From the Rector – Starting over…

As we begin this September we can’t fail to be reminded that the children return to school and that a new school year is beginning.  Although the church’s year begins on Advent Sunday at the start of December, there is a sense in which we are all entering this new term with a great deal of anticipation and excitement.  This autumn there are a number of new programmes being offered at St Faith’s for children and adults, which are being launched at a special service on the 9^th September (the day after our annual Town Fair).  So please make a big effort to come and think of this service as an opportunity to bring a friend along with you, so they can see what the church offers.  We are calling this the Back in the Swing of things Sunday and it will reflect the new courses being held throughout the term for young and old, new and established to the church.

So what are we doing this autumn?  Let me give you a preview of one or two things.  Firstly we are going to run a ten week course introducing the Christian faith.  The course will be aimed primarily at newcomers to church, but can be a very useful opportunity for those of you who feel it is time to review what you understand about the life of Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the church.  If you are asking questions such as ‘how does faith help me in my daily life’ or ‘what was the real message Jesus came to share’ then this course may also be for you.  The course will run on Wednesday evenings starting on the 26^th September.  There are many activities that run at St Faith’s – so much so that there are numerous ways to be involved in the life of the church.  For example, there is a wonderful choir, who rehearse on Friday nights (their new term starts on the 7^th September), and are very welcoming to new members.  The choir leads the worship at our main weekly Eucharist at 9:30am every Sunday and the monthly patters sees a Family Service on the first Sunday of the month which has a contemporary feel to it, while the other Sundays of the month are more traditional.  For the last couple of years we have given the children of the choir the opportunity to join the Sunday Club on the second Sunday of the month. 

Our children’s provision sees a couple of new enterprises also this year.  As well as the Sunday Club for 3-11 year olds, there is a Crèche for the under 3s and we will be introducing a new group for the 11’s and over.  Their focus for this new group will be on music and discussion, usually over breakfast.  All this happens on a Sunday from 9:15am in the Church House and Church Hall on the Pallant.

So, these are just a few of the activities we will be highlighting at our service on 9^th September at 9:30am, so please come along to find out more.                                                                                 David

The Five Churches

In writing about the “Great Fire Blitz” of 10 January 1941 I stated that six churches were destroyed, one of which was the Mother Church of Southsea, St Paul’s but what about the other five?  The first one I tracked down was St Barnabas in Claxton Street, Landport.  There is some interesting background because it was first a Mission founded by St Mary’s Church in 1879.  It was described as ”leaky, hot, ill-ventilated and ill-lighted”!  In 1900, it was replaced by a new mission church designed by Sir Arthur Blomfield, who had been the architect of St Mary’s.  It was an impressive church, with a brick interior, stone columns and mosaic floors in the chancel and sanctuary.  The services were described as moderately high with sung Mass on Sundays.  Following its destruction in the blitz, when everything was lost except the plate, it was decided after the war not to rebuild it.  However, it did have links with St Faith Mission which decided to remember the destroyed church by having a St Barnabas Chapel.  Some members of our church visited the Mission some months ago for a special evening.  Do any of you remember whether they still have a St Barnabas Chapel?

The next church was mentioned by Admiral Sir William James and is the Garrison Church, Domus Dei (God’s House), which was originally a hospital and chapel.  In the raid, the roof of the nave (the original infirmary) and the aisles were destroyed.  The church was founded in 1205, with the hospital dedicated to St Nicholas and the Chapel to St John the Baptist.  After the Dissolution, the church became Crown property and eventually became the residence of the Governor, usually a soldier.  In the last century, the church was often called the Army Cathedral because of the Sunday Church Parades with dress uniforms and marching bands.  Sadly, this splendid church is now a ruin and there are, seemingly, no plans to restore it.  (Peter Thomas has told me that Admiral James had been the baby in the famous Pears Soap Advertisement and that throughout his career he was known as “Bubbles”!)

The third church was the magnificent St John The Evangelist in Prince George Street, Portsea, described as a fine Georgian building.  It cost £7,000 in 1787, including the Vicarage, and some of the cost was defrayed by selling the pews, which could be sold on or inherited.  (Now there’s an idea, Rector!)  The church was built in the Venetian style, made famous in England by Wren, and a wonderful Venetian window pieced the west wall.  What was described as a magnificent carved and gilded organ case was incorporated into a gallery above the Altar.  The first service was in July 1789 but did you know that evening services could not be held until an Act of Parliament in 1806!  (You did know!)   When they started, the congregation had to bring their own candles to light the church.  (Now there’s another idea, Rector!)  A chandelier was eventually installed but in 1823 the Sexton complained that “the cost of lighting the church had exceeded all previous years and that they should be very circumspect in such expenditure for the future!”

The fourth church was the Elm Grove Baptist Church.  The Baptists were established first in Gosport before opening a Meeting House at the western end of Southsea (then Portsmouth) Common in 1698.  In 1704 a Chapel was built in Kent Street, Portsea, which lasted until 1847 when what was described as a distinguished Gothic building replaced it.  This cost £4,000 and seated 800!  Over the next 200 years doctrinal disputes split the Baptists into factions, one of which built in 1879 a fine Baptist Chapel in Elm Grove next door to No.1 Bush Villas, which you know from reading “Faith Matters” was the home of Dr Conan Doyle from 1882 until 1890.  Sad to record that both the Elm Grove Baptist Church and No.1 Bush Villas were destroyed on that appalling night.

Finally, we come to the last of our five churches or so I thought!  I have already written in “Faith Matters” about the deeds of a man who was a descendant of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, Classical scholar, one-time Chairman of the Portsmouth Football Club, a quite wonderful preacher and churchman.  This remarkable man was The Reverend Bruce Cornford who built St Matthew’s Church.  (In July, our Editor mentioned that we had received an enquiry from the Cornford family in Tasmania, following these articles in “Faith Matters” in 2003).  In his definitive work, “Churches, Chapels & Places of Worship on Portsea Island”, John Offord stated that St Matthews Church was destroyed on 10 January 1941 and that The Reverend Bruce Cornford was spared the sight of  the destruction of his beloved church, having died a few weeks earlier.  However, the Portsmouth Corporation Records show that, in fact, Cornford died on 29 January 1941 and that St Matthews was bombed on 10 March 1941.  So, dear reader, I am now trying again to trace the fifth church!  Can anyone help?                                                                                                                    Roger Bryant

Service on 19 August 2007

Barbara & Bill Skilleter (see below) renewed their marriage vows in St. Faith’s Church at the 9.30am Parish Eucharist on 19 August and one of the hymns was "Let bells peal forth the universal fame" sung to the tune Woodlands.  It is known as the bell ringers’ hymn.  At the end of the service, the processional anthem played by the organist was written for the dedication service last October of a new ring of 12 bells donated to Holy Trinity Church, Wall Street, New York by a wealthy Englishman.  He made his fortune on Wall Street.

Barbara & Bill Skilleter - Ruby Wedding Anniversary

We met at Purley Orchid Ballroom in 1964 - I was on weekend leave from HMS Ark Royal based at Plymouth.  Barbara worked as a Dental Nurse in Reigate.  I wrote to Barbara asking her to meet up again - after this meeting I drove up most weekends from Plymouth to see her.

After about 3 months Ark Royal sailed for a 12 month trip to the Far East in this time we wrote letters to each other.  On my return we carried on seeing each other.  We got engaged in 1966 and about a year later we were married on 19 August 1967 at St. Mary’s Parish Church Reigate by Canon G A Baker, with the Honeymoon in Scotland.

We set up home at Horsham  but after 12 months moved to Gosport as I had been sent on a 2½ years engineering course at HMS Collingwood.

In 1982 we lived at Horndean and I was down the Falklands in HMS Broadsword and one of our neighbours had just taken up bell ringing and knew Barbara learnt as a young girl and thought it would help her to take her mind off things to go ringing.  This renewed her interest in ringing again.  When I returned home in 1982 I went with Barbara to see this ringing and made the mistake of saying “this looks easy” - I soon found out that is not true.  We now live at Cowplain and have 3 children and 2 grand children.                                                                                              Bill Skilleter

History Enacted in Historic Setting

The Dynamo Youth Theatre presented a promenade production of "Roses of Eyam" by Don Taylor in St Faith's Church and Churchyard from 10^th to 14^th July.  With a cast of over 50, a crew of 30 as well as support by the committee and parents, the director, Andrew Bowker achieved the impossible dream: a three-hour performance by teenagers which enthralled and moved those privileged to be present.

The acting was totally focussed with the lines delivered clearly and convincingly.  The audience could see well because of a new stage and raised acting areas in various parts of the church and grounds.  Additional lighting and carefully chosen music enhanced the experience.  The costumes were imaginatively made to reflect not only the 17^th century but also the various families represented.

Audience movement was sensitively handled by the victims of the plague, assisted by the stewards, which added atmosphere to the overall performance.

The contrast in the life of the village before and after the arrival of the box of plague-carrying cloth was clearly demonstrated.  The audience felt drawn into the dilemma of the remaining villagers and the main characters did not spare themselves in sharing their feelings.

Although the play presented a challenge to all concerned, the success of the venture vindicated all the hard work which must have gone into the preparation of such an ambitious production.

The idea to use the church and grounds, situated in the town centre, was brilliantly conceived and, with the new platforms, could pave the way to further worthwhile projects.

Geoff Porter

St Faith's Art Group

The Art Group meets every Tuesday morning from 10am until 12-noon in the Church Hall.  We are just a group of people who share a common interest in drawing and painting.  Mostly we work individually on subjects of our own choice based on photographs, books and magazines.

We welcome people of all abilities and can provide basic help and advice for beginners.  The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed with a quiet time to work, but time to talk and discuss our work as well.

If you are interested, do call and see us any Tuesday morning, or ring me on 023 9248 3345.                                           

Alfred Powell
 

I’m Fine

There’s nothing whatever the matter with me.

I’m just as healthy as I can be,

I have arthritis in both my knees

And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze.

My pulse is weak and my blood is thin,

But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

I think my liver is out of whack

And a terrible pain is in my back,

My hearing is poor, my sight is dim,

Most everything seems to be out of trim,

But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

I have arch supports for both my feet,

Or I wouldn’t be able to go on the street.

Sleeplessness, I have night after night,

And in the morning I’m just a sight,

My memory is failing, my head’s in a spin,

I’m peacefully living on aspirin.

But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in.

The moral is, as this tale we unfold,

That for you and me, who are growing old,

It’s better to say, ‘I’m fine’ with a grin

Than to let them know the shape we’re in.

“HOW TRUE”!!!

Found in a Book – Pamela LeGoaziou

 Departure of Fr Charles Keay

Fr Charles Keay joined St. Faith’s as an assistant curate on 28 June 2003 and was ordained to the Priesthood on 27 June 2004 by Bishop Kenneth at Portsmouth Cathedral.  Charles’ last service was on 29 July 2007 and he, Annie and Rufus are moving to Alford in Lincolnshire to become the priest for the Alford Group of Churches.  The Alford Group of Parishes is made up of nine Churches, with eight independent PCCs all working together through a single Group Council.  These are St. Wilfrid’s Church, Alford; St. Andrew’s Church, Beesby; Holy Trinity Church, Bilsby; St. Andrew’s Church, Farlesthorpe; St Andrew’s Church, Hannah with Hagnaby and St. Peter’s Church, Markby; St. James’ Church, Rigsby with Ailby; St. Margaret’s Church, Saleby and St Margaret’s Church, Well.  Fr Charles’ installation is at 7.30pm on Thursday 6^th September at St. Wilfrid’s Church, Alford.  Charles was presented with a Sarah Butterfield print of St. Faith’s, a bottle of wine, Jaffa cakes, and a cheque; Annie a bouquet of flowers and a little car for Rufus.  There were various cards, including one from Sunday Club. 

Visit to the Holy Land – Part 3 of 4

On Sunday we visited Yad Vashem this is Israel's memorial to the Holocaust, it was a special y at the museum, the following day was Holocaust Day and today the president of Israel and lots of high ranking army officers including the head of the army with various television and press were all there.  It was all very well laid out and impossible not to feel very strong emotions, outside is the Avenue of the Righteous - there are carrot trees planted either side of the path, the trees are planted in memory of the gentiles (non Jews) who helped Jews during the war.  

We head off for Ain Kareem to the church of St. John the Baptist where we remember the visit of Mary to her cousin Elizabeth; it was a beautiful, peaceful church cared for as are many of the buildings by Franciscan monks.  

Next stop Bethlehem, Bethlehem is part of the West Bank and we had to go through checkpoints.  On the walls outside it said ‘Peace Be With You'.  First we visit the shepherds fields, actually it was a natural cave - at the time it was quite large and went back a long way; two hundred sheep would easily fit inside with their shepherds.  As we stood outside (there was a wasps nest inside - so we came out quite quickly) we sang a verse of ‘0 Little Town of Bethlehem’ - I found all these quiet moments very special.  

Back on the mini bus and we visit The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation - this is a hospital staffed by Christians and Muslims, outside there is a sign 'Every patient is first and foremost a human being'.  The patients are mostly Palestinian and we were shown around, they manage on mostly donations and work under very difficult conditions.  The Christians feel called to do God's work here in Bethlehem, committed to stay, the wall is very close to the hospital and the Israeli's are building another settlement very close to it. The director of the hospital had some land on the Israeli side but since the wall has been built has lost it.  We had a Eucharist here and then were treated to a lovely lunch - next stop Manger Square.

The square is part of the original church but through time and various rebuilding was lost, the Roman Catholic, Armenian and Greek Orthodox all have a section within the complex, the RC part had a separate name St. Catherine's and was the largest.  There was a courtyard in front with a statue of St. Jerome (it was he who lived in a cave on this site and translated the bible - it took some thirty years).  The church of the Nativity is built over the original cave of the birth of Jesus, it was very busy here with many pilgrims and felt rather like 'Paddy's Market' - the site of the birth is a fourteen pointed star (to represent the fourteen generations from David to Jesus) flat on the floor, there is a curtain shielding the site with little lamps hanging above it.  We came outside to the courtyard and sang a verse of 'Away in a Manger’.  I found these moments more meaningful - close your eyes and you’re there.  

Back on the mini bus, there were long delays to get out of Bethlehem through the checkpoints but everyone is very patient - I guess that it is just the way it is.  The new bishop of Jerusalem was enthroned today and we walked across to St. George's Cathedral (just a few minutes walk from the hotel) the service started at 4pm we arrived just before six, the Bishop, Suheil Salman Dawani was nearing the end of his sermon.  Parts of the service were in English and parts in Arabic, we sang the responses in Arabic and the hymns each in our own language, at the end as they all processed out the choir sang (and we all joined in) 'We Shall Overcome' and the second verse 'We shall live in peace' and then 'We shall walk hand in hand’.

 After the day that we had had I found this rather moving and felt that we should all be standing and holding hands as we sang  As we came out of the cathedral a scout band was playing - there were saxophones, drums, trombones, etc., they were very enthusiastic it was a wonderful cheerful sound.

Monday started earlier than usual, we left the hotel at 7.30am.  I heard the Muslims called to prayer at around 4.30am - the time seemed to vary between 4 and 4.45 am.  We were off to Masada at the southern end of the Dead Sea; this is the lowest point of the earth’s surface.  Obviously flat on the Dead Sea side but mountainous on the other side - it is classed as desert as it has less than 200mm of rain a year.  On the journey we saw large areas of palm trees, some were being picked they were using a cherry picker style thing - it looked quite bizarre, also saw acacia trees, these are umbrella like and provide good shade in the desert.  This wood was used in the making of the Ark of the Covenant.  

We had to go through checkpoints again today, most of the Dead Sea area is in the West Bank.  Arriving at Masada we travelled the 400m to the top of the mountain by cable car there was a path called the Snake Path that has steps with a hand rail, there didn't look to be any resting places!  Herod built Masada as one of his fortresses; it is quite amazing, just imagine the planning, etc., into this happening, aquaducts were built bringing water coming down the hills from Jerusalem, there was even a swimming pool, and many good examples of mosaics on the floors and the walls, no expense can have been spared.  Jewish Zealots who withstood the Roman army after the fall of Jerusalem in around 70AD took Masada - they had food and water and could have lasted.  When they felt that the Romans could not be stopped, the leader called them to the synagogue and sold them the idea of suicide, although against their law, slavery to the Romans was a much worse option to them.  The men killed the wives and children, and the last ten men drew lots (the tiles with the names on were found) for the one who should kill the other nine and then fall on his own sword.  The only thing the Zealots destroyed were the weapons to stop the Romans using them and to show that they still had plenty of supplies.  

It was getting very hot and George wanted us back on the mini bus heading for Qumran.  This is where a Bedouin Shepherd boy found the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947 - it sounds like an adventure story doesn't it?  There are copies of all the books of the Old Testament, except Esther (this book does not mention God); these are the oldest manuscripts in existence.  There were 931 documents from different periods as early as 300BC to 40AD.  They give a snap shot of the world Jesus ministered with his disciples and shed light on the practise of the Jewish religion during the periods when the books of the Bible were written.  The group were Essences, men who lived in caves in the hills, they wanted a simple, spiritual life -they called themselves 'Sons of Light' and others Jews and Gentiles 'Sons of Darkness' - they spent there days writing the scriptures and laws.

After lunch we head for a dip in the Dead Sea, the water and the mud are very good for the skin and there are lots of Dead Sea Beauty products available.  It was very warm here; most people went for a float (as you do in the Dead Sea). I sat on the waters edge and enjoyed just sitting - one of our party had difficulty working out how to stand as she was floating away towards Jordan - we helpfully offered to send her passport over for her!  

We made our way back to the hotel, it had become our habit to sit and enjoy a nice cuppa and a chat over the day and then either before or after dinner we met up for drinks in Ann and John’s room for more chat and to talk over what we would be doing the following day.

Sandra Haggan 

Part 4 will appear in next month’s “Faith Matters”

Christian Aid

The final total raised for the two weeks in May in the Church Hall for Christian Aid was £8,548.39 net.

Townswomen’s Guild

In July, I took a plane journey to Glasgow to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Townswomen’s Guild (TG).  There were four of us from Havant and Emsworth TG, including my fellow St. Faith’s member Sheila Creech.  I was our delegate this year being our current Chairman and my companions were to be observers.  We were joined at various pick ups by the other 17 TG ladies from East Hants Federation and made our way to Southampton Airport for our flight to Scotland.  We arrived without mishap and we were soon settled at our Hotel for our evening meal.

The next day saw us heading for Edinburgh.  Our first stop was at Leith for a look at how the winners of the contest to house or rather ‘dock’ the Royal Yacht Britannia had met their promise of appropriate care for the redundant vessel.  It was superb.  The Yacht was, to my eyes, in spick & spam condition.  The Royal Rooms (berths), the ships company quarters, the Royal Marines barracks and the fantastic Engine Room were all immaculate and well preserved.  We especially liked the ‘Fudge Shop’!  Not sure that that was there originally though! 

From here we were taken into Edinburgh itself and dropped off at the junction of Princes Street and the Royal Mile.  Sheila and I had decided to walk to Holyrood House but after only 10 yards or so we realised that the coach had pulled up beside us!  Would we like a lift?  We certainly would!  Our driver had taken pity on us – I wonder why?  We were to abandon all ideas of grandeur however when, having wandered amongst our second Royal residence of the day, we found ourselves trudging back up the hill to Princes Street on foot – getting a bit lost – finding ourselves again in M&S – getting lost again – finally arriving back at the coach for our ride back to Glasgow!

The next day we went to our AGM and what a day it was.  After finding our seats in the splendid Glasgow Royal Concert Hall we stood to welcome the platform party.  This was headed by a lady Piper, our Patron the Princess Royal, our Chairman and our president Dame Diana Britton and the rest of our Executive committee.  The platform was decorated in TG colours – green and mauve – and looked very dramatic.  We enjoyed a speech given by the Princess which showed us how interested in the TG she is and how she admires our achievements both as a whole and as individuals.  1,500 women where present at the meeting – fewer than in former years – but perhaps our venue was not quite as easy for some to attend.  However, all guilds were able to watch and cheer when their local banner was paraded and all of the UK from Northern Ireland to the Isle of Wight was applauded warmly!  We then got down to the business side of the day.

Our debate this year was on Climate Change – too hot to handle?  We heard from speakers from ‘Friends of the Earth (Scotland)’ and ‘Carbon Neutral NE’.  Several members asked questions – what about packaging?  What about nappies?  What about food from abroad, etc?  Sound familiar?  However, some new ideas did surface and I may be passing those on later!

In the afternoon, we were treated to a very funny and enlightening talk by Gervaise Phinn, the Author, one time teacher and school inspector in the Yorkshire Dales.  An excellent speaker and he had us ‘rolling in the aisles’! 

After a lovely display of Scottish Dancing by a team of girls ages 16-6 our meeting ended the way it had begun with the bagpipes reminding us of where we were with their haunting sound and melody.  Our day wasn’t over yet though.  After a quick wash and brush up we were heading off again, by coach, to Loch Lomond for our evening boat trip.  A piper was there waiting to pipe us on board and, apart from the weather not being at its best, we were content to sit and watch the amazing scenery drift by while we enjoyed a tasty buffet!  One of our Guild slogans is ‘Leading Women Forward’ – and I have found that TG does just that.  It aims to give all women a chance to grow and develop their potential whatever their race, creed or background.  Our roots go back to the Suffragist Movement (not to be confused with the Suffragettes!)

We welcome ladies to come and visit us at our meeting.  The first Wednesday of every month (except August) at the URC Hall, Elm Road, at 2pm.  No obligation to join or commit!  See either Sheila or myself for more details. 

Shirley Caunter

Shirley & Sheila in the Royal Yacht’s Wardroom bar
 

About Tearfund

We are Christians passionate about the local church bringing justice and transforming lives – overcoming global poverty.

So our ten-year vision is to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 local churches.

We have five priority areas that we focus our work on:

• Defeating disease: our goal is to help stop the spread of HIV and reverse the impact of AIDS.
• Improving basic services: guaranteeing clean water and good sanitation in the areas that we work.
• Tackling disasters: responding to disasters, but also investing in churches in vulnerable areas so that they are better equipped to cope when disaster strikes
• Climate change: mobilising churches in the UK and Ireland to take action themselves and persuade governments to cut greenhouse gas emission, but also helping people in poverty adapt to the reality of climate change.
• Resolving injustice: Tearfund’s plan to resolve injustice begins with campaigning for trade justice, as I international trade rules are rigged to favour rich countries.

So we’re mobilising our worldwide network of Christians and churches, inviting you to pray for the church in your locality, and local churches overseas, as each plays its part to end poverty.

Full details are available on: www.bepartofamiracle.org.uk or from Mary Bracher