CANNOCK & HUNTINGTON

p a r i s h m a g a z i n e

50p50p October 2014October 2014 Issue 5 Vol: 5Issue 5 Vol: 5

Sunday 19th October St Luke’s Patronal

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Sponsored strolled St Thomas’ to St Luke’s

Saturday 13th September 2014

Here we go …………………….

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"After a discussion at the St Luke's

committee meeting during September

concerning our children and the way forward

with regard to Sunday worship, this piece

was written by two long standing and

respected members of St Luke's Church." -

Peter

New Services at St Luke’s

Having heard with great interest Peter Hart’s

proposals for change to our service patterns

at St Luke’s, as Past Church Wardens, we

thought it might be helpful if we set out our

thoughts in response.

He is proposing that the 10.00am service on

the 4th Sunday of the month should be an all

age Communion service following the model

of those he has successfully trialled over the

last 12 months. On that Sunday there would

also be a traditional Choral Evensong in the

afternoon. On all other Sundays, the services

would remain exactly the same as they are

now. He thus proposes a mix of traditional

and modern services to suit all ages and

tastes.

We have to say we are both Traditionalists

and would prefer to retain the present Family

Communion service throughout the month.

However in our view this is not about

personal choice, but rather about how we are

best going to pursue the Mission of the

Church in Cannock, and buck the trend of

reducing numbers and primarily elderly

congregations in the Church of England.

Thanks to Peter’s excellent stewardship we

have not suffered as badly as many

Churches have done, but our congregation is

mostly middle aged and above. If we fail to

regenerate, then we will suffer numerically as

the Church of England is now doing.

Peter’s experimental all age services have

been successful in that they have involved

literally “all ages” and there is something

there for everyone. Before they started we

thought this is not for us. But, having

experienced them, we were surprised by

how successful they were and how much we

got out of them. The simplicity of the words

used brought new meaning to the Communion

service. It made us think about what we do at

the Communion service, rather than just

repeating familiar words. The participation of

the youngsters was a joy to see. It was

particularly nice that the children were included

at the time of Communion by being given

biscuits of their own. We have been fortunate

over recent months to see some younger

families joining us, and these all age services

are, in our view, absolutely necessary to retain

their interest and involvement. They are the

future of the Church.

We must all make up our own mind what we

attend, but it would send out the wrong

message if we all avoided the all age services.

If we did that we would create a “them and us”

attitude which is hardly going to further the

Mission of the Church in Cannock.

We have both decided that we are going to

support and encourage Peter in what he is

trying to do at all the various 10.00am services.

We recognise that some people would prefer

traditional services every Sunday. We realise

that the Churches Mission is more important

than our own individual preferences, and if this

is the way we must go to increase our

congregation, then we must support it

enthusiastically. Otherwise the Church of

England will gradually die.

Our message is this therefore. If you have not

yet attended one of the all age services then

please do so. We think you will be pleasantly

surprised as we were. If you find they are not

your cup of tea, then there is plenty of other

choice for you in the new service pattern, but

please do not reject the new services before

you have even tried them. Above all, please

support and encourage Peter in all he is trying

to do here in Cannock. We should add that his

proposals have the full support of St Luke’s

Committee.

John Winter and Trevor Woodham.

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Mothers Union

During our August break we had two outings the first one was to Trentham gardens. We

walked round the shops, the gardens, lake and the garden centre .The second was to Mary

Summer house in London, where after the welcome and a cup of tea, we had a guide to show

us round the building. From the top floor we could see the top of Westminster Abbey. The

tour was late finishing and we had to rush to find something to eat before returning home .

Our speaker for September was Mrs Woodward who talked about ‘crystals’ A few of us stood

on paper shapes and were given four crystals. She then came round with a wand to see if we

could feel anything! Some felt tingling others nothing—quiet strange .

In October we have David Battersby with slides of Cannock and

district the hostess will be Betty Cooper and Eileen Walklate .

Ann

Memorial Book

St Luke’s

If you would like the name of your loved one inscribed in the

St. Luke’s Memorial Book, then please ask the Verger or one of

the Clergy for a form.

This form should be returned to the Parish Office with your contribution of £10,

together with the name of your loved one(s) written clearly on the form as

mistakes cannot be rectified once entered into the book.

St Thomas’ Memorial Book

Forms available in Church, currently there is no charge for an entry

With reference to the article on the hymn "Abide With Me" in the Harvest issue of the Parish

Magazine.

The Rev. Henry Francis Lyte, author of this much loved hymn, is buried in the lovely

garden of L'Eglise Anglicane de Nice (the Anglican Church at Nice), which is the Church of

the Holy Trinite.

In 2012 this beautiful church celebrated its 150th Anniversary having just completed a total

renovation of church and garden which cost almost

1 million Euros' The re-dedication took place in the presence of the Mayor of Nice and

many Civic Dignitaries, who gave a very substantial

donation towards the renovation. Her Majesty the Queen also made a donation.

The church has a large congregation of British worshippers' who live on the Riviera. After

the Sunday Morning Eucharist coffee and wine is

served in the delightful garden, and a welcome is extended to all visitors. Well worth a visit if

you are in the South of France.

Joe Parkes.

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MUHEZA CONTINUES We’ve been to the ‘ pictures’, Cath and I.

The show was in a village hall near Hereford. It was arranged by a group of

people from the big city hospital, who are significant supporters of Muheza

hospital Tanzania, that St. Luke’s also supports.

The ‘feature documentaries ( ! )’ were two films about the hospital.. It was

good to be able to see people and things that we hear about and write about –

wish you could all have been there to share.

Mind you, that would have been a bit inconvenient for the friend we stayed with

over-night – she only has a normal home, not a mansion.

We hope to put some stills from the films into a later issue of the Magazine.

The group which arranged the evening are known as the Hereford-Muheza Link.

and they have been supporting Muheza Hospital in many ways for over twenty

years. It is they who have organised the collection of surplus N.H.S. equipment

and the big ship-board containers to take it to Tanzania. The items we collect at

church for the hospital, tuck into the odd corners between the big things.

[ By the way, if you’ve got any little hand-knitted teddies or cotton shorts for boys 2-10

yrs-old just waiting to come – mentioned in last month’s mag.- they would still be very

welcome. Box by the font at the back of church.]

[ 2 ]

The Link arranges numerous fund raising activities, some for Muheza

Hospital itself, some to pay for the transport of the ship-board containers

– £2500+ each time ( ! ) and some to finance inter-hospital exchanges of

medical staff for experience and training in this country.

After the films, it was good to be able to meet two of the Tanzanian doctors,

who the Link has been able to bring over as part of this exchange . Dr. Jesca

Lebba has come to study Diabetics and Dr. Elisaria Somi to find out more about

Ultrasound Scanning.

Thanks once more to all of you, for the steady stream of ‘ little things ’ that

appear anonymously in the box by the font. We don’t need to know just who

they come from. Rest assured you know where they go.

Above all , keep on praying for the patients and staff at Muheza and for the

faithful band of Link supporters at Hereford..

Jack and Cath Middlehurst

[ P.S. Sorry, forgot to say that none of the Link activities at Hereford hospital are a cost to our

N.H.S. ]

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Kidz@St.Luke’s celebrates its first year! How quickly a year goes, especially when you are very

busy. At St Luke’s Kids Club we have been delighted to see

our numbers grow over the year. It has been wonderful to

welcome not only our regulars but also children from visiting

and baptism families.

Kids Club meets at 9.45am, children come in and enjoy ‘welcome’ play

activities: these include Christian small world toys like play Churches, Biblical

Figures, and Story Bags. We gather together for a ‘Thanksgiving’ snack time

and to offer news. Our main Christian theme is shared with children in an

interactive session, followed by a praise song and prayer. Children then en-

gage in a number of craft activities illustrating the Christian theme, enabling our

volunteers to share their ideas about these whilst they ‘create’.

So engrossed are we in these activities that it is often a surprise to hear the

knock on the door from the verger to let us know it is time to go into Church.

We just have time to close our session with a couple of children reading a

prayer for the day and to say our Lord’s Prayer. Then it’s off to Church to join

parents, eager to show activities and celebrate our achievements.

We have enjoyed special events in club and Church throughout the year. Here

you can see our sponsored ‘Toddle waddle and walk’ around Church, raising

£220 for the Childhood Leukaemia Charity. Well done and thank you to all our

families.

A special thank you to our super volunteers, giving their support and commit-

ment to ensure Church Club is a success.

Jane

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Angel Tree

Christmas is one of the most difficult times for someone in prison and

also for their families. Angel Tree is a programme organised by Prison

Fellowship to provide presents for children who have a parent serving

a prison sentence. The aim is to bring happiness to children but also to

help maintain the bond between parent and child. The present is sent

to the child as coming from their parent and contains a personal

message written by the parent.

The local group of Prison Fellowship supports the work of the Chaplain at HMP

Featherstone. For about the last 14 years the group has been organising Angel Tree at

Featherstone. Men who wish to have a gift sent to their child apply through the Chaplain.

PF then organises providing presents, followed by a long and hectic evening of parcelling up

the presents and then finally posting them off. All this involves a great deal of effort, always

very willingly and cheerfully done, and money.

PF is very grateful for any support that can be given. Those who wish to provide a present

are given brief information about an individual child, sex, age and interests so that the gift is

appropriate. Anyone who would like to know more about Angel Tree, could supply a gift, or

make a donation should get in touch with Wendy Bishop.

This year 200 men have asked the Chaplain for Angel Tree forms and so far 75 forms have

been returned. In past years PF have supplied anything up to around 150 gifts, which is

quite a lot for a small group. However the men and their families are always truly grateful as

evidenced by some of the following comments which have been received.

“Angel Tree is something very special as it is the only way have to send presents to my kids.”

A prisoner.

“It made me feel like I was doing something for my kids at Christmas.” A prisoner

“Isn’t it amazing that someone who doesn’t know us should worry about us?” wife of a

prisoner.

Wendy Bishop.

‘Little Luke’s’ Stay and Play.

Our new pre-school playgroup will open on Wednesday 17th September,

1.30-2.45pm, held in St Luke’s Church Centre. The group will be run by a very

experienced teacher, recently recognised as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted (June

2014), supported by qualified assistants and enthusiastic volunteers.

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED TO JOIN US, we are planning a safe,

educational, fun play environment for you to bring your toddlers to. Play

sessions will include craft activities and snack, followed by songs and rhymes.

We hope you will be able to join us.

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Weddings at St Luke’s Church

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th September Scott Winspear & Theresa Liggins

6th September Marcus Sykes & Tracey Brookhouse

6th September Alistair Robb & Susan Hughes

13th September Andrew Scott & Charlotte Russell

Blessing of Rings

28th September John & Cecilia Hopkins

Wedding Blessing at St Thomas’ Church

21st September Gary Hill & Julie Gibson

Funeral & Cremations

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th September Cynthia Jean Craddock Aged 88

10th September Alice Brassington Aged 96

15th September Gordon Molineux Aged 80

16th September Ian Thompson Aged 52

17th September Hector Preece Aged 87

24th September Robert Kimber Aged 91

Baptisms at St Thomas’

14th September Georgie Shepherd

Baptisms at St Luke’s

28th September Jaxon Wayne Cunningham

Lucas John France

Kyran David Cook

Fountains Counselling Service

CANNOCK, STAFFORD, STOKE-ON-TRENT Appointments: 07980 387847

Information: www.fountainscounselling.org.uk

A PLACE TO BE HEARD

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St. Luke’s Church Centre

The Centre is available for bookings for every occasion

WEDDINGS:BIRTHDAYS:CHRISTENINGS FUNERALS: CONFERENCES: EXHIBITIONS

Seating for 120 Guests : Licensed Bar if required

Well equipped Kitchen and all facilities (refurbished 2009)

Ample Car parking

All bookings via the Church Office 01543 502131 or

email stlukehalls@btconnect.com

Services at Saint Luke’s

SUNDAYS 8.00 a.m. Holy Communion 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays; 1662 Prayer Book

2nd & 4th Sundays Common Worship

10.00 a.m. Family Communion with Kidz@St Lukes in

Church Centre from 9.45 a.m. Coffee afterwards Church Centre 2nd Sunday of the month ‘ Together in Worship’

All Age Service WEDNESDAYS

10.00 a.m. Holy Communion followed by Coffee in the Church Centre

BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS.

These should be arranged through the Parish Office 01543 502131

Parish office Parish Office Opening hours are:

Monday to Friday

9.30 am - 12.30 pm.

1.00 pm to 3 pm.

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AROUND AND ABOUT AT ST LUKE’S

Men’s Breakfast –It was great to see Revd. Nigel Taylor again and catch up with his

news and listen to his interesting talk. The next full English” will be on Saturday 4th

October – coffee or tea at 8.15am breakfast served at 8.30am. The speaker will be

Revd’ Kevin Bilson who used to be pastor at the Elim Pentecostal Church in

Cannock and is now curate at St Augustine’s in Rugeley. REMEMBER – PLEASE

SIGN THE LIST AT THE BACK OF CHURCH – the cooks only cater for the number

on the lists.

Sponsored Stroll - We were blessed with a beautiful day, fortified by a hot drink at

St Thomas’ and about 15 strollers set out along the Stafford Road. The first section

was very noisy with the heavy traffic but as soon as we turned along the sandy path

across Shoal Hill it was quiet and tranquil. It was very enjoyable to talk and walk

with people from St Thomas’ and St Luke’s getting to know each other better. The

kitchen team worked hard whilst we were strolling and a lovely smell of jacket

potatoes and sausages greeted us as we finally arrived at the centre. The new

window design was available for everyone to see during the lunch.

Thanks to everyone who supported and helped, when all the sponsor money is

collected together with the lunch profit the total raised will be £750. well done

everyone!

St Luke 900 Fundraisers in October

Slides of Old Cannock presented by David Battersby and Barrie Harley will be on

Thursday 9th October at 7.15pm in church. Please bring your own cushion! Tickets

are available at £3 or pay on the door (includes light refreshments).

A French Evening will take place on Saturday 11th October in the church centre

7pm for 7.15pm. A three course meal of Paté with French bread, Pork Normandie

with seasonal vegetables and a French fruit tart. Vegetarian options will be available

and entertainment will be provided by Chris and Alan Eccleshall. Tickets at £7 are

now available.

A St Luke’s Calendar for 2015 and Christmas cards will be available for sale during

October.

Changes to published events:

There is no quiche & lasagne lunch on Saturday 25th October.

The celebrity auction dinner has changed and is now on Tuesday 10th March 2015

due to Charles Hanson’s filming commitments with the BBC on 3rd

March,

Christmas Tree Festival – If you have decorated a tree in the past then you will

automatically receive an entry form for this year’s event on 27th – 29

th November.

Entry is free – and if you would like to personally decorate a tree in memory of

someone, to promote your business or to create awareness of a organisation or club

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Renewal of Car Park Passes 2014

LAST CHANCE

Saturday 4th October 2014 10.00 – 11.30am

The price will remain at £50 per pass

Children's Society Box Opening

Thanks to the generosity of box holders at St. Luke's over £800 was raised last

year to help the Children's Society offer support to children in need. October is

box opening time once again. Please bring your box to church or leave it at the

church office during October. Remember that

it doesn't have to be full to be emptied. Thank

you for your continued support.

Karen Dean

Thanks,

Karen

that you belong to then please see Geoff pick or collect a leaflet and entry form from

the back of church or the church centre. It is always interesting and exciting to see

the different themes and imaginative decorations that are displayed each year.

There will be a display of nativity sets again and if you would like to loan one then

please see Janet Bailey.

There are two musical evenings – Wednesday 26th November (Songbirds in

Harmony, Gentleshaw Handbell Ringers and Chris & Alan Eccleshall with Christmas

songs & carols).

Friday 28th November (Choral music, carols with St Luke’s choir and organists).

Tickets for both £5 includes light refreshments and a glass of mulled wine.

Saturday 29th is family day when we are entertained by local school choirs and

musicians as we enjoy the display of Christmas trees.

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Essington Fruit Farm

01902 735724

More than just strawberries and right on your doorstep!

Top Quality Local Meats including our own Free Range Pork and

home cured bacon

FIRST PRIZE! Best sausages in

Staffordshire Award 2010

Traditional Farm Cooking in our Country Kitchen using

our own free range pork and farm fresh veg.

Our Famous Carvery Roast every Sunday Our Famous Carvery Roast every Sunday

Home made cakes, pies and ready meals

Opening Hours

The farm shop is open all year round.

Shop 9- 5 Tuesday- Saturday, 10- 3 Sunday

Tearoom 11- 3 Tuesday- Sunday Extended opening hours in the Summer Season

Www.essingtonfarm.co.uk

Eat Local!

It’s better for you,

the environment and

the community

Taste of

Staffordshire

Good Food Award

winner

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Wednesday 15th October

10.00 am Holy Communion followed by coffee in the

Church Centre

Wednesday 1st October

Saturday 4th October

10.00 am Holy Communion followed by coffee in the

Church Centre

2.30 pm Mothers Union Meeting Church Centre

8.30 am Men's breakfast in Church Centre

Tuesday 7th Octobaer

Wednesday 8th October

Thursday 9th October

St Thomas’

Saturday 11th October

7.30 pm Confirmation classes in Church Centre

10.00 am Holy Communion followed by coffee in the

Church Centre

7.00 pm Old slides of Cannock

Harvest Supper

Sunday 12th

October 17th Sunday after Trinity

St. Luke’s

8.00 am Holy Communion – Common Worship

10.00 am Together in Worship

St Thomas’

10.30 am Harvest Festival

Sunday 19th

October Sunday after Trinity (St Luke’s Patronal)

St. Luke’s

8.00 am Holy Communion – Book of Common Prayer

10.00 am All Age Communion

4.00 pm Choral Evensong

St. Thomas’s

10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 5th

October 16th

Sunday after Trinity

St. Luke’s

8.00am Holy Communion – Book of Common Prayer

9.45 am Kidz@StLukes in Church Centre

10.00 am Family Communion

St Thomas’

10.30 am Holy Communion

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ST LUKE’S THE CENTRE CAFÉ

The café is open on Fridays and Saturdays

from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Where you can get tea, coffee, scones, teacakes,

cakes and more....

And lively conversation

Why not give us a try!

Wednesday 22nd

October

10.00 am Holy Communion followed by coffee in the

Church Centre

Sunday 26th

October

St. Luke’s

8.00am Holy Communion – Common Worship

9.45 am Kidz@StLukes in Church Centre

10.00 am Family Communion

12.30 om Holy Baptisms

St Thomas’

10.30 am Holy Communion

Wednesday 29th October

Thursday 30th October

10.00 am Holy Communion followed by coffee in the

Church Centre

7.00 p.m. Holy Communion

Pack the app, says CofE, as downloads reach 100,000

Join the 100,000 strong app crowd - led by the Archbishop of York - and get a daily dose of

prayer and reflection wherever you are, say church leaders. Whether at home or on holiday,

the five different free apps from Church House Publishing (CHP), are reaching Christians

across 140 countries via their smartphones or tablets.

The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said: "I use the apps regularly whilst I am travelling.

I even used the app on a recent overseas trip to Ephesus and Cairo, so didn’t need a suitcase

full of books with me - marvellous!"

The Ven Christine Hardman, Archdeacon emeritus of Southwark said she had found the Daily

Prayer app invaluable on her 2,500 mile cycle trip this year, along the East coast of the United

States. “Not only did it supply the Bible readings, but also the prayers so I didn’t need any

books.”

The Daily Prayer app released earlier this year is free to download. It is the fifth app to be

released by the CofE and complements existing apps including Reflections for Daily Prayer,

Sunday Worship and the Lectionary of Services for the Church of England

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3 DOWN AND 6 TO GO Yes, that’s three terms finished and another six to go. I can’t believe

that 12 months have gone and that I am just about to begin my

second year of studying at Queen’s Foundation Theological College

in Birmingham. At times the year has gone so quickly, learning new

things, meeting fellow trainees, but equally the year has dragged

with seemingly endless assignment deadlines, work and home

commitments. But the good news is I have been given permission to

carry on training for another year. If this has come as a surprise to

you, then it was to me as well. I did not know, that at the end of each

year your learning/training is assessed by the College and the Diocese.

So what have I been up to at College? Well on Tuesday evenings I’ve been studying a few

introductory modules – Hebrew Bible (that’s the Old Testament to you and me), Theology,

Christian Worship and Pastoral Theology. Then there have been 6 weekends away at

College, during which we undertaken a local church study, for which a number of you

contributed by filling in a questionnaire (and which we are still looking at as a Leadership

Team), looked at our local neighbourhoods, and a short observation placement at a Church

completely different to St Luke’s. I visited Cannock’s Salvation Army Citadel for a month and

was completely taken by the worship and ministry that that goes on there. However, I did have

to stop one member measuring me up for a uniform!.

But for me the best part of the year was the Easter residential week which took place during

holy week – Monday through to Easter Day. The week was split into two and during the first

half we studied spirituality, learning a little about the history of various spiritual traditions, and

listening to each other’s spirituality. We also visited an Ignatian Retreat House in Harborne.

where we disgraced ourselves when someone started snoring rather loudly during the

meditation. The second half of the week was devoted to experiencing the services of Maundy

Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter and learning a little about the liturgical

history, what we are doing and why we are doing it. It truly was a walk with Christ during his

last earthly days and culminating in the celebration of his resurrection at the Dawn Mass. Of

course it was not as good as celebrating with you on Easter Day!

Who am I training with? On Tuesday evenings I study with other Anglican ordinands from

Birmingham, Worcester. Coventry and Leicester Dioceses, alongside independent students

who are from, mainly Pentecostals such as New Testament Church of God, who make up

more than half our group. There are also trainee Readers from Worcester diocese. Last term I

even spotted a small group of Lichfield readers on campus – I don’t know whether they’d

escaped from Shallowford!

At the weekends, whilst we don’t have any of the Trainee Readers, we are joined by other

trainee Anglican ordinands from Lichfield Diocese who usually study at Shallowford on

Wednesday evenings. This year we shall also be joined by trainee Methodist Ministers, which

will make us a group of 50 in all.

And what does this year hold for me. Well first of all I shall be starting a three month

placement at St Thomas’s Wednesfield from 14th September until 21

st December. Here I hope

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to gain experience and enhance my understanding of how another Church’s vision of mission

and ministry is worked out collaboratively within the town and parish. St Thomas’ is also a town

centre church with a shared leadership team. My focus on mission and ministry will be in

connection with how they conduct baptisms and so I shall be attending their weekly Parish

Office on Friday evenings, going along to Baptism Prep and attending the Baptism Service

itself. In addition I will be attending their Sunday Services (8.00am, 10.15am & 6.30pm) and

leading or preaching at them on occasions.

So, in view of all this, you are not likely to see me before Christmas, because in addition to the

placement I will also be studying at Queens on Tuesday evenings and at two weekends during

this period.

So a HUGE thank you to everyone at St Luke’s, for continuing to ask me how I’m getting on

and encouraging me when studying has overwhelmed me, and also to those who have cover

my jobs during my absences. THANK YOU!!

A number of you have asked where I will be when I finish my training. Let me assure you that

providing I continue to do well on my course, and pass this Placement; and that you still want

me to serve you, I shall be ordained deacon in June 2016 and will become an ordained local

minister at St Luke’s.

Finally, one of the small stained glass pictures in the Chapel at Queens depicts an ox, the

symbol of St Luke. When I’m in there I always make sure I sit opposite it to remind me where I

am from and who has commissioned me for this training. But above all to pray for you as I

know you are praying for me.

God bless you all.

Gill Joynson

Record amount from parishes to fund ministry and mission

Parishes across the country raised a record amount of £929 million in 2012 in order to fund

the ministry and mission of the Church of England, according to recent statistics. Parishes

raised these funds from a combination of investments, legacies and donations, despite the

reduced gift aid rates. The figure represents a modest increase on £916m in 2011.

In addition, Parish Churches also continued to give generously to other organisations,

donating more than £46m to other charitable organisations, exceeding the £43.3m raised by

Children in Need.

The statistics also show that after three years of deficits, parishes have successfully reduced

their expenditure and encouraged more giving, to reach a break-even point in 2012.

Dr John Preston, the Church of England’s national stewardship adviser, said: “The 2012

figures are a real testimony to the generosity of people in the pews. They have raised the

largest ever amount of money to support the ministry and mission of the church.

The Christian principle of stewardship is clearly alive and well.”

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St. Luke’s Dramatic Society Autumn Production

IT COULD BE ANY ONE OF US

by

Alan Ayckbourn

in Prince of Wales Centre

Thursday 13th , Friday 14th , Sturday 15th November

Curtain up at 7.30 pm

Refreshments and Bar available during the interval

Tickets £9 and £7 concessions

Available from the Office, Centre Café, David Gethin 504384 or from members of the society

“ Alan Ayckbourn, our most widely performed dramatist

sends up the Agatha Christie type thriller.” The Guardian

18th October St Luke the Evangelist –

linking the sacred and the profane To St Luke, a Gentile, we owe the beautifully written Gospel of Luke, and the Book of Acts. He was a

Greek physician, a disciple of St Paul, a companion on some of his missionary journeys, and an

inspired writer.

Luke’s gospel focuses on the compassion of Christ. His gospel contains some of the most moving

parables, such as the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son. This, with his emphasis on poverty, prayer

and purity of heart, make up much of his appeal to the Gentles, for whom he wrote.

Women figure more prominently in Luke’s gospel than any other: look out for the extended story of the

Virgin Birth, and stories of Mary, Elizabeth, and the woman who was a sinner.

In Acts, Luke is remarkably good as linking sacred and profane history, as subsequent archaeology

has shown. A principal theme of his Acts is how the early Christians moved away from Jerusalem into

the pagan world, and especially on to Rome.

Luke is the patron saint of doctors, surgeons and artists (due to his picturesque style of writing). His

symbol is an ox, sometimes explained by reference to the sacrifice in the Temple at the beginning of

his Gospel. In England 28 ancient churches were dedicated to him.

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CONFIRMATION

AT ST LUKE’S

The confirmation course

began on

Tuesday, 2nd September,

2014

in the Church lounge

This will be an opportunity

to think about the Christian

faith and prepare for con-

firmation on

Sunday, 2nd November,

2014

You do not have to be con-

firmed to be part of the

course, you may simply

wish to re-visit the basis of

your faith or think about

faith for the first time.

If you need more infor-

mation, please speak to

Revd Preb Peter Hart

Join us if you can

Services include:

Companionship

Light Housekeeping

Local transportation &

errands

Meal Preparation

Respite Support

Convalescence sup-

port

Shopping

Personal care

Specialist dementia &

St Luke’s Transport and Pastoral Visits

If anyone could give a lift to two ladies from the congregation who live locally to

church on a Wednesday morning for the 10 a.m. service then

please speak to office. Also, if you are aware of any

members of the congregation who have stopped attending

Church, then please let the office know.

20

ACROSS

1 Dare 3 Cherubim 9 Son Tohu 10 Yield 11 Ranch12 Enlist 14 Baalah of Judah 17 Edward

19 Sheol 22 Media23 Open air 24 Apostasy 25 Eton

DOWN

1 Describe 2 Run in 4 Household gods 5 Royal 6 Blessed 7 MIDI 8 Joshua 13 Children

15 Added to 16 Jasper18 Await 20 Exalt 21 YMCA Answers

Cannock Food Bank are particularly short of the following supplies:

UHT Milk and UHT Fruit juice; Sugar; Pasta Sauce; Jams; tinned fish; tinned

puddings; and tins of fruit.

There is a food bank box at the back of church where donations may be

left. Thank you for your support.

An invitation to our Home Groups

You are warmly invited to join either of our house groups.

At present the afternoon group meets at 2.30pm, on alternate Tuesdays at 15,

Chaseley Avenue, home of Janet and Nigel Bailey. David Gethin leads this group.

The evening group meets at 7.30 pm, on the 1st and 3

rd Thursday evenings at 13,

Park Road, home of Cath and Jack Middlehurst.

It can be daunting to arrive for the first time to join a group of folk who have been

meeting together for a while but is much easier if you have spoken to one or more

and come along with them.

You could speak to Clarry and Lilian Benton, Stuart Jacques, David Gethin or Janet

Bailey about the Tuesday get together.

Janet Anderson, Barbara Battersby, Wendy and Brian Bishop, Lesley and

Ian Coulter, Chris Hollis, Linda Hopley, Maggie Warford and Cath Middlehurst meet

on the Thursday evenings.

Peter and Alex have joined us once each this year so you could chat to them.

What do we do? -- We sing, pray together, study - maybe a book of our bible or

some other book, sometimes discuss a sermon, laugh a lot and have refreshments.

Basically we enjoy growing together in faith and love.

So, if you think you`d like to give it a try we`d be glad to have you join us.

21

Across 1 ‘Those who were standing

near Paul said, “You — to insult

God’s

high priest?”’ (Acts 23:4) (4)

3 They were assigned to guard

the tree of life (Genesis 3:24)

(8)

9 ‘Elkanah son of Jeroham, the

son of Elihu, the — of — , the

son

of Zuph, an Ephraimite’ (1

Samuel 1:1) (3,4)

10 Surrender (Joshua 24:23) (5)

11 Where American livestock

can be reared (5)

12 Listen (anag.) (6)

14 Alternative name for Kiriath

Jearim (2 Samuel 6:2) (6,2,5)

17 He founded Westminster Abbey, — the Confessor (6)

19 Hebrew word for the place of the dead (5)

22 Allies of Persia in the fifth century BC (Esther 1:3) (5)

23 Where John Wesley was forced to preach a lot (4,3)

24 Rebellion against God; abandonment of religious belief (8)

25 Note (anag.) (4)

Down

1 Give an account of (Mark 4:30) (8)

2 ‘I — — the path of your commands, for you have set my heart

free’ (Psalm 119:32) (3,2)

4 ‘He took the ephod, the other — — and the carved image’

(Judges 18:20) (9,4)

5 ‘You are a chosen people, a — priesthood’ (1 Peter 2:9) (5)

6 The meek, the merciful and the mourners are all this

(Matthew 5:4–5, 7) (7)

7 Musical Instrument Digital Interface (1,1,1,1)

8 He was the son of Nun (Deuteronomy 34:9) (6)

13 ‘Let the little — come to me’ (Matthew 19:14) (8)

15 ‘About three thousand were — — their number that day’

(Acts 2:41) (5,2)

16 In John’s vision, the wall of the new Jerusalem was made of this

(Revelation 21:18) (6)

18 ‘Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly — a Saviour from

there, the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Philippians 3:20) (5)

20 ‘Glorify the Lord with me: let us — his name together’

(Psalm 34:3) (5)

21 Young Men’s Christian Association (1,1,1,1)

22

Remembering Roy Castle – 20 years on

Roy Castle OBE – a man of many, many parts – died 20 years ago this month. As well as

being known to almost everyone in the country as a TV presenter (he hosted the very

popular Record Breakers for some 20 years) he was also a talented jazz trumpet player, a

singer, dancer, actor, comedian and Liverpool supporter.

He appeared in several films, including Dr Who and the Daleks, and starred with comedians

such as Jimmy Edwards and Ronnie Barker, a close friend. Everything he did was

wholehearted and often innovative. For many, he was a cult figure.

Eric Morecambe introduced Roy to dancer Fiona Dickson, who became his wife in 1963, and

they had four children, including Ben, a top-flight jazz saxophonist known to Greenbelters for

his performances with Duke Special. Roy and Fiona were committed Christians who

attended their local Baptist Church.

Roy found he had lung cancer in January 1992, and despite some remission, succumbed to

it on 2 September 1994. Never a smoker, he felt he had caught the disease through playing

in smoky jazz clubs.

Earlier in 1994 he had raised money through a Tour of Hope for the erection of the building

that would become the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. By that time he had been made

an OBE. He had also received the Carl Alan Award, an honour voted for by members of the

professional dance industry. His record for the fastest tap-dance – 1,440 taps a minute – set

in January 1973, has never been bettered.

Roy’s wife Fiona continued to campaign after his death for the abolition of smoking in public

places, which came into effect in almost all public buildings by 2007. Many places that took

the step voluntarily continue to display the Roy Castle Clean Air Award.

23

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24

Parish Clergy Revd Peter Hart Vicar Revd Alex Mann Associate Minister Revd Denis Sunley (OLM) Revd Steve Reynolds (AM) Readers Jack Middlehurst David Gethin Di Holt

01546 579660 01543 577846 01543 570572 01543 579126 01543 504384

St Luke’s St Thomas St Barnabas

Parish and Church Warden

Tess Perrett Paul Hobday

Church Warden Russell Wilkinson Debbie Brown Sue Parker

Depty Warden Heather Saranne

Janice Middleton Alan Jones

PCC Reps Gill Joynson George Joynson

Paul Hobday, Debbie Brown, David Wheatley, Dawn Penton, Bette Tromans, Val Beale, Dennis Parker, Hilary Boycott, Carla Wheatley. Revd Denis Sunley.

Sue Parker Alan Parker Gillian Gethin

Secretary Janice Middleton Dawn Perton

Treasurer Geoff Pick David Wheatley Gillian Gethin

Leadership Team Tess Perett Gill Joynson Heather Suranne

Paul Hobday, Dawn Penton.

David Gethin And Parish Clergy

Deanery Synod Gill Joynson George Joynson

David Whealtey. Plus Revd Denis Sunley.

Verger Liz Hart Doreen Shaw

Assistant Verger Raymond Myatt

25

St Luke’s St Thomas St Barnabas

Organist & Choirmaster David Smith

Parish Administrator

Donna Wilkinson

Bell ringers Booking for Weddings

Geoff & Linda Pick 677194

Mothers Union Madeline Farnell 01543 424776

Gift Aid Secretary Adviser

Ann Jones Barbara Battersby

Carla Wheatley

Electoral Roll Officer Joe Parkes Liz Taylor

Flower Guild Josie Brevitt Sue Alcock

Hall Bookings Church Office

Magazine Editor George Joynson

Christian Aid Committee John Skurr Ethel Taylor Ruth Isitt Peter Barker

Denis Sunley Sandra Davies

Parish Office

Telephone

Email

Website

01543 502131

Stlukesparish @btconnect.com

www.stlukescannock.org.uk

To contact any of the above please ring the Parish Office for details

Magazine copy date for

October

Friday 17th October 2014

26

A Jones

Garden Care

01543 579818

07966 416862

All aspects of

Ground

Maintenance:-

Grass Cutting

Hedge Trimmed

Borders Weeded

Pruning

Patio Cleaning

27

And finally at St Luke’s …..

With a welcome meal….

Luke 900 book marks available from

Parish Office

?????

28