Rushen Parish Magazine

March 2017

2

Contact Details for Rushen Parish

Vicar:

Rev’d Joe Heaton (rev.joeheaton@gmail.com) 832275

Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary

Readers:

Mrs Margaret Galloway

Mrs June Harper

Mrs Wendy Heaton

Mr Harry Dawson

Mr Adam Kelly

Mr Richard Clague

Active Clergy

Rev Roger Harper

Rev John Gulland

Rev Brian Shephard

Retired Clergy:

Canon John Sheen

Church Wardens:

Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Mr Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488/422737

Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770

Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974/495630

PCC Secretary:

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Port Erin

PCC Treasurer:

Mr Stephen Curtis, Clybane Cottage, Phildraw Road, 823475

Ballasalla

Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer for Children and Vulnerable People:

Mrs Claire Jennings, admin@rushenparish.org.uk 830850

More contact details on the inside of the back cover

3

Dear Friends,

I wonder how many times when we look at our TV screens, tablets and newspapers we think to ourselves or even say to anyone who will listen that ‘the world has gone mad!’?

In the wake of the Presidential elections in the United States I've been reflecting on the choices we all make; on how a country can be so polarised, where so many people can wholeheartedly sign up to national policy such as building a wall between countries, re-establishing the practice of torture and banning immigration from certain countries. Some see this as a stance founded on fear and selfishness, and for others it is built on the genuine poverty, neglect and unemployment of local people. Whatever the reasons for the choices, voters in the States will result in a very different and very insular America.

The choices we make in our lives can carry so much weight; choices on big things such as politics and values and also our choices in our day to day lives. It was Professor Dumbledore who said, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." Wise words indeed.

Wednesday 1st

March is of course Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Churches season of Lent, a season where as disciples of Christ we are encouraged to think about our choices in relation to our faith. A short book of daily reflections for Lent sits on my book shelves and I recommend it: The Little Book of Lent: Daily Reflections from the World’s Greatest Spiritual Teachers.

The following prayer can be found in its Introduction and my prayer for you is that this Lenten season will be a time when you can reflect on the big and the small choices in your life and draw you closer to our Saviour.

“Lent is a time to be with you in a special way, a time to pray, a time to fast, and thus to follow you on your way to Jerusalem, to Golgotha, and to the final victory over death.

I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure, power, and influence.

Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life. I know that Lent is going to be a very hard time for me. The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There are no times or places without choices. And I know how deeply I resist choosing you.

Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this season faithfully, so that, when Easter

comes, I will be able to taste with joy the new life which you have prepared for me. Amen.”

Mark Payne

P.S. The Ash Wednesday Service will be held at St. Columba’s Church, Arbory at 7pm on Wednesday 1

st March. This is a joint service for the churches in the South of the Island.

4

‘Her children rise up and call her blessed’

(Proverbs 31:28)

This month’s front cover depicts spring flowers and the words ‘Thank you so much’. A reminder that Mothering Sunday is fast approaching and that it is a time when we can give thanks for our mothers whether they are still alive or not. The following is an extract from someone who lost their mother a year ago – Editor

I find it difficult to write this as it is only the second Mothering Sunday since my Mum was promoted to glory. Still Mothering Sunday is a great opportunity to appreciate and give God thanks for our beloved Mothers. My mum’s name was Edith Nancy Burrell, her first sun rise was on 27

th October 1927 and

her final sun set on 20th

May 2015; she was 88 years young. I was the youngest of her nine surviving children. She emigrated to England in the 1950's from Jamaica and persevered to build a home for her children with selfless dedication. She was passionate about her family and close friends. Her kindness was legendary, and many hungry friends were fed whilst those who found themselves homeless and outcast by their own family found safety and shelter in our home. Her kindness and gentleness were completely natural offered with a humble, 'down to earth' humour; she always made us smile, even in difficult situations. It was wonderful to watch her grow in faith in her later years. I loved our family meetings at her home on Sunday afternoons where we would eat, pray and laugh together. She radiated faith, joy, peace, wit and wisdom even in her final moments. Today I thank God for my Mother and for the gift of Motherhood. As Mary was chosen by God to incubate, nurture and raise up the saviour of mankind, so you and I are called and chosen to play our part in the continuing circle of life. Those without natural children are also invited to play a part, as in Psalm 113:9: ‘He settles the barren woman in her home as the joyful mother of children.’ We should be grateful for all our adoptive, fostering and spiritual mothers!

Norma Murrain

With Mothering Sunday in mind…

No man or woman ever had a nobler challenge or a higher privilege than to bring up a child for God, and whenever we slight the privilege or neglect that ministry for anything else, we live to mourn it in heartache and grief. C Havner

5

Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s

There was a good turnout for the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (IOM branch) get together on 28

th January in

Onchan. Mr and Mrs Rivers were delighted to receive the beautiful hand knitted jumpers and hats from Beryl Keggen, and will take them to the children of Mogilev when they visit at the end of March. (And now a second bag has been received from Beryl for this charity, thank you.)

Mr Rivers gave us a power point display to illustrate the chilling starkness of the area of Belarus from where the children come, some of the houses in which they live, and their Christmas with ”Father Frost”, on 7th January. To receive their very own present means such a lot; for some, it is their first time. We heard that preparations for the 4 week recuperative visit of 16 children to the island this summer are in hand, and the LWP look forward again to hosting a lunch for them and their helpers.

Our St Patrick’s Day Coffee Morning will be held on 17th

March, in St Mary ‘s Church Hall, from 10am to 11.30am, with a cake stall and raffles, and we hope to raise a good sum to go to The Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, IOM branch. Tickets are now on sale – please support us if you can! We hope to have news soon regarding the Leprosy Mission visit, but meanwhile, please keep collecting your used stamps.

Winifred Quayle, a member of our group for many years, will be celebrating her 90th

birthday on Sunday 26

th February, and we all send her our congratulations, love and best

wishes for a very happy day. We are also delighted to welcome a new member of the LWP, Mrs Pauline Bowman, who now joins us on Tuesdays, for friendship and fellowship around the table. We would be pleased to see any more on a Tuesday afternoon. With love from us all in the Ladies Working Party.

Pat Thomson

Electoral Roll

I shall be updating the Electoral Roll for the APCM on 26th

April 2017. If anyone has changed name or address, please could you let me have new forms no later than Sunday 10

th April 2017.

If you are already on the Roll, and your details are correct, there is no need to do another form.

Blank forms are at the back of each church in the parish.

June Harper – Electoral Roll Officer Tel: 834466

Email: jon@lawjon.com

6

On ‘Silence’ – The Film

The Venerable John Barton considers a recent film, ‘Silence’, on the persecution of the Church in Japan – Editor Christians like success stories. They will be distressed by Martin Scorsese’s latest film, ‘Silence’. Based on a Japanese novel, it mirrors the actual persecution of Christians in that country in the 17th Century, when the total eradication of the Christian faith was official policy.

The story focuses on two young Portuguese Jesuits who smuggled themselves into Japan, to track down an earlier missionary who reportedly had abandoned his faith. On the way they ministered to ‘hidden Christians’ congregating in secret. Their lives were in constant danger. When they were finally caught they were forced to watch as Japanese Christians who refused to apostatise were tortured and killed. They themselves were faced with a terrible dilemma: if they renounced the faith, the indigenous Christians would be released. All they had to do was to tread on a symbol of Christ to signify their apostasy. A sub-plot concerned Kichijiro, a Christian who, repeatedly threatened with torture or death, trod on the Christ-figure over and over again. Each time he sought and was granted, absolution. It became routine - almost a joke. By contrast, most of the Christians stayed loyal to their Lord and paid the price. One of the Jesuit priests died in a futile attempt to rescue a drowning Christian. The other, Sebastião, lived on, to be tormented by the offer: give up your faith, tread on Christ and thus end the torture of your friends. It got worse. The long-lost missionary he had come to find, was produced by the persecutors: he had not only renounced Christ, but was actively engaged in debunking Christianity in favour of Buddhism. After an age of agonising, Sebastião finally did the same. The film, and the historical persecution of Christians which prompted it, present dilemmas for Christians. There is a hint that the Japanese authorities were in part resisting what they saw as a Portuguese takeover. And it’s true that mediaeval missionaries often failed to distinguish the Gospel from their own nationalism. Japanese Christians today rightly resist any suggestion that Christianity is a Western import. More acutely, how should a Christian behave under torture? Kichijiro gave in. Repeatedly he sought forgiveness, to continue as a ‘failed’ Christian. Sebastião, by contrast, finally capitulated and renounced the faith altogether. The film gives the false impression that to be a true Christian, you have to overcome impossible challenges or will be discarded as sub-standard. In doing so it misses the point, for Christ came to save those who cannot save themselves.

7

actions, accompanied by Alex on the keyboard. Amelia read the Old Testament lesson from Deuteronomy 30 about choosing how to live. Beth, Evan and Lilee-Mae dramatised the Epistle from Corinthians 3. In the Learning Together section Alex took up the theme from the Deuteronomy reading and focussed on the Ten Commandments. He asked the congregation some challenging questions relating to each one – answering thumbs up or thumbs down as to how we had kept each commandment during the week. Thomas moved forward in the aisle for thumbs up and backwards for thumbs down. Fortunately he ended up nearer to the front when Alex finished his questioning! For the prayer activity the congregation in each pair of pews came together to write “twitter” style prayers for the world, which Alex then read out during the intercessions.

We are looking forward to our pancakes on the 28th

February. It will then be Ash Wednesday on the 1

st March – where did February go? We are hoping that our All Age

service for March will be on Mothering Sunday the 26th

– however, this has yet to be confirmed.

As I write the children have begun their half-term holiday, let us hope that the mild weather continues and they can engage in some enjoyable activities during their break.

With love from all of us at St. Mary's Sunday School.

Carole Coole

St Mary’s Sunday School

During February we have been continuing our series “How we should pray” which concludes with “Come to Jesus” on 26

th February. We will then begin our new series of lessons

“Songs to God” based on the Psalms where we will discover some of the songs that David wrote as he cried out to God. Our All Age service on the 12

th February was led by Alex

Brown. The children began the service by leading the congregation in singing “Our God is a great big God” with

Parish of Rushen

Concerts at St Mary’s Church Winter/Spring 2017 amended 9 March 2017 Sheeanyn Millish

Concerts at St Catherine’s Church Spring 2017

6 April 2017 Salvation Army Band and Songsters 11 May 2017 Manx Children’s Choir & Schoill Purt Le Moirrey Concerts commence at 7.45pm except May 2017 which is 7.00pm

8

News from St Catherine’s

Now that spring is fast approaching, the flowers and shrubs are starting to come into bud. It is good to see that in the grounds of St Catherine's Church the grass is beginning to look greener. All this is helping everyone to look forward to some nice spring weather.

The work to re-roof the chancel and sanctuary has now been completed. The contractors have had to endure working at great heights in poor weather conditions. They are to be complimented for the work they have completed so far. Now their work is confined to the interior of the church where they are plastering the sanctuary and part of the chancel. When all the work is completed we will be looking forward to celebrating Easter in the church. I will report on the progress of the work in the April magazine. Hopefully by then it will be very close to completion.

Gerry Callister

How many words does it take? Pythagorean Theorem: 24 words. Lord’s Prayer: 66 words. Archimedes’ Principle: 67 words. Ten Commandments: 179 words. Gettysburg address: 286 words. US Declaration of Independence: 1,300 words. US Constitution with all 27 Amendments 7,818 words. EU regulations on the sale of cabbage: 26,911 words. Puts things into proper perspective, doesn’t it?

On the road A teenager was always asking his parents if he could borrow the family car. Pushed to the limit one day, the father demanded of his son why he thought ‘The Almighty’ had given him two feet. Without hesitation, the son replied: "That's easy, one for the clutch and one for the accelerator."

Don’t forget! Clocks go

forward 1 hour on 26th March.

9

March Crossword

Down 2 ‘That was why his parents said, “He is — —

; ask him”’ (John 9:23) (2,3)

3 Integrated Services Digital Network (1,1,1,1) 4

4 ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his

— of thousands’ (1 Samuel 18:7) (4)

5 Concept (John 8:14) (4)

6 ‘Do we, then, — the law by this faith? Not

at all! Rather, we uphold the law’

(Romans 3:31) (7)

7 Industrious (2 Timothy 2:6) (11)

8 ‘I pray also that the eyes of your heart may

be — in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you

(Ephesians 1:18) (11)

12 ‘Out of the same mouth come — and

cursing’ (James 3:10) (6)

14 This was how many of the Jewish leaders

described Jesus (John 10:20) (3)

15 Vitality (Job 20:11) (6)

19 He urged David to kill Saul at Hakilah

(1 Samuel 26:8) (7) 20 ‘So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul —

with the church and taught great numbers

of people’ (Acts 11:26) (3)

24 ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord

— —’ (Deuteronomy 6:4) (2,3)

25 Parched (Matthew 12:43) (4)

26 ‘In the image of God he created him; —

and female he created them’

(Genesis 1:27) (4)

27 Disparagement (Psalm 15:3) (4)

Across 1 These letters come between Romans and

Galatians (11)

9 ‘You will not — me to the grave’ (Psalm

16:10) (7)

10 King of Moab to whom the Israelites were

subject for 18 years (Judges 3:14) (5)

11 Town possessing mineral spring (3)

13 Mede (anag.) (4)

16 High-fidelity (abbrev.) (4)

17 He succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah (1 Kings 14:31) (6)

18 A son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10) (4)

20 Controversial religious book of the 1970s,

‘The — of God Incarnate’ (4)

21 ‘He has received from the Father the

promised Holy Spirit and has poured out

what you — — and hear’

(Acts 2:33) (3,3)

22 ‘You — me together in my mother’s womb’ (Psalm 139:13) (4)

23 Edit (anag.) (4)

25 ‘Who has believed our message and to

whom has the — of the Lord been

revealed?’ (Isaiah 53:1) (3)

28 Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:23) (5)

29 ‘When Mordecai learned of — that had

been —, he tore his clothes’ (Esther 4:1)

(3,4)

30 Sympathetic (Proverbs 11:16) (4-7)

10

February Crossword Solution

January Sudoku Winner I am pleased to report that twenty-two correct entries were received. The winner, Harry Dawson, was drawn just before the joint service at St Mary’s Church on 29th January. He received his prize money of £5 through the post. It was good to see a new competitor winning the prize!

February Sudoku Solutions

Thank You I would like, on Keith’s behalf, to thank all the members of St Mary’s Church, who signed Keith’s 80th Birthday Card. It is so nice to know that he is still remembered. He enjoyed a nice afternoon with close family, along with patients and staff on ‘Gansey Unit’, for afternoon tea and birthday cake. With our love and sincere thanks.

Maureen Hartley

11

the coast of American Samoa. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan – named locally as ‘Yolanda’ – struck the Philippine islands in the western Pacific Ocean. This is mentioned in the service but you will also hear the stories of a girl, a mother and an older woman, recounting their situations and their hopes and fears. The service focusses on the Bible story of the workers in the vineyard: Matthew 20 v 1-16. There is a reflection on the artwork designed by Rowena ‘Apol’ Laxamana-Sta.Rosa. It is very thought provoking and illustrates contrasting scenes. Why not find out more about the theme, the Philippines and the service? The Day of Prayer is not just for women. Everyone is welcome to attend the service.

For more details, visit (www.wwdp.org.uk)

conception of Jesus exactly nine months from his birth on 25 December, but the latter part of March almost inevitably falls during Lent. But the birth and death of Jesus are intrinsically linked - he was born to die, and thus fulfil God’s purposes. The Annunciation is a significant date in the Christian calendar - it is one of the most frequent depicted in Christian art. Gabriel’s gracious strength and Mary’s humble dignity have inspired many artists. Certainly Mary’s response to the angel has for centuries been an example of good faith in practice - humility, enquiry of God, and trusting acceptance in his will for her life.

This beautiful event (Luke 1.26-38) took place in Nazareth, when Mary is already betrothed to Joseph. The Archangel Gabriel comes to Mary, greets her as highly favoured, tells her not to be afraid, that she will bear a son Jesus, and that her elderly cousin Elizabeth is already pregnant (with John the Baptist). The church calendar is never quite as neat as some would like it. To celebrate the Annunciation on 25 March does indeed place the

Lady Day - the Annunciation

Women’s World Day of Prayer 3rd March – Philippines

On Friday 3rd

March over 5,000 services will be held in the British Isles on the theme of ‘Am I Being Unfair to You?’ The Christian women of the Philippines wrote the service and it has been translated into 1,000 different languages and dialects, to be used, throughout the whole world, on that day, starting at sunrise over the island of Samoa and continuing until sunset off

12

who don’t want to make decisions. At the other end of the spectrum gardening can be creative, exciting, dynamic and challenging – there really is something to suit everyone.

Most people feel that gardening improves their quality of life and getting children interested during their early years is a great idea, particularly in our digital age where technology contributes to sedentary lifestyles. Becoming involved in a garden introduces children to the environment; promotes an understanding of wildlife and makes kids more aware of the origins of food.

March is a great month in which all ages can embrace growing. Here are some tasks to enjoy this month:

Clear away any weeds and dig in soil improving material such as compost.

Apply mulch around existing plants - this will lessen your workload for the rest of

the year.

Protect new shoots from slugs. Avoid slug pellets that contain metaldehyde as you

don’t want to be killing wildlife too.

Plant early potatoes after chitting. This involves simply encouraging the seed

potatoes to sprout before planting. Your early potatoes should be ready to eat 10-

12 weeks after planting.

Plant onion sets and shallots. Push the sets gently into soft, prepared soil so the tip

is just showing. Leave about 10cm between each one.

Plant summer-flowering bulbs such as Allium, Gladiolus, bearded Iris, Lily and

Crocosmia. Make sure the ground is frost-free and temperatures are climbing.

Lift and divide larger perennials – it gives you plants for free and keeps them

healthy. Almost any perennial can be divided including ornamental grasses, salvia,

aster, anemone, sedum and many more.

Cut back dogwood (Cornus) and willow (Salix) if you are growing it for its winter

stem colour. You want it to produce vertical new growth ready for next winter.

Generally speaking, you can prune many shrubs after they have flowered. Some

don’t need to be pruned at all – check the requirements for each species.

I am so grateful to ‘Perfect Plants Ltd. for sending us such interesting information each month (Editor)

March into spring: Gardens are growing!

By Perfect Plants Ltd, an on-line supplier of plants and garden products. Tel: 01323 833479 email: info@perfectplants.co.uk

One of the very best things about gardening is that almost anyone can do it, from a toddler to a centenarian. Energetic, disabled, troubled or traumatised, there’s slow gardening for those who need something very gentle; raised gardening for people who can’t bend down low and simple gardening for those

13

‘STOCK-TAKING’

Through self-examination, And taking time to repent; Experience transformation In these forty days of Lent. Talents: how to invest them – To increase and multiply. Aware of these possessions: Do we, with God’s help, comply? Time: with its fleeting moments Easily passes us by, Were the hours wisely spent? We may wonder with a sigh. Touch: has still its ancient power – Through prayer, a smile or a song! Did we touch some life today And help the World along? Reaching out to other folk; Conceiving how to ‘let go,’ May the Holy Spirit, its Gracious presence bestow. Through self-examination, And taking time to repent; Experience transformation In these forty days of Lent. ‘In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your path.’ Proverbs 3:6

Margaret Couper

Christian Aid appeals for good ‘neighbours’….

As Christians around the world mark Lent, Christian Aid is asking the British public to support people seeking a safe place to call home.

Based on the hymn ‘When I Needed A Neighbour, Were You There’, Christian Aid is asking its supporters to follow Christian Aid’s Lent calendar, and reflect each day on the good things in their lives, thinking about daily opportunities to give, act and pray for communities around the world, and helping them to find a safe place to call home.

This Lent, Christian Aid is working with local partners in South Sudan, to provide much-needed food, safe water to drink and sanitation facilities to desperate communities. The charity says that £15 can provide fishing gear for a family; £8.50 could provide two cooking pots so they can eat a hot meal; and £3 could pay for two plastic jerry cans so they can store safe drinking water.

Editor: with Lent and Easter in mind…

The face of Jesus must be very near our own when the thorns from His crown of suffering are pressing our brow and hurting us. Anon

14

Margaret Clitherow – brave British martyr

Editor: Ted Harrison continues his series on British martyrs with the tragic story of Margaret Clitherow

Some of the bravest, and certainly the most numerous, of British martyrs died for their faith at the hands of other Christians. The 16th Century was a specially brutal era of religious intolerance when there was open conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Each claimed they had the key to truth and those who disagreed were heretics.

At one time during the reign of Elizabeth 1 the Roman Catholic Mass was outlawed and priests were in constant danger of being captured and executed. It was even an offence to give shelter to a priest in one’s home. Margaret Clitherow was born in York into a protestant family. She married a prosperous butcher and leading citizen. However Margaret converted to Catholicism, being much influenced in her thinking by a Catholic friend, and like many converts became especially zealous in her practice. In 1577 she was imprisoned for refusing to worship as a member of the Church of England. It was then an offence not to attend the established church on a Sunday. Her husband, thought not himself a Catholic, is said to have paid her fine. Then she began to shelter fugitive priests in a secret room in her house in the city’s Shambles. But her home was raided and Margaret was arrested, tried and sentenced to death in a particularly horrible way. On March 25 1586, at the toll-booth, she was stretched on the ground where she was pressed to death by having heavy weights placed on her. It took her an agonising fifteen minutes to die. When told her fate she said to a friend, ‘I feel the weakness of my flesh which is troubled at this news, but my spirit rejoices greatly. For the love of God, pray for me and ask all good people to do likewise.’ Though Margaret had transgressed the law of the land, it is said that Queen Elizabeth was horrified when she heard that a woman had been executed in this manner. Margaret Clitherow was canonised in 1970 as one of The Forty Martyrs and today is often referred to as ‘The Pearl of York’.

Naughty mummy

A mother asked her young son, as they waited for the bus, to tell the driver he was five years old, because then he would ride for free. As they got into the bus the driver asked him how old he was. "I am five years old," said the little boy proudly. The driver had a son of his own that age, and smiled. "And when will you be six years old?" he asked.

“When I get off the bus," answered the boy.

15

All in the month of March

175 years ago, on 9th

March 1842, Verdi’s opera Nabucco was performed for the first time, at La Scala in Milan. It was the opera that established Verdi’s reputation. 100 years ago, on 6

th March 1917, Frankie Howard, British

comedian and comic actor, was born. Best known for his role in the TV series Up Pompeii! And as a member of the Carry On… team.

75 years ago, on 24

th March 1942, during World War 2, the national loaf was introduced

in Britain. It was made from wholemeal flour, and most people did not like it.

70 years ago, on 1st

March 1947, the International Monetary Fund began operating.

60 years ago, on 10th

March 1957, Osama ben Laden, Saudi-Arabian-born terrorist leader, was born. Founder of the militant Islamist organisation al-Qaeda, he masterminded numerous atrocities against the USA and other Western powers. (Died 2011.) Also, on 25

th March 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, creating the European

Economic Community which was founded on 1st

January 1958. (It was renamed the European Community in 1993 and was dissolved in 2009, having been replaced by the European Union.)

50 years ago, on 18th

March 1967, the super-tanker SS Torrey Canyon hit a rock on a reef between the Cornish mainland and the Isles of Scilly while attempting to take a shortcut to South Wales. 32 million gallons of crude oil were spilled – the worst spill in UK history. Hundreds of miles of coastland were affected, and 15,000 sea birds died.

25 years ago, on 19th

March 1992, Buckingham Palace announced the separation of the Duke and Duchess of York – Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. (They had married in 1986.)

20 years ago, on 6th

March 1997, that Queen Elizabeth II launched the official Royal website: www.royal.gov.uk Also, on 15

th March 1997, the British girl band Spice Girls

became the first group in history to reach number 1 in the charts with every one of their first four singles.

15 years ago, on 29th

March 2002, the Second Intifada – Operation Defensive Shield – began when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s compound in Ramallah was raided and placed under siege by Israeli defence forces. It was the largest military operation in the West Bank since the Six-Day War in 1967.

10 years ago, on 8th

March 2007, John Inman, British comedy actor, died. He was best known for his role as Mr Humphries in the TV sitcom ‘Are You Being Served?’

16

The Smaller Beatitudes

Margaret Moore kindly supplied the following article - Editor

Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves: they will have no end of fun.

Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill: they will be saved a lot of bother.

Blessed are those who know how to relax without looking for excuses: they are on the way to becoming wise.

Blessed are those who know when to be quiet and listen: they will learn a lot of new things.

Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously: they will be valued by those about them.

Happy are you if you can take small things calmly: you will go far in life.

Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown: you will walk on the sunny side of the street.

Happy are you if you can be kind in understanding the attitudes of others: you may be taken for a fool, but this is the price of charity.

Happy are you if you know when to hold your tongue and smile: the Gospel has begun to seep into your heart.

Blessed are they who think before acting and pray before thinking: they will avoid many blunders.

Above all…..

Blessed are those who recognise the Lord in all whom they meet: the light of truth shines in their lives. They have found true wisdom.

From the Registers

Funerals (January 2017)

Wednesday 18th

January 2017 Elizabeth Calvert St Mary’s @ 12 noon

17

Rushen Mothers’ Union

Our February meeting was a very happy afternoon with “love” in the air! Mrs Margaret Couper had selected hymns with love in the title and Mrs Sue Bould gave us readings about love! Mrs Pat Thompson took the chair and Mrs Joyce Corlett played some of her favourite band music and related anecdotes connected with the CDs. Mrs Sue Maddrell gave our sincere thanks to Joyce.

This winter has been successful with different members leading the meetings each month. Members have agreed to make the April meeting an Annual meeting when we will debate the future of the branch and elect a President and Secretary. Our next meeting is on March 13

th in St Catherine’s Church Hall at 2pm. Mrs Helen

Shephard will lead the meeting and the speaker will be the Rev Brian Shephard who will talk on Lent. Guests are very welcome.

Elsie Faragher

Compline (Night Prayer)

Lent 2017

There will be a service of Compline on the following dates during Lent at 7.30 p.m. at St Peter’s Cregneash

Wednesday 22nd

March Wednesday 29

th March

Wednesday 5th

April Wednesday 12

th April

Compline is one of the ancient monastic offices, the service of night prayer, which begins the “Great Silence”, observed throughout the night and early morning in many monasteries.

It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. And it is most effective when the ending is an ending – without additions, conversation or noise. We shall, therefore, enter and leave the church in silence.

Although it is an ancient service, the form of liturgy will be from Common Worship, in modern language. We very much hope as many of you as possible will join us for this prayerful observation of Lent.

Roger & June Harper - 834466

18

God in the Arts – Samson’s tragedy

‘Eyeless in Gaza at the mill with slaves’: that is how John Milton expresses the tragedy of Samson’s life in his poem ‘Samson Agonistes.’ There is an irony in his blindness and powerlessness, for Samson means ‘sunshine.’ As we read the story in Judges 13-17, he was called to be God’s agent in bringing the dawn of a new day to the Israelites and freedom from the Philistines. But he breaks his vows as a Nazirite, and leads a life of sex and violence: the stuff of film and opera, of art and poetry. Then he falls in love with Delilah, who uses her feminine wiles and intelligence to find out the secret of his strength. That moment is depicted in this painting of 1537 by the German artist, Lucas Cranach the Younger. We see Samson clad in armour, but barefoot – a sign of vulnerability for Delilah is ready to cut off his hair and so deprive him of his power, symbolised by the jawbone of an earlier victory. The Philistines wait in the background, ready to capture him, while the partridges and fruitful trees are signs of temptation. The artist is telling us how easy it is to turn away from God’s purpose, and the sleeping Samson is once again oblivious to that calling. The book of Judges tells us how the tragedy unfolds: The Philistines imprison him and set him to grind corn. Called to bring light to Israel, Samson has been blinded. The world is a dark place for him, but then at the Philistines’ festival celebrations he remembers his God. With renewed strength, he brings down the temple and the people within it. That is why we find Samson’s name in the list of heroes of faith in Hebrews 11. It is a reminder that we can all only too easily make a mess of life and God’s calling, but God can still use us and work through us to bring new life and hope.

Outstanding people in great stories of the Bible - as depicted in painting or sculpture is the theme of God in the Arts this year. The second of these, considered by Michael Burgess is Samson, as painted by the German artist, Lucas Cranach the Younger. (Editor)

Present For the elderly minister’s 70

th birthday, the congregation at St Mary's decided to give him

a present of a new suit. He was so moved by the gift that the following Sunday he stood before everyone and began his homily with a tear in his eye, and said: 'Today I am preaching to you in my birthday suit.'

19

Children’s Page

20

Breathe on me Breath of God

Edwin Hatch, who wrote this hymn, was a great scholar. An esteemed member of the Oxford University faculty, he became widely known for his Brampton Lectures, which were translated into German by the great Adolph von Harnack, a great German scholar. Lectures of that sort tend to be challenging to read—tough sledding, as they say. But when it came to expressing his faith in ways that would speak to the ordinary person, nobody has done it better than Edwin Hatch did with this hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God.”

This hymn is a prayer. The first line of each stanza is “Breathe on Me, Breath of God.” That phrase reminds us of the creation in which God “formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). It reminds us of Jesus breathing on his disciples and saying to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).

We need the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, living within us—guiding us—inspiring us—helping us to live the kind of life that God created us to live.

This hymn prays that God will breathe on us and fill us with life anew, even as God breathed life into Adam. It prays that God will breathe on us to purify our hearts. It prays that God will breathe on us until we are wholly devoted to God. It prays that God will breathe on us so that we might never die. This hymn, then, is a prayer for God’s help in this life and throughout eternity.

Breathe on me, Breath of god, fill me with life anew, that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do. Breathe on me, Breath of god, until my heart is pure, until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure. Breathe on me, Breath of god, blend all my soul with thine, until this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine. Breathe on me, Breath of god, so shall I never die, but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.

The Story Behind the Hymn

21

Rushen Parish Prayer Diary

My dearest Lord,

be thou a bright flame before me,

be thou a guiding star above me,

be thou a smooth path beneath me,

be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,

today and for evermore.

Amen

March 2017 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:

1st

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and all that it means to Christians 2

nd Farmers as they prepare their land for the seasons ahead

3rd

The prayer group meeting at 15 Close Cam this morning 4

th Families as they begin to spend the weekend together

5th

Students in colleges undertaking courses to further their knowledge 6

th Residents and helpers at care homes on the island preparing for their daily activities

7th

People who are housebound, unable to enjoy the pleasures of outdoor life 8

th Port Erin United Men’s Fellowship which meets this evening at the Methodist Hall

9th

The concert being held in St Mary’s Church this evening 10

th Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, whose birthday it is today

11th

Those who have been bereaved recently or are remembering the death of loved ones 12

th All those who contribute articles to the Parish Magazine and those who read them

13th

Children returning to school after a busy weekend 14

th The Mothers’ Union and the good work it does in our parish

15th

The children and helpers at the meeting of RUSH this evening 16

th Voluntary helpers in schools who give their time to help the children

17th

St Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, who is remembered today 18

th All saints and martyrs who have remained steadfast in their faith

19th

Chaplains in hospitals, prisons and the armed forces, and their ministry 20

th All participants in sporting activities taking place today

21st

The PCC meeting in St Catherine’s Church this evening to approve the 2016 accounts 22

nd Port Erin United Men’s Fellowship which meets this evening at the Methodist Hall

23rd

Our PCC Treasurer, Stephen Curtis, for the work he does in maintaining our finances 24

th The emergency services in their effort to bring relief to those in distress

25th

Parents and children buying presents for their mothers in preparation for tomorrow 26

th All mothers on Mothering Sunday, and families re-united

27th

Those families preparing for a summer break in July and August 28

th The safety of children at play now that the lighter evenings are upon them

29th

Shopkeepers in Port Erin and Port St Mary 30

th Those who intercede at our services in the parish

31st

Headteachers in schools within the Southern Mission Partnership

22

1st March 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

5th March 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Lent 1) 9.15am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 12th March 9.15am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) (Lent2) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP) 19th March 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Lent 3) 9.15am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service + Baptism (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP)

26th March 9.15am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) (Mothering Sunday) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

2nd April 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Lent 5) 9.15am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

5th April 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

Services are subject to change

Services marked in italics are being held at St Mary’s Church instead of Kirk Christ which is undergoing major renovation

(CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer

Services March 2017

23

Contact Details for Rushen Parish

St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:

Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545

St Mary’s Ladies Working Party

Mrs Susan Maddrell, Athol Lodge, Fistard, Port St Mary 833151

Miss Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399

St Mary’s Hall Bookings:

Mr G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:

Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Web Site/E-mail:

www.rushenparish.org.uk admin@rushenparish.org.uk

Magazine Editor

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Ballafesson, Port Erin

e-mail: dbow43@manx.net

Articles for the magazine should be submitted to the editor no later

than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.

Parish Director of Music:

Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143

Churchyard Enquiries:

Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770

or Mr G Callister: 474924/834627

24

March Sudoku Competition

I was so surprised to receive 22 correct entries for the January competition. Please do have a go, even if you haven’t done so in the past. Four people entered who hadn’t done so before and one of them was drawn out of the ‘hat’. As usual your entries can be submitted through the post, by hand, or by email. I will even collect them from you if you want me to! Thank you for entering, I know it’s a bit of fun, but it helps to keep our minds active. (Editor)