APRIL 2019 - CHURCH MAGAZINE St Mary the Virgin North Shoebury
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St Mary the Virgin
North Shoebury
CHURCH MAGAZINE
MONDAY 1ST APRIL, ALL FOOLS DAY
SUNDAY 14TH APRIL, PALM SUNDAY
THURSDAY 18TH APRIL, MAUNDAY THURSDAY
FRIDAY 19TH APRIL, GOOD FRIDAY
SUNDAY 21ST APRIL, EASTER SUNDAY
TUESDAY 23RD APRIL, ST GEORGE’S DAY
APRIL 2019 1
April 2019
Luke 9:57 “As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow
you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of
the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
We are now just over half-way though Lent, and our journey towards Good
Friday and Easter Sunday. As a church we have been considering the question,
“Why are we here?”
I hope that as part of this process we are getting a fuller understanding of what
God might be encouraging us to consider. I believe in what is known as
“the ministry of all believers”. That is to say not only that we all have a part to
play in the world, but also that we are all valued.
I think that as some countries appear to be looking to close borders, and society
begins to separate people into groups by gender, age, race and so on, it is I
important to remember that we all are a part of the word-wide Christian
Church. We are all part of God’s creation, and all are valued.
I recently spoke about what it means to be a “sojourner”. The Bible often uses
the term “resident alien”. In part sojourner means always to be an outsider. So it
is in this world. By virtue of birth or parentage we all have a nationality, but in
addition, we are also members of the Kingdom of God.
Does this mean we can live with dual nationality, or are we called on to
choose? If we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, to which kingdom do we owe
allegiance?
As we continue through Lent, and look forward to the Resurrection, maybe we
should examine where our allegiance lies. Can that choice be seen in our lives
and actions? I do hope so.
God bless
David
2
Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your
"
whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ."
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)
As an encouragement to those who will brave the early, dark start on Easter
Sunday morning I would like to invite every one to join me for a hearty
breakfast in the church hall after the service. With much still to do for the
remainder of the day the body may well require sustenance after the shock of
rising so early. Expect full English with tea, coffee and toast.
(Vegetarian option provided)
Craig
Bloopers
Although I endeavour to keep one or two errors in each magazine for the avid
accurate reader. I do not think I have managed anything like these gems yet !
• The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and
gracious hostility..
• Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several
new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
• This evening at 7pm there will be a hymn singing in the park across from
the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
• Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled.
Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Thank you John.
EVENING PRAYER – 5 p.m.
Friday at 10, Herongate (Kym's home)
3
If you would like to sponsor a magazine, in memory or thanksgiving,
please contact Michael. £20, gift aided or not, would cover the
professional printing of a monthly magazine.
Michael Crabb 298314 – michael7@blueyonder.co.uk
1 April - All Fools’ Day
In years gone by, the rules surrounding April Fool were this: between mid-
night and noon on 1st April, everyone is ‘fair game’ to be made a fool of. It is
the morning of the practical joke. But the aim is not just to discomfort the
victim: he must be tricked into taking action themself, sent on a ‘fool’s er-
rand’.
And so children would be sent to the dairy for a pint of dove’s milk, or to the
bookseller for The Life of Eve’s Mother. Practical jokes on a bigger scale were
played: in 1860 a vast number of people received an official looking invita-
tion to the Tower of London that read: ‘Admit the Bearer and Friends to view
the Annual Ceremony of Washing the White Lions.’ Precisely the same trick
had been played in 1698.
Then, on the stroke of noon, tradition decrees, April Fools is finished. If any-
one attempts devilry thereafter, even while the clock is still striking, it recoils
on his own head. A child would then race through the sing-song formula:
‘April-Fool-Day’s-past-and-gone-you’re-the-fool-and-I-am-none!’
RESERVED SACRAMENT TRANSPORT TO CHURCH
The Sacrament is reserved for the Com-
munion of the sick and housebound. Please let the Churchwardens know if
Please let the Pastoral Assistant know of any parishioners would appreciate a lift
any parishioners who would like to to Church
receive Communion at home.
THE CHURCH WEB SITE
www.stmarynorthshoebury.org.uk
4April - Palm Sunday: Jesus at the gates of Jerusalem
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when the Church remembers how Je-
sus arrived at the gates of Jerusalem just a few days before the Passover
was due to be held. He was the Messiah come to his own people in their
capital city, and yet he came in humility, riding on a young donkey, not in
triumph, riding on a war-horse.
As Jesus entered the city, the crowds gave him a rapturous welcome,
throwing palm fronds into his path. They knew his reputation as a healer
and welcomed him. But sadly, the welcome was short-lived and shallow,
for Jerusalem would soon reject her Messiah, and put him to death. On this
day churches worldwide will distribute little crosses made from palm
fronds in memory of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.
April - Maundy Thursday – time to wash feet
Maundy Thursday is famous for two things. The first is one of the final acts
that Jesus did before his death: the washing of his own disciples’ feet. (see
John 13) Jesus washed his disciples’ feet for a purpose: “A new command I
give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one anoth-
er.” His disciples were to love through service, not domination, of one an-
other.
In Latin, the opening phrase of this sentence is ‘mandatum novum do vobis’.
The word ‘mundy’ is thus a corruption of the Latin ‘mandatum’ (or com-
mand). The ceremony of the ‘washing of the feet’ of members of the congre-
gation came to be an important part of the liturgy (regular worship) of the
medieval church, symbolising the humility of the clergy, in obedience to the
example of Christ.
But Thursday was also important because it was on that night that Jesus
first introduced the Lord’s Supper, or what we nowadays call Holy Commun-
ion.
Jesus and his close friends had met in a secret upper room to share the Pass-
over meal together - for the last time. And there Jesus transformed the
Passover into the Lord’s Supper, saying, ‘this is my body’ and ‘this is my
blood’ as he, the Lamb of God, prepared to die for the sins of the whole
world. John’s gospel makes it clear that the Last Supper took place the
evening BEFORE the regular Passover meal, and that later Jesus died at the
same time that the Passover lambs were killed.
519 April - Good Friday: Jesus and the thieves on the Cross
Luke’s account of the crucifixion (Luke 23:32-43) emphasises the mocking of
the crowd, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself’ (35,37,39). In their
view a Messiah does not hang on a cross and suffer. In considering the two
men who was crucified with Jesus, we are also confronted with the issue of
how Jesus secures salvation for us.
The words of one of those crucified with Jesus reflected the crowd’s taunts:
‘Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us.’ He highlights the question of Je-
sus’ identity: how can He save others, when He cannot save himself from
death? He failed to see that the cross itself was the means of salvation.
So - what kind of Messiah was Jesus?
The other criminal’s response in his last moments is a moving expression of
faith. When challenging the other man, he spoke of the utter injustice of the
crucifixion: ‘this man has done nothing wrong.’ He perceived the truth that
Jesus was indeed the Messiah. In a wonderful picture of grace, ‘remember me
when you come into your kingdom’, the second thief confessed his guilt and
secured Jesus’ forgiveness and mercy.
In reply, Jesus promised the man life from the moment of death; ‘Today you
will be with me in paradise.’ Jesus used the picture of a walled garden to help
the man understand his promise of protection and security in God’s love and
acceptance eternally.
Each one of us has to choose how we react to Jesus on the cross. Do we want
him to ‘remember’ us when He comes into his kingdom, or not? If you were
to die tonight, how confident would you be of going to be with Jesus? ‘For
Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring
you to God.’ (1 Peter 3:18).
6Please support our
advertisers by using their Another way to keep these
services. magazines free for distribution
They all help to keep this
Please consider
magazine free to our
Congregation and visitors. sponsoring one
of the Monthly Magazines
If you would like to advertise in
This can be done in memory or
the magazine, or if you know
thanksgiving, or anonymously.
somebody who would,
please contact £20, Gift aided, is normally
Craig Hunter sufficient to pay for
07932503644
printing all the copies of a monthly
chunter2009@hotmail.co.uk
magazine.
ST MARY THE VIRGIN, NORTH SHOEBURY
CHURCH HALL AVAILABLE TO HIRE
ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAY PARTIES CHRISTENINGS
RETIREMENT PARTIES SPECIAL EVENTS
VERY REASONABLE RATES
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK,
CONTACT – DENIS GARNE- 01702 464998
78
Easter faith
Three years after the Russian Revolution of 1917, a great anti-God rally was
arranged in Kiev. The powerful orator Bukharin was sent from Moscow, and
for an hour he demolished the Christian faith with argument, abuse and
ridicule. At the end there was silence.
Then a man rose and asked to speak. He was a priest of the Russian Orthodox
Church. He went and stood next to Bukharin. Facing the people, he raised his
arms and spoke just three triumphant words: ‘Christ is risen!’
At once the entire assembly rose to their feet and gave the joyful response,
‘He is risen indeed!’ It was a devastating moment for an atheist politician,
who had no answer to give to this ancient Easter liturgy. He had not realised
he was simply too late: how can you convince people who have already
experienced God, that He does not exist?
H.A.R.P
SOUTHEND HOMELESS SHELTER
HOMELESS ACTION RESOURCE PROJECT
Needed all the time
Tea, Coffee, L/L/milk, Coffee Mate/Milk powder
Sugar, Baked Beans & Tinned Veg, Tinned meals and meats
Pasta and pasta Sauces
Please put donations in the box at the back of Church.
HAVE YOU ANYTHING FOR THIS MAGAZINE?
Thank you to John, Michael and David for their
contributions this month. If you have anything which would be of
interest, please contact the editor, Craig Hunter early in the month,
so that your space can be reserved.
07932503644;chunter2009@hotmail.co.uk
Please send any material by for Magazine by the 17th of the month
9ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL REGULAR USERS
Monday
Barling & Lt. Karate
Wakering 7- 8 pm
Women’s Institute Contact: Susan
2pm 1st Monday of 07814762209
the month
drag-
Contact onwooduk@gmail.c
Phyl Wickenden om
01702 582185
Tuesday U3A Private booking
2nd Tuesday of month 7-10pm
10am to 12 noon
Contact:
Mick – 01702 622356
COFFEE MORNING
Wednes- 10:30-11:30
day All welcome
Thurs- Private booking
day 6-7pm
Friday DIDDI DANCE MARRIOTT’S
9.15 – 10.15 am TAI CHI
Funky pre-school 11am – 12.30 pm
dance class Contact
for boys and girls. Tracey Cain
Contact 01702 290461
Jennifer
Ripton
0775 6407162
10TAYLOR HALDANE BARLEX LLP SOLICITORS
We offer comprehensive and practical advice for all your legal needs. For a cost-
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SPECIALISTS IN:
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We offer FREE home visits in relation to Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney
Address: 61 Ness Road, Shoeburyness, SS3 9DB
Tel: 01702 298282
Offices also at: Benfleet, Braintree, Chelmsford, Witham,
Ipswich & Norwich
Old as taxes
As a new tax year gets underway, did you know that the men who collect our
taxes are working in one of the oldest professions known? Archaeological
evidence dating from 1900 BC includes a clay tablet recording a tax for
public works and a papyrus scroll which reveals that even 4,000 years ago,
tax-payers had some complaints. No surprise there!
(From Optimist magazine.)
1112
On why a vicar should avoid wedding receptions
The Rectory
St James the Least of All
My dear Nephew Darren
My generous offer to take last week’s marriage service for you in your church,
so that you could attend your weekend plumbing course, proved most unwise.
You may now be qualified to unblock church hall kitchen sinks, but I will not
be taking another marriage ceremony for you again, no matter how much you
have set your heart on that electrician’s course next year, so that you can
re-wire the vestry.
At first, I was delighted when the bride’s mother called, inviting me to the
reception. I assumed that somewhere called Charnley Hall would be a most
fitting location, full of oak floors and waiters bearing sherry to guests. I did
not realise until too late that it is only the rather dubious pub next door to
your church.
At least I had been placed with the happy couple and both sets of parents.
Then it slowly dawned on me: I was there to stop the bride’s mother from
attacking her newly-acquired son-in-law. My presence may have kept an un-
easy peace at our table, but it had no such effect on some of the others.
Well before the speeches, bride’s and groom’s supporters were exchanging
snide remarks and bitter looks. Then all hell broke loose: a bridesmaid
slapped an usher and burst into tears.
That was the starting signal for the liveliest wedding reception I have ever
attended: chairs were knocked about, plates broken, wedding cake thrown,
flowers snapped in two, and memorable insults exchanged. Of course, I could
cope with all that, but then someone snatched the bottle of champagne that
had been placed in front of me. They were going to waste it by breaking it on
someone’s head. I knew then that things had gone far enough.
It took but an instant for me to leap to my feet, lean over the table, and try and
grab my bottle back. Unfortunately, that was when the police arrived. Were
our churchwarden, Lord Jelleby to have been on the bench that day, matters
could have been settled quite amicably. It was not to be: you may
enthusiastically pass the peace in your church; I am now bound over to keep
it.
Your loving uncle,
Eustace
1314
You are what you think about
Negative thoughts can actually harm you, physically. In a recent study by the uni-
versities of Exeter and Oxford, it was found that if you listen to that critical inner
voice, you will end up with an increased heart rate, consistent with feelings of be-
ing under threat and distress.
On the other hand, positive thoughts have the opposite effect. Those in the study
who were encouraged to be kind to themselves when things went wrong, report-
ed more self-compassion, connection with others, and had feelings of relaxation
and safety.
No wonder that Paul urges us: “Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is ad-
mirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things… And
the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4: 8,9)
15Church leaders give blessing to plastic-free faith Easter Egg
The Archbishop of York and the lead Bishop for the environment have wel-
comed a 'plastic free' version of The Real Easter Egg.
Out of the 80 million eggs sold in the UK every year The Real Easter Egg is the
only one which includes a 24 page copy of the Easter story in the box, is
Fairtrade and supports charitable causes. And now, this year the Real Easter
Egg is going plastic-free.
The change is in response to a survey which found that 96% of Christians
think it is important for Easter Eggs to be plastic-free and news that 11.5 mil-
lion tonnes of food packaging waste is produced every year.
David Marshall from the Meaningful Chocolate Company, who make the Real
Easter Egg, said: "Easter eggs don't have to cost the earth. We have replaced
plastic bags, tamper-seals and Best Before stickers with paper versions. There
is still the same amount of chocolate in the Real Easter Egg and the box sizes
are the same, but the redesign means our Dark and Original Egg will save at
least 5 tonnes of plastic and 175 tonnes of card in the next five years."
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said; "I am delighted that an Easter
Egg, which shares the Story of Easter, is leading the way by reducing packag-
ing."
The Bishop of Salisbury, The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, said; "As the lead bish-
op on the environment for the Church of England I am delighted that an Easter
Egg, is taking seriously the care of our planet."
Order yours from
www.meaningfulchocolate.co.uk/collections/real-easter-egg
1617
APRIL
7th April 11.00am Parish Family Eucharist
Fifth Sunday in Lent Revd. David Pierce
14th April 11.00am Parish Family Eucharist
Palm Sunday Revd. David Pierce
21st April 05:15am Sunrise Service
Sunrise Service Revd. David Pierce
(05:15)
21st April 11.00am Parish Family Eucharist
Easter Sunday Revd. David Pierce
28th April 11.00am Parish Family Eucharist
Second Sunday in Revd. Ron Wiffen
Easter
Mid-week services
Monday 9:00am Morning prayer
4:00pm Evensong
Wednesday 9:00am Morning prayer
10:00am Communion
10:30am Coffee Morning
(Volunteers needed)
4:00pm Evensong
18CONTACT DETAILS
For all enquiries, including weddings, baptisms, blessings etc.
please, in the first instance, contact the Churchwarden.
Lead Minister Revd. David Pierce 07305 710265
david@revdavidpierce.net
Churchwarden Pat Fitch 585289
pat_fitch@btinternet.com
Organist and Choirmaster
Michael Crabb, MBE 298314
michael7@blueyonder.co.uk
Hall Bookings Denis Garne 464998
PCC Secretary Michelle Waters 589026
Church Finance Francine Johnson 589244
Pastoral Assistant Kym Hazzard-Garne 07826 241530
Gift Aid Secretary Michael Crabb 298314
Electoral Roll Anne Crabb 298314
Church Diaries Dorothy Gates 585165
PCC Committee Chairs
Finance and Fabric John Tuff 587050
Community & Outreach Dorothy Gates 585165
Ministry & Education Michelle Waters 589026
Social and Fund raising Francine Johnson 589244
Phyl Wickenden 582185
Hall Sue Arnold 586453
Readers, Chalice Assistants
& Sides persons Rota Anne Crabb 298314
michael7@blueyonder.co.uk
Parish Magazine Craig Hunter 07932 503644
chunter2009@hotmail.co.uk
Churchyard Denis Garne 464998
Cleaning co-ordinator Pat Fitch 585289
Flowers co-ordinator Wendy Shipperley 588319
1920
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