Parish Magazine November 2020...St Mary’s Church, Bromley Parish Magazine November 2020 61 College Road Bromley BR1 3QG Minimum donation 75p Join us for Messy Church craft, games,

St Mary’s Church, Bromley Parish Magazine

November 2020 61 College Road Bromley BR1 3QG

www.stmarys-bromley.org.uk Minimum donation 75p

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craft, games, worship and food.

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from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Warwick Hall This is an all age event aimed mainly at families with

primary school age children. So as long as you have not grown up too much you will enjoy it along with everyone else!

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Rachel’s ordination at St George’s Beckenham on Saturday 26th September with family. See full article page 7.

Welcome to the November edition of the Parish magazine One of the knock on effects of the pandemic appears to be that Christmas in the shops has been moved from September to a much more respectable October. I still think that is too early (December 1st in my book is about right), but at least most of us won’t be punch drunk on Christmas advertising by early autumn. With that in mind, please send any contributions for our December issue to Jo Clark so the next edition can be full of your thoughts and activities, to take us into 2021. Elaine Wakefield.

This month’s editor : Elaine Wakefield Editor for December 2020: Jo Clark Copy date: Tuesday 10th November 2020

Please support the editors by giving articles and notices to them by the copy date.

If you wish to make payment for the magazine online the bank details are: Sort Code 09 01 51 Account 27769404 (St Marys Plaistow Parish Magazine) Monthly cost 75p Annual cost (10 months) £7.50 Postal service (10 months plus 2nd class postage cost) £14.00 A free pdf copy is available from Elaine Wakefield at [email protected].

Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various par-ticipants in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Editors.

CHURCH OPENING TIMES

Monday Grace Café/Drop-in Wednesday Thursday

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Table of Contents Vicar’s Article ......................................................................................... 1 Churchyard Gardening ........................................................................... 3 Revd Alison Tyler ................................................................................... 4 APCM ..................................................................................................... 6 Rachel’s Ordination ................................................................................ 7 Letter to the Editor ................................................................................ 8 Choir & Music at St Mary’s .................................................................... 10 Mothers’ Union Matters ........................................................................ 13 William Temple-Archbishop of Canterbury ............................................ 15 Renewal for Church ............................................................................... 17 Refugee Bakers feed People .................................................................. 19 Advent ................................................................................................... 20 Worship Diary ........................................................................................ 21 All Souls’ ................................................................................................ 22

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Vicar’s Article

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

November is a time to bring to mind people who have died. At the beginning there is All Souls where we remember those who are dear to us even though their time with us is over. On Remembrance Sunday with think of our national life and the people who gave their lives in time of war. Death is a great reality and having an opportunity to express this is very im-portant. Remembering continues to give value to people, create a place to do this and express how they have made us and the world we live in now. This opening description might seem tidy but what may start as a defined act of remembrance grows as the reality of death is encountered in our experience. St. Mary’s has an annual All Souls service and the immediate expression is to be with people who have lost loved ones recently. There will be the families of funerals conducted by St. Mary’s or the bereaved in our midst, whose grief we wish to respect. But grief is long and a recent bereavement may bring back mourning from previous losses too. So all people we wish to remember can be included. Remembrance Sunday grew out of the huge trauma and loss of life in the First World War. It went on to include the even greater experience of death and destruction that was the Second World War. Since then there have been further wars. Remembering the fallen has now included a desire to include working for peace which is expressed by white poppies being available as well as red ones. This year has seen several other dimensions of death to be acknowledged. With the Covid-19 pandemic a larger number of people have died, life has been immensely disrupted and there is no clear end in sight. With the death of George Floyd the injustices in society and history towards black people have been expressed and the Black Lives Matter movement has been launched. To these can be added the serious poverty in our nation whereby there is hunger and homelessness that threaten life There have been special initiatives during this pandemic to focus on people who suffer in this way.. All of this may sound very bleak if not morbid. But there are a number of

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The Vicar’s Day off is Friday

Alan Keeler

things to bring to mind. Events such as All Souls and Remembrance Sunday are public and so we share our expression of what death means with our community. Death is part of all our lives and the pain we have is shared and respected in an open way. In doing this we give value to those who we have lost. We feel pain in the ab-sence of the people who have been so dear to us. That costly emotion is something we face and in doing so find a new way to live with their value to us. Even in my daily prayers, as well as remembering those presently dear to me I frequently bring to mind those I have lost. The Bible speaks of their be-ing a great cloud of witnesses and we believe in a communion of saints. In addition there are serious issues to deal with that are about life and death. How do we conduct our relations with other nations? How do we respect the people in our society who are not given full respect? How do we care for peo-ple so they can be kept from destitution and that all should have the necessi-ties to live? In its way such issues bring in something absolute, something of God. So how do we talk of God? For some he is a last resort when all else has

failed. In his mercy he is content with that and welcomes us all with generos-

ity. In our experience of death in life God is present to bring hope so that all

will not be bleak or morbid. He heals us when we hurt. He gives a vision so

that the past is valued and there is guidance for the future. In our Christian

Faith there is the sure and certain hope of the resurrection. But even more

there is the presence of God now so that life will be abundant for all.

Best wishes

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CHURCHYARD GARDENING Last Autumn we had a number of enjoyable and productive work parties and are looking to do some more this year. Life is more complex with Covid re-strictions and even thought the churchyard is big people will naturally still mix so we are going to adhere to the Rule of Six. If you would like to participate please will you book in with Maria Staines beforehand (07932 637002 text or WhatsApp is best). Please come along with suitable tools and a mug and spoon for some soup and chat at the end (socially distanced of course!). In November these will be running: Tuesday 3 November 3.30 – 5.00 pm Saturday 14 November 10.00 – 11.30 am

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Keeping going is very tough…… in different ways for all of us during these Covid times, es-pecially keeping strong and sustaining faith, and hope, and prayer. Even more difficult now we have new regula-tions and changes to take on board. How do we build in spiritual support for ourselves, or know what works? It will certainly not be the same for each of us. I find poetry immensely helpful; it stretches the brain and exercises the imagination – but other people really don’t. Some people listen to classical music, some to jazz, or rock and roll, others to hymns or choral evensong, I like plainsong. During the early lockdown, unusually for me, I read a lot of theology and it really changed some of my perspectives. I have been exploring some different, so called ‘spiritual activities’ to expand

possible coping strategies for spiritual survival, and to try new things for de-

velopment. I have a friend who does very delicate stitched Japanese style re-

sists for dyeing patterns into cloth. Lines and lines of small stitches are appar-

ently ideal for meditation, your fingers kept rhythmically busy, whilst your

spirit soars. This one does not work for me.

But the ‘Time to Pray’ phone app is great, Morning and Night Prayer every

day on the phone. You can use it anywhere and it’s not too long or confusing.

A lovely calming meditative thing to do is sit and look at a plant or a flower, or

favourite family photo, or light a candle and just sit in the candlelight breath-

ing slowly in and out, for 5 or 10 minutes, offering simple prayer. In the Mid-

dle Ages the pointed candle flame became symbolic of folded hands raised in

prayer and it remains a soothing image.

Gardening works for me too, especially planting seeds and taking cuttings,

the generosity of their responses matches God’s generosity in creation - too

amazing to fully comprehend. And of course we plant in the hope that we will

see flowers or veg in profusion in due course.

It is hard to do, but a regular daily pattern of prayer really helps, just because

days begun, centred and ended in conscious awareness of God’s presence

work better – nothing long or complicated. We are just more aware of, and

open to the Spirit at work within us and the day’s activities go better, if we

pray about them.

When we are trying to support our spiritual life and growth, we look for ways

to build into the day or the activity, as many ways of being aware of God and

reminded of God’s presence as we can.

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We can perhaps, with a friend or even several friends possibly agree a time and pray together regularly, but apart in our own homes, becoming prayer companions for each other. There is a school of thought that encourages us to find creative and beautiful writings to meditate on to keep us positive. We will all value different ones, but some have been favourites of Christians for many generations like Psalm 62: For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken. Or Matthew’s gospel (11.28-30) ‘Come to me all who are weary and are heavy laden……’ Scripture can be a wonderful source of comfort and confidence building. As is

one of John Donne’s sermons which provides a memorable quote for this

time of year. He said, ‘In heaven it is always Autumn for God’s mercies are al-

ways in their maturity’. He also said ‘He will bring your Summer out of Winter

even though you have no Spring’ as way of telling us how limitless God’s

power is when confronted by disaster.

We all quite probably have favourite passages of scripture or classic spiritual

writings, and have promised ourselves more time with them, being locked

down is that opportunity to read them again or even for the first time.

I read some of Julian of Norwich when I was ill in bed years ago and it has re-

mained with me as a source of strength thereafter, especially when she says “

He did not say, you shall not be tempest tossed, you shall not be work weary,

you shall not be discomforted. But He said, you shall not be overcome. God

wants us to heed these words so that we shall always be strong in trust, both

in sorrow and in joy.”

I still feel lifted up by her confidence.

It is really especially important to try not to look for bad news and negative

things to read, or to focus on them if we find them, because they can so eas-

ily take over and lower our mood. We can try and mould or lift our thinking

by our reading and listening - so we should look out for things of joy to read,

look at and listen to. Think of all the fun we have had with Peter’s daily

emails, a treasury of things to do, to read and to listen to. We should not try

and convince ourselves that we are not in difficult times we will not believe it.

Rather we should look honestly at all the difficulties and then try to remind

ourselves of the good things that God has done for us.

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Paul said to the Philippians : "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are

true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever

things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good

report; if there be any praise, think on these things”

This is an excellent strategy for our times as well.

Revd Alison Tyler

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APCM Last Sunday we had a good meeting. Clem Sutton gave a full report of parish activities. Jill Atkinson spoke warmly of the financial support from the congre-gation that remains strong. We gave thanks and presents to Clem Sutton and Sally Adcock who are stepping down after serving as out Church Wardens for five and four years. We thanked Keith Nye for his service over many years on the PCC. We also recognized Richard Handforth’s faithful service which in terms of public ministry has now ended. It is good to have all but one post on the PCC filled. But we are still short of two Church Wardens and hope that the good work of Clem and Sally can be taken up and the ministry of St. Mary’s supported.

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What a difference a year makes Just 12 months ago Rochester Cathedral was filled to capacity for the ordination of Priests and later in the day ordination of Deacons. Rachel Archer was amongst those being or-dained Deacon. What a joyful weekend it was with so much celebration that included friends and family from all areas of her life and from all corners of the world On September 26th this year Rachel was or-dained Priest with Amanda Spence and Daniel Whiffen in St George's Church Beckenham.Bishop Simon and the Archdeacon led the service. Although only a few people could be present it was nevertheless a very special service and the next step for Rachel, Amanda and Daniel on their journey as Priests. The service was live streamed

and watched at home by those un-able to be present because of re-strictions. After the photo-graphs we adjourned to ASK for a celebratory meal together. The next day was again very special as Rachel was leading her first ser-vice of Holy Communion as Priest in the United Benefice of Cudham and Downe where she will continue to serve her curacy with Rev John

Musson as her training incumbent. Friends were there from St Mary's, St Nicholas, St Joseph's St Pauls and as far afield as friends from Newcastle and Melton Mowbrey. Again because of re-strictions only a few of us could be present at the service but others were able to watch at home. Rachel was given a very warm welcome from the incumbent and the parish-ioners. Sadly we were not able to mingle after the service but some of us did enjoy lunch together in a very nice local public house. Anthia Page.

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A view from the pew

Letter to the Editor

Please note that everyone is welcome to all events.

What is Sunday all about? Sunday is difficult to put a handle on. It is the first day of the week for Jews and some Muslims. It is the seventh day of the week according to ISO 8601 (International Organisa-tion for Standardisation). It is a day of rest and recreation in most West-ern countries, a part of the week-end. In some Eastern countries Sun-day is a weekday. The week of seven days was intro-duced to Rome from Egypt during the first and second centuries. Sun-day was called after the Sun god of

paganism – the source of life, giving light and warmth to humans. Christians happily adopted the theme. St Jerome declaring “if pagans call it Sunday, we willingly agree, for today the light of the world is raised, today is revealed the sun of justice with healing in his rays.” St Francis sang in his famous canticle: “Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day, and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splen-dour! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.” While some Christians – Seventh Day Adventist, Seventh Day Baptist and

Church of God (Seventh-Day) denominations – observe the Jewish Shabbat

Sabbath (Saturday) as their sacred day, most Christians have followed the in-

junction of Rome’s first Christian Emperor, Constantine, who (in 321) decreed

that “On the venerable Day of the Sun, let people residing in cities rest, and

all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agricul-

ture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits.” Forty years later (in 363)

the Council of Laodicea prohibited observance of the Jewish Sabbath

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(Saturday) and encouraged Christians to work on Saturday and rest on the Lord’s Day (Sunday). For Christians there is a wide variation in observance of Sabbath rituals and restrictions, but some cessation of normal weekday activities is customary. Many observe Sunday as a day of church-attendance. There is also the concept of the sabbatical year, a year of rest, usually the sev-enth year, which is described in the early part of the Old Testament. Nowa-days it is used for an extended break from normal work – a sabbatical. Maybe that is what some of us have been forced into taking in 2020. A break from normal activities, a time for considering priorities. Or maybe it is just that we are brought up with a jolt, realising that humans don’t have power over everything. And then we can relax, breathe, and start again. New goals, new timetable, new criteria for setting targets. Or is it simply……

Peter Fall

Miscellaneous observations on growing as a Christian God isn't looking for perfect people. He is looking to perfect people. – John Hileman The finest test of character is seen in the amount and the power of gratitude we have. - Milo Gates There are some of your graces which would never be discovered if it were not for your trials. - C H Spurgeon Growth is not the product of effort, but of life. - Augustus Strong

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Choir and Music at St Mary’s

In a small way we have started singing again at St Mary’s. From the beginning of October there has been a group of about six who have sung during the administration of communion at the morning service. The piece of music has sometimes been a hymn and sometimes a short anthem. However, taking into account their limited rehearsal time, their six month lay-off from choral singing and a willing but unbalanced choir, the outcome has been surprisingly well received. Their efforts have been enhanced by the sympathetic playing and encouragement of our organists.

The singers are volunteers from among the 20 or so singers on the choir reg-ister. Many have had to rule themselves out for a variety of reasons – safe-guarding themselves or a member of their household being a common cause. The singers are taking some risk, though these are minimised as much as pos-sible by distancing and hygiene. They must not sing loudly, for fear of projecting virus carrying droplets even further. They must not “mingle” – particularly with the rest of the congrega-tion. There is no weekly Thursday evening choir practice at present, their re-hearsal time is just the 15 to 20 minutes before each service.

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However, the response of the congregation has been encouraging and a debt of gratitude is due to the folk who have knowingly undertaken the risks in-volved. They are once more leading the worship at St Mary’s in a seemly and tuneful manner. But they still miss “singing out with a cheerful voice”, as do all churchgoers for the time being. Peter Fall

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There has been an outpouring of compassion and care during the crisis from our hospital workers and our delivery drivers, our carers and cleaners and our refuse collectors and bus drivers. However, this has not come without some cost. Because of their personal sacrifices, quality family time has not always been possible for these key workers. Families and supporting family life have always been at the heart of MU work, recognising the importance of making time to step away from the stresses of everyday life, reconnect and create memories. Enhancing wellbeing is essen-tial to healthy lives and healthy families. This is why Mothers’ Union is extending its existing Away From It All Pro-gramme (AFIA) to say a special “thank you” to key workers in these unprece-dented times. We can help MU to say a heartfelt “thank you” to families of key workers who have continued to go above and beyond in helping others during the Covid-19 pandemic. MU are gifting activity hampers, experience days or short breaks (taking place in 2021) for families of key workers to help rebuild con-nections and togetherness. In particular, some have been kept apart or are on low incomes, and would never be able normally to have times like these with their families.

Mothers’ Union Matters

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We know that there are many appeals from charities in present circum-stances, and Mothers’ Union is not exempt from its own financial pressures, but this appeal is help those who have helped the rest of us. To return love and compassion to those who have either directly or indirectly provided sol-ace and comfort to those whose family could not. £20 would provide a key worker and family with a fun-packed hamper to re-connect over good food, fun and games. £50 would enable a key worker and family that are struggling have quality family time on a great day out. £120 could provide a family with a full day out or short break, creating lasting memories. You can donate via the Mothers’ Union website; you can nominate a key worker; or a key worker themself can apply on the website. In 2019 MU helped 1,100,000 people worldwide. You can help the Mothers’ Union reach even more in this traumatic year of 2020.

War and Peace

War is not a new thing It’s been here from the start, When Cain slew brother Abel And their lives were torn apart.

Brother still fights brother And nations go to war, It seems these things will never end Perhaps we need to ask ‘what for?’

Man has chosen his own path Where might and power tell, But God desires a better way Where harmony and peace can dwell.

And so a time will come at last When all man’s rule will cease, Emmanuel will come to reign, Our Lord and Saviour, Prince of Peace.

By Megan Carter

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November 6th William Temple: Archbishop of Canterbury During the Second World War, Winston Churchill was Britain’s Prime Minister. At the same time, William Temple was Archbishop of Canterbury. While Chur-chill led the country against Germany, Temple encouraged the British people to trust the Lord for their deliverance and strength. Like Churchill, Temple was a great leader, a gifted orator and a prolific writer. He was also a theologian and social activist. Temple was born on 15th October 1881 in Exeter, Devon. He was educated at Rugby School and Balliol College, Oxford, from 1900 to1904. He loved the music of Bach; the poetry of Browning and Shelley, and Shakespeare. He was an avid reader and possessed a near-photographic memory. He became president of the Oxford Union and after graduation, was a lec-turer in philosophy at Queen's College, Oxford. He was a member of the de-bating society and was a skilled and balanced debater. Following his ordina-tion in 1909, and priesting in 1910, Temple was headmaster of Repton School for four years. He married Frances Anson in 1916. They were childless. From 1921-29 Temple was Bishop of Manchester. During this time he was seen as a pioneer of the Ecumenical Movement and gradually became a na-tional figure. In 1926 he urged the British government to seek a negotiated agreement to the General Strike.

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Temple excelled as a moderator; a teacher and a preacher and his appoint-ment as Archbishop of York (1929-40) was a popular one. His influence also led to the formation of the British Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. During the 2nd World War he jointly founded the Council of Christians and Jews to combat anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice in Britain. As Archbishop of Canterbury (1942-44) Temple became an outspoken advo-cate of social reform and became involved in the campaign against unem-ployment, poverty and poor housing. He believed in the rights of all people, whether rich or poor, and was a leading force for social justice. He was grounded in the problems of the working man and in his book Christianity and Social Order (1942) he shared his vision for all to have access to health-care, education and decent housing. His radical thinking and activism played a foundational role in the formation of the British Welfare State. Temple died aged 63 at Westgate-on-Sea, Kent on 26th October 1944. He was the first Primate of All England to be cremated and his ashes were buried in the cloister garden of Canterbury Cathedral. He is the last Archbishop of Can-terbury to have died while in office.

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‘Renewal’ for Church is coming despite ‘trauma’ of pandemic – Archbishops

The Church will emerge “renewed and changed” from the crisis of the global coronavirus pandemic, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have said.

In a recent joint address to members of the Church of England’s General Synod, Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell said that amid a time of trauma, loss and struggle in this country and around the world, Christians have proved to be a “people of hope”.

The address came at the start of special, one-day sitting of Synod in London, with reduced numbers, to make a rule change to enable it to meet remotely during pandemic restrictions.

Archbishop Justin acknowledged the multiple challenges and crises we are facing including hunger, poverty, domestic violence and climate change.

He said churches have played a vital role serving their communities and bringing hope through the gospel. But the Church itself will, he said, emerge changed.

“We do not know what kind of Church of England will emerge from this time except that it will be different,” he said.

“It will be changed by the reality that for the first time all churches have closed – first time in 800 years. It will be changed because for the first time we have worshipped virtually.”

He continued: “Out of these times we will see renewal – not because we are clever but because God is faithful.

“We will see a renewed and changed Church emerging from the shocks of lockdown.

“It is a Church that at the most local has fed so many, been in touch with the isolated through the heroic efforts of all who take part in it, of clergy and laity and those who even weren’t near the church before these times.

“It is a Church which has continued to pray and to offer worship through our Lord Jesus Christ, even if in new and unusual ways.”

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Archbishop Stephen spoke with emotion about the impact of pandemic. “I hate this Coronavirus,” he said.

“I hate it not only because so many people have died, but because so many people have died alone, unable to hold the hand of their beloved.

“I hate it because our health service has been stretched to the limit. I hate it because so many are bereaved and could not even sit next to a family mem-ber at a funeral.

“I hate it because weddings and baptisms and ordinations have been post-poned or have gone ahead without the parties that were meant to be with them.

“I hate it because children’s schooling has been disrupted. I hate it because so many people are so ill, so many crying out in pain, so many isolated, lonely, fearful, depressed.

“I hate it because behind locked doors terrible things have happened. I hate it because the poor and the disadvantaged have been hit the hardest.

“I hate it because it has left so many people across the world feeling hopeless as if life itself has been taken from us.”

But he said he was also thankful for the faithfulness of all who have served others during the crisis and risen to the challenge.

He added: “I am thankful that despite all the horrors of a Covid world we are learning a new commitment to Christ and how to be a humbler, sim-pler, church and we are putting Christ at the centre of our lives and learning very, very, very painfully what it really means to be a church that is depend-ent on Christ alone.

“And I am filled for longing: I long for us to be a more Christ-centred and Je-sus-shaped church witnessing to Christ and bringing the healing balm of the Gospel to our nation for this is our vocation.”

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Refugee bakers feed people in need from church kitchen

A bakery set up in a church kitchen to train refugee women in bread-making skills is now supplying its local food bank with more than 200 loaves a week following the coronavirus lockdown.

Proof Bakery in Coventry, founded two years ago in conjunction with the Church Urban Fund, is sending 250 loaves a week to Coventry Food Bank, paid for by regular customers – and increasingly donors from as far afield as Scotland and Singapore.

The bakery, specialising in sourdough but teaching a range of baking skills, meets in St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor, Coventry. So far 11 refu-gee women have graduated from the bakery’s training programme, with three currently employed at the bakery. Two of its bakers are refugees from the conflict in Syria.

The bakery is aiming for 500 donated loaves a week for the food bank and people in need. “We are expecting demand to keep increasing as more peo-ple lose employment. And with the bakery restarting its training programme for refugees this month, there is no better time to support it.”

With the forthcoming US Presidential Election in mind…

Old politicians never die – they just run once too often.

A local council official said that he ran for office again because he thought his possible opponent, if successful, might be even more ineffective than he was.

Admirer to political candidate: “Great speech, sir! I really like the straightfor-ward way you dodged those issues.”

The congregation A minister was considering a move to a busy town-centre church, and wanted to know what the congregation was like, and especially the church council. So, he rang the minister who had just retired from that church. The retiring minister hesitated a moment and then replied: “Some of them are wise; some are otherwise.”

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Canon Paul Hardingham looks forward to Advent. Psalm 122 and Advent ‘I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord. Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.’ (Psalm 122:1,2). These words from Psalm 122 inspired Hubert Parry’s great Coronation Anthem ‘I was Glad.’ As a Song of Ascent (Psalms 120-134), it was used by pilgrims going to the great festivals in Jerusalem. For the Jews this represented ‘coming home’ to worship at the Temple, the place of God’s presence. Our Worship of God: As God’s people today, we are also called to worship in praise and thanksgiv-ing: ‘That is where the tribes go up – to praise the name of the Lord’ (4). Of course, currently our coming together in church to sing our praise to God is greatly restricted. We are a scattered rather than a gathered community. However, as individuals, we can still offer God the worship of our lives using the resource of psalms like this one. Our prayer to God: The psalm encourages the pilgrims to pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May those who love you be secure.’ (6). The peace referred to here is more than simply an absence of conflict. Peace speak of wholeness of life in every aspect. This must be our prayer as we continue to struggle with the effects of the pandemic and as we seek the prosperity of the wider community: ‘I will seek your prosperity’ (9). This month sees the beginning of Advent, the season when we affirm the hope of Jesus’ return. As we pray for peace, we know that it is fulfilled in the coming of God’s kingdom in Jesus. Despite living with so much uncertainty, we have the assurance of God’s future purposes for our lives, churches and the world.

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OUR WORSHIP

St. Mary’s has now been open for public worship for four months. The phrase ‘new normal’ has been around to describe change having taken place and a fresh pattern of life established. We seem to have found a new normal with socially distanced worship and online services. So perhaps a full description is now no longer necessary. So here are some pointers, for now. Because it may all change again If you have symptoms of Covid-19 please do not attend church services. We will have to wear masks unless helping lead worship. We have the Track and Trace QR code displayed and keep a record of people who attend. We have a live streamed service of Holy Communion from 10.25am on a Sunday. The distribution of Holy Communion is by bread and not wine. We now have members of the choir singing. This is followed by a social video conference using Zoom, a sort of after church coffee time at 12.15am. The log in is found on the current Newsletter, see below. Compline or Night Prayer from 8.00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri-days is also on our Facebook Page. The online worship can be found here https://www.facebook.com/stmarysbromley The church is open for private prayer on Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

DIARY Sunday 1st - 21st Sunday after Trinity

10.30 am Holy Communion 3.30 pm All Souls’ Service

Sunday 8th - 22 Sunday after Trinity 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 15th - 23 Sunday after Trinity 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 22nd - Christ the King 10.30 am Holy Communion

Sunday 29th - Advent Sunday 10.30 am Holy Communion

NEWSLETTER This is distributed to our immediate congregation. A copy can be found on St. Mary’s website. Choose the options Current news and then Pew Paper. If you would like a copy posted please contact Elaine Wakefield.

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ALL SOULS’ SERVICE Our Annual All Souls’ service will be at 3.30pm on 1st November. This will be a service in St. Mary’s church and live streamed on our Facebook page. If you would like a person mentioned in the Roll of Remembrance please contact Alan Keeler. Further details https://www.stmarys-bromley.org.uk/current-news/all-souls-

service/

The Blessed Dead

They lie at rest, our blessed dead; The dews drop cool above their head, They knew not when fleet summer fled.

Together all, yet each alone; Each laid at rest beneath his own Smooth turf or white allotted stone.

When shall our slumber sink so deep, And eyes that wept and eyes that weep Weep not in the sufficient sleep?

God be with you, our great and small, Our loves, our best-beloved of all, Our own beyond the salt sea-wall

By Christina Rosetti (1830-94)

St Mary’s (Plaistow) College Road Bromley

Vicar Revd ALAN KEELER 8460 1827

Day off Friday 74 London Lane BR1 4HE

e.mail:[email protected]

Associate Priest Revd ALISON TYLER 8249 8843

59 Bishops Avenue BR1 3ET

[email protected]

Readers Mr JOHN COX 8464 8269

47 Mooreland Road, Bromley BR1 3RD

Mr MIKE EAMES 8851 5180

4 Powster Road, Bromley BR1 5HF

Dr KEITH NYE 8464 9346

61 Wharton Road, Bromley BR1 3LE

Pastoral Assistant Mrs ANTHIA PAGE 8460 1960

21 Rodway Road Bromley BR1 3JJ

Churchwardens Position Vacant

Parish Administrator ELAINE WAKEFIELD 8466 6969

e.mail:[email protected]

Church House ATLANTA TOPHAM 07951 748155

Bookings email:stmaryshouse&[email protected]

Messy Church ALAN KEELER 8460 1827

e.mail:[email protected]

Concerts & Choir PETER FALL 8464 1239

Organist ANNE CLEMENTS 8464 2355

CarePlus Mrs MIRANDA SUIT 07930 955398

e.mail:[email protected]

Magazine Committee

Jo Clark Editor email:[email protected] 8289 6535

Elaine Wakefield Editor, Postal distribution, Advertising email:[email protected]

8466 6969

Jill Atkinson Editor email:[email protected]

Lesley Speller Distribution Manager 8460 5569