Monthly Magazine
"The Grapevine"
SEPTEMBER 2010
Editor: Graham Clark
Email: graham@clarkalvechurch.freeserve.co
THE RECTOR WRITES …
SAY ONE FOR ME
My dear friends
As I make my way to church at nine o’clock each morning to say Morning Prayer, I sometimes meet people who call out, “Say one for me, rector”. This I gladly do. Indeed, it is one of the privileges of my job to spend time in church each morning praying to God for all who live in the parish. I realise that most people are busy earning a living and attending to family responsibilities, and have difficulty finding time or opportunity to pray, and so, it is very much my job to do so on behalf of others. This has been the traditional role of a Church of England minister ever since the days of George Herbert (1593-1633), the vicar of Bemerton, who used to toll his church bell each morning to let his parishioners, working in the fields, know he was about to pray for them.
Praying to God is the life-blood of the Christian Church. Unless we regularly talk to God and allow opportunities for Him to speak to us, our spiritual life withers and dies. It is only through interaction and communication with God that we grow in holiness. As one of our modern hymns says, “Draw near to God and He’ll draw near to you”.
God loves each one of us dearly. Although God knows our every need, even before we voice it, He wants us to share our lives with Him in an intimate and personal way so that a relationship of love and trust can grow and develop.
The disciples once asked Jesus how they should pray. Jesus replied by giving them The Lord’s Prayer. Have you ever analysed this prayer? It consists of five parts: an opening desire that God’s name should be kept holy; a request for God’s kingdom to come on earth; a petition for the basic necessity of life (bread); a request that our sins might be forgiven; and a entreaty that we may be preserved from evil. The prayer concludes with an affirmation of God’s awesome holiness.
Only one clause of The Lord’s Prayer contains a request for a physical need i.e. bread. The other clauses of the prayer are all for spiritual needs. And this, said Jesus, is how we should pray.
Jesus was a great believer in prayer. The gospels tell us he often went off on his own in order to pray. He told his listeners to be tireless in their praying. He even told a humorous parable about a man beating on the door of a friend’s house at midnight and refusing to go away until he got what he wanted. “This is how persistent you should be”, said Jesus, “in bringing your needs to God”.
Praying for ourselves and for one another is a fundamental part of the Christian life and the work of the Church. I am always glad to pray for anyone who has a need they wish to bring to God. Simply give me a phone call or drop me a line, and I will gladly say a prayer for you or someone for whom you are concerned. I am here to say one for you. If I can be of help, please use me.
With all best wishes
Your sincere friend and Rector
DAVID MARTIN
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR
The Rector writes …
I am delighted to welcome Ian Price as the new Parish Administrator of St Laurence Church. Ian is taking up his duties on 1 September and will be the first point of contact for those wishing to book The Ark or make enquiries about baptisms, weddings, funerals and churchyard matters. He will be based in the office at The Ark each morning from 9.00.am until 1.00.pm. It is hoped to have a telephone line installed in the next few days, plus email facilities. As soon as these become available they will be publicised on the church website.
Ian is taking the administrative burden of the parish off my shoulders so I can concentrate more on the pastoral, liturgical and missionary work for which I was ordained. Ian has a background in Tourism and Information Technology. He brings many gifts to his new post and I am delighted to have him working alongside me.
I would like to take this opportunity of publicly thanking Alison Smith for the tremendous job she has done as Ark Booking Secretary over the past four years. This has been a voluntary job and Alison has carried out the duties with exemplary thoroughness, patience and good-humour. She has increased the use of The Ark, year on year, and has contributed to the success of many birthday parties, anniversary meals, concerts, exhibitions and dances. Thank you, Alison, for your sterling work over the past four years.
FILM SOCIETY
With autumn upon us, and the winter months looming, why not treat yourself to a monthly visit to the cinema? Alvechurch Film Society will be presenting a first-class film on the big screen in The Ark on the first Friday in each month between now and March next year. For just £25 it is possible to watch seven films without having to leave Alvechurch.
The season begins with an Enrolment Evening on FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER at 7.30.pm in The Ark. After the paperwork and business is done, there will be a screening of The Hurt Locker – the award-winning film about the Iraq War.
Based
on the personal wartime experiences of journalist Mark Boal (who adapted his
experiences with a bomb squad into a fact-based, yet fictional story), director
Kathryn Bigelow's Iraq War-set action thriller THE HURT LOCKER presents
the conflict in the Middle East from the perspective of those who witnessed the
fighting firsthand - the soldiers. As an elite Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal
team tactfully navigates the streets of present-day Iraq, they face the constant
threat of death from incoming bombs and sharp-shooting snipers. In Baghdad,
roadside bombs are a common danger. The Army is working to make the city a safer
place for Americans and Iraqis, so when it comes to dismantling IEDs (improvised
explosive devices) the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) crew is always on
their game. But protecting the public isn't easy when there's no margin of
error, and every second spent dismantling a bomb is another second spent
flirting with death. Now, as three fearless bomb technicians take on the most
dangerous job in Baghdad, it's only a matter of time before one of them gets
sent to 'the hurt locker'.
For those wishing to see the film, but are unsure about joining the Society, there is an admission charge of £5. If, at the end of the evening, you decide to sign up for the season your £5 admission money will be deducted from the membership subscription. Members are encouraged to bring along their own suggestions for forthcoming films in the 2010-2011 season..
There is a Licensed Bar. The doors open at 7.30.pm
Further details can be obtained from Stephanie Miall 0121 445 6994, Janet Wright 0121 445 4335, David Martin 0121 445 1087, Judith Hunt 01527 878520 or Chris Wolstencroft 0121 445 3212.
OFF TO THE CATHEDRA
Six members of St Laurence Church have been undertaking training during the past 12 months to become Authorised Lay Ministers, able to assist with acts of worship, pastoral visiting, evangelism and children’s and youth work in the parish. On SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER the six are being authorised by the Bishop of Worcester at a special service in Worcester Cathedral beginning at 6.30.pm.
A coach will be leaving The Red Lion Alvechurch at 5.15.pm for the cathedral. If you would like a seat, please sign-up on the notice in the church porch by Sunday 5 September. The cost is £8 per person.
OBERAMMERGAU
Every ten years, the people of the Bavarian village of Oberammergau perform a Passion Play. This tradition dates back to 1634 when Bubonic Plague was sweeping the country. The villagers made an oath that, if their village was spared the plague, they would perform a Passion Play every ten years thereafter. That oath has been honoured every since.
A group from Alvechurch is visiting Oberammergau from 15th to 20th September in order to watch the Passion Play. Led by Mrs Ann McNaughton, the group consists of members of different churches. We hope to print a first-hand account of the group’s experiences in the November edition of The Grapevine.
TINY TOTS SERVICE
It is never too soon to let children experience Christian worship in church. Indeed, very small children seem to absorb the atmosphere and reverence of a church more easily than many who are older than they. And so, for this very special group of young children, there is to be a monthly Tiny Tots Service at St Laurence Church. The first such service is on THURSDAY 30 SEPTEMBER at 10.15.am. and will dovetail with Mums the Word.
Parents can either come to Mums the Word in The Ark, from 9.30.am onwards, and then move through into the church at 10.15.am, or come straight to the church for the 10.15.am service.
The Tiny Tots Service will consist of simple songs, a story and some prayers. The whole service will last no more than 20 minutes. Refreshments will then be available in The Ark.
If you have a young child under school age, please come along.
TRIBUTE TO JOHN SIDWELL
The Rector writes ..
I first met John nineteen years ago when he appeared on the Rectory doorstep, dressed in old working clothes, with his shirt sleeves rolled up, asking if the Rectory lawn needed a quick going-over with the churchyard lawnmower. I warmed to him straightaway. The initial impression I had of a kind, practical and committed man was one that was shown to be true on so many, many occasions over the next two decades.
John was a practical Christian. Although he did his bit on committees and councils, he really came into his own when he put his faith into action. Every Tuesday, for as long as I can remember, he devoted his working day to churchyard maintenance. No matter whether it was the height of summer, with perspiration dripping from his brow as he waged war on the ever-growing grass, or whether it was the dead of winter, with frost on the ground and saplings needing to be uprooted and burnt, John was there doing his bit.
Some of the things he got up to brought my heart into my mouth. As an ex-fireman, he had no fear of heights. He would take the church’s triple-length ladder and blithely climb to the heights of the church roof to change faulty lamps. He would hang over the top of the tower parapet spraying weed-killer onto saplings and vegetation sprouting from the stonework many metres below. He seemed to have no fear, and regarded it all as the natural work of a churchwarden.
John became a churchwarden in 1994. Together we worked on The Ark project. He was present at the initial meetings that considered all the options, investigated all the possible sources of funding and appointed the architect. He then stood up to those who wished to sabotage the project. He never once lost his temper. He absorbed all the brickbats that were thrown at him, and his calm, focussed resolve acted as an inspiration to everyone else involved in the project. He was very proud of the finished building and delighted to show people around it. He was very proud to go to London and receive the special architectural award that the Ark won in 2007. The Ark will stand as a lasting memorial to John and all he did for the church
I could never have wished for a more loyal and steadfast colleague. He may not have agreed with everything I did or said, but he always stood one hundred per cent alongside me. It has been a joy to work with John over so many years. He had his feet firmly planted on the ground, but he also had his mind firmly focussed on heaven. He was assiduous in his Sunday worship and set a wonderful example for others to imitate.
I will miss you, John, as will all those who knew you, but you will not be forgotten, least of all by the Lord you served so faithfully. May you now enjoy the light and peace of God’s heavenly kingdom.
HARVEST SUPPER
Harvest festivities cover the first weekend in October. There will be the traditional Harvest Supper in The Ark at 7.30.pm on SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER. A mouth-watering array of food, plus aperitifs, wine and liqueurs, followed by entertainment. Tickets are £10 and can be reserved by phoning 0121 445 1087.
Harvest Thanksgiving Services will be held on SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER. There will be services at 8.00.am, 10.30.am and 6.00.pm. Offers of help with decorating the church for Harvest will be gratefully received by Mrs Anne Thurrell 0121 447 7668.
WEDDING JOY
A romance that began eleven years ago in The Queen Victoria, Barnt Green, reached its consummation on a beautiful sun-filled day at the end of July.
On Saturday 24 July, Victoria Ruth Nelson Parker and Iain Lawrence Elliott were married in St Laurence Church. The bride is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Timothy Nelson Parker of Barnt Green and was led into church on her father’s arm. She wore an ivory taffeta corset dress with a rouched full skirt and train. She was accompanied by her sister Hilary Edwards (Chief Bridesmaid) and her best friend Bernadette Payne (Bridesmaid). The bridesmaids wore knee-length, purple taffeta, 50s-style dresses with underskirts.
The groom chose his friend Scott Reeves as his Best Man. The Ushers were Giles Payne, Trevor Flowers, Martyn Terry and Dean Combes-Lewis. A reception was held at The Welcombe Hotel, Stratford and was followed by a honeymoon in Norway. The bride works as a maths teacher and the groom as a Sales Executive. They are making their married home in Latimer Road.
FROM THE REGISTERS
We welcome you into the Lord’s family
25 July James Edward Hoare Redditch Road
CONFIRMATION
Defend, O Lord, these your servants with your heavenly grace
18 July Samuel Bointon
Jacob Collett
Margaret Fowke
Peter Seeley
Grace Thompson
Suzanne Vickrage
MARRIAGES
Those whom God has joined together
24 July Ian Elliott and Victoria Nelson Parker
7 August James Woodward and Charlotte Impey
FUNERALS
May they rest in the peace of Christ
27 July Avril Swash aged 76
30 July Christopher Phillips aged
3 August John William Sidwell aged 80
10 August Dora Pugh aged 90
18 August John Charles Abrams aged 60
OBITUARY
AVRIL SWASH
A lady who lived in Rowney Green Lane for 38 years, and was a former editor of The Calling Oak, died on13 July at the age of 76.
Avril Swash was born on 1 April 1934, the youngest daughter of Bill and Rose Lapworth, in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham. She had two older brothers, Harry and Leslie, and an older sister, Jean. The family later expanded with the arrival of her younger brother, Alan, on whom she doted.
She worked at Selly Oak Hospital for a number of years whilst her husband, Peter, was serving in the Royal Air Force.
She married at the age of 19 and spent the next 58 years, not only as a happily married wife, but also as a business partner to her husband. She was instrumental in the success of their car-spares business.
She was a skilled dressmaker and had an artistic gift. She was also a stickler for time-keeping. But, above all, she was a passionate, caring and loving mother to her daughter Barbara, her son Andrew, and her late son David. She was a superb homemaker and an ardent fund-raiser and events organiser for The Lea Special Care Charity that provides short-term care facilities, holidays and equipment for the disabled.
She moved to Rowney Green Lane, and into a newly-built house, in 1972. For a number of years she edited the monthly Rowney Green magazine, The Calling Oak.
In recent years she supported her husband in his role as President of the Royal Air Force Regiment Association (Birmingham Branch). She organised many events, culminating in a buffet evening at the dedication of the RAF Regiment Memorial Garden at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.
She will be remembered as a bubbly, kind, determined person, who did not suffer fools gladly, but who worked hard to achieve her goals.
Her funeral was held at Lodge Hill Crematorium on Tuesday 27 July.
JOHN WILLIAM SIDWELL
Alvechurch lost a loyal and hard-working member of the community when John William Sidwell died on 12 July after a long battle with cancer.
John was born in Warley, the only child of Harold and Dolly Sidwell, in 1930. He attended ‘Uplands’ Infant and Junior school, then on to Holly Lodge High School, which he left, aged sixteen, to be apprenticed at Stuart & Lloyds, a large steel and engineering firm. He was ‘called up’ to undertake National Service in the RAF, which he spent at Padgate, Lancashire, St Athan, South Wales and Oxford where he serviced aircraft. At the time of Steel Nationalization John left what was then to become British Steel to work at Babcocks, where he remained until his retirement.
In 1946 he met Mary at Stuart & Lloyds, where she also worked. Following their marriage in 1954 they lived with Mary’s mother at Weatheroak for three years, before moving to the house on the Birmingham Road where he has lived for the past 53 years.
John and Mary were unable to have children of their own and so decided to adopt. This is where Ann comes into the picture; what a lucky girl! She grew up in Alvechurch and is the mother of Michelle, presently studying dietetics at Coventry University, and Harriet, who is thirteen and still at school. John was a very proud parent and grandfather, and in latter years the occasional trip or break to Guildford, where his daughter and grandchildren lived was always eagerly looked forward to.
John loved the sound made by brass and military bands, and, whilst on holiday in the summer at English seaside ports and towns, he loved especially to watch the activities in the dockyards and listen to concerts in the bandstands. His attachment to the sea made him a long-time supporter of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute. He was presented with a special award for this long support, and he and Mary quite recently spent a memorable holiday staying in a holiday flat at the RNLI training centre in Poole.
Although John knew for some long period of time that he had a cancer that could not be cured, it made little difference to his life’s schedule of ‘duties’ which he had always set himself, outside of his work, and were integrated into his vision of what life was all about, that is: loving God, and his neighbour as himself. In the latter months, when not in hospital, he was still involved in church decision-making and also, believe it or not, as a ‘carer’ at the Sycamore Day Centre, transporting clients, and doing little shopping trips for them.
This motivation in his life led him to volunteer as an auxiliary fireman, and, as a ‘retained fireman’, he was involved in training others. His involvement with the Fire Service extended over 24 years.
His involvement in the life of the parish church and the local community was extensive. He served as Chairman of Alvechurch Village Society and, for six months, was both acting Secretary and Treasurer pending the appointment of new officers. He was later made a President of the Society.
He was a member of the Church of England Men’s Society and took part in the 1960’s Stewardship Campaign. He devoted every Tuesday to working in the churchyard, alongside the late Neville Woollaston and Pat Spreckley, come wind or shine, to ensure it was kept neat and tidy. He was a member of the Parochial Church Council and, for 14 years, from 1994-2008, served as Churchwarden. He was very involved in The Ark Building Project. He was willing to turn his hand to either work in the underground church boiler room or high on ladders replacing electric lamps in the church. He attended Archdeacon’s Visitations and maintained a meticulous plan showing churchyard burials. His contribution to the life of St Laurence Church was outstanding.
He will be remembered by all who knew him as a steadfast and loyal man, with a great sense of integrity. He was held in high regard by all members of the community. He was amiable and loved nothing more than to talk to people. He was a man of faith, whose weekly worship under-girded all he did.
His funeral was held in the parish church on Tuesday 3 August and was led by Dick Russell. The hymns were Be still for the presence of the Lord, Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us and Guide me, O thou great Redeemer. After cremation at Redditch, his remains were laid to rest in the churchyard he loved and cared for over so many years.
JOHN CHARLES ABRAMS
A man who was born in Bristol and spent most of his life in the oil industry or the car hire business, died on 31 July, at the age of 60, after a long struggle with ill health.
John Charles Abrams was one of two boys born in Bristol in the nineteen-fifties. His father died when he was six years of age and his mother brought him up single-handedly. He gained a scholarship to Queen Elizabeth Hospital School in Bristol where he was a boarder.
Upon leaving school he worked in the oil industry – first undertaking clerical work for Shellmex-BP and then Regent Oil (later to become Texaco). From 1978 – 1980 he managed Petrol Service Stations for Watson Petroleum in and around Bristol and Swindon. In 1981 he had a change of career and joined the car-hiring firm of Eurohire of Wolverhampton. He became a director of the firm and found fulfilment in his work.
He married Cherry in 1983 and they shared 27 years together. He was the father of Christopher and Edward and, his great love of rugby football rubbed off on them. The last eight years of his life were dogged by ill health. He suffered a heart attack, then was diagnosed with cancer and finally was afflicted by septicaemia.
He will be remembered as a kind and loving man, who was thoughtful and sensitive. He displayed remarkable courage throughout his ill health and was grateful to all who helped and supported him.
His funeral was held in St Laurence Church on Wednesday 18 August. The hymns sung were Rock of ages, Dear Lord and Father of mankind and Lord of all hopefulness. Catherine Tabberner of Bella Voce sang John Rutter’s Gaelic Blessing and John’s sister-in-law read words that John had specially written for his funeral. After the service, his body was laid to rest in the churchyard.