The monthly magazine ofBath Central United Reformed Church—30p

CONTACT

November2015

The Blessed Dead

They lie at rest, our blessed dead;The dews drop cool above their head,They knew not when fleet summer fled.

Together all, yet each alone;Each laid at rest beneath his ownSmooth turf or white allotted stone.

When shall our slumber sink so deep,And eyes that wept and eyes that weepWeep not in the sufficient sleep?

God be with you, our great and small,Our loves, our best-beloved of all,Our own beyond the salt sea-wall

By Christina Rosetti 1830-94

IndexArgyle Players .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14Austerity - now and then .. .. .. .. 12Carers’ Centre Fayre .. .. .. .. .. .. 9Christian Aid.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 7Christmas Cards .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11Christmas Tree Trail .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6Church Diary .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10Community Conversation .. .. .. .. 3Concert .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16Crossword .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20Crossword Solution.. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17Internal Christmas Post .. .. .. .. 11

Marcus Borg .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 5Minister’s Letter .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1Pilgrimage to Greece .. .. .. .. .. .. 2Prayer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17Preaching.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10Real Advent Calendar .. .. .. .. .. 13Sanctuary Deep Clean .. .. .. .. .. .. 9September Midweek Communion 8Songs of the Sinless .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6St James the Least of All .. .. .. .. 19Sudoku .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18Synod Meeting .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4

Note: These are the Revised Common Lectionary Bible passagesas published in the URC Prayer Handbook

The date for contributions for the next CONTACT is17th November. It will be published on the 29th November.

Lectionary ReadingsNovember 1 – All Saints Day: Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24;

Revelation 7:9-17; John 11:32-44

November 8 – Remembrance Sunday: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17;

Psalm 127; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

November 15 – Pentecost 25: 1 Samuel 1:4-20; Psalm 16;Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

November 22 – Christ the King: 2 Samuel 23:1-7;Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18); Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37

November 29 – Advent Sunday: Jeremiah 33:14-16;Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

11/2015 Page 1

Minister’s Letter

Dear Friends,

Here is a recent story which appeared on SKY News.A group of migrants looking for a future in the UK broke into

a lorry parked near the infamous ‘Jungle’ in Calais. When theyilluminated the darkened truck they found that it was alreadyoccupied by Nissan. Now, you might imagine that this would

not pose too much of a problem as migrants have been foundtravelling in trucks carrying other brands of car—Mercedes,Volkswagen and Ford to name but a few.

The problem on this occasion was that ‘Nissan’ was not a car… Nissan was a very large, very grumpy polar bear who was onthe final leg of his journey from a Moscow Zoo to a Wildlife Park

in Yorkshire.The migrants were trapped in the lorry by Nissan for about

ten minutes before the French Police rescued them.The bear has now settled in his new home near Doncaster and

has two other polar bears, Victor and Pixel for company.

The moral of this tale? … “Things do not always turn out quite aswe expect them to …”

For example—the unexpected departure of hosts England

from the Rugby World Cup …As we settle into autumn we arrive in November, a month

‘topped and tailed’ by things which did not ‘turn out quite asexpected’.

On the 5th of November, in effigy, in fire and in fireworks Guy

Fawkes (1570-1606) is remembered. He has been described as theonly person to enter parliament with ‘truly honest intentions’.Those intentions were to participate in the assassination King ï

Page 2 11/2015

James I—the ‘Gun Powder Plot’. As we well know, things did

not ‘turn out quite as Fawkes and his co-conspirators hadexpected’. The plot failed and he was tortured and executed.

November is ‘tailed’ with quite a different occasion. Sunday

29th is the First Sunday in the Christian Season of Advent.Advent is the time of preparation leading up to the greatFestival of Christmas when the birth of Christ the Saviour is

celebrated.At the time of Christ’s birth the Jewish People expected a

‘saviour’—perhaps a warrior king to liberate their occupied

nation. What they got was ‘not quite what theyexpected’—God in human form born in a manger in Bethlehem

(of all places).So this month as we head toward Advent we should do so

aware that with God ‘things do not always turn out quite as we

expect’. And that is right and proper as God is God and we arehis obedient people.

Shalom,

David

ï

Pilgrimage to GreeceIn the Footsteps of St. Paul

Led by Rev Philip Simpkins (Keynsham Methodist Church)12th to 19th May 2016

Journey through Thessaloniki, Philippi, Beria, Athens andCorinth as we relive the route St Paul took as he began and

encouraged the early church in Greece.

The tour is organised by I.T.S Pilgrimages.

For more details contact: philip.simpkins@methodist.org.uk ortelephone Philip on 0117 9862242

11/2015 Page 3

Community Conversationwith Anthony Seldon

Our second event in the series ‘Community Conversations’ took

place at Central on 6th October. The speaker on this occasion wasSir Anthony Seldon and his subject was Mindfulness in Education.

Sir Anthony is an author, historian and educationist—a formerheadmaster of Wellington College and now Vice-Chancellor ofBuckingham university.

The audience was not disappointed as Sir Anthony spoke veryhonestly and movingly about his own search for happiness andstability in life, and how he had discovered the power of

mindfulness. This has been tested further by his wife’s seriousillness. Applying these principals in education he found real

benefits for learning and for the personal development ofchildren. He passionately believes that education is about morethan exam success but the technique of mindfulness can help

children to be receptive to learning.

The proceeds of Sir Anthony’s book ‘Beyond Happiness’, whichwas offered for sale in the interval, are intended for charitable

use. This book was inspired by Joanna Seldon’s cancer diagnosisfour years ago and it contains much of the personal materialtouched on during the talk. Sir Anthony is involved with a

number of charities including DrugFAM which works withfamilies affected by a loved ones use of drugs.

The evening was well supported by people from within thechurches and by many visitors. A lengthy and enthusiasticquestion and answer time indicated that the talk had stimulated

a great deal of interest in this topical subject. Thanks to all thosewho helped to make the evening such a success. We lookforward to the next ‘Conversation’ in 2016!

Revd Hazel

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Synod Meeting – October 10th at TauntonThe theme was ‘Belonging Together’:

a) whatever our age. Safeguarding children and adults at risk isessential.

b) with an internet presence. Heather Whyte reminded us to

use relevant web-sites e.g urcsouthwest.org.uk and our ownwebsite! A helpful booklet is available.

c) as a denomination. e.g. finances; having a common mind on

big issues; etc. The same-sex resolution came from GeneralAssembly in June 2015. See below.

d) in pastoral care. Brief reports were given about 3 of the AreaGatherings held so far. We in Bath may well join with the Bristolgroup in future.

e) in ‘Giving’. The session after lunch was devoted to a study ofa biblical perspective on our individual financial giving, and tothe Ministry and Mission fund in particular. What is the basis for

generous giving? Jewish tithing? Malachi 3:8-10 : Jesus’ views?Luke 21:1-4, Luke 6:38 : Paul? 2 Corinthians 8 & 9. Discuss!

Most of the morning session was devoted to c), with opinions

sought on clause B which reads:-

General Assembly declares that the Church Meeting of each Local

Church of the United Reformed Church in England and Wales is therelevant governing authority for the purpose of giving consent for thetrustees of its building to seek the registration of that building for

religious marriage ceremonies of same-sex couples, in accordance withthe provisions of Section 26A(1) of the Marriage Act 1949 as amendedby the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.

Quote of the day: Christine Lagarde , head of the IMF, on the need for

action on global warming “If we chicken out of this, we’ll all turn intochickens and be fried, grilled, toasted and roasted.

ï

11/2015 Page 5

Marcus BorgThe September issue of Progressive Voices

pays tribute to the liberal American theologianMarcus Borg, several of whose books are inthe church library. It includes the text of the

Lenten sermon he preached on his 70thbirthday on 11th March 2013 at TrinityEpiscopal Cathedral, Portland, on the theme of

personal transformation and thetransformation of the world, themes which

were very dear to Borg. This sermon gavebirth to the idea for his final book: Convictions: a manifesto forProgressive Christians. There are also tributes to Borg from several

theologians such as Gretta Vosper, and an announcement of TheFirst Borg Memorial Lecture, which will take place on 14 May2016 in Birmingham. Diana Butler Bass will give a talk entitled

Grounded—finding God in the world.

A copy of every issue of Progressive Voices is always put in thechurch library for those of you who would like to keep up-to-

date with PCN matters.Sheena Carter

There were about eight contributions from the floor, mostly from

ministers, all deeply felt opinions but expressed in very measuredtones, giving different points of view. The show of hands revealed71 in favour of the resolution, 6 against and 6 abstentions, ie

approximately 85% in favour. This result will be communicatedto the General Secretary, as will the result from every Synod in thecountry. If more than one third of the synods vote against the

resolution it will not be put to General Assembly 2016.Jenny Stephens

ï

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The Songs of the Sinless

Hear the sad songs of the sinless

Call across the crystal sea,Calling out for peace and safety

Calling out to you and me.Can you hear their voices singing

Even from their ocean grave?

“We are lost but others followOthers that you have to save!”

“For we left our homes and country

Driven out by war and strife.Driven out by men of evil

Men who cared not for our life.So we left the land our fathers

Strove to make a better place;

As we fled our ancient homelandTears of sorrow stained our face.”

“All our worldly goods forsaken

Only hope – to that we clung.Even that was taken from us

Now our final song is sung.

Shall our hopes for a bright futureSink beneath the ocean blue?

Let our torch of hope and triumphPass instead from us to you!”

By Nigel Beeton

Nigel Beeton writes: “The deepening refugee crisis is now filling ournewspapers and screens daily as the news of refugees struggling to reach the

safety of Europe just seems to worsen and worsen. The sight of bodies,including those of little children, washed up on Mediterranean beaches, cannot

fail to tug our heartstrings, drive us to our knees in prayer, and impel us totake action. The words for this poem came to me as I sang ‘Alleluia, sing to

Jesus’, so some credit has to go to William Chatterton Dix!”

11/2015 Page 7

Christian AidRefugee Crisis. There is an update on the Commitment for Life

board which makes grim but interesting reading, with somelovely suggested prayers.

Climate Change and ‘THE BIG SHIFT’—(What on earth is that??,

you ask). It’s the latest Christian Aid campaign for us to tell ourgovernment that fossil fuels are best left in the past. It’s time tomake the big shift to a cleaner, brighter future. Fossil fuels are

one of the biggest drivers of climate change. Getting energy fromthem through extraction and burning is unsustainable, risking

our future and the future of millions of the world’s poorestpeople. Our Government provides Export Credit Guarantees tofossil fuel companies (1.13bn in 2013) who then continue to

extract and burn them. Instead Christian Aid wants us to jointhem in persuading the government to end this support and toinvest in renewable energy projects. We are asked to email Sajid

Javid MP “to make a public commitment to end the government'ssupport to coal projects through export credit guarantees.” If youwant to sign up for this there is a list in the rear vestibule and I

will send it off .

The enormously important Paris Summit on Climate Change is

fast approaching in early December. Lots of concerned folk andorganisations from all over the world intend going there. If,however, you are not able/ willing/ young enough to join them (!)

there is to be a gathering in Bath on 29th November. Details arenot finalised yet, but I will make sure you know about them.Meanwhile we can keep our ears and eyes open for press and

media coverage of preparations and pray that all countries willcome together in a spirit of cooperation for the benefit of all

humanity.

The Pope is definitely ‘on board’ with his Encyclical Laudato Siwhich can be accessed on the Internet. It is said to be full of

information and challenge!Jenny Stephens

Page 8 11/2015

September Midweek CommunionThe theme of September’s Midweek Communion led by

our minister, Revd David, was, not surprisingly, harvest.As usual his talk was thought provoking with someamusement woven in. It should be said that some

people were making quite a sacrifice in being there asthey were rugby devotees, and were wondering how theScotland Japan match would turn out, but I think they all

found the said sacrifice worthwhile!

As always the tea and chat afterwards gave people the chance to

catch up with those they had not seen for a while. The socialaspect of this gathering is, in some ways, just as important as thereligious for those who cannot normally make it to church on a

Sunday.

The next service will be on Wednesday 9th December, at 2.30 soput it in your diaries now!

Sheena Carter

The story of Daniel in the lion’s den is so familiar that many of uslearned it at our mother’s knee. Here’s a light-hearted take on it!

The Mighty Pen

A lion, in a Babylon den,

Was especially partial to men.But Daniel said “Look!“I’m writing a book!”

And prodded him hard with his pen!

By Nigel Beeton

11/2015 Page 9

Notice in a farmer’s field:

The farmer allows walkers to cross this field for free. But the bull charges.

Message on a leaflet:

If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.

On a repair shop door:We can repair anything. (Please knock hard for entry—bell broken.)

Sanctuary Deep CleanA reminder that the House Committee would be grateful if asmany people as possible could spare some time after the serviceon Sunday, 8th November to give the Sanctuary a good clean.

Cake and tea provided.Sheena Carter

Chair of House Committee

Autumn Craft FayreTo celebrate the recent acquisition of theBath Carers’ Centre Woodlands Building -we’re holding our Autumn Craft Fayre onSaturday, 7th November from 11am to 3pm.Please join us to find a perfect gift or justsomething for you!

We have a number of stall holders selling jewellery, ChristmasCards, and other lovingly handmade, bespoke arts and crafts.

Entry is free and you can enjoy hot drinks and cakes.

Bath Carers’ Centre and Garden, Woodlands,Lower Bristol Road Bath BA2 9ES

Page 10 11/2015

Church Diary – NovemberEvery Friday 10.30am Friday Coffee in the Argyle Hall

Sunday 1st 10.30am Communion Service: Revd Helen PattieFoodbank & Dedicating Shoe Boxes

Tuesday 3rd 2.30pm Women’s Guild: Avon Fire and Rescue

Friday 6th 11.00am Occasional discussion on ‘Reform’

Sunday 8th 10.30am Remembrance Sunday: Revd David PattieTraidcraft Stall

Tuesday 10th 10.30am Autumn Study Group session

7.30pm Elders’ Meeting

Sunday 15th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Dr Hazel Starritt

Tuesday 17th 7.30pm Church Meeting

Thursday 19th 7.30pm Argyle String Orchestra Concert

Sunday 22nd 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Roger Nunn

Thursday 24th 10.30am Autumn Study Group session

2.30pm Men’s Fellowship in the John Williams RoomGenesis Furniture Project. Open Meeting

[Recipient of this year’s local charity donation]

Sunday 29th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd Helen Pattie

Preaching at Rush Hill and Larkhall

Rush Hill 10.30am Larkhall 11.00am Larkhall 6.30pm

Nov 1 Mr Peter Rouse Revd David Pattie Revd Stephen Lewis

Nov 8 Revd Helen Pattie Revd Dr Hazel Starritt Sister Peggy Boynes

Nov 15 Revd David Pattie Revd Helen Pattie Revd Helen Pattie

Nov 22 Revd Dr Hazel Starritt Revd Mary Piggott Mr Paul Swift

Nov 29 Mrs Margaret White Mrs Denise Meyers

11/2015 Page 11

DecemberTuesday 1st Autumn Study Group Coffee Gathering

2.30pm Women’s Guild: Revd Mary Piggott

Advent Celebrations: Open Meeting

Wednesday 2nd-Saturday 5th Argyle Players: ‘The Ghost Train’

in the Tovey Hall

Sunday 6th 10.30am Communion Service: Revd David PattieFoodbank

Tuesday 8th 7.30pm Elders’ Meeting

Thursday 10th-Friday 18th Christmas Tree Trail

Sunday 13th 10.30am Gift Service: Argyle PlayersTraidcraft Stall

Sunday 20th 10.30am Family Worship: Revd David Pattie

6.30pm Carols by Candlelight

Christmas Cards for the Children’s HospiceJane Bowden will be selling Christmas Cards for the

Children’s Hospice on Sunday 1st and 15th November.

Internal Christmas PostThe post box will be placed in the front

vestibule on Friday, 27th November. It will beremoved on Friday, 11th December. Cards willbe available for collection on Sunday, 13th.

Please post cards only for those peoplewho you know attend church.

Bill, Ron & Martin

Page 12 11/2015

David Winter remembers the end of the Second World War…

When they talk about austerity now…This year we have marked the 70th anniversary of VE Day and VJ

Day, memorable days of celebration as the Second World Warcame to an end.

What some of us are now remembering, however, is whatfollowed. It was certainly no instant transfer from the arduousyears of war to the joys of peace. Indeed, for many ordinary

people in Britain the immediate post-war years were times ofacute struggle. It was lovely to welcome back the men andwomen who had served in the Forces, but—speaking as a

teenager at the time—the fruits of victory were hard to identify(though we did get our first bananas!).

Our cities were pockmarked with ugly bomb-sites. There was

still rationing of food, clothes and ‘luxuries’. Sir Stafford Cripps,Chancellor of the Exchequer, could promise no immediate relief

—he was dubbed ‘Austerity Cripps’. Fuel was often in shortsupply, and we had a couple of very cold winters. If this waswhat it was like to be the winners, how must it have been for the

losers? We learnt later the answer: no worse, and in some cases abit better!

When politicians speak now of ‘austerity’, we children of the

post-war age are tempted to reply: “You don’t know whatausterity is”.

David Winter has had four working lives: as a teacher, journalist, BBC

producer (radio and television and then Head of Religious Broadcasting)and finally as a parish priest in the Church of England. Now retired, helives in Berkshire, writes endlessly (his 43rd book, ‘At the End of the

Day: Enjoying Life in the Departure Lounge’, is into its third reprint insix months), and does a column in the ‘Church Times’. He contributedto Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ for 20 years, until faced with the

winter of 2013, he decided to stop getting up at 6am on cold mornings.

11/2015 Page 13

The 2015 Real Advent Calendar LaunchesThe Meaningful Chocolate Company is

hoping to fund a baby clinic in Kenya andsupport overseas farmers by donating £15,000from sales of its 2015 Real Advent Calendar.

However, it is not just the charitable donationthat makes The Real Advent Calendar unique.This year it includes a 32-page Christmas

story/activity booklet illustrated by SophieAllsopp and designed to be used every day in Advent. The new

booklet includes all the traditional nativity characters, gives moredetail about the Christmas story and has seven Adventchallenges. The calendar also comes with 24 Fairtrade Belgian

chocolates and a line of the Christmas story behind each of thefoiled windows.

David Marshall, from The Meaningful Chocolate Company, said:

“Recent surveys show that knowledge of the Christmas story isfading. The Real Advent Calendar is part of a campaign whichhopes to reverse this trend by finding new ways to share the

story. By buying this Advent calendar children, parents andGodparents can share the Christmas story throughout

December.”How to buy? The Real Advent Calendar costs£3.99. Churches, schools and groups can buy

directly from The Meaningful ChocolateCompany by visiting our special website atwww.realadvent.co.uk and enjoy free

delivery. Retailers stocking thecalendar include larger Tesco stores,

Traidcraft, Eden.co.uk, Shared Earth,CLC Bookshops and a number ofcathedrals. Details at

www.realadvent.co.uk

Page 14 11/2015

1954 –The Argyle Players

- 2015Do you believe in ghosts..?Perhaps you are convinced theyare just figments of an over active

imagination, and should betreated with a joyful disdain. At

this time of the year it is probablethat you feel the whole season ofHallowe'en, with its attendant

activity of the so-called spiritworld, is just another opportunityfor the supermarkets to operate a

commercial catch (running intomillions) selling all the ghostly

paraphernalia in costumes,skeletons and the like topressurized parents, who don't

want their offspring to miss outon the local street party.

Sure, it is easy to be sniffy about

the ghost scene in the cold light ofday, but join a disparate group ofpeople stranded in a remote

Cornish railway station at dead ofnight, with the gas lights failing,

and no help at hand until the nexttrain in the morning. Into thismix comes the elderly station

master, with a tale of a terribleaccident on the line some yearsbefore, and how, regularly, a

ghostly train can be heard

approaching along the closedline, bells and whistles sounding,and surrounded by steam and

smoke as it crashes through thestation to its doom. Add too a

mysterious dead body whichmysteriously appears and just asmysteriously disappears, and one

can understand why the gatheredcompany are somewhat edgy, andeven the stiff upper lips start to

quiver. As the tension builds andthe train is heard in the distance,

maybe you will change yourmind about the supernatural andunderstand why some of the

ladies of the group feel the needto scream.

To find out, be sure to be in your

seat in the Tovey Hall Theatre asThe Argyle Players presentArnold Ridley's classic thriller

‘The Ghost Train’. Under thedirection of Adrian Brettell, this

takes to the stage fromWednesday to Saturday, 2nd to5th December, each evening at

7.30pm. Tickets and publicitymaterials are now available fromany member of The Players, from

the sales table in the Argyle Hall ï

11/2015 Page 15

ï after morning service, from theBox Office of the VisitorInformation Centre, Abbey Green,

or by calling Bath 423866.Information can be found also onFacebook/argyleplayersbath, or

twitter.com/argyleplayers. Don'tmiss an evening of thrilling

entertainment!

g The Argyle Players are lookingfor help in the stage electrics

department. Lighting aproduction is a vital part of theshow, and one without which

little could go ahead on stage.The Players have an almostmodern computer operated

system, and a lighting geniushappy to train an apprentice, sothe phrase ‘no experience

necessary; full training will begiven’ is perfectly true in this

case. If you, or someone youknow, might be interested injoining a lively theatre group in

this department, please call HelenBrettell on 423866, or speak to anymember of The Players.

Michael Burgess

Tuesday 3rd November at7.30pm at Bath Abbey

Pray for the CityFollowed by Bonfire Refreshments

Arranged with the support ofChurch Leaders in Bath.

More information is available fromwww.bathchurches.org.uk

Jesus prays that we may be one “sothat the world may believe that you

have sent me”.

Bath Gospel Choir

ChristmasConcertat Manvers St

Baptist

Tuesday 15thDecember at

7.30pm

Donations forChristian Aid andalways good fun.

Page 16 11/2015

Concert in the Churchon Thursday, 19th November at 7.30pm

Conductor: Tim Robb Sara Stagg: violin

The next Argyle concert will featuring music for strings byEnglish composers.

The earliest composer, Johann Pepusch, is actually German buthe came to England as a refugee about the same time as

Handel. He can be considered an honorary Englishmanperhaps as he arranged the music for Gay’s Beggars’ Opera.

The concert includes works by Lennox Berkeley, William Walton

(his film music for Henry V), and Warlock’s Capriol Suite.

Sara Stagg, our leader, will be playing a Canzona and Capriccioby Richard Arnell who was a contemporary of Benjamin Britten

and among the rarities will be a Nocturne by the late StephenDodgson.

Admission: £8 by programme on the door; accompanied children free.

Occasional Discussion on “Reform”The next discussion will be on Friday, 6th November,

11.00am-12noon. Please bring the October ‘Reform’ (and yourcomments!)

Mary Ede

11/2015 Page 17

Prayers

Each week we pray for:

1st NovemberSteward coordinator,Maurice Liles.

From those who use ourhalls: Tai Chiorganiser—PaddyNisbett.

8th NovemberThe Stewards.

From those who use ourhalls: Argyle StringOrchestra.

15th NovemberThose who providetransport enablingfriends to worship.

From CTB—St Thomasand St Matthew’s,Widcombe.

23rd NovemberArgyle Players.

Pilates group.

30th NovemberHeating of the church—Roy Short.

Pulteney Bridge FlowerShop.

The following is the collective prayer for thismonth. We ask you to join us in prayer on the third

Wednesday of the month—18th November. Weshall pray at 7.30am and/or 7.30pm: please join us.

Last Months Crossword

Across: 1 Deacon 4 Appear 7 Wits 8 Heavenly

9 Argument 13 Mob 16 Broken-hearted 17 Ran19 Suddenly 24 Obstacle 25 John 26 Enable

27 Market

Down: 1 Dawn 2 Afternoon 3 Nehum 4 Again

5 Prey 6 All to 10 Users 11 Ephod 12 Trace

13 Metalwork 14 Body 15 Eber 18 Alban 20 Uncle21 Dream 22 Stab 23 Gnat

A Prayer for NovemberLord, it’s November—we’re now and truly

in wintertime. A great many of us do not

look forward to this season because of thecold.

But let us keep warm, eat warming food, and

look forward to celebrating the birth ofYour Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Wehave much to look forward to.

We pray for all those who do not have whatwe have.

Lord, we ask that You encompass them withYour Holy Spirit.

Amen

Page 18 11/2015

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The new minister

The new minister was visiting in the homes of his

parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious thatsomeone was at home, but no answer came to his

repeated knocks at the door. Finally he took out acard, wrote ‘Revelation 3:20’ on the back and stuckit in the door.

When the offering was processed the followingSunday, he found that his card had been returned.Added to it was this cryptic message, ‘Genesis 3:10’.

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, hebroke up in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins “Behold, I stand at the doorand knock.” Genesis 3:10 reads, “I heard your voicein the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.”

11/2015 Page 19

My dear Nephew DarrenI was intrigued that you have

been nurturing someone called Davewho is considering ordination. SinceDave had never travelled outside thecity, your decision to send him to mewas understandable. Sadly, I don’tthink he is cut out for the ministry.

We did our best. In a fit ofhospitality the Colonel invited thisDave to stay at the Lodge, and to joinhis Saturday pheasant shoot as abeater. But Dave said firmly that hewas against beating any kind of bird,and abhors all kinds of murder. Itseems young Dave is a vegetarian!You might have warned us. TheColonel is now concerned that Daveis connected in some way with theGreen Party. You cannot be toocareful these days.

Then Miss Saxby and Miss Tarbystepped in. They enjoy mushroom-ing, and kindly took young Dave offto the woods. It is not their fault thatthey are a bit deaf, and did not hearhis cries of distress when he lost themamong all the trees. They justassumed he had gone back to theColonel’s, and so of course they didnot organize a search party untilmuch later. Fortunately, the churchwarden’s spaniel has a keen nose and

found Dave before midnight. Duringall that time, Dave seemed to havehad nothing better to do than slideabout on fallen leaves and trip overhidden logs in the dark. He was evenbabbling about having heard a cryingghost. We feared he might be deliri-ous, but then realized he meant thelocal owl. He also seemed surprisedby the darkness, and asked how wemanage without any street lights atall in the parish. We explained theobvious—we simply follow theexample of the well-refreshed whenleaving the pub—and feel our wayalong the walls.

On Sunday morning Dave rushedinto the church to warn me that therewere several loose sheep in thechurchyard. I decided then that heshould return to the safety of the city.There was no point in letting himnear most of our church ladies, whowould have savaged him on sight.

The visit only proves the obvious:potential ordinands should becarnivorous, cricketing fly-fishers,most at home in well-worn tweedsand preferably accompanied by amuddy dog. How else will they getalong with normal folk?

Your loving uncle,Eustace

St James the Least of AllOn what it takes to be an ordinand

The Rev Dr Gary Bowness continues his tongue-in-cheek letters from ‘Uncle Eustace’.

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CrosswordFrom Parish Pump

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Down1 Elijah dug one round the altar he built on Mount

Carmel and filled it with water (1 Kings 18:32) (6)2 ‘I am not — of the gospel, because it is the power of

God for the salvation of everyone who believes’(Romans 1:16) (7)

3 Buddhist term relating to belief in reincarnation (5)5 Damascus disciple who, at God’s command, restored

the sight of the blinded Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:12)(7)

6 and 16 Horses: their sound (Jeremiah 50:11) (5)and their gait (Joel 2:4) (6)

7 A three (anag.) (6)9 Athenian council addressed memorably by Paul

(Acts 17:22) (9)13 Abide by (Galatians 3:5) (7)14 Persian princes (Daniel 3:2) (7)15 Force (Galatians 6:12) (6)16 See 6 Down (6)18 Paste (anag.) (5)20 How the cedars of Lebanon are described (Isaiah

2:13) (5)

Across1 ‘The Lord Jesus... took

bread, and when he hadgiven —, he broke it’ (1Corinthians 11:24) (6)

4 ‘He has taken me to thebanquet hall, and his —over me is love’ (Song ofSongs 2:4) (6)

8 Surrey town that hosts theNational ChristianResources Exhibition (5)

9 Also known as Abednego(Daniel 1:7) (7)

10 Liken (Isaiah 40:18) (7)11 A son of Etam, descendant

of Judah (1 Chronicles4:3) (5)

12 A part of the temple where theblood of a young bull was tobe smeared (Ezekiel 45:19) (9)

17 ‘They make many promises,take false — and makeagreements’ (Hosea 10:4) (5)

19 Roman province to which Paulreturned after evangelizing iton his first missionaryjourney (Acts 16:6) (7)

21 Material used to make babyMoses’ basket (Exodus 2:3)(7)

22 ‘And feeble as —, in thee dowe trust, nor find thee to fail’(5)

23 ‘The watchman opens the gatefor him, and the sheep — tohis voice’ (John10:3) (6)

24 Stalk carrying the sponge ofwine vinegar given to Christon the cross (John 19:29) (6)

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ActivitiesSunday Worship: 10.30am Family Worship for all ages.

Church Meeting: Third Tuesday of alternate months at 7.30pm (Jan on)

Elders’ Meeting: Second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm

Women’s Guild: Secretary: Mrs Gillian SwiftFirst Tuesday each month at 2.30pm

Men’s Fellowship: Programme Secretary: Mr John OsborneFourth Tuesday each month at 2.30pm

Allsorts Group: Contact: Mr Paul Swift Third Saturday each month

Argyle Players: Secretary: Mrs Helen Brettell Thursdays at 7.30pm

Argyle String Orchestra: Church Contact: Martin Cawte

Thursdays at 7.30pm

CommitteesBuildings:Convener; Mr MHH Burgess: Secretary; Mr RM Short

House: .. ..Convener; Mrs Sheena Carter Secretary; Mrs Angela Campbell

Finance: ..Convener; Mr RB Turner: .. .. ..Secretary; Mr WE Richardson

Halls Management: Convener; Mr WE Richardson

Copy in most formats is acceptable, from manuscript to email

(martin.cawte@btinternet.com).

Please note the copy and publication dates.

Editor: Martin Cawte, 6 The Chestertons, Bathampton, Bath BA2 6UJ a469807

Ministers: Revds Helen & David Pattie .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 331952

Revd Dr Hazel Starritt.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01373 467814Church Secretary (Administration): Jane Tollyfield .. .. a 01225 833178

Church Secretary (Worship): Peter Rouse .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 332760Church Treasurer: Brian Campbell .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. a 01225 463989

Published by: Central United Reformed Church, Argyle Street, Bath

Postal address: Central URC, Grove Street, Bath BA2 6PJ a310050

Web site: www.bathcentralurc.virb.com Registered Charity No 1130339