November 2006 50p

St. Martin s Magazine

O all ye works of the Lord bless ye the Lord: Praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. O ye Angels of the Lord bless ye the Lord: Praise Him, and magnify him for ever.

O ye Heavens bless ye the Lord: Praise Him, and magnify Him for ever. Benedicite, vv 1 3 Canticle appointed for the Feast Day of St Cecilia,

St Martin’s Church, Hale Gardens, Acton, W3 9SQhttp://www.stmartinswestacton.orgemail: stmartinswestacton@btinternet.com

VicarThe Revd Nicholas Henderson25 Birch Grove, London W3 9SP. Tel: 020-8992-2333.

Associate VicarThe Revd David Brammer,All Saints Vicarage, Elm Grove Road, Ealing,London W5 3JH. Tel: 020-8567-8166.

Non-stipendary priestAlec GriffithsSt Martin’s CottageHale Gardens,LondonW3 9SQ. Tel: 020-8896-9009.

Parishes Secretary (9am - 2pm Monday - Friday)Parishes Office, 25 Birch Grove, W3 9SP.Tel: 020 8992 2333 Fax: 020-8932-1951

ReadersDr Margaret Jones. Tel: 020-8997-1418Lynne Armstrong. Tel: 020-8992-8341

ChurchwardensClive Davies1 Park Way, Ruislip Manor, Middx HA4 8PJ. Tel: 01895 -635698 John Trussler19 Gunnersbury Crescent, Acton W3. Tel: 020-8992-4549

Treasurer - please write c/o Parishes Secretary.

Director of Music – Kennerth Bartram Tel: 020-8723-1441Sunday School – Melanie Heap Tel: 020-8993-3864Youth Group – Michael Robinson Tel: 020-8992-7666Womens Group - Doreen Macrae Tel: 020-8992-3907Magazine Editor – Alistair Mitchell

SUNDAY SERVICES8.00 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Parish Communion& (Sunday School6.30 pm Evensong 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays

Taize Evening Service 4th Sunday

22nd November.

St. Martin s Church Hale Gardens, London W3

NOVEMBER

In Latin, novem means "nine" and November was also the ninth month in the Roman calendar until a

monthless winter period was divided between January and February, so nine has rather strangely become

eleven.

Something has happened as well nowadays in the Anglican Common Worship lectionary

that we have been using like most other churches over the past few years. The once remaining Sundays

after Trinity have been swept up rather cleverly or in a slightly odd way, depending on your viewpoint into

the Kingdom Season which focuses on the coming of the Kingdom and spans most of the month of

November. Actually it fills the gap between All Saints and the start of Advent in a way which reflects at

least in part the 20th and 21st century and the modern world in which we live.

So we begin with All Saints celebrating those who have gone before us the men and women of our faith

who inspire us in our daily lives. We pause as it were briefly at All Souls remembering our own loved ones

by name and especially those who have died recently. Then we move to what epitomizes our fractured

world and the terrible failures of the Great wars in particular in Remembrance, lest, as it were, we forget.

Finally, with the feast of Christ the King (originally in October) we end the Christian year by celebrating

the Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ whose rule over the earth is gentle and whose kingdom, in stark

contrast to those on Earth, is perfect peace.

This suits November rather well as until global warming rather changed its character was like Thomas

Hood s famous poem by the same name:

No sun - no moon!

No morn - no noon

No dawn - no dusk - no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

No comfortable feel in any member -

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds, -

November!

That is a bit whimsical, like the spirit of our age, but theologically we might also consider during this

season Jesus parable of the talents in Matthew chapter 25 where different servants are given different

numbers of talents whilst the Lord is away. On his return some of the servants have made more talents and

are commended but one has hidden his talent in the ground and simply returned it and he is severely

condemned. Likewise in Luke chapter 16 there is the story of the unjust steward who makes things right

and who is commended.

In each of these there is a strong identification with the Lord or the King to whom accountability is owned

and who expects good stewardship of us. This has a strong green theme about it and is particularly

relevant to our present times. These readings will pop up during the Kingdom season and read in

conjunction with the other themes of saints, souls and remembrance they represent a surprisingly heady and

useful mix.

I have discovered elsewhere that Saturday 25th November is the curiously entitled spend nothing day ,

which, for the sake of the environment encourages us to lay off conspicuous consumption. How relevant

I have always thought that Christian theology and secular understandings might have more to say to each

other than the wide division, even gulf that currently separates us. My recent doctoral research has shown

that in the Deanery of Ealing and probably elsewhere in the country Christianity is becoming more and

more an isolated and separated group, which phenomenon needs to be addressed and perhaps in a

convoluted way the Kingdom season helps us. It s early days yet with this newish season, but I have high

hopes.

NICHOLAS

***************************************** EDITOR S EDITORIAL

As I take up the reins as your editor, I am reminded of verse 15 from Psalm 145 where

the psalmist writes:

Thou givest them their meat in due season.

Thou openest thine hand : and fillest all things living with plenteousness.

It is my intention to provide plenty of good material, that is to say the meat to digest,

material of academic interest, arouse controversy, with a good mix of humour as well as

the usual news and notes of forthcoming events. All sorts of things are in a state of

gestation!

I would commend to you John Clark s piece about the Gideons. It would be good to

think that St. Martin s could field a few more enthusiasts to help spread such a vital part

to our Christian life, and I know John would be only too glad to help and encourage.

By opening a hand I invite everyone to send me your thoughts, suggestions and criticisms

you would like to see in your Parish Magazine. Someone has set this ball rolling, as they

say.

Please remember this is your organ sorry Ken! for notes (perhaps Christmas recipes?)

and news preferably typewritten to reach me, direct or to the Parishes Office, well before

Stir Up Sunday. Senior members of the Parish will remember that! With your help the

December edition will be full of plenteousness.

The quotation on the front cover, this month, is based on part of the Song of the Three

Children: see Daniel, Chapter 3. This has been used in Christian liturgical worship from

early times, usually to be heard in most cathedrals and collegiate churches.

Alastair Mitchell

******************

Statement from the Revd. Nicholas Henderson, Bishop Elect of the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi.

Recent developments in the Diocese of Lake Malawi concerning the pop star Madonna and the child David Banda

The recent visit to Malawi by the pop star Madonna has been a mixed blessing, raising hopes and sowing confusion. On the one hand it has highlighted the plight of an impoverished nation and the large numbers of orphans in need of care and attention. On the other hand the procuring of a child, David Banda, possibly for adoption, and the nature of the $3 million (£1.6) donation to the new Raising Malawi charity have raised serious questions.

Any highlighting of the profile of this poor and almost forgotten land, ravaged by the pernicious effects of Aids and malnutrition is to be welcomed. However, there are a number of well-established and existing charities operating within Malawi already working to relieve the present situation, which would welcome the large amount of foreign capital that Madonna appears ready to donate. These charities pursue a policy of self-help within the country and lay strong emphasis on a Malawian solution to the problem of orphaned children. It is unnecessary and probably unwise to attempt to duplicate their efforts with yet another charity with its own agenda rather than reinforce what they are already doing.

In addition it is hard to understand why it is necessary for Madonna and her husband Guy Richie to remove a child from his father with a view to adopting him and bringing him up

in what will be an alien environment. This flies against Malawian governmental policy as well as what might be construed as natural justice. It lays the visiting star open to charges of cynical manipulation and implies that huge amounts of money may allow the overriding of agreed norms and hasten what would be otherwise (quite rightly in such a case) protracted legal processes.

I am acutely aware that Malawians themselves whilst being pleased that interest is being taken in their country s needs are at best perplexed and at worst angry at what looks like yet another example of Western and indeed American colonialism muscling in to do good , seemingly oblivious of local opinion and culture. A reassessment of the situation is urgently required and it is important to get this case right as an example of how the present day relationship between the First and Third world can be positive rather than ultimately breeding resentment and failing in its good intent.

As Anglican Bishop elect of the Diocese of Lake Malawi, in which much of the recent activity has taken place, I wish to protest at the actions of Madonna and invite her publicly to reconsider how she might better use her obvious goodwill and intentions before too much damage is done by this case.

The Revd. Nicholas Henderson

Bishop Elect

Diocese of Lake Malawi

******************************

INDIAN SUMMER SOIREE

As part of St, Martin s centenary celebrations a splendid black tie party was held at the Vicarage and gardens on the 18th October. There was a fine turnout from throughout the Borough of Ealing and beyond, and it was very good to see All Saints well represented. A tasty meal consisting of Kleftico (Lamb cooked slowly in the oven) with Greek salad, olives and feta cheese with roast potatoes and rice which was followed by marshmallow chocolates prepared by Michael Koutas of the Lantern restaurant. An excellent wine was served.

The Vicar was first on the dance floor and demonstrated some choice moves, an inspiration to all and impossible to miss in a brightly coloured waistcoat. Indeed, sartorial elegance was much in evidence.

The band was in great form with Ken Williams (of church pantomime fame) on keyboards, Sam on drums, Lisa Greenwood on bass clarinet and vocals, and the inimitable David Brammer on saxophone. Fine performances.

Meanwhile in a quiet corner of the marquee secret photograph taken at the Soirée

We were fortunate to have two glamorous and elegant young ladies as waitresses: Molly Brammer and Martha Dillon. Jane Duckworth handled the raffle elegantly and with aplomb, and we made over £200. Thanks are also due to Kathy Oliver, a former treasurer, who generously donated a magnum of champagne as first prize. The Reverend Peter Watkins, vicar of St. Matthew s, Ealing Common, was our special guest; indeed, he is so very special that we believe he is now the longest serving priest in the country. We were also delighted to welcome members of the Bassi Family from the Empire Stores.

Let us hope we can enjoy more such wonderful events at the Vicarage in the near future. John Holt

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A TREK OVER THE CHILTERNS

On Saturday the 26th August a party of parish walkers set out from Wendover to ascend Coombe Hill which commands a superb view of the Buckinghamshire countryside. As soon as the walkers, especially those new to this part of the country, emerged from Wendover Woods and first espied this tremendous view there were gasps of appreciation such was the impact. Out came the cameras. Locals will tell you that you can see a number of different counties all at one go. Some will tell you that on a good clear day you can see the Bristol Channel, rather an apocryphal remark.

At the top there is a monument in memory of villagers who fell in the Boer War, and you do look down on to Chequers. There was no evidence of you-know-who in residence!

Sitting in the pub garden

doesn t count as walking!

Everyone agreed they had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Some ladies had a chance of shopping in Wendover, and a fitting conclusion to the day was relaxing over a good cup of tea in the garden of Wendover s Shoulder of Mutton (one or two of us made it a beer!). Walking conditions even for August could not have been better: not too warm and not too cold.

CALLING ALL ACTORS AND STAGE HANDS

There is just time to sign up for taking part in the 2,007 pantomime. Have you ever thought of treading the boards? Or constructing stage scenery? There could well be a place for you by getting in touch with Nicholas, David or Ray Russell as soon as possible. All ages and complete families will be welcome.

The pantomime this time will be Mother Goose and performances will be given in the All Saints Church Hall from 1st to the 4th of February, 2007.

For those who wish just to go along to be part of the audience, you too will be welcome. Please put these dates in your diary and watch out for more information in the January issue.

It would be interesting to hear about your favourite pantomime story.

****************************************

A VIEW FROM THE ORGAN LOFT

This tiny smudge is in fact a photograph of Ken Bartram

One of the many and amusing pleasures of being a church organist is the placing of the organ console and bench and how it relates to the view accorded to the organist throughout an average church service.

The great advantage of being seated aloft is having a fine view of the clergy, servers and choir and at least fifty percent of the congregation.

This can be very useful for a variety of reasons. The tempo of the processional and recessional hymn is often dictated by the robed members involved and the speed of movement.

You really have to watch this one. Get it wrong and you can end up with a shortfall of those still processing in, or out. So you speed up, or slow down, accordingly. The procession preceeding the Gospel reading has to be viewed from on high as each Gospel reader has their own style and timing is essential.

To have eye contact with the choir is a great advantage. You have to co-ordinate. Although sign language can work, facial expression says it all. Pace it too slow, too fast, pitch it too high, or too low, or just get it plain wrong, and a quick glance says it all!!!

It is a bird s-eye view. So remember, I am watching over you all, and it is a pleasure and a privilege! Ken Bartram Director of Music

BIBLE SUNDAY, 2,007

On Sunday 29th October Bible Sunday was observed by an entertaining, yet educative, presentation devised by John Clark in the form of a question and answer session. The questions were posed by David Brammer. They were answered by John who was very glad that we should reproduce his script, though there are one or two adjustments to make this suitable for publication.

Question: Why are we here? I never go to church. It is so boring.

Answer: We are coming to meet with God.

Q: I do not need to go to church to meet with God?

A: Yes, you are right but people come together to share in the singing to God,

to pray and hear the word of God and share in the Communion of Christ.

Q: But what is it all for?

A: To strengthen our relationship with God and with other people.

Q: But how? It is not obvious from what is going on here has anything to do with the real world. Inside the church is not the real world is it?

A: Yes it is. Christ is our link to what happens on earth and the Heavenly World, that is the real world. And the church family is called to be where that reality takes place.

Q: But what has your God got to do with me? I have free will. I have absolute authority over my choices, don t I?

A: Yes, that is why in the Bible, some of it s writers refer to people as having the power to choose it is the freedom that God has given us. Ultimately God wants you to have the same heart and mind as Jesus, which means becoming a Son or Daughter of God which is why we have the Bible.

Q: How does some old book written thousands of years ago have anything to do with my life?

A: Pick one up and have a look. Do not just dive in. Look at the index or Concordance. Look at one of the gospels which tells the story of Jesus life: that is a good place to start.

Q: Oh, really!?

A: As a Christian, that is where I began by learning about the life of Jesus. Q: Why should I read it there when there is much more important stuff to

read and do?

A: I found that this was the most important thing to read and do; it has changed my whole approach to life.

Q: I do not have a Bible and in fact the last time I saw one was in the hotel I stayed in on holiday.

A: It is funny you should say that because it was very likely that the Gideons International placed that Bible in the hotel. Gideons believe that it is the most important book in the world and so they put them in places where they can be picked up and then be read in private, in hotels, hospitals and schools. [Bibles can even be found in the Defence Academy Residential Halls near Swindon.] They say thousands of people write in to say thank

you, we picked up one of your Bibles or New Testaments and now we are going to church. And they say they like it! Here, have a New Testament: it has the story of Jesus and the beginning of the Christian Church.

Q: Wow. Thanks. I suppose this Gideons Organisation must be a pretty arrogant, rich lot if they can afford to place bibles all over the place and crow about it later.

A: Apparently not. Can you believe they can barely find enough people to do what they do? The old guard who faithfully felt that placing bibles in schools, hotels and hospitals was the least anyone could do. That old guard have nearly all passed on. There is a bit of a crisis on right now to find people [to undertake this vital and important job]

Q: How much time is involved?

A: Simply 48 hours in an entire twelve month period.

Q: Is that all? And I get a share of the credit for helping all those outsiders a pathway to faith? Where do you start?

A: Speak to St Martin s Church Gideons Representative, John Clark.

Q: All this is optional, right?

A: Of course not. You would not expect a large area of London not to have a hospital, school or hotel. They are not optional, they are necessities. That is why God must have planned to have Gideons, to ensure that in such places of importance would have a means of communication with Him by picking up a Bible.

Q: If there are no Gideons or their friends, there are no bibles?

A: Right! And another path to faith would have been closed.

Q: So, I have got to do something?

A: Exactly. You have got to do something

After Morning Service copies of Gideon News were handed out to the congregation . If you were not there and would like a copy of Gideon News and to talk with John Clark, please get in touch with him direct.

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ST MARTIN S TUESDAY (NOW WEDNESDAY) HOUSE GROUP

The Tuesday House Group now meets on Wednesdays at 40 Creswick Road on the 15th, 22nd and 29th November at 8 p.m.

The subject for these meetings will be the parables of Jesus from the Gospel of St Mark.

Anyone requiring further information should get in touch with Rosemary Hart on 020 8992 4915.

***************************** John Trussler reports that the recent Gift Day netted £3,500 and the Soiree £650 (correct at the time of going to press) both of these will attract Gift Aid extra monies as well.

Figures for the Common Fund contribution to the Diocese are £52,020 for 2006, and £54, 979 for 2007, an increase of £2,959 or 5.69%.

The Parochial Church Council considered the Church s finances for 2007 at the recent meeting on the 30th October. As a result more details will be published in a subsequent edition of the Magazine.

******************************************* The Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee was appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 2,001, having been Bishop Suffragan of Ludlow, Shropshire, for the previous seven years. Doctor Saxbee was educated at Cotham Grammar School, near Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire; in 1968 received his BA degree from Bristol University, and in 1976 his Ph.D from Durham University. He was ordained as Priest in 1973.

His ministry began in 1972 when he was appointed Assistant Curate of Emmanuel with St Paul, Plymouth, a post he held for five years; then from 1977 he became Priest-in-Charge of St Philip, Weston Mill, Plymouth until 1981 when he was appointed Team Vicar of the Central Exeter Team Ministry, a post he held for six years. Running concurrently with this until 1992 he was Director of the South West Training Course, a Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral from 1988 to 1992 and of Hereford Cathedral from 1992 to 2001.

For two years, 1992 to 1994, Dr. Saxbee was Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity, Wistanstow, St Margaret, Acton Scott and St Michael, Cwm Head, parishes close to Wenlock Edge near the Anglo-Welsh border until he was appointed Bishop of Ludlow.

In 1997 he undertook the Presidency of the Modern Churchpeople s Union, and in the same year became Religious Adviser to Central Television. He published his Liberal Evangelism: a flexible response to the decade, and Who s Who lists his recreations as Wisty the cat, televised sport and most kinds of music.

Bishop John is to be our special guest preacher at the Centenary Service on Sunday 26th November.

CORRESPONDENCE

From The Reverend Alec Griffiths

THANK YOU

The celebration of the fortieth anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood was a wonderful time for me, with so many old friends coming to join me. I would like to thank everyone in the parish who contributed to the event in any way.

More especially I wish to express my deep gratitude for the marvellous presentation the parish made to me to mark the occasion. I am looking forward to spending it, and using it.

With all my good wishes and affection for the future of the parish, which I hope to share with you for a few more years,

Alec Griffiths

All correspondence for publication is most welcome. It should be sent to the Editor c/o the Parishes Office, 25 Birch Grove, London W3 9SP. Kindly note that the deadline for all December copy should reach him by the 19th November.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY DECEMBER Saturday 2nd Christmas Bazaar in the Church Hall 12.00 3 pm.

Sunday 3rd Annual Christingle Service 10.00 a.m.

Sunday 17th Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, with All Saints 6.30 pm

Tuesday 19th Twyford School Carol Service 7.30p.m.

Sunday 24th Holy Communion 8.00 a.m. Christmas Eve The Parish Communion 10.00 a.m.

Children s Carol Service 4.00 p.m. Midnight Eucharist 11.00pm

Monday 25th Holy Communion 8.00 a.m. Christmas Day Christmas Morning Eucharist 10.00 am

Tuesday 26th St Stephen s Day Holy Communion at St Martin s 11.00 am

Wednesday 27th Holy Innocent s Day Holy Communion at All Saints 10.30 am

Thursday 28th St John s Day Holy Communion at St Martin s 10.30 am

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