SSWWOORRDDParish Magazine

APRIL

2016

Price 60p

St Michael & All Angels

Mildred Avenue

Watford

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Editorial Team

Rob White

Sylvia Moring

Father Geoff

Vicki Matthews

Graham Mordue

Subscriptions

Valerie Alvarez

Diary and Rota

Sylvia Moring

Crossword

Peter White

Distribution

Dennis Beach

Rob White

3. Pastoral Letter

4. Watford Interfaith Association

5. Passover Meal

6. Three Rivers Refugee Project

7. New Hope

8. Good Friday Workshop

9. 1 7th Watford Brownies

10. Diary ofEvents

12. Sung Eucharist Duty List

14. Church Electoral Roll

1 5. British Commerce in the 1920s

22. Crossword

23. Calendar of Feasts & Holy Days

Contributors

Final Copy Date forMay edition of SWORD

24th April 2016

Please submit copy or email to:robwhite.watford@googlemail.com

Jean Alexander

Violet Allen-Smith

Father Geoff

Martin Heath

Graham Mordue

Henry Moring

Sylvia Moring

Jane Talbot

Marilyn Tozer

PrintersDPD Printing Ltd35 Market StreetWatfordWD18 0PN

CONTENTS

A Pastoral Letter

Dear Friends,

On the 27th April, we have our Church AGM, when we

receive the Annual Report and Accounts, elect

Churchwardens, PCC members and others, and think

about our life together as a Church.

In the lead-up to the AGM, it is important that we each try

to think about what God might be calling us to do. Is there

a role within the life of the Church that we could give our

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energies to that we are not at the moment? Could we bring our talents to the PCC, or

one of its Committees, or even be a Churchwarden? Could we take on other roles

within the life of the Church, perhaps as a Junior Church leader, or could we help with

Toddlers. Could we do an all-age presentation in Church. Could we join one of the

rotas to make coffee on Sunday or Wednesday Morning? Could we arrange flowers or

count money? Could we do administrative or secretarial work? Could we sing in the

choir, or be a server, deacon or subdeacon? Could we read lessons or lead

intercessions? Could we host or lead a prayer group or study group? Could we join the

Intercessory Prayer Group, or attend “Discovering the Bible”. Could we help lead

services at one of the old folks homes the Church goes to? Could we help with Food

Bank? Could I train for ministry as a Reader or Priest?

We are a smaller congregation now, and some people are also finding that Anno

Domini is affecting their ability to do what they used to do. This means that we need

more people to join in with taking us forward.

Have a think. You may have settled into a comfortable role within the Church, and

have developed a routine ofwhat you do and don't attend, what you do and don't take

part in, and what you do and don't volunteer for.

This is a time to look at the many and various activities that form part of our life

together as a Church, and turn some of the “I don't or I can't” categories into “Perhaps

I could”.

Best Wishes

Fr Geoff

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Established 1976 Patron: Baroness Dorothy Thornhill MBE,Elected Mayor ofWatford

23rd March 2016

Dear Friends and Colleagues

Watford Interfaith Association exists to promote harmony between people of allfaiths. The Executive Committee wish to express their deep sorrow and sadness atthe events of the 22nd March 2016 in Brussels, and to assure the people ofBelgium that our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time.We belong to many different religious faiths, and this is for us a source of joy,friendship, and inspiration. We treasure human life, and seek to have compassionfor all people. Those who commit acts of appalling violence, such as those whichtook place in Brussels, are not showing any kind of religious faith we canrecognise, but instead a dark, hideous and twisted perversion of it. We understandreligious faith to be about creation, light and love, not about destruction,darkness, and hate.

Best Wishes,

Revd Geoffrey Calvert,

Chair ofWatford Interfaith Association

Website: www.wifa.org.uk Secretary: Judith BruniEmail: wifasec@aol.com

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Over thirty members of our Congregation met together on the Monday evening ofHolyWeek to think of Jesus and his disciples as they met for their last supper together. It wasan Agape Passover Meal.

We were thinking of several things and their relationship to one another. The origins ofthe Christian Eucharist and the Jewish Passover but it was not a Christian Eucharist northe Jewish Passover, but a very thoughtful time which gave us the opportunity to learnfrom both traditions.

We thought of unleavened bread because the escape of the captive Jews gave no time towait for the dough to rise. We had two pieces - one to remind us of the manna God gaveto the people in the wilderness, and one to remember the suffering essential to becomingfree.

Before and during the meal we drank wine four times: One to remember God's promiseof freedom, the second was a thanksgiving for freedom, the third forredemption and peace, and the fourth drunk at the end when the Jews look forward toreturning to Jerusalem.

We had both bitter and sweet herbs and there were chicken bones as a reminder thatlambs were sacrificed in the Temple and also how the Israelites painted blood on theirdoor posts in Egypt so that their houses were passed over when the final, terrible plaguecame.

There were two festal candles lit.

All these connected with different parts of the Passover and were enacted before themeal.

So this was the way in which our Lord and his disciples celebrated the Passover at that"Last Supper" that they ate together on the night before he died. We remember that LastSupper as we celebrate the Eucharist and remember our Lord's death - untilhe comes. It is good to celebrate what we have in common in spite of our differentbeliefs.

We then had a truly tasty supper. So much thought had gone into the whole preparation ofthe evening. Our thanks are due to Manny and Valerie Alvarez for their guidance andknowledge - to our Social Committee for the excellent meal - to Andy who supplied themusic so that we could sing hymns – to the whole company who cleared and tidied up,and washed up at the end of the evening.

And to Fr. Geoffwho guided us through this special time: it was a good evening andenjoyed by all who came.

Violet Allen-Smith

Passover Meal

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Estates & Trusts Administrator

Required in the Diocesan Office to assist in the management of 240 parsonage houses, some

3, 500 acres of glebe land and Trust properties. Experience ofworking with professional

advisers

and committees would be advantageous. Willingness to become familiar with relevant

legislation,

good written and oral communication skills, and computer literacy essential. Salary in the range

£28,453 - £33,972 plus generous pension scheme.

Closing date: 12 noon Friday 1 AprilInterviews: Tuesday 12 April

Thank you so much for your letter of 15 December and the generous cheque for £250 from the

congregation of St. Michael's via the good offices of the St. Michael's Mission Committee. You

know from your own support of the Partnership that, sadly, the number of our clients continues to

grow and their needs become ever more acute, as the squeeze on public expenditure continues

apace. So, St. Michael's donation is very much appreciated and will be well used. Please pass on

our warmest thanks to your congregation, together with Christmas greetings and best wishes for

the New Year. Many thanks again.

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ATransformed Life

Earlier this year I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with a member

ofTST who was visiting former service users who are now accommodated

in their own homes. This is a vital part ofNew Hope's work in helping to

prevent homelessness. We went to visit some sheltered accommodation

where a former service user was now in residence. I had met Tim (not his

real name) when he was in our Transition Service. He was there for some

time whilst staff skilfully pieced together his identity. He had been referred

to Transition from the Haven where Outreach had responded to a report from

a member of the public that Tim was in a bad way and had been observed

looking through bins for food outside a local train station. The staff there had

cleaned him and clothed him. I first remember Tim as a dishevelled and

confused man who was barely able to walk. What joy then to see Tim

comfortable and happy in his warden controlled accommodation. He was so

thrilled about the transformation he had experienced that he even danced

around his room for us to demonstrate his delight. Through the excellent

work ofNew Hope and other partner organisations Tim now has hope and a

future. May Tim's story spur us on to continue to do everything possible for

those who still have to suffer the indignity of homelessness.

Best wishes,

From the Mission Committee

St Michael's has supported the ministries ofNew Hope in Watford for manyyears with a particular focus on responding to homelessness in our town. Hereis a heart-warming message from New Hope's Director Matthew Heasman

Many thanks

Martin

NewHope Preventing HomelessnessTransforming Lives

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I just wanted to thank everyone for their help during and support for the Good

Friday workshop. What a lovely relaxed time we all had. The children that came

were enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed themselves while learning about the

Good Friday message.

Following the fun and activity I reflected and shared my reflection with those

involved and it seems we are all in agreement that we wouldn't have done it any

different because it was perfect the way it was. Mrs Heath's Taize music was

inspirational and so calming that in fact most of us were pretty dozy until the first

children arrived. Brilliant.

Gill's Easter garden activity was very popular where the children could create

something to take home as a reminder of Jesus dying for us because he loved us.

Anne's Easter biscuit decorating was enjoyed by all the children.

Merlyn's yummy chocolate nests were wonderful and I am sure the children would

have enjoyed filling them for a nice dessert.

Lesley, as usual, was lovely with the children and I know the little crosses they

decorated and took home will be treasured. Elizabeth chatted happily with the

children as they constructed the bigger cross which is now on show on a board in

church.

Once again, thank you all.

Jane Talbot xxxx

Good Friday Workshop

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The Brownies who came to the Lent Lunch enjoyed themselves as always. Theyworked hard and some of them practised their tea-making skills as well as serving.Having to remember two or three soups was always the most worrying part ofLentLunch for them; now that there are menus on the table they only have to rememberone soup at a time! It was nice that some of their parents came for lunch as well,enjoying being waited on by their daughters. Some of the girls made full use of theBring and Buy stall, apparently being unable to take any money home with them!

We have now finished World Traveller badge and all the girls have been given theirbadges. One week we made passports, which the girls then used as they travelled todifferent countries doing a game or activity linked to each one. Their passports werestamped after each base. We talked about different climates, and asked the girls totell us what they would wear in a very hot, cold, wet or dry country. They made apostcard about a country they have visited or would like to visit, and then wrote to afriend on the back of it, telling them about the country. One of the clauses was topack a bag for a night away, and it was interesting to see what was consideredessential by some Brownies and unnecessary by others. Finally, they preparedbananas filled with chocolate buttons, and apple slices with sherbet, and cookedthem in foil on a barbeque outside.

For our Easter craft (food again! ) they made Easter bonnet biscuits and edible cards,using rice paper. All very sticky but lots of fun.

During this half term Victoria has done her Musician badge and Daisy has finishedher Artist badge. Rebecca has finished her Brownie Adventure badge, Libby andMaja have gained Adventure On, and Hannah has finished More Adventures.

Marilyn

DIARY OF EVENTS FORAPRIL

3rd SUN EASTER 2

Holy Communion (Fr Geoff) 8.00 am

SUNG EUCHARIST (Pres and Preacher: Fr George) 9.30 am

United Service at Trinity Methodist 6.30 pm

5th Tue River Court 2.30 pm

6th Wed PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL 7.55 pm

7th Thu Fairhaven during morning

Choir Practice 7-8.30 pm

8th Fri Funeral in Church

10th SUN EASTER 3

Holy Communion (Fr. George) 8.00 am

SUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr. Geoff) 9.30 am

Sunday School

(The Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church 1 -5 pm)

Evening Prayer 6.00 pm

13th Wed Service at Home Manor 2.30 am

14th Thu St Anthony's during morning

Choir Practice 7-8.30 pm

17th SUN EASTER 4

Holy Communion (Fr. Geoff) 8.00 am

SUNG EUCHARIST (Pres & Preacher: Fr. Geoff) 9.30 am

Sunday School

Evening Prayer 6.00 pm

18th Mon Social Committee (Choir Vestry) 8.00 pm

19th Tue Intercessory Prayer Group (Choir Vestry) 2.30 pm

21 st Thu Mothers' Union members attend the Service ofHoly 10.00 am

Communion followed by coffee for all in the Choir Vestry

NO Choir Practice

23rd Sat St George's Day

24th SUN EASTER 5

Holy Communion (Fr. George) 8.00 am

SUNG EUCHARIST (Pres: Fr. Geoff) 9.30 am

Preacher from New Hope) Sunday School

followed by a Bring-and-Buy Sale

(Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church 1 -5.00pm)

Evening Prayer 6.00 pm

27th Wed ANNUAL VESTRYMEETING 7.45 pm

ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 8.00 pm

28th Thu Choir Practice 7 - 8.30pm

Morning Prayer is said daily in the Lady Chapel (Monday to Friday) at 9.00 am.

A service ofHoly Communion is held every Thursday at 10.00 am. Both this

and the 8 am on Sunday morning are Order One in Traditional Language.

The Toddlers’ Group meets in Church (or Choir Vestry) every Monday from

10.00 – 11.30 am (except on Bank Holidays).

Tea, Coffee & Squash are served in Church every Wednesday from 10.30 until

noon. This is also the morning for Food Bank distribution from 10 am - 12 noon

After the service ofHoly Communion on the third Thursday of the month at

10.45 am, coffee is served in the Choir Vestry to which everyone is invited.

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SUNG EUCHARIST DUTY LIST - APRIL

3 April 2016

Deacons M Simon, V Alvarez

Chalice VAlvarez, A Kiddle

Intercessor S Dunning

Lesson Readers H Moring, S Moring

Sidespeople V Blacklock, T Ochola

Tea/Coffee Duty J Alexander, P Hart, E Jones

Money Counting Rota B Bilson, I Bilson

10 April 2016

Deacons J Wareham, VAllen-Smith

Chalice VAllen-Smith, P Gough

Intercessor P Gough

Lesson Readers B Bilson, I Bilson

Sidespeople J Ochola, H Moring

Tea/Coffee Duty S Moring, G Heath

Money Counting Rota A Holloway, V O'Riordan

17 April 2016

Deacons VAlvarez, M Simon

Chalice M Simon, M Watkin

Intercessor P Chandler

Lesson Readers V O'Riordan, M Matthews

Sidespeople J Hart, P Hart

Tea/Coffee Duty M & E Watkin

Money Counting Rota I Bilson, P Chandler

24 April 2016

Deacons VAllen-Smith, J Wareham

Chalice J Wareham, B Hutchinson

Intercessor S Moring

Lesson Readers J Alexander, M Shrive

Sidespeople J Alexander, P Allen-Smith

Tea/Coffee Duty M & V Matthews, B Bilson

Money Counting Rota P Beach, S Ellison

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How much do you know about Chile? I admit to very limited knowledge, which

however has been entertainly increased by re-reading In the Admiral's Wake, a novel

mostly set in that country, written by L.I. Crawford. It was published by Ernest Benn

in 1930 (so it has a legitimate, if very minor, place in British literature). Whatever its

other merits, this book can be read for a lively portrait ofChilean life in the 1930s.

Like much of South America, Chile has had extensive contacts with Europe for

centuries, and various British links are important in the story.

My copy has my grandfather's signature (J. Allan Mordue) on the title page. The

flyleaf is rubber-stamped 'The English Centre, Laurenco Marques', overstamped 'With

the Secretary's Compliments'. There used to be many such centres to provide

hospitality and entertainment for the crews of visiting British ships, and this book is

one of a number that my grandfather acquired in various places in such circumstances.

You are more knowledgeable than I am if you do not find it a small challenge to trace

the location and present standing of the port ofLaurenco Marques (a minor problem is

that reference books spell this name in several ways). It is not in Chile.

Let us look further at this book. Starting with the title, In the Admiral's Wake, it refers

to the name of a fictitious Elizabethan house in Shropshire (where there are a number

of such houses). The history of the family that owns it is summarised, and bears on the

twentieth-century story. I wonder why my grandfather chose to acquire this novel. It

may be because a key episode takes place on a large sailing ship in 1867. (By

coincidence, surely, that was the year in which my great grandfather C. de L. Graham

arrived in New Zealand, in a sailing ship. He became shipping correspondent of the

Otago Daily Times, and such facility with words as I have could be at least partly

inherited from him). My grandfather went to sea in the 1890's, in sail, so he had

personal experience of such a ship. It looks as ifCrawford could have benefited from

his technical advice. The word 'wake' in the title refers to the disturbed water that a

moving ship leaves astern, and figuratively to the story of the fictional house. It has

other applications, such as the party that sometimes follows a funeral.

The novel is mainly set in a far-away country nearly a century ago. Nevertheless, it

touches on issues that still concern us. Some of Chile's links with Britain were

British Commerce in the 1920s

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stronger then than now. For instance, as in much of South America, most of the railways

ofChile were constructed by British railway companies and at the time of this story were

still run by them. These commercial connections are implied rather than emphasised in

the story, and explain why both the English and Spanish languages would have beeen

widespread; even those who are speaking English frequently use Spanish oaths. The chief

character is Juan Soto, a young man born in Valparaiso. He works for an old-established

British company, ofwhich there were many in Chile then. During the story he finds that

he has family links with England, though, like most Chileans, he is ofmixed Spanish,

native American and European blood. The basic plot of the novel concerns his discovery,

by stages, of the nature of these links with England and indeed with the house, Southcote

Admiral. During a visit to England (he has learnt to speak English), largely by chance, he

meets the family that has owned it for centuries. This opens the way for a striking account

of the Troubles in Ireland at the time. He can afford to go because, again largely by

chance, he has gambled successfully on the Chilean Stock Exchange. There is a moral in

this for Stock Exchange gamblers! This event is based on rapid movements in the price of

tin, the story ofwhich is recounted entertainingly. Such movements of the prices of

metals, including tin, are important today. Juan has an uncle who owns a ranch in the

Chilean outback, where he has an energetic holiday.

What makes it worthwhile to read In the Admiral's Wake, in addition to the ingenious

plot? The dialogue is often lively, but the characterisation (other than that of Juan

himself) is simplistic. The representation of various elements in Chilean society of the

1920s (if you are interested) is delightful, informative and instructive. The narrow sector

ofEnglish society that Juan sees is familiar from entertainment and in other ways. The

financial problem ofmaintaining Southcote Admiral, realistically presented, is better

understood now through the National Trust and in other ways. Chile is, of course, a

Roman Catholic country; this is implied rather than stated, but, for instance, the author

remarks that the people of the ranch 'believe implicitly in witches and demons'. Many

English people are concerned nowadays about the nature ofEnglishness, which surely

includes, even in our secular times, an awareness of the various and tolerant nature of the

Church ofEngland. These unstated assumptions are important to the way we are seen by

other nations and to the way we see them. Their historic presentation in this novel has

something to tell us.

Graham Mordue.

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UPS AND DOWNS: No. 28 BY CLUELESS

APRIL CROSSWORD

Solution to March's Crossword

ACROSS1 . Dog's or cat's foot (3)3. Retain, preserve (4)5. Organs of sight (4)8. The start of the combustionof fuel in the car (8)

9. Become less distinct (4)11 . Visible suspension of

particles from a burningsubstance (5)

12. Mythical horse with singlestraight horn (7)

14. Relating to the nose (5)1 8. O/T Patriarch & prophet (5)23. Assign, designate (7)24. Visible floating mass of

condensed water vapour (5)25. Part of the eye, plant ($)26. Unseemly (8)27. Extremely dislike (4)28. Burden, responsibility (4)29. Terminate, finale (3)

DOWN1 . Official conductor of religiousrites (6)

2. Framed glass in a wall (6)3. Young cat (6)4. Second book ofO/T (6)6. A prime colour, cowardly (6)7. A place regarded as holybecause of association withdivinity (6)

10. Nothing, nought (3)1 3. Main part of a church (4)1 5. Soon, shortly (4)16. A small administrative

district with its own church &clergy (6)

17. Rigid strip supporting abroken bone (6)

1 8. Intermingle (3)19. The pollen-containing part of

a flower (6)20. Caress (anag) (6)21 . A pair (6)22. Idolised, doted on (6)

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Calendar of Principal Feasts and Holy Days

APRIL

1 Frederick Denison Maurice, Priest, Teacher of the Faith, 1872

9 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran Pastor, Martyr, 1945

10 William Law, Priest, Spiritual Writer, 1761

10 William ofOckham, Friar, Philosopher, Teacher of the Faith, 1347

11 George Augustus Selwyn, first Bishop of New Zealand, 1878

16 Isabella Gilmore, Deaconess, 1923

19 Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1012

21 Anselm, Abbot of Le Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher of theFaith, 1109

23 George, Martyr, Patron of England, c.304

24 Mellitus, Bishop of London, first Bishop at St Paul's, 624

24 The Seven Martyrs of the Melanesian Brotherhood, Solomon Islands,2003

25 Mark the Evangelist

27 Christina Rossetti, Poet, 1894

28 Peter Chanel, Missionary in the South Pacific, Martyr, 1841

29 Catherine of Siena, Teacher of the Faith, 1380

30 Pandita Mary Ramabai, Translator of the Scriptures, 1922