 In our day we have no ruler, or prophet, or leader, no burnt-offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before you and to find mercy.
16 Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted,
17 as though it were with burnt-offerings of rams and bulls, or with tens of thousands of fat lambs; such may our sacrifice be in your sight today, and may we unreservedly follow you, for no shame will come to those who trust in you.
18 And now with all our heart we follow you; we fear you and seek your presence.
19 Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in your patience and in your abundant mercy.
20 Deliver us in accordance with your marvellous works, and bring glory to your name, O Lord.
Reflection
As for all for whom making live music is the raison d’etre, last year was on the face of it disastrous for the Civil Service Choir. We cancelled our Holy Week concert with only three weeks’ notice and our main summer and autumn concerts followed soon after. In all we would have had over 20 performances large and small in 2020. All gone.
However, out of these despairing times I have sustained a hope that we shall come out the other side and that it is worth persevering. Instead of seeing the year as a disaster, in some respects it was remarkably successful. We have produced four virtual recordings so far and within guidelines a few of us met for real and sang in St Stephen’s for All Souls and for our own carol service. The carol service was viewed by 770 people and overall our virtual outputs have been viewed over 16,000 times. Operating virtually is not sustainable and the choir and I are desperate to return to real activities as soon as these are practicable and safe but undoubtedly there will be longer term benefits from having to adapt, not least in widening participation and our audiences through technology.
Pleni sunt caeli from Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass sung by members of the Virtual Civil Service Choir: https://youtu.be/vRa_xs45dZM with brief footage from the choir’s live performance in 2019.
Stephen Hall, St Stephen’s Church (Music Director of the Civil Service Choir)
Monday, 8 March (Edward King, 1910; Felix, 647; Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, 1929) - Ezekiel 34.11–16
11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
Reflection
During the Babylonian Exile, the Prophet Ezekiel speaks of God searching for his scattered sheep, the strays, the lost, the injured, to bring them back to their homeland which will once again flow with abundance.
Ezekiel’s words lull us into a blissful tranquility of joy and happiness. Yet, the tone changes when we read that God will feed the fat and the strong [think wicked] “with justice.” God’s love demands righteousness and justice from his creatures. As I read this, I thought “Yikes, which group will I be in, the good or the fat?” (I am a bit overweight!)
Unsure, I read further, finding my answer in Ezekiel 33:10-20. Here God “takes no pleasure in in the death of the wicked, but that…[they] turn from their wickedness and live.” Turning from “sin and [doing] what is lawful and right…none of the sins…shall be remembered against them.” Our God is both just and merciful.
Lent in the time of pandemic, as we remain at home with our lives slowed, gives us extra space for the self-examination and reflection to which we are called during this Holy Season. Time to assess our deeds, good and bad, and to turn to our Creator with repentance and joy, knowing that he is indeed a good shepherd, “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…forgiving iniquity.” (Exodus 34:6) So after many months when true gratitude has often been hard to muster, let us relish this extra time and this solitude. Let us be grateful!
Helen Goodkin, Holy Trinity (Member & Bible Teacher)
11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 14 I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.
Reflection
During the Babylonian Exile, the Prophet Ezekiel speaks of God searching for his scattered sheep, the strays, the lost, the injured, to bring them back to their homeland which will once again flow with abundance.
Ezekiel’s words lull us into a blissful tranquility of joy and happiness. Yet, the tone changes when we read that God will feed the fat and the strong [think wicked] “with justice.” God’s love demands righteousness and justice from his creatures. As I read this, I thought “Yikes, which group will I be in, the good or the fat?” (I am a bit overweight!)
Unsure, I read further, finding my answer in Ezekiel 33:10-20. Here God “takes no pleasure in in the death of the wicked, but that…[they] turn from their wickedness and live.” Turning from “sin and [doing] what is lawful and right…none of the sins…shall be remembered against them.” Our God is both just and merciful.
Lent in the time of pandemic, as we remain at home with our lives slowed, gives us extra space for the self-examination and reflection to which we are called during this Holy Season. Time to assess our deeds, good and bad, and to turn to our Creator with repentance and joy, knowing that he is indeed a good shepherd, “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…forgiving iniquity.” (Exodus 34:6) So after many months when true gratitude has often been hard to muster, let us relish this extra time and this solitude. Let us be grateful!
Helen Goodkin, Holy Trinity (Member & Bible Teacher)
Friday, 5 March 2021 - Genesis 37.3–4, 12–13, 17–28
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.
12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, ‘Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.’ 17 The man said, ‘They have gone away, for I heard them say, “Let us go to Dothan.” ’ So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18 They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19 They said to one another, ‘Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.’ 21 But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, ‘Let us not take his life.’ 22 Reuben said to them, ‘Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him’—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24 and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25 Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’ And his brothers agreed. 28 When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
Reflection
Joseph’s brothers resented him for being loved by his father, Jacob. Whether it was the gift of a robe, or something else that finally put the brothers over the edge, everything came to a head at a place named for its two wells, where Joseph found his brothers tending sheep. In what proceeded, I’m struck by the utter contempt that Joseph’s brothers seemed to have for him, even as they talked themselves out of killing him in favor of selling him for a profit. When Reuben spoke up in dissent against the injustice he was witnessing, no one else had the courage to say, “Hey, this is wrong, and it needs to stop.” I wonder how that might connect to what happens (or doesn’t happen) today when we notice someone else speaking out against injustice. May we listen for the Reubens around us and add our voices to theirs.
Paul Chernick, Holy Trinity (Secretary of Vestry)
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. 4 But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him.
12 Now his brothers went to pasture their father’s flock near Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, ‘Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.’ He answered, ‘Here I am.’ 17 The man said, ‘They have gone away, for I heard them say, “Let us go to Dothan.” ’ So Joseph went after his brothers, and found them at Dothan. 18 They saw him from a distance, and before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him. 19 They said to one another, ‘Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us kill him and throw him into one of the pits; then we shall say that a wild animal has devoured him, and we shall see what will become of his dreams.’ 21 But when Reuben heard it, he delivered him out of their hands, saying, ‘Let us not take his life.’ 22 Reuben said to them, ‘Shed no blood; throw him into this pit here in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him’—that he might rescue him out of their hand and restore him to his father. 23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the long robe with sleeves that he wore; 24 and they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25 Then they sat down to eat; and looking up they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, with their camels carrying gum, balm, and resin, on their way to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Then Judah said to his brothers, ‘What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not lay our hands on him, for he is our brother, our own flesh.’ And his brothers agreed. 28 When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.
Reflection
Joseph’s brothers resented him for being loved by his father, Jacob. Whether it was the gift of a robe, or something else that finally put the brothers over the edge, everything came to a head at a place named for its two wells, where Joseph found his brothers tending sheep. In what proceeded, I’m struck by the utter contempt that Joseph’s brothers seemed to have for him, even as they talked themselves out of killing him in favor of selling him for a profit. When Reuben spoke up in dissent against the injustice he was witnessing, no one else had the courage to say, “Hey, this is wrong, and it needs to stop.” I wonder how that might connect to what happens (or doesn’t happen) today when we notice someone else speaking out against injustice. May we listen for the Reubens around us and add our voices to theirs.
Paul Chernick, Holy Trinity (Secretary of Vestry)
Thursday, 4 March - Jeremiah 17.5–10
5 Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
6 They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.
7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
9 The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it?
10 I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.
Reflection
What is the passion that ignites your heart, or you treasure the most, your loved one, job promotion, or renovating a beautiful home that provides comfort, status and security? What if that you held most dear was taken away? Working in the mental health field, I have seen a lot of breakdowns. For the homeless nation of Israel, God tested their faith in their attachment to the land. Abraham trusted God in leaving his homeland, but disobedience added 40 years travelling time to the Promised Land and repeated exile into foreign lands. We need to embrace the love of God in Christ Jesus, as the treasure beyond which nothing can compare and to put our trust in Him. Trust involves risk, uncertainty and the way of the cross is not an easy path, but we have the blessed assurance of God’s abiding presence throughout all adversity. Picture yourself as a Poplar Tree with branches raised to heaven, giving praise and glory to God in all seasons. Poplar trees are known for their strong roots anchoring your heart, soul and being firmly in Christ, as you draw from the stream of Living Waters of the Holy Spirit that flows into the River of Life.
Christina Loughran, St Barnabas Pimlico
5 Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
6 They shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when relief comes. They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
in an uninhabited salt land.
7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.
9 The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse—who can understand it?
10 I the Lord test the mind and search the heart, to give to all according to their ways, according to the fruit of their doings.
Reflection
What is the passion that ignites your heart, or you treasure the most, your loved one, job promotion, or renovating a beautiful home that provides comfort, status and security? What if that you held most dear was taken away? Working in the mental health field, I have seen a lot of breakdowns. For the homeless nation of Israel, God tested their faith in their attachment to the land. Abraham trusted God in leaving his homeland, but disobedience added 40 years travelling time to the Promised Land and repeated exile into foreign lands. We need to embrace the love of God in Christ Jesus, as the treasure beyond which nothing can compare and to put our trust in Him. Trust involves risk, uncertainty and the way of the cross is not an easy path, but we have the blessed assurance of God’s abiding presence throughout all adversity. Picture yourself as a Poplar Tree with branches raised to heaven, giving praise and glory to God in all seasons. Poplar trees are known for their strong roots anchoring your heart, soul and being firmly in Christ, as you draw from the stream of Living Waters of the Holy Spirit that flows into the River of Life.
Christina Loughran, St Barnabas Pimlico
Tuesday, 2 March (Chad, 672) - Ecclesiasticus 3.17–24
17 My child, perform your tasks with humility;
then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
18 The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;
so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.
20 For great is the might of the Lord;
but by the humble he is glorified.
21 Neither seek what is too difficult for you,
nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22 Reflect upon what you have been commanded,
for what is hidden is not your concern.
23 Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you,
for more than you can understand has been shown to you.
24 For their conceit has led many astray,
and wrong opinion has impaired their judgement.
Reflection
The Collect - Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary
Almighty God,
from the first fruits of the English nation who turned to Christ,
you called your servant Chad
to be an evangelist and bishop of his own people:
give us grace so to follow his peaceable nature,
humble spirit and prayerful life,
that we may truly commend to others
the faith which we ourselves profess;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Extracts from A Seventeenth-century Nun's Prayer
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point...
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken...
Deborah Cassidi asked people from all walks of life to choose a favourite prayer or write one for her compilation 'Favourite Prayers' (1998). I thought, when I read her prayer, how much I would have enjoyed meeting this nun. She came to mind as I reflected on St Chad's life and on the verses written by Ben Sira. With thanks to Richard & Elaine for the book, and for their endless kindness and encouragement.
Julia Redfern, member of the St Barnabas Bible Study group
17 My child, perform your tasks with humility;
then you will be loved by those whom God accepts.
18 The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself;
so you will find favour in the sight of the Lord.
20 For great is the might of the Lord;
but by the humble he is glorified.
21 Neither seek what is too difficult for you,
nor investigate what is beyond your power.
22 Reflect upon what you have been commanded,
for what is hidden is not your concern.
23 Do not meddle in matters that are beyond you,
for more than you can understand has been shown to you.
24 For their conceit has led many astray,
and wrong opinion has impaired their judgement.
Reflection
The Collect - Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, Missionary
Almighty God,
from the first fruits of the English nation who turned to Christ,
you called your servant Chad
to be an evangelist and bishop of his own people:
give us grace so to follow his peaceable nature,
humble spirit and prayerful life,
that we may truly commend to others
the faith which we ourselves profess;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Extracts from A Seventeenth-century Nun's Prayer
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from the craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.
Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point...
I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken...
Deborah Cassidi asked people from all walks of life to choose a favourite prayer or write one for her compilation 'Favourite Prayers' (1998). I thought, when I read her prayer, how much I would have enjoyed meeting this nun. She came to mind as I reflected on St Chad's life and on the verses written by Ben Sira. With thanks to Richard & Elaine for the book, and for their endless kindness and encouragement.
Julia Redfern, member of the St Barnabas Bible Study group
Monday, 1 March (David of Wales, c.601) - Ecclesiasticus 15.1–6
Whoever fears the Lord will do this,
and whoever holds to the law will obtain wisdom.
2 She will come to meet him like a mother,
and like a young bride she will welcome him.
3 She will feed him with the bread of learning,
and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4 He will lean on her and not fall,
and he will rely on her and not be put to shame.
5 She will exalt him above his neighbours,
and will open his mouth in the midst of the assembly.
6 He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing,
and will inherit an everlasting name.
Reflection
The restrictions and difficulties that the world continues to endure in these times of the pandemic have inevitably produced a global re-assessment of life’s fundamental values and needs. On 1st March we commemorate St David, underneath whom the ground was miraculously raised whilst he preached to a gathered crowd, 1500 years ago. This is a dramatic image for a man who led a famously ascetic and basic life and whose spiritual legacy can be summed up with his simple instructions “be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things”. David, it seems, would have coped better than most in a lockdown, focusing as he did on the straightforward and unfussy sides of life. In the 12th century he was canonised and recognised as the patron saint of his country of birth, Wales. Today’s lesson, from Ecclesiasticus, resonates enormously with David’s life and legacy: a (literally) exalted orator, but a humble man whose words were filled with wisdom and learning. We have lots to learn from him all these years later – especially at the moment - and, if you are not familiar with his story, it is well worth looking up.
My short poem, written for today, reflects certain associations with Wales (a certain well-known hymn, for instance…) but aims to remind us of David’s life and his legacy within this context.
Be here dragons breathing fire, stalking this ancient land
Where the anthracite that powered the globe was hewn by Celtic hand
Where once in a bay with tiger’s blood the waters raged and rushed
Before the mines and steelworks calmed and the hills and valleys were hushed?
This country blessed with native saint, who rouses, uplifts and inspires
And animates its famous bards and moves its manifold choirs
A humble figure, exalted for neighbours, gathered for his oration
On a hilltop summoned by God above supplying elevation
David, Dewi, Dyfed-born, from tempest wild and turmoil
Whose words and works and way of life suffused his people’s soil
Miracle-worker, preacher of wisdom with simple observance of love
Symbolised and immortalised by the Holy Spirit’s dove
With bread of heaven and bread of learning, nourish and restore
As your people pray with hope and yearning, to feed them evermore
Your life your nation takes to its heart, inspired and touched it sings
To strive for joy, to keep the faith and do the little things
Dr Kevin Walsh, St Stephen’s Church (Teacher at Westminster School)
Whoever fears the Lord will do this,
and whoever holds to the law will obtain wisdom.
2 She will come to meet him like a mother,
and like a young bride she will welcome him.
3 She will feed him with the bread of learning,
and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4 He will lean on her and not fall,
and he will rely on her and not be put to shame.
5 She will exalt him above his neighbours,
and will open his mouth in the midst of the assembly.
6 He will find gladness and a crown of rejoicing,
and will inherit an everlasting name.
Reflection
The restrictions and difficulties that the world continues to endure in these times of the pandemic have inevitably produced a global re-assessment of life’s fundamental values and needs. On 1st March we commemorate St David, underneath whom the ground was miraculously raised whilst he preached to a gathered crowd, 1500 years ago. This is a dramatic image for a man who led a famously ascetic and basic life and whose spiritual legacy can be summed up with his simple instructions “be joyful, keep the faith and do the little things”. David, it seems, would have coped better than most in a lockdown, focusing as he did on the straightforward and unfussy sides of life. In the 12th century he was canonised and recognised as the patron saint of his country of birth, Wales. Today’s lesson, from Ecclesiasticus, resonates enormously with David’s life and legacy: a (literally) exalted orator, but a humble man whose words were filled with wisdom and learning. We have lots to learn from him all these years later – especially at the moment - and, if you are not familiar with his story, it is well worth looking up.
My short poem, written for today, reflects certain associations with Wales (a certain well-known hymn, for instance…) but aims to remind us of David’s life and his legacy within this context.
Be here dragons breathing fire, stalking this ancient land
Where the anthracite that powered the globe was hewn by Celtic hand
Where once in a bay with tiger’s blood the waters raged and rushed
Before the mines and steelworks calmed and the hills and valleys were hushed?
This country blessed with native saint, who rouses, uplifts and inspires
And animates its famous bards and moves its manifold choirs
A humble figure, exalted for neighbours, gathered for his oration
On a hilltop summoned by God above supplying elevation
David, Dewi, Dyfed-born, from tempest wild and turmoil
Whose words and works and way of life suffused his people’s soil
Miracle-worker, preacher of wisdom with simple observance of love
Symbolised and immortalised by the Holy Spirit’s dove
With bread of heaven and bread of learning, nourish and restore
As your people pray with hope and yearning, to feed them evermore
Your life your nation takes to its heart, inspired and touched it sings
To strive for joy, to keep the faith and do the little things
Dr Kevin Walsh, St Stephen’s Church (Teacher at Westminster School)
Friday, 26 February - Ezekiel 18.21–28
21 But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. 22None of the transgressions that they have committed shall be remembered against them; for the righteousness that they have done they shall live. 23Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? 24But when the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity and do the same abominable things that the wicked do, shall they live? None of the righteous deeds that they have done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which they are guilty and the sin they have committed, they shall die. 25 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is unfair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? 26When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. 27Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. 28Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.
Reflection
Oh, Sentinel Ezekiel, who ate the honeyed scroll,
We read of your days of siege and suffering.
We read of our shame, our disgrace,
How you grasped the burning coals from the wheelwork
so stone hearts might turn to flesh.
We read how you dug through our walls in warning,
how wickedness had warped our way to the Lord!
We give thanks to you, Prophet Ezekiel, for sharing your visions.
We give thanks to God for offering us,
the remnant of the House of Israel,
another undeserved chance through your book.
Yes, God is merciful. God is eternally faithful to our covenant,
even when we were not.
Brother Ezekiel, you are saying that we are individuals
in the eyes of God; you are saying that the sins of our parents,
our tribes, our nations are not our burden forever
and we may lay them down. Thanks be to God for this.
We may still be granted life eternal if we can obey.
Even the worst of sinners who repent are rewarded like all the other saints.
Dear Ezekiel, you told us that we musn't judge the fairness of God's compassion.
This we can do. This I can do on my own.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor your ways, my ways, says the Lord.”
(Isaiah 55:8)
Later new lessons will expand on your essential truth.
Prodigal sons, hired workers—in another time, another place! Amen.
Ashley Malmfeldt Shepherd, Holy Trinity (Artist & Volunteer)
21 But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. 22None of the transgressions that they have committed shall be remembered against them; for the righteousness that they have done they shall live. 23Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? 24But when the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity and do the same abominable things that the wicked do, shall they live? None of the righteous deeds that they have done shall be remembered; for the treachery of which they are guilty and the sin they have committed, they shall die. 25 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is unfair.’ Hear now, O house of Israel: Is my way unfair? Is it not your ways that are unfair? 26When the righteous turn away from their righteousness and commit iniquity, they shall die for it; for the iniquity that they have committed they shall die. 27Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. 28Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die.
Reflection
Oh, Sentinel Ezekiel, who ate the honeyed scroll,
We read of your days of siege and suffering.
We read of our shame, our disgrace,
How you grasped the burning coals from the wheelwork
so stone hearts might turn to flesh.
We read how you dug through our walls in warning,
how wickedness had warped our way to the Lord!
We give thanks to you, Prophet Ezekiel, for sharing your visions.
We give thanks to God for offering us,
the remnant of the House of Israel,
another undeserved chance through your book.
Yes, God is merciful. God is eternally faithful to our covenant,
even when we were not.
Brother Ezekiel, you are saying that we are individuals
in the eyes of God; you are saying that the sins of our parents,
our tribes, our nations are not our burden forever
and we may lay them down. Thanks be to God for this.
We may still be granted life eternal if we can obey.
Even the worst of sinners who repent are rewarded like all the other saints.
Dear Ezekiel, you told us that we musn't judge the fairness of God's compassion.
This we can do. This I can do on my own.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor your ways, my ways, says the Lord.”
(Isaiah 55:8)
Later new lessons will expand on your essential truth.
Prodigal sons, hired workers—in another time, another place! Amen.
Ashley Malmfeldt Shepherd, Holy Trinity (Artist & Volunteer)
Thursday, 25 February - Esther 14.1–5, 12–14
Then Queen Esther, seized with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord. 2 She took off her splendid apparel and put on the garments of distress and mourning, and instead of costly perfumes she covered her head with ashes and dung, and she utterly humbled her body; every part that she loved to adorn she covered with her tangled hair. 3 She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: ‘O my Lord, you only are our king; help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, 4 for my danger is in my hand. 5 Ever since I was born I have heard in the tribe of my family that you, O Lord, took Israel out of all the nations, and our ancestors from among all their forebears, for an everlasting inheritance, and that you did for them all that you promised. 12 Remember, O Lord; make yourself known in this time of our affliction, and give me courage, O King of the gods and Master of all dominion! 13 Put eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion, and turn his heart to hate the man who is fighting against us, so that there may be an end of him and those who agree with him. 14 But save us by your hand, and help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, O Lord.
Reflection
There are two versions of the book of Esther, with and without Greek additions which were discovered later. This passage is from one of the additions. The better-known (pre-addition) original version is famous as the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. Esther, a Jewish orphan (whose religion is not openly known) is chosen from a large harem to be Queen, and goes on to risk her life in petitioning the King to prevent a slaughter of the Jewish people in Persia. Her strategy was successful and she saved her people.
One young woman
Little known
Much mystery
Chosen
A product or a victim of her time?
Astute with a wisdom and
courage beyond her years
And eloquence to match
She has learned
When to speak
When not to speak
And how to speak
For maximum effect.
A brain as sharp
As her body is beautiful
A woman without authority
Who yet understands
Her power
Her position
Her potential.
A woman who embraces destiny
With faith in what is right
And so she uses
Not just her gifts
But her circumstances
To save her people.
So she intercedes
Not knowing if she will succeed
Willing, if it must be
To lay down her life for others.
A woman
Little known
Yet familiar
Chosen
Resonant with one
We know
All
Too
Well.
We should know her better
For she may not speak of God,
But like that other,
She shows us God
With her life.
As we know History
So we should know
Her story:
Esther
Christa.
Rev Lindsay Meader, St Stephen’s Church (Chaplain to the Theatre Chaplaincy UK)
Then Queen Esther, seized with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord. 2 She took off her splendid apparel and put on the garments of distress and mourning, and instead of costly perfumes she covered her head with ashes and dung, and she utterly humbled her body; every part that she loved to adorn she covered with her tangled hair. 3 She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: ‘O my Lord, you only are our king; help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, 4 for my danger is in my hand. 5 Ever since I was born I have heard in the tribe of my family that you, O Lord, took Israel out of all the nations, and our ancestors from among all their forebears, for an everlasting inheritance, and that you did for them all that you promised. 12 Remember, O Lord; make yourself known in this time of our affliction, and give me courage, O King of the gods and Master of all dominion! 13 Put eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion, and turn his heart to hate the man who is fighting against us, so that there may be an end of him and those who agree with him. 14 But save us by your hand, and help me, who am alone and have no helper but you, O Lord.
Reflection
There are two versions of the book of Esther, with and without Greek additions which were discovered later. This passage is from one of the additions. The better-known (pre-addition) original version is famous as the only book in the Bible that does not mention God. Esther, a Jewish orphan (whose religion is not openly known) is chosen from a large harem to be Queen, and goes on to risk her life in petitioning the King to prevent a slaughter of the Jewish people in Persia. Her strategy was successful and she saved her people.
One young woman
Little known
Much mystery
Chosen
A product or a victim of her time?
Astute with a wisdom and
courage beyond her years
And eloquence to match
She has learned
When to speak
When not to speak
And how to speak
For maximum effect.
A brain as sharp
As her body is beautiful
A woman without authority
Who yet understands
Her power
Her position
Her potential.
A woman who embraces destiny
With faith in what is right
And so she uses
Not just her gifts
But her circumstances
To save her people.
So she intercedes
Not knowing if she will succeed
Willing, if it must be
To lay down her life for others.
A woman
Little known
Yet familiar
Chosen
Resonant with one
We know
All
Too
Well.
We should know her better
For she may not speak of God,
But like that other,
She shows us God
With her life.
As we know History
So we should know
Her story:
Esther
Christa.
Rev Lindsay Meader, St Stephen’s Church (Chaplain to the Theatre Chaplaincy UK)
Wednesday, 24 February - Jonah 3
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2‘Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.’ 3 So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. 8 Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.’ 10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Reflection
Doom. Eat, drink & be merry? Run for the hills, every man for himself? Shoot or shame the messenger? Find a scapegoat! A loophole! A bribe! OR (Who knows!) maybe don’t quit before the miracle. Maybe as in Ninevah and 12-Step fellow-ships: Band together, in healthy guilt, busboy to king. Admit & amend our faults; clean up our acts & egos; lead from our hearts.
Like Jonah, (Ch 4), I don’t like changes; would rather be dead than embarrassed or wrong (a thinker can avoid error OR seek truth, per Wm. James). I’ve been given gifts, then looked for rewards. Toxic fear, shame and pride shrink God and turn me, clueless, to stone. Better to stay open. Work. Trust (don’t play) God. Not take myself so seriously. Listen to Johnny Mercer! Watch --stem to stern -- Inauguration 2021. Laugh at The Russians Are Coming! .. (1966). God’s infinite mercy moves, unstrained. Divine.
Virginia Lambert, Holy Trinity (Member & Community Volunteer)
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2‘Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.’ 3 So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’ 5 And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. 6 When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. 8 Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.’ 10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Reflection
Doom. Eat, drink & be merry? Run for the hills, every man for himself? Shoot or shame the messenger? Find a scapegoat! A loophole! A bribe! OR (Who knows!) maybe don’t quit before the miracle. Maybe as in Ninevah and 12-Step fellow-ships: Band together, in healthy guilt, busboy to king. Admit & amend our faults; clean up our acts & egos; lead from our hearts.
Like Jonah, (Ch 4), I don’t like changes; would rather be dead than embarrassed or wrong (a thinker can avoid error OR seek truth, per Wm. James). I’ve been given gifts, then looked for rewards. Toxic fear, shame and pride shrink God and turn me, clueless, to stone. Better to stay open. Work. Trust (don’t play) God. Not take myself so seriously. Listen to Johnny Mercer! Watch --stem to stern -- Inauguration 2021. Laugh at The Russians Are Coming! .. (1966). God’s infinite mercy moves, unstrained. Divine.
Virginia Lambert, Holy Trinity (Member & Community Volunteer)
Photo© JPH Poly(Carpic) Form I, 1989
Tuesday, 23 February (Polycarp of Smyrna, c.155) - Wisdom 5.15–20
15 But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them.
16 Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them.
17 The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armour, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies;
18 he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet;
19 he will take holiness as an invincible shield,
20 and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against his frenzied foes.
Reflection
The definition of the word ‘polycarp’ is ‘fruitful’ or ‘rich in fruit’. This leap of thought took me back over 30 years to a period in my life where I was at art college and producing vast numbers of textile and organic sculptures – a series of which were called, ‘polycarp forms’ – growths emerging from the ground.
We are formed in the womb, grow, develop and are fruitful or fruit filled in myriad ways. Maybe we are shielded or shielding. We all wear armour of some kind or other. Every living thing has an outer layer, a protective covering, something that preserves the flesh hidden beneath. At times we will feel, or have felt, invincible. At other times we may have retreated, and sought additional protection or even hidden from the world. Hiding our true selves from others or even from ourselves, but never from God. For God always takes care, if we but allow him to enter beneath our outer shells.
John Pearson-Hicks, parish priest – St Barnabas Pimlico
15 But the righteous live for ever, and their reward is with the Lord; the Most High takes care of them.
16 Therefore they will receive a glorious crown and a beautiful diadem from the hand of the Lord, because with his right hand he will cover them, and with his arm he will shield them.
17 The Lord will take his zeal as his whole armour, and will arm all creation to repel his enemies;
18 he will put on righteousness as a breastplate, and wear impartial justice as a helmet;
19 he will take holiness as an invincible shield,
20 and sharpen stern wrath for a sword, and creation will join with him to fight against his frenzied foes.
Reflection
The definition of the word ‘polycarp’ is ‘fruitful’ or ‘rich in fruit’. This leap of thought took me back over 30 years to a period in my life where I was at art college and producing vast numbers of textile and organic sculptures – a series of which were called, ‘polycarp forms’ – growths emerging from the ground.
We are formed in the womb, grow, develop and are fruitful or fruit filled in myriad ways. Maybe we are shielded or shielding. We all wear armour of some kind or other. Every living thing has an outer layer, a protective covering, something that preserves the flesh hidden beneath. At times we will feel, or have felt, invincible. At other times we may have retreated, and sought additional protection or even hidden from the world. Hiding our true selves from others or even from ourselves, but never from God. For God always takes care, if we but allow him to enter beneath our outer shells.
John Pearson-Hicks, parish priest – St Barnabas Pimlico
Monday, 22 February - Leviticus 19.1–2, 11–18
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; and you shall not lie to one another. And you shall not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God: I am the Lord. You shall not defraud your neighbour; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a labourer until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling-block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
You shall not render an unjust judgement; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbour. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbour: I am the Lord. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbour, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.
Reflection
The law in scripture which is also found in Exodus 20 against lying, cheating, stealing, taking the name of the Lord in vain by swearing to false God’s, injustice, slandering other people, etc are rules that we are taught in our homes from infancy to adulthood. They are not only taught in religious homes but non religious and pagan homes ye, it is amazing how often we fail over and over again. In our relationships, workplaces and business, these virtues are not only taught but expected.
In giving these commands, God begins by saying “be holy for I the Lord your God am holy” ( Vs 1 & 2) He also follows each command by reminding us of who he is by saying “I am the Lord, perhaps also as a way to remind us that it is not Moses speaking but God. Have you ever wondered why though gave this command, many still think the only way through life is to do the things God says we should not do. Through the ages, children have always lied to their parents, workers cheat their employers, businessmen deceive their partners, while injustice stares at us in every sphere of life and we appear unable to do anything about it. As children of God we slander our fellow church members. Many of us would know of someone in a parish or diocese that this has happened to and as we have seen, it took the pandemic for us to show love to our neighbours by shopping and talking more as well as showing many other acts of kindness.
As we go through the lent period in this continuing pandemic, it is time to reflect again on God’s word to us and the purpose; these commands are to form and shape our lives. On our own, we are unable to keep these commands but our God who is holy, distinct and set apart is able to enable us keep these commands.
Prayer: Thank you that you remind us you are a holy God and you want us to be Holy. Please help us to be obedient to these laws so that through the lives we live, we will be a testimony to our God whose promise in Exodus 34 is I am the Lord God who is merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin -----“. Amen.
Comfort Fearon, St Stephen’s Church (PCC Member)
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; and you shall not lie to one another. And you shall not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God: I am the Lord. You shall not defraud your neighbour; you shall not steal; and you shall not keep for yourself the wages of a labourer until morning. You shall not revile the deaf or put a stumbling-block before the blind; you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
You shall not render an unjust judgement; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbour. You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not profit by the blood of your neighbour: I am the Lord. You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbour, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.
Reflection
The law in scripture which is also found in Exodus 20 against lying, cheating, stealing, taking the name of the Lord in vain by swearing to false God’s, injustice, slandering other people, etc are rules that we are taught in our homes from infancy to adulthood. They are not only taught in religious homes but non religious and pagan homes ye, it is amazing how often we fail over and over again. In our relationships, workplaces and business, these virtues are not only taught but expected.
In giving these commands, God begins by saying “be holy for I the Lord your God am holy” ( Vs 1 & 2) He also follows each command by reminding us of who he is by saying “I am the Lord, perhaps also as a way to remind us that it is not Moses speaking but God. Have you ever wondered why though gave this command, many still think the only way through life is to do the things God says we should not do. Through the ages, children have always lied to their parents, workers cheat their employers, businessmen deceive their partners, while injustice stares at us in every sphere of life and we appear unable to do anything about it. As children of God we slander our fellow church members. Many of us would know of someone in a parish or diocese that this has happened to and as we have seen, it took the pandemic for us to show love to our neighbours by shopping and talking more as well as showing many other acts of kindness.
As we go through the lent period in this continuing pandemic, it is time to reflect again on God’s word to us and the purpose; these commands are to form and shape our lives. On our own, we are unable to keep these commands but our God who is holy, distinct and set apart is able to enable us keep these commands.
Prayer: Thank you that you remind us you are a holy God and you want us to be Holy. Please help us to be obedient to these laws so that through the lives we live, we will be a testimony to our God whose promise in Exodus 34 is I am the Lord God who is merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin -----“. Amen.
Comfort Fearon, St Stephen’s Church (PCC Member)
Friday, 19 February -Isaiah 58.1–9a
Shout out, do not hold back!
Lift up your voice like a trumpet!
Announce to my people their rebellion,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet day after day they seek me
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that practised righteousness
and did not forsake the ordinance of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgements,
they delight to draw near to God.
3 ‘Why do we fast, but you do not see?
Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?’
Look, you serve your own interest on your fast-day,
and oppress all your workers.
4 Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to strike with a wicked fist.
Such fasting as you do today
will not make your voice heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose,
a day to humble oneself?
Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush,
and to lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Will you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you,
the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
Reflection
As I read this psalm, the first thing that jumped out at me were verses 6-8. These words could have been written today as these same injustices exist. As then there are those having to flee their country to seek refuge elsewhere for example.
To me Isaiah's fundamental message is that God is more concerned in the way we treat other people than in religious observances such as fasting. Within our parish there are rough sleepers, vulnerably housed, disadvantaged. All lives matter and through caring for each other, sharing our food with the hungry and looking after people who are homeless and hungry. God tells his people that if they do that, he would always be with them to protect them.
To conclude if the above were applied the difference it would make to all people’s lives.
Irene Wood, St Stephen’s Church (Volunteer at the Second Half Club)
Shout out, do not hold back!
Lift up your voice like a trumpet!
Announce to my people their rebellion,
to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet day after day they seek me
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that practised righteousness
and did not forsake the ordinance of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgements,
they delight to draw near to God.
3 ‘Why do we fast, but you do not see?
Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?’
Look, you serve your own interest on your fast-day,
and oppress all your workers.
4 Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to strike with a wicked fist.
Such fasting as you do today
will not make your voice heard on high.
5 Is such the fast that I choose,
a day to humble oneself?
Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush,
and to lie in sackcloth and ashes?
Will you call this a fast,
a day acceptable to the Lord?
6 Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of injustice,
to undo the thongs of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover them,
and not to hide yourself from your own kin?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
your vindicator shall go before you,
the glory of the Lord shall be your rearguard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.
If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
Reflection
As I read this psalm, the first thing that jumped out at me were verses 6-8. These words could have been written today as these same injustices exist. As then there are those having to flee their country to seek refuge elsewhere for example.
To me Isaiah's fundamental message is that God is more concerned in the way we treat other people than in religious observances such as fasting. Within our parish there are rough sleepers, vulnerably housed, disadvantaged. All lives matter and through caring for each other, sharing our food with the hungry and looking after people who are homeless and hungry. God tells his people that if they do that, he would always be with them to protect them.
To conclude if the above were applied the difference it would make to all people’s lives.
Irene Wood, St Stephen’s Church (Volunteer at the Second Half Club)
Thursday, 18 February - Deuteronomy 30.15–end
15 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. 17But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 18I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Reflection
My immediate reaction to this reading was one of resistance. The message seemed to be “if you and your family want to things to go well for you in life, you have to obey this long list of rules.” We all know of people who follow the rules and who still struggle in life and people who don’t who do well. But after rereading this passage in context in an old KJV Bible, it clicked – the main message is the importance of loving God above other gods, not all the rules. It reminded me of advice my pastor in Maryland gave when I asked him whether it would be in keeping with Christian practice to accept an offer of a much better job – he said that it was fine for people to improve their standard of living as long as they don’t turn the pursuit of materials things into a god, but instead use good fortune as a means to follow in the ways of God.
Carol Haley, Holy Trinity (Retired Health Policy Administrator and Biologist)
15 See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. 16If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. 17But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, 18I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. 19I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, 20loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Reflection
My immediate reaction to this reading was one of resistance. The message seemed to be “if you and your family want to things to go well for you in life, you have to obey this long list of rules.” We all know of people who follow the rules and who still struggle in life and people who don’t who do well. But after rereading this passage in context in an old KJV Bible, it clicked – the main message is the importance of loving God above other gods, not all the rules. It reminded me of advice my pastor in Maryland gave when I asked him whether it would be in keeping with Christian practice to accept an offer of a much better job – he said that it was fine for people to improve their standard of living as long as they don’t turn the pursuit of materials things into a god, but instead use good fortune as a means to follow in the ways of God.
Carol Haley, Holy Trinity (Retired Health Policy Administrator and Biologist)
Ash Wednesday 17 February- Isaiah 2.1–2,12–17
Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near--
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful army comes;
their like has never been from of old,
nor will be again after them
in ages to come.
12 Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13 rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain-offering and a drink-offering
for the Lord, your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged;
gather the children,
even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her canopy.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord,
and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
“Where is their God?” ’
Reflection
Should we be afraid? Should we be scared of God, scared of the day of darkness and gloom? Scared of the great and powerful army that should come? Is that what Lent is about – the fear of God provoking us into ever greater attempts to atone by denying ourselves, by giving up the things we enjoy in order to appease him? No. Lent is a season grounded in hope, that looks forward at all times to the events of Good Friday and of Easter. It is a season in which we set aside time to consider our relationship with God, and try to strengthen it. We may look at our lives and see how we have elevated things to the status of God, turning our faces towards those idols and away from him, and seek to redress that balance. We may spend time in our different ways saying sorry to God, asking for his forgiveness for the sins that separate us from Him and from each other, but we should do so out of love, not out of fear. For, as Isaiah tells us, the Lord our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Isaiah’s call to all people, no matter where they are and what they are doing, to come and spend time in God’s presence is a call to all of us this Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we are traditionally signed with the sign of the cross on our foreheads – an expression of repentance for what we have done wrong, but also the sign of our certain hope that those sins will be forgiven by the Cross of Jesus Christ. ‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart.’ May you know the love of God, and the promise of his forgiveness, ever more clearly this Lent.
Rev. Helena Bickley-Percival, St Stephen’s, Curate
Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sound the alarm on my holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
for the day of the Lord is coming, it is near--
2 a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness!
Like blackness spread upon the mountains
a great and powerful army comes;
their like has never been from of old,
nor will be again after them
in ages to come.
12 Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
13 rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.
14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,
and leave a blessing behind him,
a grain-offering and a drink-offering
for the Lord, your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged;
gather the children,
even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her canopy.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
Let them say, ‘Spare your people, O Lord,
and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
“Where is their God?” ’
Reflection
Should we be afraid? Should we be scared of God, scared of the day of darkness and gloom? Scared of the great and powerful army that should come? Is that what Lent is about – the fear of God provoking us into ever greater attempts to atone by denying ourselves, by giving up the things we enjoy in order to appease him? No. Lent is a season grounded in hope, that looks forward at all times to the events of Good Friday and of Easter. It is a season in which we set aside time to consider our relationship with God, and try to strengthen it. We may look at our lives and see how we have elevated things to the status of God, turning our faces towards those idols and away from him, and seek to redress that balance. We may spend time in our different ways saying sorry to God, asking for his forgiveness for the sins that separate us from Him and from each other, but we should do so out of love, not out of fear. For, as Isaiah tells us, the Lord our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Isaiah’s call to all people, no matter where they are and what they are doing, to come and spend time in God’s presence is a call to all of us this Lent. On Ash Wednesday, we are traditionally signed with the sign of the cross on our foreheads – an expression of repentance for what we have done wrong, but also the sign of our certain hope that those sins will be forgiven by the Cross of Jesus Christ. ‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart.’ May you know the love of God, and the promise of his forgiveness, ever more clearly this Lent.
Rev. Helena Bickley-Percival, St Stephen’s, Curate
Tuesday 16th February
This year during Lent our Daily Devotion we shall be using the fourth edition of our Lent booklet. This year, in addition to our link parish team of St. Stephens, Westminster and Holy Trinity, Manhattan, we delighted to be joined by St. Stephen’s neighbouring church and friends from St Barnabas, Pimlico. We look for- ward to this expanded community of reflection and fellowship as we get to know one an- other, ourselves, and God, this season of Lent.
Some of us remember well those early days of the pandemic, when we first joined one another’s Zoom links or Facebook live streams in order to worship and pray together. We have urged each other on and grow stronger in faith and fellowship, thanks to the comfort- ing patters of Daily Prayer and worship on the Sabbath. There have been times when one city might be in lockdown, but we drew encouragement knowing that our sister parish elsewhere might still be open, or be open in new ways. We continue to learn from one an- other, to be strengthened, and to laugh. And then laugh some more.
Perhaps now, more than ever, is the time when we should be reading and looking at our Hebrew Scriptures, to reflect on what it might be saying to us in this peculiar time; maybe to even examine some of those awkward passages we would rather skip over or ignore. Please take time to create an appropriate space in your homes or work for prayer and re- flection, and carefully read through the piece of Old Testament Scripture set for the day - maybe even beyond. Take a few moments of silence before you read and pray the reflection offered to us by one of our community.
Today and in the coming, as you use this wonderful resource and booklet let us pray the Ash Wednesday Collect:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; 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
Please join us tonight on this Shrove Tuesday evening for our pancake and quiz to herald in Lent - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88555227753?pwd=NWMrMzFMTSsyc0psM0NoajVrZ0hSQT09
Revd Graham Buckle
This year during Lent our Daily Devotion we shall be using the fourth edition of our Lent booklet. This year, in addition to our link parish team of St. Stephens, Westminster and Holy Trinity, Manhattan, we delighted to be joined by St. Stephen’s neighbouring church and friends from St Barnabas, Pimlico. We look for- ward to this expanded community of reflection and fellowship as we get to know one an- other, ourselves, and God, this season of Lent.
Some of us remember well those early days of the pandemic, when we first joined one another’s Zoom links or Facebook live streams in order to worship and pray together. We have urged each other on and grow stronger in faith and fellowship, thanks to the comfort- ing patters of Daily Prayer and worship on the Sabbath. There have been times when one city might be in lockdown, but we drew encouragement knowing that our sister parish elsewhere might still be open, or be open in new ways. We continue to learn from one an- other, to be strengthened, and to laugh. And then laugh some more.
Perhaps now, more than ever, is the time when we should be reading and looking at our Hebrew Scriptures, to reflect on what it might be saying to us in this peculiar time; maybe to even examine some of those awkward passages we would rather skip over or ignore. Please take time to create an appropriate space in your homes or work for prayer and re- flection, and carefully read through the piece of Old Testament Scripture set for the day - maybe even beyond. Take a few moments of silence before you read and pray the reflection offered to us by one of our community.
Today and in the coming, as you use this wonderful resource and booklet let us pray the Ash Wednesday Collect:
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; 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
Please join us tonight on this Shrove Tuesday evening for our pancake and quiz to herald in Lent - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88555227753?pwd=NWMrMzFMTSsyc0psM0NoajVrZ0hSQT09
Revd Graham Buckle
Image taken from BBC
Monday 15th February
I was so sorry to hear the untimely news of the death of Mary Wilson last Tuesday at age 76. Mary was an American singer, who gained worldwide recognition as a founding member of The Supremes, the most successful Motown act of the 1960s. The Supremes became the best-charting female group in U.S. chart history, well as one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time, with such well known hits as ‘Baby Love’ and ‘You Can't Hurry Love’.
As we remember such artists and give thanks to God for their life and talent, I imagine we are also reminded, not only of all those who have died this past difficult year, but also our own morality. I occasionally remind mourners at funerals I conduct that such deaths are a “timely reminder to us all that we must all prepare for this final step that each of us will take: A step into eternity. We don’t have a choice as to when, where or how we meet death. The only choice we have is the condition we meet death. We will take this step into eternity...we choose the path in which we travel. No one forces us, it’s our choice...”
A Commendatory Prayer
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servants we remember. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in Glory. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
I was so sorry to hear the untimely news of the death of Mary Wilson last Tuesday at age 76. Mary was an American singer, who gained worldwide recognition as a founding member of The Supremes, the most successful Motown act of the 1960s. The Supremes became the best-charting female group in U.S. chart history, well as one of the best-selling girl groups of all-time, with such well known hits as ‘Baby Love’ and ‘You Can't Hurry Love’.
As we remember such artists and give thanks to God for their life and talent, I imagine we are also reminded, not only of all those who have died this past difficult year, but also our own morality. I occasionally remind mourners at funerals I conduct that such deaths are a “timely reminder to us all that we must all prepare for this final step that each of us will take: A step into eternity. We don’t have a choice as to when, where or how we meet death. The only choice we have is the condition we meet death. We will take this step into eternity...we choose the path in which we travel. No one forces us, it’s our choice...”
A Commendatory Prayer
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servants we remember. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in Glory. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Friday 12th February
Today we join our friends at Holy Trinity, New York to think about the importance of hospitality. In the Letter to the Hebrews, we are told 'do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it' (Hebrews 13:2). One of the great sadnesses of lockdown has been that we can't entertain people as we would like - St Stephen has always prided itself on its welcome and its hospitality, and we are looking forward to the time when we can once again welcome people into the church without reserve, with open arms and open hearts, and sit and eat together once more.
If you are missing the great St Stephen's hospitality, think about joining us for one of our Zoom social events. We have a virtual Pancake Party and quiz on the 16th February, and every Wednesday during Lent we will be having a supper and study evening. If you would like to join us for any of those, the links will be in our What's On page here. All are very welcome.
Today we join our friends at Holy Trinity, New York to think about the importance of hospitality. In the Letter to the Hebrews, we are told 'do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it' (Hebrews 13:2). One of the great sadnesses of lockdown has been that we can't entertain people as we would like - St Stephen has always prided itself on its welcome and its hospitality, and we are looking forward to the time when we can once again welcome people into the church without reserve, with open arms and open hearts, and sit and eat together once more.
If you are missing the great St Stephen's hospitality, think about joining us for one of our Zoom social events. We have a virtual Pancake Party and quiz on the 16th February, and every Wednesday during Lent we will be having a supper and study evening. If you would like to join us for any of those, the links will be in our What's On page here. All are very welcome.
Thursday 11th February
Chinese New Year 2021 falls tomorrow - Friday, February 12th, and celebrations will culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 26th
This year is the year of the Ox, which I read, is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.
Tradition has it that Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise.
Sadly, due to Coronavirus, this year will not see the celebrations that we usually see on the streets of London, particularly in Chinatown; usually hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to enjoy a colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food, and to wish each other “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “San Nin Faai Lok” (in Cantonese).
However, there are many ways in which we can join our Chinese sisters and brothers in celebrating this important festival. Celebrate the Year of the Ox in London, which is normally home to the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.
So, you can enjoy London's Chinese New Year
entertainment from home with an online celebration of past Chinese New Year festivities, alongside performances from emerging Chinese artists. For the latest updates on the day of the Chinese New Year London celebrations, follow the official #CNYLondon hashtag on social media do visit https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london For more information.
So let us pray for our Chinese community in our parish, in our church and in our country:
Dear God, we thank you that in all cultures the New Year means a chance for a fresh start and a new beginning. We pray especially for our Chinese brothers and sisters as they celebrate Chinese New Year of the Oxen, that they will come into a deeper knowledge of You. Thank you for putting the hunger for better times ahead and the hope for renewal of goodness and health into every heart. This we ask through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit as we say: 新年快乐
Revd Graham Buckle
Chinese New Year 2021 falls tomorrow - Friday, February 12th, and celebrations will culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 26th
This year is the year of the Ox, which I read, is the second of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. The Ox was about to be the first to arrive, but Rat tricked Ox into giving him a ride. Then, just as they arrived, Rat jumped down and landed ahead of Ox. Thus, Ox became the second animal.
Tradition has it that Oxen are the hard workers in the background, intelligent and reliable, but never demanding praise.
Sadly, due to Coronavirus, this year will not see the celebrations that we usually see on the streets of London, particularly in Chinatown; usually hundreds of thousands of people descend on the West End to enjoy a colourful parade, free stage performances and traditional Chinese food, and to wish each other “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year in Mandarin) or “San Nin Faai Lok” (in Cantonese).
However, there are many ways in which we can join our Chinese sisters and brothers in celebrating this important festival. Celebrate the Year of the Ox in London, which is normally home to the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia.
So, you can enjoy London's Chinese New Year
entertainment from home with an online celebration of past Chinese New Year festivities, alongside performances from emerging Chinese artists. For the latest updates on the day of the Chinese New Year London celebrations, follow the official #CNYLondon hashtag on social media do visit https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/4733685-chinese-new-year-in-london For more information.
So let us pray for our Chinese community in our parish, in our church and in our country:
Dear God, we thank you that in all cultures the New Year means a chance for a fresh start and a new beginning. We pray especially for our Chinese brothers and sisters as they celebrate Chinese New Year of the Oxen, that they will come into a deeper knowledge of You. Thank you for putting the hunger for better times ahead and the hope for renewal of goodness and health into every heart. This we ask through your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit as we say: 新年快乐
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 10th February
We don’t know much about Jesus as a child or a teenager. What we do know we get from the Gospel of Luke, where we hear the story of how Jesus gets left behind in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, only to be found by his parents in the Temple astonishing those who heard him with his wisdom. After they had gone home, we are told that Jesus “increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour” (Luke 2:52) – and that’s it until the beginning of his ministry!
It is perhaps this lack of information about this part of Jesus’s life that has led artists to try to fill in the gap – including this extraordinary painting by John Everett Millais. It was extremely controversial when he painted it in 1849, since it showed the Holy Family as just a “normal” family, doing normal things. There are no halos, no angels, and although there are many Christian symbol if you look closely (the blood on Jesus’s hand and foot appear to foreshadow the wounds of the crucifixion, and the dove on the ladder as a symbol of the Holy Spirit) it is not an overtly “religious” painting. Millais even based the background on a carpenter’s shop in Oxford Street! It completely defied peoples’ expectations of what the Holy Family looked like, and deeply unsettled them. Charles Dickens said that Jesus looked like a “wry-necked, blubbering red-headed boy in a bed-gown” – hardly the saviour of the world.
And yet, this is the saviour of the world. Christ became incarnate as a human child, capable of getting into an accident in his father’s workplace. He became incarnate not to be a remote, idealised figure, but to be one of us. I love Millais’ painting, because it reminds me of that sometimes-uncomfortable truth. In this time of preparation for Lent, I encourage you to spend some moments with this painting, and to reflect on the words that were its only caption at its unveiling: 'And one shall say unto him, What are those wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.' (Zech. 13:6)
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
We don’t know much about Jesus as a child or a teenager. What we do know we get from the Gospel of Luke, where we hear the story of how Jesus gets left behind in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, only to be found by his parents in the Temple astonishing those who heard him with his wisdom. After they had gone home, we are told that Jesus “increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favour” (Luke 2:52) – and that’s it until the beginning of his ministry!
It is perhaps this lack of information about this part of Jesus’s life that has led artists to try to fill in the gap – including this extraordinary painting by John Everett Millais. It was extremely controversial when he painted it in 1849, since it showed the Holy Family as just a “normal” family, doing normal things. There are no halos, no angels, and although there are many Christian symbol if you look closely (the blood on Jesus’s hand and foot appear to foreshadow the wounds of the crucifixion, and the dove on the ladder as a symbol of the Holy Spirit) it is not an overtly “religious” painting. Millais even based the background on a carpenter’s shop in Oxford Street! It completely defied peoples’ expectations of what the Holy Family looked like, and deeply unsettled them. Charles Dickens said that Jesus looked like a “wry-necked, blubbering red-headed boy in a bed-gown” – hardly the saviour of the world.
And yet, this is the saviour of the world. Christ became incarnate as a human child, capable of getting into an accident in his father’s workplace. He became incarnate not to be a remote, idealised figure, but to be one of us. I love Millais’ painting, because it reminds me of that sometimes-uncomfortable truth. In this time of preparation for Lent, I encourage you to spend some moments with this painting, and to reflect on the words that were its only caption at its unveiling: 'And one shall say unto him, What are those wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.' (Zech. 13:6)
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Sir John Everett Millais, Christ in the House of His Parents, 1849-50, oil on canvas, 86.4 x 139.7 cm (Tate Britain, London)
Tuesday 9th February
Monday 6th February
For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve…
Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me.
1 Cor 15. 3-5,8 (NRSV)
Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me.
1 Cor 15. 3-5,8 (NRSV)
I wonder what is the most important thing you have learned during this past year?
And what might be your main aim for today?
Perhaps, what might be the top priority in these uncertain months ahead?
Past, present and the future, we all need to occasionally sort out and take a look at self in relation to the world we are apart. Questions not just for ourselves, but also for our church - to examine, reflect and try to know what is really crucial in life.
Jesus’ followers were challenged to sort out their priorities in the light of his death and resurrection, a reality that turned their worlds upside down. Paul makes it very clear that Christ’s death and resurrection are fundamental; remove these and the good news ceases to be good or news or trustworthy.
The problem for us in today’s world is that we are bombarded by so many messages that this fundamental one can be lost among the general noise, fake news and cheap promises and restrictions, it's hard to know the ‘truth’. Why should Jesus Christ stand out amongst so many claims on our time, emotions and money? For Paul, the message makes sense because of experience - his encounter with Jesus Christ. Through this he knows he is called to follow and proclaim Jesus.
I suppose the final questions to ask is can that be our priority and experience, too? Can our world be turned upside down by a new age that will dawn upon us? I believe it can if we give our attention to that story handed on to us, as we meet Christ today in many different guises and allow his story become ours. Then, like Paul, we will know what is ‘of first importance’.
Perhaps for our ‘Devotion’ today we might ponder what is most important in our life…
Adapted from one of this month's Bible Reading Fellowship notes by Revd Terry Hinks
Revd Graham Buckle
And what might be your main aim for today?
Perhaps, what might be the top priority in these uncertain months ahead?
Past, present and the future, we all need to occasionally sort out and take a look at self in relation to the world we are apart. Questions not just for ourselves, but also for our church - to examine, reflect and try to know what is really crucial in life.
Jesus’ followers were challenged to sort out their priorities in the light of his death and resurrection, a reality that turned their worlds upside down. Paul makes it very clear that Christ’s death and resurrection are fundamental; remove these and the good news ceases to be good or news or trustworthy.
The problem for us in today’s world is that we are bombarded by so many messages that this fundamental one can be lost among the general noise, fake news and cheap promises and restrictions, it's hard to know the ‘truth’. Why should Jesus Christ stand out amongst so many claims on our time, emotions and money? For Paul, the message makes sense because of experience - his encounter with Jesus Christ. Through this he knows he is called to follow and proclaim Jesus.
I suppose the final questions to ask is can that be our priority and experience, too? Can our world be turned upside down by a new age that will dawn upon us? I believe it can if we give our attention to that story handed on to us, as we meet Christ today in many different guises and allow his story become ours. Then, like Paul, we will know what is ‘of first importance’.
Perhaps for our ‘Devotion’ today we might ponder what is most important in our life…
Adapted from one of this month's Bible Reading Fellowship notes by Revd Terry Hinks
Revd Graham Buckle
Friday 5th February
In Evening Prayer recently we’ve been reading through the whole of the Book of Genesis. Just last night we came to the story of the birth of Isaac – the child from whom the whole nation of Israel would be descended. When Isaac was conceived and born, both Abraham and Sarah were old, and it was thought that Sarah would never have any children. When the Lord promised Sarah that she would have a child, she laughed in disbelief, but then denied it because she was afraid. In today’s reading, however, when the child is born, Sarah laughs for joy! She says: ‘God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears it will laugh with me’ (Genesis 21:6).
Laughter is one of life’s great gifts. It is infectious, as Sarah knew, and it can even be medicinal. Medical studies have shown that laughter can reduce stress, help in both physical and mental rehabilitation, and even might lead to a longer life. There are even laughter clubs and laughter yoga to help people get a daily dose of humour – just as you might eat your five portions of fruit and veg! There is evidence in the Bible of laughter as a joyful response to God as well, not just with Sarah, but we are also told that God ‘will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy’ (Job 8:21).
At this time, when we might feel particularly in need of a pick-me-up, laughter and joy become even more important, especially when they feel far away. What makes you laugh with others? What makes you laugh with delight? Next time you find yourself giggling, give thanks to God for this gift of laughter, and may those who hear you laugh with you.
Dear Lord Jesus, there are so many sad and troublesome things to face in the world today, which too often cause our hearts to become weighed down with difficulties and doubts, but I pray that Your joy would fill my heart and strengthen my soul, and that times of joyful laughter would replace those seasons of weeping and hardship.
I pray that in Christ, I may be clothed in strength and dignity, wisdom and grace and that I may be enabled to laugh in the storms and not to fear the future, knowing that my times are in Your hands. You have promised to draw near to each one of us, and be with us in every circumstance of life that may come our way.
I pray that Your joy and laughter may flow through me to others who are facing similar difficulties and hardships, and that together we may maintain an ever deepening trust in You, as we look for Your any day return to take us to be with Yourself. This I ask in Jesus' name,
Amen.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-Joy
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
In Evening Prayer recently we’ve been reading through the whole of the Book of Genesis. Just last night we came to the story of the birth of Isaac – the child from whom the whole nation of Israel would be descended. When Isaac was conceived and born, both Abraham and Sarah were old, and it was thought that Sarah would never have any children. When the Lord promised Sarah that she would have a child, she laughed in disbelief, but then denied it because she was afraid. In today’s reading, however, when the child is born, Sarah laughs for joy! She says: ‘God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears it will laugh with me’ (Genesis 21:6).
Laughter is one of life’s great gifts. It is infectious, as Sarah knew, and it can even be medicinal. Medical studies have shown that laughter can reduce stress, help in both physical and mental rehabilitation, and even might lead to a longer life. There are even laughter clubs and laughter yoga to help people get a daily dose of humour – just as you might eat your five portions of fruit and veg! There is evidence in the Bible of laughter as a joyful response to God as well, not just with Sarah, but we are also told that God ‘will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy’ (Job 8:21).
At this time, when we might feel particularly in need of a pick-me-up, laughter and joy become even more important, especially when they feel far away. What makes you laugh with others? What makes you laugh with delight? Next time you find yourself giggling, give thanks to God for this gift of laughter, and may those who hear you laugh with you.
Dear Lord Jesus, there are so many sad and troublesome things to face in the world today, which too often cause our hearts to become weighed down with difficulties and doubts, but I pray that Your joy would fill my heart and strengthen my soul, and that times of joyful laughter would replace those seasons of weeping and hardship.
I pray that in Christ, I may be clothed in strength and dignity, wisdom and grace and that I may be enabled to laugh in the storms and not to fear the future, knowing that my times are in Your hands. You have promised to draw near to each one of us, and be with us in every circumstance of life that may come our way.
I pray that Your joy and laughter may flow through me to others who are facing similar difficulties and hardships, and that together we may maintain an ever deepening trust in You, as we look for Your any day return to take us to be with Yourself. This I ask in Jesus' name,
Amen.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-Joy
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Image from Ecology Asia website. Click image for access
Thursday 4th February
I was fascinated by a recent article in The Guardian about the monkeys who roam the Uluwatu Temple in Bali. Evidently they are notorious robbers, with a particular penchant for unsuspecting tourists, who they hold to ransom, returning their possessions only when food is offered. A scientific team from Canada have completed an interesting piece of research discovering that these long-tailed macaques (see below) have worked out which objects are most valued to rob, and so most likely to be exchanged for food! Targeting such things as mobile phones, wallets, and sunglasses reaps a far greater reward. The team, from the University of Lethbridge, spent 273 day filming the monkeys and tourists. They discovered that whilst the monkeys might easily hand over low-value objects relatively quickly, they were less amendable when high-value items were at stake, with bartering going on for nearly 20 minutes and the wait for as much as 30 minutes! Dr Leca, the lead researcher, stated that such “behaviours are socially learned and have been maintained across the generations of monkeys for at least 30 years”.
This made me wonder what we are learning to be of value? I expect one might include ‘Zoom’. Indeed, ‘zoom’ has been a wonderful addition to our lives, during these difficult times; Something which has enable those online, to interact with others in ways we never would have believed a year ago. However, I doubt if we would barter it in the same way as those long-tailed macaques, for, however valued a commodity zoom is today, nothing quite values face to face social interaction. I play cribbage with some friends on a Sunday evening, I have done for many years and we found a website to keep this important support going. But, we all agreed last week, that nothing quite “does it” like actually meeting each other in the flesh. Let us hope that our new learnt behaviours do not supersede the important and necessary social interaction of being together, especially in our church community, but rather that they might act as an important addition, when we return to whatever ‘normal’ might look like in the future.
Revd Graham Buckle
I was fascinated by a recent article in The Guardian about the monkeys who roam the Uluwatu Temple in Bali. Evidently they are notorious robbers, with a particular penchant for unsuspecting tourists, who they hold to ransom, returning their possessions only when food is offered. A scientific team from Canada have completed an interesting piece of research discovering that these long-tailed macaques (see below) have worked out which objects are most valued to rob, and so most likely to be exchanged for food! Targeting such things as mobile phones, wallets, and sunglasses reaps a far greater reward. The team, from the University of Lethbridge, spent 273 day filming the monkeys and tourists. They discovered that whilst the monkeys might easily hand over low-value objects relatively quickly, they were less amendable when high-value items were at stake, with bartering going on for nearly 20 minutes and the wait for as much as 30 minutes! Dr Leca, the lead researcher, stated that such “behaviours are socially learned and have been maintained across the generations of monkeys for at least 30 years”.
This made me wonder what we are learning to be of value? I expect one might include ‘Zoom’. Indeed, ‘zoom’ has been a wonderful addition to our lives, during these difficult times; Something which has enable those online, to interact with others in ways we never would have believed a year ago. However, I doubt if we would barter it in the same way as those long-tailed macaques, for, however valued a commodity zoom is today, nothing quite values face to face social interaction. I play cribbage with some friends on a Sunday evening, I have done for many years and we found a website to keep this important support going. But, we all agreed last week, that nothing quite “does it” like actually meeting each other in the flesh. Let us hope that our new learnt behaviours do not supersede the important and necessary social interaction of being together, especially in our church community, but rather that they might act as an important addition, when we return to whatever ‘normal’ might look like in the future.
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 3rd February
Today is Helena’s birthday - We all hope you have a very happy day, and that you are able to celebrate it in some fitting way during this difficult time. I notice that Helena’s birthday falls on the day the church commemorates Anskar. A native of Picardy, Anskar was a monk of Corbie near Amiens who, after the conversion of the King of Denmark to Christianity, went to Schleswig and attempted to start a Christian school there. He was expelled by the locals but went on to Sweden, where he is reputed to have built the first Christian church. In 832 he was consecrated Archbishop of Hamburg and sixteen years later became Archbishop of Bremen. He returned to Denmark to convert the King of Jutland. He preached widely throughout Scandinavia and was much-loved for his work with the poor and in mitigating the slave trade. He is the patron saint of Denmark and was popularly known as ‘The Apostle of the North’. He died in the year 865. I am not sure if Helena has any association with Scandinavia, but as we give thanks for the zeal and missional endeavours of this extraordinary man, let us also remember Helena, as we pray together:
Father,
you sent Saint Anskar
to bring the light of Christ to many nations.
May his prayers help us
to walk in the light of your truth.
May your blessings be upon us and
Especially Helena this day.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Today is Helena’s birthday - We all hope you have a very happy day, and that you are able to celebrate it in some fitting way during this difficult time. I notice that Helena’s birthday falls on the day the church commemorates Anskar. A native of Picardy, Anskar was a monk of Corbie near Amiens who, after the conversion of the King of Denmark to Christianity, went to Schleswig and attempted to start a Christian school there. He was expelled by the locals but went on to Sweden, where he is reputed to have built the first Christian church. In 832 he was consecrated Archbishop of Hamburg and sixteen years later became Archbishop of Bremen. He returned to Denmark to convert the King of Jutland. He preached widely throughout Scandinavia and was much-loved for his work with the poor and in mitigating the slave trade. He is the patron saint of Denmark and was popularly known as ‘The Apostle of the North’. He died in the year 865. I am not sure if Helena has any association with Scandinavia, but as we give thanks for the zeal and missional endeavours of this extraordinary man, let us also remember Helena, as we pray together:
Father,
you sent Saint Anskar
to bring the light of Christ to many nations.
May his prayers help us
to walk in the light of your truth.
May your blessings be upon us and
Especially Helena this day.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
The picture taken from Twitter “Lord have mercy on #London” a contemporary woodcut on the Great Plague which ravaged the City in 1665.
Tuesday 2nd February
Last Saturday evening I attended a fascinating online talk by Nick Richmond. A guided tour entitled: ‘Pestilence and Pandemic - A Virtual History of London's Plagues’
We were taken, pictorially via PowerPoint, through London’s 2000 year history, examining how our great city of London has survived all manner of outbreaks - cholera, typhoid, bubonic plague and Spanish flu. We discovered plague pits, hospitals and landmarks around the city to show how London was affected by vicious diseases and how many tried (and often failed) to guard against and eradicate them.
Using eyewitness accounts, from the likes of Daniel Defoe, Samuel Pepys, David Lloyd George, together with the ordinary folk of London, Nick looked at how medical innovation, technical genius and human endeavour dealt with some of the darkest times our city has experienced.
In retrospect, I realise how fortunate we are, to have at our fingertips, such events and lectures, keeping our minds active during these difficult times. Do look out for such events. Do keep your eyes open to see if the ‘Guided Tours of Brighton and West Sussex’ https://www.meetup.com/guided-walks-in-BrightonandSussex/ happen to run the tour on Plagues again - I thoroughly recommend it! I’m looking forward to the next one I’m attending on the sewers and sewer systems of London.
Finally, please continue to pray for all those affected by the pandemic we are experiencing today. Perhaps even to pray the prayer ‘In the time of any common plague or sicknes’ that was used in the great plague found in the BCP of 1662:
O Almighty God, who in thy wrath didst send a plague upon thine own people in the wildernes for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and also in the time of King David, didst slay with the plague of pestilence threescore and ten thousand, and yet remembring thy mercy didst save the rest: have pitie upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sicknes and mortality, that like as thou didst then accept of an atonement, and didst command the destroying Angell to cease from punishing: so it may now please thee to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sicknes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Last Saturday evening I attended a fascinating online talk by Nick Richmond. A guided tour entitled: ‘Pestilence and Pandemic - A Virtual History of London's Plagues’
We were taken, pictorially via PowerPoint, through London’s 2000 year history, examining how our great city of London has survived all manner of outbreaks - cholera, typhoid, bubonic plague and Spanish flu. We discovered plague pits, hospitals and landmarks around the city to show how London was affected by vicious diseases and how many tried (and often failed) to guard against and eradicate them.
Using eyewitness accounts, from the likes of Daniel Defoe, Samuel Pepys, David Lloyd George, together with the ordinary folk of London, Nick looked at how medical innovation, technical genius and human endeavour dealt with some of the darkest times our city has experienced.
In retrospect, I realise how fortunate we are, to have at our fingertips, such events and lectures, keeping our minds active during these difficult times. Do look out for such events. Do keep your eyes open to see if the ‘Guided Tours of Brighton and West Sussex’ https://www.meetup.com/guided-walks-in-BrightonandSussex/ happen to run the tour on Plagues again - I thoroughly recommend it! I’m looking forward to the next one I’m attending on the sewers and sewer systems of London.
Finally, please continue to pray for all those affected by the pandemic we are experiencing today. Perhaps even to pray the prayer ‘In the time of any common plague or sicknes’ that was used in the great plague found in the BCP of 1662:
O Almighty God, who in thy wrath didst send a plague upon thine own people in the wildernes for their obstinate rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and also in the time of King David, didst slay with the plague of pestilence threescore and ten thousand, and yet remembring thy mercy didst save the rest: have pitie upon us miserable sinners, who now are visited with great sicknes and mortality, that like as thou didst then accept of an atonement, and didst command the destroying Angell to cease from punishing: so it may now please thee to withdraw from us this plague and grievous sicknes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Taken from Wikipedia
Monday 1st February
Today the church remembers St Brigid, a contemporary of St Patrick who founded a monastery in Kildare, and whose care for the poor, wisdom and learning have led to her becoming one of the patron saints of Ireland. We don’t know much for sure about her life, partly because she is such an early saint (born around 450 AD), but also because there was a pagan Irish goddess also called Brigid, and it is thought that some of the miracles and stories associated with St Brigid may have come from traditional stories about the goddess.
One of the places in which this overlap can be most clearly seen is in St Brigid’s Cross, a picture of which you can see here. The cross is traditionally made today, on the 1st February, and then set over doorways and windows to protect the home from any kind of harm. A St Brigid’s cross is particularly supposed to protect from fire – not otherwise associated at all with St Brigid – and probably a leftover from stories of the goddess.
Despite these possibly pagan origins, there is a lovely Christian origin story for the St Brigid’s Cross. Brigid was asked to come and console a local pagan chieftain as he lay dying, but when she arrived, she found that he was completely delirious. Not giving up hope, Brigid sat down by his bed, and took up some of the rushes that lay on the floor. Speaking quietly, she began to weave a cross with these rushes. The chieftain’s interest was caught by this, and he began to ask what she was doing. Brigid explained the cross, and as she talked and wove the chieftain’s delirium quietened, and he began to question her about Christ more closely. At the end of their conversation, the chieftain converted and was baptised before he died.
It is easy to forget, sometimes, that prayer is a full-body experience. Brigid wove a cross whilst she prayed, and it helped to calm those around her. I often like to use a rosary when I pray to help me to still both mind and body when it is difficult to settle. You may not be weaving a St Brigid’s Cross this 1st February, but maybe think about whether doing something with your hands might help when you pray. You could light a candle, draw, or even mould something with clay or plasticine. May the prayers of St Brigid be with us, as we worship God with all our mind, all our heart, and all our body.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Today the church remembers St Brigid, a contemporary of St Patrick who founded a monastery in Kildare, and whose care for the poor, wisdom and learning have led to her becoming one of the patron saints of Ireland. We don’t know much for sure about her life, partly because she is such an early saint (born around 450 AD), but also because there was a pagan Irish goddess also called Brigid, and it is thought that some of the miracles and stories associated with St Brigid may have come from traditional stories about the goddess.
One of the places in which this overlap can be most clearly seen is in St Brigid’s Cross, a picture of which you can see here. The cross is traditionally made today, on the 1st February, and then set over doorways and windows to protect the home from any kind of harm. A St Brigid’s cross is particularly supposed to protect from fire – not otherwise associated at all with St Brigid – and probably a leftover from stories of the goddess.
Despite these possibly pagan origins, there is a lovely Christian origin story for the St Brigid’s Cross. Brigid was asked to come and console a local pagan chieftain as he lay dying, but when she arrived, she found that he was completely delirious. Not giving up hope, Brigid sat down by his bed, and took up some of the rushes that lay on the floor. Speaking quietly, she began to weave a cross with these rushes. The chieftain’s interest was caught by this, and he began to ask what she was doing. Brigid explained the cross, and as she talked and wove the chieftain’s delirium quietened, and he began to question her about Christ more closely. At the end of their conversation, the chieftain converted and was baptised before he died.
It is easy to forget, sometimes, that prayer is a full-body experience. Brigid wove a cross whilst she prayed, and it helped to calm those around her. I often like to use a rosary when I pray to help me to still both mind and body when it is difficult to settle. You may not be weaving a St Brigid’s Cross this 1st February, but maybe think about whether doing something with your hands might help when you pray. You could light a candle, draw, or even mould something with clay or plasticine. May the prayers of St Brigid be with us, as we worship God with all our mind, all our heart, and all our body.
Revd Helena Bickley-Percival
Friday 29th January
Yesterday at Morning Prayer, many of us struggled as we listened to the New Testament reading from 1 Corinthians (11.2-16) in which Paul wrote to the Corinthians (a particular people at a particular time in a particular context) including the lines: “Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it’s degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is to her glory?” Paul advised that women who will not cover their head to pray or prophecy should shave their heads.
By pure coincidence (or Godincidence?), I had planned to give myself another DIY lockdown haircut, and went ahead regardless of the morning’s reading. I sought solace once again in the words and images of Michael Leunig:
We give thanks for the mystery of hair.
Too little here and too much there.
Censored and shaved, controlled and suppressed:
Unwelcome guest in soups and sandwiches.
Difficult growth always needing attention.
Gentle and comforting;
Complex and wild;
Reminding us softly
That we might be animals.
Growing and growing
‘Til the day we die.
And the day after as well
So they say!
In all of its places
And in all of its ways
We give thanks for the blessing of hair.
AMEN.
Revd Lindsay Meader
Yesterday at Morning Prayer, many of us struggled as we listened to the New Testament reading from 1 Corinthians (11.2-16) in which Paul wrote to the Corinthians (a particular people at a particular time in a particular context) including the lines: “Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it’s degrading to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is to her glory?” Paul advised that women who will not cover their head to pray or prophecy should shave their heads.
By pure coincidence (or Godincidence?), I had planned to give myself another DIY lockdown haircut, and went ahead regardless of the morning’s reading. I sought solace once again in the words and images of Michael Leunig:
We give thanks for the mystery of hair.
Too little here and too much there.
Censored and shaved, controlled and suppressed:
Unwelcome guest in soups and sandwiches.
Difficult growth always needing attention.
Gentle and comforting;
Complex and wild;
Reminding us softly
That we might be animals.
Growing and growing
‘Til the day we die.
And the day after as well
So they say!
In all of its places
And in all of its ways
We give thanks for the blessing of hair.
AMEN.
Revd Lindsay Meader
Thursday 28th January
Our friends in New York City, had their Annual Church Meeting last Sunday. John Beddingfield gave his Rector’s Annual Report in a marvellous video format on ‘vimeo’, with a moving recollection of the last year’s extraordinary events for the Church of the Holy Trinity. And gosh hasn’t been a year? So, today, I would like you to use this short video as your daily devotion. Praying, as you hear John recount the events and things of the past year, and giving thanks of our unique friendship and churches. Let us continue to learn from each other, and grow in mutual support in building the Kingdom of God in our respective Cities and communities:
https://vimeo.com/503974434
I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
Almighty God, help our churches to walk together in mutual love and companionship. Aid us in all our interactions to have humble and gentle hearts. Grant to our churches of St Stephens and Church of the Holy Trinity, unity and peace; That we may walk humbly with You, God, in the manner of our calling during these difficult times; this we ask in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Our friends in New York City, had their Annual Church Meeting last Sunday. John Beddingfield gave his Rector’s Annual Report in a marvellous video format on ‘vimeo’, with a moving recollection of the last year’s extraordinary events for the Church of the Holy Trinity. And gosh hasn’t been a year? So, today, I would like you to use this short video as your daily devotion. Praying, as you hear John recount the events and things of the past year, and giving thanks of our unique friendship and churches. Let us continue to learn from each other, and grow in mutual support in building the Kingdom of God in our respective Cities and communities:
https://vimeo.com/503974434
I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
Almighty God, help our churches to walk together in mutual love and companionship. Aid us in all our interactions to have humble and gentle hearts. Grant to our churches of St Stephens and Church of the Holy Trinity, unity and peace; That we may walk humbly with You, God, in the manner of our calling during these difficult times; this we ask in the name of Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Wednesday 27th January
1 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.
2 Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness:
high on his heart he will bear it for thee,
comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
3 Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness
of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:
truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,
these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.
4 These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,
he will accept for the name that is dear;
mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,
trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.
5 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.
This is one of my favourite hymns, and one of the joys of Epiphanytide (the time between Epiphany and Candlemas) is that it is set to be sung every evening at Evening Prayer. Singing something over and over again at first feels boring and repetitive, but after a while I find it helps me to see new things in the words that I wouldn’t have noticed before. Every time before that I have sung “low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,” I had thought it had meant something that you carry carefully, because it’s precious. Now, however, I realise that it means your burden of cares – the things that worry you and oppress you – that you are being told to lay at the feet of Jesus so that he can bear them for you.
In this time of many cares and many burdens, I find the reminder that we can lay them all at the feet of Jesus, trusting him for love and for guidance, really helpful. No matter how heavy our burdens, no matter how unworthy we feel, we can always approach the Lord, trusting his goodness to us. For all those who need it at this time, may mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness, trust for our trembling, and hope for our fear.
Please click below if you would like to hear, and maybe sing along to the hymn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwQzwlZs_rA
Helena Bickley-Percival
1 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.
2 Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness:
high on his heart he will bear it for thee,
comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.
3 Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness
of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine:
truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,
these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.
4 These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,
he will accept for the name that is dear;
mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,
trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.
5 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness;
bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.
This is one of my favourite hymns, and one of the joys of Epiphanytide (the time between Epiphany and Candlemas) is that it is set to be sung every evening at Evening Prayer. Singing something over and over again at first feels boring and repetitive, but after a while I find it helps me to see new things in the words that I wouldn’t have noticed before. Every time before that I have sung “low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,” I had thought it had meant something that you carry carefully, because it’s precious. Now, however, I realise that it means your burden of cares – the things that worry you and oppress you – that you are being told to lay at the feet of Jesus so that he can bear them for you.
In this time of many cares and many burdens, I find the reminder that we can lay them all at the feet of Jesus, trusting him for love and for guidance, really helpful. No matter how heavy our burdens, no matter how unworthy we feel, we can always approach the Lord, trusting his goodness to us. For all those who need it at this time, may mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness, trust for our trembling, and hope for our fear.
Please click below if you would like to hear, and maybe sing along to the hymn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwQzwlZs_rA
Helena Bickley-Percival
Tuesday 26th January
Last night we celebrated Burns in true St Stephen’s style. The toasts and readings were brilliant and so creative. The Scottish dancing was extraordinary; and the Haggis, whiskey and Iron Bru were all in abundant evidence. However what made this evening so wonderful was the fact it was celebrated all online in a way we could have never preciously been able to. Friends from Cornwall , Scotland and link church in New York City all joined and partook on Zoom…it was a great evening and one which I shall never forget. I suppose it is still not too late for you to use 'The Selkirk Grace’" when you have your meal today:
Last night we celebrated Burns in true St Stephen’s style. The toasts and readings were brilliant and so creative. The Scottish dancing was extraordinary; and the Haggis, whiskey and Iron Bru were all in abundant evidence. However what made this evening so wonderful was the fact it was celebrated all online in a way we could have never preciously been able to. Friends from Cornwall , Scotland and link church in New York City all joined and partook on Zoom…it was a great evening and one which I shall never forget. I suppose it is still not too late for you to use 'The Selkirk Grace’" when you have your meal today:
Revd John Beddingfield
|
Some Folk hae meat that canna eat,
And some can eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, So let the Lord be Thanket! Thank you too all those who took part and made it such a special evening. But also thank you to the technology which is available to allow use to meet in new and exciting ways. Let us pray: Almighty God, You have made us in your image and likeness, Giving us the ability to be creative just as you are the Creator. May the gifts be used in our prayer and worship of you, who live and reign forever. Amen Revd Graham Buckle |
Monday 25th January
Leaving for university in September marked the start of a new chapter in mine, and many others’, life. Saying goodbye to the people you know and love best, knowing you won’t see them for 3 months is a very strange feeling. I was talking to my friend the other day and we were discussing how some parts of university are just bizarre, like being thrown in with a load of new people and expected to make friends. Now this doesn’t seem like a strange concept, but I would argue making friends at 18 is a very different experience to when you do at other formative times of your life. Realistically, the most natural times to make new friends are when you start primary school or when you start secondary school, and from what I remember, when I was 5, I didn’t really care what people thought of me. At school the pace and ease you can become comfortable with someone is rapid, you are with the same people every day, same classes, same breaks, same timetable, it is as though you can’t escape them. Whereas at university, you need to consciously make the effort to meet up with people, factor in time for social life and make yourself known. This idea of making yourself known is quite interesting as you are the only one responsible for putting yourself out there and making the effort to meet new people. Luckily, I have always been quite extroverted so have never found it difficult talking to new people, but university has made me aware that this isn’t the case for everyone.
As humans, we are constantly faced with change and new chapters. Whether that be starting university or losing your job, you need to be yourself and be confident being yourself. We should all just try to view change as an exciting new chapter in our lives, one that can lead to many new opportunities and experiences, helping us to adapt and embrace anything that happens to us.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
Anastassia Puttman
Leaving for university in September marked the start of a new chapter in mine, and many others’, life. Saying goodbye to the people you know and love best, knowing you won’t see them for 3 months is a very strange feeling. I was talking to my friend the other day and we were discussing how some parts of university are just bizarre, like being thrown in with a load of new people and expected to make friends. Now this doesn’t seem like a strange concept, but I would argue making friends at 18 is a very different experience to when you do at other formative times of your life. Realistically, the most natural times to make new friends are when you start primary school or when you start secondary school, and from what I remember, when I was 5, I didn’t really care what people thought of me. At school the pace and ease you can become comfortable with someone is rapid, you are with the same people every day, same classes, same breaks, same timetable, it is as though you can’t escape them. Whereas at university, you need to consciously make the effort to meet up with people, factor in time for social life and make yourself known. This idea of making yourself known is quite interesting as you are the only one responsible for putting yourself out there and making the effort to meet new people. Luckily, I have always been quite extroverted so have never found it difficult talking to new people, but university has made me aware that this isn’t the case for everyone.
As humans, we are constantly faced with change and new chapters. Whether that be starting university or losing your job, you need to be yourself and be confident being yourself. We should all just try to view change as an exciting new chapter in our lives, one that can lead to many new opportunities and experiences, helping us to adapt and embrace anything that happens to us.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Deuteronomy 31:6
Anastassia Puttman
Friday 22nd January
Seven years ago tomorrow, I was inducted and instituted as the vicar of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. On such occasions one is tempted to lapse into a victor-ionic reminisce about all the successes one feels they’ve achieved. However, as you are aware, priestly ministry is never that simple and I know I’ve made a few mistakes along the way. So first and foremost I would like to apologise for these. Suffice it to say, I am absolutely delighted and thrilled that you entrusted me, ‘warts and all’, to be your vicar and minister amongst you.
At our PCC meeting last Tuesday I was so encouraged with the positivity of what we as a community have learnt in this past year of uncertainty and pandemic. We looked creatively at what we might take with us into our future as a christian community. I was so encouraged by the feedback from one of our discussions groups, who felt that our church had been a beacon of stability and positivity in the midst of chaos. Given the past year, this was perhaps, one of the most encouraging understandings of ‘church’ I have encountered, not just in the past seven years, but in my entire 30 years of priestly ministry. So I would like to take the opportunity of thanking everyone, for all you have given and ministered to me.
Please continue to pray for the clergy, as we do for you. May God’s abiding presence continue to work with us, as we continue to build God’s kingdom in our wonderful part of London. Thank you, and please use the following prayer as part of your daily devotion today, not just for your clergy, but also for yourselves:
Creator God,
thank you for our church and its people.
For our parish and our clergy.
Fill us all with your Holy Spirit
so that our church may grow.
Help us to see you in everyone we meet
and fill our lives with your praise.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Seven years ago tomorrow, I was inducted and instituted as the vicar of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. On such occasions one is tempted to lapse into a victor-ionic reminisce about all the successes one feels they’ve achieved. However, as you are aware, priestly ministry is never that simple and I know I’ve made a few mistakes along the way. So first and foremost I would like to apologise for these. Suffice it to say, I am absolutely delighted and thrilled that you entrusted me, ‘warts and all’, to be your vicar and minister amongst you.
At our PCC meeting last Tuesday I was so encouraged with the positivity of what we as a community have learnt in this past year of uncertainty and pandemic. We looked creatively at what we might take with us into our future as a christian community. I was so encouraged by the feedback from one of our discussions groups, who felt that our church had been a beacon of stability and positivity in the midst of chaos. Given the past year, this was perhaps, one of the most encouraging understandings of ‘church’ I have encountered, not just in the past seven years, but in my entire 30 years of priestly ministry. So I would like to take the opportunity of thanking everyone, for all you have given and ministered to me.
Please continue to pray for the clergy, as we do for you. May God’s abiding presence continue to work with us, as we continue to build God’s kingdom in our wonderful part of London. Thank you, and please use the following prayer as part of your daily devotion today, not just for your clergy, but also for yourselves:
Creator God,
thank you for our church and its people.
For our parish and our clergy.
Fill us all with your Holy Spirit
so that our church may grow.
Help us to see you in everyone we meet
and fill our lives with your praise.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Thursday 21st January
There is a particular quality to light after a storm, as if the rain and wind have scoured the sky, leaving it bright and pristine. There may even be the chance of a rainbow – that symbol of hope and reminder of God’s promises to us. Over the last weeks and months, we’ve spoken a lot about light: the light at the end of the tunnel; the light coming to us at Christmas; the darkness of our current times, and the sparks of light we have seen in each other as people pull together to help. This theme of light after a time of darkness featured strongly in Amanda Gorman’s poem that she wrote and delivered for President Biden’s inauguration yesterday. She began “When the day comes, we ask ourselves where we can find light in this never-ending shade?” The seemingly never-ending shade of pandemic, of discord and division, even of despair. But Gorman’s poem is ultimately a hopeful one, if not without challenge. That coming of light requires something of us all, lest “our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation,” and what it requires is love, and a willingness to see the good and act upon. In the midst of the flood, God remembered Noah, in the midst of the storm, Jesus awoke and calmed it. This darkness will end, if we turn towards the light for, as Gorman ends, “there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it.”
Please find the link to Gorman’s poem below.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/20/amanda-gorman-poem-biden-inauguration-transcript
Helena Bickley-Percival
There is a particular quality to light after a storm, as if the rain and wind have scoured the sky, leaving it bright and pristine. There may even be the chance of a rainbow – that symbol of hope and reminder of God’s promises to us. Over the last weeks and months, we’ve spoken a lot about light: the light at the end of the tunnel; the light coming to us at Christmas; the darkness of our current times, and the sparks of light we have seen in each other as people pull together to help. This theme of light after a time of darkness featured strongly in Amanda Gorman’s poem that she wrote and delivered for President Biden’s inauguration yesterday. She began “When the day comes, we ask ourselves where we can find light in this never-ending shade?” The seemingly never-ending shade of pandemic, of discord and division, even of despair. But Gorman’s poem is ultimately a hopeful one, if not without challenge. That coming of light requires something of us all, lest “our inaction and inertia will be the inheritance of the next generation,” and what it requires is love, and a willingness to see the good and act upon. In the midst of the flood, God remembered Noah, in the midst of the storm, Jesus awoke and calmed it. This darkness will end, if we turn towards the light for, as Gorman ends, “there is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it.”
Please find the link to Gorman’s poem below.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/20/amanda-gorman-poem-biden-inauguration-transcript
Helena Bickley-Percival
The Vicar with Jonathan (member of St Stephen’s) @ Lords
Wednesday 20th January
I’m not one for snooker to be honest, but I have to admit watching, late Sunday night, the Chinese snooker player, Yan Bingtao, become the youngest Masters champion in 26 years was enjoyable. Yan is only the second Asian player ever to win one of snooker's major tournaments, beating the champion John Higgins - after being 5-3 and 7-5 down. Surprisingly, it was rather exciting even if there was no spectators present.
This was followed in the same week by one of the most extraordinary cricket matches in history! Now even if you don’t like cricket, this was something rather special. I was so riveted that I arose early Tuesday morning to hear the last couple of hours of this enthralling match. Now I know cricket isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’...but as a member of the MCC and Cricket Society, I was captivated, as against all the odds and set a huge total to chase in their second innings, India beat Australia to win the game, and the series in the last few overs (minutes) of the game - incredible : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/55716268
I appreciate that sport is not to everyone’s liking, something I’m constantly reminded by my staff team. But we all have to acknowledge that sport plays a huge part of many people’s lives: therefore it is vital that Christians know, participate and pray for those engaged and who watch sport. It is a difficult time for many in this industry; Many clubs and associations have been hit hard by the pandemic. As we pray for them, let us also give thanks for those who support them, particularly ‘Christians in Sport’, who work tirelessly in this vital missionary field - https://www.christiansinsport.org.uk
I’m sure our friend Andrew, who often joins us for evening prayer, together with 99% of the people of India will have been celebrating a momentous victory yesterday, as have the people of China. Well done, and played, the India Cricket Team and Yan Bingtao, and let us pray together this short sports day prayer as part of your daily devotion today.
Dear God,
Thank you for the joy of sports,
for the challenge of becoming stronger and fitter.
Please help us to embrace the sporting events that take place,
and to release in those who participate
all the training, commitment and skills that they have.
Lord, you are our inspiration and companion,
and we worship you, in whatever we do.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Read more: https://www.living-prayers.com/people/sports_prayer.html#ixzz6jztUubE2
Also, John's video today is worth a watch! Watch “Wednesday’s Word, January 20, 2021” on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/502672958?ref=em-share
Revd Graham Buckle
I’m not one for snooker to be honest, but I have to admit watching, late Sunday night, the Chinese snooker player, Yan Bingtao, become the youngest Masters champion in 26 years was enjoyable. Yan is only the second Asian player ever to win one of snooker's major tournaments, beating the champion John Higgins - after being 5-3 and 7-5 down. Surprisingly, it was rather exciting even if there was no spectators present.
This was followed in the same week by one of the most extraordinary cricket matches in history! Now even if you don’t like cricket, this was something rather special. I was so riveted that I arose early Tuesday morning to hear the last couple of hours of this enthralling match. Now I know cricket isn’t everyone’s ‘cup of tea’...but as a member of the MCC and Cricket Society, I was captivated, as against all the odds and set a huge total to chase in their second innings, India beat Australia to win the game, and the series in the last few overs (minutes) of the game - incredible : https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/55716268
I appreciate that sport is not to everyone’s liking, something I’m constantly reminded by my staff team. But we all have to acknowledge that sport plays a huge part of many people’s lives: therefore it is vital that Christians know, participate and pray for those engaged and who watch sport. It is a difficult time for many in this industry; Many clubs and associations have been hit hard by the pandemic. As we pray for them, let us also give thanks for those who support them, particularly ‘Christians in Sport’, who work tirelessly in this vital missionary field - https://www.christiansinsport.org.uk
I’m sure our friend Andrew, who often joins us for evening prayer, together with 99% of the people of India will have been celebrating a momentous victory yesterday, as have the people of China. Well done, and played, the India Cricket Team and Yan Bingtao, and let us pray together this short sports day prayer as part of your daily devotion today.
Dear God,
Thank you for the joy of sports,
for the challenge of becoming stronger and fitter.
Please help us to embrace the sporting events that take place,
and to release in those who participate
all the training, commitment and skills that they have.
Lord, you are our inspiration and companion,
and we worship you, in whatever we do.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Read more: https://www.living-prayers.com/people/sports_prayer.html#ixzz6jztUubE2
Also, John's video today is worth a watch! Watch “Wednesday’s Word, January 20, 2021” on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/502672958?ref=em-share
Revd Graham Buckle
Tuesday 19th January
It was with great joy and interest that I read of the amazing achievement by 10 Nepalese climbers, who set a new world record by becoming the first to reach the summit of K2 in winter - no mean feat - it being the second highest and most technical mountain in the world. A climbing friend stated, this is “great for Nepal and their mountain community who seem to be taken for granted more and more with the rise in commercialism”. Mountains have a huge significance for the people of Nepal, particularly their Buddhist community. Of course they play an important part in all the major religions. In the Bible, mountains are seen as the place of encounter (with God) and teaching (about God). So it should be no surprise that the Alpine Mountaineering Club was set up by an Anglican Missionary, Revd Walter Weston in Japan in 1800s. Having climbed a few mountains in my younger days, I can see how theology and encounter of Mountains play such a significant part of religion. In Oct/Nov 2008, I was part of a small British Team to climb the Manaslu Pass when it reopened earlier that year. It was such a privilege and life changing experience. Being, what seemed to be on top of the world, is certainly a thin place, not just literally with altitude but theologically, as one feels the presence of God in many ways.
It was with great joy and interest that I read of the amazing achievement by 10 Nepalese climbers, who set a new world record by becoming the first to reach the summit of K2 in winter - no mean feat - it being the second highest and most technical mountain in the world. A climbing friend stated, this is “great for Nepal and their mountain community who seem to be taken for granted more and more with the rise in commercialism”. Mountains have a huge significance for the people of Nepal, particularly their Buddhist community. Of course they play an important part in all the major religions. In the Bible, mountains are seen as the place of encounter (with God) and teaching (about God). So it should be no surprise that the Alpine Mountaineering Club was set up by an Anglican Missionary, Revd Walter Weston in Japan in 1800s. Having climbed a few mountains in my younger days, I can see how theology and encounter of Mountains play such a significant part of religion. In Oct/Nov 2008, I was part of a small British Team to climb the Manaslu Pass when it reopened earlier that year. It was such a privilege and life changing experience. Being, what seemed to be on top of the world, is certainly a thin place, not just literally with altitude but theologically, as one feels the presence of God in many ways.
We were indebted to our Nepalese friends who acted as our guides and porters; Here is a picture of them, the real heroes:
And these were the kind of strong people who amazingly climbed K2 in WINTER! Such a feat and very well done to them - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55684149
Lucy Larcom was an American poet who wrote beautiful poems and hymns about the mountains she climbed. Two of her poems form what is now known as “A mountaineer’s prayer”. Although the language is of its time, any hiker can relate to the scenes she paints. So as we praise the wonder of God’s creation; as we give thanks for the wonderful people of Nepal; let us pray her poem as part of our Daily Devotion today:
A MOUNTAINEER’S PRAYER - Lucy Larcom, 1885
Gird me with the strength of Thy steadfast hills,
The speed of Thy streams give me!
In the spirit that calms, with the life that thrills,
I would stand or run for Thee.
Let me be Thy voice, or Thy silent power,
As the cataract, or the peak, --
An eternal thought, in my earthly hour,
Of the living God to speak!
Clothe me in the rose-tints of Thy skies,
Upon morning summits laid!
Robe me in the purple and gold that flies
Through Thy shuttles of light and shade!
Let me rise and rejoice in Thy smile aright,
As mountains and forests do!
Let me welcome Thy twilight and Thy night,
And wait for Thy dawn anew!
Give me the brook’s faith, joyously sung
Under clank of its icy chain!
Give me of the patience that hides among
The hill-tops, in mist and rain!
Lift me up from the clod, let me breathe Thy breath,
Thy beauty and strength give me!
Let me lose both the name and the meaning of death,
In the life that I share with Thee! Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
And these were the kind of strong people who amazingly climbed K2 in WINTER! Such a feat and very well done to them - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-55684149
Lucy Larcom was an American poet who wrote beautiful poems and hymns about the mountains she climbed. Two of her poems form what is now known as “A mountaineer’s prayer”. Although the language is of its time, any hiker can relate to the scenes she paints. So as we praise the wonder of God’s creation; as we give thanks for the wonderful people of Nepal; let us pray her poem as part of our Daily Devotion today:
A MOUNTAINEER’S PRAYER - Lucy Larcom, 1885
Gird me with the strength of Thy steadfast hills,
The speed of Thy streams give me!
In the spirit that calms, with the life that thrills,
I would stand or run for Thee.
Let me be Thy voice, or Thy silent power,
As the cataract, or the peak, --
An eternal thought, in my earthly hour,
Of the living God to speak!
Clothe me in the rose-tints of Thy skies,
Upon morning summits laid!
Robe me in the purple and gold that flies
Through Thy shuttles of light and shade!
Let me rise and rejoice in Thy smile aright,
As mountains and forests do!
Let me welcome Thy twilight and Thy night,
And wait for Thy dawn anew!
Give me the brook’s faith, joyously sung
Under clank of its icy chain!
Give me of the patience that hides among
The hill-tops, in mist and rain!
Lift me up from the clod, let me breathe Thy breath,
Thy beauty and strength give me!
Let me lose both the name and the meaning of death,
In the life that I share with Thee! Amen.
Revd Graham Buckle
Monday 18th January
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We have been putting out Sermonettes, such as the one posted here, every Sunday for our Young People, who must feel the lockdown very keenly and miss the interaction with their friends and extended families. The Sermonette, we hope, will serve to bring the week's readings to young people. Please do spread the word and the video can be found every Monday under Resources for families. |
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Friday 15th January
HOPE
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
“Back in mid March, when it was determined that needed to close the church for a time, we decided to change our outdoor noticeboards to something that would last for a few days or a few weeks and now of course it has been a few months.
HOPE
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
“Back in mid March, when it was determined that needed to close the church for a time, we decided to change our outdoor noticeboards to something that would last for a few days or a few weeks and now of course it has been a few months.
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Thought we are currently open partially at Holy Trinity, we are not sure for how long. This is a prayer which is known by many as the serenity prayer. It is part of a longer prayer which was popularised by the German-American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr. It gives comfort and strength to thousands of people who are growing through twelve-step recovery, but it is a useful prayer for all of us I think:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. During the pandemic, this prayer and a deepening of this prayer in my life has been a great gift, as daily I am reminded that so much is out of my control, and yet there are a few things within my control and with discernment and grace, God can strengthen me and give me the creativity to continue doing what I can do. So if you don’t know the serenity prayer, I offer it to you as a great gift as it has been offered to me. May God bless us and keep us safe.” (Reverend John Beddingfield) |
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The Fourth H
The last extraordinary 9 months have taught us so much about our lives and priorities; realising, in the words of the old adage that often it’s the little things in life that are really the big things, things we might never take for granted again – what I’ve come to think of as the three H’s: handshakes, hugs and . . . haircuts! But for me, I know I’ve learned the deepest lessons and received the greatest gifts when I find my eyes unexpectedly welling up and my heart swelling. Two key moments stand out for me. The first was my first experience of a live performance since lockdown began. Through my work as a theatre chaplain, I’m fortunate that I get to see a lot of theatre - a privilege you can come to take for granted, including annual visits to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. But in May, for the first time in 59 years, the theatre announced it would not open this year. However, when lockdown restrictions were eased, the theatre staged a one month run of a concert version of their successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with the cast remaining socially distanced throughout. I saw it on the last day of its run, at the end of September. I wasn’t quite prepared for the visceral impact the second the live band struck up. And I had trouble focussing on the performers during the first moments as my eyes were blurred with tears of emotion at the sheer wonder of being back in an audience once more after so long. And to see the energy of the performers and an audience so stirred and moved by the story of the last week of Jesus’ life on earth was a gift.
The second is much more recent but equally impactful. It was yesterday evening, standing in a dark and wet school playground as part of a surprisingly fantastic turnout for St Stephen’s outdoor carol service. After 18 years of parish ministry, you get used to multiple opportunities to start singing. carols even before Advent begins. But yesterday was the first – and possibly only – opportunity to come together and in extraordinary circumstances, to do something we used to take for granted but have missed so much, and - significantly - to sing those songs that tell the story of the light the darkness cannot overcome. I found myself thinking of those in other lands who can’t sing such songs for fear of persecution. There in the rain, masked and partially hidden by my umbrella, as the rain fell, so did my tears as I realised the gift we all need, the gift we were sharing with one another, from bubble to bubble, is the fourth H: Hope.
(Reverend Lindsay Meader, Theatre Chaplain)
The last extraordinary 9 months have taught us so much about our lives and priorities; realising, in the words of the old adage that often it’s the little things in life that are really the big things, things we might never take for granted again – what I’ve come to think of as the three H’s: handshakes, hugs and . . . haircuts! But for me, I know I’ve learned the deepest lessons and received the greatest gifts when I find my eyes unexpectedly welling up and my heart swelling. Two key moments stand out for me. The first was my first experience of a live performance since lockdown began. Through my work as a theatre chaplain, I’m fortunate that I get to see a lot of theatre - a privilege you can come to take for granted, including annual visits to the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. But in May, for the first time in 59 years, the theatre announced it would not open this year. However, when lockdown restrictions were eased, the theatre staged a one month run of a concert version of their successful production of Jesus Christ Superstar, with the cast remaining socially distanced throughout. I saw it on the last day of its run, at the end of September. I wasn’t quite prepared for the visceral impact the second the live band struck up. And I had trouble focussing on the performers during the first moments as my eyes were blurred with tears of emotion at the sheer wonder of being back in an audience once more after so long. And to see the energy of the performers and an audience so stirred and moved by the story of the last week of Jesus’ life on earth was a gift.
The second is much more recent but equally impactful. It was yesterday evening, standing in a dark and wet school playground as part of a surprisingly fantastic turnout for St Stephen’s outdoor carol service. After 18 years of parish ministry, you get used to multiple opportunities to start singing. carols even before Advent begins. But yesterday was the first – and possibly only – opportunity to come together and in extraordinary circumstances, to do something we used to take for granted but have missed so much, and - significantly - to sing those songs that tell the story of the light the darkness cannot overcome. I found myself thinking of those in other lands who can’t sing such songs for fear of persecution. There in the rain, masked and partially hidden by my umbrella, as the rain fell, so did my tears as I realised the gift we all need, the gift we were sharing with one another, from bubble to bubble, is the fourth H: Hope.
(Reverend Lindsay Meader, Theatre Chaplain)
Thursday 14th January
SIMPLE PLEASURES
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
SIMPLE PLEASURES
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
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“The gift I would like to receive is the continuation, from the early days of lockdown, of my ability to appreciate the detail of the little things in the world all around us, close to home. There is so much to see and enjoy and be content about. The simple pleasures of sunshine, or a flower, or the details of architecture, or other people around us. I have found myself noticing and revelling in things I completely took for granted before lockdown.” (Jackie)
“The gift I would like to receive is vistas, vistas of ocean, skies and country marked by colour, lines, sound and light going off into the distance and disappearing below the horizon. I grew up with vistas and whenever I come upon them I stop and become absorbed emerging refreshed.” (Jeremy) ““By walking more, I’ve found these new places that I never knew were there – within half an hours walk of my house.” (Liz) |
Wednesday 13th January
LISTENING
LISTENING
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One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link “I can give the gift of listening, I don’t see it myself, but friends of mine, say I can listen well.” (Jeremy) “I need a quiet mind and can give a sympathetic ear” (Anne via Instagram) “The gift I would like to give to others, to help them flourish, is the time to listen to them, fully and kindly, without my attention wandering. This will allow for better, deeper and more meaningful relationships.” (Jackie) |
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Tuesday 12th January
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JOY
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link A Poem by Elizabeth Witts I pray for the gift of laughter, to laugh as life flies by, and for the gift of joking that others may laugh till they cry! |
Monday 11th January
TIME
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link.
“The lockdown has really helped me to slow down – at a point when I really needed to slow down – it made me take time. Simple things like not taking public transport and walking everywhere, which might mean a journey takes an hour rather than fifteen minutes. That slowing down and making you think about what you are doing is really helpful. Thinking about how to shape your day; what’s important, what feeds you. Making time for prayer where there wasn’t time for prayer before.” (Helena)
TIME
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link.
“The lockdown has really helped me to slow down – at a point when I really needed to slow down – it made me take time. Simple things like not taking public transport and walking everywhere, which might mean a journey takes an hour rather than fifteen minutes. That slowing down and making you think about what you are doing is really helpful. Thinking about how to shape your day; what’s important, what feeds you. Making time for prayer where there wasn’t time for prayer before.” (Helena)
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The gift is finding the gift in the Time of Pandemic. The gift is the Time Time to retreat To retreat to the place of assessment To assess the life that we know To know the loss and recognise the gain To gain the awareness of hitherto unseen acts To enact the kindness in return To return to the stillness To still the mind To mind the time To find the gift. The gift is finding the gift in the Time of pandemic. A poem written by Charlie Hughes-D’Aeth, Voice Coach for The Old Vic & RSC |
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Friday 8th January
KINDNESS
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link.
KINDNESS
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link.
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“I’ve had so much thrown at me in the lockdown in the way of love from other people, in the way of opportunities to do stuff that I have been moaning for forty years I can’t do – I’ve been doing a lesson swap with another teacher up the road. I’m teaching him to write songs and he’s teaching me how to draw.” (Rosemary) “It’s such a diverse community, you never know who is going to walk through the door.” (Andrew) ”The kindness of people who know me and my situation has been amazing. That generosity of spirit has been fantastic.” (Liz) “I’ve become a befriender, so I write letters to a lady every Friday. She is from Mauritius and is finding it very hard.” (Irene) |
Thursday 7th January
SUPPORT
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
SUPPORT
One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
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“We work at I Can Be, a small children’s charity with offices in the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. I Can Be brings disadvantaged children into the world of work, to help them discover the breadth of opportunity around them. We aim to broaden their horizons and promote high aspirations. One tremendous gift that we’ve received during lockdown has been the increase in goodwill that we’re seeing from people who want to support us by becoming virtual volunteers. This gift is helping us provide our programmes virtually and online, which means we can keep the window of opportunity’ open for our girls. It has been inspiring to hear from many more people who want to give their time to help I Can Be deliver our programmes for children across London. We’re now gearing up for our first ever I Can Be ‘virtual visits’ programme in 2021, with the support of our new virtual volunteers. We’ll therefore be passing the volunteers’ ‘gift of goodwill’ on to the children we support!” (Claire and Anastasia, ICanBe)
“During the first Covid-19 lockdown, like everybody else, I spent much of my time at home. I realised how privileged I was to have the gift of a happy family life. This made me think of people living on their own and how I could help support them whilst they were in isolation. I hope the arrival of the vaccine will mean that by Easter the impact of Covid-19 on our lives will be diminishing, but we will not forget that there will be lonely people in our community who will need our support.” (Councillor Tim Mitchell) |
“Everyone has a talent, everyone has got a purpose. We help people to rediscover that. Last week we were doing something in the art group – making flowers. I said to a client, just come in – he made the most amazing flowers. After the session he said “you really helped me rediscover something I had forgotten I had.” That’s what we’re here for. That’s what we want to do with all our clients really.” (Michael, a support worker at The Passage, which is based in the parish, describing his work during the lockdown)
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Wednesday 6th January
HEALING
HEALING
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One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full at this link
“I want to receive the gift of learning to look after myself better and take the time to relax physically and rest the mind. To connect more with nature, take time out from work and meditate and undertake mild exercise (there is plenty of opportunity to do this currently working from home) and get a good night’s sleep. If I want to help others to flourish and get through this pandemic I need to be good to myself as well as to others.” (Anthony) “Put something in your day that you can look forward to. Put on your best perfume, put on your best clothes. Because it’s important that before we can get alongside someone else, we can be strong ourselves. I suppose it’s having been a carer for fifty years – that is just in me.” (Irene) |
Touched
How should we be feeling, now, a species programmed to explore,
Since the astronomer cast us out from the centre so we were special no more?
And what do we see and hear, now, with our giant eyes and ears,
As the dark vacuum of space draws in our deepest hopes and fears?
How do we appear, now, from a distant planetary retreat?
A squirming globe dancing uneasily to a pandemic’s frenzied beat?
A time to reflect, slow down, take stock, consider the truths that elude us
Step out from the shadows, embrace a new light and banish the clouds that occlude us
Yes, turn the telescope inwards, now, and feel the bond deep inside,
The pull on the heart, the yearning that aches and the swell and tug of life’s tide
Sense again the hand in your hand, and the warmth of a loved one’s clutch
Be moved by the Spirit, compelled by the Godhead, be healed by the Saviour’s touch.
(Kevin Walsh)
How should we be feeling, now, a species programmed to explore,
Since the astronomer cast us out from the centre so we were special no more?
And what do we see and hear, now, with our giant eyes and ears,
As the dark vacuum of space draws in our deepest hopes and fears?
How do we appear, now, from a distant planetary retreat?
A squirming globe dancing uneasily to a pandemic’s frenzied beat?
A time to reflect, slow down, take stock, consider the truths that elude us
Step out from the shadows, embrace a new light and banish the clouds that occlude us
Yes, turn the telescope inwards, now, and feel the bond deep inside,
The pull on the heart, the yearning that aches and the swell and tug of life’s tide
Sense again the hand in your hand, and the warmth of a loved one’s clutch
Be moved by the Spirit, compelled by the Godhead, be healed by the Saviour’s touch.
(Kevin Walsh)
Tuesday 5th January
FRIENDSHIP
FRIENDSHIP
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One of the "Nine Lessons in Lockdown" sent to us by those who live, work and worship in and around the parish of St Stephen’s Rochester Row. Thank you so much for all the contributions which you can read in full here.
“I have learnt to value the care and kindness I have received from the dance community now anchored to the church. I can offer others the gift of making strong and longlasting friendships through dance.” (Amanda Jane) “Whether you are in the physical presence of other people or whether you are three thousand miles away makes no difference whatsoever to God – there is this link, which we can feel.” (Rosemary) “The gift I’ve received during the lockdown is the blessing of connectivity with people and increased intentional prayer with others.” (Jen) “For me personally, I am thankful that gardening gave a shape to an otherwise formless week safeguarding existing and forming new and enriching friendships.” (Sue) |
“What gift can I offer to help others flourish? The gift of friendship and practical help when people are suffering hardship. Providing food for families that have nothing to eat, especially over the Christmas period.” (Tony)
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Monday January 4th
As many of you are aware, students on placement from St Augustine’s spoke to many in our congregation and community about lessons learnt during the lockdown. This has been collated into a full video and scrapbook of all the contributions received. During the next two weeks, during this time of Epiphany, we will break down each of the lessons into vignettes and contributions for that particular lesson. Please you these to give thanks for our church of St Stephen’s as part of your Daily Devotion.
You can see the full video and scrapbook below.
NINE LESSONS IN LOCKDOWN (Full Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcKmxBQlVEk&feature=youtu.be
Link to Scrapbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FyLl4qg4ZxHGhE4dfVB6HnCAng9cj2dU/view
Revd Graham M Buckle
Vicar
As many of you are aware, students on placement from St Augustine’s spoke to many in our congregation and community about lessons learnt during the lockdown. This has been collated into a full video and scrapbook of all the contributions received. During the next two weeks, during this time of Epiphany, we will break down each of the lessons into vignettes and contributions for that particular lesson. Please you these to give thanks for our church of St Stephen’s as part of your Daily Devotion.
You can see the full video and scrapbook below.
NINE LESSONS IN LOCKDOWN (Full Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcKmxBQlVEk&feature=youtu.be
Link to Scrapbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FyLl4qg4ZxHGhE4dfVB6HnCAng9cj2dU/view
Revd Graham M Buckle
Vicar
Christmas Week
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very blessed and happy Christmas.
Take care, and we look forward to seeing you in some sort of capacity in the New Year!
Please use this modern depiction of an ancient icon of the nativity for your Daily Devotion during this coming week:
We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very blessed and happy Christmas.
Take care, and we look forward to seeing you in some sort of capacity in the New Year!
Please use this modern depiction of an ancient icon of the nativity for your Daily Devotion during this coming week:
Friday 25th December
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
Thank you to the Civil Service Choir for providing our 'A Carol a Day' throughout December, and for today we present a final joyful hymn of praise!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year!
Thank you to the Civil Service Choir for providing our 'A Carol a Day' throughout December, and for today we present a final joyful hymn of praise!
There is also a playlist of all the carols that we have enjoyed this December, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Thursday 24th December
We are delighted to have this special recording of the Corelli Christmas Concerto performed in our church to share with you all. Please enjoy, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very special time.
Christmas Concerto Op.6, No. 8
Arcangelo Corelli
James Maggs—Violin
Duncan McCombie—Violin
Helen Prentice—Viola
Lizzie Heighway—Cello
We are delighted to have this special recording of the Corelli Christmas Concerto performed in our church to share with you all. Please enjoy, and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very special time.
Christmas Concerto Op.6, No. 8
Arcangelo Corelli
James Maggs—Violin
Duncan McCombie—Violin
Helen Prentice—Viola
Lizzie Heighway—Cello
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Wednesday 23rd December
O Emmanuel O come, O come, and be our God-with-us, O long-sought with-ness for a world without, O secret seed, O hidden spring of light. Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name, Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame, O quickened little wick so tightly curled, Be folded with us into time and place, Unfold for us the mystery of grace And make a womb of all this wounded world. O heart of heaven beating in the earth, O tiny hope within our hopelessness, Come to be born, to bear us to our birth, To touch a dying world with new-made hands And make these rags of time our swaddling bands. Malcom Guite - Sounding the Seasons (Cant. Press 2012) |
O Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Saviour: Come and save us, O Lord our God. 
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Tuesday 22nd December
O Rex Gentium O King of our desire whom we despise, King of the nations never on the throne, Unfound foundation, cast-off cornerstone, Rejected joiner, making many one: You have no form or beauty for our eyes, A King who comes to give away his crown, A King within our rags of flesh and bone. We pierce the flesh that pierces our disguise, For we ourselves are found in you alone. Come to us now and find in us your throne, O King within the child within the clay, O hidden King who shapes us in the play Of all creation. Shape us for the day Your coming Kingdom comes into its own. Malcom Guite - Sounding the Seasons (Cant. Press 2012) |
O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay. 
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Monday 21st December
O Oriens First light and then first lines along the east To touch and brush a sheen of light on water, As though behind the sky itself they traced The shift and shimmer of another river Flowing unbidden from its hidden source; The Day-Spring, the eternal Prima Vera. Blake saw it too. Dante and Beatrice Are bathing in it now, away upstream . . . So every trace of light begins a grace In me, a beckoning. The smallest gleam Is somehow a beginning and a calling: 'Sleeper awake, the darkness was a dream For you will see the Dayspring at your waking, Beyond your long last line the dawn is breaking.' Malcom Guite - Sounding the Seasons (Cant. Press 2012) Friday 18th December
O Adonai Unsayable, you chose to speak one tongue; Unseeable, you gave yourself away; The Adonai, the Tetragrammaton, Grew by a wayside in the light of day. O you who dared to be a tribal God, To own a language, people and a place, Who chose to be exploited and betrayed, If so you might be met with face to face: Come to us here, who would not find you there, Who chose to know the skin and not the pith, Who heard no more than thunder in the air, Who marked the mere events and not the myth; Touch the bare branches of our unbelief And blaze again like fire in every leaf. Malcom Guite - Sounding the Seasons (Cant. Press 2012) |
O Morning Star, splendour of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. 
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm. ,_mos%C3%A8_e_il_roveto_ardente,_1465-70_ca._02.JPG)
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Thursday 17th December
When we say evening prayer every day, there are different ways that it changes to mark special feasts, or the liturgical season that we're in. One of those ways is to have a different sentence before the Magnificat at Evening Prayer, and from today the church has a special set of those sentences, called antiphons, that mark the final countdown to Christmas. The O Antiphons are ancient, going back as far as the sixth century, and they celebrate different aspects of Christ each day until Christmas. They have inspired music and poetry for centuries, and as part of our devotion leading up to Christmas, we will be exploring these antiphons through poetry.
From today until Christmas Day we posting each of Malcolm Guite’s THE GREAT O ANTIPHONS poems from his collection of Sounding the Seasons (Cant. Press 2012), alongside the Antiphon for each day.
When we say evening prayer every day, there are different ways that it changes to mark special feasts, or the liturgical season that we're in. One of those ways is to have a different sentence before the Magnificat at Evening Prayer, and from today the church has a special set of those sentences, called antiphons, that mark the final countdown to Christmas. The O Antiphons are ancient, going back as far as the sixth century, and they celebrate different aspects of Christ each day until Christmas. They have inspired music and poetry for centuries, and as part of our devotion leading up to Christmas, we will be exploring these antiphons through poetry.
From today until Christmas Day we posting each of Malcolm Guite’s THE GREAT O ANTIPHONS poems from his collection of Sounding the Seasons (Cant. Press 2012), alongside the Antiphon for each day.
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Thursday - O Sapientia
I cannot think unless I have been thought, Nor can I speak unless I have been spoken; cannot teach except as I am taught, Or break the bread except as I am broken. O Mind behind the mind through which I seek, O Light within the light by which I see, O Word beneath the words with which I speak, O founding, unfound Wisdom, finding me, O sounding Song whose depth is sounding me, O Memory of time, reminding me, My Ground of Being, always grounding me, My Maker's bounding line, defining me: Come, hidden Wisdom, come with all you bring, Come to me now, disguised as everything. |
O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,
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Wednesday 16th December
Ode to (Advent) Joy It has been wonderful to spend this term with you and I have greatly enjoyed the fine music at your church. My home church (also dedicated to St Stephen!) is similarly blessed. Before the second lockdown, we had planned a season of concerts to celebrate Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary, which falls on 16th December. Sadly, we have had to cancel the live concerts, but will be broadcasting two free concerts online including a unique performance of Symphony no. 9 (the Choral Symphony) arranged for piano (four hands) by Franz Xaver Scharwenka (1850-1924) performed by my talented friends Ben Schoeman and Tessa Uys and accompanied by our Choral Scholars. There’s a brief behind-the-scenes snippet in this video from ‘Ode to Joy’ – the fourth movement of the symphony. |
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Ode to Joy was written by the poet Friedrich Schiller and a slightly re-worked text was set to music by Beethoven after Schiller’s death. Some academics suggest the original text was an Ode to ‘Freedom’ and Beethoven’s composition has been sung by people across the world who are seeking freedom from oppression, from Chile to China.
Writing for the Schiller Institute, the musicologist Fred Haight suggests that as artists, both Schiller and Beethoven were motivated by the desire for the emancipation of mankind which found expression in the American Revolution, but were horrified by the barbarity of Revolutionary France. Freedom doesn’t mean doing whatever we want, but freedom from our selfish concerns to do God’s will. He writes:
“For Beethoven, as for Schiller, freedom is the freedom to develop one’s own cognitive powers, in order to carry out that necessary mission, on behalf of humanity as a whole, for which the Creator put us here in the first place.”
As Christians, that is the freedom to which we have been brought, in and through Christ.
Advent this year brings a glimmer of light that freedom from the lockdown is on the horizon, but the consequences of the pandemic will be long-lasting and our calling, as Christ's church, will be as important as ever. Let us live our lives as an Ode to Joy - and Freedom.
Phillip Dawson, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
Thank you to everyone who joined us last week on Zoom to share their ‘Lessons from Lockdown’ which we hope to share with you in church on Sunday 20th December. There’s still time to contribute to the project. Please do email us one word or a sentence, a picture, a video or a poem to [email protected]
Writing for the Schiller Institute, the musicologist Fred Haight suggests that as artists, both Schiller and Beethoven were motivated by the desire for the emancipation of mankind which found expression in the American Revolution, but were horrified by the barbarity of Revolutionary France. Freedom doesn’t mean doing whatever we want, but freedom from our selfish concerns to do God’s will. He writes:
“For Beethoven, as for Schiller, freedom is the freedom to develop one’s own cognitive powers, in order to carry out that necessary mission, on behalf of humanity as a whole, for which the Creator put us here in the first place.”
As Christians, that is the freedom to which we have been brought, in and through Christ.
Advent this year brings a glimmer of light that freedom from the lockdown is on the horizon, but the consequences of the pandemic will be long-lasting and our calling, as Christ's church, will be as important as ever. Let us live our lives as an Ode to Joy - and Freedom.
Phillip Dawson, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
Thank you to everyone who joined us last week on Zoom to share their ‘Lessons from Lockdown’ which we hope to share with you in church on Sunday 20th December. There’s still time to contribute to the project. Please do email us one word or a sentence, a picture, a video or a poem to [email protected]
Tuesday 15th December
Finding the positive
I have had to learn to look for tiny increments in daily life. Without wishing to become a Pollyanna I have found that there are things to be glad about. I can't go to the gym for my weekly very sociable exercise class and long swim but I have come across new places near where I live, I had no idea there were so many parks within walking distance. I know about the ones nearby but trek on a bit further and there are some lovely discoveries. I have occasionally been a little over-ambitious - a walk to and then around Alexandra Park with Elinor was 7 miles and I realise I need to be very much more fit.
No, I can't have times in the pub or in cafes with my friends and relations but thinking about Elinor, she doesn't live very far away so she and her partner and I are now in a "bubble" and able to meet for supper once a week in one of our homes.
But I can't do that with Catrin. We've got round it by meeting for socially distanced walks and that led to another discovery, Wanstead Park is halfway between here and Deptford, where she lives, so we met there and had a lovely walk, I picked a sprig of holly ready for Christmas and we saw a jay and a woodpecker as well as too many parakeets.
There have been so many discoveries to be thankful for, both of places and of personal abilities.
Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar. Thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. I am extremely grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how blessed I am and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned acts of kindness. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Liz Szewczyk, Churchwarden
Finding the positive
I have had to learn to look for tiny increments in daily life. Without wishing to become a Pollyanna I have found that there are things to be glad about. I can't go to the gym for my weekly very sociable exercise class and long swim but I have come across new places near where I live, I had no idea there were so many parks within walking distance. I know about the ones nearby but trek on a bit further and there are some lovely discoveries. I have occasionally been a little over-ambitious - a walk to and then around Alexandra Park with Elinor was 7 miles and I realise I need to be very much more fit.
No, I can't have times in the pub or in cafes with my friends and relations but thinking about Elinor, she doesn't live very far away so she and her partner and I are now in a "bubble" and able to meet for supper once a week in one of our homes.
But I can't do that with Catrin. We've got round it by meeting for socially distanced walks and that led to another discovery, Wanstead Park is halfway between here and Deptford, where she lives, so we met there and had a lovely walk, I picked a sprig of holly ready for Christmas and we saw a jay and a woodpecker as well as too many parakeets.
There have been so many discoveries to be thankful for, both of places and of personal abilities.
Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have bestowed on my life. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. You have surrounded me with people who always look out for me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day with kind words and actions. They lift me up in ways that keep my eyes focused on you and make my spirit soar. Thank you, Lord, for keeping me safe. I am extremely grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how blessed I am and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned acts of kindness. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
Liz Szewczyk, Churchwarden
Monday 14th December
Saint John of the Cross
As part of my Theology Degree, ‘Western Spiritual Tradition’ was one of the modules. It was a real privilege to study and examine the life and writing of the Spanish Mystic and poet, St John of the Cross, who the church commemorates today. Born in 1542 in Fontiveros, Spain, Juan, was the son of a rich merchant. His father died when he was very young, leaving his mother to raise him alone. At age 18, he began to study with the Jesuits and entered the Carmelite Order in 1563. Ordained in 1567, Juan met St. Teresa of Avila, another Christian mystic and followed her lead in attempting to reform his Order. In 1568, Juan and three other friars began to live a strict monastic life in a small farmhouse. They would go barefoot as confirmation of their pledge of poverty. He changed his name to Juan de la Cruz. There seemed to be some hostility from his former brothers, who regarded his strict discipline as a criticism of their relaxed way of life. In 1576, they had him arrested and imprisoned. But it was during this period of imprisonment, that Juan wrote most of his exquisite poetry. He died this day in 1591.
Please use his following poem as part your daily devotion today.
Revd Graham M Buckle
The Dark Night
Saint John of the Cross
As part of my Theology Degree, ‘Western Spiritual Tradition’ was one of the modules. It was a real privilege to study and examine the life and writing of the Spanish Mystic and poet, St John of the Cross, who the church commemorates today. Born in 1542 in Fontiveros, Spain, Juan, was the son of a rich merchant. His father died when he was very young, leaving his mother to raise him alone. At age 18, he began to study with the Jesuits and entered the Carmelite Order in 1563. Ordained in 1567, Juan met St. Teresa of Avila, another Christian mystic and followed her lead in attempting to reform his Order. In 1568, Juan and three other friars began to live a strict monastic life in a small farmhouse. They would go barefoot as confirmation of their pledge of poverty. He changed his name to Juan de la Cruz. There seemed to be some hostility from his former brothers, who regarded his strict discipline as a criticism of their relaxed way of life. In 1576, they had him arrested and imprisoned. But it was during this period of imprisonment, that Juan wrote most of his exquisite poetry. He died this day in 1591.
Please use his following poem as part your daily devotion today.
Revd Graham M Buckle
The Dark Night
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One dark night,
fired with love's urgent longings - ah, the sheer grace! - I went out unseen, my house being now all stilled. In darkness, and secure, by the secret ladder, disguised, - ah, the sheer grace! - in darkness and concealment, my house being now all stilled. On that glad night in secret, for no one saw me, nor did I look at anything with no other light or guide than the One that burned in my heart. This guided me more surely than the light of noon to where he was awaiting me - him I knew so well - there in a place where no one appeared. |
O guiding night!
O night more lovely than the dawn! O night that has united the Lover with his beloved, transforming the Beloved into his Lover. Upon my flowering breast, which I kept wholly for him alone, there he lay sleeping, and I caressing him there in a breeze from the fanning cedars. When the breeze blew from the turret, as I parted his hair, it wounded my neck with its gentle hand, suspending all my senses. I abandoned and forgot myself, laying my face on my Beloved; all things ceased; I went out from myself, leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies. |
Friday 11th December
As you may have seen in previous Daily Devotions, we are delighted to have a group of students from St Augustine's Theological College with us at the moment to do a project called Lessons in Lockdown, which you can still take part in by emailing [email protected] . The students put together a fantastic video last Sunday for our Young People, and we wanted to share it more widely. Do enjoy, and if you haven't already, consider joining their fantastic project. More details can be found here.
As you may have seen in previous Daily Devotions, we are delighted to have a group of students from St Augustine's Theological College with us at the moment to do a project called Lessons in Lockdown, which you can still take part in by emailing [email protected] . The students put together a fantastic video last Sunday for our Young People, and we wanted to share it more widely. Do enjoy, and if you haven't already, consider joining their fantastic project. More details can be found here.
Thursday 10th December
Zoomed Isolation
There is a very particular isolation to be experienced when Zooming with friends, family and participants in various meetings. Depending on what sort of meeting it is I set up my Zoom studio (aka the dining room table). For meetings with people I don't know very well I turn the laptop around so all they see is a very boring staircase. For friends I decamp to the sitting room, coffee in hand, feet up on the sofa.
For church I make a holy place. Since we started worshipping this way, months ago when the weather was warm, I collected flowers from the allotment or my garden and made sure there was always a bunch in view on the corner of the table. People sent me flowers occasionally so they would be my bit of nature. On Advent One I had my Advent Candles. I haven't been able to buy new ones, my annual trip to the shop next to Westminster Cathedral is cancelled, I will order online but for now I'm reusing the old, partly burnt ones and perhaps that's significant this year. It's almost like wartime "make do and mend". This is a sort of battle - for health, for sanity and for hope that eventually we will come safely out of this period of peculiarity and grief for loss.
And I make my communion. I have bread, I have wine and I have the words of the consecration and blessing beamed into the small holy corner of my home.
Liz Szewczyk, Churchwarden
Zoomed Isolation
There is a very particular isolation to be experienced when Zooming with friends, family and participants in various meetings. Depending on what sort of meeting it is I set up my Zoom studio (aka the dining room table). For meetings with people I don't know very well I turn the laptop around so all they see is a very boring staircase. For friends I decamp to the sitting room, coffee in hand, feet up on the sofa.
For church I make a holy place. Since we started worshipping this way, months ago when the weather was warm, I collected flowers from the allotment or my garden and made sure there was always a bunch in view on the corner of the table. People sent me flowers occasionally so they would be my bit of nature. On Advent One I had my Advent Candles. I haven't been able to buy new ones, my annual trip to the shop next to Westminster Cathedral is cancelled, I will order online but for now I'm reusing the old, partly burnt ones and perhaps that's significant this year. It's almost like wartime "make do and mend". This is a sort of battle - for health, for sanity and for hope that eventually we will come safely out of this period of peculiarity and grief for loss.
And I make my communion. I have bread, I have wine and I have the words of the consecration and blessing beamed into the small holy corner of my home.
Liz Szewczyk, Churchwarden
Wednesday 9th December
Tuesday 8th December
Zooming - again...
To Zoom or not to Zoom that is a daily question. I can remember asking a small child to stop zooming around on a bike because we were all in danger of being crashed into and there are times when that instruction feels appropriate to these peculiar days - which sets me off thinking about "peculiar". Once upon a time it mean "unto itself" but then it became "odd, unusual, strange" so in these peculiar, peculiar days I am thinking hard about zooming into each other and attempting to avoid accidental injury in the process.
Graham zoomed up to Finsbury Park on his bike the other day, and I zoomed a little less rapidly to join him for some essential paperwork signing on a slightly damp picnic table in the park. We talked about the isolation of these days and I began thinking about how we circumvent it. There are many ways, some more satisfactory than others, but Zoom has been a godsend - God sent? - although I suspect its inventors might disagree.
I am writing this on Advent Sunday, shortly before we all Zoom into the 10 o'clock and, for this Sunday, I will be able to see everyone because we are all stuck at home in the current lockdown. Rather selfishly I prefer these lockdown Sunday services because we are all in the same boat. When we are a hybrid congregation I can only see the people who, like me, are stranded at home. When my fellow congregants who live near enough to St Stephen's, or who don't have to isolate, are able to be in the building I am envious and also a bit cross because I feel left out, and yet it's amazing to be able to speak in real time to South Africa, Cornwall and parts of Pimlico. But those "lucky" people able to be in the building can't talk to each other or stay on for coffee and a catch up as I can with the Zoom congregation so it's not all good.
Liz Szewczyk, Churchwarden
Zooming - again...
To Zoom or not to Zoom that is a daily question. I can remember asking a small child to stop zooming around on a bike because we were all in danger of being crashed into and there are times when that instruction feels appropriate to these peculiar days - which sets me off thinking about "peculiar". Once upon a time it mean "unto itself" but then it became "odd, unusual, strange" so in these peculiar, peculiar days I am thinking hard about zooming into each other and attempting to avoid accidental injury in the process.
Graham zoomed up to Finsbury Park on his bike the other day, and I zoomed a little less rapidly to join him for some essential paperwork signing on a slightly damp picnic table in the park. We talked about the isolation of these days and I began thinking about how we circumvent it. There are many ways, some more satisfactory than others, but Zoom has been a godsend - God sent? - although I suspect its inventors might disagree.
I am writing this on Advent Sunday, shortly before we all Zoom into the 10 o'clock and, for this Sunday, I will be able to see everyone because we are all stuck at home in the current lockdown. Rather selfishly I prefer these lockdown Sunday services because we are all in the same boat. When we are a hybrid congregation I can only see the people who, like me, are stranded at home. When my fellow congregants who live near enough to St Stephen's, or who don't have to isolate, are able to be in the building I am envious and also a bit cross because I feel left out, and yet it's amazing to be able to speak in real time to South Africa, Cornwall and parts of Pimlico. But those "lucky" people able to be in the building can't talk to each other or stay on for coffee and a catch up as I can with the Zoom congregation so it's not all good.
Liz Szewczyk, Churchwarden
Monday 7th December
Seeking light in the lockdown
As we approach Advent – a season of waiting – after what has felt like a year of waiting, for some of us, this time of seeking light in the darkness has never before been so real. The words of the Collect for the first Sunday in Advent are words to be prayed when perhaps we are at a loss for words.
The words of the Collect remind me of Psalm 139 where the psalmist says in verses 11 and 12: “If I say, ‘surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me’, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
After what has felt like an Advent year – a year of waiting and wondering – hoping for chinks of light in persistent, uncertain and lonely darkness, may the story of the coming of Emmanuel – God with us – resonate with each of us in a new way, and help us put on the armour of light.
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever
Through our “Lessons in Lockdown” project we are hoping to record your moments of light, of revelation, during the lockdown. What are your “lessons from lockdown”? What have you learnt about yourself? What gifts have you discovered? What have you learnt that you need to be the person you are meant to be? Please do get in touch to share your thoughts – perhaps a word, sentence, picture, video or poem. Email us at: [email protected]
Beth Cater, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
Seeking light in the lockdown
As we approach Advent – a season of waiting – after what has felt like a year of waiting, for some of us, this time of seeking light in the darkness has never before been so real. The words of the Collect for the first Sunday in Advent are words to be prayed when perhaps we are at a loss for words.
The words of the Collect remind me of Psalm 139 where the psalmist says in verses 11 and 12: “If I say, ‘surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me’, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
After what has felt like an Advent year – a year of waiting and wondering – hoping for chinks of light in persistent, uncertain and lonely darkness, may the story of the coming of Emmanuel – God with us – resonate with each of us in a new way, and help us put on the armour of light.
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and to put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life,
in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility;
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever
Through our “Lessons in Lockdown” project we are hoping to record your moments of light, of revelation, during the lockdown. What are your “lessons from lockdown”? What have you learnt about yourself? What gifts have you discovered? What have you learnt that you need to be the person you are meant to be? Please do get in touch to share your thoughts – perhaps a word, sentence, picture, video or poem. Email us at: [email protected]
Beth Cater, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
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Friday 4th December
Prayer God of mercy and love, we gather as a church, may we remember those who are hurting, those in pain, in sorrow and those confused. May we provide a safe space for all to abide and pray. Would you meet us in our darkness, and give us freedom to struggle together as we seek your presence. We ask for strength for today, courage for tomorrow and peace for the past. Amen. Revd Graham M Buckle |
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Thursday 3rd December
Making our way through lockdown
“The Makers” is a wonderful poem by Dorothy Sayers, used as a dedication to her scripts for ‘The Man Born to be King’ - a series of radio plays on the life of Christ, first broadcast by the BBC in December 1941. The poem (which you can read at this link) reveals the interconnectedness of the creative process and reminds us of the ultimate source of our creativity – the Lord, our Maker.
“The Makers” begins with an Architect declaring himself to be the master; appealing to the Craftsman to follow his plans obediently. The Craftsman reminds the Architect that it is he who gives shape to the Architect’s “little inky scrawl” – and that he, therefore, is the master. Then the Stone speaks, reminding the others that he can “bless or damn” their plans simply by using the gifts he has been given to the best of his ability – by being a stone! He encourages the Architect and Craftsman to set aside their pride and focus on sharing their gifts, by doing what each knows best “since none is master of the rest, but all are servants of the work” – the work of God, who is master of all.
Making our way through life isn’t something we can do alone. The pandemic has highlighted our interconnectedness; images of the crystal-clear waters in the canals of Venice reminded us of our close relationship with the environment; empty supermarket shelves and the tireless work of nurses and care-home workers reminded us of our dependence on (often low-paid) workers in the retail, logistics and public sectors.
What connections have you noticed as you have made your way through the lockdown? Have you re-discovered long-forgotten gifts that you have learnt to share? Perhaps you have noticed the absence of something that brings you joy – a gift you would like to receive from others? Please do send us your thoughts; a word, sentence, picture, video or poem to: [email protected]
O Lord our Maker, grant us the wisdom to discern the gifts you have given us, the confidence to share them and the humility to receive them from others; in fulfilment of your holy will.
Phillip Dawson, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
Lessons in Lockdown – Do join us tonight for our ‘drop in’ and share thoughts, feelings and reflections on Lockdown at 7 pm.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88976215551?pwd=RzFaaUFjTllESU90RDVhRGhtaEt3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 7621 5551 Passcode: k2E7Bh
Making our way through lockdown
“The Makers” is a wonderful poem by Dorothy Sayers, used as a dedication to her scripts for ‘The Man Born to be King’ - a series of radio plays on the life of Christ, first broadcast by the BBC in December 1941. The poem (which you can read at this link) reveals the interconnectedness of the creative process and reminds us of the ultimate source of our creativity – the Lord, our Maker.
“The Makers” begins with an Architect declaring himself to be the master; appealing to the Craftsman to follow his plans obediently. The Craftsman reminds the Architect that it is he who gives shape to the Architect’s “little inky scrawl” – and that he, therefore, is the master. Then the Stone speaks, reminding the others that he can “bless or damn” their plans simply by using the gifts he has been given to the best of his ability – by being a stone! He encourages the Architect and Craftsman to set aside their pride and focus on sharing their gifts, by doing what each knows best “since none is master of the rest, but all are servants of the work” – the work of God, who is master of all.
Making our way through life isn’t something we can do alone. The pandemic has highlighted our interconnectedness; images of the crystal-clear waters in the canals of Venice reminded us of our close relationship with the environment; empty supermarket shelves and the tireless work of nurses and care-home workers reminded us of our dependence on (often low-paid) workers in the retail, logistics and public sectors.
What connections have you noticed as you have made your way through the lockdown? Have you re-discovered long-forgotten gifts that you have learnt to share? Perhaps you have noticed the absence of something that brings you joy – a gift you would like to receive from others? Please do send us your thoughts; a word, sentence, picture, video or poem to: [email protected]
O Lord our Maker, grant us the wisdom to discern the gifts you have given us, the confidence to share them and the humility to receive them from others; in fulfilment of your holy will.
Phillip Dawson, Ordinand, St Augustine’s College of Theology
Lessons in Lockdown – Do join us tonight for our ‘drop in’ and share thoughts, feelings and reflections on Lockdown at 7 pm.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88976215551?pwd=RzFaaUFjTllESU90RDVhRGhtaEt3Zz09
Meeting ID: 889 7621 5551 Passcode: k2E7Bh
Wednesday 2nd December
In Advent this year, each week we are putting together a short musical meditation video featuring seasonal music played by musicians from and associated with the St Stephen's community as well as, variously, prayers, information about the music, and images, which we hope will support spiritual reflection through the season leading up to Christmas. We plan to upload each video on the Wednesdays of Advent.
This first week of Advent, our Curate Helena and our Director of Music Matthew offer the chorus and first verse of the Advent Prose (at No. 501 in the New English Hymnal, if you want to follow), and a short organ piece based on its plainsong melody, "Rorate caeli" by Jeanne Demessieux. "Rorate caeli", translated as "Drop down, ye heavens, from above" in the New English Hymnal, adapts texts from the book of Isaiah expressing longing for the coming of Christ. At St Stephen's we often sing the Advent Prose gradually through the season, singing in sequence one of the four verses each week of Advent, so in this video for the first week of Advent Helena sings only the first verse in reflection of what was sung on Advent Sunday. Jeanne Demessieux (1921-68) was a 20th-century French organist and composer who, having been a prodigious pupil of Marcel Dupré, rapidly gained international recognition as a brilliant concert organist and was appointed Organiste Titulaire of La Madeleine in Paris in 1962. She wrote a number of organ compositions, many based on liturgical themes; "Rorate caeli", the first of of 12 Chorale Preludes on Gregorian Chant Themes, presents a slightly ornamented but recognisable version of the Advent Prose plainsong melody with a simple accompaniment.
Matthew Blaiden
This first week of Advent, our Curate Helena and our Director of Music Matthew offer the chorus and first verse of the Advent Prose (at No. 501 in the New English Hymnal, if you want to follow), and a short organ piece based on its plainsong melody, "Rorate caeli" by Jeanne Demessieux. "Rorate caeli", translated as "Drop down, ye heavens, from above" in the New English Hymnal, adapts texts from the book of Isaiah expressing longing for the coming of Christ. At St Stephen's we often sing the Advent Prose gradually through the season, singing in sequence one of the four verses each week of Advent, so in this video for the first week of Advent Helena sings only the first verse in reflection of what was sung on Advent Sunday. Jeanne Demessieux (1921-68) was a 20th-century French organist and composer who, having been a prodigious pupil of Marcel Dupré, rapidly gained international recognition as a brilliant concert organist and was appointed Organiste Titulaire of La Madeleine in Paris in 1962. She wrote a number of organ compositions, many based on liturgical themes; "Rorate caeli", the first of of 12 Chorale Preludes on Gregorian Chant Themes, presents a slightly ornamented but recognisable version of the Advent Prose plainsong melody with a simple accompaniment.
Matthew Blaiden
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Tuesday 1st December
Another gem from Michael Leunig, which came to mind during Helena’s Come and See session last Sunday. Dear God, We pray for another way of being: another way of knowing. Across the difficult terrain of our existence we have attempted to build a highway and in so doing have lost our footpath. God lead us to our footpath: Lead us there where in simplicity we may move at the speed of natural creatures and feel the earth's love beneath our feet. Lead us there where step-by-step we may feel the movement of creation in our hearts. And lead us there where side-by-side we may feel the embrace of the common soul. Nothing can be loved at speed. God lead us to the slow path; to the joyous insights of the pilgrim; another way of knowing: another way of being. Amen. ~ Michael Leunig Revd Lindsay Meader |
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Monday 30 November
Well, as Elizabeth stated yesterday, this is probably the strangest ever Advent we have experienced as a Christian Community. One thing is for certain, the 18th Century Advent Hymn based on the ancient Advent Antiphons - O Come, O Come Emmanuel - shall be sung with the same spiritual gusto as ever, as we herald the Light to come and shine in the darkness of our strange world today. As we shared prayers and art last night with our friends from New York, it was good to have John’s thoughts on this great hymn: |
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Today on this first Monday of Advent I commend that you sing the hymn with Helena, Matthew and myself as part of your Daily Devotion:
O come, O come. Emmanuel! Redeem thy captive Israel, That into exile drear is gone Far from the face of God's dear Son. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, thou Wisdom from on high! Who madest all in earth and sky, Creating man from dust and clay: To us reveal salvation's way. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, O come, Adonai, Who in thy glorious majesty From Sinai's mountain, clothed with awe. Gavest thy folk the ancient law. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, thou Root of Jesse! draw The quarry from the lion's claw; From those dread caverns of the grave, From nether hell, thy people save. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, thou Lord of David's Key! The royal door fling wide and tree; Safeguard for us the heavenward road, And bar the way to death's abode. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. |
O come, O come, thou Dayspring bright!
Pour on our souls thy healing light; Dispel the long night’s lingering gloom, And pierce the shadows of the tomb. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, Desire of nations! show Thy kingly reign on earth below; Thou Corner-stone, uniting all, Restore the ruin of our fall. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. O come, O come. Emmanuel! Redeem thy captive Israel, That into exile drear is gone Far from the face of God's dear Son. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. Revd Graham M Buckle |
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