Rushen Parish Magazine

February 2017

2

Contact Details for Rushen Parish

Vicar:

Rev’d Joe Heaton (rev.joeheaton@gmail.com) 832275

Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary

Readers:

Mrs Margaret Galloway

Mrs June Harper

Mrs Wendy Heaton

Mr Harry Dawson

Mr Adam Kelly

Mr Richard Clague

Active Clergy

Rev Roger Harper

Rev John Gulland

Rev Brian Shephard

Retired Clergy:

Canon John Sheen

Church Wardens:

Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Mr Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488/422737

Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770

Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974/495630

PCC Secretary:

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Port Erin

PCC Treasurer:

Mr Stephen Curtis, Clybane Cottage, Phildraw Road, 823475

Ballasalla

Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer for Children and Vulnerable People:

Mrs Claire Jennings, admin@rushenparish.org.uk 830850

More contact details on the inside of the back cover

3

Dear Friends,

I thought for this month’s letter you may (or may not) be interested in ‘a day in the life’ of your Vicar. I have to start by saying no day is ever the same. There are some days that I can sometimes sense there is a rhythm, on other days no rhythm is remotely detectable.

I am an early riser; beginning my day just before 7am (even on my day off I still rise at much the same time). I love that part of the day! All is quiet, the house is silent and the whole day is before me. In the summer months, I will spend that silent time in the garden (with a hot cup of tea) though the birdsong makes it anything but silent.

My days are spent in a multitude of different tasks. These may well include school assemblies, preparing for Sunday worship, sermon writing, various church meetings, pastoral visiting, mentoring those preparing for ordination, and a fair bit of admin. Recently, much of my time has been spent overseeing various building projects in the Parish. These have included the now-finished renovation at St. Mary’s Church, the development of a new burial ground (almost finished!) and the ongoing repairs to St. Catherine’s. In the next six months, I can see that the renovation at the Parish Church may well keep me fairly busy.

As often my evenings are spent visiting baptism families or a couple preparing for their wedding day, or a host of church meetings I often take a break in the afternoons where you might see me walking the dog on the beach with Wendy, or in a local coffee shop (again with Wendy).

At the moment, my other duties include overseeing the Parish of Castletown and Arbory (I eagerly await an appointment of a new Vicar!) and a not insignificant number of Diocesan roles. In all, my life can be very busy but it is something I enjoy immensely and deeply rewarding.

And in the not-so-busy times ... I like nothing better than to curl up with a good book and a hot cup of tea and lose myself in a story.

Hopefully, this will give you a flavour of something of the varied life your Vicar has each and every week.

Richest Blessings.

Rev Joe Heaton

4

for a baby boy: it was when they made their first ‘public appearance’. Mary, like all good Jewish mothers, went to the Temple with Jesus, her first male child - to ‘present him to the Lord’. At the same time, she, as a new mother, was ‘purified’. Thus, we have the Festival of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. So where does the Candlemas bit come in? Jesus is described in the New Testament as the Light of the World, and early Christians developed the tradition of lighting many candles in celebration of this day. The Church also fell into the custom of blessing the year’s supply of candles for the church on this day - hence the name, Candlemas. The story of how Candlemas began can be found in Luke 2:22-40. Simeon’s great declaration of faith and recognition of who Jesus was is of course found in the Nunc Dimittis, which is embedded in the Office of Evening Prayer in the West. But in medieval times, the Nunc Dimittis was mostly used just on this day, during the distribution of candles before the Eucharist. Only gradually did it win a place in the daily prayer life of the Church.

Parish Pump

The Presentation of Christ in the Temple/

Candlemas

As depicted on the front cover, Editor. In bygone centuries, Christians said their last farewells to the Christmas season on Candlemas, 2 February. This is exactly 40 days after Christmas Day itself. In New Testament times 40 days old was an important age

Women’s World Day of Prayer 2017 The Women’s World Day of Prayer service this year will be held on Friday 3rd March 2017. This ecumenical service, for churches in the south of the Island, will be held at Station Road Methodist Church, Port Erin starting at 2pm. The country highlighted is the Philippines, and the service has been prepared by Christian women of this country with the theme being, “Am I being unfair to you?” Mrs Nora Dalton-Brown has been invited to be the speaker. Everyone is welcome to attend this special annual service which will be held in 170 countries around the world.

Sheila Preston

5

ladies had kindly offered to help with the flower rota and we thank them very much. Following our discussion of an invitation from The Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (IOM branch) to a coffee morning on Jan 28th in Onchan Baptist church, it was agreed that the beautiful hand knitted children’s jumpers and hats which we had gratefully received from Mrs Beryl Keggen should be given to Mr and Mrs Norman Rivers for this most worthwhile charity. (The LWP hosts a lunch for the children during their summer visit to the island.) Pat will deliver them on 28th and also catch up with any charity news. Thank you very much Beryl. We had been talking about Sunday’s thoughtful and moving sermon on the Holy Spirit, delivered by Matthew Robinson, a member of our congregation, and it seemed more than just coincidence that the FOCC invitation and Beryl’s gift had arrived together. Looking ahead, we hope our next coffee morning will take place on Friday, 17th March, St Patrick’s Day. More information to follow! With love and best wishes from us all in the Ladies Working Party.

Pat Thomson

Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s

On 10th January, the ladies restarted their Tuesday afternoon meetings after the Christmas and New Year break and enjoyed the usual warm friendship and fellowship around the table. We always find lots to talk about - the conversation is never dull! During renovation, Kirk Christ’s morning services are being held in St Mary’s. Sue explained that the Kirk Christ ladies

The Very First Valentine Card - a legend

The Roman Emperor Claudius II needed soldiers. He suspected that marriage made men want to stay at home with their wives, instead of fighting wars, so he outlawed marriage.

A kind-hearted young priest named Valentine felt sorry for all the couples who wanted to marry, but couldn’t. So secretly he married as many couples as he could - until the Emperor found out and condemned him to death. While he was in prison awaiting execution, Valentine showed love and compassion to everyone around him, including his jailer. The jailer had a young daughter who was blind, but through Valentine’s prayers, she was healed. Just before his death in Rome on 14 February, he wrote her a farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine.’

So, the very first Valentine card was not between lovers, but between a priest about to die, and a little girl, healed through his prayers.

6

Natural pearls form when an irritant - usually a parasite or grain of sand - works its way into an oyster. As a defense mechanism, the oyster secrets a fluid to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this 'nacre' is deposited until a lustrous pearl is formed. A cultured pearl undergoes the same process, though here the irritant is a surgically implanted bead or piece of shell.

Pearls can come from either salt or freshwater sources. Once the irritant is in place, it can take up to three years for the pearl to reach its full size and nacre thickness. Of all the pearls produced, only about five per cent are of true gem-quality.

There is a parallel with the way pearls are formed in nature, and the way we grow as Christians. To form ‘pearls of wisdom ‘in humans, three conditions should be present:

Timing – Just as an oyster must mature for about three years before it can transform an irritant into a pearl, so Jesus spent three years maturing his disciples, and when we go through tests as Christians, timing is crucial. Like the disciples, we need to spend time with God, building our relationship with Him. We need to know His promises, so that when testing times come, we already have the precious Word of Truth as our nacre-forming ammunition! With His truth in our hearts we can cover every negative thought with layer upon layer of truth.

It may seem that our struggles will never end, but rest assured God will never give us more than we can bear, and He will never leave us or forsake us.

Irritant – What is the irritant in your life? I have faced a few that have forced me to my knees, forced me to fast, and forced me to cry out to God! My irritants came in the form of sickness, divorce, bereavement, friendship failures, financial frustrations, to name a few. Yet through them all, God built up layer upon layer of his Word and His Love in my life, until my ‘irritant’ became a testimony to His faithfulness. Every problem has resulted in another layer of ‘nacre’ of His grace.

Darkness – Natural pearls are formed in the deepest, darkest waters, and we will find ourselves in dark places whilst our pearls of wisdom are being formed. Illness and emotional pain may lead to isolation and depression. Yet I have emerged from deep darkness with more wisdom, more compassion, a greater ability to empathize with others in trouble, a greater love for God, and a greater passion to share His love. All my best jewelry designs are based on my personal faith journey.

No wonder Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven as a precious pearl. No wonder He is also the Pearl of Great Price!

Norma Murrain, a jewelry designer

The beauty of pearls – out of darkness and trial

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant seeking goodly pearls; who when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it " Matthew 13:45-46

Have you noticed how often the Queen wears pearls? Is it because pearls are the birth-stone for June (when she

celebrates her official birthday)? Or because she loves their natural beauty? Or is it because pearls represent wisdom and purity? We will never know.

7

went to the Jordan on a day out with her family and spent the time skimming stones with her brothers. Suddenly everything went still and they all focussed on the scene in the river. We had the scene brought to life for us and she made us all feel how awesome it must have been to see the dove descending and hear the voice of God. On the 15th January, we began our new material with five sessions entitled “How we should pray”. The first entitled Pray like Jesus based on Matthew 6: 5-15 and Luke 11: 1-4 followed by four sessions based on Luke 11: 5-13 and Luke 18 – Ask, search knock – Never give up – Smug or sorry and finally Come to Jesus. The All Age service for the fifth Sunday, 29th January, will be held at St. Mary's as the building work has begun at Kirk Christ. With love from all of us at St. Mary's Sunday School

Carole Coole

St Mary’s Sunday School News

We began the New Year with our All Age service on the 8th January. The service was led by Wendy and centered around the baptism of Jesus by John. Amelia and Evan read the lessons and the intercessions were led by Claudia, Lukas and Hannah. For her talk, Wendy dressed as Lydia telling of how, when she was young, she witnessed the baptism of Jesus. How she

Parish of Rushen

Concerts at St Mary’s Church Winter/Spring 2017 amended

9 February 2017 Mycheilley

9 March 2017 Sheeanyn Millish

Concerts at St Catherine’s Church Spring 2017

6 April 2017 Salvation Army Band and Songsters

11 May 2017 Manx Children’s Choir & Schoill Purt Le Moirrey

Concerts commence at 7.45pm except may 2017 which is 7.00pm

Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection which will be split

equally between the performers and the Church.

Light refreshments available in the hall following each concert

8

News from St Catherine’s

The building work at St Catherine's has now restarted after the Christmas holidays. The contractors will be starting the work to the chancel and sanctuary walls shortly and should be well finished in time for the Easter services.

The relaunched friendly lunches started in November and another has been held in January. Approximately twenty people have attended both. They have also encouraged new faces to join the event. Hopefully the event will grow in the next few months. The Thursday concerts and Messy Church continue to be well attended. A group of singers have been practising in the hall since October. A concert was arranged for them in the church on 22nd December and this was attended by approximately 50 people. It was a very enjoyable evening. Our thanks to Maggie Richardson and the ‘Happy Harmony Choir’ who sing a cappella. All the Christmas services were well supported. The midnight communion service on Christmas Eve was opened to both our own and the Methodist Church congregation. The Rev David Shirtliff was the preacher. New members to the congregation at St Catherine’s Church are always made welcome. Do come and join us!

Gerry Callister

An extract from the Daily Mail 30th December 2016 A teacher was talking to her class of five-year old kiddies about whales. She said it was impossible for whales to swallow human beings because, although they’re very large in size, their throats are quite small.

One quizzical kiddie in front, Candice, put up her hand and said, ‘But poor old Jonah was swallowed by a whale, wasn’t he?’

As the teacher did not have a good reply to give the girl, she merely reaffirmed her assertion that it is physically impossible for whales to swallow humans.

Undeterred, Candice replied: ‘When I get to Heaven, I’m going to ask Mr Jonah myself.’

‘Okay, Candice,’ responded the now irritated teacher, ‘and what if poor old Jonah went to Hell?’

The little girl replied: ‘Then you can ask him.’

9

February Crossword

Down 1 Totally destroyed

(Genesis 7:23) (5,3) 2 What the Philippian jailer was told to

do with his prisoners Paul and Silas (Acts 16:23) (5)

4 Object of ridicule (Job 12:4) (8-5) 5 In most years, the month in which

Easter falls (5) 6 For example, Caesarea, Joppa, Tyre,

Sidon (7) 7 ‘[Jesus] was in the desert for forty —

, being tempted by Satan’ (Mark 1:13) (4)

8 ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power — to our God’ (Revelation 19:1) (6)

13 Mend dots (anag.) (8) 15 Purifier (Malachi 3:3) (7) 16 Attacked (1 Samuel 27:8) (6) 18 The good Samaritan to the

innkeeper: ‘When I return, I will reimburse you for any — expense you may have’ (Luke 10:35) (5)

20 How Matthew described the crowds who followed Jesus (Matthew 4:25) (5)

21 For example, one of 25 Across (Judges 19:29) (4)

Across 1 Salary (Isaiah 19:10) (4) 3 Question Jesus asked of those healed of

leprosy, ‘Were not all ten —?’ (Luke 17:17) (8)

9 Wide, elevated level area of land (Joshua 13:9) (7)

10 ‘So you also must be —, because the Son of Man will come... when you do not expect him’ (Matthew 24:44) (5)

11 ‘[He] said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He — —, and his hand was completely restored’ (Luke 6:10) (3,2)

12 ‘Who has gathered up the wind in the — of his hand?’ (Proverbs 30:4) (6)

14 Not born again (13) 17 ‘Again and again he — the same

sacrifices, which can never take away sins’ (Hebrews 10:11) (6)

19 Mails (anag.) (5) 22 ‘He — — here; he has risen’

(Matthew 28:6) (2,3) 23 Defeated (Judges 20:43) (7) 24 Soldiers’ quarters (Acts 21:34) (8) 25 ‘Pillars of marble’ were how the Beloved

described those of her Lover (Song of Songs 5:15) (4)

10

January Crossword Solution

December Sudoku Winner

I am pleased to report that despite the hustle and bustle of the Christmas period, five of you solved the December puzzle. The winner, Jean Taylor, was drawn just before the joint service at Kirk Christ on 1st January. She received her prize money of £5 through the post.

Prayer of thanks for God’s light

Father of all creation, thank you for signs of life and light, even in the dark and sometimes difficult days of winter. Thank you for Jesus’ victory over darkness and death – and for the assurance that, if we put our trust in Him - nothing can ever separate us from you.

Help us to hold onto the hope you have given us and to walk on with Jesus as our guiding light. And may His light attract others who don’t yet know Him and whom the darkness threatens to overwhelm.

Shine on us, Lord, that we may reflect your light and receive your peace. In Jesus’s name.

Amen. By Daphne Kitching

January Sudoku Solutions

11

To Homer’s waiting watchman of the Greek epic, The Iliad would fall the duty of lighting a beacon that would relay the victory of the Wooden Horse across the Aegean Sea - that Troy had at last fallen! With that, the sentinel was relieved from his long wait. In his account of the presentation of the infant Jesus in Jerusalem’s temple, Luke writes of the relief of another lone watchman – a devout Jew, Simeon – aware of the God-given message that he would live to see the Christ of the world. Taking the Baby from Mary and Joseph’s arms, he uttered a song of praise that – like a beacon - has been relayed everywhere, in words known as The Nunc Dimittis: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2: 29-32- King James Version) Luke then records Simeon’s next words: “This child is destined to cause the fall and rising of many….” Here was a Figure who had come for the whole world universally - Gentiles and Jews alike. But there would be a cutting edge to His coming. Simeon spelt out some mighty truths: Our chronologies turn on Jesus Christ. Simeon had been part of the Old Order. But from now, our very calendars would be dated from the arrival on earth of a universal world Saviour. Secondly, Our characters turn on Jesus Christ. Whether nations or individuals were to ‘fall or rise’ would turn on the question: What did you do with Jesus? His coming represents Make or Break time for us all! Our confidences turn on Jesus Christ. Here in the Christian Gospel is a blazing beacon – both to ‘lighten’ believing Gentiles, and to be ‘the glory’ of the true Israel – that is, the faithful people of all time who place themselves under His saving rule!

**

On 2nd February, we remember the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas). Richard Bewes considers the long lonely wait of Simeon… Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many….” (Luke 2: 34)

The Sentinel’s long wait

12

foundation in fact. But it is generally believed that cold weather helps to kill off bacteria and unwanted bugs. Long-range weather forecasts are notoriously difficult to predict, but at some point, or another there is bound to be at least a little sprinkling of snow. As you might expect during winter, there has already been plenty of ice together with bouts of freezing fog. But it’s the snow that can damage plants. Snow is heavy and can snap branches of young trees and change the shape of hedges. Sweep snow off shrubs once it starts piling up, but allow it to stay on beds and borders where it will help to keep things warm.

Snow permitting, February is a great month in which to prune hedges. Laurel and

deciduous hedges can be pruned quite hard into shape before the spring growth

spurt. Even Yew can be pruned hard, unlike conifers such as Leylandii that need

to be lightly trimmed more regularly. Some trees will grow back happily from old

wood, whilst many conifers will not.

February is the hungriest month for wildlife. Give them a hand by putting out bird

food and, just as importantly, water. You’ll be surprised how fast the wild birds

will find their new feed supply.

Clean out any bird boxes! February 14th is traditionally the time when birds find

their new mates and they’ll soon be looking to make a nest.

Prune Group 3 (late flowering) Clematis down to around 40cms.

Prune Viburnum tinus and bodnantense after flowering.

Prune Wisteria and winter jasmine.

It’s the best month for planting bareroot trees and hedges, including fruit trees.

Ensure the ground isn’t frozen.

Last chance for planting bare root roses!

Don’t be tempted to remove your protective fleece from tender plants. Even if

February is mild, it can turn wild!

Perfect Plants Ltd, an on-line supplier of plants and garden products. Tel: 01323 833479 email: info@perfectplants.co.uk

February frost in the garden

Back in December the temperatures were very mild in most places. And although the Isle of Man is relatively warm and wet, it is always wise to prepare for some snow. Folklore suggests that if mild weather prevails over Christmas, there will be cold weather at Easter, which falls on 16 April this year. Luckily, the old superstition that a Christmas without snow will be followed by illness and many deaths (‘A green winter makes a fat churchyard’) seems to be without any

13

to ‘his sacred majesty’ the king, saying that the only head of the Church was Jesus Christ. Covenanters were fined, imprisoned or worse. The army was used to quell growing civil unrest. One of the most notorious incidents during that time was the execution of The Solway Martyrs, Margaret McLachlan a widow aged 63 and Margaret Wilson, aged 18, who were tied to a stake and drowned by the rising tide of the Solway Firth near Wigtown in 1685. Margaret McLachlan was seized while she was at prayer. Margaret Wilson and her younger sister Agnes were betrayed by someone they thought was a friend after declining to drink the toast of the king. The sisters were thrown into jail in Wigtown, where Margaret McLachlan was already being held. All three were accused of being ‘disorderly’. In court the three women faced a notorious persecutor of the Presbyterians. They were inevitably found guilty. They were given the opportunity to swear the Oath of Abjuration, but refused. Agnes’ father paid £100 for her release, but the two Margarets were sentenced to death by drowning. Margaret McLachlan was the first to die and Margaret Wilson was forced to watch. As she writhed in her last few moments, Margaret Wilson said, ‘I see Christ wrestling there.’ Then it was the younger woman’s turn. As the tide rose about her around her, she sang psalms and recited from the Bible. Friends implored her just to say the words ‘God save the King’ and save herself. ‘God save him if He will,’ she replied. At the very last moment a soldier gave her one final chance to take the contentious oath. ‘No sinful oaths for me; I am one of Christ’s children. Let me go.’ Her head was pushed beneath the water and a soldier cut her throat.

The tragedy of the Solway Martyrs

Ted Harrison continues his series on British martyrs with the tragic story of The Solway Martyrs. (Editor)

‘The Killing Time’ is the name given to one of those sad times in history when Christians were pitted against Christians. In Scotland in the 1680s the forces of The King, based in London, came into direct conflict with the Presbyterian Covenanters who refused to swear the Oath

Definition of Old

Grandchildren don't make a man feel old; it's the knowledge that he's married to a grandmother.

14

to Jesus, I suspect most of us will recognise their relevance in our own lives. The first was simple. ‘You’re hungry. You can do miracles. Well, turn these hot stones at your feet into loaves of bread’. It sounds quite plausible, but in fact it’s an invitation to put one’s own needs first. Temptation rejected. Then came the second: ‘throw yourself off a pinnacle of the Temple. You know that God will send His angels to catch you before you hit the ground’. Again, it’s plausible (there was even a verse from the Bible to back it up). But this would be to substitute one spectacular stroke for the hard slog of travel, preaching, healing and touching individual lives. Temptation rejected. The third was outrageous. ‘Fall down and worship corrupt and evil power, and you will have infinite worldly power and success’. In other words, abandon your principles and reap rewards. For the third time, temptation resisted. I know these temptations were tests of the Messiah Jesus, but can’t we see in them temptations that come to all of us from time to time? Look after number one, and all will be well. Take the short cut to success and avoid all the hard slog. Compromise, in order to fulfill your ambitions. Or walk the narrow path of honesty, commitment and truth. That’s really the Lenten choice.

Canon David Winter

The Way I See It: Resisting Temptation

Looking forward to Lent: Immediately after His baptism in the river Jordan, Jesus faced and resisted three powerful temptations during 40 days in the wilderness of Judaea. This time of testing and temptation was His preparation for the work God had sent Him to do on earth. It’s the principle behind the season of Lent, which begins on 1st March. Although the temptations were personal

100 and counting!

Believe it or not this is the one hundredth edition of the parish magazine since I became editor. It seems like yesterday when I was asked by Rev Norma Cole if I would take on the role. I know that since then the magazine has evolved and its content has changed, hopefully for the better! I am constantly seeking ways to improve it, whether it is by encouraging you, the readers, to submit articles to it, or by changing it, from time to time, to make it more interesting. Please do let me know if you would like me to include something different so that the next 100 will be much better than the first! (Editor)

15

All in the month of February

400 years ago, on 6th Feb 1617 Prospero Alpini, Italian physician and botanist, died. He is credited with the introduction of coffee and bananas to Europe. 300 years ago, on 19th Feb 1717 David Garrick, British actor, playwright, producer and theatre manager was born. He was manager of London’s Drury Lane Theatre for 29 years, and made it one of the leading theatres in Europe.

150 years ago, on 15th Feb 1867 Johann Strauss’s waltz The Blue Danube was performed for the first time, in Vienna, Austria. 125 years ago, on 22nd Feb 1892 Oscar Wilde’s comedy play, Lady Windermere’s Fan, was performed for the first time, in London. 100 years ago, on 13th Feb 1917 the WW1 Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan Mata Hari was arrested in France and charged with spying for Germany (she was executed later that year). 75 years ago, on 8-15th Feb 1942 the WW2 Battle of Singapore took place. This Japanese victory led to their occupation of Singapore until Sep 1945. 70 years ago, on 7th Feb 1947 the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in caves in Khirbat Qumran (now in the West Bank, Palestine). Also on 12th Feb 1947 Lord Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, became the last Viceroy of India. 65 years ago, on 6th Feb 1952 King George VI died, and was succeeded by his daughter, Elizabeth II. Also on 17th Feb 1952 Winston Churchill announced that Britain had developed its own atomic bomb. 40 years ago, on 4th Feb 1977 Fleetwood Mac released its album, Rumours. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time, selling more than 45 million copies worldwide. 25 years ago, on 7th Feb 1992 the Maastricht Treaty was signed, establishing the European Union (with effect from 1st Nov 1993). 15 years ago, on 4th Feb 2002 Cancer Research UK was founded. It is now the world’s largest independent cancer research and awareness charity. Also on 13th Feb 2002 the former mayor of New York City, Rudolph Giuliani, received an honorary knighthood from the Queen, in recognition of his work following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

16

Stillness From worries of the World, Turn to stillness: Stillness in the morning, Before the day begins, With demands and duties – Its busyness and din. Stillness at noon-tide; When soft whispers convey Thoughts, of all lovely things Experienced this day. Uplifted by stillness, In various places find, Doing replaced by Being, In circles of the mind. Stillness at dark night’s fall, As the long day descends – Because disturbing thoughts The spirit may offend. Stillness hour by hour- Its precious gift imparts, To strengthen and restore Joy, within humble hearts. Be still and know that I am God. Ps. 46:10

Margaret Couper

Blaise – the cure for sore throats

St Blaise is the saint for you if you have a sore throat, or a pet who is ill. He was born in Sebastea, ancient Armenia, (now Sivas, in Turkey) sometime during the late 3rd century, and became a physician. But his compassion did not stop there: he went on to become bishop of Sebastea, and thus a physician of souls. Known for his dedication to prayer, Blaise taught by his own example of virtue and sanctity, as much as by his words. His ministry was accompanied by many miracles of healing, and people (and animals) came flocking to him from near and far. When in 316 the governor of Cappadocia and Lesser Armenia began a persecution of Christians, Blaise was arrested. As he was being led to prison, a distraught mother, whose only child was choking to death on a fishbone, threw herself at his feet and begged for help. Blaise prayed, and immediately the child was cured. Regardless, the governor had him beaten and beheaded. But the miracle was not forgotten by the people who loved him, and Blaise became the patron saint of illnesses of the throat, and of wild beasts. Blaise was one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages. There are several churches named after him in England, from Cornwall to Oxfordshire.

Thank you so much Margaret for providing us with such lovely and thought-provoking poems. I know that they are very much appreciated, and certainly worth reading. (Editor)

17

many differences between the lives of MU members in these countries and the Isle of Man. Mrs Valerie Vaughan led the meeting and Mrs Margaret Couper played for our hymns. Everyone agreed it had been an uplifting afternoon. Our thanks to Mr Gerry Callister for his help with furniture removing! Our next meeting is in St Mary’s Hall on Monday 13th February at 2pm. Mrs Pat Thompson will lead the meeting and Mrs Joyce Corlett will play us some of her favourite band music. Guests are always welcome.

Elsie Faragher

Rushen Mothers’ Union

The well attended January meeting proved to be meaningful and prayerful. Mrs Margaret Newton had arranged exhibits around the hall telling about our linked dioceses in Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Canada, and the work that MU is doing in these areas. Members had the opportunity to sit quietly and consider the

From the Registers

Funerals (December 2016)

Wednesday 7th December 2016 Eric James Watterson St Mary’s @ 9.30am Friday 9th December 2016 Elspeth Kewley St Catherine’s @ 10.30am Monday 12th December 2016 Edwin Wagstaffe Kirk Christ @ 2pm

When is it okay to kiss someone?

When they're rich. - Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. - Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do. - Howard, age 8

18

person whose courage and ingenuity was vital in his survival as a baby – his sister, Miriam. She is there with her mother in this tender scene painted by Simeon Solomon, the Pre-Raphaelite artist, in 1860. Jochabed cradles her son, and Miriam looks on with care and concern as she holds the basket that will keep her brother safe. Birds on the window ledge, a potted plant and a lyre provide a gentle background to the drama that will soon unfold. Like Noah, whom we looked at last month, the story of Miriam is linked to water: helping to save Moses from the waters of the Nile; with the people as the Red Sea parted; and the spring that came up from the earth to give abundant water after her death. All that is still to come when we look at this painting. Here Miriam is about to take her brother and the basket to the Nile to begin the journey that will eventually take God’s people from slavery and oppression to new life in the promised land. The Exodus is an inspiring pilgrimage of faith and trust, and Miriam played her part in it as a courageous leader of the women. To celebrate, she sang a hymn. ‘Then the prophet Miriam took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. And Miriam sang to them, ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.’’ (Exodus 15). It is a story that can inspire us to sing and even dance when we recall this victory at each Easter.

God in the Arts – Miriam and Moses

Outstanding people in great stories of the Bible - as depicted in painting or sculpture will be the theme of God in the Arts this year. The first of these, considered by Michael Burgess is Moses and his sister, Miriam, as painted by the Pre-Raphaelite artist, Simeon Solomon. (Editor) One of the first stories that impressed me at Sunday School was about Moses as a baby placed in a basket into the river Nile and rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses grew up to become a great leader of God’s people in the Exodus. But there was one

Jane Austen – well worth her weight in coins and bank-notes!

The much-loved novelist Jane Austen is about to make history. 200 years after her death, she will appear simultaneously on a British coin and a British bank note. That means that only the Queen, who as head of state must be depicted on British currency, will be more prevalent.

The Royal Mint has chosen Jane Austen as the new image for its commemorative £2 coin. About five million will be released into mass circulation sometime this Spring. At about the same time, the Bank of England will release its new, plastic, unrippable £10 note, with Jane Austen replacing Charles Darwen.

Historians cannot recall the last time a figure other than the reigning monarch appeared on both coins and notes at the same time. The release of both coins and notes will be in step with the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death, in the summer of 1817, at the age of just 41.

19

Children’s Page

20

`

O Perfect

Love

Dorothy Gurney (1858-1932) was the daughter of an Anglican clergyman and the granddaughter of the Bishop of London. (NOTE: Her maiden name was Blomfield, and she wrote this song while still single.)

In 1883, shortly before her sister was to be married, they were enjoying an evening of hymn singing. After singing a song with a tune that her sister particularly enjoyed, her sister said, “What a pity the words of this beautiful song should be unsuitable for a wedding.” She prevailed on Dorothy, who was known for her poetry, to write words for that tune to be used at the sister’s wedding. Dorothy took pen and paper, and fifteen minutes later was able to show her sister the final copy.

The sister was delighted with Dorothy’s poem, which is a prayer for a married couple. It asks “that theirs may be the love which knows no ending” and that they will possess “tender charity and steadfast faith, …patient hope and quiet, brave endurance, with childlike trust that fears no pain or death.” It further asks that God might grant the couple “the joy which brightens earthly sorrow” and “the peace which calms all earthly strife.”

A perfect song to celebrate marriage, it quickly gained popularity for use at weddings.

In 1858, Joseph Barnby composed a new tune to be used with Gurney’s words. It was sung at the wedding of Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, and Barnby’s tune became the standard for this song.

Richard Niell Donovan

O perfect Love, all human thought transcending, Lowly we kneel in prayer before Thy throne, That theirs may be the love which knows no ending, Whom Thou for evermore dost join in one.

1. O perfect Life, be Thou their full assurance, Of tender charity and steadfast faith, Of patient hope and quiet, brave endurance, With childlike trust that fears not pain nor death.

2. Grant them the joy which brightens earthly sorrow; Grant them the peace which calms all earthly strife; And to life’s day the glorious unknown morrow That dawns upon eternal love and life.

The Story Behind the Hymn

21

Rushen Parish Prayer Diary

Thank you, that you accept us as we are; that you love us as we are. So, may we love those around us. By your Spirit may we hold

hands. May we rejoice with the rejoicing, weep with the weeping. And may we offer our

all to you, together. Then we may be ourselves.

Then we may be one. Amen

February 2017 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:

1st The children and parents who attend Play and Praise each month 2nd The Presentation of Christ in the Temple - Candlemas 3rd Pets which bring such comfort to the elderly and the lonely 4th The bereaved and the sense of loss that they feel when loved one’s die 5th Families attending morning services today and the fellowship they derive 6th The Queen, Lord of Man, as we remember her accession to the throne 7th Homegroups in the parish and the fellowship derived from them 8th Port Erin United Men’s Fellowship meeting in the Methodist Hall this evening 9th Stephen Curtis and the work he does maintaining the finances of the parish 10th Care workers who visit people who are lonely and/or elderly 11th Those preparing for marriage later this year and the excitement they derive 12th Those who give of their free time to help run charitable organisations 13th The Mothers’ Union meeting taking place this afternoon 14th St. Valentine, the patron saint of romantic love, remembered today 15th Those people in hospital awaiting treatment for life threatening diseases 16th Grandparents who help their children through difficult times 17th The Prayer Group meeting at 15 Close Cam this morning 18th Children who attend nursery, primary and secondary schools across the island 19th All those who intercede during the services in the parish 20th All those who read the lessons at the services in the parish 21st Sidespersons who carry out their duties in our churches week by week 22nd Port Erin United Men’s Fellowship meeting in the Methodist Hall this evening 23rd Children who have been baptised in the parish during the past year 24th Children who attend youth organisations such as brownies, cubs, scouts and guides 25th The head teachers of our local schools and the successes they bring to all children 26th The Ladies Working Party and the work it does for charities 27th PCC committees and the work they do in keeping the parish active 28th Children enjoying their pancakes and chocolate before Lent begins

22

1st February 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

5th February 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (4th before Lent) 9.15am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

12th February 9.15am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) (3rd before Lent) 11am St Mary’s All-Age + Baptism (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 19th February 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (2nd before Lent) 9.15am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP)

26th February 9.15am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) (Sunday before Lent) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

1st March 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

5th March 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Lent 1) 9.15am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

Services are subject to change

Services marked in italics are being held at St Mary’s Church instead of Kirk Christ which is undergoing major renovation

(CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer

Services February 2017

23

Contact Details for Rushen Parish

St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:

Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545

St Mary’s Ladies Working Party

Mrs Susan Maddrell, Athol Lodge, Fistard, Port St Mary 833151

Miss Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399

St Mary’s Hall Bookings:

Mr G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:

Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Web Site/E-mail:

www.rushenparish.org.uk admin@rushenparish.org.uk

Magazine Editor

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Ballafesson, Port Erin

e-mail: dbow43@manx.net

Articles for the magazine should be submitted to the editor no later

than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.

Parish Director of Music:

Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143

Churchyard Enquiries:

Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770

or Mr G Callister: 474924/834627

24

February Sudoku Competition

I would like to thank all of you who solved last month’s puzzle(s). You will recall that the second puzzle was supposed to be harder than the first. If you didn’t think this was the case, please let me know so that I can try to make it even harder! The usual rules apply with £5 being the prize for the person whose puzzle is drawn from all the entries. You can send your completed puzzles to me by post or by hand. Good luck! Editor