Whickham Magazine February 2022

Dear Lord God,

February can be a difficult, cold month, and this year there

is much to be concerned about, with the pandemic still

affecting our lives in so many ways. But thank you, Lord, that

February can also be a month of wonderful signs of hope

Help us, when we look down, to see the snowdrops –

sometimes known as Candlemas Bells – and other bulbs

pushing through the dark earth, showing the promise of

Spring and brighter days ahead.

And then, help us to look up, to see the light of Jesus, Your

revelation to all the world, in that baby who grew and died

and rose again to offer salvation, hope and life to all who put

their trust in Him.

Thank you, Father, for Jesus and that, because of Him,

nothing – no pandemic, no circumstance – can ever separate

us from You.

Thank you for Your Holy Spirit, living in all who trust in

You, giving us strength for each new day of this and every

month. In Jesus name, Amen. Daphne Kitching

Blessing our community in the name of JesusBlessing our community in the name of Jesusfor the transformation of all.for the transformation of all.

We are of the community for the good of the communityWe are of the community for the good of the community

Dear Lord God,

February can be a difficult, cold month, and this year there is much to be concerned about, with the pandemic still affecting our lives in so many ways. But thank you, Lord, that February can also be a month of wonderful signs of hope Help us, when we look down, to see the snowdrops – sometimes known as Candlemas Bells – and other bulbs pushing through the dark earth, showing the promise of Spring and brighter days ahead. And then, help us to look up, to see the light of Jesus, Your revelation to all the world, in that baby who grew and died and rose again to offer salvation, hope and life to all who put their trust in Him. Thank you, Father, for Jesus and that, because of Him, nothing – no pandemic, no circumstance – can ever separate us from You. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit, living in all who trust in You, giving us strength for each new day of this and every month. In Jesus name, Amen. Daphne Kitching

MAGAZINE INFORMATION

PPlleeaassee ssuubbmmiitt aannyy iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn,, aarrttiicclleess,, ppooeemmss,, ppiiccttuurreess eettcc.. ffoorr::

MARCH MAGAZINE by

MONDAY 14TH FEBRUARY The magazines will be ready to collect on Saturday 26TH FEBRUARY

EDITOR: Anne Lindsley 4888126/ annelindsley1@gmail.com (**NB new address)

Distribution: Pat & Bill Heslop 4887396/ billheslop7396@gmail.com Advertising: Tony Lister 4145489/ anthony.lister1912@outlook.com Dear Magazine Subscribers. Just a reminder about your £12 subscription for 2022 . If your magazine deliverer has not collected your money already, they will call to collect the it during the next few weeks. However there is the option of the payment being made direct to the PCC bank account (details below) This has many advantages, not least that no cash changes hands between people . There is still the option to receive the magazine on line - please let ADL know if you would like to change:- annelindsley1@gmail.com and I will send it each month.( The subscription will be the same!)

Magazine payment Payment can be made direct to the PCC bank account;

Account name: ST MARY THE VIRGIN WHICKHAM Sort code: 20-59-61

Account no.: 00782971 Payment REFERENCE : MAG, 1st line of your address (i.e Mag. 31 Tayloring Road

This helps identify who has paid!!

MagazineInformationPleasesubmitanyinformation,articles,poems,picturesetc.for:

MAYMagazinebyMondayAPRIL20thMagazineswillbereadytobecollectedfordistributionon:

SaturdayMAY2ndEditor:AnneLindsley4888126/anne.lindsley@virgin.netDistribution:Pat&BillHeslop4887396Advertising:TonyLister4145489/anthony.lister@blueyonder.co.uk

NOMOTHER’SUNIONGATHERINGSofanysortuntilendofAprilApril6thGroup677pmMealatOlie&Joe’sFORALLHOLYWEEK&EASTERSERVICESseeROUNDUPApril13thTWG&WhickhamFlowerClubNoMeetingADVANCENOTICE–16thMay11amAwalkforParkinson’sN/cleQuayside(moredetailsnextmonth)

Giving and receiving ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). This unique saying of Jesus, not recorded in the gospels, is quoted by the apostle Paul in the book of Acts. These few words contain a powerful truth about giving and receiving love. Stage 1 – receiving love. As children we love to receive presents, whether for birthdays or Christmas. It is natural at a young age to think more about receiving than giving. This is self-love. Stage 2 – giving and receiving love. As we grow older, we begin to consider others, not just ourselves. We learn not only to receive, but also to give. However, at this stage we tend mostly to give to those who give to us. This is reciprocal love.

Magazine InformationDear Magazine Subscribers. Your subscription for 2022 is due.

Your Magazine deliverer will call to collect £12 during January & February. There is still the option to receive the magazine on line - please let ADL know

– annelindsley1@gmail.com, if you would like to change and I will send it each month. The subscription will be the same!

MARCH MAGAZINEby

MONDAY 14th February *** The magazines will be ready to collect from

Saturday 26th February ***

Editor: Anne Lindsley 4888126/anne.lindlsey@virgin.netDistribution: Pat & Bill Heslop 4887396/ billheslop7396@gmail.com Advertising: Tony Lister 4145489/anthony.lister1912@outlook.com

Dear Magazine Subscribers. Just a reminder about your £12 subscription for 2022 .

If your magazine deliverer has not collected your money already, they will call to collect the it during the next few weeks. However there is the option of the payment being made direct to the PCC bank account (details below) This has many advantages, not least that no cash changes hands between people . There is still the option to receive the magazine on line - please let ADL know if you would like to change:- annelindsley1@gmail.com and I will send it each month. (The subscription will be the same!)

Magazine paymentPayment can be made direct to the PCC bank account;

Account name: ST MARY THE VIRGIN WHICKHAMSort code: 20-59-61

Account no.: 00782971Payment REFERENCE : MAG, 1st line of your address (i.e Mag. 31

Tayloring RoadThis helps identify who has paid!!

Dear Friends, I was watching an episode of An2ques Road Trip (yes, I know, I’m a bit sad), and it was presented from Sunderland; apparently they have a football team too? The show remembered one of the City’s famous sons, Jack Crawford. He was press-ganged by the Royal Navy and served on the HMS Venerable at a 2me when Britain was at war with Holland. During a fierce baPle at Camperdown in 1797 the ship was badly damaged and the main mast broken and the Admiral’s flag fell, a sign of defeat. Jack, with great courage and under heavy fire, climbed the broken mast and nailed the Union Flag to it. His ac2on raised the hearts of the crew and victory was won and a new phrase coined as Jack ‘nailed his colours to the mast’ for all to see. Churches up and down the country are embaPled, and finding it hard to move forward through the difficul2es of these Covid 2mes. Churches of all denomina2ons are struggling to encourage core members back to church. We are no different. I know the risks involved, and I am not underplaying them. Indeed we take seriously all that we have to do, to keep our doors open. In March we hope to expand our paPern of services including the Sunday 8 o’clock and evensong … but we need to know if there is a demand? So perhaps if you haven’t been to church for a while, come along to the 10am Sunday or Wednesday services. You’ll see that we do things safely and well. I believe that the simple rou2ne of coming to church for worship encourages good mental and physical health; and reassures us that we are not alone and reminds us that our Faith is important. Some2mes I think we forget that we are called to be a gathered community. Online services may have their place and can help but there is no subs2tute for coming together in church. William Tyndale pointed out when transla2ng the Bible into English, that the word ‘ekklesia’ or as we know it church, actually means ‘gathering’ or ‘assembly’. Whilst I know not all people might be able to come to church for a variety of good reasons, but if we can, then we should. I believe that when we ‘congregate’ together we find the best ground and opportunity for growth in faith. ‘Live Church’ is totally real, whereas ‘On-line Church’ is not quite so. The Church relies on people to meet together in Jesus’ name. It has its risks, I know it can be both comfortable and challenging at the same 2me. It can exhibit disagreement and affirma2on, yet s2ll nurture rela2onships. But above all Church is the place where we come to listen, pray and discern Jesus’ role for us, his gathered people, united in a meal through which we remember him. Jesus came into a world full of risk, he showed the extent of his love for all as he was nailed to the wood of the cross. Our Churches are under heavy fire, I wonder if this is the 2me for us to be brave and ‘nail our colours to the mast’ for all to see. Fr Barry

WORLD DAY of PRAYER (A Women led, Global, Ecumenical Movement) “I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU”

World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical organisation which enables women all over the world to share their ideas and concerns.. This year, the Bible text used - ‘I know the plans I have for you’ - is from Jeremiah. It reflect on some of the issues facing us today – poverty, domestic abuse and disability, finding hope in difficult situations and encouragement in the help we can give each other. It is all the more ‘exciting’ that the service has been devised by the women of Britain. It will all come to fruition on: FRIDAY 4 MARCH 2022 in the Parish Church at 2pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME

February 7th Group 67 A meeting to discuss the future of Group 67 is arranged for 7pm on Monday February 7th in St Marys Centre. It is hoped that all present and past members plus anyone wishing the group to continue, will attend and come along with suggestions And offers for future meetings Beth Smith

February 14th Mothers’ Union 1 30pm in Church followed by a talk by Revd Rosemary Hendry in the Centre. March 4th World Day of Prayer 2pm in St Mary’s. ALL are welcome

WORLD DAY of PRAYER (A Women led, Global, Ecumenical Movement) “I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU”

World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical organisation which enables women all over the world to share their ideas and concerns.. This year, the Bible text used - ‘I know the plans I have for you’ - is from Jeremiah. It reflect on some of the issues facing us today – poverty, domestic abuse and disability, finding hope in difficult situations and encouragement in the help we can give each other. It is all the more ‘exciting’ that the service has been devised by the women of Britain. It will all come to fruition on: FRIDAY 4 MARCH 2022 in the Parish Church at 2pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME

February 7th Group 67 A meeting to discuss the future of Group 67 is arranged for 7pm on Monday February 7th in St Marys Centre. It is hoped that all present and past members plus anyone wishing the group to continue, will attend and come along with suggestions And offers for future meetings Beth Smith

February 14th Mothers’ Union 1 30pm in Church followed by a talk by Revd Rosemary Hendry in the Centre. March 4th World Day of Prayer 2pm in St Mary’s. ALL are welcome

Our very best wishes to JJooaann JJaammeessoonn who has celebrated her 80th birthday and to

EEllaaiinnee SSiimmppssoonn who will celebrate hers later this month.

The recent death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu was mourned around the world. He helped slay Apartheid. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He was the Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986-1996.

Here are five of his more famous quotes, which show why he was so especially honoured for his justice and reconciliation work in South Africa.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” “Don't raise your voice, improve your argument. Good sense does not always lie with the loudest shouters, nor can we say that a large, unruly crowd is always the best arbiter of what is right.” “Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering - remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning. And the remembering part is particularly important. Especially if you don’t want to repeat what happened.” “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realise our need of one another.”

The recent death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu was mourned around the world. He helped slay Apartheid. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He was the Archbishop of Cape Town from 1986-1996. Here are five of his more famous quotes, which show why he was so especially honoured for his justice and reconciliation work in South Africa.

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” “Don't raise your voice, improve your argument. Good sense does not always lie with the loudest shouters, nor can we say that a large, unruly crowd is always the best arbiter of what is right.” “Forgiving is not forgetting; it’s actually remembering - remembering and not using your right to hit back. It’s a second chance for a new beginning. And the remembering part is particularly important. Especially if you don’t want to repeat what happened.” “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realise our need of one another.”

(Editor: as a parent who read and re read her books to the girls – I found this so interesting)

(Editor: as a parent who read and re read her books to the girls – I found this so interesting)

NUNC DIMITTIS Waiting is a common human experience. Our lives are made up of waiting that leads to encounter, and the waiting requires patience and humility. Milton wrote in his blindness, ‘They also serve who only stand and wait’ as he wondered what he could do for God’s kingdom now that his sight had gone.Simeon in this month’s painting of the

‘Presentation of Christ’ had been waiting. He belonged to a people who had been waiting for centuries. He was heir to the hopes and dreams of a nation waiting for a better world now that the holy city was in the hands of Roman invaders. With his people he clung to the hope that God would come to bring freedom and a new life. God’s chosen one, the Messiah, would bring this about. When it came, there was no fanfare, no warning, just an ordinary family from faraway Nazareth in the Temple, performing the religious duties for the firstborn son. But the waiting led to encounter, and the sight of the new-born child led to insight as Simeon recognised that light and salvation had at last come.Rembrandt has captured all this in his painting, ‘Simeon with the Christ Child in the Temple’: the faith and patience, the hope and humility of an old man, a priest, who takes the babe into his arms and blesses God. It was the artist’s last painting and left unfinished at his death in 1669. The figure of Mary by Simeon’s side may have been painted by another artist at a later stage. It is the aged priest and the new-born babe that impress us as we look: Simeon with his venerable beard and eyes half closed, and the tiny child cradled in his strong arms, looking up intently with his eyes open. As Rembrandt painted this canvas, was he saying something about his own life? He had not been afraid to paint his portrait at various stages -

NNUUNNCC DDIIMMIITTTTIISS Waiting is a common human experience. Our lives are made up of waiting that leads to encounter, and the waiting requires patience and humility. Milton wrote in his blindness, ‘They also serve who only stand and wait’ as he wondered what he could do for God’s kingdom now that his sight had gone. Simeon in this month’s painting of the ‘Presentation of Christ’ had been waiting. He belonged to a people who had been waiting for centuries. He was heir to the hopes and dreams of a nation waiting for a better world now that the holy city was in the hands

of Roman invaders. With his people he clung to the hope that God would come to bring freedom and a new life. God’s chosen one, the Messiah, would bring this about. When it came, there was no fanfare, no warning, just an ordinary family from faraway Nazareth in the Temple, performing the religious duties for the firstborn son. But the waiting led to encounter, and the sight of the new-born child led to insight as Simeon recognised that light and salvation had at last come. Rembrandt has captured all this in his painting, ‘Simeon with the Christ Child in the Temple’: the faith and patience, the hope and humility of an old man, a priest, who takes the babe into his arms and blesses God. It was the artist’s last painting and left unfinished at his death in 1669. The figure of Mary by Simeon’s side may have been painted by another artist at a later stage. It is the aged priest and the new-born babe that impress us as we look: Simeon with his venerable beard and eyes half closed, and the tiny child cradled in his strong arms, looking up intently with his eyes open. As Rembrandt painted this canvas, was he saying something about his own life? He had not been afraid to paint his portrait at various stages - at 21, at 35, at 53 - a total of 60 portraits covering the span of years. In this final painting the years have moved on as we see Simeon, mouthing ‘Nunc dimittis’ with his eyes half closed. Is the waiting over and the journey coming to an end, so that his eyes will fully close? Or will he open them to see that with the babe in his arms, God has more in store: the promise of a future as they step out together on a new journey?

at 21, at 35, at 53 - a total of 60 portraits covering the span of years. In this final painting the years have moved on as we see Simeon, mouthing ‘Nunc dimittis’ with his eyes half closed. Is the waiting over and the journey coming to an end, so that his eyes will fully close? Or will he open them to see that with the babe in his arms, God has more in store: the promise of a future as they step out together on a new journey?

WISE WORDS

Hey yOu, you are holding onto too many bags. You can’t do it all.

You can’t be it all. You can’t carry it all.. Do what you can. Be who you

are. Only carry what is important and put the rest of the bags down

Kindness is loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them

of their weakness.

• Be thankful for it all. The highs, the lows. The blessings.

The lesson. The setbacks. The growth. For the life that you live.

Be grateful.

• We are to heal, not to harm. We are here to love, not to hate.

We are here to create, not destroy.

• Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit

down and be quiet

• Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and

realise they were the big things.

• A gentle reminder - - as a human being you have the power and

capacity to make other people’s lives easier and brighter. Make

sure you take full advantage of that magic and make someone

smile today.

• When thinking about life, remember this – no amount of guilt

can solve the past, and no amount of anxiety can change the

future.

• On this road called life, you have to take the good with the bad,

smile with the sad, love what you got and remember what you

had. Always forgive but never forget. Learn from your mistakes,

but never regret. People change. Things go wrong. But just

remember, the ride goes on.

• Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just

remember how far you have come. Remember everything you

have faced, all the battles you have won and all the fears you

have overcome.

• When you are going through something hard and wonder where

God is, remember the teacher is always quiet during a test.

• A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less,

smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realise how blessed you

are

• Worry is a total waste of time. It doesn’t change anything, all it

does is steal your joy and keep you very busy doing nothing.

• Please don’t ever get tired of being a good person with a good

heart. I know it sucks being taken advantage of, and feeling like

it’s better to be cold-hearted sometimes, but people like you are

what gives the world HOPE

• Lie is an echo. What you send out, comes back. What you sow,

you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists

in you. Do not judge, so you will not be judges. Radiate and give

love and love will come back to you

Smile Lines

- with Valentine’s Day in mind… The Rules of Marriage - real-life answers from a group of children: How do you decide who to marry?• You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming. - Alan, age 10• No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with. - Kirsten, age 10What is the right age to get married? • No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married. - Freddie, age 6 How can a stranger tell if two people are married?• You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids - Derrick, age 8What do you think your Mum and Dad have in common? • Both don't want any more kids. - Lori, age 8What do most people do on a date? Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. - Lynnette, age 8• On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. - Martin, age 10When is it okay to kiss someone?• When they're rich. - Pam, age 7• The law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn't want to mess with that. - Curt, age 7• If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids

with them. It's the right thing to do. - Howard, age 8How would the world be different if people didn’t get married?• There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there? - Kelvin, age 11And the Favourite is........ How would you make a marriage work?• Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a lorry. - Ricky, age 10Those who want to get married A minister was preparing to marry a local couple within a couple of weeks. At the close of the morning service, he saw them both in the congregation, and wanted to ask them to come forward, but he couldn't think of their names. So he said: "Will those wanting to get married please come to the front?”Immediately, nine single ladies, six single men, three widows, and four widowers walked up the aisle.Say it with flowers A man stopped by his local florist shop to buy flowers for his new girlfriend on Valentine's Day. He asked the proprietor, "You know the expression, 'Say it with flowers'?" "I do indeed!” the florist enthused. “How about three dozen of my finest roses?" The man hesitated. "No, make it just a half dozen roses. I'm a man of few words." With local church life in mind….Forgiveness A Sunday School teacher asked her children: “Can anyone tell me what you must do before you can obtain forgiveness of sin?” There was a short pause and then, from the back of the room, a small boy ventured: “Sin?”

Report on the search for a new minister From a church council: We are still looking for a suitable candidate, and sadly the Bible doesn’t provide any role models whom we would really want in our church. For example: Adam: Good man but had problems with his wife. Also, we hear that he and his wife enjoyed walking nude in the woods

Noah: Former pastorate of 120 years, yet with no converts. Also, prone to unrealistic building projects.Abraham: Twice offered to share his own wife with another man.Joseph: Obsessed with the meaning of dreams, plus he had a prison record.Moses: Modest, but a poor communicator, and even stuttered at times. Moreover, he had a temper, and there were rumours he left an earlier church over a murder charge.David: Very promising leader, except that he wrote poetry, and then had an affair with his neighbour’s wife.Solomon: We suspect he was a bit of a wise guy, and anyway our parsonage would never hold all those wives.Elijah: Prone to depression, and he set things on fire.Deborah: Played the tambourine, so not at all suitable for us.Jeremiah: An alarmist, always lamenting things. Plus, he buried his underwear outside.Isaiah: Claimed to have seen angels flying in the church. Jonah: Says God had him swallowed up by a great fish, and that later it spit him out on the shore near here because he was called to ministry. We hung up.John: Said he was a Baptist, but he doesn’t dress like any Baptists we know. Has slept outside, eats a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders.Peter: Too blue collar, and too impetuous. Had also been known to curse. Paul: Powerful message, and people responded to him, but he had been known to preach all night. That would never do for us.Judas: Seems to have been a steady plodder, with excellent connections. Knew how to handle money. We’re inviting someone like him to preach this Sunday. Possibilities here.

Some church bulletin bloopers Correction: The following typo appeared in our last bulletin: 'Lunch

will be Gin at 12:15.' Please correct to read '12 noon.' The Senior’s group will have a picnic on Saturday. Each person is asked to bring a friend, a vegetable, or a dessert, all in a covered dish. Advert for a church jumble sale: ‘We have a gents three-speed bicycle, and also two ladies for sale, in good running order.’

14th Feb: Valentine’s Day There are two confusing things about this day of romance and anonymous love-cards strewn with lace, cupids and ribbon: firstly, there seems to have been two different Valentines in the 4th century - one a priest martyred on the Flaminian Way, under the emperor Claudius, the other a bishop of Terni martyred at Rome. And neither seems to have had any clear connection with lovers or courting couples. So why has Valentine become the patron saint of romantic love? By Chaucer’s time

the link was assumed to be because on these saints’ day -14th February - the birds are supposed to pair. Or perhaps the custom of seeking a partner on St Valentine’s Day is a surviving scrap of the old Roman Lupercalia festival, which took place in the middle of February. One of the Roman gods honoured during this Festival was Pan, the god of nature. Another was Juno, the goddess of women and marriage. During the Lupercalia it was a popular custom for young men to draw the name of a young unmarried woman from a name-box. The two would then be partners or ‘sweethearts’ during the time of the celebrations. Even modern Valentine decorations bear an ancient symbol of love - Roman cupids with their bows and love-arrows. There are no churches in England dedicated to Valentine, but since 1835 his relics have been claimed by the Carmelite church in Dublin. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16) This month, as we mark St Valentines’ Day, we focus on the importance of love. In understanding the way God loves us, this verse shows us how we should love others. God’s love is unconditional: God demonstrated His unconditional love for us by sending His Son into this world, to show us how we should love others, especially when it is undeserved! ‘There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.’ (Philip Yancey). God’s love is sacrificial: God’s love is not selfish or self-seeking, but selfless and self-sacrificial, putting the needs of others first. This is demonstrated by the cross, which is the supreme demonstration of God’s love. He died for our sins to give us access to God’s love, which is made real in our lives by the Holy Spirit. God’s love is forgiving: According to the film Love Story, ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’ Yet Jesus’ love for us enables us to forgive others, as we find His forgiveness through the gift of eternal life, available to all who put their trust in Him. In this World Cup Year, we remember Bobby Moore describing the terror of receiving the World Cup from the Queen in 1966: “I noticed that the Queen was wearing some beautiful white gloves. I looked down at my hands and they were completely covered with mud!” Although we approach God with dirty and spoilt lives, because of His love, we can shake hands with a holy God and share that love with others.

Holy Baptisms Saturday January 8th Charlie Douglas Bonner Seattle USA

"May they grow in the faith into which they have been baptised and come to confirmation" Holy Matrimony

"Those who God has joined together let no one put asunder" Funerals January 10th Margaret Scott 75 years Whickham 14th Norine Buckle 90 years Whickham 21st Noel Adamson 87 years Whickham

"May they rest in peace and rise in glory"

I heard your voice in the wind today and I turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me as I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today as its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your embrace and my spirit soared high. I saw your eyes on the window pane as I watched the falling rain; It seemed as each raindrop fell it quietly said your name.

I held you close in my heart today it made me feel complete; You may have died but you are not gone you will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines …… The wind blows…… The rain falls…… You will live on inside of me for ever For that is all that my heart knows. By Unknown

14th Feb: Valentine’s Day There are two confusing things about this day of romance and anonymous love-cards strewn with lace, cupids and ribbon: firstly, there seems to have been two different Valentines in the 4th century - one a priest martyred on the Flaminian Way, under the emperor Claudius, the other a bishop of Terni martyred at Rome. And neither seems to have had any clear connection with lovers or courting couples. So why has Valentine become the patron saint of romantic love? By Chaucer’s time

the link was assumed to be because on these saints’ day -14th February - the birds are supposed to pair. Or perhaps the custom of seeking a partner on St Valentine’s Day is a surviving scrap of the old Roman Lupercalia festival, which took place in the middle of February. One of the Roman gods honoured during this Festival was Pan, the god of nature. Another was Juno, the goddess of women and marriage. During the Lupercalia it was a popular custom for young men to draw the name of a young unmarried woman from a name-box. The two would then be partners or ‘sweethearts’ during the time of the celebrations. Even modern Valentine decorations bear an ancient symbol of love - Roman cupids with their bows and love-arrows. There are no churches in England dedicated to Valentine, but since 1835 his relics have been claimed by the Carmelite church in Dublin. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ (John 3:16) This month, as we mark St Valentines’ Day, we focus on the importance of love. In understanding the way God loves us, this verse shows us how we should love others. God’s love is unconditional: God demonstrated His unconditional love for us by sending His Son into this world, to show us how we should love others, especially when it is undeserved! ‘There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.’ (Philip Yancey). God’s love is sacrificial: God’s love is not selfish or self-seeking, but selfless and self-sacrificial, putting the needs of others first. This is demonstrated by the cross, which is the supreme demonstration of God’s love. He died for our sins to give us access to God’s love, which is made real in our lives by the Holy Spirit. God’s love is forgiving: According to the film Love Story, ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’ Yet Jesus’ love for us enables us to forgive others, as we find His forgiveness through the gift of eternal life, available to all who put their trust in Him. In this World Cup Year, we remember Bobby Moore describing the terror of receiving the World Cup from the Queen in 1966: “I noticed that the Queen was wearing some beautiful white gloves. I looked down at my hands and they were completely covered with mud!” Although we approach God with dirty and spoilt lives, because of His love, we can shake hands with a holy God and share that love with others.