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Malvern Priory Magazine The Parish Church of St. Mary & St. Michael In this issue… Touring the Priory Home Groups Alister M c Grath on C S Lewis “Pray one for me” Welcoming the Revd Dr Ali Gray Graham Usher Next Bishop of Dudley Preparing for Marriage Fairtrade in Malvern February 2014 50p

Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Page 1: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

Malvern Priory Magazine

The Parish Church of St. Mary & St. Michael

In this issue… Touring the Priory Home Groups Alister McGrath on C S Lewis “Pray one for me” Welcoming the Revd Dr Ali Gray Graham Usher – Next Bishop of

Dudley Preparing for Marriage Fairtrade in Malvern

February 2014 50p

Page 2: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

Regular Weekly Events

Priory Home Groups: to confirm times and venues of Home Groups please contact Ted Crofton on 01886 833376

Monday –Saturday 9.00 am Daily Prayer in the Priory

Tuesdays 6 - 7 pm Praise Group in the Guesten Room

Wednesdays 6.30 pm Sketch Club youth drama group in the Lyttelton Rooms

Thursdays 11.30 am Holy Communion 7.30 pm Bell Ringers’ Practice

Fridays 4.30 pm Adult Handbell practice 5.15 pm Junior Handbell practice 6.00 pm Junior choir practice 7.00 pm Adult choir practice 7.45 pm FEATv! at the Vicarage

Sundays 10.30 am Youth and Children’s Groups in the Lyttelton Rooms (except when it is Altogether Worship)

7.30 pm Youth Badminton Hour in the Lyttelton Rooms

Contact details for Priory Church Officers and Organisations inside back cover

Magazine Contributions

All contributions must arrive by the 10th of the preceding month, at the latest please, and can be delivered to the Priory Office or via e-mail

[email protected].

Please do not place in Priory pigeonholes.

Contributions should be limited to a maximum of five hundred words, and where accompanied by relevant photographs, reduced accordingly.

Where photographs of young people are provided, please confirm that parental permission has been obtained to publish in this magazine.

Articles will also be considered for inclusion on the Priory web site – if for any reason this is not acceptable, please mention when submitting articles.

Some photographs, especially of young people, may not be published on the web pages.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission from Malvern Priory

Printed by Aspect Design, 89 Newtown Road, Malvern WR14 1PD www.aspect-design.net

Page 3: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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From the Vicarage

Personality Matters

Dear Friends,

Personality matters, doesn’t it? If, like me, you have done a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or some other personality profile, then you will be aware of how people with different personalities view the world, and approach relationships, in very different ways. In her fascinating book Quiet (published by Penguin in 2013), Susan Cain points out that “our lives are shaped as profoundly by personality as by gender or race. And the single most important aspect of personality… is where we fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum” (Introduction, page 2).

If you are an extrovert, then you will be energized by being with other people. If you are an introvert, then you will be energized by being ‘quiet’, in your own space.

In her book Quiet, Susan Cain analyses research on how extroversion has became the Western cultural ideal, and how this affects the way we view leadership, including leadership within churches. There is a stereotype of a dynamic leader who is an extroverted (perhaps charismatic) individual who effortlessly connects with many people, whether ‘working a room’ or speaking to a crowd (often without notes!). Yet - as Cain points out - while such a leader may be a good talker and be slick in their presentation skills, there is a danger that presenting is viewed as more important than substance and critical thinking. A culture which views extrovert ‘action’ as more important than introvert ‘contemplation’ is one which gives rise to distorted decision-making, such as the ‘gung – ho’ decision to invade Iraq in 2003, or the high risk investment decisions which led to the financial catastrophe of 2008.

The Church is certainly not immune from this cultural discrimination in favour of extroversion. As Cain points out, “many evangelicals come to associate godliness with sociability” (page 70), and many introverted church leaders (myself included) find themselves struggling with the false assumption - their own, and those of their congregations - that they can’t really be a ‘proper’ leader in a Church which exalts the extroverted personality.

But why - you may be wondering - is this important? Because we need extroverts and introverts to understand each other, and to cultivate environments where they can both give of their best. As Cain suggests in the subtitle of her book, perhaps both church and society badly need to rediscover “The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”.

Wishing you every blessing in Jesus Christ,

John Barr, Vicar

Page 4: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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FEBRUARY 2014

1 Sat 11.00 am Illustrated Talk on the Glass of Malvern Priory by Katherine Wells 2.30 pm Messy Church, Lyttelton Rooms

2 Sun The Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas), (Purification of the Virgin Mary, BCP) 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Parish Communion 6.30 pm Engaging Issues: “Candlelight in Wolmirstedt” 6 Thurs 10.00 am Priory Tots in Church 7 Fri 10.30 am Flower Arrangers’ Coffee Morning 8 Sat Mission Representatives Exhibition 4.00 pm Evening Prayer

9 Sun The 4th Sunday before Lent (5th Sunday after Epiphany, BCP) 8.00 am Holy Communion

10.30 am Altogether Worship 12.30 pm Holy Communion 6.30 pm Holy Communion 10 Mon 12 – 1 pm Prayers for Peace, Lyttelton Prayer Room 7.30 pm Priory Bell Ringers AGM, Guesten Room 13 Thurs 1.00 pm Lunch Box: Concert by musicians from Malvern College 15 Sat 4.00 pm Evening Prayer

16 Sun 3rd Sunday before Lent (Septuagesima, BCP) 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Parish Communion, with Prayer Ministry 6.30 pm Evensong 22 Sat 12 noon Organ Recital by Weston Jennings (Canterbury Cathedral) 4.00 pm Evening Prayer

23 Sun 2nd Sunday before Lent (Sexagesima, BCP) 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Morning Prayer 12.30 pm Holy Communion 6.30 pm Choral Evensong 24 Mon 12 – 1 pm Prayers for Peace, Lyttelton Prayer Room 27 Thurs 1.00 pm Lunch Box: “The Malvern Community Partnership” – talk by Mark Young, High Street Malvern 28 Fri 7.45 pm “Bangers and Beetles” in the Lyttelton Rooms (for Choir, Featv! and Pathfinders

MARCH 2014

1 Sat 4.00 pm Choral Evensong sung by Bath Abbey Boys’ Choir 7.15 pm Priory Quiz Evening in Lyttelton Rooms, Main Hall

Page 5: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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2 Sun Sunday next before Lent (Quinquagesima, BCP) 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Parish Communion 6.30 pm Engaging Issues: “The Rule of Benedict” with Brother Tom OSB from Mucknall Abbey

– o0o –

LUNCH BOX

Thursday lunchtime talks and music Bring your own lunch at 12.30 pm

Talk or concert from 1 pm – 1.30 pm

Feb 13th Concert by musicians from Malvern College conducted by Iain Sloan.

Feb 27th The Malvern Community Partnership. Talk - Mark Young High Street Malvern

Mar 13th Who are the Gideons? Talk - Angela Flanagan

Mar 27th Concert by musicians from Malvern St James conducted by Lynne Lindner

– o0o –

ORGAN RECITALS - MUSIC TO THE TREASURER'S EARS!

Our five recitals in 2013, with an attendance of almost 600, raised about £1430 for Priory funds. This gives a total of £12,600 over the nine years we have been running them. Many thanks to all who have supported and assisted in the recitals.

2014 is the 10th anniversary of the organ renovation and we have an interesting line-up of organists. Flyers are available at the west end of the Priory. A highlight is sure to be Peter Dyke from Hereford Cathedral who will play his brilliant arrangement of a movement from Dvorak's New World Symphony.

Geoff Fearnehough

Page 6: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Clearly the Cleanest All carpets, curtains, and upholstery

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Call Ian Jones Tel: 0800 085 4425 Mobile 07831 332226

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Page 7: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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BOOK REVIEW

SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite

Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5

Of all the presents I received this Christmas, this is by far the richest. Malcolm Guite, Chaplain of Girton College and Associate Chaplain of St Edward King and Martyr, Cambridge, uses the sonnet form to express a great spectrum of meditation at a profound level and in a concise form. The main body of the work takes us through the Christian year from Christmas onwards, evoking pictures and prompting thoughts to muse on and develop for ourselves. “Refugee”, depicting the flight from Herod, aligns the infant Christ with today's refugees “on the long road of weariness and want”, with a final two lines that make us think.... I am trying to discipline myself not to race ahead and read them all, keeping them to the appropriate season, but it's hard, for each one opens new pictures and brings a sense of “what oft was thought but ne'er so well expressed”. The author writes that “brevity, clarity, concentration and a capacity for paradox” are to be found in the best sonnets; Rowan Williams says that “all those qualities are to be found here”, and who am I to argue with him? Highly recommended for individuals for group reading and study.

Elizabeth Dunnett

MALVERN PRIORY ORGAN RECITALS 2014

Saturday, 22nd February, 12.00 noon

Weston Jennings (Canterbury Cathedral)

The young American organist, Weston Jennings, is currently Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral. He has performed widely across the USA and also in Germany. His programme includes music by Bach, Dupré, Debussy, and Boëllmann’s famous Suite Gothique.

Look out for his full programme in publicity material and on the website: www.malvernprioryorgan.org.uk

Large screen video projection. Retiring collection for Priory funds

From the Friends

Annual General Meeting Our 64th AGM was held on 5th December 2013 and the weather this year encouraged 29 people to attend. The main points were:

Accounts. On behalf of the Treasurer, the Chairman reported that the accounts had been audited and approved; income from investments had increased significantly since the steep drop reported last year.

Page 8: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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EGYPTIAN COTTON SHEETS, HANDKERCHIEFS

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OWN CAR PARK ADJACENT TO EDITH WALK

www.gordonsmithmalvern.co.uk

Page 9: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Highlights of 2013. The Chairman explained that although the emphasis of the last year had been on ‘raising the Friends’ profile’, the revision of our very dated Constitution in conjunction with the Charity Commission had taken up an enormous amount of time. Highlights of the previous year included the recent issue of a new guide book on the Priory stained glass by Katherine Wells, the outing to Burford Church and Mill Dene Gardens, Blockley, and ‘Friends Day’ including a lecture, cream tea and choral evensong. Since the last AGM grants totalling £26,062 had been made to the PCC.

New Constitution. The latest version of the proposed new Constitution which had been widely circulated for comment was discussed along with three additional amendments agreed by the Friends Council. The new Constitution was adopted subject to clarification of one sentence covering the three officers and their membership of the PCC.

Election of Officers. The three Officers Mike Selby (Chairman), Derek Valentine (Treasurer) and Elizabeth Dunnett (Secretary) were re-elected unanimously. After many years of loyal service Helen Wells, Norman Savage and Michael Martin (Co-opted) resigned from the Council. Philip Robinson was elected as a new member with Anne Savage, Roger Sutton and John Bonny being re-elected. The Chairman

recorded his thanks to all members for their service to The Friends.

A Tour of the Stained Glass at Great Malvern Priory. We are delighted to say that Katherine Wells recently completed a superbly illustrated guide of the magnificent stained glass in the Priory. This has been requested by numerous members of the Priory and visitors since all the copies of the previous guide were sold. The guide has been funded by The Friends and is available from the Priory bookshop. It only costs £5.00.

Outing 2014. Anne Savage is planning a visit to Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday

8th May. The cost less lunch will be £20. Anne will be pleased to hear from all who are interested in this trip.

Dates for your 2014 Diary:

Coffee Morning (at 12 College Road) Saturday 22nd March Outing to Salisbury Cathedral Thursday 8th May Friends' Day Sunday 29th June Next AGM not until June 2015 as a result of our new Constitution being approved.

Mike Selby

Page 10: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Page 11: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Fairtrade in the Malvern Area

Brief history The Malvern Fairtrade group, enthused by the aims of the Fairtrade movement, determined to gain Fairtrade status for Malvern which was achieved in 2003 when Malvern became a Fairtrade Town, the 18th to attain this recognition in England. Supported by the Town Council, the local group members encouraged, and still encourage, local shops, restaurants, businesses and churches to stock and use Fairtrade products.

Today The idea of Fairtrade may have started off small but it has grown to become a force that nobody dared hope for. Since those early days the number of Fairtrade products has increased beyond all expectations of the early pioneers of the movement and Fairtrade products now range from the original tea, coffee, chocolate and bananas to include a wide range of dried and fresh fruits, nuts, wine, cotton, jewellery and gold, and of course sugar, even footballs, all bearing the Fairtrade mark.

The Fairtrade Foundation believes in a different way of doing business. It’s a way that puts the poorest in the world first by tackling poverty and injustice through fairer trade giving them a better deal for the work they do. Fairtrade is a grassroots movement stretching around the world uniting producers and consumers, communities and individuals.

So what is Fairtrade? Being Fairtrade certified, bearing the now familiar Fairtrade mark (logo), basically means not only that the producers are paid a fair price for their products but also that the Fairtrade Premium, an extra investment in developing communities and businesses, has been paid. This results in the producers receiving a recognised payment for their hard work and receiving extra to help with improving the health care, education and development of the communities in which they live. Also, producers have a democratic say in decision making, women included, and farmers get rights under Fairtrade such as decent wages and being allowed to join unions. Many chemicals frequently used in intensive farming are forbidden on Fairtrade certified farms protecting humans and the environment.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2014 – 24th February to 9th March. Theme: THE POWER OF YOU.

The main focus of Fairtrade Fortnight 2014 is on one key product – bananas. Bananas have been recognised as a Fairtrade product since they first appeared on shop shelves in 2000. Over 1.2 billion Fairtrade bananas are sold in the UK each year. Even so, only 1 in 3 bananas sold in British shops are fairly traded. There is a serious problem at the heart of the banana business so this year Fairtrade fortnight will launch a special campaign in an attempt to transform the banana industry to ensure the millions of struggling banana farmers and workers get a fair deal. The campaign to “Make Bananas Fair” is the next part of the Fairtrade Foundation’s three year initiative to Make Food Fair.

Page 12: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Page 13: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Each year at the end of February and the beginning of March, Fairtrade fortnight is an opportunity to raise the profile of Fairtrade locally in shops, schools, churches and businesses. The Malvern Fairtrade group has, since its inception at the turn of the century, organised events, displays, food tastings and promotions within Malvern. This year the CEO of Traidcraft, Mags Vaughan, will be visiting Malvern and will give a talk at Great Malvern Priory on Thursday 6th March at 7.30 pm followed by light refreshments. The Fairtrade group is delighted that she has agreed to speak about Traidcraft and the Fairtrade movement and look forward to seeing you at this meeting, open to all.

Mary Wetherall

– o0o –

Bishop’s Certificate

On Wednesday 13th November 2013 a small but select band from the Priory - Ray Hussey, Irene Lacy, Helen Ladd, Jean Morris and Steve Thomas - attended the presentation of the certificates for completing 32 weeks of dedicated study for the Bishop’s Certificate.

The Presentation took place in the Chapter House at Worcester Cathedral and the certificates were presented by the Right Reverend Christopher Mayfield, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese, during a service of Evening Worship. A good number of Priory members attended to support the candidates on this special evening. This was an uplifting experience for all taking part.

We would like to thank all those who have encouraged and supported us during this course.

Jean Morris and Ray Hussey

Picture: John Lacy

Page 14: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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CRIDLAN & WALKER

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229 WORCESTER ROAD, MALVERN LINK WR14 1SU Tel: 01684 573008

www.cridlanandwalker.com

Solicitors and Commissioners for Oaths 133, Barnards Green Road, Malvern

Freephone 0800 6191837

www.gaynor-smith-owen.co.uk [email protected]

We Cover most Aspects of the Law

Opening Hours: 0900 – 5,30pm MON – FRI Out of hours: Saturday Mornings by appointment

Page 15: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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TEARFUND Website: www.tearfund.org

Tearfund is one of the aid and mission agencies that we in the Priory support. February is “Tearfund’s month”, when we particularly think of its work.

Tearfund is a Christian international aid and development agency working globally to end poverty and injustice, and to restore dignity and hope in some of the world’s poorest communities. Its vision is to see 50 million people released from material and spiritual poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 local churches.

Tearfund was born in 1968. The terrible famine in Biafra, caused by civil war in Nigeria, inspired compassionate Christians to send gifts to the Evangelical Alliance for famine relief. Having no department to administer such offerings, The Evangelical Alliance Relief (TEAR) Fund was inaugurated under the leadership of the late Revd. George Hoffman. Cliff Richard gave his first fundraising concert for the cause in the Royal Albert Hall in 1969.

Tearfund operates in more than 50 countries around the world. As well as being present in disaster and recovery situations through response teams, it speaks out on behalf of poor people on the national and international stage by petitioning governments, campaigning for justice and raising the profile of key poverty issues wherever possible.

Tearfund works particularly in Africa, Asia, South America and in the UK, focussing on some of the biggest challenges facing the world, such as poverty, disaster relief, education provision, climate change, hunger, gender discrimination, corruption in government, healthcare, HIV/AIDS, vulnerable adults, poor sanitation and inadequate clean water supplies. It is recognised for its professional expertise in development, disaster response, disaster risk reduction and advocacy. Inspired by the example and teaching of Jesus, Tearfund recognises that people have deeply interconnected material and spiritual needs, and seek to meet those needs by working through local church partners. Churches are at the heart of their communities – full of dedicated, resourceful people who want to make a long-term difference.

Nearly 50 years of experience have shown Tearfund that people are not just mouths to feed, and that the causes of poverty are complex. When local churches are mobilised and equipped to help their communities, the results are not just survival, but transformation. And when the local church operates as part of the global church, its capacity and influence are a mighty force for change. This, surely, is a challenge to us in Malvern Priory as we enter 2014: supporting Tearfund helps us to be aware that we are the local church operating as part of the global church. There is a mission field here in our own town, in our own streets and on our doorsteps, and there is a mission field in the wider world, which we can pray for and give to through Tearfund.

Sarah Chappell

Page 16: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Priory People

Rene Jackson 1923 – 2013

Rene was born in Cardiff. Her mother was from Northern Ireland and her father from South Wales and she was very proud of her Irish and Welsh roots. She was a bright girl who loved learning and at school excelled beyond her years, taking her Highers 2 years early and, had it not been for the financial constraints put upon the family by the Depression of the 1930s, she would have undoubtedly gone to university.

After leaving school she worked in Cardiff Public Libraries before joining the WAAF – Women’s Auxiliary Air Force - in 1943. She was accepted for the Met Office and was stationed at Moreton-in-Marsh. Here she met John Kerslake whom she married in 1946. They lived for a time in post-war Germany as part of the occupation forces. After returning they lived in North Yorkshire where John was killed in an RAF flying accident and Rene became a widow in 1948, aged 24, 6 months before her daughter was born. She never hid what a terrible time it was for her but she didn’t want to be defined by it either.

Happily, Rene remarried in 1951 to Eric Jackson and they were married for almost 40 years until Eric died leaving Rene a widow for the second time at the age of 67.

Rene fulfilled many ambitions during her lifetime. At 41 she went to college in Cardiff and completed a 3-year course to become a teacher. Once she started teaching she became one of the very first cohort of students of the Open University where she completed the longed-for degree. She continued with study of one kind or another throughout her long life and never lost her curiosity or love of this amazing universe. Rene became a Bereavement Counsellor for Cruse and also volunteered with the St Richard’s Hospice at Home.

Rene was an accomplished pianist; as a child she taught herself but took opportunities later in life to learn from others. Whilst teaching she organised school concerts and productions such as Jonah Man Jazz, Holy Moses, Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo and of course the schools’ version of Joseph and his Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat. She sang in Church choirs wherever she lived and was first call as an accompanist for all manner of events.

Rene attended church regularly throughout her life until recent years when physical problems made it so difficult for her. In earlier days she helped with youth groups in Stourport and Redditch; she sat on PCCs; she was a sidesperson and later Churchwarden at St Phillips in Redditch and an enthusiastic member of the Mothers’ Union. She attended Priory services, joined a House Group, assisted with the Prayervine and kept abreast of Mothers’ Union activities until her health problems overtook her. She took the Christian view of fellowship very seriously and was able to bridge any gaps caused by age, gender, race or class by being interested in the individual whoever they were. She read voraciously about

Page 18: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Whatley Recordon Solicitors

Your local lawyers with a positive approach to help you

Friendly Expertise

Welcoming Town Centre Offices

12, Worcester Road, Malvern Tel (01684) 892939

Page 19: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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matters of faith and lent volumes to anyone who showed any interest! She was a great communicator and had friends of all ages. Rene moved to Malvern in 2005 to be near family and in 5 years had 4 major operations. She moved to Perrins in April 2012 where she continued to offer a listening ear to residents and carers alike until the last few weeks when her health declined rapidly and she died having said her fond goodbyes to her family and friends.

Gwyneth Adams

– o0o –

Mothers’ Union News

The Mothers’ Union Exhibition in the Priory from 11th to 25th January, entitled “Together We Grow”, was a great source of interest and encouragement to members, congregation and visitors. After some hectic last-minute preparations and most generous help from the Custos team, we were ready to roll. During the fortnight members met whenever possible for midday prayers, including the daily Wave of Prayer which unites members around the world. Diocesan Mothers’ Union visitors Liz Green, President, and Gwen Taylor, Dudley Vice-President were among those who were welcomed by Priory members. It may surprise some that membership of this Christian charity is open to all - men and women, single and married. The organisation raises 60% of its £2 million annual budget through the subscriptions and donations of individual members, so new members are always welcome. For more information, see the excellent new website, www.mothersunion.org, or contact Dorothy Knights on 01684-561358.

Jill Crofton

–o0o–

“Why Christianity Makes Sense – C.S. Lewis on the Meaning of Life.”

On December 2nd a large audience in the Priory was treated to an enthralling lecture by Alister McGrath, Professor of Theology at King’s College, London. Prof McGrath is the leading authority on C.S. Lewis, and author of a recent comprehensive biography of him. This was the last of Prof McGrath’s many public lectures on C.S. Lewis in the 50th anniversary of his death. Prof McGrath noted C.S. Lewis’s connection with Malvern, and how unhappy he had been at school here. It was at Malvern College that C.S. Lewis became a confirmed and aggressive atheist. His subsequent experience in the trenches, in World War I, confirmed him in his atheism. Yet seeds of doubt were beginning. He

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began to experience a tension between a dull “rationalism”, and the rich, mysterious world of belief. In 1925, through reading the Classics, and encouraged by his friend J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis began to discover the depth and richness of faith – first a faith in God, and subsequently faith in Jesus Christ. He came to realise how “monumentally dull” and austere atheism is. He described the experience (in “Surprised by Joy”) as of “God moving in on him”, and he eventually gave in – as “the most reluctant convert in England.” He found that the story of God entering the world in Christ is the story that makes sense of all other stories. Prof McGrath went on to describe the 3 faces of C.S. Lewis:

1. The literary scholar. As a Don at Oxford, and later Cambridge, he was a brilliant lecturer, helping students to see English literature in a new and fresh way; allowing “the clean breeze of the centuries to blow through” them.

2. A Christian apologist. His much acclaimed book “Mere Christianity” arose from 4 broadcast talks with the BBC. He learned to speak the language of ordinary people; to enable Christianity to be, as it were, a lens that brings things into focus. “I believe in Christianity” he said “as I believe that the sun has risen – not because I see it, but because I see everything by it.” It makes sense of things.

3. A fiction writer. The Chronicles of Narnia probably brought him most fame. He wanted to express Christianity in a way that was interesting to, and understandable by, children. As an apologist he believed that you don’t win people by telling them things, but by showing them. The story comes before the theology. And so Aslan is a “type” of Christ. To encounter Aslan was to find who you really were. So with Christ.

Lewis’s “The Problem of Pain”, his first book, is a rather academic study of suffering. His marriage, somewhat late in life, to Joy Davidman, and her subsequent death from cancer, led to C.S. Lewis’s enormous grief, and pain, and desolation. And so, in “A Grief Observed”, he deals again with suffering, but this time with much more feeling and intense emotion. Through suffering and faith he found hope, and through his writings he has helped countless others also to find faith, and to find hope. The words of St Augustine of Hippo were so true for C.S. Lewis, as they are for us: “You (God) have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” Prof McGrath’s lecture can be found on the Priory website. His biography of C.S. Lewis, “C.S.Lewis, a Life”, is available in the Priory shop or from the Lyttelton Well.

David Webster

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Who’s Who in the Priory

Meet Lynne and Paul Koker

When and why did you come to Malvern? Paul: We came in July 2002. Lynne: I got a job at QinetiQ and Paul worked in Cheltenham. We had been living in Kidderminster with long commutes, so this solved the problem.

Why did you come to the Priory? Lynne: We’d decided we’d shop around. St Matthias' is our parish church, but it was too high. We tried St Andrews' but it was death by PowerPoint! The Priory was our Goldilocks (i.e. just-right) church. We felt so at home and were impressed by the wide range of services and the number of children; it seemed that someone was doing a lot of work. I was impressed and still am. After a few weeks we noticed that no one sat in the front seats, so we did.

Paul: The Priory was similar to our church in Kidderminster.

How would you describe your relationship with God? Paul: I was confirmed only in my forties. I am not from a religious family, no one showed much interest. I started going to church with Lynne. I went on an Alpha course because I wanted to be confirmed. I wouldn’t describe my relationship with God as intense but it does affect many important areas of my life.

Lynne: I think Paul views things through a Christian lens. I was brought up with Christianity, sent to Sunday school and was in a school with a good Christian environment. I drifted away as a teenager and felt a definite calling back to God’s

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DO YOU STRUGGLE to find presents for people who seem to have “everything”?

The Lyttelton Well sells Gift Vouchers which can be exchanged for meals, coffees etc in the Café or books in the Bookshop

Worcester Concert Club 2013 – 2014 Season

Huntingdon Hall, Deansway, Worcester

23rd February 2014 Clare Hammond – Piano Chaccone in D minor, transcribed for left hand Bach-Brahms

Three Songs without words Op 67, Nos 2, 5, 4 Mendelssohn Sonata in A major, D644 Schubert 12 Variations in C major on C – Fischer’s Minuet K. 179 Mozart

Gnossiennes, Nos 1-6 Satie Danzes Argetinas, Op 2 Ginastera

23rd March 2014 The Erato Piano Trio Yuri Kalnits (violin), Julia Morneweg (cello) and Irina Botan (piano)

Piano Trio in F sharp minor, Hob.XV.26 Haydn Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 101 Brahms

Piano Trio in A minor Ravel

Concerts at 3pm Tickets available from Huntingdon Hall 01905 611427

Tickets £15 (£5 concessions)

www.worcserenade.co.uk/

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home in my twenties. I had just changed universities; I was doing an MSc and living near St Paul’s. I was brave enough for that, which turned out OK, so I then went to the church nearest to my hall of residence. There were two people I knew there. It was a service especially designed to attract younger students, but I hadn’t seen any of the posters. I was eventually co-opted onto a committee to help arrange these monthly student services. It had all seemed arranged by God.

What are your favourite scriptures? Lynne: I always go back to Psalm 139, especially verse 16: Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. He is always there: He accepts me as I am. Paul: The gospels, i.e. what Jesus himself said.

What is your favourite hymn? Lynne: Holy holy Lord God almighty. I often think our worship is not good enough for our great holy God. However no matter how inadequate the worship, there is other praise going on. Verses 2 and 4 express this:

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore thee, Casting down their golden crowns

Around the glassy sea; Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before thee,

Who were and are and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy name

In earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty, God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Paul: 0 worship the king. It reminds me of my junior school. I like the second to last verse particularly:

Thy bountiful care What tongue can recite

It breaths in the air, It shines in the light;

It streams from the hills, It descends to the plain,

And sweetly distils In the dew and the rain.

I like the poetry and imagery of it. I was a boy of ten or eleven and yet these words made an impression. I suppose the seed was planted even then.

Do you have any desires? Lynne: I would like to see more of the world. I would like to go back to America especially.

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Your best way to England’s heart

Why accept the hassle of trains, buses or self drive, when Quality Time Travel is here to chauffeur you personally through the very best of Britain? We take you wherever you wish at

the pace you choose – and act as a guide as well as driver.

We offer the best in: - Unhurried sight seeing – Sporting days out – Visits to seasonal events

-shopping trips – Evening travel to theatre, shows or concerts – Corporate travel to meetings, conferences, exhibitions or trade fairs – Airports, seaports or rail transfers

Your next step? Please contact Quality Time Travel

Tel Roger Wilson on (01684) 56 67 99 Email: [email protected]

www.qualitytimetravel.co.uk

Your Leisure and pleasure is our driving concern

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Paul: Having lived most of my life in the Midlands, I have a desire to spend a period of my life living by the sea.

Do you have any interests? Lynne: I do a couple of afternoons reading with primary school children. I work in the Citizens Advice Bureau. I decided when I retired from QinetiQ not to spend all my time doing “church things” but rather getting out into the community.

What are you passionate about? Paul: I love to exercise and to walk outside. I love the seaside, walking on the hills and riding my bike.

What are your roles in the Priory? Lynne: I compile the Parish and Mission prayer letter. I have been involved with Lifepath. I am in Kasih house group and take turns leading it with others. Paul: I am on the relief custos team.

Sylviane Outram

Life in the West Bank, Palestine

Malvern Churches Justice & Peace Group has arranged an afternoon at the Friends Meeting House in Orchard Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3DA, on Sunday 16th February when Leah Levane, from Jews for Justice for Palestinians, will give

a talk “A Jewish perspective on Palestine” followed by questions. The meeting starts at 3.00 pm and will be followed by tea and cake. All are welcome. Any

enquiries, please ring Mary on 01684 574346. Mary Weatherall

A Journey through the Stained Glass of Great Malvern Priory

An illustrated talk by Katherine Wells in Great Malvern Priory on Saturday 1st February at 11am

Everyone welcome!

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Westside

Window

Cleaners

We are now cleaning in Malvern

Houses and Commercial Properties Professional and reliable service

Tel: 07973 412 862 4, Westlea Close, Worcester WR2 5UH

DAVENHAM PERRINS HOUSE Residential care Residential & nursing care 148, Graham Road Moorlands Road Malvern Malvern Tel (01684) 574385 Tel (01684) 562701

Reg Charity No 226 064

Mobile Foot Carer

Are you unable to reach to cut your own toe nails?

Toe nails cut and filed by a trained foot carer

£15 -£18 depending on location

Experienced with the elderly.

For appointment phone

(01684) 565879

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Love to the Loveless – from the Archdeacon, Roger Morris

Our first dog was a rescued border collie who’d suffered ill treatment and neglect. She was quite a nervous dog when she first arrived (and even bit the Archdeacon when he came to my house). Gradually, as we showed our border collie the love and care that had been absent during her troubled past, she became as warm and as loving a dog as you could ever hope to meet.

When I think of the transformation that our dog underwent, I am reminded of the hymn by Samuel Crossman that begins with the words ‘My song is love unknown, My Saviour’s love to me; Love to the loveless shown, That they might lovely be.’ I know of no other hymn that makes such repetitious use of the word love in its opening few lines. Samuel Crossman wrote the words to the hymn as one of nine poems printed in 1664.

Samuel Crossman was a Puritan writing just two years after the Book of Common Prayer was published. The English Reformation had reinforced a desire for moral purity and this can be seen in various passages in the Book of Common Prayer, for example: ‘Now seeing that all they are accursed (as the prophet David beareth witness) who do err and go astray from the commandments of God; let us (remembering the dreadful judgement hanging over our heads, and always ready to fall upon us) return unto our Lord God with all contrition and meekness of heart; bewailing and lamenting our sinful life, acknowledging and confessing our offences, and seeking to bring forth worthy fruits of penance’.

You would think, given when Samuel Crossman was writing his poems, that there would be an echo of this kind of language in the hymn but nothing could be further from the truth. Instead the hymn speaks of love being shown to the loveless that they might lovely be. Gone is the language of curse and judgement; of bewailing and lamenting our sinful life. Instead Samuel Crossman speaks about the loveless being made lovely through being shown love. It is about Jesus coming to those who are lacking in love and loving them. Not that they might be saved or pure or righteous (these are not the words that are used) but loved that they might lovely be. I think I would struggle to find a better expression of the gospel than this: that Jesus loves the loveless and that, through them receiving that love, they (we) are made lovely.

The gospel or good news has never been about us getting our act together and then presenting ourselves as pure and loveable before God. It is about God loving us as we are and not as we should be - because none of us is as we should be. The good news is also that, as we receive God’s free gift of love, we are transformed. Love, shown to the loveless, makes them lovely (and also loving – as evidenced by my old Border Collie). May all our lives speak of the transforming power of God’s love and may God continually expand our role as agents of that love.

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The Priory’s Director of Music, Piers Maxim, is now available to give private singing, piano and organ lessons.

Competitive rates; unparalleled experience in all styles of music making; all standards, from beginners to international

professionals

Contact on: [email protected]

Or 07776 337 558 (mobile)

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Graham Usher to be next Bishop of Dudley

(Press release in December by Worcester Diocese)

Downing Street has announced that the Revd Canon Graham Usher will become the next Bishop of Dudley.

Graham, 43, was ordained in 1996 and is currently Rector and Lecturer of Hexham Abbey in the Diocese of Newcastle. Prior to this he worked in inner city Teesside and has also spent time living and working in Ghana, Africa.

On his appointment, Graham said: "I am honoured, delighted and not a little daunted to have been asked to become the next Bishop of Dudley. I am greatly looking forward to getting to know the people and places of the Black Country and the wider Diocese of Worcester, as well as working with and learning from Bishop John, the clergy and people of the Diocese. Together I believe that we have an incredible story to tell as we share the life of Jesus and, in partnership with others, look to ways to daily bring God's love, justice and peace to the communities we serve."

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Revd Dr John Inge, said: "I am absolutely delighted about the appointment of Graham Usher as the next Bishop of Dudley. He is an exceptionally able priest who, though relatively young to become a bishop, has very considerable ministerial experience, both rural and urban. Before becoming the Rector of Hexham Abbey, a very major parish church which he has led into growth, he ministered to some of the poorest in our country on Teesside. Throughout his ministry he has made a significant contribution to the welfare of wider society. This is a very exciting appointment and I look forward greatly to working with him for the good of the people of the Diocese of Worcester."

The Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Revd Martin Wharton said: "I am delighted that the wider Church has recognised the gifts and qualities of Canon Graham Usher, who has served the people of Hexham and the ministry of Hexham Abbey superbly well over the last nine years. He will move to be Bishop of Dudley with

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If you know about being a parent and can volunteer a few hours

each week to help a family

become part of Home-Start

For an informal chat about Volunteering for Home-Start,

Call Jess or Jan on 01684 893125

Home-Start Malvern Hills Ground Floor Office Suite,

Upper Chase Road, Malvern, WR14 2BU

Email: [email protected]

Registered Charity no 1114857

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our gratitude for all that he has given to the life of this Diocese, and we assure him, together with Rachel and their children, of our prayers and very best wishes."

Graham has been Rector and Lecturer of Hexham since 2004. In that time, the congregation has grown and links have been developed to support an area of regeneration and a domestic violence charity, to open a foodbank for West Northumberland, and provide 2000 children visiting the Abbey each year with tailor made activity days linked to the National Curriculum. The Abbey has recently reunited its former monastic buildings taken from it by Henry VIII, and having raised £3.2m is currently developing a new visitor centre, refectory, education rooms and meeting spaces. Before moving to Hexham, Graham was vicar of a parish in Middlesbrough which is in one of England's 2% most deprived communities, where he chaired the neighbourhood management group and developed an innovative arts based project to divert young people from crime. Alongside his parish work, Graham currently chairs the Northeast Forestry and Woodlands Advisory Committee of the Forestry Commission, and is a Secretary of State appointee on the Northumberland National Park Authority. He has served as Area Dean while at Hexham.

Graham will be ordained bishop at St Paul's Cathedral on 25th March and be will begin his public ministry in the Diocese of Worcester after Easter. There will be a service of welcome at St Thomas's Church, Dudley at 4 pm on Saturday 3rd May and he will be installed as an Honorary Canon of Worcester in the Cathedral at 4 pm on Sunday 4th May.

– o0o –

Welcoming the Revd Dr Ali Gray (MSE) to the Priory

I wonder whether you know what MSE stands for! It stands for Minister in Secular Employment, and it refers to those ordained clergy whose ‘day job’ is the major focus for their ministry. MSE’s are therefore those whose parish/church based ministry must be of limited scope. Last autumn, the possibility was first mooted of the Priory becoming the church base for Ali Gray, who - as some reading this will be aware - has just completed her curacy at St Andrew’s and All Saints in Malvern – our next door parish neighbours, who are also part of the Greater Malvern Group of Churches.

Ali - who will introduce herself to us in next month’s magazine - is currently working as a consultant psychiatrist at Hereford County Hospital. As the only Anglican ordained psychiatrist who still practices clinically, Ali is in a unique position to interpret mental health services to the church and vice versa. Ali lectures in various educational establishments, including the Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Birmingham University Medical School, and the University of Gloucestershire and also serves as psychiatric advisor to the Lyttelton Well Counselling Service, the Bishop’s Counselling service, the Diocesan Healing Advisory Group, and the Gloucester Diocese Deliverance Team. Ali is also Secretary of the Whole Person Health Network which seeks to

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Simon Cobban

Joiner/ Handyman Services

Skirting/Architrave Built in cupboards

Kitchen fitting Fencing and decking Doors and windows

No job too small

Reliable service, references available

Mobile: 07810 486 104

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promote Christian values and practice in healthcare, and Secretary and book review editor for the Royal College of Psychiatrists Spirituality Special Interest Group.

As you can already see, Ali’s time for church-based ministry at the Priory will be very limited! We can hopefully provide Ali and her family with a supportive environment, and encourage the full use of her gifts in the service of God’s Kingdom through her various areas of engagement. Ali will encourage us and enlarge our vision by sharing her gifts, experience and interests at the Priory, for example in different aspects of healing ministry and in the relationship between Science and Faith.

More from Ali herself next month. In the meantime, please keep Ali and her family in your prayers as they prepare to make the Priory their new church base, after many years of involvement at St Andrew’s. Please also note that Ali will be licensed as Assistant Priest (MSE) by Bishop Michael Hooper during the evening service in the Priory at 6.30 pm on Sunday 30th March, and all are welcome to attend.

John Barr – o0o –

Cleaning up the Priory

As the last vestiges of sleep ebbed away, and the first intimations of wakefulness were reluctantly acknowledged, Saturday 23rd November 2013 was revealed as a stunning autumn day: brilliant sun, no wind, crisp air, and plenty of colour remaining on the leaves.

How best to enjoy such an unexpected treat? A profitable afternoon communing with nature at Cheltenham Races perhaps, a dutiful day spent Christmas shopping, or even a fruitless attempt to eliminate all the leaves that had accumulated in the garden since the last fruitless attempt? Not at all. A sluggish memory stirred into life and communicated that this was the day of the Autumn Clean of the Priory.

So it was that at 10.00am a group of the young and the young at heart gathered for coffee (or tea) and chocolate biscuits, and animated conversation, while looking warily at the large column of buckets that suggested that the biscuits were not so much a “thank you for volunteering” as a boost for the calories that were to be expended in the course of the morning.

After the Vicar had welcomed everyone, and generously expressed his appreciation at the large number who contribute to so many aspects of the life of the parish, it was time for the Lucky Dip: one with a special Priory variation. One by one, volunteers took a slip of paper from a wicker basket. Everyone won a prize. Some were presented with a bucket and cloth, others a cloth and wax polish. The really lucky ones were awarded both! Then they dispersed to that part of the church that their slip of paper had directed them. What the visitors to the

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Priory made of this small army of workers busily buffing brass, polishing the Pulpit, scrubbing statuary in the Sanctuary, and waxing wood, all the while fortified with additional biscuits and hot drinks, is anyone’s guess. It is suspected that some made an early exit lest this was the fate of visitors who stayed too long. Others may have been deterred by the example of one volunteer who assiduously polished a pew, only to be told by an observer that it had already been done. In the course of cleaning volunteers saw some things that were expected and others that were not. For example the sight of the Vicar on his knees in St Anne’s Chapel was not a surprise until it was noticed that in his hands was not a prayer book but a cloth and polish. To clean the chairs and memorials in the Sanctuary was to marvel at the intricacy of the carving, and the traces of bright colour that would originally have covered the carved figures there: none of which detail is visible when kneeling at the Altar rail. The misericords, usually hidden, but all of which were revealed at the same time, displayed both considerable skill and in some cases a suspicion of the ribald sense of humour possessed by a medieval carver. In fact one of the real delights of the exercise was to see what is usually overlooked or not visible, and to appreciate how the Priory has been enriched by generations of worshippers. Another was the aroma of wax polish that infused the atmosphere as the volunteers left to enjoy the rest of their day, still as beautiful as it had been when they arrived.

Wormwood

– o0o –

'Pray one for me'

A few years ago, on Ash Wednesday, Archdeacon Roger Morris asked Priory members to join him in going onto the streets to ask people if they would like a prayer to be said in the Priory for themselves or for a situation they were concerned about. I said I would try but it was well outside anything I had done before and I was very uncertain (scared!) However, it was so rewarding: lots of people responded favourably and were so grateful! I was asked several times about the cost... but this is something we can offer - Jesus paid the price!

As part of the actions suggested by the 'fostering deepening prayer' group we are going to try this again on Ash Wednesday, March 5th 2014. We need your help for the following -

People to volunteer for about an hour on the day and to ask people if they have a prayer request.

People to pray on the day, at home or in the Priory, for those outside.

People to pray the requests, on the day and/or take a few home to continue to pray for that person/situation through Lent.

Someone to design a card to be offered to people to write their prayer on (anonymously), maybe with a tear-off part with a simple prayer on it that could be given to the person.

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So ALL can be involved, whether available on the day, in groups or housebound, I have agreed to co-ordinate this so please contact me - Lent will soon be upon us! I feel strongly that prayer, freely offered, is very powerful witness. Those who have said that they would like to try prayer triplets may like to offer to pray for some of these requests.

'Pray One for Me' is a national initiative inspired by the Bishop of Worcester. The Church of England also has a website, www.prayoneforme.org, where anyone can post their prayer requests and know that they will be prayed.

Thank you Rosamund Ponting

MALVERN BIBLE SOCIETY ACTION GROUP INVITES YOU TO A CAMBODIAN EVENING

at St Andrew’s Church Centre, Churchdown Road, Poolbrook, Malvern WR14 3JX on Thursday 13 February at 7 pm

in aid of Bible distribution and literacy projects in the floating villages of Cambodia

Cambodian snacks will be served

Howard Barker of The Bible Society will give an illustrated account of his visit to the projects in Cambodia last year

Bellframe Funding Appeal Progress

The Priory ringers are very grateful to the generous donors who have supported the Bellframe Appeal in 2013 through sponsored Quarter Peals and also with personal donations. We started the New Year hoping that 2014 will be the year when enough funding will have been raised to make a start on the Bellframe Project. We have received notification that The Garfield Weston Foundation has pledged £10,000 towards the Bellframe Appeal taking the current total of funds raised to over £112,000. We are still waiting to hear from other funding bodies, including the Heritage Lottery Fund.

We were sorry and disappointed to learn that a thief had broken into the Bellframe Funding Appeal donation box, which is attached to the Bellframe Appeal display board in the North Aisle, and stole the contents. This unfortunate incident will not distract us from our determination to raise sufficient funds this year to start the project.

I was interviewed by a reporter from BBC Hereford and Worcester on the 5th December in the tower about the Bellframe Appeal, which was broadcast on their Sunday Morning local programme on the 8th December. We have also received helpful publicity in the Malvern Gazette and the Malvern Observer.

The Priory Ringers are always pleased to receive requests for sponsored quarter peals to help with our fundraising. These are usually rung by the ringers before Sunday Evensong to coincide with the nearest date of the requested special

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occasion, (birthdays or anniversaries). Details can be found on the Priory’s website, www.greatmalvernpriory.org.uk/bells.

Trevor Still, Chairman Bellframe Funding Group

– o0o –

Women’s World Day of Prayer

Women’s World Day of Prayer (www.wwdp.org.uk) is an international, inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the voices of women from all over the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers. The theme for 2014 is ‘Streams in the Desert’ and the annual service has been prepared by the women of Egypt.

One of the oldest civilisations in the world, Egypt has long been home to Coptic Christians. Since the uprising in 2011, however, there has been much conflict and political change, which has affected many people’s lives and we pray with the women of Egypt for peace.

We envisage a great wave of prayer, rising with the sun over the island of Samoa and sweeping across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, coming to rest in American Samoa some 36 hour later. By then, WWDP services will have been held in over 170 countries.

In Malvern we shall be holding two services, open to everyone:

Friday, 7th March: 2.00 p.m. at Lansdowne Methodist Church 7.30 p.m. at Eden Church in Somers Road.

– o0o –

Preparing for Marriage

There are some activities which go on in the background, because they only affect relatively few people. Such are the Marriage Preparation Days, for “To-be-Weds” and “Newly-Weds”, which happen from time to time in the Lyttelton Rooms. We started these 15 years ago, under the auspices of the Lyttelton Well, and they are intended to serve all the churches of Malvern. So far nearly 100 couples have attended over the years – mostly couples planning to be married at St Andrew’s/All Saints or the Priory. Marriages are under increasing threat nowadays, and one in two breaks down, causing enormous trauma to couples and children, and leading to social disruption, and single parent families. The main causes of marital break down are poor communication, disagreements over money, and the failure to sustain intimacy and to keep love alive. So these are the 3 topics that we deal with in the course of a Saturday. The days are interactive, but not embarrassingly so, and the privacy of couples is respected. Lunch is provided, and the day is free. The body language of some couples on arrival speaks volumes! They (or, more often, the man!) does not wish to be spending his Saturday in this way. Almost always, by the end of the day, the body language has changed, and the feedback we get is very positive indeed. Sometimes we get

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letters from couples, when they are well into their marriages, saying how grateful they are for the things they learned and discussed together on the Marriage Preparation Day. Apart from anything else it often gets couples actually talking together about things that they had not previously discussed.

If you know of any couple who might benefit from one of these days, do encourage them to get in touch. Our next Marriage Preparation Day is on Saturday, February 15th. Please pray for all involved.

David and Rosemary Webster, Greg Chakko-George, Philip and Mary Wetherall

ANGLO-GERMAN LINK AT ENGAGING ISSUES

‘Candlelight in Wolmirstedt’

There will be a special link with Wolmirstedt at Engaging Issues on Sunday 2nd February at 6.30 pm. As we focus on the partnership between Malvern Priory and St Katharina’s, our German friends will be worshipping and remembering us at the same time. They will be sending video footage to bring us up to date with life and faith in Wolmirstedt. Hope you can join us then!

Christine Wells

Touring the Priory Home Groups

From Upton to Leigh Sinton, it has been my privilege to visit all the Priory groups meeting in different members homes over the last three months. A big thank you to everyone for your hospitality and kindness. It has helped me to know much more of who people are and how the groups operate and to give great thankfulness to God for all He is doing in and through so many people’s lives at the Priory.

It struck me that five themes emerged in all the groups, which I was sharing at the leaders meeting this morning and am glad to share with the wider church.

First, the warmth of the welcome, not only to me, but to everyone there, was very striking. People genuinely care about each other and support each other in prayer and practical ways. The fellowship there means a lot.

Second, the variety of people involved in the groups was great to see. There are old hands who have been there for decades and newer Christians just discovering more about Christian life and faith. They are mostly Priory folk, but some are from other churches and some not yet part of any church. The quality of the fellowship draws people.

Key to groups is good leadership and it has been wonderful for me to observe such capable and prayerful leaders in action. In many groups the leader can share leading the weekly Bible study around the members and help to equip others to lead.

Page 42: Malvern Priory Magazine · SOUNDING THE SEASONS: SEVENTY SONNETS FOR THE CHRISTIAN YEAR by Malcolm Guite Canterbury Press ISBN: 978-1-84825-274-5 Of all the presents I received this

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Prayer has an important place in all the groups, helping members to grow in their own praying and spiritual lives and many members appreciate the prayers of other for their own needs.

Finally I was struck by how many groups have a history of mission support for different mission agencies and Priory link mission partners and we look forward to finding new support for our new Crosslinks Mission Partners, Bishop Rob & Sue Martin in Marsabit in Kenya.

If you are not yet part of a group and would like to consider joining one, please have a word with me or email me at [email protected] and I would be pleased to put you in touch.

Ted Crofton, Home Groups Co-ordinator

FUN QUIZ

Saturday 1st March

7.15 for 7.30 pm in the Lyttelton Rooms

Quizmaster: our very own Parish Secretary!

Mensa membership not required Just come and enjoy yourselves (and raise some money for the Priory). Teams of 4 suggested.

Tickets £7.50 (£3 children) from Parish Office to include jacket potato & salad & first drink

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February Crossword

Solution for December/January

Across 8 Interrogated (Acts 12:19) (5-8) 9 ‘Burn it in a wood fire on the — heap’ (Leviticus 4:12) (3) 10 Tobit, Judith, Baruch and the books of Esdras and the Maccabees are part of it (9) 11 Science fiction (abbrev.) (3-2) 13 Clay pit (anag.) (7) 16 Went to (John 4:46) (7) 19 ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to — your bodies as living sacrifices’ (Romans 12:1) (5) 22 David’s plea to God concerning those referred to in 14 Down: ‘On — — let them escape’ (Psalm 56:7) (2,7) 24 Royal Automobile Club (1,1,1) 25 How the book of Ezekiel refers to God more than 200 times (Ezekiel 2:4) (9,4)

Down 1 Seas (Proverbs 8:24) (6) 2 One of the sons of Eli the priest, killed in battle by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11) (6) 3 Specialist in the study of the Muslim religion (8) 4 ‘Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but — him as if he were your father’ (1 Timothy 5:1) (6) 5 One of Esau’s grandsons (Genesis 36:11) (4) 6 Taking a chance (colloq.) (2,4) 7 God’s instructions to the Israelites concerning grain offerings: ‘ — salt to — your offerings’ (Leviticus 2:13) (3,3) 12 Confederation of British Industry (1,1,1) 14 ‘All day long they twist my words; they are always — to harm me’ (Psalm 56:5) (8) 15 The crowd’s reaction to Jesus bringing back to life a widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7:16) (3) 16 Disappear (Psalm 104:35) (6) 17 How Jeremiah was likely to die if he wasn’t rescued from the cistern where he was imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:9) (6) 18 What the prophets do to a wall, with whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10, RSV) (4,2) 20 Made by a plough (Job 39:10) (6) 21 Noah was relieved when the flood waters continued to — (Genesis 8:5) (6) 23 Jesus gave the Twelve the power and authority to do this to diseases (Luke 9:1) (4)

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Malvern Priory Church Contact Tel E-mail Vicar The Rev’d John Barr 563707

[email protected]

The Priory Vicarage 7 Clarence Road WR14 3EN

Associate Minister for Children, Youth and Families The Rev’d Dr. Mary Barr 563707 [email protected] Curate The Rev’d Peter Edwards 563077

[email protected]

Readers David Webster

833239

Christine Shepherd 575884 Reader Emeritus Tony Waters

540068

Custos & Head Verger Peter Young Priory Vestry

[email protected]

Deputy Custos Robert Payne

Director of Music Piers Maxim

560564

[email protected]

Organ Scholar Aaron King

Church Officers Churchwardens Rosamund Ponting

572165

[email protected]

Peter Babb 568342 [email protected]

PCC Vice-Chairman Robin La Fontaine

592416

Hon. Secretary PCC Christine Wells

564909

Hon. Treasurer PCC Roy Boyer 572414 [email protected] Planned Giving Administrator

[email protected] Mike Eglington 567640 Legacies Administrator

[email protected] Stuart Wollaston 568483 Electoral Roll Officer

Mike Eglington 567640

LYTTELTON WELL (Christian Centre at entrance to Priory) Tel 573702 E-mail [email protected]

Enquiries about Priory bookings of the Lyttelton Rooms should be made to the Priory Parish Office (see contact details opposite)

Lyttelton Well Counselling & Listening Service Tel: 563456

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Church Organisations

Contact Tel

Bellringers John Clements 561010 Care Scheme Co-ordinators Jane Poels 573960 Jen Boyer 572414 Children’s and Youth Ministry Co-ordinator The Rev’d Dr. Mary Barr 563707 Choirs Association Richard Weatherill 899329 Flower Arrangers Co-ordinator Ann Oldfield 564500 Friends of Malvern Priory Mike Selby 564953 Home Group Co-ordinator Ted Crofton 01886 833376 Magazine Editor David Webster 833239 Magazine Adverts/Distribution Roger Sutton 565273 Mothers’ Union Dorothy Knights 561358 Newcomers Co-ordinator Sue Pain 564998 Pastoral Counsellor Tim Marks 07817 465213 Prayer Ministry Co-ordinator Elizabeth Dunnett 563272 Priory Area Links Scheme (PALS) Anne Eglington 567640 Priory Handbell Teams Joan Willis 594570 Shop Manager Ean Kinmont 565659 Sunday Transport Co-ordinator Edwina Hawker 567491 Visits and Events Coordinators Ann Oldfield / Peter Young 561020

Great Malvern Priory Website http://www.greatmalvernpriory.org.uk

Information on services, events, outreach, people, history and much more……

Webmaster [email protected]

Priory Parish Office, Church Street, Malvern WR14 2AY

Tel: (01684) 561020 (answerphone)

Open to public Monday 11:00 – 12:00, Tuesday 10:00 – 12:00 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 – 1:00

Church Secretary Mary Weatherill [email protected]

Articles for the Parish Magazine Copy by the 10th of the preceding month at the latest please

Can be delivered to the Priory Parish Office or via email: [email protected]

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View of Great Malvern from the Hills - Boxing Day Walk

26th December 2013