Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist · JOHN THE EVANGELIST Priest in Charge The Revd Canon Professor Robert Hannaford The Vicarage Thorncroft Gardens Workington Tel: 01900 61582

Parish Church ofSt. John the Evangelist

Washington Street, Workington

July 2017 Price 50p

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST

Priest in ChargeThe Revd Canon Professor Robert Hannaford

The Vicarage Thorncroft Gardens Workington Tel: 01900 61582The Church Wardens

Mr. D. J. Pearson Tel: 01900 605907 / 07849254190Mr. N. Glaister Tel: 01900 64639

Officers of the Parochial Church CouncilChairman: Priest in Charge Vice-Chairman: Mrs. P. EvansHon. Secretary: Mrs. U. Mitchell – Tel: 01900 871522Hon. Treasurer: Mrs. M. Rose – Tel: 01900 268312Electoral Roll Officer: Mr. M. Layfield – Tel: 01900 601932

Stewardship Recorder: Mrs. J. Cowin

Organist: Mr. E. Holmes Sacristan:

Dementia Enabler: Mrs B Layfield 01900 601932 / 07916323660 [email protected] Baptisms: Mrs B Layfield 01900 601932 / 07916323660 [email protected]: Mr. K. Bennett 01900 63592 / 07902222825

[email protected] Webmaster: Mr. M. Cowin [email protected] Website: www.stjohnsworkington.org.uk

CHURCH SERVICES

Sundays: Eucharist 8.00amSung Eucharist 10.00amJunior Church 10.00amHoly Baptism 4th Sunday 10.00am

Weekdays: Wednesday: Eucharist 11.00am

The Daily offices and additional celebrations of the Eucharistaccording to notice given.

Notice of Banns and Marriage to be given to the Priest in Charge.The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in Church and the Clergy are able to

take the Eucharist to the sick

Thank goodness it’s not very often that I have to begin a service by invitingeveryone to pray for a tragic and very public disaster, but this past few weekshas seen a number of such events. First there was the terrible terrorist attackin Manchester on 22nd May. A bomb was detonated in the foyer area of theManchester Arena just as people were leaving after a concert performed byAriana Grande, a singer especially popular with children. Tragically Twenty-three adults and children were killed and 119 were injured, 23 critically. Itseems fairly clear that this event was targeted because it would cause childcasualties. Soon after, on the 3rd June, just days before the General Election,there was a terror attack at London Bridge in the centre of London in whicheight people died and at least 48 people injured. Finally, as I write, pictures ofthe fire ravaged Grenfell Tower in London are plastered across theNewspapers and our TV screens. At this point upwards of eighty people aremissing, believed dead, with many others injured and rendered homeless. Weare told that the death toll is expected to rise.

We have been praying for all those affected by these events in Church, and Ihave little doubt that many of you will have been praying for them too. Prayerin such situations is a very natural and – even in our increasingly secularsociety – a common response to crisis and challenge. Prayer is a naturalexpression and outpouring of our shared humanity and of our kinship withother human beings. While Grenfell Tower was still burning, people began tooffer help and support: donating money, clothes, food and other forms ofsupport, including offers of accommodation. Even in a world which seems sodark with human greed and injustice (not the least the injustice whichrelegates some to poor and unsafe housing) our God-given shared humanityhas the capacity to transcend differences in wealth, race, religion and culture.It is this same human kinship which also compels us to prayer for others,including those we have never met.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray he told them to say ‘Our Father’ andto ask the Father to ‘forgive us our sins’. Christian prayer, which means theprayer that Jesus forms within us, is always prayer which acknowledges andexpresses our kinship with the rest of humanity. St Cyprian, a great preacherin the Ancient Church, noted this about the Lord’s Prayer: ‘Our prayer ispublic and common, and when we pray, we pray not for one person, but forthe whole people, since we, the whole people, are one.’ (Cyprian’s Treatiseon the Lord’s Prayer)Christians are not better human beings than those whodo not share their faith. They are, rather, those who acknowledge gladly thatthey, together with all their brothers and sisters, are children of God.

In prayer we rise above the sin which leads us to ignore, distort or abuse ourcommon human kinship. Those who seek to murder and destroy human lifeindiscriminately and supposedly in the name of God are working against God.Killing out of hatred for others who differ is a malignant and demonicdistortion of our humanity. The same too may be said of any society which soarranges itself that the poor and the marginalised are ignored or treatedunjustly. In contrast to this Christ established His Church as a sign andsacrament of our shared humanity: ‘May they may all be one; even as thou,Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the worldmay believe that thou hast sent me.’ (John 17:21) When we pray for others,especially those in need and difficulty, we bear witness to God’s plan to uniteall things in heaven and earth in Christ. (Ephesians 1:10)

Fr Robert

BAPTISMS“We welcome them into the Lord’s family”

28tth May Layla Victoria Routledge, 54 Peter Street, Workington

Ashton Carl Jay Kennedy, 21 Warwick Place, Workington

Bryden Lee Kennedy, 21 Warwick Place, Workington

11th June Alis Josephine Fooks-Witty, 58 Guard Street, Workington

WEDDING“All I have I give to you”

10th June Jason Andrew Glaister and Rachel Lindow Bryant

FLOWER FUNDTreasured memories of a beloved husband and father, Gilbert Rothery (7th July), loved and missed always from Doreen Rothery, Allison & Stephen; In loving memory of a beloved mother and grandmother, Elizabeth Martin Smith (1st July), always in our thoughts from Doreen Rothery, Allison & Stephen; In remembrance of my parents and sister, Ann Head from Katherine;

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Uniformed Organisations Monday Explorer Scouts 7.00pm Tuesday Brownies 4.45pm Thursday Beavers 5.45pm

Cubs 7.00pm Scouts 6.45pm (Ashfield Junior School) Women’s Fellowship Tuesday 2.00pm Women’s Group 2nd Tuesday 7.30pm Grand Tots Friday 9.00 – 11.00am Junior Church Sunday 10.00am (School Term Time)

WOMEN’S GROUPWe had a lovely day out last month to Crofton Cheese Farm. First port of callwas The Craggs at Bothel for lunch, which was well worth the visit for thegood home cooked food. The visit to the cheese farm was very interesting andincluded sampling the cheeses at the end of the visit, and buying some to takehome. Thanks Janet for organising the day out.

Not sure if we have anything organised for July but if anyone has a sugges-tion I’m sure we could get together

STEPPING OUTSometimes, I am put to shame by my Muslim and Jewish friends. They are somuch more disciplined than I in the observance of their faith.

One Muslim friend for example recently concluded the observance of Ra-madan, which required her to fast for up to nineteen hours a day, dependingon the number of hours of daylight each day.

Coming from an extremely hot country she has confided how trying this canbe. For the past three years however she has observed Ramadan in this coun-try as she is studying for her PhD at Glasgow University, which is a lot coolercompared to her home country.

During the month of Ramadan recently she was in Edinburgh following spe-cialist courses there with a bearing on her particular field. Time was of theessence and so there was no let-up in terms of concentrating on her researchdespite having to fast and at times very hot weather. Yet she lost no time,when the programme she was on at Edinburgh University, which coincided

with Ramadan, came to an end on June 8, and hared back to Glasgow just intime to vote there. A Jewish friend, with whom I did a joint thesis for ourMaster's degree many moons ago, is equally disciplined. I always give herthe credit for our having successfully completed our thesis and handed it inon time. Had I undertaken it on my own I might still be working on it! Be-cause of our having to work within the confines of her religious observance,which left very little time to do so on top of our other academic requirements,we could not afford to be lax in the use of our time.

The final six weeks before we submitted our thesis I lived with my friend andher husband so saw first-hand how her religious adherence permeated her en-tire life. For example, shabbat (from sundown on Friday to sundown on Sat-urday) meant doing no work. So any cooking had had to be completed before-hand. And, she did not use the telephone or drive during that time.

It would be a mistake to suppose that either my Muslim friend or my Jewishfriend is a sober sides. Both taught me much about living life to the full, andhave the most infectious laughs. Yet we tend to think that Muslims and Jewsare very legalistic Legalism can occur whatever one's faith including withinChristianity. Jesus warned people in his day against it when referring to theletter, as opposed to the spirit, of the law.

In recent weeks and months there have been a number of horrendous incid-ents which can cause us to lose sight of this, and perhaps prompt us to seekrefuge in a holy huddle, repudiating what others may have to offer. Yetfriendship is such a powerful way to forge greater understanding, toleranceand mutual respect. And in my life my friends of other faiths have frequentlybeen amongst the first to give my family and myself a helping hand in timesof trouble.

Growing up, songs like that from The Sound of Music ('Whenever I am afraidI whistle a little song') or a Disney film ('Give a little whistle') gave me thecourage I needed at times in difficult circumstances. Now I find strength fromthe apostle John in his first epistle, who reassures us that 'Perfect love castsout fear'. We ourselves may still be on a steep learning curve in practisingthis edict, but need to step out in faith.

So, this July I will be heading for Marlborough for a major family celebra-tion, which will entail a lengthy cross-country train journey with severalchanges (which I find stressful enough). I shall be keeping in mind the 23rdPsalm, as I travel, which promises us that the Lord is our shepherd, with allthat that implies. (Penelope Elias)

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Community Services Workington LibraryVulcans Lane. Workington.CA14 2ND Tel 01900 706170Email: [email protected]

Are you living with or caring for someone who has been diagnosed with Dementia? Cumbria’s Library Service have a range of Resource Bags which are specifically designed for people with dementia and contain activities, pictures and other items to share and talk about. The bags can be enjoyed and stimulating for both the carerand the person with dementia helping promote well- being and increasing their quality of life. Each bag is individually themed with titles including, 1950’s Childhood, The 60’s, Back to the 70’s, World of Work, Name that Tune and Shopping. They are available in nearly all of the libraries and can be requested to collect from your library of choice if they are not stocked in one near you. They are free to use and borrowed on the same basis as books and can be kept for up to three weeks at a time. There are also a range of books aimed at providing support and information to people living with or caring for someone with dementia. These include Books on Prescription which are recommended and endorsed by health professionals and provide information, advice and personal stories to support relatives and carers and those living with dementia.Also available are reminiscence boxes which contain items, books and artefacts of years ago. The memories of people with dementia often remain intact so recalling these memories can be an enjoyable experience whilst being hugely therapeutic. The boxes are specifically for residential homes and groups to enjoy and share. If you are interested in loaning the bags, books or reminiscence boxes or need further information, please contact Elaine Lewis, Community Services Officer on

01900 706189/ 07900 053041 or email [email protected]

WHY is someone who is feeling great 'on cloud nine'?BECAUSE Types of clouds are numbered according to the altitudes they attain, with nine being the highest cloud. If someone is said to be on cloud nine, that person is floating well above worldly cares

Thank you to the following people who have sponsored slates as part of our roof appeal.

E TukeP NorburyM LayfieldS BellW LewisD & S MurphyJ AtkinsonC HumesB L McGeeB PearsonC HannafordM Beeby

J TarbitB MurrayJ BrownD AskewFr R HannafordVen Dr & Mrs R D PrattM PyneN GlaisterD WilliamsKirchen Choir (Selm)D LangbridgeE Holliday

There are still slates left if you want to join in & sponsor a slate.

WALKING TREASURE HUNT followed by Sandwiches and Chips in the

Community HallSUNDAY 2nd JULY at 6 p.m.

Cost: £5 Adults £2.50 Children

For your Diary

STRAWBERRY TEA and TABLE TOP SALESATURDAY 12th AUGUST - 2 p.m.

£4 for Strawberry tea(Anyone wanting a table please contact the

Churchwardens - £5 per table)

ST JOHN’S ROOF REPAIRSOver the last few years, it has become obvious during periods of bad weather,that all is not well with our roof. Following an architect’s inspection which described re-slating the roof as urgent, the PCC decided that action was needed. At the time this was happening, the Chancellor of the Exchequer initiated a new grant scheme, specifically designed to help fund urgent roof repairs. TheChurch decided to apply for the maximum grant allowed under this scheme – the Listed Places of Worship Roof Fund – and were amazed and delighted when the maximum award of £100 000 for St John’s was announced.The terms of the grant meant that St John’s congregation had to find approximately £40 000 to make up the total cost of the work, which will replace half the roof. This is clearly only Phase 1, as the other half of the roofwill need renewing and there are also problems with the windows and the tower. Fund raising was launched in October 2016, with a “sponsor a slate” initiative and the setting up of a 50-50 Club, which is currently raising around£500 per year. Other donations have been received from local businesses and individuals and we are very grateful for these. Various fund-raising events have taken place – an Art Exhibition, a Burns’ Night Supper, several concertsand coffee mornings. We are open to suggestions for any future events. Thereis still a lot of work needed if we are to meet our fund-raising target.The project has now reached the stage where it is possible to start work on the roof very soon. It is hoped that the scaffolding will start to go up late in June or early in July and the re-slating work will begin a couple of weeks later. During the summer, access to the Church will be slightly restricted, but all doors will be in use as normal. The contractors are committed to allowing the church to carry on its business as usual. Car parking at the front of churchwill not be available while the work is in progress.

SOUNDWAVE COMMUNITY CHOIRWe meet every Wednesday from 1 - 3 p.m. and are looking to recruitnew members. The choir is for all ages and abilities and the mainemphasis is on enjoyment. If you love to sing and enjoy meetingpeople please come along and join us.Just turn up at the Soundwave building on Wilson Street,Workington or, for further information, ring Claire on 07970297275.

Please spread the word.

JULY DIARY Sun 2nd TRINITY 3

8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist 6.00pm Walking Treasure Hunt around town (see notice)

Mon 3rd 9.30am Eucharist – St. Thomas, ApostleWed 5th 11.00am EucharistThurs 6th 1.30pm Toddler Town Nursery rehearsal in HallFri 7th 6.00pm Dramarama Concert (see poster)Sun 9th TRINITY 4

8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist and Baptism (James Isaac Cowin}

Tues 11th 10.00am Eucharist – St. Benedict (Abbot and Patron of Europe)Wed 12th 11.00am EucharistThurs 13th 12.30pm Toddler Town nursery Graduation Day in HallSun 16th TRINITY 5

8.00am Eucharist10.00am Sung Eucharist

Wed 19th 11.00am Eucharist Sun23rd TRINITY 6 8.00am Eucharist (Rev. John Cook)

10.00am Sung Eucharist (Rev. John Cook)Wed 26th 11.00am Eucharist (Rev. John Cook)

(Sts Anne and Joachim, parents of BVM)Sun 30th TRINITY 7

8.00am Eucharist (Rev. Malcolm Stilwell)10.00am Sung Eucharist (Rev. Malcolm Stilwell)

SAT 12th AUGUST Strawberry Tea and Table Top Sale (more information to follow)

Deadline for August Magazine Articles is Sunday 23rd July(Keith Bennett 01900 63592 or 07902222825 or [email protected])