FAITH MATTERS

The Parish Magazine of St. Faith, Havant with St. Nicholas, Langstone

AUGUST 2005 (Internet Edition)

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From the Rector

“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more but we have less, we buy more but we enjoy less.  We have bigger houses and smaller families, more convenience but less time.

We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge but less judgement, more experts yet more problems, more medicine but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast and pray too seldom.  We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values.  We talk too much, love too seldom and hate too often!

We’ve learned how to make a living but not a life, we’ve added years of life but not life to years.”

These thoughts were offered in the light of 9/11 by a survivor of that dreadful day.  Following the London bombs of 7/7, we may resonate with some of these ideas, which challenge us to recognise the real values of life, rather than the somewhat superficial ones we experience in our contemporary existence.  I wonder which parts you agree with, and which you don’t.  For myself I should want to qualify the observations in some sense, but before I do, I must emphasize my endorsement of the sense of loss that these lines represent.  The rate of change in our lives is so great that above all else we have lost a kind of simplicity from our lives.  So much of life seems complex, involved and extraordinary.  Is it really true that activities which seemed like treats some 50 years ago are now regarded as ‘old hat’ or just plain boring?  My own children say they want more of the latest thing, yet when the 5 year old (as she was then) received something ‘special’ for Christmas, she played all afternoon with the box!

Let me test out this theory on you.  Let’s say that human nature hasn’t changed that much in this country over the last 60 years (and you might point to the reaction to the bombings last month to the way people rally around in disaster).  What has changed is the opportunity.  Technological advances mean that there is a vast array of games, toys, activities, places to go and things to do and see that simply didn’t exist or weren’t so available at the end of the war.  In 1945 (as we were reminded in last month’s excellent exhibition in St Faith’s) food was still heavily rationed, travel limited and the national mood of optimism tempered by the practical need to rebuild much of the nation.  If this is all true then it follows that children’s immediate reaction to being offered something by their parents is related to the options available.  So if I offer my child a banana she wants a bar of chocolate, and if I say let’s go the beach she says she’d rather go to the Pyramids (in Portsmouth).  The child of the late 40’s/early 50’s offered an apple might prefer one of those yellow fruits she had seen when visiting her aunt, and when offered a day at the beach would leap for joy.  The reaction depends on what’s available.

If that is true then what we see in children is both a wonderful honesty about their preference tinged with a desire to taste everything that is good (and, I dare say, a number of other factors, such as greed).  The adult is slightly different in that the reaction is muted by the pragmatism (I know I’d like a trip to the south of France but I can’t afford it, and while the children would like to go to Paulton’s Park I haven’t got the time).

I can thus relate to the negative sense of lines above, which bemoan the relentless pace of life and condemn our lust and greed for more, more, and more without becoming any wiser, healthier or closer to God.  And while it is an option to try to defy the times and throw the computer and all that goes with it in the bin, there are too many things to which we have become very attached.  The challenge, it seems to me, is to try to make time, against the odds, and to use a little of that time for ourselves simply and wisely.

In his busy life of travelling, healing and preaching, Jesus often tried to escape for a while to be alone, albeit sometimes unsuccessfully.  When he did manage to, we are told he went to pray, but of course prayer can take many forms, including reflection, scripture based prayer, asking for help or simply achieving silent periods without conscious thoughts charging through the mind.

This summer, my hope for you is that you can make a little time to find space for yourself, to reflect upon how things are for you, and to share with God your concerns and hopes.  It is in those moments that we reconnect with that which is really important to us and truly valuable.             David

St. Faith’s Library

Following the Kairos questionnaire last year, interest was shown in creating a church library.  After some months collecting approximately 200 books (generously donated by clergy and congregation) plus the eventual gift of a suitable trolley by Messrs. Remploy, the library was opened in June.

In addition to the donated books, the PCC has allocated a sum for the purchase of more recent publications.  When this has been completed, the library will offer a wide range of interesting Christian books covering several categories.  Amongst those at present available are: “Ships of Mercy” by Don Stephens (Biography), “How to Pray for Healing” by Lewis MacLachlan (Bereavement/ Healing), “Practice the Presence of God” by Bro. Lawrence (Devotional), “Who’s Who in the Old Testament” by Joan Comay (Bible & B. Background), “A Shepherd looks at Psalm 23” by Phillip Keller (Miscellaneous) and “The Oxford Book of Prayer” (Prayer), plus commentaries on Psalms, Gospels and some Epistles.

Why not come along and select some summer holiday reading.

About The Parish

It is now over two years since Phyl Walkington passed away and we still remember her for so many things.  I was reminded recently how much Phyl loved jazz and the piano.  She played jazz and taught the piano for most of her eventful life.  She told me once how she played in a band sponsored by the RNIB, with another blind pianist, the legendary giant of jazz, George Shearing.  His life, like Phyl's, is an inspiration for all of us.  He was born blind on 13 August 1919 in the London Borough of Battersea, the youngest of nine children.  His father was a coalman and his mother worked nights cleaning trains at nearby Clapham Junction.  One of the family's few prized possessions was an old upright piano.  Remarkably, because none of his family could play music, at the age of three, George was able to find his way across to the piano and play the notes of tunes he had just heard on the radio!  

At the age of twelve, George entered the Linden Lodge school for the blind on Wandsworth Common where he received from his dedicated teacher, Henry Newell, strict and formal training in music.  He learnt to read music by Braille and had an incredible memory for music.  It was said of him, "Once heard, never forgotten".  When he graduated from Linden Lodge at the age of 16, he earnt money playing in a London pub until he joined Claude Bampton's All Blind Band.  I wonder if this is where Phyl met him.  Perhaps Judy may know.  George eventually got into the London jazz scene and met a man named Leonard Feather, who was an influential writer on the subject, and he helped George to settle in America.  From Battersea to Broadway, as someone once said, his career flourished and has been an inspiration to so many around the world.

But we have an inspiration closer to us because it is our great good fortune to have the example of a lady who is a most loyal member of our congregation.  She has taught all of us how to overcome handicap and adversity.  In recent times, she had a period in the Havant War Memorial Hospital which she bore with courage and fortitude.  She is a great supporter of social activities in the parish and has a host of friends and admirers at St Faith's.  She battled on to retain a guide dog when told she was too old to have one.  We saw the outcome of her battle in the pages of "Faith Matters" in March, with a photograph of her with her new dog, Innes.  This lovely lady is, of course, Judy Glenister.                                                                                                                                        Roger Bryant

I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.                                                                                                       JohnD. Rockefeller Jr.

Drum Head Service - 29th June 2005 - Held at Southsea Common

The Drum Head Service was normally held to honour the fallen on the field of battle, the regiment forms three sides of a square, on the fourth side an altar is built of Drums with the Regimental colours draped over them.

Today’s ceremony was in honour of the maritime veterans of all countries and to remember all those who have given their lives in conflict and service.  Whilst we were taking our seats, we were entertained by the National Sea Cadet Massed Band, and then by the massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines.

The service started with the Massed Band of The Royal Marines, whilst colours from various branches of the Royal Navy Association, and various Ship's Association, followed by the flags of the nation’s taking part in the Fleet Review, were marched into the arena, and whilst this was taking place the Drums were built into an altar.  The service was multi-denominational and the first hymn was “All people that on earth do dwell” followed by a welcome and introduction by the Church of England Bishop the Rt. Revd. Dr. Kenneth Stevenson.  Rabbi Malcolm Wiseman OBE followed with a reading from Psalm 46.  A Torch of Remembrance was carried to the altar to the music of ”Benedictus, from the armed Man“ by Karl Jenkins, sung by the Portsmouth Cathedral Choir.  A minutes silence was observed, followed by a prayer by the Bishop, with responses by the audience.  Then another Hymn “Guide me O Thou great Redeemer” was sung.  Mr Khurshid Drabu took a reading from the Holy Koran, then the Torch of Service was carried in to the music of Herbert Suminson  “They that go down to the sea in ship” sung by the Portsmouth Choral Union.  This was followed by the Chaplain of the Fleet saying the prayer of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson written in HMS Victory at Spithead on 14^th September 1805 (see below).  The Torch of Hope was then carried in to the music “Glory Glory” performed by Jazzmanix, followed by a prayer and the Act of Dedication.  On completion of the Dedication, the Drumhead Standards were recovered to music from the Massed Bands of her Majesty’s Royal Marines; on completion children and students entered the Arena to the music “Make More Sail” performed by the Portsmouth Grammar School and Twyford School.  Kate Adie then carried out interviews with Maritime Veterans and Students (talks had been given by the veterans at various schools around the country, and the students gave their reaction to the talks).  The school’s made paintings and some were accepted and made into banners, which were raised at the mast, to the “Superman Theme” performed by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines.

A flypast of Historic and Service Aircraft followed and HMS ILLUSTRIOUS as she passed the Naval Memorial saluted the Veterans with three cheers.  The Bishop of Portsmouth gave the Blessing, and followed by the final hymn “Eternal Father”.  On completion of the hymn all participants retired from the arena with the music by the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines.

You could then retire to the very large marquee for refreshments.  In another area there were notice boards where one could look up the names of friends who wished to be contacted.  William Sagrott

Nelson’s Prayer

A prayer, written by Vice Admiral Lord Nelson on board HMS Victory at Spithead, 14^th September 1805, having had news that the French and Spanish Fleets at Cadiz, were preparing for sea.

May the Great God whom I adore

Enable me to fulfil the expectations of my Country.

And if it is his good pleasure that I should return

My thanks will never cease to be offered

To the throne of mercy.

If it is His good providence

To cut short my days upon earth

I bow with the greatest submission;

Relying that he will protect

Those dear to me that I may leave behind.

His will be done. Amen. Amen. Amen.

Havant During World War II Exhibition 1-5 July 2005

There was a preview evening at St. Faith’s Church on Thursday 30^th June when Betty Marshall gave an interesting talk of her memories of Havant during World War II to around 50 people.  Betty lived in Denvilles and worked in the Drawing Office at Airspeed, an engineering firm at Portsmouth Airport, which has since been built on.  She started work on the fitting of radar to the two engine Oxford trainer aircraft and then worked mainly on the hawser glider which was an important asset for carrying troops and equipment during the Normandy landings in 1944.  At night she took on the duties of an ARP warden.

On Friday 1^st July, the exhibition was opened at St. Faith’s Church by Audrey Currie who is the longest serving member of the congregation. The Mayor and Mayoress of Havant, Cllr Cyril Hilton and Cllr Olwyn Kennedy attended the opening ceremony. 

The exhibits on display included memories of the construction of the Mulberry Harbour in which Havant took a prominent part, memories of HMS HAVANT (H32) & HMS ORIBI (G66) who was adopted by the Urban District of Havant & Waterloo after HMS HAVANT was sunk at Dunkirk, a display by the lectern in memory of Acting Captain J P Blake Royal Marines, flower displays for HMS HAVANT & “Home Sweet Home”, and a “Victory Street Party” display.  There were also many memories from the people of Havant displayed around the church, including the Woman’s Land Army and the Home Guard.  Rations allowed for one person per week were also displayed, as was equipment used in the home during the 1940s.

In the evening, at the Church Hall, the Dynamo Youth Theatre put on a production of Willy Russell’s “Our Day Out” which was seen by around 90 people.

On Saturday 2^nd July, there was a “1940s evening” with the Langstone Swing Band in the Church Hall attended by around 90 people.  The band played “Glenn Miller” and other Big Band music of the era which both young and old enjoyed dancing to.  The evening ended with a sing-song of the favourite songs during the war.  Many people came dressed in the 1940s style clothes and uniforms – even the food was typical of that time – spam, corn beef & jam sandwiches, cakes, jellies and blancmanges - which all added to the occasion.

On Sunday 3^rd July in the evening at St. Faith’s Church, there was a Service of Commemoration for the end of the 2^nd World War and Thanksgiving for 60 years of peace.  The Mayor and Mayoress of Havant attended the service with around 130 people.  The standards of the Royal British Legion, HMS HAVANT and the Air Training Corps were presented.  The choir sang “We will remember them” (Madden),”Ave Verum” (Mozart), and the “Gaelic Blessing”.  As one of the greatest architects of victory, Sir Winston Churchill said “In war, resolution; in defeat, defiance; in victory, magnanimity; and in peace, goodwill”.  The Rector said that ”the last of these should be predominant in our minds today”.

The six days were organised by the Restoration & Redevelopment Appeal Committee.  A special thanks to Sandra Haggan who took on the overall responsibility for arranging it all and to everyone else who was involved in making it such a great success.  After expenses, and a donation of £250 to SSAFA, a total of £1,500 was raised for the fund.

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Letter of Thanks

I would like to thank our Rector and Sandra for giving me the privileged of opening our Exhibition in St. Faith’s Church.

The Exhibition proved to be a great success judging by the very many comments and thanks given by the great number of people from Havant and District, including Gosport, given to me as they left.  Some came in twice.

I would like to thank Sandra for all the hard work she has done over many weeks and months in organising this Exhibition and for allowing me to take part.                                                Audrey Currie

Do you wake up in the morning, pull back the curtains and say ‘Good Morning, Lord!’  Or do you wake up and say ‘Good Lord – morning!’

50^th Anniversary

August is an evocative time of year for me; it is the height of summer with the promise of change, autumn not too far away.  It is the sense of change which reminds me of my arrival in England in August 1955.

I arrived with my parents and brother at London Heathrow, on a sunny mid afternoon in early August.  We had left Abadan, in Iran, at dawn that day by SAS airline; we stopped in Baghdad for refuelling, along with cages of chickens accompanied with their owners; then onwards to Beirut where chickens and owners disembarked.  Then onward to Rome for another refuelling and finally Geneva where we had to change airline to BEA, (British European Airways, later to become British Airways).  The change of airline necessitated a few hours of stop over.  It was a bright sunny day and my recollections are of walking with my little family around the town and a lake.  But the most vivid is of dapper suited men and glamorous women.

Soon it was time to take off again and to arrive in London. Heathrow at that time was a large strip of land with patchy grass around the runways.  The terminal was a long Nissen hut with trestle tables stretched from one end to the other.  On the one side stood the customs men and on the other were the passengers but there were not as many passengers as there are now.  That Nissen hut later became Terminal one.  Anyway it was a bit of a shock to discover that London airport was no different to Abadan airport, still a tin hut. The customs men were a bit suspicious of arrivals from the Middle East and my father was asked to empty his pockets, his reaction was "I will if you really want to see dirty handkerchiefs", the man insisted and got exactly what was promised.  As a result we were hurried out of the hut and onto a waiting coach to take us into London.

The drive from Heathrow was via a long road with few houses and one or two farms in the distance.  My excitement and anticipation built up again, after the disappointment of the airport so that when we arrived in West London Terminal, in Gloucester Road (sadly it is no longer there) in late afternoon my expectations of old elegant buildings were met in full measure.  Soon we were established in a small family run bed and breakfast, in Queens Gate off Gloucester road.  That evening we went for a walk around the area and to eat at the Lyons Corner House in South Kensington.  It was my first introduction to Fish and Chips, and it became my mother's favourite English meal for the rest of her life.

After the high summer heat of Abadan (120F in the shade), England was cold for us, so on went as many warm clothes as we could manage.  It also rained from time to time which was another shock to our system (in Abadan there is no rain from March to October).  London had funny little red boxes which were called a telephone box, it seemed every street corner had one of those, as well as smaller red boxes with a hole emblazoned with ER, it took me some time to work out that these were post boxes.  Another impression clearly imprinted in my mind was the drab grey and black cars, they were so gloomy but luckily the London Red Double Decker buses cheered the place up no end.  My brother and I always wanted to sit on the top deck of the buses so as to have a better view of everything.

Two other incidents I recall of my first few days in Britain.  The first was seeing an elderly lady walking down the road near the guest house, dressed in a red coat, black trousers and a wide brimmed black hat, with bright orange/red lipstick on her lips.  My jaw must have dropped (I had never seen elderly women with makeup let alone in trousers or in red) for she gave me a severe look as she went by.

The second incident was when we visited the Tower of London.  Near the Tower was a small café where we went for lunch.  Mother hung her handbag on the back of her chair; soon a policeman came in and warned my parents of the danger of pickpockets.  It was a great shock for my poor parents to discover that crime was a part of life in their beloved England.

At the beginning of September 1955 my brother and I were placed in boarding school and soon my parents returned to Iran.  And August became a symbol of a new beginning and a time of farewell to the culture and the family life into which I was born.                                                          Carmen Stuart

The Boyhood of Jesus

Last month we left the Holy Family escaping from the bloodbath in Bethlehem.   The apocryphal texts tell us little about the route taken by them in their escape but it is thought that they would have crossed the border somewhere beyond Beersheba, then made their way across the Sinai Desert to reach the Nile.   There is evidence, notably the fact that hermits lived in the region in Biblical times, which suggests that the Sinai then was not the searing hot desert of today.   Nevertheless, the journey across it must have been a terrible ordeal but from it has come a famous story.   Mary was becoming distressed and wearied by the conditions and the family were running short of both food and water when they came to a palm tree.   It was laden with ripe dates but they were beyond their reach.   The texts tell us that the young Jesus shouted at the tree which bowed down its top, placing fruit at the feet of Mary. 

This miracle was related in the West in many forms, with different trees and fruit, and it took on great significance in the early Church. The Holy Family was said to have rested in a cave towards the end of their arduous journey and their "Rest on the Flight to Egypt" was prominent in medieval paintings.   As the family approached the fertile Nile Delta, it is thought that the first town they encountered was Hermopolis, although some texts say the town was Sotinen in the province of Hermopolis.   The texts tell us that there were 365 idols in the town (one for worship each day) and that they all collapsed in a heap of rubble at the approach of the young Jesus.   Hearing of this extraordinary occurrence, the king of the province, Aphrodisius came with his soldiers and did homage to Jesus, thereby becoming His first convert.   He had a special place in the early Church and was credited with bringing Christianity to Egypt.   He is still remembered today in Hermopolis as St Aphrodise.

The apocryphal texts tells us that the Holy Family spent their time in Egypt in the Nile Delta and the township which is most consistently linked with them is Materea, some miles from the centre of Cairo.   In the town was a tree which for 2000 years has been considered sacred as the one under which the Holy Family sheltered in their Flight to Egypt.  In the 7th Century a chapel was built near to it and centuries later the soldiers of Napoleon's army worshipped at the tree.   The texts tell us that the Holy family lived in the house of a widow, from whence Joseph plied his trade as a carpenter.   They experienced hardships and the texts tell us that Mary had to occasionally beg for bread to feed them.   The texts tell various stories about the child Jesus including one when he saved the life of his brother, James, who had been struck by a serpent.   The texts tell us of many miracles but also of some malevolent but childish acts by Jesus.

We have a very detailed account in Matthew's Gospel of the return of the Holy Family to Israel.   He tells us that when King Herod was dead, an angel came to Joseph in his sleep, saying "Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they are dead which sought the young child's life."    The Holy Family made their way home but, on entering Israel, Joseph learnt that Herod's son, Archelaus, was now the ruler of Judea.   He knew it would be dangerous to go there, so he decided instead to go to Nazareth in Galilee where we join the Holy Family next month.   The words of the prophets would be fulfilled for Jesus would be a Nazarene.                  Roger Bryant

WIntershall - Second Year

What a change from last year, it was a glorious day; hot and sunny - we had packed our waterproofs just in case, but not needed thank goodness.  Off we started following Father David 2, who knew a quick way, he was right - one and a bit hours and we were there, nice and early.  Got to the first act and settled down in our chairs and into the performance - so very good.  A flock of sheep arrived with shepherds.  Angel, Oh! So real, it was breathtaking.  The story unfolds and we were part of it.  A different act and a new venue - up chairs and off we go - River Jordon, John the Baptist, feeding the 5,000, lovely bread, again so real.  The miracles, "Lazarus", the stoning of Mary, etc., so true to the Bible.  How hard the school children and the adults worked.  Lunch, only half an hour, getting very hot, glad of Daphne's suntan lotion.  Act III  "The Betrayal", the trial and the crucifixion, didn't like watching this, many a tear shed.  Off again back to the river, where the fishermen saw Jesus for the last time, real fish jumping around.  Too soon it was finished, what a magnificent day.  Into the cars again and off for home, stopping for supper, a jolly end to a great day.  Thanks as always to Sandra for organising the trip and for the use of her car.                                                                   Jenny Sagrott

David George White RIP

On 18 June, our newsagent Dave White died, after a short illness, age 58.  He was one of our advertisers in “Faith Matters”.  Dave was a nice man and will be sadly missed by his customers as he was one of the last newsagents in Havant.  Our thoughts go to his wife, Barbara, and his family.  As one of his paper boy’s said “he was a good bloke”.  Dave would have liked that.  A Requiem Mass was held on 5 July at the Catholic Church of St. Michael & All Angels in Leigh Park.  Barbara has been overwhelmed by the tremendous support given to her and will be continuing with the business.

From the Editor

What a contrast of emotions we endured last month.  First there was the euphoria on 6^th July when the International Olympic Committee awarded the 30^th Olympiad in 2012 to the City of London that was followed the next day by the despair with the terrorist bombings on London Transport with the heavy loss of life.  Then on the weekend of 9^th/10^th there was the commemoration and celebration in London, Portsmouth and elsewhere of the 60^th anniversary of the ending of the 2^nd World War in which Britain was under sustained attack from a force more visible but no less dangerous than that represented by today’s terrorists.  In those days 60 years ago, the people of Britain prevailed and they will continue to do so with the current threat.

The talk given by Betty Marshall of her memories of Havant during World War II has been recorded and is available on tape and CD; price £2 – the proceeds will go to the Restoration & Redevelopment Fund.  The talk and questions are of 68 minutes duration.  Please let me know if you would like a copy.                                                                                                                 Colin Carter

Presentation to the Rector

At the Strawberry Tea on Sunday 26 June in the grounds of St. Faith’s Church on a sunny summer’s afternoon, the Rector was presented with four books in celebration of his 10^th anniversary of ordination as a priest in Portsmouth Cathedral.  The books were Celtic Daily Prayer, New Bible Commentary, New Bible Dictionary and Common Worship Daily Prayer.  After the tea, there was a Choral Evensong with the choir from St. Wilfrid, Portsea, joining our own choir.

An Unconventional View

14 August 1945 was the true end of the Second World War.  Although the war in Europe had ended on 15 May many battle experienced Units had been transferred to the Far East to continue the war against Japan which occupied Malaya, Indo China, what is now Indonesia and many Pacific islands.  I, for one, was a reinforcement lined up to replace the many casualties expected assaulting the beaches on the West coast of Malaya.  A long and bitter struggle was foreseen fighting through the Japanese held territories and their homeland itself.  Such was the code of honour of the Japanese forces that few of the half a million still under arms would have surrendered.

On 6 August the Americans dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima.  As there was no political response to the devastating new weapon the second was dropped on Nagasaki on 9 August followed by the Japanese surrender on the 14th.  This spared the lives of many thousands of Allied forces who were saved the fierce fighting to defeat the Japanese with conventional weapons.  It also saved the many thousands of British, Australian, Indian, American and Dutch PoWs, dying of disease in the brutal and barbaric Japanese prison camps, who would undoubtedly have been slaughtered as the Allied forces approached.  A Britain wearied and bankrupted after six years of war did not have to endure further hardships.  The Japanese were given the excuse to surrender which otherwise they would have lacked.

I therefore regard the atomic bombs to have probably saved my life and those of many of my contemporaries including that of many Japanese. It is perhaps ironic that some of our progeny, who would otherwise not have existed, became such enthusiastic supporters of CND.  Nuclear proliferation, which has become such a threat to present and future generations, is due in part to the activities of British traitors.  Another unfortunate result is that the Japanese now consider themselves the victims of the Second World War to the exclusion of remorse for the atrocities committed from the rape of Nanking onwards.

I doubt if many will give thanks on the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II for the timely arrival of the atomic bombs which brought an abrupt end to the Second World War, but I certainly will.                                                                                                                                                                P R T.

Outing – English Martyrs R.C. Church, Goring-by-Sea

It is proposed to have an outing to visit this church with its reproduction of the Sistine Chapel ceiling followed by lunch at Marine Gardens on Saturday 24^th September.  Own cars and car sharing to be arranged.  Anyone interested please telephone Anne on 023 9245 1075

St. Faith’s Town Fair – Saturday 27^th August 2005 10am-3.30pm

This year the Fair will have a 1940s theme with music and displays from the period. 

Thank you to all those who have offered to help, particularly to Mike Dodsworth for taking on the raffle.  We still need helpers for some of the stalls and any goods that you could donate such as books, handicraft, toys, or tombola prizes.  Please contact                                Ann Buckley or Sandra

My Second Visit to Nsawam Ghana 2-16 May 2005

I left home on 2 May for my flight to Ghana via Amsterdam where they almost always loose my luggage during the transfer of planes.  However, this time, to my great surprise, it went straight through with no problems.

I had no idea who was going to meet me in Accra, as my appointed driver had moved up north.  Over the period of time, I have learnt to “let go” and let it happen.  Believe me, it always works!  Well it does for me, and who should be at the arrival barrier but Fr. Felix’s wife, Grace, with Fr. Felix not far behind.  My goodness, what a wonderful surprise.  I’ve put that down as one of my treasured moments.

So out of the airport we went to face the cars, taxis, coaches, and the heat.  What turmoil, but Grace, in her cool calm way, got Fr. Felix out of the horrendous confusion and soon we were speeding along the “highway” to Nsawam.  Grace is a headmistress to a very big school, so the following morning she left early.

I spent part of the morning of the 3^rd sorting out my bag with presents, etc.  I asked Fr. Felix if I could go out to the church, which was just over the road.  He hesitated somewhat and when we went and opened the door, to my horror, it was like a tip.  They were in the throws of cleaning and sanding the pews which were similar ours.  Seeing it was my birthday the following day, I really wanted to celebrate in church with all the congregation of Nsawam, but Fr. Felix led me away and said it will all be put back for my birthday the following day!  So I got Fr. Felix’s “boy” to sneak over to the church and grab two great vases stuffed with artificial flowers so I could wash and arrange them and get them back into the church before they were missed.  They were very dirty due to the sanding of the pews.

Next day, 4^th, was my birthday.  The morning was very busy with people trying to keep me away, lots of phone calls, people popping in to the Rectory to have a whisper.  It was all very exciting.  At 5pm, Fr. Felix, a lady from the church myself and Grace, who had travelled back from her school (1½ hours drive away), as she just wanted to share my birthday, all sat down to share Marion Simmons wonderful cake that she had made me and then we all went our separate ways – me to my room to put on my Ghanaian dress to prepare for the service.

We then all trooped over to the church, which looked as if it was locked up for the night.  As soon as we arrived at the door, all the lights went up and the church was packed, including the lovely children.  At the side of the pews, there sat a lovely birthday cake, nestling on a table, with a lovely lace cloth and more cards.  I was once again officially introduced to the congregation who already knew me from last year.  This was followed by hymns and blessings.  Then the two piece band started playing, just like the buskers in Chichester High Street – they were great!  There were three children by my side itching to dance, so I got up and we all danced together.

Well that was the beginning of my visit.  What happened in the 12 days left would fill a book.  It certainly filled my exercise book!

Ghana is just like you see on the television.  Mainly scrub land with trees dotted here and there, one “main” road going from north to south, and of course, you have the Volta River running through the lovely Shair Hills.

Seeing I did not know where I was heading when Grace turned up one day with her driver and the manager of the school, the next thing I knew I was whisked away dressed only in a shirt top and sandals to climb the hills.  However, I got to the top with gentle encouragement by my burly black guys and down again. Although it was an animal sanctuary, no animals were seen – they were all asleep as it was 1pm and the sun was at its highest.  The area is all scrub land and stunted trees.  I think it has a beauty of its own and one would not expect anything more, certainly not in that heat.

I found the people a very proud nation so I did not notice whether they were poor or rich.  They just struck me as a wonderful loving nation, always smiling.  I got on very well with them – as you can imagine I will talk to anyone maybe that was why Fr. Felix would not let me out on my own!  He was very protective.  Coming back to the services, they were of the old version and I found it very difficult to follow the prayer book.  Fr. Felix hopped from one page to the other and then back again, always using great energy to get over what he was preaching, with much gesture of the hands, eyes closed, pacing up and down, but bless his heart, he would suddenly realise I was in the congregation and revert into English.  I think he was thinking, let’s keep her awake!  It was very clever how he did switch from one language to the other and I did appreciate it.  The amazing thing I found was the “washing up” bowls – you would never guess what they were for – collection!  Well it did make sense, because it is all paper money out there and you can imagine using a plate.  (The currency in Ghana is the cedi).  One puff of wind and it would be raining money as most of the services were held out in the open on scrub land.  It was the only way many people could attend, because the parish stretches a long distance and there is a lack of priests.

I had quite an experience when Fr. Felix was holding a funeral service for a young lad, no more than 20 years old, who was knocked down by a reckless driver and was killed.  I was invited to attend and there was a black dress laid on my bed the night previous.  The church was absolutely packed.  In fact, they had to run around to find chairs for us.  I should imagine the whole of the Salvation Army was there as the deceased had been a member.  Once again, quite a few hymns and prayers and a very long address.  We were invited back to the village of the boy.  Somehow Fr. Felix and I got split up and I found myself in this small commune sitting with the ladies eating rice and drinking water.  I was assured by the ladies that Fr. Felix would find me.  He did!

The funeral lasted three days.  The first day is private, the second day is for the villagers and the service, and the third day is for the family at the burial ground.  Apparently, Friday is funeral day in Ghana.

On the Sunday we had yet another open air service somewhere out of town.  Maybe it is held there so that the out of town villagers can attend, but this service was the longest yet – five hours!  Fr. Felix spent a lot of time welcoming visitors and going through “what is coming up”.  This service was anointing of oil, followed by the Eucharist, but the “long” version, then followed the “washing up bowls” – in other words fund raising.  Fr. Felix would start with a high amount of cedi and drop until someone comes and puts that amount called out into the “washing up” bowl and then the figure will drop little by little until everyone has donated what they are prepared to give – it was like an auction.  In this instant they wanted to buy a couple of motor bikes for a priest to go visiting giving communion to the “out back” people.  We both came home very tired.

I had so many wonderful moments but too many for this article.  I just loved every minute of my stay and was very sorry to leave, but Fr. Felix did reassure me that I was welcomed at any time.  I asked him whether I could be his secretary, but the reply was I would be too expensive!  Still I did try.

Here ended my magical two weeks in Ghana.  Can’t wait for my next visit!                   Pam Le Goaziou

 (Pam’s first visit can be found in the December 2004 edition of “Faith Matters”)

St. Faith’s Town Fair – Saturday 27^th August 2005 – Bottle Stall

Contributions of bottles for the Bottle Stall at the Town Fair would be much appreciated.  If you would like to donate, please call Les Plater (9247 1075) or Roger Simmonds (9248 6697) to arrange collection.  Last year the bottle stall raised over £400.

News from Nottingham

Never watch Doctor Who with theology students.  Watching the final episode, far from hiding behind the sofa, we were on the edge of it as the theological themes unfolded.  Which made us realise how immersed in our studies we are becoming.  This is not really surprising, as we are now in the middle of a seven-week course of Contextual Theology – that is, applying theology to real life (though normally only on this planet). 

Theology affects everything because God is everywhere. In a theological college, you can sometimes forget that theology affects “normal” life, so over these weeks we are looking at many different contexts and issues and applying our theology to them; when we leave here, that is what we will doing all the time.

We spent one week looking at different communities in the Nottingham area.  We started by going in small groups to look at particular areas and find out as much as we could about them.  My group went to Hyson Green, which is one of the most deprived places in the whole country, but which is now improving, owing to some large regeneration grants and the arrival of the Nottingham tram system.  We found that many of the local community initiatives are led by faith groups and we met several of them without having to look very hard.  In the basement of the United Reformed church we found a thriving café, which combined a children’s club with a lunch place for elderly people – an unusual blend.

We spent a day in a church in Broxtowe – a housing estate classified as an urban priority area, where unemployment is over 45%.  The church doubles up as a community centre and it was clear that, although very few people regularly attend the church, the church is a really important part of the community.  Churches like this would not be able to operate without financial support from other parishes through the diocesan “parish share” system, but they are a vital part of the Church of England’s mission.

As a complete contrast, we had a “rural day”, with a vicar who is responsible for 8 parishes, with 9 churches but fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.  We met some of his parishioners and learned about the role of the parish church in village life, where again the church is very important, even for people who do not attend.  We also visited a farm and got to climb on a tractor, which, for those of us townies who don’t expect to end up in rural ministry, was rather exciting.

One of the most inspiring mornings was when a prostitute outreach worker came and told us about her work.  Many years ago, when she was herself a prostitute, she started a local outreach service, which supports sex workers (male and female) in Nottingham’s red light district, by offering advice on issues such as personal safety, health and drugs, as well as counselling, legal representation and safe accommodation for people in danger.  Ministry takes many forms and we, as prospective Christian ministers, were deeply impressed by this clear example of loving service to people in need.

Our course then moved on to look at how theology affects “big issues”, such as technology, global poverty and work.  Having studied chunks of the Bible in some depth over the last few months, it is really fascinating to apply it to everything under the sun: it is like looking at everything with new glasses.  Admittedly, it is slightly alarming when you catch yourself reflecting theologically on your trip to Sainsbury’s, but educational nonetheless.

We had a useful and entertaining day of media training from the Southwell diocese communications director.  By doing mock radio and newspaper interviews with us, she showed how the media can hugely affect public perceptions of the church.  She also showed us examples of some PR disasters for the church.  A useful tip was that it is much easier to edit your words in a newspaper than on radio, so if you want to be quoted accurately it’s better to be interviewed on the radio – though far more scary! 

In the middle of June was the college’s annual Commissioning Service, when we said goodbye to the second year students, as they left to go all over the country, to be ordained as deacons in a few weeks.  It was a very moving service and several of the departing students spoke about how they have changed during their time here; what was impressive was how they all looked and sounded like confident clergy, even though they claimed not to be.  Those of us left behind are suddenly the senior class (or we will be when the new class arrives in September) and I think we all felt quite daunted at the thought that this time next year we will be the ones leaving to be ordained.  We also have the weighty responsibility of ensuring the continuation of the great college traditions, such as maintenance of the tuck shop and the telling of a joke every Friday lunchtime.

Other useful clergy-skills I have learned (mainly by observation of my own and other people’s mistakes) include “How to ice a chocolate cake with limited ingredients”, “How to host your own Eurovision Song Contest” and “How to stage-manage All Age Worship out of doors when it’s about to thunder.”  And even (in this hot weather) “How to write a parish magazine article while in danger of being sprayed through the window by exuberant children in possession of a hose.”

Rachel Phillips (is the niece of Alan Hakim)

Mr Carter

Due to space considerations the article on Mr Carter referred to on page 7 of the July 2005 edition of “Faith Matters” will appear in a future magazine.

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