JULY 2009
_____________________________________________________________________
‘VICAR’S LETTER’
Dear Friends,
I am so pleased at the way everyone responded my appeal to support the confirmation, both by attending the service and also by providing food for the supper. If I may quote someone who was involved, “a wonderful service . . . a long time since I have seen so many people engaged, committed and enjoying a service.” It is truly wonderful that no less than twelve adults from Harley and Wentworth made a commitment to faith that evening, eleven being confirmed and one baptised. All of us were helped and inspired by the way that Bishop David Hallatt conducted the service; I am sure even our new Bishop could not have done better.
Please do as one person has already done and have an eye out for people who have started attending recently and who might wish to consider taking a similar move forward. And keep making those who took part on June 14th feel at home. As with so many other things in life, after-care is all important.
I also want to congratulate all involved with the Art Festival which was, from what people tell me, a markedly successful event. Sylvia and I hope to be able to help next year. I dislike mentioning names because I cannot list so large a team. But I must thank Stephen for his capable organisation of the day. And by the time you read this, he will have ticked off another event in the church’s calendar, the Garden Party. Now he has become a churchwarden he does not feel he can continue to do this big job in 2010. Volunteers may queue up at the church door on Sunday! More seriously, we all need to think hard about who might take this on.
For two months running nobody has come to the Thursday Communion service, so I must conclude that this is something people do not want. Fair enough, there is plenty of opportunity to worship God on Sundays. However, if anyone does feel a weekday service would serve a useful purpose, please have a word with me about when would be a convenient day/time for you. Thursday at 10.00 was just a stab in the dark.
A saint’s day this month is that of Mary Magdalene. It is thought she was the woman who bathed the feet of Jesus in expensive perfume and was definitely one of those who discovered the empty tomb on Easter Day. Recalling her is a useful corrective to the idea that all our Lord’s disciples were men. Granted, the twelve apostles were, but a great many women other than Mary were also attracted into the group which followed Jesus through both joy and sorrow. The Church of England was right, in the last century, to take the decision that women should be ordained to the priesthood. As some of you will know, this does not stop me respecting the opinion of those who consider that all priests, like the apostles, should be men. But in the larger scheme of things, one cannot imagine that our Lord would ever have intended to exclude half of humanity from serving Him and His Church in this way. And I am sure that the Church has greatly benefited from the gifts of those who have become women priests.
It is also true that, within any congregation, the gifts of all members need to be appreciated, drawn out and made use of. Just as in any field of life, some are good at organising, others at practical skills and, within a church, same have caring (or ‘pastoral’) gifts and others deeper spiritual understanding than the rest of us might have. I like to envision the church as a tapestry. Threads of many colours, some bright, some less striking, are drawn into a canvas. Pull out any thread, the tapestry is spoilt. Weave them all in, and the picture and its meaning is clear. To make our two churches the best they can be, we need all our gifts; and, in this way, we shall be the most effective at witnessing to our communities and, through such things as our wedding and baptism ministries, beyond them too.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Buckley
WATH CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES
Wentworth & Harley Mothers Union were thanked for holding the Wath Deanery MU National Family Week picnic on Pentecost Sunday.
All services leading up to Pentecost were well attended and positive feedback was given.
A future date for your diaries is
Saturday 11th July – Strawberry Fayre – Brampton Church – 2.00pm
At the AGM the following Officers were elected -
Chair Peter Bold
Vice Chair Barbara Sunderland
Treasurer Michael Thacker
Secretary Marlene Jackson
Publicity & Publications Anne Collier
All the dates for events to be held later in the year will appear in ‘Bridges’ nearer the time.
Sheila Wood
REPORTS
Wentworth W I June MEETING
We were delighted to welcome two new young ladies who having recently moved nearby are keen to become new members.
Our President Jennifer thanked those who supported the ‘Photographic Exhibition’ in the Mechanics on Sunday May 24th, by supplying cakes or by helping out on the day, along with donations given, we raised £85.00 each for our I and the Village Association.
Our team of four that represented Wentworth in the Heritage Walk at Woodsetts on Tuesday 9th June, only came fourth, but all the teams enjoyed supper at the local inn.
Everyone was reminded about the next meeting July 9th, which will be a members entertain evening, our theme being the 1940s. Hopefully everyone will dress up for that era, either with pinnies & rollers in, or overalls as Land Army Girls, anything goes. There will be poems, readings, stories, and music from that era, with wine & nibbles.
Our August evening out has now been arranged, we shall be having a meal at ‘Le Bistro’ in the village on Thursday, August 13th 6-00pm for 6-30pm.
Unfortunately our arranged speaker for this evening had to cancel, so once again our grateful thanks to our Speaker Secretary Lynn Glossop for organising another one quickly.
So our speaker was Mr Ian Hill from the ‘Anchor Trust’ with his talk entitled ‘Staying Put’
They are a charity based organisation developed to improve the lives of the elderly, vulnerable, or suffering from disability. They have over 30 years experience in this field and have 50 Home Improvement agencies on their books. They are the largest care provider in the country, encompassing Victim Support, Women’s Refuge and Sheltered Housing, they have a local base in Rotherham.
One of their main aims , to allow people if they wish, to stay in their own homes, is to prevent accidents or falls within the home y providing services and needs to assist this. Some of the smallest tasks can appear very daunting to some, so they employ a ‘Handy Person’ who works at a standard rate per hour. They will also advise about how to receive further help within the home, and can advise and help achieve funding required for improvements or extensions, thereby postponing future care requirements for the moment. It is hoped the ‘Anchor Trust’ will receive funding from the council so they can carry on for another three years, they hope then to increase their team members, employ more ‘Handy Persons’ and continue with their success.
Carol Barrass proposed a vote of thanks to our speaker, and the competition of a poem or limerick was won by Christine Hickling, 2nd was Pam Cooper and 3rd was Linda Wragg.
After Tea and Biscuits were served our meeting ended around 9.30pm
Susan Beedham
HOLY TRINITY LADIES GROUP JUNE MEETING
Twelve members were present at our June Meeting. The short opening service was taken by Marjorie Spitttlehouse. Pauline Fingado played the piano to accompany the hymns and also gave the bible reading, which was taken from the Book of James.
Our guest speaker was Lynne Packer, Service Manager at Rush House, who told us about the work they do and how they began with a six bed-roomed house and now have 47 beds. Rush House provides a range of accommodation, information and support services for young single people aged 16-25, who are homeless, inappropriately housed, or who are seeking accommodation with support. It was a very interesting talk.
Phyllis Walker and Janet Payling served the refreshments.
At our next meeting will be on Wednesday 1st July, at 2.00pm in the Mechanics Institute, where a Trainee Officer from the Salvation Army will be talking to us.
Visitors are always welcome.
Doreen Parkin
WENTWORTH AND HARLEY MOTHERS’ UNION
Our speaker in May was Sheila Barnes who is the Action and Outreach co-ordinator for the Sheffield Diocese. Sheila runs parenting groups which started in 2000 and told us how important it is and what a hard job to bring up children. Young parents are often under pressure to be ‘perfect’. Many young couples are away from their close family so do not have the support many had years ago. Children do not come with a set of instructions and we must remember that we are parents for life.
There are 100 parenting facilitators in the UK running parenting programmes. In 2003 the programme started in Australia and in Kenya and other countries in 2005. Sheila left us with a little thought which is printed below -
I hope my children look back on today
And see a parent who had time to play.
There will be years for cleaning and cooking
But children grow up when you’re not looking.
So, quiet down cobwebs; dust go to sleep,
I’m rocking my baby, and babies don’t keep.
On Thursday June 18, I attended the Mothers’ Union Worldwide meeting in Croydon. This was a very full day with representatives from many different countries including Australia, America, Canada, Zimbabwe, Kenya, West Indies, Southern Cone and Korea. In the afternoon we were entertained by the Saitmire Theatre Company. It was a most interesting meeting and made me aware of what an important organization the Mothers’ Union is. There are 3.6 million members in 78 different countries. I was able to attend the service in Southwark Cathedral the evening before where Margaret Sentamu was the speaker.
There are some Mothers’ Union Enterprises catalogues available to purchase gifts and Christmas cards.
Our speaker on Friday July 24 will be Mary White, her talk is titled “In Jesus’ Footsteps”. Mary is a most interesting speaker who inspires us all. Visitors to any of our meetings are most welcome. We meet at 7.3Opm in the vestry at Harley.
Sheila Wood
RIVENDELL COFFEE MORNING, 16 MAY 2009
We had our annual coffee morning at the home of Sandra and Ian MacDonald on 16 May; and what an enjoyable event it was, in spite of the weather – lovely surroundings, interesting conversation and things to buy and a happy and friendly atmosphere pervading.
They took £900 plus last year and said they wished they could take £1000. Well, this year they exceeded it, taking £1,011.36 on the day and further donations later of £35, making a magnificent total of £1,046.36.
Our warm and grateful thanks go to you both and your wonderful team of helpers and also to All the good people who “went and spent”, those who couldn’t go but gave generously. You make all the work and preparation and effort worthwhile. A very big thank you to you all.
Joan, Susan and Jean Clayton
ps This was a particularly pleasing result, as it was held in memory of Stella Hague, sadly missed in her usual position at the garden stall and whom we all remember with great affection and respect.
Art EXHIBITION 24 and 25 May 2009
We would very much like to thank everyone who helped in any way with the Souvenir Stall, and in particular Christine and Steve Clapham and Sandra and Barry Davis. We would also like to thank Pat and Ray Swift who spent a lot of time helping to arrange the raffle of Royal Worcester chine and selling raffle tickets.
The amount taken on the Souvenir Stall was £202.28 and in addition, the raffle took £70 giving a total of £272.28. Two plates and four mugs were given as raffle prizes.
Susan and Jean Clayton
We would like to thank all who helped to make the Tombola stall at the Art Exhibition a success by their gifts of prizes. We could not have held it without you.
Thank you
Marion and Simon Chatterton
I would like to thank Betty Young and Phyllis Walker, who once again gave up their Spring Bank Holiday Monday, to hold a stall at the Craft Sale & Table Top Sale at the Mechanics Institute and made over £100 for Church funds. They do this very quietly and unobtrusively, but it does not go un-noticed and is very much appreciated.
Many thanks to you both.
Joan, Susan and Jean Clayton
Garden Party – 20th JUNE
It was fine, the forecast good and the Garden Party was to be held outside (which is always a relief). We were fortunate to have a blustery wind, the wind did blow the clouds away and, except for a very short drizzle, it was dry and improved with sunshine as the day progressed.
The much anticipated entertainment from Wentworth School, was, as always, a delight, with instrumental solos, duos and numbers from “The Wizard of Oz”. Our thanks are always given to both staff and students who give of their own time in support of the event.
The Garden party was opened very eloquently by Mrs Sandra Mcdonald, who was keen to point out that normally she took the role of assistant to the second sales assistant at the Bric-a-Brac stall, and that this year, by virtue of her promotion to “Opener”, she felt that she would be accepted as an honorary villager (being told on many occasions that Hoober was not a proper part of the village).
The event is a team effort, people providing, people selling and people buying, without any one of the triangle, the event would collapse. So it is important that all are thanked for whatever their role in the event. Without each and very single one, the event would not happen, and that would be a great misfortune. A departing word from the third category (a people buying), let us know in no uncertain terms, that such a Church Garden Party which included the maypole dancing, games, raffles, afternoon teas etc. etc. were a much mélange quintessential English country tradition that were quickly disappearing, and that we should hold on to these traditions for as long as ever possible.
With everyone’s continued help, I’m sure that we shall.
The event raised over £1250. A tremendous effort and very sincere thanks you to all.
Stephen Clapham
Arts Festival, Pentecost Praise, Confirmation Supper & Garden Party
To all catering staff & to all who donated WOW. What a wonderful response. THANK YOU. Everyone worked so hard. Far too many names to mention. But again THANK YOU
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE!
Any one interested in joining our group to help, donate or wash tea towels & tablecloths please let me know
Please don’t think you would have to help at every event, we are aiming to work on a rota system
Also we need extra cover for the refreshments rota after Sunday Service
Chris Hayes
Catering Group
Bell Ringing
A delightful evening was held at Church during the middle of June, when over 20 adults, connected with the Scout Movement, were invited to “Have a Go” at hand bell ringing, and were also taken on a tour of the ringing chamber and bell chamber.
The hand bell music that they produced was very good and the activity, very much enjoyed as can be witnessed by the visitor book entries. Thanks were given to Wendy for her excellent hand bell instruction and to Barry for his knowledgeable tower visit. Refreshments were provided by Sandra and Christine.
After the event, the thought occurred that a repeat of the evening may well be appreciated by members of the church and their families, who haven’t had the opportunity to visit the ringing or bell chambers or the chance to ring hand bells (a very satisfying experience).
If you like the idea please let either Wendy, Barry or myself know and something can be organised.
Stephen Clapham
POPPY APPEAL 2009
I am now taking orders for wreaths, crosses, etc. for the Poppy Appeal 2009.
Telephone 01226 748442 between 4-6 pm (best time to get me), or email rjpayling@tiscali.co.uk.
Janet Payling
Poppy Appeal Organiser, Wentworth
SERVICES AND MEETINGS FOR JULY
Sunday 5th – Trinity 4
8.15am Holy Communion
9.30am Family Service [Harley]
10.45am Parish Communion
6.30pm Evensong
Saturday 11th
7.00pm A concert in church ‘Music for a Summer Evening’; proceeds to the Organ Fund & tickets available from Richard Taylor
Sunday 12th – Trinity 5
8.15am Holy Communion
9.30am Holy Communion [Harley]
10.45am Family Service
Wednesday 15th
2.15pm Wentworth School Leavers’ Service
Sunday 19th – Trinity 6
8.15am Holy Communion
9.30am Morning Prayer [Harley]
10.45am Parish Communion
6.30pm Evensong [in the OLD CHURCH]
Sunday 26th – Trinity 7
8.15am Holy Communion [in the OLD CHURCH]
9.30am Holy Communion
10.45am Morning Prayer
HARLEY MISSION NOTES
There will be a church stall at the Harley Gala on Sunday 12 July. Donations for this to be given to either Kathleen or Sheila please.
The Wednesday knitters still continue to meet every week, blankets, jumpers, hats, mittens and baby clothes are sent regularly to the various charities.
We were delighted that three of our congregation were confirmed at Wentworth on June 14, they were Emily, Simon and Penny, this was a wonderful occasion. Congratulations to Mollie and Maddie who passed their dancing exams, well done.
Sheila Wood
HARLEY MISSION CHURCH
DIARY DATES FOR JULY 2009
| DAY/DATE | TIME | EVENT |
| Wednesday 1 | 8.50am10.00am
1.30am |
Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group
Ladies Friendship/Knitting Group |
| Friday 3 | 8.50am | Morning Prayer |
| Sunday 5 | 9.30am | Family Service |
| Monday 6 | 8.50am10.00am | Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group |
| Wednesday 8 | 8.50am10.00am
1.30am |
Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group
Ladies Friendship/Knitting Group |
| Friday 10 | 8.50am | Morning Prayer |
| Sunday 12 | 9.30am1.00pm | Holy CommunionHARLEY GALA |
| Monday 13 | 8.50am10.00am | Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group |
| Wednesday 15 | 8.50am10.00am
1.30am |
Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group
Ladies Friendship/Knitting Group |
| Friday 17 | 8.50am | Morning Prayer |
| Saturday 18 | 9.15am | John Healey MP – Surgery |
| Sunday 19 | 9.30am | Morning Prayer |
| Monday 20 | 8.50am10.00am | Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group |
| Wednesday 22 | 8.50am10.00am
1.30am |
Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group
Ladies Friendship/Knitting Group |
| Friday 24 | 8.50am7.30am | Morning PrayerMothers Union |
| Sunday 26 | 9.30am | Holy Communion |
| Monday 27 | 8.50am10.00am | Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group |
| Wednesday 29 | 8.50am10.00am
1.30pm |
Morning PrayerMums and Tots Group
Ladies Friendship/Knitting Group |
| Friday 31 | 8.50am | Morning Prayer |
The Bible Study Group meets every Wednesday at 8.00pm at various venues. Please contact 0114 2570477 for details.
SIDESPEOPLE FOR JULY
5th Marian & Simon Chatterton
12th Betty Wilson & Sandra Davies
19th Stephen & Christine Clapham
26th Winnie Weldon & Biggie Freeze-Green
TEA/COFFEE ROTA FOR JULY
Sunday 5th Christine Hayes, Pat Dickinson,
& Margaret Holmes
Sunday 12th Mothers’ Union
Sunday 19th Janet Payling & Martin Parry
Sunday 26th Marion & Simon Chatterton
There is a shortage of volunteers for the August rota – can you help? If you would like to assist please ring Janet on 01226 748442)
FROM THE REGISTERS
BAPTISMS
17th May Ruby Isabella Clayton
Reuben Eric Darnell
14th June Sarah Danielle Beer
Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father
Confirmations
14th June Emily Brown
Kay Leanne Brown
Simon Brown
Melanie Claire Booth
Carolyne Emily Langley
Elaine Joyce Mosley
Stuart Andrew Meadowcroft
Jane Margaret Ross
Paul Barry Ross
Penny Swales
Richard David Taylor
Let their delight be in the fear of the Lord
Weddings
30th May Richard Andrew Blood & Jenna Louise Graseley
6th June Ian Roberts & Sarah Jane Mitchell
13th June David Andrew Quinn & Sharon Ann Keddy
God is love, and those who live in love live in God and God lives in them
Funerals
22nd June Edna Parkin (80), 10 The Square, Harley
Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted
NOTICES
Exchange Visit to Hattingen-Witten
This year a party from our diocese is visiting our friends in the German Lutheran Church from October 2nd to 10th. It will cost less than £200 to go via ferry and coach, including meals on the ferry, which is very good value. Hospitality is given by local church families. If you are interested in going, please contact Pat Bancroft at patriciabancroft@aol.com or on 0114 2344966. A deposit of £25 is required, with full payment due by mid-August. Several Wentworth people have been involved in previous exchanges, not least Richard Impey, the former Vicar.
‘Worship Changes Lives’
This is a day put on by the Diocese on Saturday 3rd October at the Philadelphia Campus, Sheffield. There is no charge and there is a great variety of workshops on all sorts of themes mainly, it has to be said, ‘different’ worship styles. But there are also subjects which ought to interest us all, such as Helping people to pray, Giving a welcome to newcomers, Children’s worship and After Back to Church Sunday. Please tell the Vicar if you are at all interested.
Foundations of Faith
This training course is offered at Christ Church Brampton on Thursday evenings from 1st October to 26th November. It covers subjects such as Using the bible, the History of the Church, Worship and Ethics. The series is one way to go deeper into faith. The cost is £25 but the PCC might pay. Again, ask the Vicar.
If you have access to the internet, why not log on to www.wentworthchurch.com and check it out. Better still, all you who have relatives living overseas tell them about the website and they too can keep in touch with Wentworth.
Next Issue of the Magazine
Articles to be included in August’s edition of the magazine should be with me, please no later than Sunday, 26th July, and can be sent to me via email (ruth.mangham@sky.com), by telephone 0114 2455448 or left in the vestry or posted to me at 55 Chapelfield Crescent, Thorpe Hesley, Rotherham, S61 2TP. Articles and any other queries can also be sent to Richard via email (richard@buckjley@wanadoo.co.uk) or by telephone 0114 2465064, or by letter to the Vicarage on Church Drive. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO HOLIDAYS, THIS MAGAZINE WILL BE AVAILABLE ON SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST
AND FINALLY
A Sign of The Times
Recently, in a northern primary school, a little lad was telling his teacher about his mother’s latest boyfriend. “I’ve got a new dad and he’s called Richard,” he said. From the back of the class came a weary seven-year-old voice: “Oh, we had ‘im last year and ‘e were rubbish.”
[thank you Jim Gelder for this one]
Back Seat Drivers
A husband drew his chair up beside his wife’s sewing machine and began a series of running comments: “Don’t you think it’s running too fast? Look out, or you’ll have the needle through your finger.”
“Why, what on earth’s the matter with you?” demanded his wife presently, “I’ve been running this machine for years.”
“Oh,” reported the husband, “I was only trying to help you sew as you often help me drive the car.”
[taken from the Dalesman]
