Crossway February 2021 - The voice of St Luke's Church - St Luke's Church | Sevenoaks
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Crossway
The voice of St Luke’s Church
February 2021
50p
SUNDAY WORSHIP
8.00 am Holy Communion
10.15 am Parish Eucharist
6.30 pm Compline as announced
1st Sunday in the month
10.15 am All Together Eucharist
-----------------------
JUNIOR CHURCH
Children meet in St. Luke’s Hall at 10.15 am and join the regular congregation
later in the service, receiving a blessing at the Altar rail during Communion.
This is not currently happening due to COVID19
WEEKDAY WORSHIP
Thursday 11.00 am Holy Communion
Saints and Holy Days as announced
Holy Baptism, Banns of Marriage, Weddings and Funeral Services
should be arranged with the Associate Rector
The Reverend Anne Bourne is available for help at all times, on 07512 734224
She is happy to visit parishioners in hospital or at home,
whether you come to church or not, and will be grateful to be advised of any need.
Please note that whenever possible she will keep Saturday as her “free”
day. For regular visiting please contact Xanthe Duffill, our Pastoral
Assistant, on 01959 523037
The Administrator is available in the Parish Office Monday, Wednesday & Friday
2
The Associate Rector Writes
Will YOU come and follow me?
Catherine and William Booth lived in London over 130 years ago. For the first 10 years of
their marriage, William kept asking himself, "What should I do with my life. What is God
calling me to do?" Late one night he took a walk through the slums of London's East End.
Every fifth building was a pub. Most had steps at the bar so little children could climb up and
order gin. That night he told Catherine how it seemed that God was calling him to do some-
thing for those children and their parents – "the down and outers" of London, as he called
them. It was very clear that he didn’t need to go to some foreign country to find people who
needed help. They were right there in front of him.
Later that year, 1865, the couple opened the "Christian Mission" in London's poorer districts.
This grew into what we know today as the Salvation Army. There are many stories about
people who hear God's call to do something special AND very often those who are called
are just ordinary men and women, like you and I.
As we have begun 2021, I wonder what God is calling you to do this new year? As I prepare
to be licensed as Team Vicar with responsibility for St Luke’s, I am prayerfully considering what
God is calling me to do in this place and across the wider team. As I step back and prepare
for my licensing this is indeed something I shall be reflecting on.
Part of the interview process for this role was to produce a vision for the team. At the heart
of my vision was a community of individuals who are rooted in Jesus. In the church in which I
grew up, there is a banner of the verse from John 15.i, I am the vine and the roots spell the
word Jesus (see below)
To be rooted in Jesus will mean that a commitment is necessary from
individuals to want to deepen their faith and grow. Just as the roots of the
vine sink down deep into the earth in search of nutrients and stability, so the
love of Christ nourishes and encourages the believer. This nourishment can
be gained through prayer, worship and study of God’s word.
These are all important if we are to both grow as Christians and discover
also what God is calling us to do for him. When God calls, he does not call
the equipped but rather he equips the calling and he can only do this if we are listening and in
touch with him.
As we step out together, I pray that each one of us may be rooted in Jesus and discover his
purposes for us as individuals, as a church and more widely as a team.
May God bless each one of us
Anne
3
St Luke’s Away Giving
The Charity for February is:
Like so many other of our charitable concerns things are very different in
this pandemic!
This has not, however, made the needs of the people who are helped
any the less; indeed with Covid-19, the poorest of the poor are suffering
even more.
Whilst more creative ways are being developed to continue to bring
relief and education to the existing projects – and the internet is not an
option in most areas - funds are still desperately needed to maintain the
work that is already in place!
One of the blessings of supporting this charity based in the Thai-Burma
boarder is that Sterling is still strong and our gift – particularly when
enhanced with gift aid – goes a lot further. Whilst we continue to battle
C-19 and the ‘flu, may we be mindful of these people for whom the
everyday ailments that for us are an inconvenience are often killers, and
that whilst we, in lockdown 3, are once again contending with Home
Schooling for some weeks these parents, without the help of us and
others like us would NEVER have a day of education.
So, like the Tesco saying goes ‘every little helps’
Thank you,
Joy Pennells
4
The Team Rector Writes
Dear friends,
A difficulty in writing a page for the magazine is knowing that, as it
has to be submitted by the 11th of the previous month, when it
actually comes to be read, it could be slightly irrelevant! I am
writing this just after the announcement of a third National
Lockdown, but as to how February will look I have no idea.
The one thing I do know is that Ash Wednesday is the 17 th of February and the
beginning of Lent.
In Lent a common practice is either to give something up, or to take something on
– or both! We do these practices not because we have always done them – part
of the traditional landscape of this season; but because we see the benefit of doing
them. They bring us closer to God; deepen our faith; understand more about
ourselves – one more step along the journey of maturity in Christ.
No-matter what the physical landscape looks like in February, the spiritual
landscape remains as it was: taking seriously each day the gift of life and do all we
can to grow in grace.
Maybe therefore, with more of the gift of time available to us today, we can
reflect before Ash Wednesday comes about what we could do – something
within our grasp – to give something up or take something on – or both!
Something, even some little thing, that would help us grow in that call to maturity
in Christ.
The something may be within the arena of prayer, or worship, financial, or
practical acts of kindness, of reading, or study, or reducing what we have become
too dependent on. Whatever it might be, and in whatever arena it might be
found, this season of Lent could become real to us because we are doing
something with it and in it.
Giving up/ taking on – or both.
Time is precious. In many ways we do have more time with areas of life not as
active as they once were. We all wish that this were not the case, but it is. Many
more of us have more time available.
Giving up/ taking on – or both. This year Lent could be more real to us than ever
before.
Our choice.
Every blessing, Mark
mark.bridgen@btinternet.com (Tel) 073 75 299 944 or (01732)
452112.
5
An Update from the Churchwardens
As we write this article, we are in lockdown once again and the NHS is
being overwhelmed by the constant wave of new patients, but the rollout
of 3 new vaccines is bringing the much-needed hope for getting back to
meeting together with each other, sharing the love of Christ and
fellowship with each other.
After a good set of Christmas services, in church and on Zoom, which
were attended by many of our congregation, 2021 did not start as well as
we would have liked. With people once again isolating due to the virus
and the loss of dear friends, it seemed like the struggles of 2020 were still
with us.
Delays to our 3 churches meeting together in worship and praise, and
establishing new friendships, are on hold for the time being but with the
licensing of Rev Andy Finn in January and the licensing of
Rev Anne Bourne due on the 9th of February, we have at last a strong
team of clergy, as they with Mark, lead us along the path that God has set
before us, and we will be welcoming a new curate Steve Osia Mensah in
September to complete our team.
Anne will take up her new position after moving into the vicarage at the
beginning of this month and we ask that you pray for her and her family
at this time of transition and wish them every blessing with their move,
hoping they settle in well.
As we come to God, afresh, in faith, after a year that has changed the way
we worship, the way we see the world and the way we share his love
with those we meet, we pray that he will sustain us for the journey
6
ahead, catch us when we fall and guide us when we are lost.
We pray that he might be with us in our homes and walking with us as
we step out into the world around us, in all our conversations and deep
within our hearts, giving us guidance, purpose, strength and renewed
enthusiasm to keep him at the centre of our lives.
Please pray for our new Churchwarden, whoever that may be, that God
will speak to them, giving them the words, they need to hear and the
faith to act upon them. We know from experience that they will receive
much help and support from you all and there are many people with
previous experience of the role around to advise, guide and answer any
questions. It is a fantastic time for someone to bring new gifts and fresh
ideas to take us forward with the new team and all that has to offer.
Could you be our next Churchwarden?
Thank you for your continued prayers and support, Beth, Anne and I
have really appreciated all that you have done and continue to do at St
Luke’s especially during the difficulties of lockdown and our return to
worship in the church building.
We pray that you will all keep well and stay safe.
Janet and Beth
7
On Being a Churchwarden
Soon after I was elected as churchwarden, someone, outside Knockholt,
commented “Your function is to open and close the Church” – if only
that was all!!
The office of churchwarden is a venerable one, which had already
emerged into legal recognition by the thirteenth century. Two centuries
later, the churchwardens were chosen annually in parish meeting, all adult
parishioners having a voice in the election. Once elected, the
churchwardens normally transacted all parish business during their year
of office. They had, in fact, a twofold significance; they were both
guardians of the parochial moral and trustees of the Church’s goods.
Like other tasks, the office of churchwarden is one that is not always easy
to define until one finds oneself undertaking it, and then it seems to
become, like a magnet, an attraction for such a variety of things that
definition continues to remain difficult.
The churchwardens are Bishop’s officers and are admitted by the
Archdeacon annually.
With the greatest respect to readers and other leading Laymen and
Laywomen in the parish, it is the churchwarden who holds the most
ancient, the most responsible and the most important lay office in the
Church. Churchwardens have both the initiative and responsibility at the
time of church services for everything other than the actual conduct of
worship, although, even here, churchwardens may find themselves in the
position of having to lead the prayers and praises if a clergyman or
reader fails to arrive.
The churchwardens depute many preparation of service duties to the
sidesmen, leaving time free to ‘float’ and to answer queries, attend to little
details and welcome any newcomers. If there is a disturbance in the
Church, the churchwardens are responsible for doing something about it,
(under ancient law they actually have the power of arrest in such
8
circumstances – beware!).
The churchwardens are public figures and represent the Church in the
community. They should be known both for their Christian life and
behaviour and for their pastoral concern for people, enabling, equipping,
encouraging and engaging with people. The churchwardens are
responsible for the property, pastoral, health and safety, record keeping,
data protection, employment and finance of the parish. The
churchwardens are appointed as sequestrators during an interregnum.
The churchwardens should aim to proclaim the Word and Work of God.
Who, you may ask, is sufficient for all these things? In the united benefice
the churchwardens are given so much support from so many people,
who freely give of their time and expertise, and, of course, serving a
gracious and loving God is a great privilege.
Yours in Christ
Pamela Holmes
NEW ADDRESS – from 5th February
Ian, Anne, Jon, Esther & Rebekah Bourne
St Luke’s House
30 Eardley Road
SEVENOAKS
TN13 1XT
Tel: 07512 734224
9
St Luke’s Social & Study Group / Book Reading Group
The Social & Study Group and the Book Reading Group have
both been postponed until further notice, due to the coronavirus
pandemic.
Laurence Pearce
Intercessions Group
ST. LUKE'S INTERCESSIONS GROUP " Pray on every occasion
as the Spirit leads. Keep alert and never give up.
Continue always to pray for God's children " (Ephesians 6: 18)
Although we cannot meet in person, we continue to set aside a
time each month for prayer, this month on Friday 26th, from 2.00
to 2.30pm.
If anyone has any special requests for prayer, please let Anne or
me know.
Dennis Mihill—d.mihill@sky.com
Articles for Crossway
Please email your articles for Crossway to the following email
address: lukesevenoaks@btinternet.com.
By Friday 5th March
Parish Office
Opening Times
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
10Food Parcels for Parish of All Saints, Marondera, Zimbabwe
In the December 2020 edition of Crossway, we reported the successful
distribution of Food Parcels to families in the All Saints Parish which was made
possible because of St Luke’s donation to them. The PCC agreed to send
another donation of £1,000 to alleviate a small part of the hardship being
suffered by all the people in Zimbabwe, by buying more Food Parcels for All
Saints and the St Luke’s donation was increased to £1,500 by private donors.
Angela Chiremba, All Saints Church Warden, sent us a WhatsApp message to
say that the second shipment of food and supplies had been purchased,
parcels made up and then presented to the most needy families on
Wednesday 23 December. An unexpected Christmas present for 45 families
and each got a little more than in the first distribution.
The Rector of All Saints, Father Farai, said a prayer after an opening hymn of
“O God. Our help in ages past” sung in Shona. Angela reported that the air
was that of disbelief that the distribution was happening in the midst of all the
suffering and at this time. One of the ladies (see photo) gave a very emotional
and touching message of gratitude on behalf of all the recipients. Angela
concluded by saying “A time of giving brings happiness to the giver and the
recipient. Thank you all at St Luke’s.”
Anne Bourne responded from St Luke’s, “praying for many blessings on All
Saints for 2021” and Valerie Caton thanked Angela for All Saints’ part in
facilitating this second project and agreed that the news from All Saints had
brought happiness to the giver.
The PCC has agreed to make a donation this year to make up for the 2019
donation which was postponed. If any member of the congregation wishes to
supplement the PCC’s gift, please contact Peter Ashwell or Valerie Caton for
instructions of what to do. Do look at the photos and videos on St Luke’s
website.
MOG Committee – Jan 2021
1112
13
Christmas and New Year Greeting from Bangalore
A kolam/rangoli greeting (on the road near where we live)
Our recent news in brief:
Rhena managed a brief trip to the UK (necessary, for her UK residency
not to lapse) to see Kitty and Sam in September, and got back to
Bangalore safely in October. Good timing because her dad, John, died on
8th November. He lived with us since he was widowed in 2015, and was
getting increasingly confused. He passed away peacefully, at home, in my
arms, after a long (87 years) life, well lived. Now, for the first time in 5
years, Rhena and I are able to go out walking together in the morning
(Rhena's preferred form of exercise).
Kitty finished BioChemistry at Imperial (but sadly no graduation in the
Albert Hall this year!), moved to Cambridge and is looking forward
to starting a research masters in Plant Biology on 4th January.
14Sam started his Computer Science degree at York in October. He lives
in a house of 10 students, who seem to get on really well. 3 got Covid,
but they all isolated and survived OK.
For church, Eric's teaching, Rhena's meetings etc. everything seems to be
on zoom these days. Even our children's nativity play was on zoom (the
whole story, with a lockdown theme, in under 10 minutes,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCm57jn-Yz0)
With our prayers and best wishes for 2021
Eric and Rhena
Eric's Covid beard (avoiding barbers)
until he shaved it off in December.
Christmas biriyani with friends,
in our home in Bangalore
15Food for Thought Talk – “Climate Change: Global Crisis
to Local Solutions”
It was a very chilly evening on Friday 8th January 2021 so it was fortunate that
some 35 people did not have to leave the warmth and comfort of their own
homes to listen to this talk by Dr Mark Johnson of Christian Aid (CA).
To lead us in, Mark said that it is important to recall just what a huge subject
Climate Change is, that he wasn’t a climate scientist and so subjects such as the
place of fluorocarbons would not be present (!) and that he was sure that there
would be great knowledge in the audience and was keen for people to share this
during the discussion time.
Then Mark set the scene: “There are two major challenges that CA has to deal with.
One is CONFLICT and the other is CLIMATE.” CA’s activity is essentially situated in
three areas: Long-term development projects; humanitarian assistance; and
advocacy and campaigning. Mark expected that the audience were already aware
of the first two areas of response and gave quick examples. He then focused on
the work that CA had been doing in response to the increasing evidence of
Climate Change and its impact on the poorest people in the world through
erratic weather and temperatures leading to drought, soil erosion and floods
which in turn lead to failed crops, hunger and death.
At this stage Mark juxtaposed where we are now (with temperatures rising,
waters levels rising, biodiversity eroded and thousands of species wiped out; the
oceans a global dumping ground and ever-increasing plumes of toxicity) and
where we are headed (by 2050 - 47 million more children undernourished in
Sub-Saharan Africa and an Arctic Ocean ice-free in the summer; by 2060 - a
billion people vulnerable to flooding; by 2100 - sea levels up by 1 to 8 feet).
Mark said that much of the World Wildlife Fund’s work focused on the
environmental crisis and their website has lots of relevant factual information
(www.wwf.org.uk). He read out a profound statement from WWF: “We are the
first generation to know we are destroying the world and the last that can do anything
about it”. So true! And then he outlined a significant dichotomy. Namely, wealthy
foreign companies are still seeking access to deposits of fossil fuels within
developing countries which will provide those countries with USD Billions of
income and cheap and immediate energy.
16Three times as much money is being invested in fossil fuels-based energy as in
forms of renewable energy. CA has been lobbying Banks and Governments and
Transnational organisations to address this global economic and financial issue.
Mark reported on the supportive positions of the World Bank and the Bank of
England and said the UK Government’s Aim is to be carbon neutral by 2050. All
of this is laudable, he said, but CA is pushing for a legally-binding target of carbon
neutrality by 2045 at the latest. Mark explained the reasoning behind the 2045
deadline. He touched on finance, technology, practicality/feasibility, fairness and
leadership from which it was clear that revised points of view in these areas can
justify 2045.
If 2045 is the new target, what is the Action Plan? Mark outlined the need for a
10 year strategic programme, commitment of 2% GDP, the focus of the carbon
neutral target in all government and business activity and a tripling of wind and
solar power output in the 10 years. Mark shared what the recent BIG SHIFT
campaign had achieved. An example of which is that four high street Banks have
committed to increasing their funding for renewables. Mark further described
some of the positives that had come out of other decisions within the financial
sector, including commitments by the largest UK Banks regarding the future
financing of global projects but he also recognised there was a lot more to be
done.
Another positive step was the mass lobby on 26th June 2020 under the banner
“The Time is Now” which 300 MPs attended. Over 15,000 people signed up with
CA, as part of over 70,000 signatures across UK charities, wishing to get
personally involved. Mark told us that as the Big Shift ended the UK Government
has stated that it will now end the use of public money being spent on fossil fuel
projects overseas. A fantastic achievement.
The next major activity to breathe fresh impetus into the Climate Change debate
is COP 26 which will be held in Glasgow in November 2021. [CA will send out
regular updates of how we can each help in the build up to this event if we sign up at
christianaid.org.uk].
17Mark then impressed upon the audience that every person can help to achieve
the 2045 target by changing their behaviour. He outlined various actions. Some
easy (lower temperature at home, less hot water, change light bulbs, walk/cycle,
public transport, car tyre pressures, recycling, turning off electrical devices…) and
some more difficult (electric car, air and ground source heating, reduced packaging
when buying items, planting trees…).
Mark concluded his talk with reference to the prophet Micah who named and
shamed corrupt politicians, dishonest traders and greedy landowners. Micah
condemned the way in which these people oppressed others and supported
systemic social injustices. He challenged the audience to recognise how Micah’s
prophecy still resonates today, especially as we need to overcome the threat of
Climate Change by recalibrating the norms of the modern world which are
currently focused on money, power and self-interest. Do we need never-ending
growth and an insatiable drive for “more”? How weary should we be of modern-
day “false gods”, tempting people away from a more biblical vision of peace and
justice and a more equitable creation? Everyday on TV we see the danger of
continuing on our ways and the result of Climate Change impacting the lives of
the poorest people and countries. Mark’s final words were a challenge to the
audience to get involved, question the status quo and work with organisations
that will inspire imaginations to do things differently.
The audience were then split into four groups to discuss three issues, all of which
challenged their consciences to take action. Mark engaged with the philosophical
and practical feedback of each groups’ thoughts and commitments and he
applauded their positivity which he said encouraged him in the work he and CA
were doing to combat Climate Change.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Please contact Peter Ashwell 461087 or peter.ashwell@btinternet.com if you
would like more information about the two remaining Food for Thought Talks of
this series.
1819
“Food for Thought” (Zoom-based) Talk
Liberation or Revolution Theology
By Garth Hewitt
At 8pm on Friday 5th March 2021
St Luke’s is delighted to welcome Garth Hewitt to participate in this winter’s
series of Food for Thought. Garth has been a regular visitor to St Luke’s over the
last 20 years to sing his songs and talk about his experiences promoting justice
and hope for forgotten people around the world. This time he will talk about a
subject which reflects his experiences of the People’s Revolution in the Philippines,
hearing Martin Luther King speak at St Paul’s Cathedral, conversation with the
poet Ernesto Cardenal and with the Jewish theologian Marc Ellis. They appear in
the Poster for the talk together with Mother Teresa, Óscar Romero and Rachel
Corrie. In his talk Garth traces the development of his understanding of liberation
theology including other encounters in India, South Africa, and Palestine. After
Garth’s talk, the audience will have the opportunity to discuss some of the main
messages arising and engage with Garth.
For 40 years Garth visited areas of poverty, conflict, deprivation, and disaster,
prioritizing friendships with local people and bringing them encouragement. He
returned with personal stories bringing to life media headlines and not forgetting
the stories when newspapers had forgotten them. He has persistently challenged
the privileged to share and to protest against injustice. He founded the human
rights charity Amos Trust in 1985 and was its Director until handing over that
responsibility in 2011. Garth retired from his role at Amos Trust at the end of
2020 and will concentrate now on the Garth Hewitt Foundation.
The audience will be encouraged to support Garth’s work by sending a donation
to the Garth Hewitt Foundation (via garthhewitt.org)
Register with Peter Ashwell at peter.ashwell@btinternet.com or 01732 461087 to
obtain instructions on how to participate in this Zoom event. The Meeting Room
opens at 7.45pm and the Talk starts at 8pm.
The event ends no later than 9.45pm
2021
“IF ONLY”
IF ONLY We probably know of the Victorian poet, Christina Rossetti for
her poem " In the bleak mid-winter", which we sing as a Christmas carol.
The words of another of her poems, "If Only" may perhaps reflect how
some of us are feeling during the dreary time of lockdown, but it ends
with a message of hope.
If I might only love my God and die!
But now He bids me love Him and live on,
Now when the bloom of all my life is gone,
The pleasant half of life has quite gone by.
My tree of hope is lopped that spread so high,
And I forget how summer glowed and shone,
While autumn grips me with its fingers wan
And frets me with its fitful windy sigh.
When autumn passes then must winter numb,
And winter may not pass a weary while,
But when it passes spring shall flower again;
And in that spring who weepeth now shall smile,
Yea, they shall wax who now are on the wane,
Yea, they shall sing for love when Christ shall come.
FEBRUARY One of my favourite authors is Elizabeth Strout, and I have
just been reading her latest novel "Olive, Again". I was stuck by the
following passage.
"What she would have written about was the light in February. How it
changed the way the world looked. People complained about February, it
was cold and snowy and oftentimes wet and damp, and people were
22like a secret, and it remained a secret even now. Because in February
the days were really getting longer and you could see it if you really
looked. You could see how at the end of each day the world seemed
cracked open and the extra light made its way across the stark trees,
and promised. It promised, that light, and what a thing that was. As Cindy
lay on her bed she could see this even now , The gold of the last light
opening the world"
Dennis Mihill
LENT COURSE – TUESDAYS 10.30-12 Noon beginning Tuesday
23rd February
During Lent we will take a journey looking at Holy Habits in the life and
passion of Jesus. These include Jesus guided by scripture, Jesus serving
with gladness, Jesus praying and Jesus making disciples. Each session will
begin with a short act of worship, prayer, bible reading and discussion.
Please email me if you would like to join and there is no compulsion to
join each week.
Anne
23All services subject to Government regulations
Calendar - February 2021
Sunday 7 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am All Together Eucharist
Sunday 14 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am Parish Eucharist
Wednesday 17 8.00pm Ash Wednesday Eucharist (Team)
Sunday 21 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am Parish Eucharist
Sunday 28 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am Parish Eucharist
24March 2021
Sunday 7 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am All Age Eucharist
Sunday 14 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am Parish Eucharist
Sunday 21 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am Parish Eucharist
Sunday 28 8.00am Holy Communion - Please enter via North Porch
10.15am Morning Prayer
25Let us not forget the Rohingya
David Skinner was until his recent retirement the Leader of Save the
Children’s response to the Rohingya Refugee crisis in Bangladesh. On
9th December 2020, I listened to David’s zoom-based Talk to the attendees
of the Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees 2020 Annual General Meeting. His
final remark to us was “Please don’t forget what has and is happening to the
Rohingya. Tell their story.” I decided to write this summary of what I heard to
tell you their story…so you can tell others. David has kindly reviewed this
text.
David started by reminding us what the world’s attention had been drawn
to, regarding the Rohingya. He described the Burmese military’s clearance
operations of the Rohingya Muslim minority which started in 2016 and
continued through 2017. He showed an aerial photograph of a major town
in Northern Rakhine State before and after military operations that
illustrated the scorched-earth approach and existential terror that drove
the Rohingya to flee their homeland (where many generations of their
progenitors had lived). There was a map of the region (India, Bangladesh,
Myanmar) and one of the frontier between Myanmar (Rakhine State) and
Bangladesh. David referred to Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace
Prize laureate and since 2016 The State Counsellor for Myanmar, who has
been widely criticised for her inaction in response to the widespread
discrimination against Muslims including the Rohingya people in Rakhine
State and her refusal to accept that Myanmar's military has committed
massacres. He referred to Aung San Suu Kyi’s appearance at the
International Court of Justice in 2019 to defend the Military’s actions and
said that it was a travesty that the bulk of Rohingya people had not been
able to witness the proceedings which ordered Myanmar to stop further
genocide.
We learned that the Rohingya had been “accepted” by the Bangladesh
government but not “recognised as refugees” despite having crossed an
26international border. This was because Bangladesh decided that it could
not afford to give 800,000 Rohingya, 50% of whom are under 18 years old,
the same rights as its own citizens and have them dispersing throughout
the country. They arrived in the Monsoon season and were settled near
Cox’s Bazar in the Nayapara and Kutupalong refugee camps. This is
essentially an area for a nature reserve without any urban infrastructure
such as roads, power or sewerage. The terrain is very hilly and prone to
flooding, landslides and cyclones. David said that the temporary shelters
stretched across an area equivalent to covering the Darenth Valley from
Otford to Eynsford!
We saw pictures of the camps with steep paths winding between
ramshackle dwellings. Local people and organisations and NGOs helped to
improve the situation but the dwellings were cramped (10m x 3m for a
family of 6) with low ceilings (less than 2m) and cooking fuel moved from
firewood to calor gas. Inside the units was very hot.
Food was rationed to Identity Card holders and comprised rice, lentils and
cooking oil. There were small markets but the produce was expensive and
it was illegal for Rohingya to work/earn money. Children were fed a type
of porridge which was full of vitamins to protect their health. The level of
malnutrition was 25% when the Rohingya arrived and fell to 11% after the
camps were established. But 11% is far too high. (Malnutrition is defined as
“wasting” when a child is significantly shorter than the average for their age
and “stunting” when significantly shorter than the average for their weight.
Often children are defined as both).
Toilets, sanitation, washing facilities and water supply were critical require-
ments. And when the safety issue of affording women the ability to wash
and use toilets unhindered arose, the subsequent provision of lighting
resulted in lots of men gathering to chat and play card games (because the
lights meant they could see what they were doing!).
Schooling was not permitted by the Bangladesh government so (sic)
learning centres arose where Burmese and English and various Rohingya
27dialects were spoken and taught. Each class normally had a Rohingya
man and a Bangladeshi woman in charge. Attendance and extent of
learning was not measured.
There were some Health Posts and First Aid provision but no Surgery
was available although there were plenty of excellent medical
professionals. Especially young Bangladeshi male and female doctors
who were volunteering on humanitarian grounds. The Rohingya were
not used to anyone treating them with respect or having access to
modern healthcare facilities and, that, together with the high quality of
the service, made a significant and positive impact on those needing
attention.
The first case of Covid-19 in Bangladesh was reported in March 2020..
The country was not well placed to defend itself and with the cramped
living conditions, social distancing was near to impossible in the camps.
The expectation was that some 300,000 would be infected and 10,000
would require hospitalisation – against a provision of 200 beds available
to the refugees. Now David’s job was to raise funds for and then build
Hospitals with sufficient beds to handle the demand likely to arise in the
refugee camps. The necessary funds were found and building took place
rapidly but the most fortunate thing was that the virus did not infect the
number of people expected and the lower case load was successfully
dealt with. The key factors being: 1. A strict lockdown on people moving
In and Out of the camps was applied and 2. Only 30,000 of the refugees
were more than 60 years old.
David then took questions from the audience and here are some of the
answers:
• People remain as a refugee for 20 years on average
• NGOs are allowed to pay an allowance so when Bangladeshi
workers cannot be found, NGOs can use refugees who will be paid
USD 4 to 8 per day
28• There are many small businesses going on and illegal employment
• Bangladesh has refurbished some barracks on Bhashan Char (an
island of silt in the Bay of Bengal) and wish to relocate up to 100,000
refugees to relieve pressures in the camps. It seems that there is little
choice in the matter
• Internet access had been stopped for security reasons
• Significant barriers are being built to cut-off the camps (which are on
a peninsular) from the mainland. Refugees are not allowed to leave
the camps
• Rohingya previously living (peacefully) in Bangladesh are being up-
rooted by the Government – with their mainly mixed families – and
put in these refugee camps
• Three options for refugees exist: 1) Return to Myanmar; 2) 3rd
country resettlement; 3) relocation within Bangladesh.
Now you are aware of some of the history and realities of this inhuman
situation affecting some 1.2 million Rohingya in Bangladesh, please
become their spokesperson and write to MPs and ask what the UK
government is doing to put pressure on the Bangladesh and Myanmar
governments to respect the Rohingya’s human rights.
Peter Ashwell 01732 461087 or p.mc.ashwell@btinternet.com
29A Tribute to Garth Hewitt upon his retirement from the
Amos Trust
by Rev Chris Rose Director of The Amos Trust
I first met Garth at the back end of 2003 and the church where I was
Curate asked if I would like to go with Amos to Palestine/Israel the
following May. The impact for many of those who have been to
Palestine with Amos has been life-changing and that was the case for
me in 2004. It was during the long ending of the second Intifada, the
Separation Wall was just being constructed around Jerusalem -
Bethlehem would come next - and there was the obvious legacy of
the conflict and at times a palpable tension. I have so many memories
of that trip but I want to focus on a few things that stood out then
and continue to stand out:
Music
I have now heard Garth sing in many locations, the last time was at
the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem last November at the end of
Amos’ Walk the West Bank trip. The injustices that the group had
witnessed and heard about from the previous two weeks were given
words and each song was greeted rapturously. It is this incredible gift
that Garth has to sing of awful situations, yet at the same time instil in
people renewed hope. I often find the songs have the greatest impact
for me when Garth is performing a concert in a church. It feels as if
the very fabric of the building is joining in, or at least breathing again;
that the churches have been waiting for so long and finally, someone
has sung these songs of freedom and justice inside them.
Garth and Gill
It was evident from the first moment we met that Garth and Gill
were a team, that they worked together incredibly well and that their
strengths complimented each other. Gill’s passion for justice and the
outrage she felt, was even greater than Garth’s.
30Each time we would come to a roadblock or an IDF patrol, her feelings
were palpable. I am so grateful for all that Gill has brought to Amos
and continues to bring - Amos definitely would not be around now if it
was not for their partnership.
Amos Partners
The next over-riding impression was of their deep friendships with so
many of the people we visited, whether that was Wisam Salsaa, a
brilliant guide, Zoughbi at Wi’am, Naim at Sabeel or Bishop Riah and so
many (of what were then seen as the young) clergy coming up through
the Anglican diocese of Jerusalem. I have since seen the fruit of these
friendships, not just in Palestine, but also in Uganda, India and most
powerfully, Nicaragua with CEPAD from whom we have and continue
to learn so much. I hope that this deeply relational approach will
always be a hall mark of Amos Trust work and that Amos’ supporters
recognise it in us.
Theology
Garth and I have a shared commitment to Liberation Theology and the
spirituality associated with it. Meeting theologians involved in the
struggle for rights and justice in Palestine and understanding the
context of Jesus’ words and teachings, inspired me. I came back from
that first trip knowing that Jesus was speaking to me when he said,
“Blessed (get up and do something) are you who hunger and thirst for
justice”.
Months after this trip in 2004, Martin Evans (a mutual friend who went
on that first trip), suggested to Garth and I that we should consider
working together and for me to join the Amos team. As we pursued
these conversations (I joined in April 2006) I realised that it was not
just the commitment to promoting justice and to creating a platform
for forgotten voices to be heard which had inspired me (and continues
to do so) about Amos, but that in Garth there was someone who I
could learn from, and who would help me understand what it meant to
be called to and involved in a prophetic ordained ministry and remain
in a church that represents so much of what we speak up against.
31Inspiration
I know many other people are also deeply grateful for Garth’s ability to
explain and to inspire, but what I have experienced even more than this
is his ability to listen and to speak truth and wisdom into a situation.
For the last 7 years since I took over as Director and Garth stood back
from running Amos to take on the role of Founder, it has been great to
bounce ideas off him and to reflect on whether some of the dreams and
ideas that drive the Amos Trust forward hold together. And I know I will
still occasionally be phoning Garth about this. I also know that through
the Garth Hewitt Foundation, he will still be creating and recording new
songs, and publishing prayers and reflections. I have no doubt that
retiring from Amos will not dim his passion or his creativity — if anything,
I think it will focus him even more. Reprinted by kind permission of the
Rev. Chris Rose 2020
Footnote - I have admired the Amos Trust since the early1990s and I was
delighted that St Luke’s twice invited Garth Hewitt’s son, Tom, to come
and talk to an open audience about his work with Street Children in
Durban in the 1990s. I then met Garth and he has performed concerts
at St Luke’s and spoken about the need for “Justice to roll down as
waters and righteousness as a mighty stream”. It is marvellous that
St Luke’s supports the Amos Trust financially. A diary note! Garth will be
giving a Food for Thought Talk on 5th March about his take on
“Liberation or Revolution Theology”.
Please look at www.amostrust.org and www.garthhewitt.org or ask Peter
Ashwell (01732 461087) for information about the work Amos Trust
does in Palestine/Gaza, Nicaragua, India and Africa.
32Memorising verses from the Bible – Part 2
In the January edition of Crossway, I said that I had wondered whether my
knowledge of the Bible could be improved by memorising “key verses”. I
had done some research and asked a friend and I set out to learn 100
verses during 2021. Less than two weeks later, having worked on
remembering the first 8 verses and read about and discussed the idea
further with another friend, I have decided to recalibrate my ambition. I
will refer to a guide on this subject and then decide how many verses to
set out to learn each month. I will share the selected verses in Crossway
so you can join me on this journey if you wish.
Here are February’s verses (with NIV text):
Beginnings – Four corners of God’s Word
9. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the
earth.
10. John 1:1 In the beginning the was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God.
11. John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling
among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the
One and Only who came from the Father, full of
of grace and truth.
12. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one
and only Son, that whoever believes in him should
not perish but have eternal life.
I am advised to study the entire prologue of John (C1 v1-18) covering
Jesus’ arrival to live amongst us and how he sustains and guides us as our
Saviour (if we receive Him into our lives and believe in Him). Finally, I will
share some other advice I received to which I will try to adhere. Namely,
it will not be helpful unless the verses continue to speak into your life.
Wishes for a SAFE lockdown—Peter Ashwell 461087 or
peter.ashwell@btinternet.com
33ADDRESS - TONY CROFT
Although Tony had suffered declining health over the past couple of years his
death came suddenly at the end and I share with you some of my address
form his cremation service. The family plan to hold a memorial service at
St Luke’s hopefully at some stage in the summer when the easing of current
restrictions allow.
The night Tony died Margot sent me an email to pray for him and as I was
unable to due to all the current restrictions. I prayed down the telephone for
him with Margot and Rachel at his side asking that God would heal him in
whatever way that would be for him.
Healing for Tony came through death as his physical body is no longer, but his
soul lives on and today God welcomes him to that heavenly place with him
and freed from the ailments and inflictions that he suffered in recent weeks.
While that is so hard for you in that his death came quickly and even
unexpected at the end, the time for Tony was, I believe, part of God’s perfect
timing for him.
In the days since Tony’s death all your families have felt surrounded, I am sure,
by the love of your friends and family. You have experienced love that
protects, love that perseveres through difficult times, and love that has not
failed. And a love that will continue to be like this for you all and despite the
death of a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and
colleague. The way you all have worked and crafted this service for Tony is in
part testament to your love for him and indeed each other.
But that does take away from the reality that what we are doing today is
undoubtedly one of the hardest things of life as we say goodbye to someone
so special and someone we have loved so much, whose life has been
entwined with ours so closely. But the love that Tony had for each one of
you is a reflection of God’s perfect love for each one of us.
34For each one of you your lives will have been shaped in some way from
having Tony in them. And it is these things on difficult days which each one
of you can draw on and gain strength from. And his impact and her
memory will live on long after he has died. I will miss him but remember
those conversations we had when I visited Margot to sort church bits and
when too he came to church. He was always interested in what was
happening and was a fount of immense knowledge
This hope is comforting but the Christian hope offers something more. Our
trust is that when this earthly journey ends, we journey on through death to
be with God forever, in a place where there is no more pain or parting or
weeping. And we can rejoice, God welcomes him to that place in heaven
where he will live forever in the love and joy of God.
That too is what we are able to claim for Tony. In holding and remembering
that love you all had for Tony may you experience God’s deep and rich love
for each one of you. And as we entrust Tony into God’s care, knowing
there’s no better thing we can do for him. God is with us at our beginning
and end. We are not abandoned in life or in death. This is our hope as
Christians.
Tony may you rest in peace and rise this day in glory.
35ADDRESS - GWEN COOLEY
Gwen’s funeral service was held in the Cemetery Chapel at Bluebell. The family
look forward to being able to fully celebrate Gwen’s long life at a thanksgiving ser-
vice at some stage this Summer. Below is an extract of the address given at that
service.
Gwen was one of those lovely people and reminded me somewhat of my own
Mum and it has been a joy to have known her for only a short time, compared to
you gathered here, who have known and loved her for many more.
Gwen was a very faithful member of St Luke’s congregation right up until the
lockdown in March last year and she enjoyed being part of the fellowship group;
the trips out to various places and variety of speakers that would come in to talk
to the group. She enjoyed, as indeed many others did, the annual Christmas lunch
and would be in the kitchen with tea-towel to help with the washing up.
On the Sunday before she went into Rockdale House, I was able to share in
communion with her, Mary and Howard at her home in Vine Court Road. This
was a special moment and a memory I will certainly cherish. It was pleasing too
when I telephoned her to hear she had settled into life at Rockdale, enjoying the
many different activities and while this was certainly a big change for her, she was
happy, aided by the care of Ros a member too of St Luke’s. And she was able to
care for Gwen right up to the very end of her life.
For Gwen her faith was very important to her and sustained her through the
painful difficulties of losing her son, daughter-in-law and grandson. Gwen radiated
Jesus and was full of his love, care and compassion. She is able now to experience
the reality and truth of the eternal life that is hers. God, we can be certain and
sure, welcomes her with open and loving arms.
As Christians we believe there is one person, God who has been there at every
moment of our lives, not only watching the outside life but also listening in to the
inner life too. There is one who has heard every whispered hope or cried
lament, each unfounded fear and every cause for joy and celebration. God has
heard it and seen it all.
36He has watched over your Mum and Grandma, Great Grandmother each and
every step of her life. And as Christians also we believe that the limited,
conditional, temporary love that we receive from those we love is a reflection of
the unlimited, unconditional and everlasting love that God has for us and that we
love because God first loved us. When we know God’s love for us, then we can
have hope.
At this sad time, as we mourn the loss of Gwen, it can be difficult to hope. But
God’s love is everlasting, and this gives us hope. Our knowledge of life is always
incomplete and will pass away. As St. Paul puts it, ‘now we see only a reflection
as in a mirror’. At the moment we don’t have the full picture of life, we don’t
know why things happen the way they do, but St. Paul points us to a future
where we will be complete when we see God face to face and we will know the
full picture of life.
The love that Gwen shared and received is in no way diminished or lost, for as
Paul writes there are three things that last forever- faith, hope and love, but the
greatest of these is love.
We celebrate her life and faith today and will do so more fully later in the year in
a celebration service at St Luke’s when we sing those hymns, she has chosen for
us and some of which we have listened to today.
My prayer for each and every one of you this day is that the arms of Jesus enfold
you in his love and comfort as you mourn a wonderful mother, grandma and
great grand-mother but comforted by those words of reassurance ‘well done my
good and faithful servant, receive the portion that is yours this day.’
37Colouring Fun
3839
Intercessions for February
We pray for our parish, the team and its people, bless them and us. May
we know your presence and peace in our homes; fill them with Your love
and use them for Your glory.
This month we are asked to pray for:
1. All who are still waiting for vaccination against Covid-19
2. Candlemas, all recently or about to be baptised
3. Our mental health in difficult times
4. Our local councillors working under difficult conditions
5. Parents with unexpected responsibilities for home learning
6. The Queen and the members of the Royal Family
7. Anne Bourne and her family
8. Strength to face up to restrictions caused by the pandemic
9. Refugees of any nation that they may find a safe home.
10. All musicians, who cannot now perform in public
11. The self-employed, who may not be receiving government support
12. All businesses adapting to the new trading conditions outside the EU
13. Any for whom a planned serious operation has been delayed
14. Janet and Beth, our Churchwardens, and their families
15. An understanding of those of other denominations and faiths
16. Pancake parties at home, where they can be safely held
17. Ash Wednesday, our inadequacies and weaknesses
18. Members of Parliament, that they may use best judgment at all times
19. All teachers who have had to work in unprecedented and unfamiliar
conditions
20. Sportsman, learning to live without spectators
21. Archbishop Justin and Bishops James and Simon
22. Members of our congregation who have been unable to worship with
us
23. Any known to us who have died recently, whom we mourn
24. All doctors, nurses and hospital staff coping with unprecedented
pressures.
25. Farmers, as we anticipate the onset of Spring
26. All Lifeboatmen that they may face emergencies with courage and skill
27. Ourselves and any in personal difficulties
28. The West Sevenoaks Ministry team as it grows and develops
40In Remembrance:
February
1st Timothy John Sharpe
2nd Gweneth Mayhew
Hugo Ross
4th Richard Duffill
6th Harry Ernest Ridout
John Henry Monsarrat Hargreaves
8th Amy Payne
John Ernest Porter
9th John Westacott Manaton
Rikki Faircloth
12th Edmund Joseph Fern
13th Elsie Cowland
15th Josephine Evelyn Bennett
16th June Travers Wrighton
19th Wendy Duffill
20th Kathleen May Widows
Joseph Beresford-King
22nd Frances Joy Osborne
23rd Stephen Cope
25th Gwendoline Mary Bewsher
27th David Cecil Denne Kennedy
28th Pauline Claudia Eugenie Harris
Funerals
5th January Gwen Cooley Bluebell Cemetery
Chapel
18th January John Hutchinson Bluebell Cemetery
Chapel
21st January Jennifer Jill Garner St Luke’s Church
25th January Terry Hinds Kent and Sussex Crematorium
29th January Molly Bird St Luke’s Church
41The next magazine is the edition for
MARCH 2021
Items for the Magazine should be emailed to Sue at:
lukesevenoaks@btinternet.com
by
FRIDAY 5th MARCH 2021
St Luke’s Parish Hall and Rooms for Hire
Offer three types of high quality accommodation with a variety of
possibilities for groups and individuals. All accommodation is equipped for
the disabled. The Hall and Rooms are located in Eardley Road, a short walk
from Sevenoaks Station. They are an ideal venue, close to the many
organisations and businesses based in Sevenoaks.
The Principal Hall may be used in a number of different ways for
receptions, functions, meetings and social gatherings c.150 persons
standing or c.100 sitting at tables. A well-equipped kitchen is available
for preparing food. (Approx. 90 square metres).
The Parish Room is ideal for meetings of up to 15/20 people and as a
breakout facility for the principal hall. In addition, there is also a small,
private, enclosed quiet garden area attached to this room.
(Approx 16 square metres).
The Upper Room is also available for meetings of up to 12 people.
Approx. 15 sq. metres of carpeted and heated ‘creative’ space.
Further details and information on hall and room hire rates, please
telephone: 01732 743045
email: lukesevenoaks@btinternet.com
42January Solution
February - solution in the March issue
43The Market at St Luke’s Hall
Please note: The Market is not to returning to
St Luke’s Hall at the moment.
Jenny Ellis is offering a delivery service for The Market.
For more information please contact Jenny at:
jenny.uplands@gmail.com
4445
To advertise in
Crossway
Magazine
Speak to Sue
in the Parish Office
01732 743045
Or email:
lukesevenoaks@btinternet.com
46THE WEST SEVENOAKS TEAM
Team Rector Reverend Mark Bridgen 01732 452112
(responsibility for St. Mary’s, Kippington)
TEAM VICARS Reverend Anne Bourne 07512 734224
(responsibility for St. Luke’s)
Reverend Andy Finn 01732 669454
(responsibility for St. Mary’s, Riverhead
with Dunton Green) 01732 669454
THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. LUKE - WHO’S WHO
Churchwardens Janet Bates 07908 159670
Elizabeth (Beth) Peters 07481 235813
Reader Laurence Pearce 464598
Pastoral Assistant Xanthe Duffill 01959 523037
Director of Music Vacant
Deputy Wardens Ronald Adamson 668945
Tim Pearce 465110
Gina Short 760263
Adrian Maydom 742619
Michael Curry 668445
Nick Donaldson 453478
Parish Office Administrator
& Hall/Room Bookings Sue Stockbridge 743045
PCC Secretary Ian Funnell 461341
Treasurer Tony Adams 453056
Sacristan Team Co-ordinator Andy Hone 456421
Electoral Roll Officer Sarah Rogers 454850
Envelopes Jane Adamson 668945
Gift Aid Frank Mancktelow 760446
Flowers Christine Russell 457571
Sylvia Hardy 453527
Bible Reading F’ship Juliet Bankes 454162
Sidesmen Peter Fleming 451466
Transport Ian Funnell 461341
Archivist Jacquie Martin 454194
Church Cleaning Sylvia Hardy 453527
Library Laurence Pearce 464598
Recital Coffee Vicky Adams 453056
Children’s Representative Ros Ward 01959 525638
Website Peter Ashwell 461087
Safeguarding Officer Ros Ward 01959 525638
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Papa Youth Reverend Anne Bourne
Junior Church James and Pia Styles 453651
James Wright 742770
Sarah Jenkinson 461163
TOTS Verity Scorey 454854
Big Brekkie Abigail King 455245
Russell King 455245
John Levett 460143
47PCC SUB COMMITTEES
Fabric Janet Bates Hall Janet Bates
Finance Laurence Pearce MOG Anne Bourne
Social Tim Pearce Festivals John Levett
St Luke’s Church Hall and Meeting Rooms – for information and booking details, please telephone
01732 743045. Whilst parking is available in Eardley Road and Granville Road, Hirers are asked to respect
the needs of local residents when parking in this residential area and under no circumstances are
vehicles to be parked in Emily Jackson Close.
St Luke’s Parish Church—Associate Rector of the West Sevenoaks Team:
The Reverend Anne Bourne
St Luke’s House, 30 Eardley Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1XT
Telephone/fax 01732 452462.
Parish Office: 01732 743045
Email: lukesevenoaks@btinternet.com
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