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NURSLING & ROWNHAMS
Twin Spires News
Web Edition
February 2015
“I will tell you the
truth, whatever you
did for one of the
least of these
brothers of mine,
you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
1
VERSE OF 2015:
For I am convinced
that nothing in all creation
will be able to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(from Romans 8:38-39)
Rownhams St John’s Primary School Celebrate
Mrs Jill Mildon’s Retirement
Thursday 26th February 2015
Mrs Mildon has worked at Rownhams St John’s Primary for 20 years and
is retiring on 27th February.
If you would like to come and say goodbye to Mrs Mildon on Thursday,
26th February, come and join us for a cup of tea at 2.30pm. If you would
like to contribute to her leaving collection please put your donation in an
envelope marked “Mrs M’s collection” and drop it off (as discreetly as
possible) with Annie Rogers in the school office by Friday, 13th February.
Please email g.kynaston@rownhams.hants.sch.uk if you would like to
come to the event by Friday 13th February.
Many thanks.
Mrs Gwynne Kynaston, Headteacher
2
News from the Bank…
Well, Friday 19th December was the last Basics Bank session of 2014 at
Lordshill, and as expected it was a busy one, with 74 people fed. Our last
client of the year was a local teacher who was collecting food for one of
her pupils and his single mum who didn’t speak any English. They had no
food whatsoever in the house. Fortunately we managed to change that in
time for Christmas.
During 2014 we fed a total of 1,669 people at Lordshill, up more than 21%
on 2013’s figure – a reflection of the growing need for food banks in our
society. Thankfully donations have responded amazingly, and we have
managed to keep pace with demand. The Sainsbury’s collections yielded 4
trolleys piled high with food in the last 6 days before Christmas! It is truly
gratifying to see the generosity of people at Christmas time. On our last
Friday we had to designate 3 people (led by our own Dave Edes) solely to
receive and sort donations! That’s the kind of generosity we are talking
about.
We have added basic toiletry items – toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap,
shower gel, sanitary products – nothing fancy, to our list of “wants”. It is
amazing how much someone’s self esteem can be lifted by being able to
brush their teeth and wash!
Thank you to all who have supported us in any way over the last year, and
also to our team of volunteers (many from our two churches). Without
their dedication and hard work it just wouldn’t happen. We are blessed
with people with all kinds of talents who help, especially those who listen
to our clients and their concerns.
Thank you all!
David Newbitt, Supervisor – Lordshill Basics Bank
How do you define love?
“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and
paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the
time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.”
Rebecca – age 8
“If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend
who you hate.”
Nikka – age 6 (We need a few million more Nikka’s on this planet)
3
True Fasting
This month sees the beginning of Lent, the 40 days of preparation running
up to Easter. Although fasting is one of the neglected disciplines associated
with this period, it occupies an important place in the Christian life.
Jesus began his earthly ministry with fasting in the wilderness for 40 days
and he also taught his disciples to fast (ie not if but when), ‘when you fast,
put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to
others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and
your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’ (Matthew
6:17/18). We don’t fast to manipulate God into doing what we want or to
impress others. It is not a command, but a choice we have to make to
develop our relationship with God.
What is fasting?
Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food etc to
focus on God and give time for prayer. Prayer and fasting usually go hand
in hand, as together they glorify God. ‘So we fasted and petitioned our God
about this, and he answered our prayer.’ (Ezra 6:23).
What are the benefits of fasting?
Fasting gives us space to humbly
focus on God for his strength, provision, and wisdom and results in a more
intimate relationship with Christ. As Isaiah points out, it’s not self-centred,
but part of our care for the poor: ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have
chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set
the oppressed free and break every yoke?’ (Isaiah 58:6). Fasting enables
the Holy Spirit to reveal our true spiritual condition, leading to brokenness,
repentance, and a transformed life, with a heart more attentive to God.
How do we fast?
Most commonly fasting involves missing one or two
meals as part of a day for seeking God. Of course, some can’t abstain from
food for medical reasons. Fasting might also include refraining from TV,
alcohol, sex (cf 1 Corinthinians 7:1-5) or whatever may be getting in the
way of us being fully focused on God.
‘Jesus takes it for granted that his disciples will observe the pious custom
of fasting. Strict exercise of self-control is an essential feature of the
Christian’s life. Such customs have only one purpose – to make the
disciples more ready and cheerful to accomplish those things which God
would have done.’ (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
Paul Hardingham, Parish Pump
4
St Boniface Church at Christmas
Ladies – if there was a crown to be had you would have won, no doubt
about it. 10 out of 10!
I was almost literally blown away when I entered the porch and then on
into the church. Some say this was the best ever Christmas display:
everything is of such a high standard. I don’t know how you achieve it, so
clever!
It was like a picture book of the 12 days of Christmas in all its glory
depicted in all the windows and around the church. It was also similar on
Songs of Praise, the children were talking about the meaning of the
symbols. And I must not forget the tree, reflecting hard work and energy
by the men. It was so resplendent in all its glory, simply decorated but
perfect. On behalf of everyone who has enjoyed the ‘Nativity’ scene and
arrangements all through the year, a big ‘Thank You’ and I wish you all a
very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Mrs Marjorie Smith
5
How About a Retreat?
How about a Retreat? We all need time to be still, to make space for
listening to God, to catch up with ourselves, to learn something new, a time
to stop and perhaps just ‘be’ for a while.
Below are just a few possibilities to consider, whether you want/need a
quiet place to be with God without much input, or whether a led course is
what would suit you more. Do talk to either myself or Liz Roles or others
if you would like to know more. We’d be delighted!
St Cuthman’s Retreat Centre – A spiritual oasis, set in the countryside just
south of Horsham, with views across the lake to the South Downs. An
idyllic atmosphere for reflective and spiritual rejuvenation. No programme,
but a wonderful space for quiet and reflection with beautiful grounds and
lovely food. http://www.abdiocese.org.uk/stcuthmans. 01403 741220
Acorn Christian Healing Foundation runs courses and events at Whitehill
Chase, their retreat centre at Bordon, on the Hampshire/Surrey border.
They have a particular emphasis on listening, healing and reconciliation.
They also hold a service of healing and wholeness there on Tuesdays.
http://www.acornchristian.org. Tel: 01420 478121 Society of Mary and Martha at Sheldon is open to anyone looking for quiet
space, learning, refreshment offering their own programme of retreats and
courses, plus the possibility of private retreats. Wonderful countryside just
west of Exeter, high quality care and attention to detail.
http://www.sheldon.uk.com. 01647 252752
Hilfield Friary on the edge of the Dorset downs is a Franciscan
community, offering courses and opportunity for private retreats, with the
option
of
joining
in
the
rhythm
of
daily
services.
www.hilfieldfriary.org.uk.
01300 341741
Alabare Christian Community offers course and retreats close to the heart
of Salisbury. http://www.alabare.org. 01722 501586
Green Pastures, Poole – located in a beautiful and secluded garden setting,
only a short walk to the stunning sandy south coast offers led and private
retreats and courses. green-pastures.org 01202 764776
Several of these places offer the chance to talk with someone during your
stay, and some have chapels. All are recommended!
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A lot more information can be found from the Retreat Association at
retreats.org.uk
If, like me, it is difficult for you to get out or away, think about a mini
Retreat at or near home. There are various resources that could help you
and even a short time out with God can be so beneficial. Try it!
Angela Jones.
and please don’t forget to consider Lee Abbey in North Devon. The new
brochure for this year up to October has just been released. See
www.leeabbey.org.uk/devon or speak with us.
Graham and Marion Swinerd
‘The Coffee Break’
This has been running now since October and we have a
regular friendly group meeting together, but we’d still
like to invite others to join us. So if you’re home alone,
bereaved, a carer or someone who is cared for in the
community, come along, relax and exchange ideas over a
cup of coffee and delicious home-made cakes. We want to offer music,
card and board games, craftwork etc and we’d like you to be part of this
growing group, hosted by your local churches, normally meeting on the
first and third Thursdays of the month in Horns Drove Community Centre.
Please drop in and meet us on Thursday 5th and Thursday 19th February
between 10 am and 12 noon, or phone for more details.
Jo, John and Glennis
Children ignorant of the Bible
The Radio 4 presenter, Roger Bolton, has told the Radio Times that some
secular teachers are ‘unsympathetic to religious education’ and even afraid
of ‘offending’ different faiths.
Bolton pointed to a recent Bible Society survey that found that a quarter of
children had ‘never read, seen or heard of Noah’s Ark’ and that 43 per cent
had never even heard of the Crucifixion. Did that matter? “I think it does,
for both cultural and communal reasons”.
Bolton also said that a lack of understanding of Christianity is also
preventing youngsters from gaining a proper understanding of religious
imagery in literature and drama as well as European art.
Parish Pump
7
What’s On in the Week?
Some groups do not meet during school holidays – please check
St John’s church is open every Mon – Fri, from 9am to noon (to 11 am Mondays).
MONDAY just10 7.45pm, Nursling School, (not 16th)
TUESDAY NET term-time 6-7.15pm, church hall, school years 4-6
Genesis Youth Club 7.30-8.45pm, church hall, years 7-10
Home Group 8pm,. Contact Helen
Home Group 7.30 for 7.45pm (fortnightly).
Contact Mick Muldowney
WED’DAY Start the Day 7am, St John’s Church
Home Group 7.30pm, ring Glennis
Home Group 7.45pm, ring Bernard and Vivien
THURSDAY Choir 7–7.45pm as required. St John’s Church
Band and Singers 7.45 for 8pm. St John’s Church
Home Group evenings, contact Kim
(3 times per month)
Coffee Break 10-12, 5th and 19th, Horns Drove Community Centre
Retirement ‘do’for Gill Mildon, 2.30pm, 26th, Rownhams School
FRIDAY
Recreational walks meet 9.30am prompt, St John’s Church car
park
Home Group 7.30pm, ring Jim
Home Group 8pm, ring Ann and Daniel
SATURDAY Vestry Prayer Vigil, 8-9.30am, 7th February, St John’s Vestry
(& 7th March)
Men’s Breakfast 8.30am, 14th February
(John Pennells)
Dates for your diary:
Men’s Breakfast 8.30am, 14th March, (Mike Bunce)
Ladies’ Breakfast 8.30am, 14th March, (Marion Swinerd)
Parish Quiet Day – 21st March. Venue to be arranged.
APCM 7.15pm, Wed 29th April, St John’s Church
Parish Vision Day Sat 16th May, Ordnance Survey
Items for the weekly news sheet must be at the parish office by 10.30am on
Tuesdays please.
Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet
moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank
God. – Anon
8
For the very latest news, events or changes of plan please see the
Home Page of the church website www.twinspires.org.uk
PCC Legacy Policy
Nursling and Rownhams PCC welcome gifts in wills, however large or
small. We will use such gifts to make a difference to the work of the
church (eg by funding development projects in the parish, whether
buildings, equipment or staff). We will consult with the executors to
identify the sorts of projects the donor would have liked.
Regular Giving
If you are interested in finding out more about our
regular giving schemes please see the church website
www.twinspires.org.uk (‘Finance’ and ‘Gift Aid’ links on
the left hand side of the home page) or contact John
Holden, our freewill offering and gift aid secretary.
Church Recreational Walks
We are hoping to do a walk every Friday
All are welcome on these walks.
We MEET at St John’s Church car park at 9.30am prompt.
Please bring a picnic lunch and a mid-morning snack.
Approximately 5 miles; back before 2.30pm.
Winchester Cathedral Passes
Did you know that the Parish Office has six passes allowing free entry to
Winchester Cathedral? These may be borrowed by any member of the
congregation.
Contributions for Next Month’s Twin Spires Magazine
by 6 pm, Sunday 8th February
to: Mary Carter, 12 Horsebridge Way
or by email to twinspiresnews@live.co.uk
Please check that you receive an acknowledgement of your email.
For more information please see page 12 of January 2015 issue of Twin
Spires News.
9
What is the shape of your Bible?
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
(John 1:9)
The shape of the Bible is like that of an hour-glass, in which thousands of
sand grains sink down from its wide top, trickling through the tapered
centre, only to fill out once again at the bottom. At the top – with Jesus as
‘The Word’ behind creation, the dimensions are enormous:
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has
been made (John 1:3)
But quite quickly the glass begins to narrow down. The light shines in the
darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. (John 1:4,5)).
At the fall of humanity and the darkness that followed, a divinely-provided
way of restoration is pledged. The hour-glass tapers down – to a single
continent in the middle-east. It narrows still further – to a particular
country measuring little more than 250 miles long and 70 miles wide – and
even more – to a family – the children of Israel. Surely, the hour-glass
cannot become any narrower?
But it does. For Israel – called to be God’s light to the nations – fails in her
mission. She meets with exile at the hands of the Babylonians. Despite her
eventual restoration, the Old Testament ends with a faithful Remnant of
‘those who feared the Lord and honoured his name’ (Malachi 3:16).
The glass narrows further still. The true light that gives light to every man
was coming into the world. In a remote town of Galilee a promised Child is
born. Twelve disciples join him. Thirteen men! Surely the hour-glass is
down to its narrowest width.
But no. One disciple turns traitor, another turns coward; the rest are
scattered. At this narrowest point of the hour-glass, we are down to a
solitary grain – none other than the original Being who inhabited eternity.
He became flesh and lived for a while among us.
As Lamb of God in his suffering on the Cross, this single Person is all that
Israel could never be – the solitary fulfilment of the divine Covenant, at the
centre of God’s saving purposes.
Then the widening process begins, with the once-descended Child now
ascended, higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.
10
(Ephesians 4:10). Pentecost drives his salvation in ever-widening
dimensions… to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’
(Acts 1:8).
Be a part of this, where we are now – at the widest other-end of history’s
hour-glass!
Richard Bewes, Parish Pump
Readings in Church for February
1 February
8am
10.45am
6.30pm
(3 before Lent)
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Deuteronomy 18:14-22
1Corinthians 9:16-23
Matthew 20:1-16
Mark 1:21-28
Mark 1:29-39
8 February
8am
10am
10.45am
(2 before Lent)
2 Corinthians 11:19-31
Colossians 1:15-20
Proverbs 8:1,22-31
Luke 8:4-15
John 1:1-14
John 1:1-14
15 February
8 am
10.00 am
10.45 am
6.30 pm
(1 before Lent)
1 Corinthians 13
2Kings 2:1-12
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
1Kings 19:1-16
Luke 18:31-end
Mark 9:2-9
Mark 9:2-9
2Peter 1:16-21
18 February
11.30 am
7.30 pm
(Ash Wednesday)
Psalm 51:1-18
Psalm 51:1-18
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
22 February
8.00 am
10.00 am
10.45 am
(Lent 1)
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Psalm 1
Psalm 1
Matthew 4:1-11
Mark 1:9-15
Mark 1:9-15
Flower Arrangers at St John’s Church in February
1st
Judith Hall, Alayne Baldery
th
8
Ann Noble, Jenny Harvey
th
15
Jenny Tennant, Hilda Ward (Take out 16/17)
AGM IN FEBRUARY DATE TO BE ARRANGED
25th
No flowers in Lent
11
12
SEEING THE WORDS
All the words hidden in this wordsearch are things you see with or look
at:
S
L
G
S
E
S
S
A
G
SEEING AND
UNDERSTANDING
Many people had seen the steam lift
the lid of a kettle, but it took a James
Watt to see it and go on to think of that
power becoming a steam engine. It is
all a matter of how we see things. We
could see something a thousand times
and not make the connection.
P
E
E
W
A
T
C
H
A
E
C
A
N
K
C
O
L
M
C
T
G
A
S
L
O
O
E
T
E
L
E
V
I
S
I
N
A
V
E
P
I
C
T
U
E
C
I
O
B
D
E
G
O
U
L
D
P
S
E
L
G
G
G
E
Y
E
S
O
F
R
E
O
S
C
E
N
E
O
W
E
V
* clock * eyes * game * glasses *
goggles * lens * picture * scene *
spectacles * television * video * view *
watch
Jesus explained why he taught with
parables, stories that explain something
in simple ways to do with everyday life
that people of the time would
recognise. He explained that it was
because people look without seeing,
and listen without understanding
(Matthew chapter 13, verses 13-14).
What gadget do
we use to see
through a wall?
A window.
We all do this, and that is why we need
other people to help us learn more
about what the stories in the Bible
mean. People who can explain and
help us to see with ‘new eyes’.
Optician: What can you see out of the
window?
Patient: Only the sun.
Optician: How far do you want to see,
then?
Optician: You need glasses.
Patient: But I’m wearing glasses.
Optician: Then I need glasses.
13
First Woman Bishop arrives in the Church of England
The Rt Revd Libby
Lane becomes the first
woman
to
be
consecrated as a bishop
in the Church of
England on Monday,
January 26th. At a York
Minster
service
presided over by the
Most Revd Dr John
Sentamu, Archbishop
of
York,
Libby
th
becomes the 8 Bishop of Stockport, a suffragan (assistant) bishop in the
Diocese of Chester.
Speaking at Stockport Town Hall, when her appointment was first
announced on 17th December, 2014, Libby Lane said: “I am grateful for,
though somewhat daunted by, the confidence placed in me by the Diocese
of Chester. This is unexpected and very exciting. I am very conscious of all
those who have gone before me, women and men, who for decades have
looked forward to this moment. But most of all I am thankful to God.
“The Church of England is called to serve all the people of this country
and, being present in every community, we communicate our faith best
when our lives build up the lives of others, especially the most vulnerable.
I am excited by the possibilities and challenges ahead.”
Libby Lane was ordained priest in 1994 and served in a number of roles in
the North of England. She served her curacy in Blackburn Diocese and, in
York Diocese, served as a hospital chaplain and as a chaplain in further
education. Moving to the Diocese of Chester, Libby served as a team vicar
in Stockport before becoming Vicar of St Peter’s Hale and St Elizabeth’s
Ashley, in 2007.
In 2013, Libby was elected by the North-West dioceses as one of the first
eight clergy women to sit as Participant Observers in the House of Bishops
of the Church of England. She also served as Family Life Officer in York
and as Chester’s Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands, advising and
supporting people thinking about ministry in the Church of England.
14
January 2010 saw her take on the role of Dean of Women in Ministry in
Chester Diocese.
When the new Bishop of Stockport was announced, the Archbishop of
York predicted that Libby would “exercise her episcopal ministry with joy,
prayerfulness, and trust in God.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, said: “Her
Christ-centred life, calmness and clear determination to serve the church
and the community make her a wonderful choice.”
The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, who led the
nomination process, confirmed: “As the first woman bishop in the Church
of England she will face many challenges as well as enjoying many
opportunities to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that she
has the gifts and determination to be an outstanding bishop.”
Bishop Libby succeeds the Rt Revd Robert Atwell, now the Bishop of
Exeter. Her husband, George, with whom she was ordained in 1994, is
Coordinating Chaplain at Manchester Airport. They have two grown up
children. Between episcopal duties, the Rt Rev Libby Lane hopes to
continue learning the saxophone, supporting Manchester United and doing
cryptic crosswords.
Steve Jenkins, Parish Pump
Photo by Kippa Matthews
Archbishop of Canterbury joins world faith leaders in
pledge to end modern slavery
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recently joined world
Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish leaders in Rome to sign a
historic declaration to end modern slavery.
The Global Freedom Network – which was launched with backing from
Archbishop Justin and Pope Francis in March 2014 – brought together
faith leaders in a commitment to eradicate modern slavery by 2020
“throughout our world and for all time.”
The Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders against Modern Slavery defines
modern slavery as human trafficking, forced labour and prostitution, organ
trafficking, and “any relationship that fails to respect the fundamental
conviction that all people are equal and have the same freedom and
dignity.”
Parish Pump
15
Home Schooling
Most older folk were home schooled, as well as actually attending a
school…
Our mothers taught us TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: “If you're
going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
Our fathers taught us RELIGION: “You better pray that that will come out
of the carpet.”
Our mothers taught us LOGIC: “If you fall out of that swing and break
your neck, you’re not going to the shops with me.”
Our fathers taught us MORE LOGIC: “Because I said so, that’s why.”
Our mothers taught us about CONTORTIONISM: “Just you look at that
dirt on the back of your neck!”
Our fathers taught us about the science of OSMOSIS: “Shut your mouth
and eat your supper.”
Our mothers taught us about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: “Stop acting
like your father!”
Our fathers taught us about ANTICIPATION: “Just wait until we get
home.”
Our mothers taught us about ESP: “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I
know when you are cold?”
And finally, our fathers taught us about JUSTICE: “One day you’ll have
kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”
Traffic Lights
It fills me with dread
It makes me irate
That lights are all red
When I’m running late!
But when I’m on time
(You’ll know what I mean)
The journey is fine!
The lights are all green!
Nigel Beeton
16
Green Tips – Decluttering Your Life
One of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing your carbon
footprint is to buy less stuff. This is difficult as we are constantly
bombarded by adverts encouraging us to buy more things and experiences.
The message is that more spending and more possessions will make us
happier. But it is a well-established fact that, beyond a modest threshold,
more stuff doesn’t buy more happiness. Wellbeing and happiness are in
fact to be found with family and friends, getting out into green spaces and
taking good care of ourselves and our health.
Buying all this stuff uses up scarce materials and fossil fuels. The transport
of the goods produces yet more carbon emissions, and so does all that
packaging.
Consider alternatives to buying things you don’t use often, for example:
Could you borrow, share or swap a lawn mower, chain saw or
carpet cleaner, with a friend or neighbour?
Could you buy what it is you want second hand from a charity
shop, newspaper advert or even find it on freecycle?
Could you have your item mended rather than buying a new one?
If you do need to buy new then, if you can afford it, consider perhaps
buying the best quality product so that it lasts longer.
Consider also buying items that have been made at least partly from recycled materials.
Used with permission from ‘Cool Communities Handbook’ –
David Gershon & Winchester Action on Climate Change
Saluting FairTrade
This month we can celebrate two decades of the Fairtrade movement.
Recent research showed that 78% of the UK public now recognise the
Fairtrade Mark, which stands for the world’s largest and most recognised
fair-trade system. Its aim is to secure a better deal for farmers and workers.
It sets international standards, organises support for producers around the
world and promotes trade justice internationally.
An independent company runs the Fairtrade certification system, ensuring
that the relevant social and environmental standards are met for new raw
materials and products.
Phillip Barron, Parish Pump
17
Thank you for an Inspirational 2014
In 2014 your support and encouragement has helped Kimbilio support
even more street children realise a better future. This year the project:
Celebrated 5 years in existence! Merci beaucoup!
Provided over 600 children with food, accommodation, education,
training and sanitation.
Played a key role reintegrating over 35 children with their families.
In July they set up the ‘Congo Bag Project,’ where they use beautiful
Congolese fabrics to create Kimbilio branded bags, aprons and peg bags.
Quick, they’re selling fast!
In August, to mark this special year, Founder Ian Harvey and Trustee Ruth
Edson visited Lubumbashi for the official opening of the girl’s transit
house and the 5th Anniversary celebrations. Whilst there, Ian and Kimbilio
Co-ordinator Jean Bosco attended a child witchcraft conference in the
capital, Kinshasa. The event highlighted the dangers of witchcraft
accusations, particularly from a theological perspective, as often this belief
is perpetuated by Church Leaders. Abuse linked to witchcraft is a common
cause of children being abandoned on the streets.
One of the girls helped said: “I want to tell people that we are not witches,
thieves or street dogs. We are children just like all other children and all
that we need is love. I hope one day I can tell this story in schools,
churches and to my own children. One day, I hope to find a kind husband
and to have children of my own.”
On a more positive note, they started to fire the bricks for a new permanent
house for orphaned & vulnerable girls.
Meanwhile, across the continent, Dr Rob and Jen Morris are returning to
Kagando, South Rwenzori in January. They sent this information…
It has been a privilege to have visited Kagando twice during the past year,
spending three to four weeks at a time. We have rejoiced in the successes
of the training schools as they consistently get good results. We have been
thrilled to see the Kagando farm take on a new lease of life.
We have struggled in frustration over failure and waste with the hydro
scheme, but been encouraged by the hopes of a new beginning with God’s
provision of an experienced hydro engineer to pick up the pieces and, God
willing, start again.
18
As we look to the coming year, we plan to respond to what we believe to
be God’s leading to spend more time at Kagando, taking on the role of
“Diocesan Health Care Co-Ordinators” for South Rwenzori Diocese. We
will have a mentoring role, supporting a Ugandan doctor appointed to do
this, while at the same time seeking to help at Kagando in whatever way
we can.
We expect to visit in January for Kagando’s 50th anniversary, and return
again later in the year.
Harry Edmund Gover was born and brought up in
Nursling. In 1891, the infant Harry was living at
Bargain Farm with his father Walter, (a farmer),
his mother, Ada Mary and his younger brother,
Walter Charles. (Walter senior had previously
been a coachman for a church minister at The
Beeches, Stoneham.) At Foxes Farm there were
more Govers – Joseph and his wife Charlotte,
with their children Alfred and Charlotte. I believe these were Harry’s
grandparents, aunt and uncle.
By 1911, Harry’s family were living at Spencer’s Farm, and he had another
brother and two sisters: Charlotte, Reginald and Alice. By 1911, he had yet
another pairs of siblings, Ada and Wilfred, and was working as a salesman
of market garden produce. By the time of his death, Harry’s parents were
recorded as living in Shirley, while Harry’s wife, Annie Rosina, was living
at her family’s home at Bridger’s Farm, Mansell Road, Millbrook. Annie
was herself a Gover, and appears to have been Harry’s cousin.
He served with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry and the 1st Battalion
Dorsetshire Regiment. “The Dorsets” were formed in 1881 by the
amalgamation of the 39th Regiment of Foot (39th (Dorsetshire) Regiment)
and the 54th Regiment of Foot (54th (West Norfolk) Regiment). The
regiment disbanded in 1951.
Lance Corporal Gover married on March 17th 1917 and died only a few
weeks later, on 6th April, aged 27. He has no known grave but is
commemorated at Thiepval.
Ann Laird
19
From the Registers
Baptisms
4 Jan
4 Jan
“One Lord, one faith, one baptism”
Jacob Daniel Ball
Lois Elisha Ball
(Ephesians 4:5)
St John’s
St John’s
Funerals
6 Dec
6 Dec
15 Dec
20 Dec
“Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those
who have fallen asleep”
(1 Cor 15:20)
Helen ‘Eleni’ Usher, 92
Interred at St John’s
Robin Stephen Usher, 68
Interred at St John’s
Wilfred Thomas (Tom) Saunders, 93
Interred at St John’s
Desmond Hugh Gregory, 90
Interred at St John’s
Poem of the Month
O Come All You that Love the Lord
(based on Psalm 150)
O come, all you that love the Lord
And praise Him to the height
O praise Him for His powerful word
O praise His acts of might!
With trumpet sound, with harp and string
With tambourine and song,
With flutes and cymbals as we sing
We’ll praise Him all day long!
If you have breath within your chest
If you have life, then sing!
O praise Him for he gives the best
Praise God for everything!
Nigel Beeton
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SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Please pray for our marriages. That every married couple will
know God’s help to love and support each other and to learn
how to handle their disagreements in a positive way. Pray that
he will strengthen our marriages and our family life. Pray that
all the relationships within our church family will be caring
ones, encouraging one another.
Pray for Julian and all those in leadership in our parish; for good health and
that they would stay close to God and know his strength, peace and
protection. Ask that God will protect them and guide and help them in all
they have to do. Pray that we will be a united fellowship: each one of us
supporting our leadership team.
Many thanks for your prayers for Kimbilio for the past 5 years, helping
over 600 children. Please pray for the building of the Chapel to be
completed (now at lintel height); the Kimbilio children and the local
community are currently meeting in the garage.
As Fair Trade fortnight approaches pray for those for those who daily
experience poverty and hunger. Pray too for leaders throughout the world,
in government and in business that they may they work together for fairer
trade rules. Pray too that we may work harder to bring an end to injustice.
Remember those suffering from Alzheimers, their carers and other family
members, doctors, other professionals and friends as they seek to support
them. Pray for patience, strength and love.
Give thanks for those who work in Basics Bank and those who provide food
week by week. Pray that there will always be enough for those who need it.
Pray that as well as meeting their physical needs the care the clients receive
will help them to realise God’s love for them.
We thank you for the gift of moments of sabbath rest amid the busyness of
our lives. May we have time to stand and stare, to reflect on the beauty of the
created world, and to appreciate the many blessings of this life Help us to be
satisfied with enough. And to live within our means in relation to the earth.
From ‘Praying for the Earth’. Newcastle Diocesan Task Group.
21
UN Secretary-General hits right note on global goals, says
Christian Aid
Christian Aid has welcomed the latest report on the new global goals
which will replace the Millennium Development Goals when they expire at
the end of 2015.
The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has recently published a new
report on the post-2015 process: The Road to Dignity by 2030: Ending
Poverty, Transforming All Lives and Protecting the Planet.
Helen Dennis, Senior Adviser on Poverty and Inequality at Christian Aid,
said: “This new report is tremendously welcome, because it is a rallying
call to governments to aim high with the new global development goals. It
rightly makes it clear that business-as-usual is not an option and puts
proper emphasis on the importance of equitable and sustainable
development.”
Parish Pump
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