a message from the editor · collation team, distributors and readers alike - production,...
TRANSCRIPT
The monthly magazine of St Oswald’s Parish Church, Fulford, York
A message from the Editor
As with both the May and June issues, a July 2020 edition of the Parish Magazine has been prepared – although without much of the usual local information and events (Church calendar and activities and School entries) due to cancellation, postponement or non-availability during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It had been hoped that, were the Coronavirus restrictions sufficiently relaxed, it may have been possible to print, collate and distribute copies of the magazine before the month was out but, unfortunately, this is not the case.
Many Public and Church buildings still remain closed, vulnerable groups asked to continue shielding by staying at home and social distancing regulations remain in force. In addition, medical advice appears to indicate that the virus can remain active on hard surfaces and inanimate objects for some time – gate and door handles, letterboxes etc – and may even be transmitted on paper and card, where the virus can live for up to 24 hours.
Consequently, in these circumstances – and for the protection of our collation team, distributors and readers alike - production, circulation and distribution of a printed copy of the July 2020 issue of “Church & People” is not a viable option at this time.
The Editor regrets the necessity of this decision and hopes that normal linesof communication may be re-established in the not too distant future. In themeantime, for those who have the technology and are able to use it, here follows an electronic version of the July magazine content:
This Month’s Sunday themes ... There is no doubting that this year’s spring and summer feel different – we are living in very challenging and, for many, scary times. At the same time, the rhythm of our worship continues – particularly for those who use the lectionary. The summer beginsgently with the passages throughout July requiring us to listen to and learn from Jesus as he shares stories and parables with us.
Sunday 5 July TRINITY 4 Learn from me Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30 Jesus notes that both he and John the Baptist failed to meet people’s expectations. He thanks God that the point of his ministry has been revealed to the simple rather than the wise, and calls on people to learn how to live from him. Consider how God’s wisdom, revealed in Jesus, confounds expectations.
Sunday 12 July TRINITY 5 Once upon a time Matthew 13: 1-9, 13-23Jesus tells the crowds a parable of seed being sown onto different sorts of ground. Later, he explains it to the disciples as an illustration of how different people respond to hearing the word of the kingdom. Explore how Jesus uses parables in Matthew’s Gospel.
Sunday 19 July TRINITY 6 A world of wheat and weeds Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43 Jesus tells a seed-related parable about the kingdom of God, and provides itsexplanation: that evil and its agents in the world will persist alongside the good, despite the coming of the kingdom of God that Jesus was proclaiming. Reflect on howGod is working in an imperfect world.
Sunday 26 July TRINITY 7 Sectrets of the kingdom Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52 Jesus tells parables that seek to convey what the kingdom of heaven is ‘like’ or ‘similar to’. Some are about the way it grows and spreads, others stress its value compared to anything else in life. Can you think of other ways of understanding the kingdom of heaven?
Themes from Roots for Churches, followed in our weekly teaching, are taken from theRevised Common Lectionary readings (Year A) for Sunday mornings in July.
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For reflection and comment linking the weekly Bible reading to the news, current issues and events, go to www.rootsontheweb.com and click on PostScript. While worship services and groups of all kinds are suspended, PostScript offers reflection and prayers for use at home. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Prayer is not an argument with God to persuade Him to move things our way,but an exercise by which we are enabled by His spirit to move things His way.
- Anon5
A Word in Season………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Canon Paul Hardingham considers some comforting words from Isaiah.
The Frailty of Life
According to one survey, during the lockdown, a quarter of adults in the UK have watched or listened to a religious service and one in 20 have started praying. While the majority of people who contract Covid-19 survive, it reminds us that we are much more frail and weak than we like to think. As the prophet Isaiah says:
‘All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of theLord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures for ever.’ (Isaiah 40:6-8). Isaiah’s words really resonate at this time. In more normal times we can avoid facing up to our vulnerability, but this pandemic has forced us to recognise our weakness and fragility.
However, this shouldn’t lead us to despair or fear; rather it is an opportunity to worship and praise for His constancy and care. In Peter’s first letter he quotes this passage from Isaiah and says, ‘For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God’ (1 Peter 1:23). Peter contrasts our mortality with the eternal Word of God, which bring us new birth and life through the power of the Spirit. Jesus died for our sins and rose again to make us right with God, so that through faith in Him we can know eternal life. We don’t need to be afraid of our frailty, for God is a dependable foundation on which to build our lives and faceeternity.
‘We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree. And wither and perish, but nought changeth Thee.’ (Immortal, invisible, Walter C Smith).
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New Archbishop of York to be confirmedBishop Stephen Geoffrey Cottrell will be confirmed as the 98th Archbishop of York this month. The service, at 11am on Thursday 9th July, will be broadcast entirely via video conference due to the Coronavirus restrictions.
Due to take place in York Minster, theservice will be in two parts. A legal ceremony with readings, prayers and music, followed by a film marking the start of Bishop Stephen’s ministry as Archbishop of York.
Bishop Stephen Cottrell says: “I am looking forward to beginning my ministry as the 98th Archbishop of York. This isn’t quite how I imagined it would begin. It is certainly the first time an Archbishop’s election will have been confirmed via video conference. But we’re all having to re-imagine how we live our lives and how we inhabit the world.
“These are difficult times. My hope is that through this service the love of God that is given us in Jesus Christ will shine out, perhaps even to those who while never attending a service in York Minster, might have a look online … Following in the footsteps of my many predecessors, I look forward to serving our nation and bringing the love and peace of Christ to our world, especially here in the north.”
The service will be available on the Church of England website. Arrangements for Bishop Stephen’s enthronement service will be announced later in the year.
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Free national phoneline bringing worship and prayerGovernment figures show that 2.5 million people aged 75 and above have never used the internet. And so, to help them, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recently launched a free national phoneline to bring worship and prayer into the homes of those without access to the internet.
Daily Hope, which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England.
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House of Bishops backs phased approach to revising access to church buildings
The House of Bishops is continuing to review advice to clergy on the Church’s efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
The Bishops have agreed in principle to a phased approach to lifting restrictions with regard to church buildings, in time and in parallel with the Government’s approach, with three broad stages as infection levels improve.
An initial immediate phase has allowed very limited access to church buildings for activities such as streaming of services or private prayer by clergy in their own parishes, so long as the necessary hygiene and social distancing precautions are taken
Subsequently it is hoped to offer access for some rites and ceremonies when allowed by law, observing appropriate physical distancing and hygiene precautions.
Worship services, with limited congregations meeting, will begin when Government restrictions are eased to allow this.
The Bishops agreed that the decision on the timing of when to implement the revised advice on ministers or worship leaders praying and streaming from their church buildings should be made by individual Diocesan Bishops, depending on their local situation.
Bishop Paul Ferguson holds the responsibilities of Diocesan Bishop for York during the period of vacancy in the Archbishopric (9 June to 9 July 2020). The Church of England (nationally) and the Diocese of York (locally) continue to monitor, and interpret, Government edicts providing guidance and advice for the benefit of Clergy and PCCs as well as setting up procurement lines and supply chains in order to meet the requirements of the current and continually developing situation.
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Visit the C of E online page
There is now a range of digital resources for to you connect with God at this difficult time. These include:
Time to Pray app (https://www.chpublishing.co.uk/apps/time-to-pray ) which is free and has an accompanying daily audio offering on SoundCloud and iTunes.
Mental health reflections (https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/mental-health-resources/supporting-good-mental-health )
Tips to tackle isolation (https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/mental-health-resources/dealing-loneliness-and-isolation-five-top-tips )
Finally, there are the Church’s smart speaker apps, which provide a range of Christian resources. https://www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/our-smart-speaker-apps In March alone, the number of people using the Alexa app rose by more than 70 per cent.
More details at: https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Our Vicar and Services at St Oswald’s
Regrettably, whilst Terence, our Vicar, is indisposed he will not be taking calls on the Vicarage telephone line (633261) or responding to [email protected] emails (which are being automatically forwarded [email protected] for attention).
Pastoral care and oversight is currently being exercised by the Area Dean of York (Rev. Luke Tillett) and the Archdeacon of York (Ven. Sam Rushton) who had been providing Service cover - along with several other Priests from the York area - whilst our churches remained open and to whom we are most grateful; our RPAs conducting the subsequent online ‘Zoom’ Services.
Your continued prayers for Terence, Susan and members of the PCC would be much appreciated at this time.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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SUNDAY WORSHIP8.00AM - BBC RADIO YORK SUNDAY SERVICE
8.10AM - BBC RADIO 4 SUNDAY WORSHIP
9AM - THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND ONLINE SUNDAY SERVICE
www.churchofengland.org on Facebook and YouTube
10AM – ST OSWALD'S CHURCH ZOOM SERVICEInformation about this service will be circulated by email each Saturday.
You can worship on your own or join other church members on Zoom.
11.45AM - BBC ONE SUNDAY WORSHIP1.15PM - BBC ONE SONGS OF PRAISE
4.00PM - YORK MINSTER DIGITAL EVENSONG SERVICE
www.yorkminster . org on Facebook and YouTube
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PRAYERVirtual prayer times - As we can no longer pray in St Oswald's Church,we can come together in spirit to pray at the usual church prayer times -
usually Monday 9am, Tuesday 6pm, Wednesday 9amPray on our own or join with church members on the WhatsApp group.
Would you like prayer for someone or something?We’re here to help you - Our experience is that prayer changes things!
St Oswald’s Church Prayer Chain is a team of people who are willing to prayfor you in any situation that you need prayer for.
Quite separately, we have a Church WhatsApp group which includes a widergroup of our church family. This is a group for encouraging each other and
praying for our church, our local community and the world.So, please use us – we would love to hear from you and help you
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SUPPORT, HELP & SHOPPING etcLocal York COVID-19 Community webpage
Fulford, Fishergate, and the Designer Outlet areas - check out the latestinformation about York Council Recovery & Renewal Strategy, Hospital Virtual Visiting
service, York Community Pride nominations, Supper Collective with meals for those inneed, Antibody Test eligibility, NSPCC contact details, etc etc!
If you need help please contact: e. [email protected] or t. 01904 551550.
New and different ways of people helping in the communityRandom Acts of Kindness - York
Latest information about dedicated shopping hours for NHS, elderly andvulnerable at UK supermarkets and which have delivery slots available
Shopping & prescription collection - If anyone in the congregation cannot getout and needs extra help with anything, please contactSue Baughan t. 07963001478 or Pippa Ensor t. 633280
Needing help - If you are aware of anyone who could be feeling very isolatedand are potentially without any support please let Jackie Tuvey-Smith know
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NEWS ON THE RENOVATION & REDEVELOPENT OF THE CHURCHWork begins on the Rose Window: M&B Masonry will start work on the repair of the Rose Window on the 29th June. The work is expected to be complete by the end of September. Scaffolding will be erected outside in the car park and the site will be secured at all times. An information board will let people know what is going on and acknowledge the funding from the HeritageLottery Fund.
Opening the church for private prayer: At its meeting on the 12th June, the PCC decided that as the building work would be noisy and dusty it would not be possible to consider re-opening the church for private prayer in the first phase of the work. The situation will be reviewed as more guidance is issued and the building work progresses.
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The coronavirus outbreak, self-isolation and social distancing measures for its containment have lead to the closure of most venues previously open to the public,together with the postponement or cancellation of almost all community events or meetings, both locally and nationally.
Many event or group organisers remain in contact with their members or supporters either online or through other, digital, social media networks (Twitter,Facebook or What’s App groups etc.) which can usually be accessed through an appropriate search on a smartphone, computer or i-pad. National and local television and radio channels are also a good source of reliable information in the current situation.……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Fishergate, Fulford & Heslington (York)Local History Society
No meetings until further notice due to theCoronavirus pandemic.
For information please contactLouise (01904 635939) or email: [email protected]
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ALL OUR REGULAR CHURCH HALL BASED EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Along with TUESDAY PRAYER, CHATTY CRAFTand our CONNECT Home groups.
Regrettably the CHURCH HALL IS NO LONGER AVAILABLEfor hire by outside groups or organisations for the duration.
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6th July Thomas More, Reformation martyr
These days, lawyers and politicians are held in the lowest esteem by the public, along with tabloid journalists and estate agents. St Thomas More was both a lawyer and politician, who is today much admired for holding steadfastly to his faith-based principles. He lived in dangerous times, when anyone, even queens, who displeased King Henry VIII could find themselves in a condemned cell in
The Tower of London.
Sir Thomas More held the office of Lord High Chancellor and at one time wasthe king’s most trusted adviser. But when King Henry took personal control ofthe Church in England in order to divorce his first wife, More courageously opposed him.
Thomas More was a social philosopher and the author of ‘Utopia’. This book described an imaginary republic governed by an educated elite who employed reason rather than self-interest for the general good of everyone. He was himself one of the pre-eminent scholars of his age.
As a Christian theologian he supported orthodox doctrine, vigorously opposed heresy and argued strongly against the new Protestant ideas takinghold in Europe. Although holding the highest political and legal office he was far from being a pragmatic politician and opportunist lawyer. In every matter he was a man who held firmly to what he believed was right in God’s eyes.
When Thomas More fell from favour with the king, as a result of his unflinching views, he was falsely accused of taking bribes. When this charge failed, his enemies accused him of supporting a celebrated seer of the times who was strongly critical of the king. This too failed. He was then required to swear to the Oath of Supremacy, acknowledging Henry’s position as head of the Church of England. This he could not do in conscience.
He was put on trial and condemned to be hung, drawn and quartered for his treason, a punishment later changed to beheading. He died in 1535 and on the scaffold his final words were ‘I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first.’ He has been officially declared a martyr saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
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11th July St Benedict, author of the famous Rule
St Benedict (c.480 – c.550) was an abbot and author of the famous Rule that bears his name. Because of his Rule, Benedict is also the Patriarch of Western Monasticism, and Patron Saint of Europe.
Surprisingly little is known about his life. Born at Nursia, Benedict studied at Rome, which he then left before completing his studies to become a hermit at Subiaco. After a time disciples joined him, whom he organised into twelve deaneries of ten. After an attempt on his life, Benedict moved on to Monte Cassino, near Naples, where he wrote the final version of his Rule.
Benedict’s Rule is justly famous and respected: not only did it incorporate much traditional monastic teaching from revered monks like Basil, but Benedict went on to modify this in a way characterised by prudence and moderation within a framework of authority, obedience, stability and community life.
Benedict’s great achievement was to produce a monastic way of life that wascomplete, orderly, and workable. The monks’ primary occupation was liturgical prayer, which was complemented by sacred reading and manual work of various kinds.
Benedict’s own personality shines through this Rule: wise, discreet, flexible, learned in the law of God, but also a spiritual father to his community. Benedict’s Rule came to be recognised as the fundamental monastic code of Western Europe in the early Middle Ages. Because of his Rule, monasteries became centres of learning, agriculture, hospitality, and medicine. Thus, Benedict came to influence the lives of millions of people.
* * * * * * * * * * * *More than other idols, personal success and achievement lead to a sense that we ourselves are god, that our security and value rest in our own wisdom, strength and performance…. The false sense of security comes from deifying our achievement and expecting it to keep us safe from the troubles of life in a way that only God can… Idolatry is not just a failure to obey God, it is a setting of the whole heart on something besides God…. Jesus must become more beautiful to your imagination, more attractive to your heart, than your idol. - Timothy Keller
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15th July St Swithun (or Swithin), saint for a rainy day
St Swithun is apparently the saint you can blame for rainy summers. It is said that if it rains on his special day, 15th July, it will then rain for 40 days after that. It all began when Swithun was made Bishop of Winchester in 852 by King Ethelwulf of Wessex. It was an important posting: Winchester was the capital of Wessex, and during the 10 years Swithun was there,
Wessex became the most important kingdom of England.
During his life, instead of washing out people’s summer holidays, and damping down their spirits, Swithun seems to have done a lot of good. He was famous for his charitable gifts and for his energy in getting churches built. When he was dying in 862, he asked that he be buried in the cemetery of the Old Minster, just outside the west door.
If he had been left there in peace, who knows how many rainy summers the English may have been spared over the last 1000 years. But, no, it was decided to move Swithun. By now, the 960s, Winchester had become the firstmonastic cathedral chapter in England, and the newly installed monks wanted Swithun in the cathedral with them. So finally, on 15 July 971, his bones were dug up and Swithun was translated into the cathedral.
That same day many people claimed to have had miraculous cures. Certainly everyone got wet, for the heavens opened. The unusually heavy rain that day, and on the days following, was attributed to the power of St Swithun. Swithun was moved again in 1093, into the new Winchester cathedral. His shrine was a popular place of pilgrimage throughout the middle ages. The shrine was destroyed during the Reformation and restored in 1962. There are 58 ancient dedications to Swithun in England.
* * * * * * * * * * * *Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff, and nudge me when I’ve said enough! - Anon
Christianity can be condensed to four words: admit, submit, commit, transmit. - Bishop Samuel Wilberforce.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to McDonald's makes you a hamburger. - Anon
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22nd July The ‘Other’ MaryAs the traditional Easter story is remembered again this month, you may notice that there is one name thatfrequently occurs. It is that of the ‘other’ Mary – not the mother of Jesus but Mary of Magdala, who stood by her at the cross and became the first human being, male or female, actually to meet the risen Christ. That’s quite a record for a woman who, the Gospels tell us, had been delivered by Jesus from ‘seven devils’. As a result, her devotion to Him was total and
her grief at His death overwhelming.
In church history Mary Magdalene became the ‘fallen woman’, a harlot who was rescued and forgiven by Jesus. And while there is no evidence to prove she was a ‘fallen woman’, the contrast is sublime: Mary the virgin mother, the symbol of purity and Mary Magdalene, the scarlet woman who was saved and forgiven, the symbol of redemption. Surely, we all fall somewhere between those two extremes.
What we do know is that the two Marys stood together at the cross, the Blessed Virgin and the woman rescued from who knows what darkness and despair.
The second great moment for her was as unexpected as it was momentous. She had gone with other women to the tomb of Jesus and found it empty. An angelic figure told them that Jesus was not there, He had risen – and the others drifted off. But Mary stayed, reluctant to leave it like that. She became aware of a man nearby, whom she took to be the gardener. She explained to Him that the body of ‘her Lord’ had been taken away and she didn’t know where to find Him.
The man simply said her name ‘Mary’ and she instantly realised it was Jesus.She made to hug Him, but He told her not to touch Him because His resurrection was not yet complete. She was, however, to go to the male disciples and tell them she had met Him. She did – but they couldn’t believe her. Her words – ‘I have seen the Lord’ – echo down the centuries, the very beating heart of the Christian gospel.……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
God can do wonders with a broken heart if you give Him all the pieces. - Victor Alfse
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30th July William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano & Thomas Clarkson
During the 18th century many people in England were involved in the campaign to abolish the slave trade. The CofE remembers especially William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Clarkson - three very different but all tireless campaigners against the evil practice.
Thomas Clarkson (1760-1846) was an Anglican clergyman and one of the most prominent of the anti-slavery campaigners. In 1787 he helped form the first Abolitionist Committee, and his energy and hatred of injustice made him a ‘moral steam-engine’. He travelled hundreds of miles, gathering evidence from people caught up in the slave trade, from ship captains to doctors.
Olaudah Equianon (1745 – 1797) had been kidnapped in Nigeria, sold into slavery and sent to the West Indies. When he finally escaped, he made his way to London and became one of the most prominent black campaigners. His brutal autobiography of 1789 ran to nine reprints, and was translated into many languages, bringing home to people the horrors of the slave trade.
William Wilberforce (1759 – 1833), of course, became the main figurehead in Parliament. He came from a wealthy family in Kingston-upon-Hull and represented the town in Parliament. He was recruited by Thomas Clarkson, who saw the need for a brilliant advocate within Parliament. Wilberforce was an inspired choice: not only wealthy and well-connected, but a gifted orator with a social conscience, especially after his conversion in 1785. He made his first speech in Parliament against slavery in 1789, but it was not until 1807, after a debate that raged for many years, that the Abolition Act was finally passed.
* * * * * * * * * * * *Every year, churches around the world celebrate Sea Sunday:remembering seafarers in prayer, giving thanks for the crucial work they do and supporting them by donating to the work of the Mission to Seafarers. Sea Sunday 2020 is on July 12, but it can be marked on any Sunday of the year.
* * * * * * * * * * * *Holiness is not something to be received in a meeting; it is a life to be lived
and to be lived in detail. D Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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2020
A Scientist Reflects: Suffering and the Image of GodBy Dr Ruth M. Bancewicz, Church Engagement Director at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge . . . As I write, volunteers are distributing food to people who have been deprived of their usual ways of earning an income during the lockdown in a Majority World country. I became involved in raising money for this initiative very recently, and saw videos from the first people to receive packages. There were expressions of happiness, hope, quiet sadness, resignation, desperation – most often a mixture of several of these feelings at the same time.
I believe that our cries for answers at times like this, and our deep longing for things to be better, kinder, more just, less painful and chaotic, are a sign that we are made in the image of God. The Bible describes God creating men and women, instructing them to rule over the earth, and giving them the freedom to choose what they will do. The world God made was described as “very good”, but human wrongdoing caused a rift between people and God, and also between us and the rest of creation.
From a scientist’s perspective, it seems that the potential for accidents, disease and death – for both animals and humans – may have been part of God’s very good creation, and there was a real threat of famine, albeit far rarer than in our current mismanaged version of creation? How would we have managed life in what Genesis describes as an un-subdued world if our relationship with God hadn’t broken down, and evil hadn’t been unleashed? Maybe painful experiences would have been experienced as challenges that brought us closer to each other and to God, rather than bringing us the experience of suffering (which I would define more particularly as involving distress, isolation and fear)? Of course, these are theoretical questions that no one can answer, but perhaps they are worth exploring.
God has already responded to suffering at a root level by taking it on Himself. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus broke the power of sin and death. We do not yet see the final results of those decisive actions – the end of suffering for all those who trust Him – but we can already feel their impact. For example, manypeople have experienced the wonderful effect, either in their own lives or by receiving kindness from others, which is described by these words: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).
Some of the people who received food yesterday were, in the words of the community team leader, “really desperate”, but yet they still trust God to meet their needs. My hope is that the worldwide Church will, with God’s help, be part of the answer to their prayers – demonstrating our true status as people made in the image of God.
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The Revd Dr Jo White continues her series on symbols in our churches.
Reflected Faith: a ‘Holding Cross’
Many churches today are using social media to hold public services – either together at the same time or uploaded so you can listen and watch at any timeand worship in your home when it is convenient for you.
I find that having a ‘prayer space’ when I join, as well as when I pray alone, enables me to enter into that time of holiness quicker and more fruitfully.
It’s like when you physically go to a church building for a service. Your hand holds the door handle and you choose to enter into a sacred space.
Not many of us have the luxury of a separate space where we currently live, and in many ways I prefer not to distinguish prayer life from everyday life. After all, where does one end and the other begin? God is everywhere; in every room in the house. He’s no less in my home or yours than He is in our locked church buildings. He’s with me when I pray and when I eat, or cook, or watch TV and so on.
One item I appreciate is a cross that I can hold. Ideally one that completely fitsinto my hand.
There are wooden ‘Holding Crosses’ that you can make or buy especially for this purpose, but you can use any material. Perhaps you could make one out of felt and stuff it, to give it form and solidity.
I have one made from an old plastic book binding strip, which I cut to size. One piece slots into the other, to form the cross shape.
What I appreciate about the holding cross is its firmness, it reminds me that Christ is my firm foundation; that God is solid and dependable. It reminds me also that whatever happens I will cling to Him. And it tells me that as I hold that cross in my hand so I pray that He will hold me forever, never letting me go or fall.
This month: See what materials you have from which you could make a HoldingCross. What feelings and thoughts come to you as you use it in your prayer and worship time?……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts, and a former communications director for the CofE, considers the effect of coronavirus on our lives.
Local is back!
Odd things have been happening to my world in these past weeks of lockdown.
It’s got bigger. I’ve been speaking regularly via the web with friends in Australia and the United States. Worshippers from Canada and South Africa are taking part in our online church services. Other churches are telling the same stories, with increasing numbers of people logging on.
It’s got smaller. Even with the relaxation of regulations, many people are still working from home, home-schooling and mostly exercising within walking orcycling distance from where they live.
It’s got faster. Arrangements for a funeral in my family were speeded up, with registration and funeral planning carried out over the phone. A doctor’s appointment by telephone significantly cut down waiting time.
It’s got slower. Shopping takes longer with queues that people would have complained about before the lockdown. The shops have done a great job to keep the shelves stocked and maintain social distancing.
I’ve been thinking about what the long-term impact of the Covid-19 lockdownmight be. One of the key outcomes is that local is back.
For decades, we’ve been hearing about globalization, and how the world is a much more connected place. It is, and the internet has kept many vital businesses running these past weeks.
But we’ve also come to value what’s on our doorstep and in our local streets.
Neighbours have become more important. We’re valuing local shops, pubs and restaurants, parks and open spaces. All the people working hard to keep local services going.
Christianity is now a major global religion, with billions of followers around the world. But it began local. It began with Jesus Christ, travelling by foot, preaching and healing around a small area of the middle east. From its local roots, the faith spread around the world.
Today, churches around the world are deeply rooted in their local communities and are seeking to follow Christ’s example of love and caring.
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Each of us is rooted into our family, into our key relationships and into where we live.
During this pandemic, each of these has grown in importance.
Peter Crumpler is a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts, and a former communications director for the CofE.
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Bishop Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York Designate, recently wrote an article for the Daily Telegraph (Tuesday 12 May 2020). This is a brief excerpt from it.
C of E has been ‘astonishingly present’
During the coronavirus crisis, the Church of England has been accused of “vacating the public square or of being absent.”
So wrote Bishop Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York Designate, in a recent article for one of the national newspapers. But he goes on: “I simply do not recognise (this). The Church of England has been astonishingly present, albeit in many new and remarkable ways.”
The Bishop then gave many examples of various local churches who have reacted with positive action during the crisis. Some have started food banks, helped refugees and asylum seekers, set up telephone prayer services, started zoom Bible groups, or organised children and youth events online.
“These stories are being replicated up and down the country,” he continued.“Most astonishing of all, plenty of churches report very large numbers of people joining their streamed services.
“Of course, we long for our church buildings to reopen. But when they do, itwon’t be business as usual – partly because we are discovering new ways ofserving our communities.
“When we do return to the sacred, beautiful space of our church buildings, with all their vital and much-missed resonances of continuity, I believe the Church of England will emerge from this stronger than it has been for a long while.
Bishop Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York Designate, was writing in theDaily Telegraph on 12th May 2020.
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Fulford Gateway LibrarySt. Oswald's C.E. School, Heslington Lane, Fulford, York, YO10 4LX
Telephone: (01904) 555444email: [email protected]
www.exploreyork.org.uk
Hello,I hope you’re well and keeping busy, whilst also managing to relax. I wanted to let you know that Explore York are hoping to open some of their libraries soon so please check the website, social media or the press for updates. If you still have books on loan they will be automatically renewed until libraries are open again. Explore York have updated their e-library so there are lots more audio books, e-books and magazines to download. Also,on the website www.exploreyork.org.uk there is trusted information on Covid-19 and how to get help if you need it and a wealth of inspiring links to websites to keep you entertained and your mind and body active. It’s a great resource and has kept me occupied for days!
Best wishes,Rachael
Our normal opening times are: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2.00-5.00pmSaturday 10.00am-12.30pm
Follow us on Twitter @FulfordLibrary facebook.com/ExploreYorkLibrariesandArchives
York Explore Libraries are closed on Bank Holidays
* * * * * * * * * * * *Parish Pump Crossword Last month's answersACROSS 1 Care 3 Paradise 8 Null 9 Profaned 11 Legalistic 14 Closed 15 Stores 17 Missionary 20 Covenant 21 Thai 22 Trade-off 23 EdenDOWN 1 Conflict 2 Religion 4 Arrest 5 Affliction 6 Iona 7 Eddy 10 Allegiance 12 Preached 13 Assyrian 16 A son of 18 Scot 19 DVLA
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Saint Oswald's
Local Business Directory
A-Z
We are indebted to our advertisers for their help in financing this magazine.It is hoped that their support for us will be rewarded by your custom in the future.
Please note that while advertisements are accepted in good faiththey do not carry any 'official' recommendation.
ARCHITECT
MARK TABERT RIBA22 BROADWAY WEST, YORK, YO1 4JJ Tel. (01904) 620127
All types of work considered; personal attention.
BIKE REPAIRS, COLLECTION SERVICE AND ACCESSORIES
When it won't get you from A to BYour ailing bike can now be collected, repaired and even re-delivered quickly.
Kerbside 'On the Spot' Minor Repairsby FULFORD CYCLES 98 Main Street, Fulford
Tel.(01904) 620349 [email protected]
BUILDING CONTRACTORS
WILLIAM BIRCH & SONS LTD.LINK ROAD COURT, OSBALDWICK, YORK, YO10 3JQ.
Tel.(01904) 411411 Fax. (01904) 428428Building and Civil Engineering Contractors;
Property Repairs, Plastering, Skip and Plant Hire.
CHEMIST
FULFORD PHARMACY,101 MAIN STREET, FULFORD
Tel.(01904) 633458 Fax. (01904) 633458N.H.S. & Private Prescriptions Dispensed
Fine Perfumes, Bronnley Toiletries.
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Dr Peter Brierley considers the effect of coronavirus on our local churches.Coronavirus and local churches
‘Going to church’ is not what it used to be. With our church buildings closed, many ofus now ‘go’ to services transmitted via YouTube or other social media. They last onlyabout 45 minutes, half the length of a normal Sunday church service.
Some churches also transmit a daily prayer slot, or provide a children’s programme online once or twice a week. All such seem to be popular and attract those who may wellnot have visited the relevant church for years!
So – what are the positives in all this? For there are some!
Many non-regular church people watching. It would seem that many people in isolation are watching these streamed services at home, many more than usually attend the church in question. Many churches are reporting increases from viewing of 20%, 50% or even 100%.
Advantages of social media viewing. It is easier to ‘attend’, especially for the elderly or disabled, and you can have a cup of tea alongside you if you wish!
Popularity of format. Some say they like the ‘personal’ approach with the preacher as he/she seems just a couple of feet away, which means the sermon is more likely to be listened to! It’s usually shorter also. It may help bring calm to worried people. Some may be seeking answers from the Christian faith as to why God has sent or allowed this worldwide plague.
What about the negative aspects of online services?
Middle-class and/or resource dominance. Many churchgoing people, particularly the elderly and less well-off, do not have a smart phone, a tablet or computer.
Primacy within the preaching is not known. How far the Gospel is actually being preached is unknown; how many people are coming to faith is unknown.
Long-term impact uncertain. Online services cannot give the connectedness of face-to-face interaction, though they may suggest a wider and simpler framework for the future. They cannot help loneliness to the same extent, nor can the minister get to know people personally.
One probable long-term implication
Helpful service supports faith image. Churches which are now serving their local community, especially with meals, food banks, and other like services, are building animage of love and care. Finance for such is often being donated by the churches, and volunteers are coming forward. Those churches which do the most are likely to emerge the stronger, or at least more respected than they were.
Dr Peter Brierley can be contacted on [email protected] or via www.brierleyconsultancy.com.
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CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION
FULFORD PRE-SCHOOLc/o St. Oswald's C. of E. School
Quality Childcare and Education for 2 to 5 year olds.Open from 7.45am-4.45pm for full day or sessional care. Term time only.
Funding for 2, 3 and 4 year oldsHoliday clubs available during school holidays.
NVQ/BTEC/NNEB Qualified Staff.Inspected and approved by OFSTED.
Part of the Pre-School Learning Alliance.For more information call Julie Davies on 555438
BEEHIVE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUPLow Moor Centre, Bray Road (off Broadway), Fulford, York
Tel. Jane 849100Core Sessions are 9.00am-12.00noon / 1.00pm-4.00pm
with full days available 8.00am to 5.30pmTerm time only with some holiday playschemes.
A friendly caring pre-school for children from 2 to school age.We offer a happy and stimulating environment where children'sindividual abilities are recognised and nurtured, with qualifiedand very experienced staff, offering a high adult/child ratio.
Registered to receive funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.Excellent OFSTED Inspections
CLEANING SERVICES
ELISE’S CLEANING SERVICESProfessional cleaner available for regular cleans, deep cleans and one-off cleans.
Friendly, reliable and professional, with a great eye for detail.DBS checked, fully insured and able to provide brilliant references.
Contact : Elise Robinson 07889 758783
CURTAINS
WHITE ROSE SEWING ROOMHandmade, Bespoke Curtains and Roman BlindsSuppliers of fabrics, poles, tracks and accessories
Contact Sara Mason on 01904 703060 / 07711 952262The Winnowing House, Mill Lane, Askham Richard, York, YO23 3NW
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ELECTRICIANS
FULFORD ELECTRICAL SERVICES*All Domestic, Commercial, Light Industrial work undertaken,
from a single socket to full rewire.Also Alarms, Telephone Extensions and Security Lighting.
*Test and Inspection Service available.*All work guaranteed
and carried out to I.E.E.18th Edition Electrical Regulations.Proprietor: Robert Orr,
2 SHELLEY GROVE, YORK YO30 5SPTel.(01904) 796447 Mobile: 0771 295 7230
HERBERT TODD & SONElectrical Contractors, Electrical Retailers,
Colour Television & Video Rental,Satellite and your local Hotpoint centre.
Established 1936.MONKS CROSS DRIVE, MONKS CROSS, YORK, YO32 9GZ.
Tel.(01904) 628676 email: [email protected]: 16 YORK ROAD, ACOMB, YORK,YO24 4LU Tel.(01904) 798283
FISH & CHIPS
FULFORD FISH & CHIP SHOP, 77 MAIN STREET, FULFORD,Tel.(01904) 633540 Top Quality Fish & Chips
In our pleasant restaurant,you can enjoy a complete meal for around £5
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
J.G. FIELDER & SON, FUNERAL DIRECTORS.Tel.(01904) 654460
Private Chapel of Rest,48-50 Clarence Street, York
Limousines also available for Wedding Hire
HELP WITH FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTSFrom advice on how to register a death to making all the arrangements,
we're here 24 hours a day.J. RYMER, FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Tel.(01904) 62432015 Penley's Grove Street, Monkgate, York, YO31 7PW
Part of Dignity Ltd., Caring Funeral Services. A British Company.
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GARDEN SERVICES
A&E GARDEN SERVICESAll types of Garden Maintenance
Hedge Cutting (all types) Lawn CuttingLeaf Clearing/Sweeping Tree Pruning/Cutting
Fencing, Turfing & ClearingALL TASKS CONSIDEREDFax/Phone (01904) 624776
JCI GARDEN DESIGNSA complete landscaping and garden maintenance servicewith special emphasis on meeting the needs of the elderly.
Trustworthy and reliable service,registered and approved by Age Concern.
Excellent references available.Whether you need help with regular garden maintenance or
a complete front/rear garden make-over, contact JCI Garden Designs.John Ind, 10 Selby Road, Fulford, York YO19 4RD
Tel: (01904) 625088 Mobile: 07787 818113
HAIRDRESSER
TOPS HAIR STUDIO,96 MAIN STREET, FULFORD, YORK
Tel.(01904) 641399Open Tuesday-Saturday.
Stockists of Matrix products.
HANDYMAN
HOMESKILLS HANDYMANreliable, friendly, affordable home maintenance.
For all those jobs around the home and garden thatyou don't have the time, energy or the skills to tackle
call Tony on 07806 522068 or (01904) 634402
HOMEWORKS
HOMEWORKSJoinery and property improvements. Custom-made items, kitchen fitting,
decorating and general maintenance.Space-saving storage solutions: shelving, bench seating, under-stairs, alcoves,
loft hatches/stairs, raised beds, mini-offices and much more.Design advice through to installation.
Customer satisfaction via quality work at reasonable rates.Use of eco-friendly materials as required.
Contact: Paul Robinson 01904 633349 or 07981 019744
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NEWSAGENTS
BROADWAY POST OFFICECAR TAX AVAILABLE NOW
Newsagents (Member of Federation)Papers & Magazines Delivered.
Confectionery etc. also LOTTERY Services.Post Office Tel.(01904) 627290
PAINTER & DECORATOR
PAUL H. JOHNSON, PAINTER & DECORATORLodge Gates, Selby Road, Fulford, York,YO19 4RD
Established over 30 yearsProperty maintenance – Guttering – Tiling - Roofing
General handyman repairs – Free quotationsMobile: 07952 265163 Tel.(01904) 633682 email: [email protected]
PEST CONTROL
MA PEST CONTROLPROFESSIONAL LOCAL SERVICE
CALL MARTIN ABLEY 07526 [email protected]
TRAIDCRAFT FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS
FAIRER WORLD Shop at 84 Gillygate, YorkTel. and fax. (01904) 655116 email: [email protected].
Open 10am-6pm Monday-SaturdayOrders welcome. No delivery charge.
Traidcraft and other fairly traded Third World foods and crafts,plus Christian Aid/CAFOD/Traidcraft cards.
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To advertise in Church & People please contact:Magazine Advertising Secretary
Mr Ken Wells, 8 Fulfordgate, YorkTel.(01904) 620507
* * * * * * * * * * *Coronavirus: For the first time in history, we can help save the human race
by lying in front of the TV and doing nothing. Let’s not mess this one up!
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FOR NOW
HOPE TO SEE YOU BACK IN PRINT
REAL SOON