Christian Focus Winter1st December

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Magazine of the Church in Abingdon a partnership of thirteen churches

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Winter 2009

N Roman mythology Janus was the god of gates, doors doorways, beginnings and endings. He was also known as the figure representing time because he could see into the past with one face and into the future with the other. In the New Year as many of us face an unsure future some may be reminded of a verse quoted by King George VI in his broadcast Christmas message at the outbreak of war in 1939. I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year, "Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness, and CHURCH put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better thanin light, and safer than a known way." SERVICES

ABINGDON

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RELIGIOUS SOCIETY of FRIENDS Abbey Centre Audlett Drive 10.15 am ST HELEN’S PARISH CHURCH West St Helen Street (Church of England) 10 am ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS Park Road (Church of England 9.30 am

ST EDMUND’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Radley Road 8 am, 9.30 am, 11.30 am and 7 pm

ABINGDON BAPTIST CHURCH Ock Street 10.30 am and 6.30 pm

THE SALVATION ARMY West St Helen's Street 10 am (also 4 pm 2nd Sunday in the month)

ALL SAINTS METHODIST CHURCH Appleford Drive 10.30 am and 6.30 pm

CHRIST CHURCH Northcourt Road (Church of England) 9.30 am, 11.15 am and 6.30 pm

TRINITY CHURCH Conduit Road (Methodist and United Reformed) 10.30 am and 6.30 pm

CHRIST CHURCH ON LONG FURLONG Long Furlong Primary School, Boulter Drive (Church of England) 10.00 am

ABINGDON COMMUNITY CHURCH Thameside School, Cotman Close, Abingdon 10.30 am

PEACHCROFT CHRISTIAN CENTRE Lindsay Drive 10.00 am

ST NICOLAS CHURCH Market Place (Church of England) 11 am

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Abingdon Town Centre Chaplaincy Diane Livesley (All Saints)

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ARIOUS people have asked me if I could write something about the Abingdon Town Centre Chaplaincy – or ATCC as we call it. So here goes! I’ve tried to summarise the overall aim of the project, but also to focus on the personal aspects of what it means to be a chaplain. Many towns around Britain have town centre chaplaincies. One of our nearest is in Swindon. Chaplains are ordinary people (and sometimes ordained clergy) who give a regular chunk of their time to visit local shops and businesses. They get to know the staff and act as a listening ear and a ‘friend on the street’. There is no ‘hard sell’ of Christianity involved – chaplains have to be aware of the different spiritual inclinations of those they come into contact with. The approach is one of friendship among people of any faith (and none). We launched ATCC on June 29th at St Nicolas Church. The project is supported by Church in Abingdon and by Abingdon Town Council as well as by our local police. At present there are seven chaplains and each of us covers one part of the town centre. The shops and businesses around town are generally very supportive of the idea and, speaking personally, I have been made to feel very welcome when I visit people. Here I feel it is right to move to my own personal experience and involvement. For several years I’ve had a vague feeling that ‘we ought to do something to support Abingdon’. Over the last couple of years a lot of shops have shut and several businesses have closed. Part of this is to do with the economic situation. Part of it is because owners have reached retirement. 3

Whatever the reason, the overall impression on visitors, shoppers and other traders has been rather negative. I feel that Abingdon needs a bit of tender loving care. There are still many people involved in making our town tick. Each shop employs several staff. There are small businesses tucked away where we don’t always notice them. People are doing their best to make a living and to provide services that the rest of us need. I am a Chaplain because I feel that it is important to offer support to everyone who works in our town. I’ve lived in Abingdon for over 20 years and already know a lot about the shops and businesses because I use them regularly. This summer I started visiting the shops and businesses on my ‘patch’ which is East and West St Helen’s Street. At first, calling in on people can seem rather daunting – even if, like me, you know the town well. There is always the thought ‘Well, goodness, what do I say? What do I do? What happens if . . .?’ However, I really believe that it is the right thing for Abingdon to have a chaplaincy, so I feel that I simply have to take the first steps on trust. I believe that God will be with me and that he will help me to know how to use the time to best advantage. We all have a tendency these days to expect instant results. But any form of relationship takes time and investment. None of us knows exactly where a relationship will lead us. When I got married, for example, I could not foresee exactly how things would work out or what I would be doing ten or twenty years down the line. It is the same with chaplaincy work. Over this summer Richard Bittleston and Colin Pattenden have organised training sessions for the chaplaincy team. We operate on a confidential basis, though we might be able to suggest other ‘help agencies’ to those who need them. One of the really positive things about being part of the chaplaincy team is that we all get to know more about one another. We come from varying traditions within the church, but I think it is fair to say that we share and learn all the time. 4

For example, when we last met, one of the chaplains shared with us the idea that we might think of ourselves as sowers of seed. Those who sow the seed are not necessarily the ones who see it grow to harvest. They just do their job of sowing the seed. Other influences help it to grow. The image that means a lot to me is that of salt and light. Christians are called to be salt and light in their communities. A little of each goes a long way, but its absence leaves a big hole. It is always tempting to think that because we are individuals we can’t do much. But once we begin to see ourselves as pieces in God’s much bigger jigsaw puzzle, I believe that we start to have more confidence in our own ability to make a difference. It is certainly worthwhile to try. If you would like to find out more about the Abingdon Town Centre Chaplaincy, visit the website at www.atcc.org.uk .

Domaine des Courmettes and A Rocha France

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OMAINE des Courmettes is a two square mile estate on a mountainside in Provence, an hour from Nice but with very diverse flora and fauna. Les Courmettes is its massive 18th century house, nearly 3000 feet up. It would make a splendid hotel, but the Protestant foundation that 5

owns it (thanks to an American donor, in 1918) want it to minister to a wider public. It has had several roles, most recently as an activity centre, until the company went out of business. A Rocha is an international Christian mission, 25 years old, and it exists to recover the Biblical mandate to care for creation, which the western church has so sadly neglected. A Rocha France, one of 18 national organisations, is 10 years old, and is based near Arles. Their work includes education, research, and conserving a biodiverse wetland area, with local landowners. Then in 2008 les Courmettes was offered to A Rocha France for 20 years. It was a huge step for a small organisation but they believed it right to accept. A Rocha France has no funds. We met many fine people living on a shoestring, and facing difficult choices about their future. It is therefore essential that the first is for les Courmettes to start to generate an income. For that the house must be made habitable, so that it can host events like weddings and business meetings. As I write, on Sunday afternoon, there is a scout jamboree in the grounds outside. As with any old building, there is no end of odd jobs and things needing fixing. Insulation is a high priority, to minimise the heating bills in winter, with solar heating to follow. So we have been painting and decorating,

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repairing and gardening, concreting and insulating. It may not be obvious, but A Rocha's work is frontline mission. The world faces huge environmental threats, and a practical faith that cares for the earth is good news to those who fear for the future, and even more to the millions whose livelihood depends directly on the land. It has grown very rapidly, with a continual need to adapt and to live with a shortage of funds. In France the church is weak, and there is no tradition of churches sending out workers and supporting them. Religion in France is seen as a private matter, with no part to play in the secular state. Spiritually the opposition comes from freemasonry, which is strong in Nice and dominates local politics. So the mere existence of A Rocha, a religious body, working in conservation, a secular function, is a challenge to the accepted way of thinking. It is a wonderful place, in spectacular countryside. One of A Rocha's core principles is community, and the operation of the centre reflects this. Life revolves around the communal dining room, where we gather after breakfast to pray and plan, as well as for our shared lunch and informal evening meal. The plan is for residents and volunteers to live in one wing as a visible Christian community, while the rest of the house serves as a base for many activities, for residential and transient visitors. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs, and of course you can combine that with a holiday in the area. Especially desirable would be volunteers staying for a month or more, and French language to help with administrative tasks and welcoming visitors. Non-working visitors are also welcome, paying hotel rates to help with the finances. The A

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Rocha web site is www.arocha.org. You can contact me on 01235 521931 or [email protected].

Christmas – this and every year

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N his Delight, first published in 1949 and, I believe, re-issued this year in an anniversary edition, J. B. Priestley remembered a Christmas Day ‘of pure delight, and I could not buy one like it for a thousand pounds.’ Among the young Priestley’s presents was a red and white football shirt and a football. He spent the morning on a snow-covered field ‘as a solitary Robinson Crusoe . . . now dribbling along the wing past four imaginary opponents, now dashing in towards invisible posts and nets to score tremendous goals.’ In the afternoon ‘when parents and relatives, somulent after the huge Christmas dinner of that time, were muttering and snoring . . .’ he went to play with the boy next door. That boy had been given a miniature printing press which printed nothing but ‘two smudgy ducks’ and the boys spent the whole afternoon printing hundreds of them.

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In that little essay Priestley looked back 45 years. I can now look back more than that and I see myself afresh with just as much innocent Christmas delight. The smell of Christmas afternoon – and very occasionally I catch a nostalgic whiff of it yet – was a blend of oranges and cigar smoke. The activities (when the grown- ups awoke) were ‘Murder’ or Charades in which uncles dressed up as ugly sisters, with hilarious results, or ‘Consequences or similar. At dinner the Christmas pudding had money in it; the quality of ‘the bird ‘ was a serious matter; the men did the washing up. The presents were bought out of hard earned wages by people who had known what it was to be poor. There were crackers, a decorated tree, paper hats and silly mottoes. Before all that was the Christmas Day service and towards the end of the day my father (a baker) would have to go to work for a couple of hours as it was business as usual for him the next day. Like Priestley’s delight, mine too was so innocent. But then, what could be more innocent than that child laid in that manger and watched over by that mother? What did the shepherds bring apart from delight at the child? As for the wise men, well, they travelled far (‘A cold coming we had of it . . . a cold coming we had of 9

it’) and carried precious gifts because they were coming to a king. But even more than their gifts they brought themselves and if T. S. Eliot had it aright (and surely he did) they were changed for ever. ‘We returned to our places, these Kingdoms, But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensations With an alien people clutching their gods’ And how do we come to Christmas now? Perhaps on tip-toe for there is still wonder in our hearts and not a little awe. With love because that is a gift we offer to and receive from others because He makes it possible: ‘We love because He first loved us.’ With that innocence which enables us to simply to be glad for gladness’ sake, to give for giving’s sake and to treasure, for their own sake, those with whom we are blessed. And in a humility born of wonder kneeling before that child, that Word made Flesh; that miracle of giving of which Charles Wesley wrote: ‘Stand amazed, ye heavens at this: See the Lord of earth and skies; Humbled to the dust He is, And in a manger lies.’ And finding our own delight? 10

John Rowland

THÉRÈSE of LISIEUX

Hilary Clare (St Michael’s)

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T Thérèse of Lisieux has been much in the news in recent months, as her relics toured Britain and were venerated by an extraordinary number of people. I do not propose to discuss the question of relics: some find them helpful, others repellent, and your viewpoint probably depends as much on temperament as on upbringing. But the recent publicity sent me to find out about St Thérèse. She is a relatively recent saint, born in Alençon in Normandy on 2 January, 1873, the youngest of the five surviving daughters of Louis and Zélie Martin. Both parents were pious Catholics who had themselves in youth wished to enter religion and brought up their children in the same spirit. Zélie Martin died when her youngest daughter was only four, after which her father moved to Lisieux to have the assistance of an aunt in bringing up his girls. 11

Thérèse was first taught by her elder sisters and then by Benedictine nuns. In 1882 her second sister, Pauline, became a nun in the Carmelite convent at Lisieux, to be followed four years later by the eldest, Marie. Thérèse also desired to enter the same convent, but was refused because of her extreme youth (only fourteen). Following an audience with the Pope (who told her to obey her superiors) she was finally given permission by the local bishop to enter at fifteen, and was received as a postulant on 9 April, 1888. When, in 1894, her father died after several years of mental illness, her third sister also entered the Carmel, and the fourth (refused entrance to the Carmel) became a nun in another order. Meanwhile Thérèse had gone through all the preliminary stages, her name in religion being Thérèse of the Child Jesus, to which was added ‘and the Holy Face’, to which she had a special devotion. In 1895, at her sister’s suggestion she wrote an account of her childhood, to which she later added an account of her religious life. After Thérèse’s death on 30 September, 1897, aged twenty-four, from tuberculosis, her sister edited these autobiographical pieces, which were published as the Story of a Soul and became immediately and immensely popular.

SWEETNESS and SIMPLICITY Thérèse’s appeal lay in her extreme sweetness and simplicity, and that of her ‘little way’ in its complete application to everyone, however humble. She taught that it was not necessary to accomplish great acts of heroism: "Love proves itself by deeds, so how am I to show my love? Great deeds are forbidden me. The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love." 12

Nor was it necessary to be very learned: "Sometimes, when I read spiritual treatises, in which perfection is shown with a thousand obstacles in the way and a host of illusions round about it, my poor little mind soon grows weary, I close the learned book, which leaves my head splitting and my heart parched, and I take the Holy Scriptures. Then all seems luminous, a single word opens up infinite horizons to my soul, perfection seems easy; I see that it is enough to realize one's nothingness, and give oneself wholly, like a child, into the arms of the good God. Leaving to great souls, great minds, the fine books I cannot understand, I rejoice to be little because 'only children, and those who are like them, will be admitted to the heavenly banquet'." And on prayer she wrote: "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy; in a word, something noble, supernatural, which enlarges my soul and unites it to God.... I have not the courage to look through books for beautiful prayers.... I do as a child who has not learned to read, I just tell our Lord all that I want and He understands." With her emphasis on the way the trials of ‘ordinary’ life could be offered to God she was not unlike John Keble in his well-known hymn: The trivial round, the common task, Would furnish all we ought to ask, Room to deny ourselves, a road That brings us daily nearer God.

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The movement to canonise Thérèse began in 1914 and was completed in 1925, only twenty-eight years after her. Various miracles of healing (including curing the seven-year-old Edith Piaf of blindness) have been attributed to her intercession. Her feast day, originally 3 October, is now celebrated on 1 October. She has become increasingly popular, and is held to be the patron saint of aids sufferers, aviators, florists (she is sometimes known as the Little Flower), illness, and missions. (her great desire to become a missionary was defeated by her illness.) In 1944 she was named as a co-patroness of France alongside Joan of Arc. The ‘ordinary’ girl who lived for so short a time in such narrow surroundings stands today beside the other ‘ordinary’ girl who led France to victory in the fifteenth century.

ONE CANNOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE . . .

. . . but, at St Edmund’s Centre in Abingdon each month, much more is provided for elderly, and perhaps lonely, folk living in the surrounding parishes of Abingdon. Here they will socialise and enjoy a splendid meal provided by a dedicated small team of helpers. Although those who attend are mostly members of St Edmund’s, those of other parishes are equally welcome. However, numbers attending appear to be increasing which is putting pressure on those providing the lunch. If anyone would be interested in joining the ‘Cooks’ Rota’ they would receive an encouraging response from Justin Gosling 14

(01235 523310). Also, anyone interested in attending and would like transport should contact Mary Mulqueen (01235 534873).

SLOW DANCE Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round? Or listened to the rain slapping the ground? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask ‘How are you? Do you hear the reply? When the day is done do you lie in your bed With the next hundred chores running through your head? You’d better slow down, don’t dance so fast, time is short, the music won’t last Ever told your child, we’ll do it tomorrow? And in your haste not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch, let a good friendship die Because you never had time to call and say, ‘Hi’? You’d better slow down, don’t dance so fast, time is short, the music won’t last When you run so fast to get somewhere, You miss half the fun of getting there When you hurry through your day It is like an unopened gift - thrown away Life is not a race - do take it slower 15

Hear the music before the song is over

This was a poem written by a teenager in a New York hospital terminally ill with cancer - Ed

VISIT to ARGENTAN

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GROUP of 13 people from various Abingdon churches visited Argentan, our twin town in Normandy, between 8 and 12 October. This was a most enjoyable weekend which strengthened the links between the church communities in both places. Most of the party, leaving cars at Portsmouth, crossed to Ouistreham, the port for Caen, on the Thursday afternoon. The out-of-season ferry (the Mont St Michel) was more than half-empty, the sea was calm, and the food on board a delicious foretaste of things to come! Even the fact that, because of the hour’s difference in time (France is an hour ahead) we arrived in the dark at 9.30 p.m., did nothing to damp our spirits. A welcome party was ready for us at the ferry terminal, and in under an hour we arrived in Argentan to meet our hosts for the weekend.

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It would be difficult to speak too warmly of the kindness and generosity of our French hosts, which turned the weekend into a most memorable experience and a real forging of friendships. Possible language difficulties proved, with good will on both sides, to be nothing of the kind, and everyone’s efforts to understand – and speak – the other tongue were great bonding experiences! Especial thanks must go to Pierre Sillière, the organiser at the Argentan end. The first morning of our stay was devoted to a visit to the Museum of Lace, a craft for which Argentan was famous in the 17th and 18th centuries and which is still practised today, though of course not to the same extent. The museum is housed in an elegantly restored bourgeois town house, standing in a garden that has been redesigned to contain plants used in lace-making and with beds and topiary displaying lace patterns. After the Lace Museum we went on to a reception at the Hotel de Ville (town hall), where a representative of the mayor greeted us over delicious and lavish refreshments. We returned to our host families for dejeuner – a repast to which the word lunch could not possibly be applied – and in the afternoon were driven to Sées, a tiny town a quarter the size of Argentan but which is the seat of the bishop of the diocese. We had plenty of time to admire the cathedral, a fine example of 13 th and 14th century Gothic, and were privileged to have a special opening of the Museum of Religious Art. Perhaps the most surprising thing we saw here was Thomas Becket’s comb, apparently left behind on a fleeting visit to Argentan In the evening we gathered for a meal, provided by a local organisation, Amities Internationales, which included a Norman speciality – cold rice pudding, but what a cold rice pudding! Then came the main purpose of the weekend, a conference to explain to our French friends about the ecumenical movement in Britain and about the history and work of the Church-in-Abingdon in particular. John Clare (St Michael’s C.of E.) spoke in French 17

about the history of the movement and Maurice Tubb (All Saints’ Methodists) about the Church-in-Abingdon, his English being translated by a retired Anglican clergyman who now lives in the neighbourhood. Charles Miller (team rector, St Helen’s C.of E.) then gave a description of parish life. Questions were taken and some lively discussion followed. Of course the situation in Argentan, as elsewhere in France, is quite different from that in England: there, the Roman Catholic Church is the predominant Christian denomination, and although there are Protestant and Evangelical communities they are very small and were not represented on this occasion. But Christians in both countries have in common the increasing fight against secularism and against the drifting away from church of so many young people. Saturday morning was free from formal commitments. We enjoyed strolling round Argentan on a shopping expedition with our hosts, visiting both the traditional small shops in the centre of town and the mammoth supermarket on the outskirts. (Think Tesco meets Homebase and at least double it …) Our purchase of local delicacies (Camembert and Livarot cheeses) had to be severely quarantined on the journey home! In the afternoon we visited the interesting parish church of Sillyen-Gouffern, of especial relevance since the Premonstratensian abbey there was lavishly endowed by our own would-be-queen the Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I, who had Abingdon connections. Silly-en-Gouffern has fared rather better than Abingdon – it has managed to keep at least part of one of the two churches belonging to the monastery! (The second church, parallel to the one surviving, was built for the local villagers and for women, who were not allowed to set foot in the brothers’ church.) After yet more municipal hospitality we were shown more of the countryside, ending up at the National Stud at Haras du Pin. Unfortunately we were just too late to see the visitor centre, but we were able to admire the splendid buildings and catch glimpses of some of the horses. 18

On Sunday we attended mass at St Germain, the main church of Argentan. Members of our group took active parts in the service, reading a lesson, joining the offertory procession, playing the organ, and Charles Miller both read the Gospel and concelebrated with Père Christophe Pechet the parish priest. This meant that we were able to have the great joy of receiving communion alongside our French brothers and sisters in Christ. The form of the service was of course fundamentally the same as the Church of England eucharist, but with natural differences of usage. Hymn singing is not a French Catholic tradition – although at one point the congregation burst into the tune Amazing Grace! – and the singing was led by a (female) cantor, the congregation joining only in responses. Following mass we were able to look at the church in detail, admiring the restoration of its splendid Gothic nave and 16th century choir and sanctuary – virtually all but the shell of the building was destroyed in World War II. In the afternoon we came back to St Germain at 17.00 for an organ recital given by Fabrice Penin, a distinguished local organist, and by our own Richard Bittleston from Trinity. Almost inevitably, this was followed by refreshments in the sacristy – and vestries turn out to be vestries the world over, with cupboards for robes &c rubbing shoulders (so to speak) with flower-arranging impedimenta. Then it was home for supper and an evening watching France defeat the Faroe Islands at football. We were up again at 5 a.m. to rendezvous at 6.30 for the drive back to Ouistreham to catch the 8.00 ferry. By the time we reached England, of course, our getting-up time had slipped back to 4 a.m., but this did nothing to spoil the memory of a truly marvellous and heart-warming visit to France. 19

We look forward to welcoming our friends from Argentan on a return visit in the not-too-distant future.

Involvement in Community The Neighbourhood Action Group

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WONDER if you know what the Neighbourhood Action Group is? The NAG, as it is commonly known, is a multiagency problem solving group of key community agencies and other members of the local community. These include local councillors, chamber of commerce, members from education, fire service, neighbourhood watch and the police. Over the past two years I have been involved in my role as Community Missioner at Abingdon Baptist Church and in recent months taken on chairing the meetings. The aim of the NAG is to put together action plans and improve community safety and generally enhance the local community for residents, visitors and workers in the town. Through a process of consultation with the community the NAG identifies priority issues and then seeks to address them. For example, initially the major concerns were connected with anti-social behaviour. As a result a number of steps have been taken to help reduce the problem. In particular we have been seeking ways to bring older and 20

younger folk together and help overcome the fear of crime and improve mutual respect and understanding. A recent survey has shown that anti-social behaviour is now less of a concern and the new priorities are policing in the town, groups of young people and street lighting. As these are quite broad issues to look at, a more focused study is being done to explore the specifics such as times, areas affected, expectations etc. Above all, the NAG is an excellent place to network, build relationships with other agencies, creatively work together and be informed about our community. I believe this is key for the church, so that we can ensure we remain relevant in understanding the community in which we are set. I am delighted that the Church in Abingdon governing body has now recognised membership of the NAG as a CiA role. In other words, when at some time in the future, I move on, somebody else from the churches would represent the faith community. This is something I would like to start working towards now and would like to hear from anybody who feels that this is something that God may be calling them to. It would be appropriate to start coming along to meetings at any time to get a feel for what the NAG is about and how it operates. If you are interested and would like to chat further please contact me either by email or phone. Colin Pattenden 52993

[email protected]

Pastor at Peachcroft 21

Tel. 01235

The role of Youth Pastor at Peachcroft Christian Centre has been undertaken by Lawrence Shama who has arrived in Abingdon with his wife Catherine and their four children. Formerly working in Blackbird Leys and the Rose Hill area of Oxford his new job will be within the ‘Desire’ Network. He will also be supporting lunchtime clubs in schools among his other youth work at Peachcroft. We welcome him at wish him every success.

Curate at St Helen’s

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E welcome to

Abingdon the Revd Dr Simon Thorn, the new parttime curate at St Helen’s, his wife Rachel and their son Jacob. They live at Radley College where Simon is Head of Science. Simon first thought about becoming a priest when he was a pupil at Winchester College but instead studied physiology at Bristol University where he went on to train as a neuroscientist. After completing his PhD, he became a biology teacher, first in Winchester, then in Perth (Scotland) and was appointed head of Biology at Radley College in 1997. Earlier this year he enjoyed a sabbatical term researching the neuroscience of dyslexia at Oxford 22

University. He has spent the last three years in part-time theological training on the Oxford Ministry Course at Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Rachel is a classical soprano and gives regular recitals around Oxford and further afield. Jacob is also a keen singer and musician and until earlier this year was a chorister at Magdalen College. As a family, they particularly enjoy art, walking their two whippets and making music.

A VISIT to SISTER JULIAN’S CELL at NORWICH S

ISTER Julian was an ‘anchoress,’ taking her name from the church to which her cell was attached i.e. St Julian’s (the patron saint of ferrymen) in Norwich. This church was bombed during the Second World War so the buildings we saw had been restored. Sister Julian had a number of visions (that she referred to as ‘showings’) during a serious illness when she had been given the ‘last rights’ and was at the point of death. She meditated on the meaning of these for 20 years before publishing them in the first book to be written by a woman in English. Her views were revolutionary at the time (1363) when the church was divided, 23

having a Pope in Avignon and one in Rome. If she had been condemned as a ‘heretic’ she could have been burned at the stake, so it took courage to publish such unorthodox views. As an anchoress she was confined for life to her cell at the church, having only a visiting servant for her needs. One cell window opened on to the street (through which she could give spiritual help to whoever asked for it) and one window opened into the adjacent church for her devotions and to receive mass. This was the time of the ‘Black Death’ that first came to Norwich in 1349 and recurred several times thereafter. It was also the time of the ‘Hundred Years War.’ We don’t know her real name, or anything else about her apart from her time as an anchoress. There were about 40 anchorites in Norwich at that time. No miracles are recorded, so she could not be beatified in sainthood. It is recorded that she was visited by a woman called Margery Kempe in about 1413. One translation of her work from medieval to modern English is Revelations of Divine Love, a ‘Penguin’ publication, by Clifton Wolters in 1966. The internet is also a good source of information about her. The Church’s teachings during her time were focused on sin, death, punishment and hell. Her visions made her focus on the love of God, the passion of Jesus and the forgiveness he bought for us. She was led to visualize all that God made as an object small enough to hold in the hand. It was small enough to disappear altogether but she understood it would last forever because God loved it. “What, do you wish to know your Lord’s meaning in this thing? Know it well, love was his meaning. Who reveals it to you? Love. What did he reveal to you? Love. Why does he reveal it to you? For love. [...] So I was taught that love is our Lord’s meaning. And I saw very certainly in this and in everything that before God made us he loved us, which love was never abated and never will be.”

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Despite the very real existence of pain and sin, in ourselves and in our world, says Sister Julian, “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” It is through her unshakeable confidence in the transformative power of God’s unconditional love that this extraordinary claim comes as an assurance that resonates in our own troubled times with a profound ring of hope. I visited Norwich with a group from St Helen’s Parish Church, Abingdon. This was intended to be (and, indeed, was) an enjoyable and ‘bonding’ time together. On the way to Norwich, we visited Ely and Wynmondham Abbey. The next morning, we went to St Julian’s church. The church had been destroyed by bombing during the war and then restored using some of the original rubble. We entered and admired the church’s construction and artifacts chatting to each other about this and that. Then, in small groups, we entered the small cell that had been Sister Julian’s. In there, we fell silent. Somehow, the atmosphere of this small area got to us. We looked at a single, flickering, candle and imagined Sister Julian being in there with only God for company. Our Rector reminded us of the story of the conquering Roman soldier who entered the Temple at Jerusalem. He looked at the vessels of gold. Then, thinking that the inner sanctum must be even richer, he entered and was amazed to find it empty He found the quiet ‘emptiness’ more awesome than the riches outside. Thus, the simplicity if that little cell reminded us of how we should empty ourselves of all clamour and distractions to get nearer to God. H.S. © Quality Matters Harry Simpson 2009

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There are numerous stories detailing the origin of "Silent Night, Holy Night," which is quite possibly the favourite among all Christmas carols. The most popularly-told tale is one whose roots are to be found to Austria. In the winter of 1818 at St. Nicholas' Church in Obendorf, a village not far from Salzburg, Joseph Mohr, assistant to the priest, was faced with something of a dilemma. It was only days before Christmas, and the church organ, so vital in providing music for the services, was broken. It would be months before the organ could be put back into working condition by which time, Christmas would be long past. Mohr's solution to this problem resulted in one of the most popular Christmas carols of all time. Two years previous, Mohr had written a simple poem, easily understood by the people of the village, which expressed the wonder of the birth of the Christ Child. Mohr had asked his friend, Franz Gruber, the organist at St. Nicholas' Church, to compose music for his poem, so that they might sing it together using the accompaniment of a guitar. 26

Thus, the newly-composed carol was first performed during the Christmas Eve midnight service held at St. Nicholas' Church on December 24, 1818. It did not, however, instantly receive the worldwide recognition that it has since garnered. It was not until some years later, in 1825 when Carl Mauracher was rebuilding the broken organ, that a handwritten copy of the words and accompanying sheet music was discovered in the organ loft. Mauracher was from an area in the Tyrol Mountains where there were many travelling folk choirs who performed throughout Europe. He returned with the carol to his home and it soon became a favoured song with the travelling singers. Thus, did the popularity of "Silent Night, Holy Night" spread as these choirs journeyed the countryside, singing their songs. In some versions of this story, it is said that mice had eaten the bellows of the organ. Still others maintain that Gruber himself had broken the organ, or that frequent flooding of the area often caused rust and mildew to affect the condition of the church organ, such that it became unplayable. In all truth, it is unknown whether the organ was truly broken during the Christmastime of 1818. It is rumoured that perhaps Mohr simply wanted a new carol for the service and was fond of the guitar as an accompanying instrument. Other tales suggest that both the poem and the music were hastily written on that Christmas Eve. In 1995, a manuscript entitled "Silent Night" was unearthed, written in Mohr's hand. It is dated 1816 and credits the melody to Franz Gruber. Nevertheless, no matter what the details of the circumstances regarding the contribution of this carol by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber, they gave the world what is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful of all Christmas songs.

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Crash Pad Scheme – Could you help?

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XFORDSHIRE Emergency Access Supported Lodgings aims to respond to a crisis in the home life of a 16 -25 year old. Crash Pad provides a room in an approved host’s home giving time to mediate between the young person and family or carers. They also aim to put a support plan into action and engaging them with appropriate services in order that they may move on. Young people are referred by social and housing services and a swift screening takes place to ensure suitability for the scheme.

What a Crash Pad hosts? These are people recruited from the local community who provide the accommodation for up to six weeks and work alongside a young person’s support worker in order to help them move on to somewhere more suitable long term or back to the family home. Hosts are given funding of £170 per week and paid a retainer of £25 a week when not occupied. Hosts undergo an assessment procedure including a series of interviews, references and checks and an induction, as well as ongoing training. They need to provide a bedroom for sole use, and use of kitchen, laundry facilities, bathroom and communal areas as well as food for the young person as agreed. Procedures are put in place should a young person break the agreed house rules and there are regular supervision meetings. There are no age limits for hosts although you should not have any children under 12 years at home. Above all you need patience, compassion, understanding and a good sense of humour! There is a plan to pilot the scheme in the Abingdon area so if you are interested in becoming a host please let Colin know. [email protected] or 01235 529938. 28

The Church in Abingdona personal impression M

Y wife and I moved to Abingdon in 1987, so we arrived before the Church in Abingdon was inaugurated. I still remember the Inauguration Service held in St Helen’s church when the original covenant was signed by representatives of the participating churches and their respective denominations. It was a solemn, but exciting service which I subsequently learned was the culmination of several years’ talking, planning and negotiating. Since then I have been involved in the Church in Abingdon in several ways, partly as a member of one of the participating churches, and partly as a member of the Executive Committee, Governing Body and Leadership Team. This gives me a broad personal perspective that I now want to share with the other members of the Church in Abingdon. The first thing that impresses me is the name “The Church in Abingdon”. It has been said before but bears repeating; it is significant that we call ourselves this rather than (say) “Churches Together in Abingdon” for the name affirms that even with all our differences in practise and teaching, we still belong together under the Lordship of Christ. a. The second point that I would make is one that I have to come to understand since arriving in Abingdon, having been a member of a large Baptist church in London. This is that what we have in common as Christians is far more important and significant than our differences. Of course it is quite understandable that we differ b. it works in proclaiming the gospel, as individual churches and as groups of churches, for example in the joint Alpha Supper which has led into a number of Alpha courses, it works in mission to the local and worldwide community 29

through the various Task Groups, for example Christian Aid or Church Twinning, and other bodies that have formed because we work together, as we are all individual people with our own personalities, experiences, upbringing and understanding. And this is good for I have come to see that my understanding of our God is very limited and is (and has been) made larger as I have shared with others. I wonder if one of the things that we shall do when we get to heaven is to tell others what we see and know of God, and listen to others telling us of their unique perspectives. My third thought is the Church in Abingdon is very active. But what does it do, you may ask. My answer is that: c. it meets for worship regularly, often week by week at separate times and in separate places, but sometimes jointly, for example at the yearly Celebration meeting, or the Unity service at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, d. it works when we meet to study and pray together, for example at the Lent Lecture courses or in the home study groups that have been organised from time to time, e. it works as we share news of our individual churches, though our newsletters, e-mail lists etc, f. it works when we serve the local community, for example through the coffee shop and other facilities at 35 Ock Street, or though our involvement in The Abingdon Bridge project for vulnerable young people. I am quite certain that the Church is Abingdon is right for Abingdon, and being a member has brought growth and blessing to my own Christian experience. I pray that it will be the same for you. Jonathan Wheeler

Church in Abingdon 30

Volunteering Opportunities Hands of Friendship An integrated Christian group for adults with learning difficulties based at All Saints meeting fortnightly on Tuesday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Each evening includes a Bible story focus, new slot, music, craft and refreshments. Help required in programme planning, supporting the friends and getting to know the carers. For details contact Diane Livesley on 530257 35 Ock St Café and Hospitality Centre This valuable service offered by the Church in Abingdon urgently requires Catering Assistants to help prepare, cook and serve the food in the servery. Basic cooking skills an advantage but training given. Most important, a friendly disposition and enjoy being part of the Ock St. team. Particular help for Mondays but other days considered. Times from 9.15am to 2.15pm (or parts thereof) and volunteers can work either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. For more details contact Jan Hughes on 530080

College Faith Team Colin Pattenden (Community Missioner Abingdon Baptist Church) is looking to expand the team based in Abingdon Further Education College. The aim is to connect with staff and students, bringing a spiritual dynamic to the work of the college. This has led to involvement in tutorials, and bringing in special projects such as the Foodbank and Christian Aid. The team also support the Equality and Diversity fortnight. The Faith Team is part of the Student Support Services and works in conjunction with team members at the Witney Campus. A heart for working with young people, a flexible approach and good communication skills are vital for this evolving initiative. Contact Colin on 530080 or [email protected]

Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG) 31

The Church in Abingdon have decided that the role as a member of the NAG should become a CiA responsibility. The NAG is a group formed from stakeholders in the community who are there to respond together to concerns raised by the public, in order to create a safer and more pleasant environment to live and work. Meetings take place every 5 weeks on Wednesday evenings for no more that two hours. This is a great opportunity for a CiA member to input into the life of Abingdon and to network with other agencies to enhance our town. Contact Colin on 530080 or [email protected]

Abingdon Town Centre Chaplaincy ATCC ATCC was launched in June this year and is now a team of 7 chaplains connecting with business and services in the town in different ways. The aim is to provide support to people in the workplace through being a listening ear and friendly face. An understanding of the town and support agencies is useful and some of the work involves signposting. There are also opportunities for conversation for those exploring faith issues and much more. We would like the team to grow and to cover more of the town. If you would like further information contact Richard Bittleston on [email protected] or Tel 520282

Bereavement Support Group Shortly to be launched this initiative aims to encourage those going through the grieving process to come together and find mutual help and support. It is hoped that a group will meet once a month, looking at different aspects of grief but giving time to share and reflect. If you are interested in the project a planning meeting is to be held at St. Helens Parish Centre on Thursday November 12th at 7.30pm. For more details contact Tim Hewes on [email protected] or Tel. 01865 735646

Being a Christian – 32

and a Councillor

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WAS asked how being a Christian affected my being a Councillor and here is my attempt at an answer.

To me being a Councillor is a way of putting something back into the community in which I live. I think my being a Christian doesn’t particularly affect that idea because there are lots of people of all religious and political views who want much the same things as I do for the Vale of White Horse. I think we all want the Vale to be a pleasant place to live where everyone is treated fairly and given opportunities to develop and improve their locality and their lives. The problem comes with translating those ideals into Council decisions because what pleases some people doesn’t necessarily suit everyone. The Council has a policy of reminding us of our responsibilities and each Full Council meeting actually opens with Prayers where a local clergy person is invited to address the councillors in a sort of ‘thought for the day’ followed by a short prayer. It is true that some members leave the room for that part of the meeting, but they are small in number. For the most part my daily work involves representing residents of Northcourt ward in matters relating to planning, housing, rubbish collection, parking and dog waste bins. I try to listen sympathetically and ensure their views are heard and considered fairly, especially as housing problems, in particular, cause people to be in a very worried state. I am concerned about the environment and support Council efforts to increase recycling, even if it involves a bit of extra effort for residents; and at this point I must say that I support the joint Rubbish and Recycling contract the Vale has with South Oxfordshire District Council. This started in SODC in June 33

2009 and commences in the Vale of White Horse in October 2010. The changes may slightly inconvenience us all until we get used to the new system of wheelie bins, but recycling will increase, landfill will decrease and the costs due to joint working with another district council will be reduced. That has to be good for local taxpayers. Where to allow all the extra houses, which central Government says must be planned for in the Vale, is a painful issue as no one likes change when it comes to more houses nearby. However decisions must be made and to help me decide how to vote I keep my Christian ideas of fair play and justice in the circumstances in mind. We cannot hold ‘Not in my Backyard’ views when people need somewhere to live. It can be hard to get the balance right though. I recommend being a local councillor as a way of being more involved in the community and providing an opportunity to learn more about what goes on, and even to have a small input into the decisions that affect us all. Laurel Symons

Women's World Day of Prayer Come and join in a round the world service of prayer and songs prepared by Christian Women of Cameroon Friday 5 March 2010, 10.30am Saints Methodist Church

Salvation Army 7pm All

All welcome, women, men and young people More details from your church representative

Christmas Crossword 34

Across

Down

1 Transportation over snow (4) 1 Bright celestial body (4) 3 Seasoned ingredients (8) 2 Christmas tree type (4) 6 Baby's bed (4) 3 Take aback (8) 8 Period from Dec 24th to Jan 6th 4 No room here! (3) (4) 5 Elvish colour (5) 9 Red-breasted bird (5) 6 Sweets; flavoured sugar (5) 1 Twelve days after Christmas (8) 7 Container usually found in a 12 Alcoholic drink served bowl (5) stable (6) 13 Jolly (5) 10 Beginning of life (5) 14 News (7) 13 Amazing event (7) 15 Goes with the turkey (9,5) 14 Written after Christmas? (5,3,6) 19 A type of tree used at 15 Formal events (10) Christmas (5) 16 Ring out from churches (5) 20 The colour of Santa's hat (3) 17 Accompaniment for food (5) 22 ____ log; traditionally burned at 18 Printed or written greeting (4) Christmas (4) 21 Month in which Christmas falls 23 Sanctified (6) (8) 24 Cured leg of pork (3) 25 Nature of God (6) 27 Christmas song (6,5) 26 One was born in Bethlehem (5) 29 Found under the Christmas 28 Sweetened milk drink, with tree? (8) eggs and alcohol (6) 30 Grace (8) Pastry dish (3) CHRISTIAN FOCUS29 MAGAZINE 31 Snow falls in this season (6) Many of you to be new format of the 32 Given at appear Christmas (4) pleased with theAnswers on Page 25 magazine and the change of style. For some time the cover price has remained at £1 each year for the four issues. However, with the introduction of colour, the cost of printing has increased considerably. The CiA will still subsidise the magazine as before but in the New Year each issue will cost 40p (£1.60) per annum. Thank you for your continuing support.

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DEADLINE FOR COPY FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF CHRISTIAN FOCUS IS FEBRUARY 1, 2010. Copy or photographs should be sent to the editor, Ron Moss, at 5 The Lodge, Bayworth Lane, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5DF. Telephone 01865 321537. E-mail address: [email protected] Copy should be sent by e-mail, as a Word document, on a CD, typed or printed.

EDITORIAL PANEL Hilary Clare (St Michael’s)………………………………01235 525898 Margaret Ellwood (All Saints)………………………… 01235 526636 Neil Hancox (St Edmund’s)………………………… 01235 524534 Margaret Langsford (Trinity)………………………..… 01235 521536 Denise Mulvey (Abingdon Baptist Church)………… 01235 520603 Judy White (Christ Church)…………………………… 01235 521369 Felicity Fletcher-Campbell (St. Helen’s) ……………… 01865 739430 Ron Moss (Editor)……………………………………… 01865 321537

ANNOUNCEMENT Due to a problem with the ISP (Orange) I have been unable to send or receive emails since late September. This may have resulted in some contributions to CF not being received for inclusion in this edition. However, I am with a new ISP and my email address is [email protected] and I hope all will be well in future. Ed.

————————————————————————————————— Published by the Church in Abingdon and printed by Print-Mart, 7 Foliat Drive, Wantage, OX12 7AN

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