December/January 2017/18 Church …

Price 50p Parish News

Church of St Mary, Wexham

www.stmaryswexham.co.uk December/January 2017/18

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PRIEST IN CHARGE: The Rev’d Mary Kent The Rectory, 7 Grangewood, Wexham, SL3 6LP 01753 523852 Licensed Lay Minister: Mr E Kent 01753 523852 Churchwarden: Mrs S Edwards, 2 Church Grove, Wexham, Slough, SL3 6LF 01753 527410 PCC Treasurer: Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 PCC Secretaries: Mrs C. Elderfied, Mrs Y Hickman Parish Magazine Editorial Team: Mr E Kent The Rectory, 7 Grangewood, Wexham, Slough, SL3 6LP, 01753 523852 [email protected]; Mrs P Anderson 01753 533387;

NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00 am—Holy Communion - Common Worship Traditional Language (said) 10.00 am— Parish Communion - Common Worship Contemporary Language All Age Parish Communion—First Sunday in each month 4:00pm— Occasional Service of Evening Prayer

See Magazine Calendar page for details)

YOUNG CHURCH AND CRECHE: 10.00 am in the Church Hall Leader: Mrs S Horth 01753 551511 DIRECT GIVING: If you would like information on our Direct Giving scheme, or Gift Aid, please contact Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 CHURCH FLOWERS: For Wedding flowers and arrangements for special occasions, please contact Mrs J Boot 01753 520296

ORGANISATIONS MEN’S FELLOWSHIP meets for a meal and discussion on the last Thursday in each month. Contact Paul Horth—[email protected] MONDAY CLUB for elderly people Mondays 2p.m.to 4 p.m. Contact Mrs C Callaway 01753 731798 BINGO CLUB: Mondays at 8.00 pm Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974 TIDDLERS TODDLER GROUP: Thursdays 10.00 am - 12 Noon Leader: Mrs L Galvin 01753 518066 BROWNIE GUIDES: Thursdays 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Leader: Mrs B Neame 01753 733911 FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S: Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974

LOCAL CONTACTS:

WEXHAM COURT PARISH COUNCIL: (Slough, Berks, part of St Mary’s Parish) General Enquiries: Cllr Sandra Malik 07816 006824 Parish Hall booking Clerk: Mrs Lynne Cresdee 01753 574945 WEXHAM PARISH COUNCIL: (Wexham and George Green, Bucks, part of St Mary’s Parish) Clerk to the Council: Mrs Angela Galvin 01753 644887 WEXHAM, BUCKS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION: Chairman: Mr G Spring, 4 Brookside, George Green 01753 536977 GEORGE GREEN WI: Contact : Mrs J Boot 01753 520296 ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL - 01753 693461 www.stmaryswexham.co.uk

St Mary’s is an Anglican parish church which seeks to proclaim the Christian faith by sharing the love of Christ with those who enter its buildings and with all who live within the communities of Wexham and George Green .

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The season of Advent now draws us in to the new Church Year, a

time of expectation and hope but also with its own solemnity. We celebrate the

birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas but also remember his promise to return to this

world. Are we ready for this? What will we have to say to Him about the way we

have used God’s great gift of life? Are we letting Him come to us now, every day,

both as individuals and as the local Church, meeting together as He wishes?

It is wonderful celebrating his birth with time for family and friends and joyful

worship and relaxation, but, if we don’t carry the meaning of His birth in to daily

life, if we don’t allow His companionship to change us, then the joy of Christmas is

wasted, becomes as dull as the left-over turkey – and, worst of all, we won’t be

ready to meet Jesus when he comes to us again. Advent encompasses past,

present and future as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the world’s Saviour.

So, what is there to say? I am sure you have heard or

read many messages about looking for the real

meaning of Christmas, about not getting so caught up

in the busyness and glitz of our society that we miss

what the celebration is really about. Don’t get me

wrong; I still get excited by the glittering decorations

and the Christmas lights – I love it – but I am also aware of the presence of Christ

with me, sharing with me . I know that the pleasure of what I am seeing would be

nothing if there wasn’t that solid reality of the strong underlying faithful love of

God – God with me. Emmanuel, God is with us. That was the message of the

angels to those shepherds so long ago, that was what God showed the Hebrew

people when they struggled their way out of slavery to a new life of unaccustomed

freedom. That is what we need to escape the many things which seek to trap us

and limit our freedom to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

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Men’s Fellowship

There is no meeting in December. The next meeting will be on January 25th venue to be decided

Contact Paul Horth for details (01753 551511)

A good opportunity for relaxation, good company and good food as well as some challenging topics to talk about.

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Notices, News and Events

George Green Christmas Lights The switching on ceremony is on December 3rd at 4pm.

This is for real. I know it. I long for everyone else to know it as well. I know that

God longs for each one of us to have that personal knowledge of His love,

revealed through Jesus Christ, love which transforms our lives and gives us

meaning and purpose, which enhances the joy of living and consoles and

strengthens us to face the challenges and tragedies we encounter in life. So what

I want to say is this: God loves you, yes, God is for real and He loves you! And I

long and pray for Christmas joy for you this Christmas, the joy that enhances all

the pleasure of family and friends, the joy that enables us to support others and

give to the poor and the needy, the joy that strengthens us to do our bit to

transform our part of this needy world.

God bless you all this Christmastide. Mary

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Ribbon of Poppies 2018

Many you may have read about the ‘Ribbon of Poppies’ idea

that came from a group in Iver. The initial idea was for Scout

and Guide groups across the country to plant poppies so they

would flower next year in time for remembering the end of

the First World War. The idea has spread so that many

communities are planting seeds.

But the time for sowing seeds is now, although plugs can be planted in the Spring.

So a handy hint from Vicky; a way to spread seeds more easily, is to mix a packet of

seeds in a bucket of compost so they can be sown evenly.

A word of warning! You need permission to sow seeds in public areas but not of

course in your own garden.

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What is your Favourite Carol?

Having heard my first Christmas Carol at the beginning of November, too early for

me, I pondered on what we like to sing at Christmas.

After a straw poll after the morning service nine different carols were mentioned,

mostly in the BBC list below. In addition there were, ‘While Shepherds watched,

The first Noel and the Calypso carol.’ Top of the list came ‘ Once in Royal David’s

City. Someone said it is not Christmas until you hear that.

Notice that from the two lists, those that what we like to sing are different from

what we like to listen to.

And for something different -why not look at the YouTube version of We three

kings with a choir of camels doing the chorus in their own unique way. Search for

You tube Claymation We Three Kings.

And now for all those who have ever joined a choir to sing the Messiah or for

those who don’t realise all the hard work that is put in, a poem. TK

Classic FM 2016

(from 1 to 10)

Holy Night

Silent Night

In the Bleak Midwinter (G Holst)

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

O Come all ye Faithful

In the Bleak Midwinter (H Darke)

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Once in Royal David’s City

Carol of the Bells

Joy to the World

BBC List - Big Sing 2013

(not in any order)

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

In The Bleak Midwinter

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear

Joy To The World

O Come All Ye Faithful

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

O Holy Night

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Once In Royal David’s City

Silent Night

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Rehearsing The Messiah for Christmas When the weather is fine, then you know it’s a sign To rehearse The Messiah for Christmas. If you take my advice, there’s nothing so nice As rehearsing The Messiah for Christmas. There are minims and crotchets and quavers as well And dotted notes everywhere open as well, So take off your coat, reach for that high note And rehearse The Messiah for Christmas. The overture starts, and it’s three pages long Then the tenor breaks forth with some lyrics. So follow those dots, ‘coz there’s lots and there’s lots While the tenor continues his panegyric. And while every valley exalted shall be The chorus has not joined in yet, so you see Four more pages to follow, all those notes you must swallow To be in The Messiah for Christmas. The altos go first, they’ve three bars on their own Then everyone else joins in with them. So take a big breath, there’s a long way to go And concentrate – ‘else there’ll be mayhem. The con doctor is watching, her baton is raised, She hears a wrong note and her eyes appear glazed So sing out, sing loud, sing well and be proud When you do The Messiah for Christmas. Sing! Sing! More and more from the old ‘Watkins Shaw’ Make the music fly high to the rafters. Hallelujah is sung now, for afters. Rehearsal completed, our voices are tired, The tickets are printed and orchestra hired So, tell those you know, it will be a good show You’ll be doing The Messiah for Christmas! Kathryn Critchley Fowler (reproduced with permission)

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Young Church

Programme for December

December 3rd

This Sunday is Advent Sunday, looking forward to the time when Jesus will

come again and the gifts he has left to help us now. Today is an All Age

Service where we all be in church together.

December 10th and December 17th

On these two Sundays we will be talking about the Nativity Story and

preparing for the arrival of Baby Jesus on Christmas Day. We will be doing

lots of Christmas crafts and cooking so come and join us for lots of fun.

December 24th

Today is Christmas Eve when you will be getting excited about Father

Christmas coming later but why not come and join us in church at 10 am for

the Crib Service which is a shorter service without communion - this is when

you can help put the Stable together with all the animals and people who

where involved in the birth of baby Jesus. It is lots of fun so bring all the family.

December 31st

There is no Young Church this Sunday so you and your family are all

welcomed in Church at 10am

for Parish communion with

Young Church.

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7th January

This Sunday is Epiphany so we will celebrate the arrival of the Three kings with

their gifts with our Christingle service in the church hall at 10am. It is a lovely

service where you will get a Orange with a candle and sweets on it-so bring

your friends and family to it. It supports the Children's Society too.

14th January

Today we will be hearing about Jesus being Baptised through a story involving

a picnic. We will make a collage of the story all together to go on our Young

Church board and a Dove craft.

21st January

The story this week is Jesus’ first miracle. The Wedding at Cana. We will have

fun playing Tightrope game and Penguin game. You will be able to make your

own clay jug or pot to take home.

28th January

We will be talking about when we get angry, unhappy, frightened or sick Jesus

cares for and loves us all. As the bible story has pigs in, we will be making Pig

Cupcakes and “Jesus loves me” key rings.

Young Church Programme for January

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Sunday 3rd - Advent Sunday

8.00 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Parish Communion with Young Church

4.00 pm Advent Carol Service

Sunday 10th - 2nd Sunday of Advent


10.00 am Parish Communion

10.00 am Young Church in the Hall

Wed. 13th 7.00pm Communion at The Pines

Thur. 16th 10.30 am Toddler Service

Sunday 17th - 3rd Sunday of Advent




04.00 pm Carol Service

Wed 20th 10.30 am Carol Service at The Pines

Thu 21st Holy Communion at Oak House

Sunday 24th - Christmas Eve


10.00 am Crib Service

11.30 pm Midnight Mass

Monday 25th Christmas Day

10.00 am Parish Communion for all

Sunday 31st First Sunday of Christmas




4.00 pm Evening Worship

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Sunday 7th - Epiphany


10.00 am Christingle Communion with Young Church in the Hall

Wed 10th 7.00pm Communion at the Pines

Sunday 14th - 2nd Sunday of Epiphany




Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Begins

Thur. 18th 10.30 am Toddler Service

Sunday 21st - 3rd Sunday of Epiphany




Wed 24th 10.30 am Morning Praise at The Pines

Thu 25th Holy Communion at Oak House

Sunday 28th - (Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas)




4.00 pm Evening Worship

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Treasurer’s Corner. The third quarter of this 2017 year ending 30th September 2017 and again the

results have shown that we were just above budget. Also the total for 9 months

was almost the same as the previous year, only £400 lower.

The Direct Giving Scheme , our main source of income, continued to be down on

last year’s figures, and the total by the end of the year is estimated to be £2000

below last year’s total. This is the result of members leaving the scheme for a

variety reasons.

Expenditure In comparison with the same period last year was lower by £4000 ,

half of which was due to our Parish Share being reduced under the new re-

arrangement, the remainder was due to one off items non-recurring.

The program of Fund Raising is dependent on the Gingerbread Fair in November

and is essential to the targets set for the year. I look forward to many of you

attending the great occasion.

Brian Edwards

£0.0

£5,000.0

£10,000.0

£15,000.0

£20,000.0

£25,000.0

£30,000.0

£35,000.0

£40,000.0

£45,000.0

£50,000.0

March 31st June 30th Sept 30th Dec 31st

Budgeted income to31st December 2017

Actual Income to date

Month March 31st June 30th Sept 30th Dec 31st

Budgeted income to 31st December 2017 £ 10,782.00 £21,474.00 £30,222.00 £ 46,690.00

Actual Income to date £ 11,455.00 £22,703.00 £32,183.00 £ -

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Quotes and Stories from the Parish Pump Resource

Christmas cards

A friend of ours waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She knew

she had 49 people on her list, so she rushed into a shop and bought a package of

50 cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed the 49

and signed them without reading the message inside.

On Christmas Day when things had quieted down somewhat, she happened to

come across the one leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to

49 of her friends. Much to her dismay, it read like this: This card is just to say a

little gift is on the way. Suddenly she realised that 49 of her friends were

expecting a gift from her.

Facebook

Thank the Lord for Facebook. Otherwise I'd have to call 674 people today to tell

them I just went Christmas shopping.

Why Bethlehem?

A minister asked his Bible class: ‘Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem?’

A student replied, ‘Because his mother was there.’

Something to think about

The times we find ourselves having to wait on others may be the perfect

opportunities to train ourselves to wait on the Lord. - Joni Eareckson Tada

In Jesus Christ heaven meets earth and earth ascends to heaven. - Anon

Happiness is more than a grin on one’s face, it is the glory in one’s heart. - R.

Parlette

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An extra long quiz to keep you busy over the Christmas season. They are all titles of movies. Best set of answers will get a small prize, so give it a go. Extra copies of this page are available from Ted Kent

1 The fourth of July 12,3 ......................................................................... 2 Quiet sheep 7,2,3,5 ......................................................................... 3 Pop off, not soft 3,4 ......................................................................... 4 39 degrees at the weekend 8,5,5 ......................................................................... 5 Mucky twelve 3,5,5 ......................................................................... 6 An eight-hour day 4,2,4 ......................................................................... 7 Nutcase 6 ......................................................................... 8 Beautiful lady 6,5 ......................................................................... 9 Remember everything 5,6 ......................................................................... 10 Sneak out of the Big Apple 6,4,3,4 ......................................................................... 11 Celebrity battles 4,4 ......................................................................... 12 Pasture for nightmares? 5,2,6 ......................................................................... 13 Cabby 4,6 ......................................................................... 14 Spectre 5 ......................................................................... 15 Hi Barbie 5,5 ......................................................................... 16 Small large fellow 6,3,3 ......................................................................... 17 In on your own 4,5 ......................................................................... 18 Precious digit 10 ......................................................................... 19 Married lady, unsure, shoot 3,9 ......................................................................... 20 Strange pair 3,3,6 ......................................................................... 21 A tale of playthings 3,5 ......................................................................... 22 24 hours at Newmarket 1,3,2,3,5 ........................................................................... 23 Bad dream down tree road 9,2,3,6 ......................................................................... 24 Unlucky day 6,3,10 ......................................................................... 25 No 1 of not many 5,2,3,3 ......................................................................... 26 Dark flower 5,9 ......................................................................... 27 Textile weapon 3,6,4 ......................................................................... 28 A biped with a trunk 3,8,3 ......................................................................... 29 Passed his exams 3,8 ......................................................................... 30 Stretch a very long way 5,3,3,3 .........................................................................

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1. Eternal Triangle

2. Blank Cheque

3. Rub up the wrong way

4. Fiddler on the roof

5. Pat on the back

6. Missing the point or Point Taken

7. Waving Goodbye

8. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Answers to last months Dingbats

SMILE LINES

Camels

In a little girl’s Christmas drawing, two of the camels were approaching

the inn, over which was pictured a huge star. The third camel and its rider

were going directly away from it. ‘Why is the third man going in a

different direction?’ her mother asked. She replied, ‘Oh, he’s looking for

a place to park.’

**

Christmas presents

Catching her in the act, I

confronted our three-year-old

granddaughter. ‘Are you opening

your little sister’s presents?’ I

demanded. ‘No,’ she innocently

replied, ‘I'm just helping her learn

to share.’

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Advent Course reminder

The advent course starts on the 5th/6th December. This year various advent

themes will be explored.

Discovering how Jesus was rooted in Jewish history,

The role of wisdom and the bible,

The Guiding star

Emmanuel, God with us. (in January)

More details were in last month’s magazine.

Two alternative dates are available each week, a daytime one at the rectory and

an evening one including a meal at George Green, but make you sure book in for

this one.

Times of sessions

Tuesdays Evenings: 7pm at 16 August End, George Green SL2 6R

Wednesday Mornings:10.30am at The Rectory,7, Grangewood, Wexham SL3 6LP

Places for the evening sessions are limited so reserve your place on the sign up

sheet in church or contact Jill Bell by phone on 07812 741279 or by e mail

[email protected] or contact the Rectory 01753 523852

6th Dec 13th Dec 20th Dec 10th Jan

5th Dec 12th Dec 19th Dec 9th Jan

mailto:[email protected]

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A comment by the author on his poem. It is good that we celebrate Christmas in

midwinter. Yes, I know it is supposed to be rooted in the old pagan winter solstice

festivals, but there is rich symbolism in celebrating Christ’s birth at a time when

nature is at a low ebb. For God intervenes when humans are at a low ebb; Christ

breaks in when we are lost in the depths of our sin, and His new life brings us to the

bearing of verdant leaves and rich fruit.

Winter Trees

Winter trees, of growth denuded

Bow their heads to wind and snow

Bow towards a lonely stable

Unto which some shepherds go.

Trees that seem so cold and lifeless

Bow toward that heavenly glow.

In that shed, a new-born infant

Bathed in golden lantern’s light

Shepherds kneel in awe and wonder

At the gift of God this night.

E’en the trees so bare do whisper

Wondrous praises at that sight.

Winter trees will soon be verdant

When the winter turns to spring.

We, like them, can be as joyful

Death has lost its fatal sting.

For that babe within a manger

Brings good news of which we sing.

Glory be to God in Heaven

Glory be to God, we cry

For His gift, so freely given

His own precious Son to die.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

We can live with Him on high! By Nigel Beeton

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TRANSWORLD 2000

Worldwide Freight

Distribution

Unit 6, Planet Centre

Armadale Road

Feltham

Middlesex

TW14 0LW Telephone 020 3589 8164

DEADLINE FOR THE

FEBRUARY PARISH MAGAZINE:

Material for the February Parish Magazine must be with the Editorial Team by 17th January Magazines will be available from Sunday, 28th January. The PCC and the editorial team reserves the right to edit and shorten submitted material. Advertisers in the magazine are not necessarily known to the editorial team and the appearance of an advert does not carry an implied endorsement.

WEXHAM HALL ELDERLY PEOPLES’ CLUB

We welcome new members to our

Monday afternoon get together in St. Marys Church Hall

from 2pm to 4pm for an afternoon with tea, raffle and bin-

go, etc.

Plans for the coming year include outings, talks, quizzes,

exercise classes, a birthday party and a Christmas dinner.

Come and meet other local people and make new friends

Tel: 01753 731798 or 01753 554849 for further details

EVERYONE WELCOME

LUIGI AUTOCARE UK LTD CAR WASH

Telephone 01753 574999

Uxbridge Road

George Green

SL3 6AT.

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WEXHAM POST OFFICE

&

GENERAL STORES (Now with an off licence)

Tel: 01753 526284

Wexham Road, SL2 4HE

Near the Hospital

Roundabout

Groceries,

Bread, Milk, and

Alcohol.

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 9.00 am – 8.00pm

Saturday - 9.00 am—6.00 pm

Sunday - 10.00 am—4.00 pm

*** IMPROVED PARKING***

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Discovery Café

SOME OF THE EVENTS THIS YEAR

November - falling leaves. Thank you for all those who keep the churchyard tidy.

The Easter garden

Remembrance Day- the Brownies Poppy Cross

The Light Party - one of the activities

Cross Project with

Wexham School August Fun Day

December/January 2017/18 Church …

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