the vicar writes · miss vicky roe bphil.ed ma mrs janet burton 0116 255 2108 0751 035 3097 ......

SPRING 2015

Internet site: www.stjamesthegreater.org.uk

Church Office email address: [email protected]

SUNDAY WORSHIP 8.30 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Choral Eucharist

6.30 pm Choral Evensong & Sermon

A CHILDREN'S SUNDAY CLUB

in the Church Hall in school term time starting off in church at 10.30 am

MIDWEEK HOLY COMMUNION

8.15 reverting to 7.15am BST Tuesdays 10.15 am Thursdays

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 David Brunning MA Mr Anthony Green BA

0116 241 8742 0776 970 2272

Dr Angela Jagger PhD BA Mr John Raven MA

0116 271 9185 0116 270 7591

Pastoral Assistant Sacristan

Miss Vicky Roe BPhil.Ed MA Mrs Janet Burton

0116 255 2108 0751 035 3097

In this SPRING 2015 issue …

SERVICE TIMES & MINISTRY TEAM ………………………………..….…… 2

THE VICAR on Flying the Flag & The English Spirit ………………………..... 4

PROFILE of Phil Jones – serving the church & cycling for charity ………..…. 6

RICHARD III & Christ the King …...…………………………...………..…… 8

A SMALL WORLD … and back to the big world for Jane Sharp ...............…..10

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Vicky Johnson to be a Residentiary Canon ..… 11

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER – focus on The Bahamas ……...… 12

ANNUAL REVIEW – get registered to vote & be at the AGM …………….12

CALENDAR OF SERVICES & EVENTS ………………………...…….…….. 13

FLIGHT OF ANGELS – the Sixteen with Harry Christophers ......................... 17

BISHOP’S VISIT – Confirmation Service on 7 June ………………………… 17

PROVOCATIVE WORDS on Migration by David Clark …………...…...…. 18

A NEW CHALICE – a gift in memory of Brenda Groves …………..……… 22

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE brought up to date by Barbara Penrose …….. 23

OBITUARIES Sylvia Seabrook, Ian Stevens and Vivian Edwards ……….….... 24

COMMEMORATIVE FLOWERS ……………...……………….....….….…… 27

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

Copy for the SUMMER 2015 edition of the Quarterly

should reach the Vicar by Friday, 24 April 2015

YOUR QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTOR IS:

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

………………………...

The Vicar writes …

FLYING THE FLAG is something we do at St James the Greater to signify special days in both the Christian calendar and our national life.

Among forthcoming commemorations, expect to see the flag flying on 1 March for St David’s Day, 17 March for St Patrick’s Day and 23 April for St George’s Day. These are both Christian and national celebrations of patron Saints respectively for Wales, Ireland and England. St Andrew, Patron Saint of Scotland, has to wait until 30 November.

It may seem perverse that the flag on our church pole for all of these patronal occasions is

the flag of St George, when the flag of the United Kingdom – the Union Flag – is a combination of

the three different crosses of St Andrew, St Patrick, and St George.

But the official flag of the Church of England is that of England – St George.

It is deeply regrettable that the cross of St George is misappropriated by extreme nationalists and has become a symbol of fear to some ethnic and religious groups. Once, at a time of heightened tensions caused by the English Defence League (EDL), I was taking down the flag when a passing group of teenagers in traditional Muslim dress courteously asked me why our church supports the EDL! Young Muslim children at the school my wife teaches at in Highfields from time to time ask her the same question. This is cause not to abandon the flag but to explain its true significance.

In the course of recovering a proper sense of being English, we need to ensure that we devalue no one else’s identity in the process, but rather delight in what the former Chief Rabbi termed “the dignity of difference”. Political policies that aim to ensure the dignity and safety of all citizens sharing in the life of our nation will be among vital concerns for responsible voters as we approach a General Election on 7 May.

Meanwhile, as well as saints’ days there are major Christian festivals to share with the general public through the flying of the flag – Palm Sunday on 29 March and Easter Day on 5 April. There is a sense in which we keep Holy Week and Easter on behalf of passers by.

4

English Spirit The overarching theme of Lent 2015 is to be ‘English Spirituality’. This is something broader than wistful notions of a Christian England – taking into account all that has influenced and shaped the souls of English people. At a time when the Scots, the Welsh and the Irish have a growing sense of who they are, there are calls for the English to become clearer about their own identity. It seems to me that the Church of England should have a leading role in helping to identify a spiritual dimension to what it is to live and move and have our being in England.

I have invited four guests to speak at Evensongs in Lent. They are to address the theme of the English Spirit from their knowledge of music, literature, art and the English spiritual tradition. They are Neil Crutchley, former music critic of the Leicester Mercury (February 22); Richard Gill, a lifelong teacher of literature (March 1), Alan Caine an artist and lecturer at the Richard Attenborough Centre (March 8); and Rosy Fairhurst, a newly arrived Canon at the Cathedral with a keen interest in relating the English spiritual tradition to modern conditions (March 15).

Sunday morning sermons at the 10.30 service will be on the theme ‘Living Spiritually Today’ and be led by our home team of clergy and readers (lay preachers).

Midweek study groups are to take up a Diocesan Lent course based on the significance and implications of the forthcoming re-interment of a King of England, Richard III, in Leicester Cathedral. Five sessions with the overarching theme ‘With Dignity and Honour’ will include Bible study and discussion of the relevance to us of aspects of the life, death, and rediscovery of Richard III in terms of the profoundest issues of our lives.

One group will meet in the Vicarage on Wednesdays 7.00 until 8.00 pm – following Compline sung in Church at 6.30 pm. But as the study material is downloadable from the Diocesan website (Google ‘Diocese of Leicester Lent courses’), members of the congregation may consider inviting each other into their homes to form their own study groupings. Alternatively, individuals unable to commit to a series of meetings may study the material privately – ideally taking the opportunity informally to discuss the themes with whomsoever they encounter in everyday life.

5

Profile PHIL JONES’ role as Secretary to the Parochial Church Council (PCC) is most

apparent to the general congregation when he sits alongside the Vicar at the

Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) – which this year follows the morning

service on Sunday, 26 April.

The APCM is hardly a moment of glory for Phil because the Vicar customarily

asks the gathering if the Minutes from the previous meeting “can be taken as

read”. There has been unanimous agreement to this year after year, and so Phil’s

carefully prepared Minutes are filed as he patiently begins to record the current

meeting.

This is an annual demonstration of Phil’s vital but usually hidden service – taking

careful notes of PCC discussions and decisions and preparing Minutes which are

scrutinised by the Standing Committee before other corrections and

amendments are agreed at the ensuing PCC. A thankless task, you might think,

but one which Phil has patiently carried out for 9 years so far.

Phil grew up in Tycoch – a suburb of Swansea – where his commitment to the

Church began. His early ambition was “to be a history teacher and play rugby for

Wales”. His rugby playing came to an end whilst still at school following a scrum

collapse in which he sustained a potentially dangerous neck injury.

History continues to be a great interest to Phil, but soon after starting at the

University of Leicester he switched to politics.

Phil first came to St James’ in 1991 during his first year at university when in

student digs in Victoria Park Road. Following a postgraduate diploma in

diplomatic studies, Phil took a banking job. He was living in a flat in St James’s

Road when he became a regular worshipper at our church in March 1997.

Phil has remained with the banking operation he joined after university,

previously owned by HSBC but more recently acquired by an American financial

services company. Phil has moved around in different roles “mostly to do with

the delivery of projects”. His current title is Marketing Operations Manager.

It was through work that Phil met Amanda – who has a different job though with

the equality of being “at the same grade”. They were married by our Vicar at her

parish church of St Mary’s, Anstey in 2003. They made their home together in

Mountsorrel. This is some distance from St James but, as Phil observes, many of

our congregation come some distance to church so

6

that he is not out of the ordinary. “There’s no reason to leave a church where

I’m happy and at home”. With his work place in Regent’s Road, and also having

held a season ticket for the Welford Road Tigers’ Ground “for as long as I’ve

been at St James’s” Phil is well used to the commute from home.

A keen cyclist, Phil sometimes takes the opportunity to travel to work and also

to church by bike. “I notched up over 3,500 miles by bike last year – partly in

training for a sponsored bike ride for charity”. Together with 7 colleagues from

work, Phil cycled 200 miles over two days last May between his company’s

offices in Sheffield, Leicester and London to raise money for Macmillan Cancer

Research. Their aim was to get £7,500 in sponsorship. “We actually raised over

£15,000”. As they are intending to do something similar again this coming May,

nearer the event our church’s weekly leaflet will provide details for the

opportunity to sponsor Phil. “I give up alcohol not only for Lent, but until I’ve

finished the ride.”

Phil takes a regular turn in being a Eucharistic Assistant at both 8.30 and 10.30

Sunday services and is happy to be called on to assist at special evening services.

He also recently became a Sidesman “Which is quite fun, actually”. His welcome

of others people to services is with the remembrance of “the positive welcome I

received at St James’s all those years ago – and also my Mum and Dad on their

regular visits from Wales.” These visits are highly appreciated by his parents

when they are able to get away from their church in Swansea – where Phil’s

father recently became Church Warden. Phil quips: “So it would seem service to

the church is in my genes”.

For holidays, Phil and Amanda enjoy adventurous

foreign travel. This spring they are setting out for

Kerala in the south west region of India on the

Malabar Coast. Leicester, they have found, is a

good place to make the necessary arrangements

for such an exotic destination. “We look forward

to having our experiences broadened by the

culture and scenery of a place not overly

touristy.”

Phil will be back from India in time for the APCM

to resume his duties as Secretary. We are

fortunate to benefit from Phil’s self-effacing

commitment and dedicated service to our church

– a key person among others on whom we have

come to depend for the efficient running of our church.

7

King Richard III & Christ the King by Glynn Richerby

HAVE YOU SEEN

Leicester Cathedral

recently? On the

outside there’s

super new

landscaping and a

statue of Richard III

transplanted from

Castle Gardens to connect the Cathedral precincts with the splendid new

Visitor Centre which tells the story of the life, death, and rediscovery of King

Richard. Inside the Cathedral is preparation for the reburial of a king of England

close to a space that is to become known as the Chapel of Christ the King.

Leicester won the legal tug-of-war over the body of the long dead king with the

Plantagenet Alliance – who would have had him reburied in York. The outcome

is a tremendous opportunity for Leicester and our Cathedral. But there’s also a

potential danger of turning the heart of our city and diocese into a theme park.

A chapel dedicated to Christ the King adjacent to the tomb of King Richard III

will need to be a place of paradox if not contradiction.

The very idea of kingship is suspect in our time. At worst, we associate

monarchies with tyranny – as in certain Middle Eastern countries today. At best,

we think of kingship in sentimental terms in our own country as we contemplate

the possibility of King Charles III – maybe succeeded by William V and George

VII.

So what of the notion of Christ the King – is this a matter of sentimentality or

triumphalism – or what else?

In his earthly life, Jesus stood on its head the usual meaning of kingship. Instead

of surrounding himself with the great and the good he consorted with the wrong

sort of people. He offered peace and hope to the wrong sort of people.

Whereas those regarded in polite society as the right sort – respectably religious

and law abiding people – he warned to beware of God’s coming judgement.

At his crucifixion, Jesus is hailed as king at last – but in cruel mockery. Here

comes the royal cup-bearer – only it’s a Roman soldier offering the sour wine

that poor people drank to numb their pain. Here is a royal placard announcing

8

his kingship to the world but it is, in fact, contradicted by the method of his

execution – intended to make an example of him for others to fear, not follow.

When, therefore, it might be assumed that Jesus’ kingship was being eliminated

on the cross, a criminal perceives that Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world and

says: “Jesus remember me, when you come into your kingdom”.

And Jesus’ response is a promise: “Today, you shall be with me in Paradise”.

The scope and depth of that promise can transform our lives and give us

ultimate hope. Nothing on our conscience need debar us from taking our place

in the Kingdom of heaven, if only we are penitent and trust Jesus’ promise of a

place prepared for us.

But the Kingdom of God and the Kingship of Christ is not only hope for ultimate

fulfilment beyond this world, important though that is. Forgiveness brings the

kingdom of heaven to earth. God’s future is realised in the present.

Hence Jesus teaches us to pray “thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven”.

If the servant kingship of Jesus is the model God shows us, then that is the only

way to bring about the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. Any other

way will be merely part of the power struggle that goes on without true

reference to God, with consequences that are all too dreadfully apparent in our

troubled world.

For the kingdoms of this world to become the Kingdom of God, a different kind

of kingship needs to be recognised – that of the defenceless Christ, who absorbs

insult and cruelty and who does good to the undeserving and to those who wish

him evil.

I am intrigued as to how the cathedral – in its new chapel of Christ the King –

will connect the Kingship of Christ with the legacy of Richard III. I’m sure it will

be done well and with integrity – honouring an episode in the history and making

of England whilst also putting forward the claims of Christianity and the making

of disciples in our own land, as in all nations. There are comparisons and

contrasts to draw out. If this catches people’s imaginations and inspires faith, all

well and good. Above all it will be an opportunity to make a case for Christ

being king of kings and lord of lords – in a way that challenges accepted

understandings of the exercise of absolute power.

So, Richard III becoming forever associated with Leicester Cathedral –

opportunity or seduction? It’s a conspicuous example of a predicament for every

Christian, the paradox if not contradiction of being in the world but not of the

world. For as Jesus said, “my kingdom is not of this world”.

9

A small world by Jane Sharp

FOR THE last few years we have been going to Banff in Canada for Christmas. It

is a small town in the Rockies west of Calgary. Hope and Andrew ski, I like to

walk and watch the elk, deer, squirrels, birds and coyotes.

The hotel where we stay was opened in 1888 and was one of the first built for

tourists using the Canadian Pacific Railway and over the years has seen many

famous guests such as Marylyn Monroe, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and of

course the Sharps.

There is always an invitation for guests to

go to the manager’s reception. we

have always declined, but this year we

thought we would go.

We talked to various people and my

fixed smile was tiring when we were

introduced to the big manager Mr

Edward Roe. His British accent helped to

start conversation and we started with

the mutual ‘where are you from’.

There was much surprise when it was

Leicester. On further asking we

discovered not only Leicester but as a

young boy he came to St James! His

brother Charles was in the choir and he

returns to Oadby regularly visiting his

mother – small world!

And back to the big world THE REVEREND JANE SHARP – in addition to continuing as Associate Priest at

St James the Greater – has been appointed Christian Chaplain in the Multi-Faith

Chaplaincy Team to Leicester College.

Leicester College has more than 27,000 students on a wide range of courses

spread over three city-centre campuses.

Jane is encouraged to have high visibility at the College and so tends to wear

her cassock – which is much admired by Muslim students: “I like your dress”.

10

Where are they now?

VICKY JOHNSON arrived as a student at

Leicester University in 1993 to read Medical

Biochemistry with Genetics. She stumbled

upon St James as she hurried down London

Road, aiming for the Cathedral one Sunday

morning. Having been sidetracked through the

doors of St James, she didn't leave and

became a regular worshipper, singer,

conductor of the Ladies’ Choir, and Parochial

Church Council member.

After her degree, Vicky stayed on in Leicester to work towards a PhD in

Biochemistry. It was towards the end of her doctorate that Vicky's vocation to

the priesthood was first articulated. Science then took Vicky to Manchester

University to work as a Post-Doctoral Scientist, studying cell division and cancer

cell proliferation, but the call to ordination got stronger and could no longer be

ignored.

Vicky went to train for ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge, which also

took her to Yale Divinity School, USA, Salisbury Cathedral and St Philip's

Interfaith Centre back in Leicester.

A curacy then followed in Sale, Greater Manchester, and for the past four and a

half years Vicky has been Priest in Charge of St Michael's Church in Flixton, a

growing church, where she has been very happy and supported in her ministry

by Percy, a naughty standard poodle of boundless energy, who is well known in

the parish for his various exploits and adventures.

As well as running a parish, Vicky has taught liturgy and preaching to those

training for ministry in the church and has also taught deacons and priests in the

Diocese of Namibia. She contributes to national discussions on mission and

public affairs and regularly lectures and preaches, not surprisingly, on the

compatibility of Science and Religion.

In January, it was announced that Vicky had been appointed as Residentiary

Canon for Congregation and Community, at Ely Cathedral, and she will be

licensed on 25 April. A number of us hope to be there to cheer her on!

11

Women’s World Day of Prayer 2015

EVERY YEAR, on the first Friday in

March, Christians – men, women and

children of all denominations – around

the world gather to worship, gaining

solidarity and fulfilment from all using the same order of

service. This year, the Christian women of The Bahamas

have prepared service material on the theme Do you

know what I have done for you?

In Leicester, we are fortunate to belong to a cluster of churches that holds two

services, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, so that no one need be

prevented from joining in by other commitments. The churches take turns in

hosting the services and members of their congregations take part in presenting

them. Often, services are followed by light refreshments.

Services are on Friday 6 March: in the afternoon at 2.00 pm at Stoneygate

Baptist Church; in the evening at 7.30 pm at Clarendon Park

Congregational Church.

REVISION OF THE CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL

The annual revision of the Electoral Roll will take place between

Sunday, 8 March and Easter Sunday, 5 April.

It is necessary for everyone standing for office at the Annual Parochial Meeting

(APCM) and everyone voting at the APCM to be on the Electoral Roll.

It is desirable for everyone aged 16 or upwards who regularly worships at our

church to be on the Electoral Roll. At present less than a half of those who

qualify have filled in the simple form requesting to be on the Roll.

Electoral Roll forms are available at the back of the church.

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING (APCM)

This opportunity to review our life together and look to the future is

to follow the mid-morning Eucharist on Sunday, 26 April at 11.45.

A report of the finances, the fabric of the church and meetings of the Parochial

Church Council (PCC) – together with reports of organisations – will be

published about a month in advance in readiness to be formally received at the

APCM. There will be elections of two churchwardens, four deputy wardens and

five members of the PCC. One current Church Warden and three Deputy

Churchwardens are seeking re-election.

Nomination forms are available at the back of the church.

12

Calendar of Services & Events

MARCH 1 Sunday SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

08.30 Holy Communion (BCP) Celebrant: Derek Hole

10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

Preacher: Anthony Green

in a Lent series on Living spiritually today

18.30 Choral Evensong Speaker: Richard Gill

in a Lent series on the English Spirit – in literature

3 Tuesday 08.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

4 Wednesday 18.30 Compline followed by Study Group at the Vicarage

5 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Jane Sharp

6 Friday Women’s World Day of Prayer Everyone welcome

14.00 at Stoneygate Baptist Church

19.30 at Clarendon Park Congregational Church

8 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby


Preacher: Angela Jagger


18.30 Choral Evensong Speaker: Alan Caine

in a Lent series on the English Spirit – in art



12 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

13 Friday 19.30 Leicester Theological Society

at St Clement’s Hall, Holy Cross Centre, Wellington Street

Rt Revd Lord Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury

Teresa of Avila and Thomas Merton: two anniversaries

15 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Mothering Sunday


10.30 All Age Eucharist Celebrant: Jane Sharp

Preacher: Glynn Richerby

18.30 Choral Evensong Speaker: Canon Rosy Fairhurst

in a Lent series on the English Spirit – in spirituality



13

MARCH continued


21 Saturday 19.30 City of Leicester Singers’ Concert

22 Sunday FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Passion Sunday


10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Derek Hole

Preacher: to be confirmed


18.30 Choral Evensong Preacher: Derek Hole




19.00 Richard III Concert

28 Saturday 19.30 Concert by the Leicester Bach Choir

N.B.Clocks go forwards!

29 Sunday PALM SUNDAY start of Holy Week

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: David Clark

10.10 Procession from the Church Hall

10.30 Passion Gospel & Eucharist Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

18.30 Choral Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby

30 Monday of Holy Week

19.00 Address by The Very Revd Alan Horsley & Compline

31 Tuesday of Holy Week

07.15 Holy Communion


APRIL

1 Wednesday of Holy Week


2 Maundy 10.15 Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament

Thursday 19.30 Liturgy of the Last Supper Celebrant: Glynn Richerby

followed by Vigil until 22.00

3 Good Friday

11.00 ‘Leicester@theCross’ in Humberstone Gate

14.00 Hour at the Foot of the Cross led by David Clark

19.30 Tenebrae Readings and Music for Good Friday Evening

4 Easter Eve 20.30 Easter Eve Service of Light

14

APRIL continued

5 Sunday EASTER DAY

08.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: David Clark


10.45 All Age Worship Preacher: Glynn Richerby


18.30 Festal Evensong Preacher: David Clark

7 Tuesday 07.15 NO SERVICE

9 Thursday 10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: to be confirmed

12 Sunday SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: David Clark

10.30 Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Derek Hole

18.30 Evensong Preacher: Angela Jagger



19 Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER


10.30 Eucharist & Dedication of a chalice

Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby

18.30 Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby


19.30 Standing Committee in the Vicarage

23 Thursday St George, Martyr, Patron Saint of England

10.15 Holy Communion Celebrant: Jane Sharp

25 Saturday 17.30 Installation of Canon Vicky Johnson at Ely Cathedral

26 Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

08.30 Holy Communion Celebrant: Derek Hole

10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: & Preacher: Glynn Richerby

11.45 Annual Parochial Church Meeting in the Large Hall

18.30 Evensong Preacher: to be confirmed



MAY

3 Sunday FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

08.30 Holy Communion (BCP) Celebrant: David Clark

10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Jane Sharp


18.30 Easter Carol Service

15

MAY continued


19.30 Standing Committee Meeting in the Vicarage


10 Sunday SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Christian Aid Week begins


10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby

In anticipation of Ascension Day

18.30 Evensong Preacher: Glynn Richerby


13 Wednesday 19.30 Archdeacon’s Visitation at St Anne’s, Letchworth Road

14 Thursday ASCENSION DAY



16 Saturday 13.00 Wedding: Terry-Leigh White & Owen Jones

19.30 SSAFA Concert

17 Sunday SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER


10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant: Derek Hole

Preacher: Angela Jagger



[Parochial Church Council] postponed until 2 June


24 Sunday PENTECOST


10.30 All Age Eucharist

Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby




19.30 Concert by The Sixteen with Harry Christophers

31 Sunday TRINITY SUNDAY


10.30 Sung Eucharist Celebrant & Preacher: Glynn Richerby


16

Diary Dates

The Sixteen – 28 May

THE WORLD famous choral ensemble

with their internationally acclaimed

conductor Harry Christophers are

coming again to St James the

Greater on Thursday, 28 May at

7.30 pm

for the eighth successive year that St

James the Greater has hosted the

Sixteen on their Choral Pilgrimage.

The programme is entitled ‘Flight of Angels’ – including music by Francisco

Guerrero and Alonso Lobo, two Spanish composers of the Renaissance period.

The wonderful sound of The Sixteen singing this very Spanish music will resonate

well around St James the Greater for another memorable concert.

Tickets from £10 to £32 would make super gifts! 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

Confirmation – 7 June

THE BISHOP is coming to St James the

Greater to hold a Confirmation Service

on Sunday, 7 June at 10.30 am.

This will be for the Deanery, with

candidates from churches all over the City

but hopefully also for many candidates

from St James – young people and adults –

among those who regularly attend services

at our church but have not yet taken the

step of going forward for Confirmation.

Please let the Vicar know if you wish to

find out what’s involved.

This will be the last time our Bishop holds

a Confirmation before he retires in July.

17

http://www.stjamesthegreater.org.uk/

Provocative Words on Migration by David H Clark

Following an unscripted remark at the end of a sermon, our Vicar said, ‘Would you

write an article on Migration for the next Quarterly?’ So I began. Then came the

wonderful and informative Christians Aware Conference on Refugees and Asylum

Seekers at Swanwick (9-11 Jan), which helped me greatly.

YOU WOULD NOT be here were it not for migration. Britain was first

populated by homo erectus crossing from Europe, probably on dry land, before

the seas rose as the glaciers of the Ice Age receded. Of course we’ve been

invaded since rather a lot, by Norsemen, Vikings and Normans. The latest

newcomers have been by courtesy of the free movement of people throughout

Europe, currently being challenged by many Conservatives and others scared by

the rise of UKIP. Our royalty has come from Germany, France . . . Before that,

the British Passport gave to some members of former colonies the right to live

here. In Leicester, many Indian

Ugandans came having been

expelled from Uganda. Others came

from Malawi. More recently

Zimbabweans have arrived, fleeing

from the political oppression under

the autocratic President Mugabe.

Seeking insight from the Old

Testament, in ancient Israel,

borders were fairly porous, and therefore there is no hard-and-fast guidance

about immigration, which is a modern problem, largely created by concerns

about security and crime. But attitudes to incomers have grossly hardened in

recent years, making mockery of the ideal held out in the Judeo-Christian

tradition of accepting the ‘stranger’ and treating them with the same respect

given to all.

The writer of Leviticus gives clear directions for the treatment of aliens –

foreigners or strangers – though each of these words is loaded today. “When an

alien resides with you, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides

with you shall be to you as the citizen among you: you shall love the alien as

yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. You

shall not cheat in measuring length, weight or quantity. You shall have honest

balances, honest weights . . .” (Lev. 19:33-37). This moral law is

18

based on the fact that the Jews had been aliens in Egypt, and that therefore Jews

must treat others as they would have liked to be treated. The verse about giving

honest weight is a reference to cheating shopkeepers, who could exploit a

foreigner because they did not know the rules.

The modern equivalent to this is, in my view, the way in which our government

‘cheats’ the refugee and asylum seeker by giving them lower value benefits, or

denying them benefits completely, as is the case with refugees whose asylum

claim has been rejected. All intending immigrants are now treated with suspicion

and disbelief. This attitude also applies to many of those legitimate visitors and

students. Even musicians coming to give a charity concert have been refused

entry for no good reason and sent back to their country of origin. Intending

immigrants have to prove their case before being admitted. If you have fled from

war or other disruption, you may lack the necessary papers to prove who you

are. This is particularly problematic with children. There is a current outcry

against imprisoning child immigrants. But the damaging effects of imprisoning

adult immigrants are also of deep concern. A shocking injustice here is the

practice of sending back children when they reach the age of eighteen, wrenching

families apart and putting the young adults at risk back in their own, often

unstable, countries.

In 597 BC, the Jews experienced a massive exile. The Babylonians took 10,000 of

the leading citizens into Babylon. Jeremiah wrote a letter to the exiles from

Jerusalem which is recorded in chapter 29 of his book. It includes the famous

words as Jeremiah writes the words God has given him, “Seek the welfare of the

city where I (God) have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf,

for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” This is remarkable in that the exile

is seen as God’s will. Should we not then today see the migration of peoples

possibly as God’s will? And, if so, why do we protest so much against

immigration? Why are so many newspapers and politicians keen to stigmatize the

immigrant, when in the majority of cases, they are victims of war, or oppression,

or poverty?

Christian attitudes resting on the Jewish tradition should

include a default position of welcome. “Do not neglect to

show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have

entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2). Some

might say this is only applicable to families and not to

governments. But why?

We are now living during the largest migration of peoples the world has ever

known. There are more refugees in the world now than there were after

19

World War 2. Mark you, there are almost twice as many people in the world

than there were in 1945. Wars and political upheavals have always caused

considerable internal and external displacement of people. In the seventies I was

Chairman of the Norwich Committee for Chilean Refugees fleeing from the

murderous persecution of the brutal dictator Pinochet. Most went to

other bigger cities: we found room for 39. They had an easier time than

refugees today. The fighting in the Middle East has caused enormous distress to

countless people. There are over a million refugees in each of Lebanon and

Jordan. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees 51.2

million people were forcibly displaced at the end of 2013, fully 6 million more

than reported in 2012. The global total of refugees, including internally displaced

people (IDP) is 46m, including 26m IDP. There are an estimated 10m stateless

people. With such frightening figures, do we suffer from compassion fatigue? Or

is our country as a whole being taken over by a massive wave of nationalistic

prejudice? I fear the latter, and am ashamed.

The biggest refugee populations under UNHCR care are Afghans, Syrians and

Somalis – together accounting for more than half of the global refugee total.

Pakistan, Iran and Lebanon, meanwhile, hosted more refugees than other

countries. Where are they? The top hosts of refugees are: 1. Pakistan (1.6

million); 2. Islamic Republic of Iran (857,400); 3. Lebanon (856,500); 4 Jordan

(641,900); 5. Turkey (609,900). Where are we in the league table? Germany,

with more space, has accepted 10,000 Syrian refugees: the UK, just 93!

The Italian government decided to end Mare Nostrum (Our Sea), which was its

compassionate policing of Mediterranean waters in search of migrants attempting

to cross into Europe. It has been replaced by Triton, the EU’s more limited

patrols of waters up to 30 miles off the coast. On 30 October 2014, the

Immigration Minister said in the House of Commons that more than 3000

people had already died attempting to cross the Mediterranean in that year.

Mare Nostrum had saved more than 150,000 men, women and children. Baroness

Smith of Basildon in the House of Lords said, ‘Many of them were misled by

unscrupulous criminals. Many others are being trafficked into Europe for slavery

and prostitution’.

What can and what should be done? This is a highly moral issue, and those who

would deal with it as a simple practical one in the UK (“We’re full up, no room

in the Inn,”) are betraying the Christian ethic of hospitality as well as displaying a

lack of in depth understanding of the problem. It is a difficult matter, because

decisions have to be made about resources, accommodation, health and other

services, which we, as tax payers, pay for. I have much

20

sympathy for any government which has to manage these matters, but I am

equally sure that we have (had) a reputation in this country for compassion and

hospitality. For example, 10,000 children, (7,500 Jewish) were permitted to

come to Britain on the Kindertransporte from December 1938 to May 1940.

If we look to the future in this country, immigration in the UK has become the

largest contributor to population growth since 1998. The impact of immigration

is both direct in terms of new arrivals and indirect due to their children born in

the UK. The latest Office of National Statistics’ Principal Projection of population

in 2012 attributed 43% of the projected increase from 2012 to 2037 to new

arrivals and 17% to their children – a total of 60%. These estimates were based

on a net migration assumption of 165,000 a year. Obviously, if net migration

were to be higher, this percentage would also be higher. In 2013, the net inflow

was 212,000 and the annual average of the last ten years (2004 – 2013) has been

about 240,000. (Migration Watch report 2014: The impact of immigration on

population growth.)

These figures have been described as scaremongering and/or feeding

xenophobia. A practical answer may be given that there is still plenty of room in

Britain for refugees. We do not have the highest density of population in the

world: that is reserved to Bangladesh. 5th highest population density is the

Netherlands: we are 15th. (Source: Population density, Wikipedia) The truth is

that we do have the carrying capacity – probably more than many other parts of

the world – to welcome more refugees than the paltry figures we have admitted

to date (21,700 Asylum applications in 2012, of which 60% were refused –

source: Refugee Council). Carrying capacity means having the resources of food,

water, space, environment, work, education and health. We have one of the best

Health Services in the world. We have enormous wealth. We should be

generous with it.

It is worth pointing out that without

immigration, our Health Services and

Care agencies would be in a sorry

state. The contribution of immigrants to

the Health Service is an impressive one.

Also with reference to complaints that

‘too many foreigners are coming here’,

there are almost 300,000 British

nationals living in Spain. Do we hear

complaints from Spain?

The Jewish/Christian tradition poses a challenge to our Government and UKIP

alike.

21

Gift of a Chalice A BEAUTIFUL ‘chalice’ – a

cup for the distribution of

wine used in services of Holy

Communion – has been

generously donated to St

James the Greater by Brian

Groves and his family in

memory of his wife Brenda

who died on 19 June 2013.

The chalice was specially

commissioned from a firm of

superbly skilled silversmiths

in Sheffield to an original

design by David Watts.

The main body of the chalice

is hard gold-plated Britannia

silver. The decoration

underneath the cup, the

handling boss and around the

base is silver. The decoration

features lilies – Brenda’s

favourite flowers

The chalice is to be

dedicated during the Sung

Eucharist on Sunday, 19 April. The inscription on the circular

base plate of the chalice reads:

In memory of Brenda Groves

who was Confirmed in St James the Greater

From her husband Brian Groves

who was a Church Warden here,

her daughter Wendy and son in law Stephen

Edgson

who were married here

and her granddaughter Saffie

Kindly designed by a former Colleague and

Family Friend – David Watt 2014

22

The Book of Remembrance by Barbara Penrose

WHEN THE VICAR asked if anyone would take on recording the names in the

Book of Remembrance, I told him I had done a bit of calligraphy in my time and

also used to write all the certificates we gave out at school and if no-one

volunteered, I'd have a go.

I looked through the book and

marvelled at the beautiful and

varied lettering there and the

various ways in which the

information had been recorded.

I decided to use an Italic hand

which is clear, uncluttered and can

be decorated if necessary.

After consulting the Vicar it was decided to write the full name of each person

with a nickname if used, the date of death and their age. If the person had held a

position such as a church warden, choir member or other, this was to be added

underneath.

The first task was to make a list from back numbers of the Quarterly of the

missing names. Then with great trepidation, I began to record some forty names.

I tried felt pen but went back to a broad oblique italic nib and proper ink. I use

guide lines under the page, pencil out the text, check it for spelling and then go

over it with ink. Blotting follows, then a break before gently erasing the pencil

marks and checking that all is correct.

As I have not been a member of St James

congregation all that long, it has been a lovely

way to meet the church members and be

reminded that “we are surrounded by such a

great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12.1).

Our Book of Remembrance is a wonderful

memorial to them all. 23

Obituaries

Sylvia Seabrook

died 14 November 2014 aged 85

Sylvia was a member of the Ladies’

Choir from its beginnings in 1970 until

she moved to Oakham some 10 years

ago, after which she was pleased to be

kept in touch with St James’. She and

her husband Ernie shared a remarkably

happy disposition and their cheerful

presence was very much missed at St

James’ after they moved away.

Born in Leicester in 1929, Sylvia

recalled stories of her childhood with

much fondness and spoke of the fun times she had – especially getting up to

mischief with her younger brother Norman, and playing harmless pranks on their

elder siblings Dennis and Betty. Her parents were very hard working, providing

well for their children during fairly hard times. She grew up feeling loved and

secure.

Sylvia left school at 14 to work in a factory making clothes. She was renowned

for singing as she worked. A passion for singing continued all through her life.

Sylvia married her beloved Ernie, a Londoner, at the age of 23. She recalled

happy times of going to London to stay with his family. They had two children,

David and Jill. Sylvia devoted her time to being a homemaker and loved nothing

more than to care for her family. Eventually along came two granddaughters –

Samantha and Rebecca – who brought great joy to Sylvia and Ernie.

Grandchildren have many happy memories of their grandparents.

Sylvia loved the theatre and went regularly – especially to enjoy seeing her

daughter Jill in amateur musical productions.

Sylvia had a great sense of humour and a ready smile for everyone. She had a

great gift for warm and generous friendship and maintained close contact with

many good friends – including members of our church.

Ernie died in 2011. Sylvia missed him dreadfully. Sylvia too will be deeply missed,

but we take comfort that she is now reunited with the love of her life.

24

Ian Gosling Stevens

died 22 November 2014 aged 81

Being a Mastermind contestant was a highlight of

Ian’s life. He was undoubtedly clever – a member of

Mensa – and interested in knowledge for

knowledge’s sake. Although he knew a great deal

about a great many things, Ian’s passion was in

being a Server – which he was par excellence for the

greater part of his life. For many years he was Head

Server at St Philip’s, Evington but also he delighted in Serving at major events at

the Cathedral and on significant occasions at many churches.

Ian went to Wyggeston School where won the prize in literature in each of his

five years there. He left formal education at the age of 16 so as to financially

support his mother – to whom he was devoted – and his younger brother

Cedric, his father having left them. For many years he worked for the Gas

Board, satisfied to earn his living and serve people in a simple way.

The privilege of service and the opportunity to serve was Ian’s calling. Those he

served were chiefly the clergy. Whoever they were, he would always find

qualities in them to appreciate whilst being clear about his points of difference

with them.

Alongside Ian’s love of church matters and the propensities of its clergy, Ian

loved music – music in worship and music in the whole of life. He was clear that

he was not a musician, but could talk knowledgably about it and attended local

concerts and major music festivals held around the country.

In 2001,when Ian was 68, he appeared on the Chanel 4 quiz show 15 to 1.

Walking home having caught a late train back from London he was mugged,

suffering severe facial injuries and loss of memory. Over time, his memory

mostly recovered, but in other ways he had suddenly become an old man.

Happily, Ian settled to making his home at The Lawns. He was collected by

members of our congregation by car and brought to church – usually both

morning and evening. The people of St James’ became his family.

Ian was a man of faith. He trusted in God’s good providence and trusted in

God’s promises. So he was not afraid of death but rather welcomed and

embraced it as the gateway to resurrection with Christ to eternal life. With

extraordinary aptness he died on St Cecilia’s Day, patron Saint of music.

25

Vivian Byron John Edwards

died 7 January 2015 aged 94

Vivian devoted more than 10 years of his

life to caring for his wife Margaret at

home until his own health prevented him

continuing to do so – after which they

both moved to Devonshire Court, where

Vivian carried on living after Margaret’s

death in 2011. These circumstances

prevented Vivian attending St James’s –

where his son Robert had been in the

choir and where the funerals of both of

his parents and also his wife were held.

But Vivian was always keenly interested in

his church and generous in his financial

support.

Vivian was born in Leicester in the house that also served as his father’s dental

surgery. He went from Stoneygate School to Repton where he excelled at all ball

games and trained as a doctor at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School.

Vivian met Margaret – a surgical ward sister at University College Hospital – and

they married in 1945 just before Vivian sailed for Burma, having been enlisted

into the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was demobilised 1947 when Burma

gained Independence, returning to London where he changed course and began

dental studies at the Royal Dental Hospital, qualifying in 1951. He then moved

back to Leicester to join his father at the Nelson Street dental practice where he

continued to work as a well regarded dentist for a further 32 years.

Vivian joined the Round Table and continued his Masonic commitment at the

Albert Edward Lodge which he had joined in 1947.

His early retirement was a happy time. Vivian and Margaret enjoyed many UK

holidays. They both joined NADFAS and Vivian did archival work at Stanford

Hall near Rugby. His interest in history found an outlet at Burghley House where

he was a respected guide for many years.

Though he became frail, Vivian’s mind remained sharp and he maintained an

active interest in current affairs. Having lived a quietly distinguished life to a great

age, he made a peaceful transition from this world to the next, trusting in God.

26

CommemorativeFlowers MARCH In Lent no flowers, by tradition APRIL 5th Church decorated for Easter

12th Caroline Beardsmore in memory of her father

19th Joyce Paviour in memory of Norman

26th Angela Hefford in memory of her parents Barbara and Gordon Barrett MAY 3rd Diana Jones in memory of her parents & brother

10th Doris Makepeace in memory of John

17th Renée Blackburn in memory of Jeffrey & daughter Susan

24th Janet Felstead in memory of David

31st The Cowley Family

27

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

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 Full Choir Practice 19.30 Ashman Music Room

Director Mr Matthew Haynes 44 Conaglen Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8LD 0788 576 0364

SATURDAYS

Stop-by Project for the homeless 11.00 – 14.00 Undercroft

Coordinator Salma Ravat Contact through Church Office 254 2111

Who’s who … For Ministry Team see inside front cover Churchwardens

Miss Julia Walker 3 Paddock Close, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5GG 271 9347

Mr Michael Bull MBE 15 Dore Road, Leicester, LE5 5HG 220 1581

Deputy Wardens

Dr Tony Bentley Contact through Church Office 254 2111

Mrs Angela Hefford 15 Southernhay Road, Leicester LE2 3TN 270 6060

Ms Barbara Penrose 36 Stoneygate Court, London Road, Leicester LE2 2AJ 270 3666

Mrs Margaret Terry 26 Woodbank Road, Leicester LE2 3YQ 288 3668

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 44 Conaglen Road, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8LD 0788 576 0364

Organist & Associate Director of Music

Mr Michael Rule 99 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0GF 0787 530 5269

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

Vulnerable Adult Officer Contact through Church Office 254 2111

the vicar writes · miss vicky roe bphil.ed ma mrs janet burton 0116 255 2108 0751 035 3097 ......

Documents