THE SHREWD MANAGER Luke 16:1-13 Penge Baptist Church 14 th August 2011.
June 2014 Sydenham Life · The Himalayan Kitchen in Penge Lane SE20 7DU opens up its doors for...
8
June 2014 Sydenham Life In and around the parish of St Bartholomew www.stbartssydenham.org.uk Is the UK a Christian country? The Prime Minister at Easter said that it was and that we should be proud of defending Christian values. But was he right? Is it correct to say that Britain is a Christian country? Of course, it all depends on what you mean; how do you define a “Christian country”? If it is one where a majority of people are Christians who practise their faith by attending church, then Britain is not a Christian country. We know that only a small percentage of people attend Christian worship regularly. If it is one where the traditions, customs and culture are predominantly influenced by the Christian Church, then yes, Britain is a Christian country. This is demonstrated in so many ways. For instance, the Church of England as the state Church is woven into the Establishment; the Archbishop of Canterbury crowns the monarch; prayers are said in the Houses of Parliament before business each day. Our schools and hospitals were pioneered by the Church, and many have chaplains. The Church is still the largest provider of education after the state. Our national flag consists of three superimposed crosses. The Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter are still celebrated. Many who don’t attend church still give up something for Lent. In courts of law, oaths are still sworn on the Bible. People still see the Ten Commandments as a touchstone for moral judgements and aspire to follow the teaching of Jesus. Visits to holy places and cathedrals are increasing and England has perhaps the greatest collection of medieval parish churches anywhere in the world. Some people who are prominent in public life (some philosophers, authors, comedians etc.) have no time for Christianity. It is as if they have moved on from such childish notions and can’t bear to see other people being duped by the Church. They would love Britain to become a secular state. But the example of other secular states, where religion has been banned and Christians persecuted does not inspire much confidence. The record of the former USSR, its satellites and China does not suggest that a country that deliberately detaches its life from spiritual values and the recognition of a higher power has any sort of moral compass or caring framework on which to build community. The UK has been a more overtly Christian country in the past, and we simply are living with the legacy of it now. And there is some truth in that. A country where only a small percentage regularly attends church, and where the Christian faith is barely taught in community schools, is going to get to a point when the beliefs of Christianity are not widely known or understood. Some say we are already at that point. And yet, I would still want to say that the UK is a country with a Christian heritage. What are the alternative descriptions? Britain as a secular state? No (see above). Britain as a multi-faith state? Well it certainly is true that other faiths play a bigger part than they did a generation ago, particularly in the big cities. But the way the figures are presented can be misleading. We seem to count every person of a Muslim heritage as a practising Muslim, but we only count as Christians those who regularly attend Church; yet the number of those with a Christian heritage would be about half the population. I would still want to stand by Britain as a Christian heritage state. We are a people who don’t like extremes, either in politics or in religion. We are more comfortable with a calmer, less demonstrative kind of religious expression. We tend not to wear our hearts or our faith on our sleeve. And yet I believe faith, in a distinctively British way, is deeply rooted and will continue to be for some time, as people see the emptiness of humanism and the incompatibility of more radical faiths with the British way of life. Michael Kingston Remembering Times Past Himalayan Kitchen Parishioners New Business Venture Local Church Celebrates 40 Years
Transcript of June 2014 Sydenham Life · The Himalayan Kitchen in Penge Lane SE20 7DU opens up its doors for...
June 2014
Sydenham Life
In and around the parish of St Bartholomew
www.stbartssydenham.org.uk
Is the UK a Christian country? The Prime Minister at Easter said that it was and that we should be proud of defending Christian values. But was he right? Is it correct to say that Britain is a Christian country?
Of course, it all depends on what you mean; how do you define a “Christian country”? If it is one where a majority of people are Christians who practise their faith by attending church, then Britain is not a Christian country. We know that only a small percentage of people attend Christian worship regularly.
If it is one where the traditions, customs and culture are predominantly influenced by the Christian Church, then yes, Britain is a Christian country. This is demonstrated in so many ways. For instance, the Church of England as the state Church is woven into the Establishment; the Archbishop of Canterbury crowns the monarch; prayers are said in the Houses of Parliament before business each day. Our schools and hospitals were pioneered by the Church, and many have chaplains. The Church is still the largest provider of education after the state. Our national flag consists of three superimposed crosses. The Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter are still celebrated. Many who don’t attend church still give up something for Lent. In courts of law, oaths are still sworn on the Bible. People still see the Ten Commandments as a touchstone for moral judgements and aspire to follow the teaching of Jesus. Visits to holy places and cathedrals are increasing and England has perhaps the greatest collection of medieval parish churches anywhere in the world.
Some people who are prominent in public life (some philosophers, authors, comedians etc.) have no time for Christianity. It is as if they have moved on from such childish notions and can’t bear to see other people being duped by the Church. They would love Britain to become a
secular state. But the example of other secular states, where religion has been banned and Christians persecuted does not inspire much confidence. The record of the former USSR, its satellites and China does not suggest that a country that deliberately detaches its life from spiritual values and the recognition of a higher power has any sort of moral compass or caring framework on which to build community. The UK has been a more overtly Christian country in the past, and we simply are living with the legacy of it now. And there is some truth in that. A country where only a small percentage regularly attends church, and where the Christian faith is barely taught in community schools, is going to get to a point when the beliefs of Christianity are not widely known or understood. Some say we are already at that point. And yet, I would still want to say that the UK is a country with a Christian heritage.
What are the alternative descriptions? Britain as a secular state? No (see above). Britain as a multi-faith state? Well it certainly is true that other faiths play a bigger part than they did a generation ago, particularly in the big cities. But the way the figures are presented can be misleading. We seem to count every person of a Muslim heritage as a practising Muslim, but we only count as Christians those
who regularly attend Church; yet the number of those with a Christian heritage would be about half the population.
I would still want to stand by Britain as a Christian heritage state. We are a people who don’t like extremes, either in politics or in religion. We are more comfortable with a calmer, less demonstrative kind of religious expression. We tend not to wear our hearts or our faith on our sleeve. And yet I believe faith, in a distinctively British way, is deeply rooted and will continue to be for some time, as people see the emptiness of humanism and the incompatibility of more radical faiths with the British way of life.
Michael Kingston
Remembering
Times
Past
Himalayan Kitchen
Parishioners New
Business Venture
Local Church
Celebrates
40 Years
Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine cooked by a Hilton Hotel star chef
formally of Tamarind, the Michelin Star Indian restaurant in Mayfair.
Meat and fish are sourced locally from Billings of Sydenham as well as fruit
and vegetables from Fresh and Fruity in Sydenham.
Catering for private parties and occasions are our speciality as well as a unique
Barbecue in your Garden service.
17 Penge Lane, London, SE20 7DU
020 8676 7899 / 020 8778 0757
www.himalayankitchen.info
Open 7 days a week 5.30pm to 11.00pm (Including Bank Holidays).
Nepalese & Indian Takeaway
www.paradisalplayers.com
An after school club will be starting at St Bart's in June. Details have yet to be confirmed but parents can get more
information from Tony Mensah.
Your Local Independent Surveyor
Stephen Jones. RPSA & SAVA
Building Surveys for residential buildings.
Party Wall Surveyor. Floor plans. Damp Surveys. EPCs.
Snagging inspections. Roof surveys.
Fully insured.
Email [email protected]
www.sjones 63.wordpress.com.
Mobile 07717834196 / Tel. 0208-778-8453
Specialising in the installation of:
Bathroom suites, Showers, Washing machines, WC’s,
Radiators, Tanks, Cylinders, Immersion Heaters.
All aspects of Domestic Plumbing
Free estimates/No Call-Out Charge
Call Donald on 07958 293749
PAINTING,DECORATING,PLASTERING,RENDERING
KITCHENS,BATHROOMS,WALL,FLOOR TILING
PLUMBING,ELECTRICAL,ODD-JOBS
111 Lawrie Park Gardens, London SE26 6HP
079 19 22 21 97 020 83 55 66 77
Free estimates—reasonable prices—good references
All jobs fully insured
PAINTING & DECORATING PLASTERING RENDERING
KITCHENS & BATHROOMS CARPENTRY
WALL & FLOOR TILING PLUMBING ELECTRICAL
Sydenham life has been published in one form or another for over fifty years! It has served the parish and the
local area of Sydenham well and continues to promote and advertise local businesses and events.
Although many things have changed over the years, essentially Sydenham Life is here for you, the people of the
parish of St. Bartholomew’s.
Therefore, if you have something to say, or wish to promote or advertise a local business or event, please get in
touch so that we can celebrate the wonderful diversity and skills that exist in our community.
WANTED: GOLD SILVER JEWELLERY MILITARY CLOCKS COINS CLEARANCES
GORDON CARTWRIGHT Antique Dealer Since 1951 I wish to buy: any broken gold or silver items; pre-decimal coinage: 6d, 1/-, florins, half-crowns or
crowns; any other foreign coins or banknotes; gold or silver jewellery also wanted. Also jewellers boxes –
any quantity. Clocks, wristwatches whether working or not; any old and interesting items. Costume
jewellery wanted – any quantity; any amber items, amber beads – broken or not. We also want cutlery
sets and teaspoons. Silver items wanted including dressing table sets, tortoise shell items, silver photo
frames; any bronze items. Any foreign or British stamp collections; old newspapers or magazines and theatre pro-
grammes. Postcard albums and old atlases bought. Any crocodile wallets, photo frames, handbags, suitcases or collar
boxes. Corkscrews always wanted. Paperweights by any named makers – if not signed we will still make an offer.
Military items: any military photos or cards; any WW1 or WW2 items; medals and badges etc. Also swagger sticks, pace
sticks, uniforms or just hats or berets. We also do house and flat clearances. Please call any time – there is an answer
phone if we are out. Thank you for taking the time to read my advert. We will call round at your convenience.
Tel: Gordon Cartwright on 020 7735 8851
St Bart’s regular Neel, will finally see his life long dream come true this month as he opens
up his own Nepalese takeaway and restaurant after many years of hard work.
The Himalayan Kitchen in Penge Lane SE20 7DU opens up its doors for business and all
are welcome! Neel, a Mayfair trained chef,
specialises in authentic Nepalese cuisine and is
determined to make this business venture a success.
“It is a dream come true; I have worked for six years to
create this business!” said Neel.
This family run business will see Neel working long hours
doing the thing he loves and does best; cooking! So if you
are looking for high quality cuisine, delivered to your door,
look no further than The Himalayan Kitchen!
Good luck Neel from all at St.Bart’s.
If you haven’t noticed the leaves on the trees as you
walk down Westwood Hill towards Sydenham, then you
won’t have noticed the blossoms and bursting buds of
the trees and shrubs in the church yard either.
Summer is well and truly here at St. Bart’s and the
tranquil surroundings of the church offer a fascinating
glimpse into the history of not only the church but also
Sydenham life. Go on, take a look next time you are
passing; you’ll discover much more than you think!
The Henry triplets have worked at St. Bart’s for many
years, trundling up and down the aisles, cleaning up
our mess as they go, never moaning or asking for a
break. However, the time has come for them to kick
back and hang up their tubes and bags and take a well
-earned rest.
These identical triplets, one of only three in the world,
have agreed to prolong their retirement until suitable
replacements can be found. If you would like to donate
a new vacuum cleaner or offer a contribution towards a
new one; please do get in touch through the magazine.
Tutoring in Mathematics
Primary and Secondary
School levels
Adult students are also
welcomed
Individual Attention
For more details call
0754 831 1701
Pentecost Pentecost, once known as Whitsunday, is one of the great festivals of the Church, with Christmas, Easter and Ascension Day. It marks the day, seven weeks after the first Easter, when the apostles first experienced a transformation that empowered them to go out and spread the Good News. This was the experience of the Spirit of God, inspiring, setting free, guiding. Pentecost each year is a celebration of the gift of the Spirit, and a prayer that the Spirit will continue to lead and guide us. In the evening, at 6 pm at Southwark Cathedral, Bishop Christopher will wind up his Faith, Hope and Love initiative with a special service.
Trinity Sunday June 15th Trinity is the only festival in the Church’s year dedicated not to an event, but to a belief. This is the paradox that is at the heart of God. We want to say that God is eternal Creator, Son and Spirit. This year it also happens to be Fathers’ Day (not a religious festival, of course!) and our All-age service. So somehow we shall link all that together!
In the 1960s a dialogue began between the Sydenham Baptist
Church in Dartmouth Road and the Congregational Church in the
Grove in Jews Walk. After a great deal of discussion and debate,
planning and prayer, the two churches finally agreed to unite. Both
church buildings were demolished and for a time worship was
held in 'The Shed’ a temporary building set in the garden of
number 2 Jews Walk. After a lot of fund raising the Grove Centre
Church, as we know it now, was built and officially opened at
Easter 1974. The slogan for this event was ‘Open Door ’74.’
On Sunday May 4th 2014 we celebrated ‘ 40 years at the heart of
the community’ and were delighted that the Rev. John Bell of the
Iona Community agreed to preach at the morning’s celebratory
worship and lead a music work shop in the afternoon. The sun
shone and some 130 plus folk were able to enjoy refreshments in a
marquee in the garden and later a buffet lunch in the main hall. It
was a time of renewing old friendships and remembering and
giving thanks for those whose vision resulted in the building of
the Grove Centre Church which continues to be a ‘place for
people ‘ and a ‘people for people’ set in the heart of the
community. Avril Sydee
Saturday June 21st
An evening tasting Spanish wines, with tapas and chorizo. £12 a head.
Sydenham Life Editor
Richard Dax 0793 1152874
Sundays
8am Eucharist (said)
10am Parish Eucharist (Sung)
All-Age once a month
6pm (some Sundays) Evening Service or
Sunday@Six (Children’s Eucharist) check for details
Weekdays
8.30am Morning Prayer, Tuesday-Friday
9.30am Saturday
020 8778 5290
4 Westwood Hill, Sydenham, SE26 6QR
Vicar’s day off: Monday
The church is usually open every Saturday
morning between 10 am and 12 noon for
June
1st -Sydenham Society
5th- in loving memory of Aunty Chris. Paddy
8th-happy 1st birthday Arthur-love auntie Claire
Do you have an anniversary, birthday or special event
you wish to light up? Maybe there is someone you want
to remember. You can sponsor the floodlighting of St
Bartholomew’s church for one whole week for £10.
Claire Adams: 020 8676 0608
Baptisms
We welcome into the family of Christ
April 27th Sophia Lomeo and Silas Fetto
First Communion
Draw near with faith; receive the Body of Christ, which he gave for you
April 20th Daniella Ekhogie, Zita Kiingston, Anthony Mowatt, Alexander Rushton, Nikita Walugembe.
Funerals
Rest eternal grant them, O Lord
April 28th Winifred Galek (89)
May 1st Mary Roynon (85)
This is an informal celebration of the Eucharist particularly with children aged about 6-11 in mind. Early on a Sunday evening is quite a relaxed time. The service is much shorter than on a Sunday morning and seeks to engage the children thoroughly.
June’s Sunday@Six is on June 22nd at 6 pm.
Feel free to drop into church on Thursday June 5
th between 2.30 and
4.00 pm for a cup of tea, some delightful sandwiches and cakes, and
some pleasant conversation.
