WINTER 2013/14

Internet site: www.stjamesthegreater.org.uk Church Office email address: office@stjamesthegreater.org.uk

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8.30 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Choral Eucharist

6.30 pm Choral Evensong & Sermon

A CHILDREN'S SUNDAY CLUB meets in the Church Hall in school term time at 10.20 am

MIDWEEK HOLY COMMUNION

8.15 am (winter time) Tuesdays 10.15 am Thursdays

DAILY PRAYER

8.30 am Morning Prayer

See Calendar for variations and details of services on saints' days

MINISTRY TEAM Vicar

Canon Glynn Richerby BD AKC St James the Greater Vicarage 216 London Road

Leicester LE2 1NE 0116 254 4113

Associate Non-Stipendiary Priest Revd Jane Sharp 0116 270 6002

Honorary Associate Priests

Revd David Clark BA Canon Henry Evans MA

0116 255 8988 0116 270 0954

Very Revd Dr Derek Hole Hon LLD Hon DLitt

0116 270 9988

Readers

Mr Anthony Green BA Dr Angela Jagger PhD BA Mr John Raven MA

0776 970 2272 0116 271 9185 0116 270 7591

Pastoral Assistant Sacristan Miss Vicky Roe BPhil.Ed MA Mrs Janet Burton

0116 255 2108 0116 210 3736

In this Winter 2013/14 issue …

SERVICE TIMES & MINISTRY TEAM ………………...….…… see inside cover

THE VICAR on Christmas in the light of Easter …………………………...… 1

PROFILE of Steve & Garry - stage managers and shifters of chairs …………. 3

WEST END REPAIRS described by Andy Packham ……………………...…………. 5

YEAR OF ST MATTHEW – an overview of the story to unfold ….........….… 7

TOYS ON THE TABLE – a special Christmas appeal ………........……...…… 9

THE SIXTEEN – concert tickets an ideal Christmas present? …….. …....….. 9

CALENDAR OF SERVICES & EVENTS ……………….…….. see centre pages

SING TO BREATHE EASY – invitation to a free therapeutic group ….......... 14

AND JOSEPH HAD A NOSE JOB – David Clark restores crib figures ......... 15

OUR LADY OF VLADIMIR ICON – for seasonal contemplation ……….… 17

FIRST WORLD WAR CENTENARY PROJECT …………………...………. 19

ANOINTING– Molly Drake commends a sacrament for wholeness …..….. 21

OBITUARIES – Dick Redford and Muriel McDermott …….……….……… 22

COMMEMORATIVE FLOWERS ………………………...…….....…….…… 24

WHAT’S ON & WHO’S WHO ……………….……...……….. see back cover

Copy for the SPRING 2014 edition of the Quarterly should reach the Vicar by Friday 25 January 2014

YOUR QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTOR IS:

…………………………………………………….. TEL’ ………………...…. ………………………...

The Vicar writes

A JOYFUL SEQUEL to the Profile of Andy and Kath Packham in the previous edition of the Quarterly was the safe delivery of their son. Oliver David was born on 12 October and first brought to church at 8 days old to be welcomed as the youngest member of the congregation.

Two days before Oliver’s birth, Dick Redford – the oldest member of our congregation – died aged 102½ years. His funeral service was a thanksgiving for his exceptionally long and fulfilled life among us, as well as a confident commendation of him to eternal life.

This recent juxtaposition of birth and death prompts me to reflect that the birth of Jesus only makes sense in the light of his death and resurrection – that you never know the true meaning of Christmas until Easter. In one of the loveliest of all the carols we hear this clearly:

Hush do not wake the Infant King. Soon comes the Cross, the nails, the piercing, Then in the grave at last reposing: Sing lullaby.

All four gospel writers – Matthew Mark, Luke and John – were intent on telling the good news of Jesus. Each had a distinctive outlook and purpose in writing the way they did, but all four had the same perspective. They were looking back with the awareness that Jesus was still with them – not in the sense of dictating his biography, but leading them in the fresh adventure of founding the Church in every part of the known world.

This new task was so urgent and exciting that there was little opportunity to halt to take stock and write down what had happened so far. But the four gospel writers were inspired to do just this, and Matthew and Luke gave some space to the stories that circulated about the birth of Jesus.

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Christmas stories are loaded with significance but they cannot be treated separately from all else that we know about Jesus and from a living experience of his presence.

If we do not take the death and resurrection of Jesus as the true starting point – as the gospel writers did – then all that stuff about a miraculous birth and messages from the night sky to shepherds and wise men will seem like fairy tales. These may seem pleasant enough stories to bring a touch of magic and make-believe to a materialistic world at the cold time of year – but what is their deep significance?

Supposing first-hand eye witnesses at Bethlehem were asked “What happened?” The reply might be: “Well, nothing out of the ordinary – a Jewish carpenter and his woman were away from home when their baby was born.”

But for the gospel writers and for Christians more than 2000 years later there is very much more to it than that. In view of all that followed from this unique birth, there can be the realisation that the Son of God came into the world. This turning point of history changed for ever the relationship between God and people. BC gave way to AD.

Matthew and Luke perceive that there are implications in this birth from the outset which they think important to draw out: Angels announce the birth because there is rejoicing in re-establishing the link between heaven and earth so tragically severed long ago. Bethlehem as the place of birth is highly significant. A shepherd called David from Bethlehem had gone on to become the greatest of Jewish kings. Shepherds are first on the scene to welcome Jesus their new King to bring in the reign of peace that ordinary people longed for. Wise men from the East led by a guiding star is an echo of oriental kings and queens – including the Queen of Sheba – paying homage to David’s son, King Solomon. In future all claims to wisdom, power, authority and wealth would have to be surrendered to Jesus for the proper use of them under God. The flight to Egypt is to escape the jealousy of Herod. Jesus – like Moses long before – is destined to lead people out of slavery to fear and oppression.

And so Jesus – when still a new born baby – was seen with hindsight to have supernatural glory, to be a new king David, a new Soloman and a new Moses.

Hush do not stir the Infant King, Dreaming of Easter, gladsome morning, Conquering Death, its bondage breaking. Sing lullaby.

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Profile STEVE & GARY volunteered to help set up staging for a season of concerts in church a year ago. Ever since, they’ve been at the forefront whenever the furniture in church needed moving. As the number of concerts has built up, along with the number of people attending them, so has the amount of shifting that Steve and Gary have done – before and after events. It has also increased their satisfaction in doing a good job and feeling appreciated for what they do.

To set up tiered staging at the front of the church ready for a concert is a complicated matter. It requires technical knowledge, physical strength and great care not to damage the fabric of the church. Steve recalls: “It took me a couple of times to get used to how it all fits together, but now I know how to get it sorted.”

Steve vividly remembers the first time he returned on a Saturday evening, ready to help take the staging down after a concert. “It was snowing outside and I looked in at the back of the church as the concert was ending and it gave me goose bumps and made me feel very happy.” Commenting on the concert given by the world famous Sixteen with Harry Christophers held in April, Gary says “It’s been amazing to see over 700 people in church for a concert.”

One thing led to another and Steve is now not surprised to be asked to help with a variety of Saturday jobs around the church “including footing the ladder for the Vicar to change light bulbs.”

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Steve and Gary are reliably at hand through attending Saturday Stop-by which has its second anniversary in January. This joint initiative between the Leicester branch of The Islamic Society of Great Britain and St James the Greater offers a hot meal and social support for people with housing or employment problems.

Steve has attended Saturday Stop-by from the outset and Gary first came along a little later. They rate it highly. “You’d pay a lot at a restaurant for a hot meal, plus there’s the advantage of games of pool and table tennis.” Both are impressive pool players. Steve has never been beaten. He quips “It’s like a youth club for old people”. Both he and Gary are impressed that this weekly exercise is run jointly by Muslim and Christian volunteers. “It’s very friendly and welcoming – especially Mrs Scone” – a nickname for Rosemary Freer whose cheese scones are very popular. “Everyone getting on with each other can only be good.”

Steve’s background is in Braunstone and Netherhall. He went into the shoe trade after school, gaining City and Guilds qualifications. He was making Doc Marten shoes in one of the last shoe factories in Leicester until made redundant after 23½ years. “The day before my birthday and 18 months before qualifying for my gold watch.”

Gary is from Huncote. His last job was delivering goods. “I should love to go to work but I take one day at a time and try to stay healthy. There was a time when I hated coming into town. But now I like being at the Central Library doing research on the internet. This was how I first found out about St James the Greater getting new chairs.”

Helping to dismantle rows of old chairs in church, moving them out to replace them with new chairs has been Gary and Steve’s heaviest task at St James’s. Together with other volunteers, they were occupied with this for a number of days in October and November. “It’s great to see how it looks now.”

We hope that the chairs project and going on to assist with another full season of staging for concerts leading up to Christmas gives Gary and Steve great satisfaction. St James’s certainly benefits from their dedicated hard work.

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West End Building Repairs described by Andy Packham

THE WEST END of St James the Greater was completed in 1914 and dedicated on 24 September, nearly two months after the declaration of war.

Vertical plan of the towers (1913)

The towers give access to the Bell Chamber, high above the baptistry. Behind the traditional façade, the towers host several innovative design features. The domed cupola at the top of each tower is supported on a ring beam of reinforced concrete – an early use of this building technique. The towers form an integral part of a system for building ventilation. Large electric fans at the top of each tower were used to draw air through ducts in the floor and ceiling of the main church and vent to the

outside air. This was an early example of active air handling in a building.

Repair works We are currently undertaking a programme of repair works to the towers and to our boundary walls.

Scaffolding the entire west end of the church is in order to carry out repairs to the towers. The scaffolding itself is the most costly and time consuming part of the project so a number of different repairs are being carried out at the same time, some of which have been known of for a number of years. These works comprise:

1) Specialist reinforced concrete repair: west-end cupolas. 2) Lead repairs to existing high level cover flashings. 3) Stonework repair & repointing 4) Redecoration of bell chamber louvres 5) Repairs to tower access traps

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Cracks in concrete ring beam of the North tower – view looking upwards

Reinforced concrete repairs Over time, cracks have developed in the reinforced concrete ring beams supporting the top of both towers. These cracks allow the metal components to rust causing further damage. Specialist repairs will be carried out to this early example of reinforced concrete.

Erosion damage to stone cornice

Lead and Stonework Repairs High level stone cornices around the towers are covered with lead flashings. Splits in joins in the lead flashings have allowed water to penetrate and damage the stone underneath.

There are two areas where stone has fallen away. Attempts have been made in the past to repair the lead joints but these repairs have themselves failed. Specialist companies will replace the lead flashings around the towers and replace the sections of damaged stone. Failed solder joint of lead flashing

Repairs to the Boundary Walls & Drains Once repairs to the towers are complete attention will turn to the walls along the church boundaries and to repair or replacement of rainwater drains.

Counting the cost The total cost of these works will be in the order of £90,000.

The church maintains a Fabric Fund but additional fundraising will be needed to cover the cost of these repairs. We would greatly appreciate any contribution you can make towards the cost of these repairs. Please address contributions to: Church of St James the Greater – Fabric Fund.

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Year of St Matthew FROM ADVENT Sunday, we turn to Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary – a three year cycle of Bible readings.

Each year of the cycle focuses our attention on one of the 'Synoptic' Gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke (syn-optic means literally 'viewed together'). St John's Gospel is explored at intervals throughout all three years. Each Gospel has particular themes and emphases.

Characteristics of St Matthew’s Gospel The Gospel according to St Matthew is the first book in the New Testament, and so it is nearest (in terms of pages) to the Old Testament This appropriate, because Matthew – more than Mark, Luke or John - shows that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament hope for a Messiah. This emphasis is particularly evident in the libretto of Handel's Oratorio ‘Messiah’.

‘The Generation Page’ – the beginning of St Matthew’s Gospel, and below a depiction of St Matthew, both from the Lindisfarne gospels

Matthew wrote in such a way as to show that Jesus' life and teaching flowed from three key aspects of Jewish understanding:

I. Matthew keeps quoting passages from the Old Testament prophets and Psalms, and then saying how the life and teaching of Jesus fits them like a glove. Here's a typical example which comes after Jesus has been healing sick people: ‘This was to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases”.’ (Matthew 8.7)

2. The Jewish expectation was of the Messiah fulfilling and deepening the law of Moses. Matthew shows Jesus doing exactly that – for example: 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.' (Matthew 5.17). Matthew paints a striking picture of Jesus as the great teacher – telling the people with great authority what the real meaning of the Old Testament Law is (see Matthew 5.21- 48).

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3. Even the structure of Matthew's gospel corresponds with the five books of the law of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy) – putting Jesus' teaching into five separate blocks of text. The first block of teaching is even given on a mountain – just as Moses was on Mount Sinai.

Despite this special appeal to Jewish readers, Matthew's gospel ends with this command of the risen Jesus: 'Go, and make disciples of all nations ...'

Our Lectern Bible

ROOTED in the past, but right for today, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible continues the tradition of William Tyndale, the King James Version and the Revised Standard Version.

The NRSV stands out among the many translations because it is "as literal as possible" in adhering to the ancient texts and only "as free as necessary" to make the meaning clear in graceful, understandable English. It draws on newly available sources that increase our understanding of many previously obscure biblical passages. These sources include new-found manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, other texts, inscriptions, and archaeological finds from the ancient Near East, and new understandings of Greek and Hebrew grammar.

Improvements over the RSV are of four different kinds: • updating the language of the RSV, by replacing archaic forms of speech

addressed to God (Thee, Thou, wast, dost, etc.), and by replacing words whose meaning has changed significantly since the RSV translation – for example, Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 11.25 that he was "stoned"!

• making the translation more accurate, • helping it to be more easily understood, especially when it is read out

loud, and • making it clear where the original texts intend to include all humans –

male and female – and where they intend to refer only to the male or female gender.

Anyone wishing to read from the Bible during services should contact the vicar

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Toys on the Table – Special Christmas Appeal PLEASE BRING new toys to services on Sunday, 1 December – for children in Leicester and Leicestershire who might not otherwise receive gifts at Christmas.

The need this year is as great as ever – especially for gifts suitable for toddlers under the age of two and for teenage boys. There are particular difficulties in finding gifts for these very different age groups. Many toys – and especially soft toys – are not suitable for children under 36 months. Early play toys specifically intended for toddlers would be highly appreciated. CDs and computer games may seem a good idea for teenage boys, but they may not have the necessary hardware to make use of them. Their needs are best catered for with stationery, wallets and gift sets for personal hygiene. Please note that gifts should NOT be wrapped.

Cash donations are also extremely useful – not least that among unavoidable overheads is payment of a premium by the charity for public liability insurance. Also some available cash makes it possible for the charity to purchase well- aimed gifts for the age groups where insufficient presents are donated.

THE SIXTEEN – the world famous choral ensemble with their internationally acclaimed conductor Harry Christophers are coming again to St James the Greater on Thursday, 29 May – for the eighth successive year that St James the Greater has hosted the Sixteen on their Choral Pilgrimage. The programme is

entitled Voice of the Turtledove. It revisits the golden age of Renaissance polyphony in England and consists of music by John Sheppard, Richard Davy and William Mundy – a stunning mix! Please note the date in your diary.

Tickets are £10 to £30 – they would make super Christmas gifts! All seats are reserved. Application forms are at the back of the Church or arrange to call at the church office in person on a weekday 0116 254 4113. Online payment by debit / credit card can be made www.stjamesthegreater.org.uk

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Calendar of Services & EventsCalendar of Services & EventsCalendar of Services & EventsCalendar of Services & Events

DECEMBER 1 Sunday FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Holy Communion (BCP) Celebrant: David Clark 10.30 Sung Eucharist with Toys on the Table Appeal Celebrant & Preacher:

18.30 Advent Carol Service

3 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Francis Xavier, missionary, 1552 Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 5 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Derek Hole

14.30 At Home with Hilary Simpson at 24 Holmfield Road 7 Saturday 19.30 Christmas Oratorio – Leicester Bach Choir 8 Sunday SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Jane Sharp Preacher: 18.30 Evensong Preacher: Anthony Green

9 Monday 19.00 Rainbows Hospice Carol Concert 10 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 11 Wednesday 19.00 Leicester High School Carol Service 12 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: 14.30 Stoneygate School Carol Service 19.30 Musical & Amicable Society Concert 13 Friday 19.30 Leicester Theological Society at Holy Cross Centre, Wellington Street David Lamb: Sacred Art – expressions of the Faith 14 Saturday 19.30 Christmas Concert by the Leicestershire Chorale

15 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Derek Hole 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Glynn Richerby Preacher: Glynn Richerby 15.30 Radio Leicester Carol Service admission by ticket

18.30 Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby 17 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion O Sapientia Egaltine Jebb, social reformer, founder of Save the Children, 1928

Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 18 Wednesday 19.00 Rotary Carol Concert

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DECEMBER continued 19 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 19.30 Leicester Philharmonic Choir Concert 21 Saturday 19.30 City of Leicester Singers Concert

22 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby 17.00 Christingle-making in the Vicarage

18.30 Festival Service of Nine Lessons & Carols

24 Tuesday CHRISTMAS EVE 18.30 Christingle Service 23.30 Midnight Mass

Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby

25 Wednesday CHRISTMAS DAY 08.30 Holy Communion

Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Family Service Preacher: Glynn Richerby 11.45 Holy Communion (shortened) Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

26 Thursday 10.15 NO SERVICE St Stephen 29 Sunday FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Eucharist with carols Celebrant: Glynn Richerby Preacher: Anthony Green

18.30 New Year’s Eve Service

31 Tuesday 08.15 NO SERVICE John Wyclif, reformer, 1384 JANUARY 2014 2 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: David Clark Basil the Great & Gregory of Nazianzus, bishops 379& 389

5 Sunday EPIPHANY SUNDAY 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Jane Sharp 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Jane Sharp

18.30 Evensong Preacher: Angela Jagger 7 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 19.45 Standing Committee in the Vicarage 9 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

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JANUARY continued 12 Sunday THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Derek Hole 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby

18.30 Epiphany Carol Service

14 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 16 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Jane Sharp 17 Friday 19.30 Leicester Theological Society at Holy Cross Centre, Wellington Street. Latimer Blaylock Editor of RE Today: Is RE in Schools a Theological Quest? 18 Saturday Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins

19 Sunday SECOND SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Jane Sharp

10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby FOR THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL 18.30 Evensong Preacher: David Clark

21 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Agnes, child martyr, 304 Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 19.45 Parochial Church Council 23 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 25 Saturday Conversion of St Paul

26 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: David Clark 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Glynn Richerby Preacher: John Raven

18.30 Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby 28 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby ` Thomas Aquinas, priest philosopher, teacher of the faith, 1274 30 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Charles, King and martyr, 1649 Celebrant: Jane Sharp FEBRUARY 2 Sunday CANDLEMAS SUNDAY

08.30 Holy Communion (BCP) Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Derek Hole 18.30 Candlemas Service

4 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Gilbert, founder Gilbertine Order,1189 Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

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FEBRUARY continued 6 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Martyrs of Japan, 1597 Accession of Queen Elizabeth II,1952 Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 14.30 At Home with Hilary Simpson at 24 Holmfield Road

9 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE LENT 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Jane Sharp Preacher: Angela Jagger

18.30 Choral Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby 11 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 13 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Jane Sharp 14 Friday 19.30 Leicester Theological Society at Holy Cross Centre, Wellington Street Jim Green – Author & Broadcaster: From Hell to Hollywood – the trivialisation of Religion

Diary Date for Theological Society Friday14 March BishopTom Butler – Is God Green? Theology and the environment

16 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY BEFORE LENT Septuagesima 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby 18.30 Choral Evensong Preacher: John Raven

18 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 20 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

23 Sunday SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT Sexagesima 08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Derek Hole 10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Glynn Richerby Preacher: Anthony Green 18.30 Choral Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby

25 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby 19.45 Standing Committee in the Vicarage 27 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion George Herbert, priest poet, 1633 Celebrant: Jane Sharp

2014 INTERFAITH FESTIVAL CALENDAR produced by Christians Aware provides a beautiful and useful guide as to when other major faith festivals occur – £7.50. Contact David Clark: dhclark2@btinternet.com

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Sing to Breathe Easy A NEW free singing group has started meeting at St James the Greater. It is funded by The Leicester Clinical Commissioning Group ‘Health in your hands’ project which offered grants to voluntary groups to help people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) – that is, breathing difficulties.

Research carried out in association with Canterbury Christ Church University found that patients who regularly sang needed less medication and could do simple actions like walking upstairs without getting so breathless.

Sing to Breathe Easy started in June. Jane Bursnall – musical director of Red Leicester Choir – is leading the new group.

Sessions begin with some breathing exercises. We sing songs from the films, old pop songs and some folk songs either in unison or in two parts. We also sing some rounds. The songs are taught by ear so you don’t need to be able to read music to join in.

Sing to Breathe Easy meets on Tuesdays from 1pm – 3pm in the hall at the back of the church. It is free and so are the refreshments served in the break. The group is for anyone who feels they have a breathing problem together with their partners and carers. You can join at any time. The respiratory difficulties do not have to be diagnosed by a GP.

Initial funding will come to an end in February when the group hopes to hold a concert. If the group is successful they will be able to apply for further funding to keep running.

If you have breathing difficulties do come and give us a try – you will feel better – and its great fun!

If you want to 'phone before you come along, please contact Veronica Matthew on 270 3143 or Jan Wild-Grant on 291 1534 or e-mail veronica.matthew@tiscali.co.uk

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And Joseph had a nose job Restoration of the Christmas crib figures for St James’s porch by David Clark

IT’S ALL ST FRANCIS’ FAULT. He began it by creating the first crib scene,

with real cattle and a donkey in a cave up the hillside in Greccio in 1223.

Crowds trailed up there with flaming torches, and Francis celebrated Mass for

Christmas inside. Francis wanted to make the birth of Christ important for

the real daily lives of the Italian people he served. We do the same.

When we put the crib figures back in their boxes at the beginning of the year,

I noticed the figures were looking a bit shabby. Poor old Joseph had part of his

plaster nose knocked off. The cow’s left ear had become loose, and the white

plaster was showing through in places. There was an appeal for someone to

do some repairs. It turned out to be good occupational therapy for me in

October.

I’ve tried to improve

the colours,

emphasising the

colours of one king’s

fine cloak, darkening

the skin tone on two

of the kings, and

trying to relieve the

unnatural pitch black

of king Balthazar. All

of them had very red

lips, male and female

alike. Of course, the

problem is this: are

these figures meant

to be lifelike or are

they simply symbolic?

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Actually,

our figures

are quite

well done

and

presented in

good poses:

Joseph is a

striking

figure with a

noble face,

now he’s

had his

nose-job

done.

It was tempting to make the nose of the shepherd

with the lamb redder: but an inebriated shepherd on

the set was a step too far. I liked him with his very

English dog at his feet. I still have a problem with him:

he has a goblin hat, which I was tempted to make

proper, but I’ve made it greener – why not?

Mary is a bit

difficult: quite

pretty but very

Anglo-Saxon

white, while

Joseph is more

Middle Eastern.

I’ve left her red

lipstick, but her white headscarf was

grubby, so I’ve painted it light blue, which

seems more in keeping with tradition.

I enjoyed the work, and I hope a lot of children will capture the magic of the

birth of Jesus from our crib.

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Our Lady of Vladimir THE ICON above the votive candle stand for the Christmas season is a reproduction of the best known and most loved of all icons. Its title in Greek is Eleousa meaning Mother of Tenderness. The Christ Child nestles his face against his mother’s cheek. He gazes up at her. His left arm reaches around her neck to gently touch her left cheek. His right arm reaches across. Mary looks out at the observer with an expression of love combined with sadness at the prospect of what will be done to her beloved son.

The origin of this icon is ancient – tracing back to 1125. Commissioned in Constantinople by a Russian, in 1169 it was brought to the new cathedral of Vladimir where it was venerated as Our Lady of Vladimir. When Mongol invasion threatened Moscow in 1395, the icon was brought to Moscow, where she was honored as the shield of the Russian people and the recognisable sign of the Russian Orthodox Church.

There are thousands of representations of the Vladimir icon. It is said that there is no Orthodox Church, nor Orthodox home's religious corner, without this image somewhere represented.

On an international level, devotion to this icon began in the twentieth century – not least through mass produced block-mounted reproductions sold though the high street chain Athena Galleries for the adornment of western homes. This led to a rare coming together of popular taste and the church in the west coming to appreciate the significance of Byzantine icons.

A true icon is much more than an object for sale and decoration. It is primarily an aid to prayer and contemplation. The artist paints the image while fasting and observing silence, in a spirit of obedience to the Word of God, and in a spirit of chastity. Ideally, those commissioning the icon also put themselves under a similar discipline. Guidelines for painting the icon are strictly observed to ensure an unchanging tradition.

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Contemplation in the presence of the icon Icons have been described as windows to the divine. Those who take time to meditate on divine realities expressed in and through icons, do so with the inner eye of the soul reaching beyond the representation to the truth it represents and then to lose themselves in contemplation. The process begins with quiet observation in silence. Thoughts give way to stillness and wonder. Prayer inspired by the icon The presence of the icon at the centre of our church where candles are lit can influence the whole atmosphere of the nave as sacred space and inspire both private and corporate prayer.

Here is a suggested form of prayer:

Mary, Mother of God, The gentle tenderness you share with your child is a quiet, strong thing, reflected from your image. There is no distance between his soft, but total embrace and you. He loves you. Yes, there is no doubt! O how this child loves you! You are molded as one: his body from your body, his flesh from your flesh, his heart from your heart. His eyes praise you and thank you for your share in his humanity.

Like a strong, powerful, but peaceful magnet, your gaze holds mine. Quiet, calm, endlessly gazing at me from nine centuries of reflected wisdom.

You ask only one thing of me: to share the love you share. Love is not gentle, soft tenderness in the sense of weakness. Love is gentle in the sense of strength: enduring, radical, unbroken unity.

Lady of Tenderness, your gaze is both statement and question: If this is the unity he seeks – a love so strong between God and the human being that nothing can divide it – then can I not at least try to love as he has loved?

Can I not at least try to break down barriers that separate the nations?

Can I not make my decisions in his presence and under your gaze – the presence of this call to unity from the fullness of tender love?

Mary, perhaps if I would pause long enough to return your gaze, stop long enough to love tenderly for just one moment, I could learn from you what wisdom really means.

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First World War Centenary MONDAY, 4 AUGUST 2014 will be the centenary of the outbreak of World War One. Projects across Leicester are being planned to commemorate those who died and those whose lives were changed forever as a result of the war.

Crystal Clear Creators (CCC) – a not-for-profit arts organisation – has been awarded a small grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund to work with local people researching the role of Leicester men and women in the war, and to reflect on its impact on those who were children at the time.

CCC wishes to work with St James the Greater in order to develop an exhibition in the church to remember those of the parish who died in the First World War. The names on the memorial in the church commemorate the lives of men who served in, among others, the Leicester Regiment and Leicester Yeomanry, the Royal Flying Corps, the Tank Corps and the Royal Marine Artillery. Many were buried in France or Belgium. Some were laid to rest in Welford Road. They were all local men who would have been very familiar with St James’s, and it would be fitting to remember them in a place they would have known and recognised.

CCC would like to research who these men were and what their experiences might have been, and to develop a display of personal information and photographs.

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As well as those who were local to Leicester during the Great War, CCC is also interested in the stories of those who live in Leicester now, but whose family may come from elsewhere.

Do you have anybody in the family who died in the war, or who survived? Do you have any family stories, photographs or memorabilia which you would like to be displayed as a memorial to them? If you would like take part in the research, planning and development of the display, CCC would like to hear from you. Sue Mackrell and David McCormack of CCC can be reached on 01455 631230 or suedavidmac@hotmail.co.uk. Alternatively you can talk to Julia Walker who has kindly agreed to liaise between Crystal Clear Creators and St James the Greater. For more information about the work of CCC see http://www.crystalclearcreators.org.uk and follow the link to directors.

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What is the Sacrament of Anointing? the Vicar writes …

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5.14

ANOINTING can be fraught with misunderstanding. Strictly speaking, ‘Sacraments’ in The Church of England refer to Baptism and Holy Communion. However, there is recognition of what are “commonly called sacraments” – including Confirmation, Ordination and Marriage – which are “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” Anointing has traditionally also been regarded as having this sacramental significance, but has tended to be linked in people’s minds with someone close to death receiving the last rites, or ‘extreme unction’.

In recent time, there has been a recovery of the practice of anointing to accompany prayers for people who are ill but not terminally unwell. In some churches there is regular provision for healing services which may include the sign of the cross made with consecrated oil on the forehead and/or palms of the hands. Such services have not been the custom at St James’s, but occasionally someone may request prayer with anointing at home or in hospital. It is important to realise that this rite is not an alternative to medical attention nor should there be the expectation of a miraculous cure. Rather, it can help with a holistic understanding of wellbeing.

Molly Drake on what anointing means to me … I have attended Services for wholeness and healing in Methodist Churches, but have not attended any since I became an Anglican. Although I must add that Glynn has, on an individual basis, anointed me with oil on occasions during my recent illnesses and these sacraments have meant so very much to me. I also know people who have been sustained and strengthened by God through this sacrament so they have been better able to cope with their everyday lives.

The aim of the Sacrament of Anointing, so far as my thinking goes, is to heal the entire person. To me anointing is the outward sign of God's grace received into my entire body – body, mind and spirit. I believe that God's healing power flows through me when I receive the Sacrament of Anointing helping me along the road to wholeness.

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Obituaries Thomas Richard (Dick) Redford died 12 October aged 102 He was the oldest member of our congregation – though you would never think it to look at his smooth facial features or to talk to him.

Born in Highfields, Richard was taken to St Peter’s. He was Confirmed at St James the Greater. Educated at Alderman Newton’s School – then adjacent to St Martin’s Church – Richard saw from the school playground the procession of archbishop and bishops who attended the hallowing of St Martin’s as the Cathedral in 1927. Richard met the present Archbishop of Canterbury on his visit to the Diocese in 2006.

Richard left school at 16 to work at Donisthorpe & Co Ltd, Worsted Spinners, initially in the accounts office. His war service in the RAF was actually in conjunction with code breaking at Bletchley Park.

Evacuation of the BBC music department to Bedford near to where he was stationed enabled him to go to rehearsals and public concerts, inspiring a lifelong love of music and the arts.

Returning to Donisthorpe’s, Richard worked his way up to sales manager. Later he set out on his own as a manufacturer’s agent until retiring aged 69.

Richard had first met Freda in 1938 when she was a junior nurse at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, caring for his father. They married in 1952.

When living in Wigston Fields, they worshipped at All Saints, Wigston Magna. Later they became regular worshippers at the Cathedral. For 5 years they jointly led the Friends of Leicester Cathedral. Richard was sometime chairman of Age Concern , and a founder member of the Christian Council on Ageing.

Richard and Freda moved to an apartment on the corner of Victoria Park Road and St Mary’s Road 27 years ago. Richard maintained his commitment to the Cathedral after Freda’s funeral was held there in 2001 until he gave up driving. Then he transferred to St James’s as a loyal worshipper at the Sunday Sung Eucharist. He became a good friend to the clergy and people of St James’s. We commend him to the new life he so confidently anticipated.

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Hilda Muriel McDermott died 27 October aged 90

Muriel was a regular worshipper at St James the Greater, along with her husband David, until he died in 2007. Then, unable to drive, she went to St Mary’s, Knighton – close to her home and where she was a member of the Mother’s Union.

Muriel was born and brought up in County Meath, in the Republic of Ireland to a Protestant family. She became a teacher soon after she herself left school.

She met David in 1947 when he was headmaster of a small private school in County Wexford where he had been brought up. They married in 1952. David lost his job the next year and so they came to Leicester for work.

Both David and Muriel completed external degrees in the liberal arts whilst also doing full-time jobs, Muriel in teaching, David in engineering. Charles was born to them in 1961.

In 1964 Muriel began teaching at St John’s Church of England School and remained there until she retired in 1983. She taught juniors and was responsible for music throughout the school. She encouraged good singers to join church choirs. Charles became a chorister at St James’s. When the LOROS Hospice was being set up, Muriel was very active in fundraising.

Muriel retired at the same time as David. They had a very happy time together sharing many interests – including playing piano duets – and each also having their own absorbing interests. Muriel enjoyed studying languages. She wrote up her diaries on successive days in French, Italian and German – a discipline she maintained until last year.

Muriel coped well with her bereavement and continued to live independently. Three years later Muriel was herself diagnosed with cancer. Choosing not to receive treatment, Muriel was told that she was unlikely to live for a year. For the next three and a half years she was not in pain or great discomfort, and continued to manage well at home with the support of carers.

We give thanks for her long, happy and fulfilled life and extend to Charles and his wife Julie our sympathy in their loss.

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Commemorative Flowers

DECEMBER ADVENT – no flowers, by tradition 25 Tim Johnson in memory of Alan, Joy & Christopher Lady Chapel pedestal

Audrey Wheeler in memory of Sid and their parents 29 Angela Hefford in memory of her brother William R Barrett

JANUARY 5 Jill Valentine & family in memory of Joe 12 Good Companions 19 Doris Makepeace 26 Jeremy & Christine Josephs in memory of Sarah

FEBRUARY 2 Jean Mason in memory of her husband & son 9 Brian Foster in memory Brigitte, family & friends 16 Tony Rudge 23 Caroline Beardsmore in memory of her father Altar Frontal

John Goadby in memory of his Mum

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What’s on ... SUNDAYS Sunday Club in school term time 10.30 Large Hall Contact Mrs Jo Stapleton 39 Craighill Road, Leicester LE2 3FD 270 2001 WEDNESDAYS Good Companions 14.30 Large Hall Leader Mrs Janet Burton 20 Holderness Road, Leicester LE4 2LP 0751 035 3097 SJ2 – Under 14s’ Youth Club 19.15 – 20.45 Undercroft Leader Mr John Raven 291 London Road, Leicester LE2 3ND 270 7591 THURSDAYS Coffee Drop-in 10.45 – 11.30 Large Hall Organiser Mrs Doris Makepeace 7 Bransdale Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1XU 288 5315 St James’ Singers 19.45 alternate Thursdays Ashman Music Room Director Mr Michael Rule 99 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0GF 0787 530 5269 Scouts Beaver Scouts 17.30 – 18.30 Cub Scouts 18.30 – 20.00 Scouts 19.30 Undercroft Leaders Mr Tony & Mrs Alison Hurst 30 Repton Road, Wigston, Leicester LE18 1GB 288 9457 FRIDAYS Boys’ Choir & Girls’ Choir Practices 18.00 Ashman Music Room Full Choir Practice 19.30 Director Mr Matthew Haynes 36 Vernon Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8GA 0788 576 0364 SATURDAYS Stop-by Project for the homeless 11.00 – 14.00 Undercroft Coordinator Salma Ravat c/o Church Office, St James Terrace, LE2 1NA 254 2111

Who’s who … Ministry Team – see inside front cover Churchwardens Miss Julia Walker 3 Paddock Close, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5GG 271 9347 Vacancy until after an election held on 24 November Deputy Wardens Mrs Angela Hefford 15 Southernhay Road, Leicester LE2 3TN 270 6060 Mr Michael Molloy Grey Croft, 37 Shirley Road LE2 3LL 270 6590 Ms Sarah Kirby The Coach House, 24a Gotham Street LE2 0NA 255 6195 Mr Keith Vaughan Stretton Cottage, Great Stretton, Leicester LE2 2FR 259 2524 PCC Secretary Mr Philip Jones 52 Carisbrooke Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7BR 237 4894 Church Administrator & Hall Booking Secretary Mrs Annabel Cowley Church Office, St James Hall, St James Terrace, LE2 1NA 254 2111 Treasurer & Gift Aid Secretary Mr John Sharp Orchard House, 15 Orchard Lane, Great Glen, LE8 9GJ 259 2758 Chairman, Stewardship Committee Mrs Pam Spokes 7 The Albany, London Road, Leicester LE2 1RH 270 4710 Director of Music Mr Matthew Haynes 36 Vernon Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8GA 0788 576 0364 Organist & Associate Director of Music Mr Michael Rule 99 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0GF 0789 572 3119 Assistant Organist Ms Roxanne Summerfield 15 Hall Close, Glen Parva, Leicester LE2 9HZ 277 6277 Head Servers Mr John & Mrs Angela Finn 4 Colne Close, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4GA 292 9562 Flower Guild Co-ordinator including commemorative flowers Miss Julia Walker 3 Paddock Close, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5GG 271 9347 Child Protection Officer Vicky Roe 4 St James’s Terrace, LE2 1NA 255 2108