Parish Letter for July

Dear friends,

On the 19^th June Pope Benedict heralded a ‘World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests’, marking the beginning of the Year of the Priest in the Roman Catholic Church. In many communities, damaged by the clerical abuses often spanning several generations, the low regard for clergy, while making some of our MPs seem popular, is merely symptomatic of the church’s realisation that the damage is not yet over. As an Anglican clergyman it’d be very nice to peer over the ecumenical fence and thank God that I, and other Anglican clergy, are not as other men are; but the fact remains that the Christian Church must bear the wounds of those who are part of its fellowship.

It is right and proper that the appalling crimes of clergy should give rise to a cause which identifies the need for the priesthood to be sanctified, but – of course – the most troubling reaction from society to these reforms is the kind of apathy which convinces people that when politicians are considered dishonest, the best thing to do is not to vote at all.

The recent press statements issued by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York dissuading Christian support for the British National Party have been criticised with that oft-used adage “the Church should stay out of politics”; though Christianity sits rather uncomfortably with the idea of being established to a predominantly secular state, it has never neglected the responsibility to preach gospel principles to society. In doing so we are motivated firstly by the desire to make disciples for Christ, but principally because when we see society seeking authority we want them to continue looking higher. In the child abuse outrages and in the MPs expenses scandal we have been witnesses to vivid illustrations of fallen humanity which remind us that, as the Psalmist puts it, “it is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in man.” On the other hand, we should not be consumed by mistrust and fear but to encourage one another in always seeking repentance and renewal, and to make our own the promises of the defeat of sin and the resurrection on the last day.

The Church is not ‘involved’ in politics as a fringe party trying to gain support but, in the words of the Archbishop of Canterbury: “we (Christians) regard ourselves as loyal to the state and we take part in the processes that make the state work and, what is more, we pray for the good of the state; what we will not do is regard the state as sacred in itself.” The Priest and Politician in that way share some important similarities: though they function on behalf of those whom they serve, they may not do so without their complicity or their trust. If communities are to work the Priest and the Politician must be kept honest and diligent, not through hectoring or fear or regulation, neither by any sense of making the best of a bad job. They must be animated by the life of the community and the expectations and joys of being sent by it.

G. K. Chesterton once wrote that he did not want a church that moved with the world, but a church which moved the world: as at any time the churches are in need of faithful pastors who will guide and encourage the church, that in our darkened times the Kingdom might come. As Petertide draws near, please remember in your prayers those who were ordained in our Diocese on Trinity Sunday and those who are to be ordained priest in the days to come. In the same way, pray for our politicians – not so they might become superhuman in their probity, but that in leading us both Priest and Politician might always look higher to him who bears the government upon his shoulders.

In Christ,                              Fr Oliver

Rectors Letter for March

Dear Friends,

It is good to know that my letter is read. Last month’s elicited several responses; most of which were positive and helpful. Several people gave me more information about the history of the Brethren in Hull, which reflects developments within the movement nationally and worldwide. In the 1960s a split took place over interpretation of Scripture about how members should lead their lives separated from the rest of society. (see 1 Corinthians particularly). The Exlusive Brethren are more strict in their observance of Separatism and since the 1990s have set up their own schools.

I was pleased to meet to of the trustees of the school which will become our neighbour, as well as the head-teacher. The head and the majority of the staff are non-Brethren members. The school teaches children from reception to “sixth form” age groups. In short this will be an independent school for about 90 children. I was able to say that I preferred to know directly from members of the E. B. what their beliefs were, and received a booklet published by their Church. They state that they would not wish to debate matters of scriptural interpretation with those who have different views. As there are so man people in Cottingham who never look at a bible or say a prayer and may even class themselves as non-believers, (the sort of people who sit tight-lipped at funeral services) I believe that we have sufficient objects for our time, energy and resources without attempting to change the views of other believers.

Now for the negative side. I received a letter from a member of the Cabinet of the East Riding Council stating that my letter appeared to be politically biased and suggesting that this could have been avoided with better research. As I was not present at any of the relevant council meetings it was stated that I should not use other people’s views of what happened. I had no wish to mislead anyone and certainly no intention to be party political. My only interest was a passionate one for the good of our young people’s uniformed organisations in Cottingham. I would hope that all our councillors would share my view that this is of paramount importance.

Perhaps it was rash and immature of me to write of “acting in secret” – I am informed that it is common practice to keep information from the public when it is commercially sensitive. The Overview and Scrutiny committee were not actung ultra vires in their dealing with this matter. I had listened to the opinions of others, but drawn my own conclusions.

On the subject of the Scout Hut my predacessor but two, Archdeacon Leslie Stanbridge, wrote to me on 16th January 2009 following his visit to Cottingham with a party of people from his retirement village. I felt that this extract may help to set the record straight.

“As I was leaving the Hall a person shot a remark at me to which I couldn’t responde – to the effect that I was to blame for the present crisis. I suppose I am, in a sense, for with hindsight it might have been better for the Scouts to have sought a new site in 1972 than now. But it did not seem so at the time! For some years that had occupied a corner of the Rectory field with the goodwill of the Rectors, but with no title to the land. When the land was to be sold in 1972 I exercised my freehold to insist that the Scouts remained where they were. This was agreed with difficulty, but of course they were not given a freehold of such a key site – instead, it seems they were offered a 35-year lease which they thankfully accepted. 2007 would seem a long way off – half a lifetime away! Scout leaders come and scout leaders go – and the term of 35 years was forgotten – and hence the present crisis was unexpected. I hope they find a new home without delay! But I though we ought to get the matter straight.”

When you receive this magazine Lent will have started. Remember again what your personal trainer told you: “No pain, no gain!”

With all good wishes,

Father Paul

The Rector’s Letter for December

Dear Friends,

On the Sundays of during Dcember our readings at the Eucharist tell us of John the Baptist preaching repentance and baptizing. As we draw closer to Christmas we have Luke’s account of the angel appearing to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce that by the Holy Spirit she will be mother of the Son of God.

It seems most appropriate that we shall have a service of Baptism and Confirmation within the 9.30am Parish Eucharist on the 21st December. Our candidates are Joe Bough, Shannon Collingwood, Amanda and Paul Horton, Ben Pieper, Lawrence Reynolds and David Shipley. Father Oliver has been responsible for the majority of preparation classes and Bishop Richard of Hull will be coming to administer the sacraments. Please pray for all of them daily as the day approaches.

Joe will make his baptismal Decision and the others will renew theirs – to repent of the sins that separate them from God and neighbour; and to come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life. We shall profess together the faith of the Church as we say the Apostles’ Creed. After the Baptism the bishop will extend his hands towards those to be confirmed as he prays for the Holy Spirit to rest upon them, anoint them with the Holy Chrism and say: Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit. As the Blessed Virgin conceived by the Holy Spirit and God Incarnate grew within her, so those who are confirmed, having received the Holy Spirit will begin to receive the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy sacrament of the Eucharist to help them to grow more and more into his likeness.

This is the first service of Confirmation to be held at St. Mary’s for a little while and I hope it will inspire others to come forward in the New Year. The New Year will also see the start of a new Sunday School for primary school aged children. The St. Nicholas’ Day Family Celebration and the Christmas Eve Christingle Service will give us the opportunity to advertise this new venture. Good things are happening at St. Mary’s tell your friends – even better bring them along – you couldn’t have a much better excuse than Christmas.

Hope ’08 in the East Riding and Hull has had “Try Praying” and “Try Church” focuses throughout the year. As we come to the end of the year we must all urge members of the community to “Tru Jesus” and be prepared to give a personal guarantee that they will not be disappointed. 

Have a blessed Christmas and an interesting New Year.

Father Paul.

The Rector’s Letter for November

Dear Friends,

As we rejoice in our fellowship with the saints in glory; as we pray for our departed loved ones; as we remember those who have given their lives in the service of others, we may naturally consider our own mortality. I am not suggesting that we should go about with long faces and be morbid but rather that we take the opportunity to make proper arrangements for that which is inevitable for all of us.

The Book of Common Prayer states that “men should often be put in remembrance to take order for the settling of their temporal estates, whilst they are in health.” Everybody needs to make a Will for the ease and peace of mind of those who are left. The guardianship of, and provision for children is a key issue for parents and should be clearly stated in a WIll.

I have ordered 200 pew leaflets about Will Aid which will be available during this month, or go oneto www.willaid.org.uk. Will Aid is a partnership between solicitors and nine UK charities. Participating solicitors will draw up a basic Will free of charge. In return for this service it is expected that you will donate to the Will Aid charities the fee they would normally charge. (£75 for a single Will, £110 for a pair of matching Wills or £40 for  codicil to an existing will.) Local participating solicitors are: Graham Nettleton at The Max Gold Partnership, Tel. 224900; Margaret Ashley and Patrick Craft at Payne & Payne, Tel: 326446 and Diane McKechnie at Hamers, Tel. 326666. 

As you are probably aware, St. Mary’s Church has benefitted a great deal over the centuries from legacies. (PCC notes in the November Magazine refers to such a legacy). You will find advice on efficient ways to do this at www.churchlegacy.org.uk.

Funeral arrangements can be included in your will or you may like the Rector to keep a record of what you would like to happen when the time comes. Father John Stather produced a form for Funeral Directions to help his parishioners and has kindly adapted it for us at St. Mary’s. I see no point in re-inventing the wheel and have, therefore, made copies for your use, which you will find at the back of the Church.

I realize that any mention of these matters is sensitive and is painful for those who have recently been bereaved. My sympathies are with you as you wait for the healing process to begin. There will be an opportunity to remember our loved ones by name at the Eucharists on All Souls’ Day (Monday 3rd November) and at the Monthly Requiem Eucharist.

Give rest, O Christ, to thy servants with thy saints.

With love and good wishes, Father Paul

The Rector’s Letter for September

Dear Friends,

 

Our daughter’s godfather, Andrew is a senior chaplain in the Royal Navy. At one time I felt drawn to the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department – in fact it was during the time that I was on a taster course at Bagshot Park (formerly R.A.Ch.D. H.Q.), now the home of the Earl and Countess of Wessex) that I found out that our daughter was expected. I believe that the Services do a necessary and worthwhile job.

Hoewever, I felt that I may have had problems with some of the training methods used in the Services.

A few years ago I saw a televition programme which showed young men and women being trained for war. In the final analysis that is why we maintain H. M. Forces. Part of that training seemed to be an exercise in psychology. They were encouraged to think of the enemy as something less than human. In any sort of conflict this tactic will often surface. If we treat other people as something other than we are it is shocking to see how quickly we become brutalized. We can think of the slave trade, past and present. We can think of acts of genocide past and present. These are extremes but demonstrate what happens if we begin to believe in the inferiority of others. Recently the parents of a young man who had been killed by a “goth” were appalled to hear that their son’s murderer could shrug off his action with: “He was only a chav.”

Within the Christian Church we are all God’s adopted children. Through our Baptism we become brothers and sisters in Christ so that, whatever our disagreements may be, and however easy it would be to do otherwise, we must treat one another with the love and respect shown by our footwashing Lord.

On 5th August about thirty of us attended an open meeting for all those concerned about the way forward following the General Synod vote on how women were to become bishops in the Church of England. Thwere was no shouting, no blood. I hope that everyone present felt that they were able to express their opinion. There was mention of things which had taken place in the past, which had caused pain to some. I hope and pray that we may allow any old wounds to heal (sadly such wounds can almost become friends) and work together for a way in which we all are allowed to flourish.

There has been talk of those with differing opinions having a honoured place within the Church of England. Honour is something we should seek to give as Christ’s followers, rather than to demand. We shall have more meetings together when it becomes clearer what is being proposed . In the meantime I hope that we may strive to live up to the aim stated in our Mission Action Plan of being an example of unity in diversity.

With love and good wishes,

Father Paul