Paul Hardingham continues his new series.
What’s the Big Idea? An Introduction to the Books of the Old Testament:
1 and 2 Samuel.
1 and 2 Samuel was originally a single work, which focuses on Samuel, Saul and David, around 1,000 BC, mid-way between Abraham and Jesus. It was Samuel who established the monarchy in Israel after the period of the judges. He was commanded by God to give the people a king, although their request is seen as a rejection of God’s rule over Israel (8:7).
The people simply wanted to be like other nations, however their king was still subject to God’s law and the word of the prophet. Although Samuel anointed Saul, he soon showed an unwillingness to submit to these requirements, leading to his rejection as king (15:23). God chose David as Saul’s successor, and 1 Samuel depicts David’s years of waiting until the right time arrived to claim the throne.
2 Samuel depicts David’s rule, in which the nation prospers and its enemies are defeated. The promise of the perfect king is fulfilled in Jesus Himself, as David’s descendant. The second half of the book depicts the darker side of David’s reign, describing his weaknesses and failures, including his adultery with Bathsheba and the rebellion of his son Absalom.
Nevertheless, David remained a man after God’s own heart: ‘The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:7). The characters in this book are not always great examples of faith, however, ‘They do not show us how we should live but how in fact we do live, authenticating the reality of our daily experience as the stuff that God uses to work his purposes of salvation in us and in the world.’ (Eugene Peterson).
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Prospect of winter energy bills causing anxiety for millions, says Archbishop of York
Millions are looking ahead to this winter with ‘fear and anxiety’ about the cost of heating their homes, the Archbishop of York has said as he backed the recent launch of a campaign to provide a network of warm spaces for people who struggle to pay their energy bills.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is encouraging churches to consider getting involved in the Warm Welcome campaign, a network of venues from community centres to churches providing warm spaces over the winter for people struggling to heat their homes
.
Archbishop Stephen said: “Sadly, what began as a cost-of-living crisis has simply become the new normal for many.
“Millions of people will look ahead to this winter with fear and anxiety, wondering how they are going to cope with high living costs. That is why I am proud to endorse the Warm Welcome campaign this winter.
“But a warm welcome isn’t only about the temperature. It is about kindness and community, giving people the chance to be seen and known, to belong and to be part of something. It is about celebrating the God-given value and dignity of every single person, finding hope and community together. But of course, none of that will happen if people are cold.”
The Warm Welcome campaign is led by a coalition of over 50 charitable organisations who joined together in response to the cost of living crisis to provide emergency support to communities struggling to pay for rising food costs and to heat their homes.
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The mysterious ways of mistletoe
Mistletoe has long been used as part of our Christmas decorations. It is not your usual kind of plant.
Instead, it is hemiparasitic, meaning that although its leaves enable it to feed itself through photosynthesis, its roots invade the host tree or shrub to extract water and other nutrients
.
Mistletoe loves living in apple, lime, hawthorn, poplar or oak trees. You may spot it high up, as a large globe, on the bare trees in winter. There is one spectacular example in Windsor Great Park, clearly visible from the path on the opposite side of the Thames
.
Mistletoe’s berries are almost translucent, fleshy and sticky. They form in the forks of mistletoe’s many branches. While they are toxic to humans, they are attractive to birds, who wipe the remaining seeds off their beaks onto the nearest branch, which of course helps the plant to spread.
For some reason, Romans thought mistletoe represented Peace, Love and Understanding. Perhaps that is how it got into our Christmas celebrations? The earliest documentary evidence for kissing under mistletoe dates from the 16th century, but we don’t know who got kissed first.
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Doctor Livingstone, I presume?
It was 150 years ago, on 10th November 1871, that Welsh journalist and explorer Henry Morton Stanley located the missing missionary Dr David Livingstone near Lake Tanganyika, in present-day Tanzania. He may or may not have greeted him with the words: “Doctor Livingstone, I presume?”
Stanley’s real name was John Rowlands. He was born in Denbigh to an unmarried 18-year-old who abandoned him. He ended up in a workhouse until he was 15, then went to America, where he changed his name and became an American citizen. When he found Livingstone, he was working for the New York Herald.
Known for his strength of will, Stanley also had an African name – Bula Matari – Breaker of Rocks. Much of his life was spent in Central Africa, and his reputation was mixed: he was said by some to be violent toward Africans, but by others to have treated them well. His feats as an explorer were impressive: he played a big part in locating the true source of both the Nile and the Congo, and he helped open up the Congo on behalf of King Leopold of Belgium.
Though not overtly religious, he felt he was engaged in a “sacred task”. He was re-naturalised a British subject in 1892, following his marriage.
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All in the month of March
It was:
300 years ago, on 8th March 1723 that Sir Christopher Wren, English architect, died. Best known for designing St Paul’s Cathedral.
125 years ago, on 16th March 1898 that Aubrey Beardsley, British illustrator, died. His black ink drawings, influenced by Japanese woodcuts, contributed to the development of Art Nouveau.
100 years ago, on 4th March 1923 that Patrick Moore, the amateur astronomer, TV presenter, writer and musician was born. Best known for presenting the TV astronomy show The Sky at Night for over 50 years. (Died 2012)
80 years ago, on 13th March 1943 that the final liquidation of Krakow Ghetto in Poland took place. 8,000 Jews were transported to Plaszow labour camp, 2000 more were simply killed in the streets, and the rest were sent to Auschwitz.
70 years ago, on 19th March 1953 that the Academy Awards ceremony (the Oscars) were televised for the first time.
Also 70 years ago, on 26th March 1953 that Dr Jonas Salk announced that he had completed the first small-scale test of a polio vaccine. Larger tests began in February 1954, and mass vaccinations began in April 1955.
65 years ago, on 2nd March 1958 that the first land crossing of Antarctica was completed by the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, led by Vivian Fuchs. The team of 12 men travelled 2,158 miles from Shackleton Base to Scott Base (via the South Pole) in 99 days, using six vehicles.
60 years ago, on 22nd March 1963 that the British Secretary of State for War, John Profumo, made a statement in the House of Commons in which he denied there was any impropriety in his relationship with Christine Keeler, a model who was also in a sexual relationship with a drug dealer and a Soviet naval attaché. (In June he admitted he had lied, and resigned.)
50 years ago, on 8th March 1973 that the citizens of Northern Ireland voted in a referendum to remain within the United Kingdom. That same day the IRA carried out its first bombing in Britain since WWII, planting car bombs in London. One person died, 200 were injured.
40 years ago, on 6th March 1983 that Donald Maclean, British-born Soviet spy died. He was a member of the Cambridge Spy Ring.
Also 40 years ago, on 26th March 1983, that Anthony Blunt, British art historian and Soviet spy, died.
25 years ago, on 16th March 1998 that Rwanda began mass trials for the country’s 1994 genocide. There were 125,000 suspects for 500,000 murders.
20 years ago, on 1st March 2003 that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the al-Qaeda terrorist who masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the USA, was captured in Pakistan.
Also 20 years ago, on 12th March 2003 that the World Health Organisation issued a global alert about a severe form of pneumonia (now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – SARS) that was affecting people in China, Hong Kong and Vietnam.
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Isherwood Hall. (The original hall)
Tables and chairs are available.
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Pauline & Bob - co-editors..
Updated 1st May 2026
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May 2026 Magazine
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 10th – 16th MAY
It’s that time of year again – when Christians across the country raise funds for Christian Aid’s programmes, which help those suffering poverty and injustice worldwide.
Since 1957, Christian Aid Week has brought faith and action together to help families survive poverty and violence, and communities rebuild after crisis.
It says: “This is all thanks to the amazing support of churches, communities and individuals who choose to walk, run, bake, dance, make, and do whatever it takes to help make lasting change.
“Through our locally led work with partners around the world who are rooted in their communities to lead change, your valuable support will help communities ravaged by poverty and the effects of the climate crisis.
Christian Aid welcomes anyone who would like to be involved this year in raising support. And there are various ways to take part:
- Give online or through collections.
- Fundraise with friends, family, colleagues or your community.
- Take part through your church with worship, prayer and events.
- Volunteer locally to support Christian Aid Week activities.
Although there are still no street collections, we will be holding a Coffee Morning on Wednesday 13th May in church, when the proceeds will be donated to Christian Aid.
Please come along to support this…. And bring your friends !!
10.00am – 11.30am £2.00 entrance… to include unlimited tea/coffee and biscuits.
Raffle, Cake Stall, Second hand Book Stall and Handmade cards on sale.
There will also be Christian Aid envelopes in church for any donations.
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‘Thy Kingdom Come’ – global prayer movement marks ten years
This year the global prayer movement Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) will take place from Thursday 14th to Sunday 24th May.
Spanning the 11 days between Ascension and Pentecost, the initiative encourages Christians to pray for five people whom they know (friends, families, neighbours) to come to faith.
This year is a special one for Thy Kingdom Come. It was ten years ago, in 2016, that it began as a call to prayer from the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.
TKC has since grown into a global wave of prayer, involving tens of millions of Christians, in dozens of denominations, in almost 90% countries worldwide.
To mark these first ten years, the new archbishop, Sarah Mullally, has written a Novena for the initiative.
This year’s theme is ‘God With Us’. With the help of leaders from across the church traditions, TKC will explore a different Bible story each day, one which demonstrates God’s transformative presence, power and love at work in the lives of people and communities.
More information at: 
https://www.thykingdomcome.global/
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How a dying bishop said farewell to his diocese
The Bishop of Guildford, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, was diagnosed with aggressive and untreatable cancer of the pancreas on 10th February this year.
After he was told that he had less than a month to live, Bishop Andrew wrote a letter to his diocese, to say goodbye and to reassure them. He wrote:
“Only our good Lord knows exactly how long I have left, of course. But the conversation with my doctor – together with a sense that I am getting a little weaker by the day – means that my main focus now is on ‘cheerfully persisting towards a good death.’
Yesterday I signed a deed of delegation, handing over the interim leadership of the diocese to our dear Bishop Paul. I’m sorry that that means I will no longer be honouring my existing commitments…
I don’t fear the prospect of dying, and find to my relief that my faith in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting’ has only grown stronger over the past few weeks. I’ve sometimes had private worries that, when faced with the starkness of a terminal diagnosis, my faith in the Risen Christ might falter. Well, it hasn’t. Or better still, God hasn’t faltered. Quite the reverse.
Nor do I feel short-changed by what’s happening. Of course, I have grumpy patches when I’m in pain, or not sleeping properly. (I’m only a saint in St Paul’s most generous definition of the term!) But I still consider myself as deeply blessed to have been born into such a loving family, to have met with Christ as a teenager, to have spent nearly 40 years of my life so joyfully married to the ‘wife of my youth’, to have raised four remarkable children (all equally remarkably partnered), and to have been entrusted with a series of fulfilling ministries within my beloved Church of England.
Of all the closing words to St Paul’s various letters to individuals and to church communities, perhaps the one I value most comes right at the end of his first letter to the Church at Thessalonica. We sense that the apostle is running out of parchment, and wanting to cram as much as he can into the last few inches; and he does a great job from my perspective, beautifully articulating so much of what I would want to say in what may well prove to be my last message to the Diocese of Guildford.
Could I encourage you to read these words quietly and prayerfully – so that each one of us, lay and ordained, might be freshly inspired to embrace God’s call on our lives with renewed vigour and gratitude:
‘We appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labour among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.
May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do this. Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.’
Bishop Andrew died, aged 64, on 2nd March.
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The Nation’s favourite churches, and favourite stained-glass window
The East Window in Carlisle Cathedral has been declared the nation’s favourite stained-glass window (in a recent survey by the Association of English Cathedrals).
As our favourite church, there is no one clear winner, but the following 10 churches consistently high as among the most loved in the country, according to data from the National Churches Trust:
St Paul’s Cathedral London; York Minster; Coventry Cathedral; St Mary’s Redcliffe, Bristol; Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham; Durham Cathedral; Lincoln Cathedral; St Bride Fleet Street; and Tundergarth Parish Church.
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Lester Amann considers the man who is our ‘spiritual father’…
Abraham: the man who made the biggest leap of faith in history
If we need to get somewhere by public transport, we look at the route and trust the driver knows the way. By faith, we accept that he or she will get us safely to where we want to go.
It was very different for Abraham. God told him to leave his homeland and begin a journey, physically (and spiritually) to an unknown destination. He didn’t even understand why God wanted him to move, but he trusted God anyway.
Abraham was born in a country far from Israel, now modern Iraq. His story covers hundreds of miles along with various events and incidents. Although he encountered numerous difficulties and challenges, Abraham lived in close fellowship with God.
We might like stability in our lives, but Abraham was unable to settle permanently anywhere. He lived a temporary existence. Slowly, gradually, God revealed to Abraham what he had to do. He was not perfect. In fact, he made several mistakes but God’s plans for Abraham were not thwarted. God showed patience. Despite this man’s failings, at times, God revealed His purposes.
God often calls people without giving them all the details! If we knew everything, we would not need faith. God does not always explain to us His ways – neither completely nor in one go. Abraham discovered aspects about God as time went on. It was a journey of faith; a life lived one step at a time.
We may look at Abraham’s life and think we cannot have faith like him. If we were put to severe testing, we know we would fail. Our journey with God is different from his, but by his example we can rely on God’s promises.
Abraham’s life challenges us to believe in a great God and to obey Him. Like Abraham, at the end of our journey of faith, we have an eternal destination waiting for us.
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There is a lot of talk about ‘mindfulness’ these days, and how to find calm moments in our daily lives. Both the BBC and Classic FM have even got radio stations devoted to ‘mindful’ and ‘calm’ music. But as Christians, we have an extra, divine resource to call on, and you can gently remind your readers of this.
Peaceful mind in the month of Pentecost
Luke 11:11-13
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!
John 14:15-18
If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Titus 3:4-7
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
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By the Revd Roy Shaw, a retired but active priest in the diocese of York, where he is a spiritual director.
50 days after Easter
Pentecost. The word means ’50 days after Easter’. It’s the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts chapter 2, and it’s the birthday of the Church. So far so good; but beyond this, things get a bit hazy for some of us. We are familiar with the idea of God the good Father, and we’ve heard and read of all that Jesus – God the Son – said and did. But the Holy Spirit? Who He?!
The images used of the Holy Spirit in scripture can be a bit of a barrier to understanding. Words like ‘spirit’ ‘wind’ ‘flame’ ‘breath’ are all a bit elusive, and they possibly leave us with a feeling that in trying to understand the Holy Spirit we’re chasing rainbows. But if we dig a little deeper, we can see that these images speak of an unhindered force which can be powerful and yet gentle, cleansing and free.
The Bible is full of images of the Holy Spirit. There is ‘dove’, as seen on many Christmas cards and in stained glass windows. It’s usually white. A white dove image speaks of gentleness and purity, unfettered as it wings its way across the sky.
Then there’s the more difficult word ‘advocate’. Someone who speaks up for us, comes alongside us, someone to aid us in times of need. We could go on with different images which tell us more of the character of the Holy Spirit, but there are two key things to remember. Firstly, this is the spirit of Jesus. All that Jesus was in earthly form the Holy Spirit is to us now. Jesus is no longer among us as He was two thousand years ago, but the Holy Spirit makes Him available to us now.
Which brings us to the second point; the Holy Spirit is given by the good Father to us, His children – giving us, as it were, an injection of Jesus’ personality, wisdom and holiness, enabling us to serve as Jesus did, enabling us, as Mother Teresa put it, ‘to do little things with great love’.
The first Pentecost set the young Church in Jerusalem off on a great adventure which culminated in today’s world where one in three people worldwide say they are Christians. It could be a great adventure for us as we ask God, the good Father, to gift us with the Spirit of Jesus. Let’s do it!
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Church Roof Update.
Even with the scaffolding erected at both ends of the church, progress was slow during the last weeks of March into April, this being due to the high winds and occasional heavy rain making it unsafe to be working at a height.
The Stone work at the extreme east end of the new building, called the 'water table' was repointed, some of the gaps between the stones being larger than had appeared from the ground.
The chimney (which I have found out not many people knew existed !!) had served the original 1958 coke fired boiler and then later gas boilers until the latest gas boilers were fitted, which did not need the chimney. There have been several water ingress problems with the chimney over the years so removal would cure this. The chimney has been removed, but the way the roof had been designed around the chimney meant that an unforeseen hole appeared in edge of the ceiling plaster, which allowed some plaster to fall into the chancel area. The hole was filled with new timber and second hand slates to match the originals were finally fitted. You would never know a chimney had been there!!!
As I type this the contractor is proceeding with removing all the rotten gully and associated timber.
Bob Willis
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QUIZ TIME
QUIZ held Saturday 18th April
For the first time in many years, we held a Quiz and Pie and Peas lunch in church on Saturday 18th April at 12 noon.
This was organised by Christine Marchant and her daughter Sarah and was dedicated to Christine’s husband, Brian, who died suddenly in November last year.
It was a very enjoyable afternoon, with quiz questions a bit out of the ordinary, including a music round where we had to identify well known Beatles songs, but played backwards!!! Not as easy as it sounds!!
A big thank you to Christine and Sarah for their hard work in setting the quiz, and to Smiths Butchers who supplied the pies and peas… they were really good!
Keep a look out for the next quiz, later in the year…
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May 2026 Diary Page
Bible Study (via Zoom) Every Wednesday at 7pm during term time
Prayer meeting first Monday in the Month 7pm in church.
Saturday 2nd
9.30am Churchyard tidy / Church cleaning
Sunday 3rd
9am Holy Communion
10am Parish Communion
6.30pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday 5th
10am Holy Communion
Sunday 10th
9am Holy Communion
10.00am Parish Communion
11.00am after the 10am Service ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
6.30pm Evening Prayer
Sunday 10th – Saturday 16th May
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
Tuesday 12th
10am Holy Communion
Wednesday 13th
COFFEE MORNING in aid of CHRISTIAN AID 10.00am – 11.30am
Thursday 14th MAY
ASCENSION DAY
7.00pm Service of Holy Communion
Sunday 17th
9am Holy Communion
10am PARISH COMMUNION
6.30pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday 19th
10am Holy Communion
SUNDAY 24th MAY
PENTECOST
9am Holy Communion
10am PARISH COMMUNION
6.30pm Evening Prayer
Sunday 31st
TRINITY SUNDAY
FIFTH SUNDAY ONE SERVICE ONLY ---- NO OFFICE HOUR
10.00am Parish Communion
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No quibble guarantee
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of …both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10)
Recently a man received two letters from his bank. One was telling him his debt was going to be passed to the enforcement department, and the other was offering him a new loan! Sensibly, he got some advice about what to do. If you are thinking of getting a loan or a credit card, do check the small print. Does the offer seem too good to be true? What are the charges if you miss a payment? Make sure you know before you sign!
Many experts wonder if cash will become a thing of the past, because we use credit and debit cards so often, even for small payments. Credit cards and bank cards have their advantages. They are simple and easy to use. If you buy something on a credit card that costs more than £100 you get extra legal rights. So, if it does not arrive or does not work you can claim against the credit card company. But don’t forget that debit cards are not credit cards and you do not get the same rights.
Up until a few years back we had offers of credit cards, loans, and buy-now-pay-later deals, all the time. Now things are tighter, and debt is a big worry for many. The Bible warns us of the dangers of borrowing but offers us the assurance that God cares for us. No questions asked!
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Vatican says people with Down syndrome are of ‘equal dignity’
The Vatican has affirmed that a person with Down syndrome has the same dignity and sacred value as any other.
It firmly rejects prenatal screening and the selective termination of pregnancies, where the condition has been diagnosed in the unborn child.
The Holy See’s Apostolic Nuncio in Geneva, Archbishop Balestrero, said that “persons with Down syndrome are more than a diagnosis, more than a condition, and certainly more than the limits others may imagine.
“All of them, like all of us, possess the same inherent dignity and sacred value, intentionally and lovingly imprinted by the Creator from the very first moment of conception.”
The Vatican recently released the statement on World Down Syndrome Day (21st March).
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Canon Paul Hardingham considers the day the ‘church’ began.
The power of Pentecost
The celebration of Pentecost this month could be described as a birthday party for the church, when we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit to the first disciples (Acts 2:1-13). What are we celebrating?
God’s Promise:
The disciples obeyed Jesus’ instructions as they gathered in the Upper Room: ‘Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised’ (1:4). They met expectantly in prayer for God’s promised gift. Just as we look forward to birthday presents, how eager are we to receive more of the Spirit in our lives?
God’s Power:
‘All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit’ (4). The disciples needed the power of the Spirit to be different: not fearfully gathered behind locked doors, but instead energised to make Christ known. The Spirit can transform our lives into the likeness of Jesus and give gifts to equip our witness. Although the disciples’ experience of this power was overwhelming, it was essentially an encounter with God’s love. For us, this can be equally emotional or quiet, but all of us are included, and nobody is excluded from this experience.
God’s Purpose:
The disciples ‘began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.’ (4). The Spirit empowered their witness, so that everyone heard them speaking in their own ‘native language’ (lit: dialect, v8). We all have a story to tell of God’s activity in our lives, and the Spirit will translate our words and actions into a language that those around can understand! At Pentecost, 3000 people were added to the Church in one day! What do we expect of the Spirit in our day?
‘Let the church return to Pentecost, and Pentecost will return to her.
The Spirit of God cannot take possession of believers beyond their capacity of receiving Him’ (Andrew Murray).
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May 2026 Crossword
CLUES
Across
1 Overpowered (Deuteronomy 11) (11)
9 ‘The — are mantled with corn’ (Psalm 65) (7)
10 ‘Each man—a sword to his side’ (Exodus 32) (5)
11 The curtain in the temple was torn from— to bottom (Matthew 27) (3)
13 Stagger (Isaiah 28) (4)
16 ‘The good he ought——and doesn’t do it, sins’ (James 4) (2,2)
17 Stir up or provoke (Acts13) (6)
18 Burden (Luke11) (4)
20 ‘As far as the east is from the—, ’ (Psalm 103) (4)
21 Sign (Luke23) (6)
22 ‘And began to—his disciples’ feet’ (John 13) (4)
23 The nature of the seven ears of corn (Genesis 41) (4)
25 Has (anag.) (3)
28 ‘This is the account of Shem, Ham and Japheth, —sons’ (Genesis 10) (5)
29 ‘So that they...sleep for—and— awake’ (Jeremiah 51) (4,3)
30 Paul said of him, ‘he often refreshes me’ (2 Timothy 1) (11)
Down
2 Worth (Matthew 13) (5)
3 ‘A bruised — He will not break’ (Matthew 12) (4)
4 ‘A great company of the heavenly — appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2) (4)
5 Slip (anag.) (4)
6 ‘Take an awl and push it through his — — into the door,’ (Deuteronomy 15) (3,4)
7 Bountiful (2 Corinthians 8) (11)
8 ‘Therefore, as we have —, let us do good to all people’ (Galatians 6) (11)
12 Acquire (2 Timothy 2) (6)
14 Container cover (Numbers 19) (3)
15 ‘Even death on——!’ (Philippians 2) (1,5)
19 Refrain (1 Peter2) (7)
20 ‘She began to—his feet with her tears’ (Luke 7) (3)
24 One who worships Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva (5)
25 ‘Give to everyone who—you’ (Luke6) (4)
26 ‘Where does my—come from?’ (Psalm 121) (4)
27 One of those whom the Lord said would be taken from Jerusalem and Judah as judgment on them (Isaiah 3) (4)
Answers to April Crossword
ACROSS: 1, Cosmic. 4, Thomas. 8, In his. 9, Delaiah. 10, Falwell.
11, Water. 12, Recovered. 17, Sidon. 19, Radiant. 21, Centaur.
22, Broil. 23, Eleven. 24, Prison.
DOWN: 1, Cliffs. 2, Scholar. 3, Issue. 5, Holy war. 6, Moist.
7, Sphere. 9, Deliverer. 13, Candace. 14, Deacons. 15, Psyche.
16, Stolen. 18, Dance. 20, Debar.
Winner Peter Warren
Crosswords reproduced by kind permission of BRF and John Capon, originally published in Three Down, Nine Across, by John Capon (£6.99 BRF)
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May 2026 Anagrams
NOVELS BY DICKENS
Rearrange these letters to form the titles of twelve novels written by Charles Dickens. Answers may consist of two, three, four or - in one case only - five words.
1. THEIR DAMS 2. ZUM TRANCE WITH LIZ 3. GRIPE AT TEXAN TESCO 4. AR LAST RASH COMIC
5. CWICK KHIPPER PASTE 6. ROLITTS VIEW 7. I LOVED FIDD CAPPER 8. OO MY NEDS BAND
9. O BLUE SHAKE 10. TWO FLIT A TEA COSIE 11. I CAN ONLY BE SHLICK 12. I O U THE POOR CHILDS STY
Compiled by Peter Warren
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April Anagram Answers
Daily Newspapers:
1. DAILY TELEGRAPH 2. YORKSHIRE POST 3. HARTLEPOOL MAIL 4. DAILY EXPRESS 5. NORTHERN ECHO
6. FINANCIAL TIMES 7. WHITBY GAZETTE 8. STOCKTON AND DARLINGTON TIMES 9. DAILY MIRROR
10. EVENING GAZETTE
Winner:
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May 2026 Soduko Puzzle
April Sodoku Solution
Winners Jack Thompson
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The Revd Dr Jo White continues her series on aspects of Christianity.
Reflected Faith Series: The Creed (part 1)
There are various sections that make up a Communion service. While different denominations, and different styles of churches even within the same denomination, may do things differently, generally speaking they all include the same foundational elements.
So, after the Bible readings, and then sermon, what follows next?
In Common Worship (CW) we ‘immediately’ jump to our feet and proclaim our faith!
If you follow the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), the Creed comes between the Gospel reading and the sermon – which is my excuse for forgetting to say it more than once when I’ve conducted the latter service first (if you get what I mean) on a Sunday morning.
The question is, ‘Why is it placed here?’ Wouldn’t it make more sense to have it at or close to the beginning of a service; so that we can be sure everyone in the congregation is on the same page, so to speak.
Or why not at the end, just before we go out into the world taking our faith with us? Why here?
When (BCP) it follows directly after the Gospel reading, it’s as though having heard the words of Jesus we rush to say ‘I believe that. I believe in who said it. And I believe in … etc etc.’ Rather like after your favourite team has scored a goal!
Where we’ve had the sermon first (CW), it’s as though the ‘explanation and contextualisation’ by the preacher makes it so plain that we can do nothing less than join together and reaffirm our baptismal faith.
This month
Pause for a moment before you say the Creed next time and consider where in your service it is placed. What has encouraged you to be able to say it from your heart? Was there a word, phrase or sentence that particularly gripped you and prompted you to your feet? Or was it just words written on the service sheet with a direction to stand?
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Canon Paul Hardingham continues his series on the books of the Bible, which will run until the end of 2025.
What’s the Big Idea? – An Introduction to the
books of the Old Testament: Ezekiel.
Ezekiel was a prophet who proclaimed judgment to God’s people in the 6th century BC. He was among the group of Jews exiled in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Ezekiel received his call when he was 30 years old through a vision of the glory of God. His ministry finished 22 years later with a vision of the restored Temple in Jerusalem.
Ezekiel spoke to a community forced from its home, who had broken faith with God. He presents a God who rules over all people and history. He is a God who desires to be known and acknowledged (‘then they will know that I am the Lord’). As a priest, Ezekiel was deeply concerned with the holiness of God. This call to holy living includes an emphasis on individual responsibility (chapter 18), which is a significant milestone in biblical thought.
Ezekiel offers a vision of true hope for those who have undergone judgment. He promises a restored Temple as a sign of God’s presence among his people. He also promises a future ‘prince’ who will rule with justice and restore God’s relationship with his people (34:23-4).
In restoring them morally and spiritually, God promises to use them to bring light to the Gentiles. They will demonstrate the holiness of God’s name, because they will know him from the heart. This is the promise that is fulfilled in Jesus and made possible for us:
‘I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.’ (36: 26-27).
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28th May – Gizur of Iceland
If you have ever cruised to Iceland, you’ll know just how far off the beaten track it is. You may wonder how anybody in ancient times managed to survive all those miles of icy water to even find the place.
But it seems that Irish hermits in the early Middle Ages did find it, and so first brought Christianity to its shores. Then by the tenth century Norway had sent in missionaries, and the struggle was on for the Faith of Iceland, between paganism and Christianity. And so, the scene was set for the life and work of Gizur of Iceland.
Gizur came from a Christian Icelandic family – both his grandfather and father were bishops. Gizur seems to have been greatly respected: Harold Hardrada, the Norwegian military leader, described Gizur as fit to be either a king, a leader of Vikings, or a bishop.
Gizur chose to become a bishop and played a key role in the establishment of Christianity in Iceland. Not only did he manage to grow the church and then organise its neat division into two dioceses, he seems to have been involved in the development of its sagas, poetry and history, as well as explorations of Greenland and Newfoundland.
But Gizur’s biggest moment came before he was a bishop. He was chosen by the Icelandic people to be the one to choose whether Iceland would remain pagan, or would adopt Christianity. After some time in seclusion, Gizur announced that there should be Christian religion, but Icelandic law. Thus, Christian worship was officially established, but people were permitted to worship their heathen gods in private, and to abandon any unwanted infants to perish of the cold. (These concessions were abolished within a few years, as the people absorbed Christian values.)
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Ever thought about wearing a cross as a necklace?
“Good morning, sir, madam. You’re interested in a cross and chain I believe? Very wise, sir, if I might say so. So modern, so chic. Never out of fashion. Will you be interested in one with the little man on it, or without?”
“Let us see both, please.”
“Very wise sir. Now here we have the traditional model, but with a small diamond in the centre. Let’s people know you’re not without means, just a gentle hint there. Discreet size too, sir, not too pushy if you see what I mean. No?… Okay, what about this one… you look like a sporty-type sir, this one is lightweight, comes in various colours, to blend with your track suit or gym wear….or this one sir…… the ‘Weekend’ model – slightly larger so you can project well, particularly on Sundays, sir….. Or we have this one sir, imported from Jerusalem, so it’s very authentic, made of olive wood, I think there’s a special something about that don’t you sir?… Or here’s our very latest model, just come in, it’s recyclable, so when you get tired of it you can happily recycle it and know it’s not going to landfill. Very ethical sir.
“Now madam, here’s one of our high-end models, which I think madam will like; encrusted with small rubies, very appropriate I’m sure you’ll agree. Again, it gives just that little hint you’re a discerning person, yes? Or this one, it’s in plain gold, but rather larger because it plays ‘There is a green hill far away’ if you touch it, which is very sweet, don’t you think? “
‘We were looking for something more traditional, plainer.’
“Well, we can do that sir, if you wish. I just thought that madam might like something more in keeping with the times, if you see what I mean. Right, so two plain cross and chains. I’ll wrap them up right away…”
If you wear a cross and chain, or have a cross as a tattoo, what do you want it to say about you?
What does the cross of Jesus mean to you?
If you were asked why you wear a cross, how would you respond? And would it be an easy, or embarrassed response? Talk to God about this.
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Canon Paul Hardingham begins a seven-part series. This will run until the July issue.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Lust
‘Lust is the craving for salt by a man who is dying of thirst’ (Frederick Beucher).
This month’s Deadly Sin is lust. It is usually understood as an intense desire for sexual pleasure, but can include other things eg food, success or fame. Objectifying a person for our own selfish pleasure can leave us feeling guilty, ashamed or disappointed. Our relationship with God is spoilt, as we create an area of life which is not under God’s authority. As Jesus says: ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.’ (Matthew 5:27,28).
How can we deal with lust in our lives?
Confess it to God: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9). Lust feeds on secrecy, yet God already knows our thoughts and desires. Focus on Jesus, who loves and accepts us for who we are. Confess our desires to Him, knowing that He wants to cleanse us of our sin.
Renew your Mind: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.’ (Romans 12:2). Overcoming lust requires an understanding of our thinking. We need to acknowledge when lust affects us, understand the triggers for our thoughts (circumstances, time) and address them by asking for God’s strength to overcome them.
‘Lust is a poor, weak, whispering thing compared with that richness and energy of desire which will arise when lust has been killed.’ (CS Lewis).
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Church bells rang for the first time in Betws-y-Coed
Those of us who enjoy visiting Betws-y-Coed will be glad to know that the bells at St Mary’s Church in Betws-y-Coed were rung for the first time at a church service this Easter, following the completion of a major restoration project.
Although the church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, that work was never completed. More than 150 years later, the tower now has a full set of bells in place.
Eight of the bells were brought from St John’s Church in Porthmadog, after its closure in 2024. They had been cast by John Warner & Sons, with six dating from 1900 and two added in 1902. The remaining bell, cast in 1873 for Betws-y-Coed by John Warner of London, has been restored and rehung as the clock and chiming bell.
Work on the installation included cleaning and tuning the bells, removing original fittings and installing new headstocks. A new base frame was designed using sections from the Porthmadog installation, supported by the original beams in the tower. The church clock mechanism has also been replaced so it can now chime the hour.
The project has cost around £100,000, funded mainly through grants, including support from the Keltek Trust, Hobart Trust and Bernard Piggott Trust.
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By Tim Lenton
Remembering the General Strike of 1926
One hundred years ago, from 4th to 12th May 1926, there was a General Strike in the UK. It was called by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in support of 1.2 million coal miners. The strike lasted nine days, but had little effect in the long term.
The aim was to force the Conservative government, led by Stanley Baldwin, to stop dramatic wage cuts for hard-hit miners and to improve their working conditions. The country came to a temporary standstill, but then the strike collapsed, though the miners stayed out for another seven months without achieving anything.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Scottish-born Rt Revd Randall Davidson, a conciliatory figure within the Church and Christianity generally, spoke out against the strike but called on the Government – unsuccessfully – to improve working conditions for miners, and to subsidise the mines so that wages could be increased.
He wanted to make his appeal known to the public on radio, but the BBC refused to broadcast it, though it was backed by an interdenominational group of church leaders, one of whom told Davidson: “For the first time in my life it has been possible to feel that the Christian forces in this country were united and courageous.”
There was considerable sympathy for the strikers among the population generally – for instance, a football match was organised between police and strikers – but there were clashes too. There were also fears that fascists and communists were using the strike to fuel their own revolutionary ambitions. Labour Party leaders were especially worried that outright backing of the strikers might damage their new standing as a party of government.
Fears about the dubious legitimacy of the strike – with the threat of seizure of assets – also played a part in its early collapse.
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RHS lifts its ban on gnomes for Chelsea
Good news for the gnomes of Britain: they are welcome at the Chelsea Flower Show this year. (19th to 23rd May)
It is only the second time in the history of the world’s most famous gardening event that the RHS has allowed gnomes to appear at the show.
The reason is that the gnomes can help raise money for the next generation of gardeners.
The RHS is inviting celebrities to decorate gnomes to feature at the 2026 show, which will then be auctioned off to raise funds for its flagship ‘Campaign for School Gardening’. The campaign inspires school children to learn through gardening. The hope is to boost their wellbeing, skills and environmental awareness.
So, if you visit Chelsea Flower Show this year, look out for The RHS and the King’s Foundation Curious Garden. It encourages everyone (even gnomes) to be curious and have fun gardening. The appearance of a gnome or two in the Curious Garden (and elsewhere at the show) will reflect and celebrate a tradition at Highgrove, The King’s residence in Gloucestershire, where a gnome is often to be found in the Stumpery.
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Don’t drive when sad
You’ve seen those motorway signs warning you not to drive when you are tired. But now it seems you are far more likely to crash your car if you drive when you are sad, or when you are angry, or when you are agitated.
A study has found that a healthy emotional state is hugely important for your safety at the wheel; being sad, mad or upset can increase your likelihood of a crash by nearly ten-fold. That compares with fatigue making a crash only three times more likely, while talking on a mobile phone doubles the risk.
Having children in your back seat is a very low risk, and chatting to your passenger or moving to music barely raises the risk at all. The study was carried out at Virginia Tech.
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Happy 70th Birthday, Eurovision Song Contest
This year’s Eurovision Song Contest, to be held 12th to 16th May in Vienna, will look a bit different as it marks its 70thbirthday.
That is because Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain have opted out, as a protest to the inclusion of Israel in the contest, following the war in Gaza. That is the largest number of boycotting countries in the contest’s history since 1970.
On the other hand, at least Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania are set to return this year.
Eurovision is a long-established annual international celebration of music. This year’s programme will consist of two semi-finals, on 12th and 14th May, and then a final on the 16th. It will be held at Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, and presented by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Broadcasters from 35 countries will also participate.
Britain has won the Eurovision five times in 70 years:
1967 Puppet on a String
1969 Boom Bang-a-Bang
1976 Save Your Kisses for Me
1981 Making Your Mind Up
1997 Love Shine a Light
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Beware bread for ducks
The Canal & River Trust, which looks after Britain’s waterways, has warned that bread is ‘junk food’ for ducks. It can lead to excessive droppings, which spread disease. If bread is left to rot, it can trigger noxious odours which can kill fish and encourage algae, as well as rats and mice.
So – what DO ducks eat? Try corn, peas, lettuce and seeds.
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You and a goldfish’s attention span
How long can you concentrate on any one thing? According to the now infamous study by Microsoft (back in 2015), our digital lifestyles have had such a detrimental impact on our concentration levels that our average attention span has fallen to below that of a goldfish.
Humans now stay focused for just eight seconds, before being distracted by news alerts, social media and so on – while even a goldfish can concentrate for nine seconds.
And it is not just the endless stream of information that hits us, but the type of information that is so distracting. Violence and endless conflict can leave you distressed and unsettled. Medical experts recommend regular non-digital breaks such as a walk, a chat, or even just staring out the window.
Meanwhile, try these tips to calm your mind:
- In the evening, reverse the settings on your device, so that you have white writing on a black background. This reduces the blue light that affects your brain’s cyclic rhythm, disrupting your sleep/wake cycle.
- Get moving. Exercise takes time, but it also sharpens your mind and increases your concentration. So, in the end you will get more done in less time.
- Eat well. Avoid sugar and too much caffeine which make your mind busier.
- Seek company. Anxiety levels rise after six hours, due to the changes in your brain hormones caused by social isolation. So, if you work from home, take your laptop to a coffee shop for an hour, or see a friend for coffee.
- Fill the final half hour of your day with one simple task, rather than flitting from task to task.
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National Biscuit Day – 29th May
Did you know that Britain is the country with the highest biscuit consumption in the world?
According to industry research, we each eat about 500 biscuits a year. And the great biscuit dunking debate – over which biscuit holds up best when dipped in tea – can spark surprisingly passionate discussion.
Biscuits have been part of our daily lives for centuries. Their dose of sweet, tasty comfort is loved by 2-year-olds and 90-year-olds, and every age in between.
And so National Biscuit Day is held each year to honour this beloved snack. Our national favourite seems to be the chocolate digestive, followed by shortbread and chocolate fingers. But don’t underestimate the appeal of custard creams, hobnobs, chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies!
The McVitie’s Digestive, first produced in 1892, is one of the most iconic biscuits in British history. Today, it remains a bestseller alongside other classics like the Rich Tea, the Bourbon, and the Jammie Dodger.
The word ‘biscuit’ comes from the Latin panis biscotus, meaning ‘twice-cooked bread’. In Roman times, flour-based provisions were baked twice, to remove moisture, making them durable enough for long journeys. Ancient Egyptian sailors and Roman soldiers relied on these early biscuits as a portable, long-lasting food source.
The transformation from practical sustenance to sweet treat began around the seventh century, when Persian bakers added eggs, butter, cream, and eventually sugar and honey to their recipes, creating some of the earliest cookies in history. By the Middle Ages, biscuits had spread across Europe, with each region developing its own favourite.
The Industrial Revolution brought mass production to the biscuit world. British firms like McVitie’s, Huntley and Palmers, and Carr’s produced biscuits on an unprecedented scale. In 1831, Huntley and Palmers even invented the decorative biscuit tin, which not only kept biscuits fresh but also made them an attractive gift item.
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Small plates are better
How large are your dinner plates? If you replace 12” plates with 10” plates you could end up eating between 16 and 22 per cent less food. That could mean a loss of two stone over a year.
The study at Cambridge University concluded: “Helping people to avoid ‘over-serving’ themselves or others with larger portions of food or drink is likely to help reduce their risk of overeating.”
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National Smile Month – 11th May – 11th June
National Smile Month is 50 years old this year. It is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health, aiming to encourage people to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, to cut down on sugar, and to visit the dentist regularly. Organised by the British Dental Health Foundation, the website offers the following snippets:
Some fun facts about your teeth:
It takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile.
Some people pick their teeth with keys, earrings, bank notes and even screwdrivers!
The going rate given by the tooth fairy these days is £2 to £5
61% of us have been attracted to someone by their smile alone
24% of us would share our toothbrush with our partner, but only 6% of us would share our toothbrush with a celebrity (?!)
Two thirds of us have less respect for a boss with bad breath.
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Looking for old metal – and at least getting exercise
Here is a hobby that will give you great outdoor exercise – and might, just might, make you rich! Metal detecting is simple to start, and the actual machine is very affordable and easy to master. You can do it anywhere, from your own back garden to local pathways, to fields and even the beach.
People who do metal detecting are called ‘detectorists’. They hold on to the stem of a metal detecting machine which is in turn attached to the search head on the ground. This is swept from side to side in an arc as the detectorist walks along. When it passes over a buried metal object, a signal – a bleep – is relayed, usually via headphones, to the enthusiast. A hole is then dug to retrieve the treasure.
If you like the idea, but don’t want to try it alone, you might consider joining one of a number of clubs. Visit http://www.ukdetectornet.co.uk/clubs.html for a full list. Apparently Norfolk, Suffolk, Wiltshire and North Yorkshire are the best places to find treasure.
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by Tim Lenton
The Great Exhibition that started the V & A
Some 175 years ago, from 1st May to 15th October 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in The Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. More than 10,000 exhibitors attended what is regarded as the first World’s Fair.
Prince Albert was an enthusiastic promoter of the exhibition, which was described by some as a reaction to the successful French Industrial Exposition of 1844: he described it as a display of divine providence, though some religious writers took the opposite view, describing it as worldly and even ungodly with its emphasis on human achievement. Others welcomed it as an opportunity to evangelise.
Queen Victoria was an Exhibition enthusiast, visiting three times with her family and 34 times on her own. In fact, six million people – equivalent to a third of the population of Britain at the time – paid it a visit. The average daily attendance was 42,831, with a peak of 109,915 on 7th October. The Baptist preacher Thomas Cook, in a landmark achievement for his embryonic company, arranged travel there for more than 150,000.
The event made a surplus of £186,000 – worth about £30 million today. This was used to found the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.
The original Crystal Palace, constructed of cast iron and plate glass, was built specifically to house the Exhibition – consisting mainly of examples of technology developed in the Industrial Revolution. Designed by Joseph Paxton, it was three times the size of St Paul’s Cathedral and boasted the greatest area of glass ever seen in a building.
After the Exhibition, the Palace was rebuilt near the affluent South London suburb of Sydenham Hill and stood there until it was burnt down in November 1936. The nearby residential area was renamed Crystal Palace.
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The Rectory
St James the Least of All
My dear Nephew Darren
So, you are beginning to plan your first Summer Fete in your new parish. That you appear to be looking forward to it shows how little you know about them.
Parishes hold Summer Fetes so that their clergy can preach more meaningfully on purgatory. Their ostensible purpose is to raise money for the church – which is wholly illogical. The parish could double the money raised if the Fete were dropped, none of the endless preparations made, if everyone spent a pleasant afternoon in their own gardens and each person simply donated £20 to the church instead. But we still feel obliged to go to endless trouble, making ourselves miserable so we can show each other what a good time we are having. That it generally pours seems to make the entire event even more grimly satisfying.
No, the real reasons for a Summer Fete are twofold. First, it gives the entire parish the chance to inspect the Rector’s garden. Whatever state it is in, it will cause disapproval. If it is poorly kept, then I am clearly being ungrateful for having three acres of lawn to enjoy. Mowing it each week should be one of my delights; what else would I do with a whole day off each week anyway? The hand mower, kindly given by Colonel French is assumed to be quite adequate – and rumour has it that I need to lose weight anyway. The mower was presented to me when the Colonel bought his own gardener a sit-on motor mower – which is of a size and opulence that makes me assume it has a drinks cabinet and satellite navigation.
The second reason for a Fete comes as a special perk for the organisers. It gives them a chance to inspect the inside of the Rectory. Under the pretence of looking for a little more sugar, they can systematically inspect all the kitchen cupboards and comment on their contents. By the end of the day, the whole parish will know what marmalade I spread on my toast, that I use unnecessarily expensive washing powder, and where I have unsuccessfully tried to hide the gin.
The details of what then happens while the Fete is in progress must wait until my next letter, when we will have had our own. It is now time for Evensong, drinks with Major Mallet and his wife, and then a quiet evening with a good book, while I toy with other possible hiding places for the gin this year.
Your loving uncle,
Eustace
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BOOK REVIEW
Hallelujah! – The History of Contemporary Worship in 100 Songs
By Les Moir, SPCK, £19.99
From How Great Thou Art to The Blessing, Hallelujah invites you on a journey through 100 of the world’s most beloved worship songs – songs that have shaped church life and personal devotion over the last 50 years.
Inside, you’ll find the full lyrics to each song, along with the remarkable stories behind them: how they were written, what inspired them, and why they continue to resonate with worshippers around the world. Whether you’re rediscovering old favourites or exploring new ones, this book will deepen your appreciation for the songs that move your soul.
Each song entry also features a QR code, giving you instant access to:
– Classic and contemporary performances on YouTube
– Printable chord charts for every song, perfect for musicians and worship leaders
More than a songbook, Hallelujah is a companion for anyone who wants to understand, play, and live the worship they love.
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All in the month of May.
It was:
400 years ago, on 4th May 1626 that the Dutch explorer Peter Minuit arrived on the east coast of what is now the USA. He negotiated the purchase of Manhattan Island from the Lenape Native Americans for $24 worth of cloth and buttons. (Equal to about $1,150 today.)
300 years ago, on 25th May 1726 that the world’s first Circulating Library (lending library) was launched by Scottish poet and bookseller Allan Ramsay at his bookshop in Edinburgh.
250 years ago, on 4th May 1776 that Rhode Island became the first of the Thirteen Colonies to renounce allegiance to the British Crown and instead, to declare independence.
175 years ago, from 1st May to 15th October 1851 that the Great Exhibition was held in The Crystal Palace, Hyde Park. More than 10,000 exhibitors attended what is regarded as the first World’s Fair.
100 years ago, on 4th to 12th May 1926 that the UK’s General Strike was held. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) called a General Strike in support of 1.2 million coal miners. The strike lasted nine days, and had little effect.
90 years ago, on 7th May 1936 that British aviator Amy Johnson made the fastest-ever (at that time) solo flight from England to Cape Town.
Also 90 years ago, on 27th May 1936 that the RMS Queen Mary began her maiden voyage, sailing from Southampton to New York.
75 years ago, on 3rd May 1951 that the Festival of Britain and the Royal Festival Hall in London were opened.
Also 75 years ago, on 9th May 1951 that the Lake District National Park was established as Britain’s second national park.
Also 75 years ago, on 25th May 1951 that British spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean fled to Moscow. They were members of the infamous Cambridge spy ring.
70 years ago, on 24th May 1956 that the first Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland. It was won by Switzerland.
65 years ago, on 31st May 1961 that Michael Ramsay became Archbishop of Canterbury (until 1974).
60 years ago, on 6th May 1966 that the Moors Murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were sentenced to life imprisonment for killing five girls, aged 10 to 17.
40 years ago, on 9th May 1986 that Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa Tenzing), died. This Tibetan/Nepalese mountaineer had been with Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand when in 1953 they became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
30 years ago, on 30th May 1996 that the Duke and Duchess of York (Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson) were divorced after ten years of marriage.
15 years ago, on 2nd May 2011 that Osama bin Laden, Saudi Arabian-born terrorist, was shot dead by US forces in Pakistan. He was the founder of Al-Qaeda and is thought to have masterminded the 9/11 attacks on the USA.
10 years ago, on 31st May 2016 that Carla Lane, TV screenwriter, died. Best remembered for creating the sitcoms The Liver Birds, Butterflies, and Bread.
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Smile Lines
Notices found in church newsletters – that didn’t quite come out right!
Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of the vicar’s sermons.
The Rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing: ‘Break Forth Into Joy.’
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married last weekend in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their schooldays.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Ladies are requested not to have children in the church kitchen.
Don’t let worry kill you. Let the church help!
The organist invites any members of the congregation who enjoy sinning to volunteer for the choir.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick both of our church and the community.
Smile at someone who you find hard to love. Say ‘hell ’ to someone who doesn’t much care about you.
**
Seize the day
Today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be, so enjoy this day while it lasts.
**
I know
I’m not bossy. I just know what you should be doing.
**
Short-staffed
Two men were working for the town council. One would dig a hole and the other would follow behind him and fill the hole in. They worked up one side of the street, then down the other, then moved on to the next street, working furiously all day without rest, one man digging a hole, the other filling it in again.
An onlooker was amazed at their hard work, but couldn’t understand what they were doing. So he finally approached the hole digger, “I’m impressed by the effort you two are putting in to your work, but I don’t get it – why do you dig a hole, only to have your partner follow behind and fill it up again?”
The hole digger wiped his brow and sighed, “Well, I suppose it probably looks odd because we’re normally a three-person team. But today the guy who plants the trees called in sick.”
**
Look back
Someday we’ll look back on this, laugh nervously, and change the subject.
**
What the Bible really means….
A father was approached by his small son who told him proudly, “I know what the Bible means, Daddy.”
His father smiled “Okay. What does the Bible mean? “It’s easy, Daddy.” the young boy replied excitedly, “It stands for ‘Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.’
**
Breakable
There was a very gracious lady who was posting an old family Bible to her brother in another part of the country. “Is there anything breakable in here?” asked the postal clerk.
“Only the Ten Commandments,” answered the lady.
**
Morning prayer
“Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” And there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning.”
**
Money
There is the story of a minister who got up one Sunday and announced to his congregation: “I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building programme. The bad news is, it’s still out there in your pockets.”
**
What God is like
A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, “Boys and girls, what do we know about God?”
“He is an artist!” said the little boy.
“Really? How do you know?” the teacher asked.
“You know – Our Father, who does art in Heaven… “
**
Jubilant
After several synonyms had been given for the word jubilant, one little boy added: ‘Oh I know what it means now – it’s like jubilant delinquency!’
**
Golf
Golfer to caddy: “Why didn’t you watch where my ball went?”
Caddy to golfer: “I’m so sorry. Your ball doesn’t usually go anywhere, so this took me completely by surprise.”
**
Prodigal
Prodigal son – one who left his home behind but took everything else.
**
Who’s been good?
A father of five young children won a toy at a raffle. Back home, he called his children together to let them determine which one should have the present. “Who is the most obedient?” he asked. “Who never talks back to Mother? Who does everything she says?”
Five small voices answered in unison: “You, Daddy!”
**
Love
Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I drive by again?
**
Swear
You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.
**
Nine
I was meeting a friend in a restaurant and as I went in, I noticed two pretty girls looking at me. “Nine,” I heard one whisper as I passed. Feeling pleased with myself, I swaggered over to my buddy and told him a girl had just rated me a nine out of ten. “I don’t want to ruin it for you,” he said, “but when I walked in, they were speaking German.”
**
When technology goes wrong
The father of a family – who was a big-time techie – got his oldest daughter an iPhone for her birthday. He also got an iPad for his son. Later he bought an iPod for the youngest daughter. Then, when his wedding anniversary rolled around, he got his wife an iRon. That’s when things went wrong.
**
Geraniums
A man burst into a flower shop and urgently demanded two pink potted geraniums. The clerk explained that they did not have any, but could offer him African violets instead. ”No,” said the man sadly. “It was geraniums that my wife told me to water while she was gone.”
**
How to get rid of squirrels
Three churches in town were overrun with squirrels.
After much prayer, the elders of the Baptist church decided that the animals were predestined to be there. Who were they to interfere with God’s will? So, they did nothing, and the squirrels multiplied.
The elders of the Methodist church, deciding that they should not harm any of God’s creatures, humanely trapped the squirrels and then set them free outside of town. Three days later the squirrels were back.
It was the Anglican church which succeeded in solving the squirrel problem. The curate baptised the squirrels and registered them as members of the church. Now, they only see the squirrels on Christmas and Easter.
**
My decision-making skills closely resemble that of a squirrel crossing the street.
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