The Sunday Archive: The Pilot, July 1997 - Part 4
ST SAVIOUR
ANTHONY SWINDELL Rector
CONGRATULATIONS to our Church wardens, Mr Michael Payne and Mrs Josie Moisan and to our Almoners, Mr Gerald du Val and Mrs Jennifer Gaskell, on their re-election. The Ecclesiastical Assembly on 22nd May was a very positive meeting and the opportunity was taken to thank our host of church volunteers and leaders for their hard work over the last year.
Once again we were able to congratulate the choir who, at the Jersey Eisteddfod, confirmed their pre-eminence amongst the church choirs of the Island.
During the summer period, church members are asked to pay particular attention to welcoming visitors to the church. If there are any more people who can volunteer to man the church at strategic moments during the day, the Churchwardens and I will be delighted to hear from them. It is important to remember that, for many of the visitors, this may be their only contact with the Christian Church.
HOLY BAPTISM. 25th May, Natasha Helen Patricia Clayton.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Church wardens, Mr Michael Payne and Mrs Josie Moisan and to our Almoners, Mr Gerald du Val and Mrs Jennifer Gaskell, on their re-election. The Ecclesiastical Assembly on 22nd May was a very positive meeting and the opportunity was taken to thank our host of church volunteers and leaders for their hard work over the last year.
Once again we were able to congratulate the choir who, at the Jersey Eisteddfod, confirmed their pre-eminence amongst the church choirs of the Island.
During the summer period, church members are asked to pay particular attention to welcoming visitors to the church. If there are any more people who can volunteer to man the church at strategic moments during the day, the Churchwardens and I will be delighted to hear from them. It is important to remember that, for many of the visitors, this may be their only contact with the Christian Church.
HOLY BAPTISM. 25th May, Natasha Helen Patricia Clayton.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN
HAVE you seen that new, so-called comedy series on television "Keeping Mum"? I saw an episode of it the other evening and was thoroughly disgusted.
The principal character is an elderly lady in the early stages of dementia. Most of the "humour" revolves around her failing memory and general confusion. I spend a lot of my working life with people like her and in my opinion the attempt to turn that kind of medical problem into comedy is downright insensitive, distasteful, unkind and cruel.
Whatever next? Perhaps the programme planners and script writers of the BBC will soon be gracing our television screens with situation comedies about heart disease and terminal cancer. No doubt some ingenious bright spark is even now working out the comic potentiality of a stage three carcinoma. But there again, perhaps not. The distinguishing feature of dementia is that, by and large, it only strikes old people. Heart disease and cancer, by contrast, often afflict relatively young people. Therein, I think, lies the nub of the matter.
It seems to me that there is, and has been for some time, a tendency in our society to have a bit of a giggle at the doddery old person who is losing his or her marbles. Of course, no one would say straight out, "Isn't that funny," but the patronising attitude with which old people who are slightly less than compos mentis are often regarded is only a very short distance from regarding them as figures of fun.
Primitive societies, on the whole, have a much more respectful attitude to their elderly members than so-called civilised ones. This could be because advanced societies tend to value people not for their intrinsic worth as human beings but for what they can do and produce. Old people cannot do very much compared with younger people and the productive capacity of mentally impaired old people is virtually negligible. Therefore, in our materialistic culture, they are not valued as they should be and are often patronised and made fun of.
Can we, I wonder, get back to a view of the human animal which regards all people as being of infinite value regardless of what they can do and regardless of their physical and mental condition? Hopefully we can. It could be that as the years pass and the elderly come to constitute a proportionately much larger part of our society a more humane attitude will be forced upon us. I hope a large and ever increasing percentage of old people and, inevitably, of old people with impairments of one kind or another will compel us to revise our estimate of what gives human life value.
HAVE you seen that new, so-called comedy series on television "Keeping Mum"? I saw an episode of it the other evening and was thoroughly disgusted.
The principal character is an elderly lady in the early stages of dementia. Most of the "humour" revolves around her failing memory and general confusion. I spend a lot of my working life with people like her and in my opinion the attempt to turn that kind of medical problem into comedy is downright insensitive, distasteful, unkind and cruel.
Whatever next? Perhaps the programme planners and script writers of the BBC will soon be gracing our television screens with situation comedies about heart disease and terminal cancer. No doubt some ingenious bright spark is even now working out the comic potentiality of a stage three carcinoma. But there again, perhaps not. The distinguishing feature of dementia is that, by and large, it only strikes old people. Heart disease and cancer, by contrast, often afflict relatively young people. Therein, I think, lies the nub of the matter.
It seems to me that there is, and has been for some time, a tendency in our society to have a bit of a giggle at the doddery old person who is losing his or her marbles. Of course, no one would say straight out, "Isn't that funny," but the patronising attitude with which old people who are slightly less than compos mentis are often regarded is only a very short distance from regarding them as figures of fun.
Primitive societies, on the whole, have a much more respectful attitude to their elderly members than so-called civilised ones. This could be because advanced societies tend to value people not for their intrinsic worth as human beings but for what they can do and produce. Old people cannot do very much compared with younger people and the productive capacity of mentally impaired old people is virtually negligible. Therefore, in our materialistic culture, they are not valued as they should be and are often patronised and made fun of.
Can we, I wonder, get back to a view of the human animal which regards all people as being of infinite value regardless of what they can do and regardless of their physical and mental condition? Hopefully we can. It could be that as the years pass and the elderly come to constitute a proportionately much larger part of our society a more humane attitude will be forced upon us. I hope a large and ever increasing percentage of old people and, inevitably, of old people with impairments of one kind or another will compel us to revise our estimate of what gives human life value.
ST OUEN
BRIAN VIBERT
Lay Pastor
ARE WE RECOGNISABLE AS CHRISTIANS?
AS Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4) to be interrogated, Peter answered so convincingly and fearlessly and the courage of both was so remarkable that the rulers, elders and teachers of the law were astonished that "these men had been with Jesus." That statement calls to mind the Exodus story of Moses' return from Mount Sinai in which we read that "his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."
These two accounts are immensely challenging to me and should challenge all who bear the name of Christian. How evident is it to others that we are disciples of Jesus? In Christ we are a new creation, in-dwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As he abides in us and we abide in him we have the potential to bear fruit — one fruit made up of many segments —love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All segments are of equal importance and each should be clearly in evidence in the life of the believer.
It has been said "I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day." I wonder how much of Jesus is seen in us? "To become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4) is our goal in God's plan. We are called to be holy just as he is holy, set apart to be different as salt and light. Yes indeed, different in a way that is manifest in our actions, speech, attitude and demeanour. Wherever we are it should be obvious to all and sundry that we have been with Jesus.
During the Island Games the competitors are proudly displaying their allegiance to the Island they represent. As Jesus people, may our lives proclaim to whom we belong.
BRIAN VIBERT
Lay Pastor
ARE WE RECOGNISABLE AS CHRISTIANS?
AS Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4) to be interrogated, Peter answered so convincingly and fearlessly and the courage of both was so remarkable that the rulers, elders and teachers of the law were astonished that "these men had been with Jesus." That statement calls to mind the Exodus story of Moses' return from Mount Sinai in which we read that "his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord."
These two accounts are immensely challenging to me and should challenge all who bear the name of Christian. How evident is it to others that we are disciples of Jesus? In Christ we are a new creation, in-dwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As he abides in us and we abide in him we have the potential to bear fruit — one fruit made up of many segments —love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. All segments are of equal importance and each should be clearly in evidence in the life of the believer.
It has been said "I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day." I wonder how much of Jesus is seen in us? "To become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4) is our goal in God's plan. We are called to be holy just as he is holy, set apart to be different as salt and light. Yes indeed, different in a way that is manifest in our actions, speech, attitude and demeanour. Wherever we are it should be obvious to all and sundry that we have been with Jesus.
During the Island Games the competitors are proudly displaying their allegiance to the Island they represent. As Jesus people, may our lives proclaim to whom we belong.
ST MARTIN
LAWRENCE TURNER Rector
OVER the past sixteen centuries the life and works of St Martin of Tours have inspired many people, not just here and in France, but all over the world. Very many churches worldwide are dedicated to his memory and so his influence and example still live on in the universal church and all can benefit from this if the will to do so is there.
On the first Friday of this month, along with Christians of many churches throughout the world, we will celebrate the Feast of his Translation as our Patronal. Festival and give thanks for the life and works of St Martin. On the following Sunday we will keep, as we have done for a good number of years now, our Patronal Sunday. Let us use this Patronal Festival to inspire us to fresh efforts for the church as a whole and, in particular, for the church and ministry in this place. It is down to all the believers in this place to make this happen, not just me. After all it is not the Rector nor the church building but the congregation of all believers which make the church, whether it be in Jersey or elsewhere.
Our Patronal Festival should be a great time of rejoicing. On the actual day, Friday 4th, there will naturally be an Evening Celebration in the Lady Chapel. Why not come along and enjoy the peace and quiet of that evening communion service? Then, on the Sunday, join with everyone in giving thanks and celebration. You will see that the Dean of Jersey has agreed to come along to the 10 am Family
SAINTS' DAYS. There are just two greater feast days of the Church in the month of July plus, of course, that of the Translation of our Patron Saint which for us, in a way, is even more important. Our Patronal comes first on Friday 4th, and then the second one, the Feast of St Mary Magdalen, occurs on Tuesday 22nd. On the following Friday (25th) is the Feast of St James the Apostle (St James the Great). There will be a 7.30 pm celebration of Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel on all of these days. I do hope that some of you — well, a few more than the usual two or three, will join me in the commemoration of the life and works of all three saints but especially of St Martin!
MOTHERS' UNION. As is customary we shall be taking our annual outing on Wednesday 9th July. However, at the time of writing the mystery remains as to exactly where we are going. Everyone should meet at the Public Hall at 12 noon and then we shall all go on our merry way to wherever it is from there.
JUMBLE SALE RESULT. This, in May, was rather disappointing and only just over £100 was made for the funds. Nevertheless we must offer many thanks to all involved.
SPCK LENT PROJECT. The result is not yet to hand, I'm afraid, largely due to my being away for so long, but it will be next month I assure you. Meanwhile, thank you from SPCK to everyone who took a box and put something in it during Lent.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING. By the time you read this issue of this august publication I certainly hope that we shall have set a date for this meeting which has been severely delayed by my absence.
CHURCH OFFICERS. Willy Renouf, Cliff Manning, Tom Marett and Paul Brackley were duly sworn-in at the Ecclesiastical Court on 8th June held in the Royal Court. Let us remember them in our prayers and give thanks for the three standing for office for another year, and especially for Cliff as he begins his term of office and starts to learn the ropes.
ST HELIER PILGRIMAGE. St Martin is not the only church in Jersey which celebrates its Patronal Feast in July, for the Town Church celebrates St Helier's Day on Sunday 13th July. However, there is a slight difference with St Helier in that he is believed to have brought the faith to these shores and should therefore also be regarded as the Patron Saint of the Island. As in past years there will be a pilgrimage procession from the Town Church out to Elizabeth Castle and St Helier's Hermitage that day starting at 4.30 pm. Anyone who would like to keep the feast and make pilgrimage is very welcome to join in either at the Town Church at 4.30 pm or else fifteen minutes later at West Park Slip. There will be a short service in the Castle courtyard and the customary wreath-laying ceremony at the Hermitage.
MANY THANKS. I would like to offer sincere thanks to all those people who have kept everything running smoothly during my absence on the mainland. Several clergy took the services, the Churchwardens (and their wives) made everything ready and tidied up afterwards, Elaine acted as a go-between, and everyone took the inevitable problems and differences with a good heart and humour. Thank you all very much.
"If I knew the meaning of life, I would have been the creator of it."
-- Catherine Cookson
LAWRENCE TURNER Rector
OVER the past sixteen centuries the life and works of St Martin of Tours have inspired many people, not just here and in France, but all over the world. Very many churches worldwide are dedicated to his memory and so his influence and example still live on in the universal church and all can benefit from this if the will to do so is there.
On the first Friday of this month, along with Christians of many churches throughout the world, we will celebrate the Feast of his Translation as our Patronal. Festival and give thanks for the life and works of St Martin. On the following Sunday we will keep, as we have done for a good number of years now, our Patronal Sunday. Let us use this Patronal Festival to inspire us to fresh efforts for the church as a whole and, in particular, for the church and ministry in this place. It is down to all the believers in this place to make this happen, not just me. After all it is not the Rector nor the church building but the congregation of all believers which make the church, whether it be in Jersey or elsewhere.
Our Patronal Festival should be a great time of rejoicing. On the actual day, Friday 4th, there will naturally be an Evening Celebration in the Lady Chapel. Why not come along and enjoy the peace and quiet of that evening communion service? Then, on the Sunday, join with everyone in giving thanks and celebration. You will see that the Dean of Jersey has agreed to come along to the 10 am Family
SAINTS' DAYS. There are just two greater feast days of the Church in the month of July plus, of course, that of the Translation of our Patron Saint which for us, in a way, is even more important. Our Patronal comes first on Friday 4th, and then the second one, the Feast of St Mary Magdalen, occurs on Tuesday 22nd. On the following Friday (25th) is the Feast of St James the Apostle (St James the Great). There will be a 7.30 pm celebration of Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel on all of these days. I do hope that some of you — well, a few more than the usual two or three, will join me in the commemoration of the life and works of all three saints but especially of St Martin!
MOTHERS' UNION. As is customary we shall be taking our annual outing on Wednesday 9th July. However, at the time of writing the mystery remains as to exactly where we are going. Everyone should meet at the Public Hall at 12 noon and then we shall all go on our merry way to wherever it is from there.
JUMBLE SALE RESULT. This, in May, was rather disappointing and only just over £100 was made for the funds. Nevertheless we must offer many thanks to all involved.
SPCK LENT PROJECT. The result is not yet to hand, I'm afraid, largely due to my being away for so long, but it will be next month I assure you. Meanwhile, thank you from SPCK to everyone who took a box and put something in it during Lent.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING. By the time you read this issue of this august publication I certainly hope that we shall have set a date for this meeting which has been severely delayed by my absence.
CHURCH OFFICERS. Willy Renouf, Cliff Manning, Tom Marett and Paul Brackley were duly sworn-in at the Ecclesiastical Court on 8th June held in the Royal Court. Let us remember them in our prayers and give thanks for the three standing for office for another year, and especially for Cliff as he begins his term of office and starts to learn the ropes.
ST HELIER PILGRIMAGE. St Martin is not the only church in Jersey which celebrates its Patronal Feast in July, for the Town Church celebrates St Helier's Day on Sunday 13th July. However, there is a slight difference with St Helier in that he is believed to have brought the faith to these shores and should therefore also be regarded as the Patron Saint of the Island. As in past years there will be a pilgrimage procession from the Town Church out to Elizabeth Castle and St Helier's Hermitage that day starting at 4.30 pm. Anyone who would like to keep the feast and make pilgrimage is very welcome to join in either at the Town Church at 4.30 pm or else fifteen minutes later at West Park Slip. There will be a short service in the Castle courtyard and the customary wreath-laying ceremony at the Hermitage.
MANY THANKS. I would like to offer sincere thanks to all those people who have kept everything running smoothly during my absence on the mainland. Several clergy took the services, the Churchwardens (and their wives) made everything ready and tidied up afterwards, Elaine acted as a go-between, and everyone took the inevitable problems and differences with a good heart and humour. Thank you all very much.
"If I knew the meaning of life, I would have been the creator of it."
-- Catherine Cookson
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