THE UNITED PARISH OF CHINNOR, SYDENHAM, ASTON …...that at this time, record numbers of people are...

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Donate to United Parish of Chinnor, Sydenham, Aston Rowant & Crowell

Website: http://chinnorunitedchurches.co.uk

THE UNITED PARISH OF CHINNOR, SYDENHAM, ASTON ROWANT and CROWELL United Parish Magazine

August 2020

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Rector to the United Parish - The Rev’d Dr. Jacky Barr

[email protected]

07769 825 305 or 01844 352027

The United Parish Ministry Team

Rector: Rev’d Dr. Jacky Barr 07769 825305

Associate Priest: Rev’d Joan DeVal 01844 353404

Licenced Lay Minister (L.L.M)

Margaret Poole 01844 281042

Retired Priest: Rev’d Des Foote 01844 355945

Rev’d Dr. Brian Griffiths 01844 355953

PARISH OFFICE CHURCH HALL

Tricia Prescott 01844 352472 Val Welford

[email protected] [email protected]

PARISH SAFEGUARDING OFFICER

Andrea Oughton

(via the Parish Office – 01844 352472)

mailto:[email protected]


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PASTORAL LETTER

Well, hello dear reader. At the start of lock-down, I thought I would have lots

of time on my hands, however, I now find myself zooming about. I don’t mean in the

running about physical sense but in the on-line meetings computer app sense. I

was no longer zooming physically but certainly zooming to virtual meetings. The

other day I had three zoom meetings and I could do this because the travelling time

between meetings was seconds.

During my vicar training, one of the things we were taught was theological

reflection. This is the discipline of seeing the spiritual perspective. We were

encouraged to develop the habit of stopping (i.e. not physically zooming about),

sensing God’s presence and then carrying on in a spiritually changed and enthused

manner. They gave us exercises to do. One of them was to find parallels in the

Bible which relate to our situation.

Thus, I ask myself is there a Biblical parallel to lock-down? Noting that we

have celebrated Easter and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, it got me

thinking about Jesus’ disciples and how they stopped zooming about physically and

went into lock-down. In John 20:19-21, it says ‘on the evening of the first day of the

week when the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the

authorities, Jesus came and stood among them and said “peace to you”. After he

said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were overjoyed

when they saw the Lord. Again, Jesus said “peace to you”.’

So, what can we learn from this? Well, the disciples were scared. Jesus’

crucifixion had shown what the authorities were prepared to do. Those disciples

were like us - fearful of the situation and the future. Yet Jesus, raised from the

dead, broke through those locked doors and burst in to be with them. No social

distancing for him. He zoomed to be with his needy disciples. Note, the first thing

the resurrected Jesus says is not “hi” or “hello” but “peace to you” and he says it

twice to underline the point. The Hebrew word for ‘peace’ is ‘shalom’ which means

so much more. It means harmony, wholeness, completeness, welfare, tranquillity

and lack of worry. No wonder that after the Resurrection and then Pentecost, the

disciples were changed men, confident in the power of the risen Lord Jesus and the

Holy Spirit. I find this so encouraging because the promise is that the Lord comes to

us in our lockdown and says, “peace to you” and ministers to us. I’m not surprised

that at this time, record numbers of people are zooming to virtual church services to

find peace and comfort.

However, I think there’s yet another reflection here. As a result of the

empowering of the Holy Spirit, the early church grew like crazy. We saw this in the

Parish readings from the Acts of the Apostles. However, at the time, the apostles

had no idea about the future. Similarly, we don’t know what the future holds but we

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do know the church (us) will be empowered by the same Holy Spirit. Significantly,

by the time you read this, Jacky will have been licensed as our Rector. The Bishop

will have given her ‘the cure of souls.’ This may sound a very old phrase but it’s one

rich with meaning – she has the responsibility of looking after our souls. Bearing in

mind our Parish readings from Exodus, you could say that like Moses, Jacky is

charged with leading us to the promised land. Thus, we need to be praying for her

that she may be filled with the Holy Spirit as she zooms about curing our souls in the

post-lockdown United Parish.

With every blessing, Revd Brian Griffiths.

Jesus appears to his disciples after he has risen. In "The life of Jesus of Nazareth:

eighty pictures" (Eyre & Spottiswoode, 1906).

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Church Services to Begin Again!!

Our Transition to The New Normal

Dear United Parish

With great joy, we are going to be able to meet together again in church for services! Of course, things are going to look and feel different for a while. You may have already noticed from the service rota at the start of the magazine that the number of services is reduced and timings have changed. Do double check the rota for the service you are planning to attend. It’s a temporary one that I anticipate running for at least August and September. The reason for this shift is that, should a member of the ministry team become unwell (or have to shield

again), with this timetable another minister will be able to cover the services without disruption. It also means that, as your Rector, I will be able to attend services even when I’m not leading them. I’m just going to outline for you some of the things that are going be different when you come to church for a service. These things will be in place so that we can worship together again with a sense of confidence and safety. Before You Arrive At least an hour before the service begins, the doors will be opened to allow the space to be ventilated. As many doors as possible will remain open through the service. (Don’t forget to bring a jumper for those not-summery days!) All door handles and seating areas will have been cleaned and the church quarantined for 72 hours before a service. Arriving at Church

Please don’t arrive too early. If necessary, be prepared to wait outside, 2m apart from other households before being shown to your seats. As is the new normal now, we will ask you to sanitize your hands when you arrive and to wear a face mask. Twenty minutes before the service begins, the church wardens and sides-people will begin showing you to your seats. Seating will be organized so that the front pews are filled first. Members of the same household or social bubble will be able to sit together. We will be aiming for roughly 2 metres between different households.

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Booklets We are hoping to have service booklets printed that will contain an outline of the services that will happen during this time of transition. This booklet will be for you to keep, take home and bring back to church the next time you come. Track and Trace The churchwardens will be making a physical record of who attends a church service for contact purposes in the unlikely event of someone identifying as having coronavirus. You may be asked for your phone number. Your details will be shared only with the NHS should it be necessary and the record will be kept securely for 21 days and then destroyed. During The Service The minister will be wearing a full-face visor so our beautiful faces will be fully visible to you! The service will be a shortened one. The minister will read just one Bible reading and lead the intercessions. The sermon will be approximately 5 minutes and based on the reflection produced in the UnitedParish@Home service. (I know how disappointed you will all be at a shortened sermon don’t worry, we will make up for it later!) There remains caution about singing in church but there will be an organist to help us lift our hearts to God. We are unable to share the peace together physically however, in our hearts, we will be offering each other peace in its fullest sense. Holy Communion For services of Holy Communion, it is currently only possible for you to receive in “one kind”, that is the bread. To minimise you (as the congregation) moving around, and the minister having to offer the sacrament at arms-length and with no words, we will ask those who wish to receive communion to pick up a sealed container with a wafer in as they enter the church. At the appropriate moment, during the Eucharistic prayer, the minister will ask you to lift-up your wafer to be consecrated. We will consume together at the same time, which is something that, I think, will create a rather lovely moment of togetherness. After the Service

Sadly, no refreshments are able to be served after the service. Leaving the church will happen in true Gospel style: in reverse order of arriving! People at the back of the church will be ushered out first. None of our churches lend themselves to a neat one-way system.

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Children In Church Please, please continue to bring your children to church especially for the service at Aston Rowant on the first Sunday of the month and at St Andrew’s on the second Sunday of the month. We would ask that you provide your children with their own drinks, snacks and toys. Toilets The toilet at St Andrew’s and at Aston Rowant will be available during the service times. Stewardship We won’t be able to pass round the collection plate so the plate will be located close to the door for you to place your kind gift in, either as you arrive or leave. Sunday 8am and Wednesday Holy Communion For now, there will be no 8am service to ensure the ministry team aren’t spread too thinly to begin with. The 11am Wednesday Holy Communion service will also not resume just yet but the churches will be open for private prayer on Wednesdays as they have been.

I will continue to record a weekly Holy Communion service for the website and Facebook.

Online Services Our weekly UnitedParish@Home services will continue. We have understood how important they are for those of you without the internet and unable to attend church. They will continue to be recorded for on our website and on Facebook. We are hoping to set up a telephone line for those without the internet to listen to the UnitedParish@Home service by calling a local number. All these arrangements will be constantly under review and my hope and prayer is that we will be able to return to a more natural and comfortable style of worship soon.

With Love and Prayers Jacky

Rector to the United Parish of Chinnor, Sydenham, Aston Rowant and Crowell.

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READINGS

Sunday 2nd August Sunday 9th August Sunday 16th August

8th Sunday after Trinity 9th Sunday after Trinity 10th Sunday after Trinity

Genesis 32: 22 – 31 Genesis 37: 1 – 4, 12 – 28 Genesis 45: 1 – 15

Romans 9: 1 – 5 Romans 10: 5 – 15 Romans 11: 1 – 2a, 29 – 32,

Matthew 14: 13 – 21 Matthew 14: 22 – 33 Matthew 15: [10 – 20] 21 – 28

Sunday 2nd August Sunday 30th August

11th Sunday after Trinity 12th Sunday after Trinity

Exodus 1: 8 – 2: 10 Exodus 3: 1 - 15

Romans 12: 1 – 8 Romans 12: 9 – end

Matthew 16: 13 – 20 Matthew 16: 21 – end

IMPORTANT NOTICE

The Lockdown pattern of services is continuing. Sunday UnitedParish@home

prepared by the Ministry team, available as a paper service sheet, on our website

(www.chinnorunitedchurches.co.uk) and on Facebook (standrews Church Chinnor).

Wednesday Holy Communion and a daily Bible reading (see above) can be also viewed on

the website or Facebook.

The Diocese of Oxford also have a service on Sunday’s at 10am which can be viewed on

their website and Facebook page.

Oxford Diocese: Sunday service can be listened to on the phone! For those unable to watch online dial 01865 920930 and, once connected, dial 0 for the

full version of the service, or dial 1 for a short version. Standard call rates apply. Please

remember there will be a few seconds of silence before the service starts.

http://www.chinnorunitedchurches.co.uk/

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‘Prayer is God listening to the whispers of the World’.

This quote came from a child at St Andrew’s School

PRIVATE PRAYER IN CHURCH

We have been able to open the churches for a limited time each week for private prayer!

St Andrew’s, Chinnor Wednesday 3pm -7pm

St Peter and St Paul, Aston Rowant Wednesday 10-3pm

St Mary’s, Sydenham Sunday 9am – noon Wednesday 3-7pm

BVM, Crowell By request

Please contact the Church Office

A great deal of thought effort and elbow grease has been used to allow this to happen - thank you to all involved.

We will be delighted to welcome you into the church and gently ask that you maintain all the recommended social distancing rules and use the hand sanitiser on the way in and out of church. We are sorry that lighting a candle isn’t considered appropriate at this time – handling the lighters and tapers risks contamination.

Please pray for:

John Harding Brian Hutton

Bill Stallwood Peter Harris Gill Cockins Nora Blyth

Dorothy Richards

For those who mourn:

Sandy Watson

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United Parish Service Rota

August 2020

8am 930am 11am 6pm

Sunday

2nd Aug

No

service

Aston

Rowant

Service of

the Word

Chinnor

Holy

Communion

Crowell

CW

Evening

Prayer

Brian Jacky Jacky

Sunday

9th

August

No

service

Aston

Rowant

Holy

Communion

Chinnor

All Age

Service

Sydenham

BCP

Holy

Communion

Jacky Margaret Jacky

Sunday

16th

August

No

service

Aston

Rowant

Service of

the Word

Chinnor

Holy

Communion

Crowell

BCP

Evening

Prayer plus

Holy

Commuinion

Des Jacky Jacky

Sunday

23rd

August

No

service

Aston

Rowant

Holy

Communion

Chinnor

Holy

Communion

Sydenham

BCP

Evening

Prayer

Jacky Jacky Joan

Sunday

30th

August

UNITEDPARISH@HOME service online and on paper

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Daily Readings for August 2020

As a Parish we continue to read the Gospel of Luke. This is giving us an

opportunity to experience a book of the Bible in its entirety, which is a

different experience from hearing the highlights on a Sunday morning.

One of the ministry team reading the daily scripture is found on the

website and on our Facebook page.

Date Chapter Date Chapter

Tues 28th July Luke 8 :1-25 Sat 15th Aug Luke 17

Thurs 30th July Luke 8 : 26-55 Mon 17th Aug Luke 18

Fri 31st July Luke 9 : 1-27 Tues 18th Aug Luke 19

Sat 1st Aug Luke 9: 28-62 Thurs 20th Aug Luke 20

Mon 3rd Aug Luke 10 Fri 21st Aug Luke 21

Tues 4th Aug Luke 11 :1-28 Sat 22nd Aug Luke 22: 1-38

Thurs 6th Aug Luke 11 : 29-54 Mon 24th Aug Luke 22:39 -71

Fri 7th Aug Luke 12 : 1-34 Tues 25th Aug Luke 23:1-25

Sat 8th Aug Luke 12 : 35-59 Thurs 27th Aug Luke 23: 26-56

Mon 10th Aug Luke 13 Fri 28th Aug Luke 24: 1-35

Tues 11th Aug Luke 14 Sat 29th Aug Luke 24: 36-53

Thurs 13th Aug Luke 15

Fri 14th Aug Luke 16

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Margaret Poole writes:

As our primary schools have now broken up for the Summer holidays we continue

pray for all staff and children to be able to have a chance to relax and enjoy time

away from the difficult challenges they have faced over the past few months.

We especially pray for the year 6 children as they prepare for their move to

secondary school. We thank you for the contributions that they have made to

primary school and especially through the work that we have done with them, Open

the Book REinspired, whole school assemblies and their visits to Church. We pray

that they will be supported and ready for the next journey in their education.

May all staff, children and their families enjoy a safe and relaxing break before they

return in September for what will be a new normal with continued challenges.

Hempton Field Nursing Home have been very grateful for all the love and support

they have received through our prayers, messages and gifts. They also continue to

enjoy all the videos and readings that they have watched together from the church

website, including a video message and reflection from Bishop Colin. Sadly, over

these past few months they have lost a few members of their residential family,

some of whom were regular members of our church congregation at Hempton.

We continue pray for all at Hempton Field, Staff residents and their families, and

especially those who have lost their loved ones at this time.

As Hempton Field is still closed to visitors from the wider community, you may like to

send them a message of support, which they will gratefully receive and put up in the

lounge for all residents to see.

Email: [email protected]

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO LIVE ALONE

I live alone, dear Lord, stay by my side

in all my daily needs, be thou my guide.

Grant me good health for, that indeed I pray

to carry on my work, from day to day.

Keep pure my mind, my thoughts, my every deed,

let me be kind, unselfish, in my neighbours need.

Spare me from fire, from flood, malicious tongues,

from thieves, from fear, and evil ones.

If sickness or an accident befall then, humbly lord I pray

hear thou my call and when I’m feeling low

or in despair, lift-up my heart and help me in my prayer.

I live alone, dear Lord yet have no fear

because I feel your presence ever near.

Amen. (Taken from a publication by Tim Tiley Ltd, Bristol)

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Bishops Colin’s Reflection for Jacky’s

Institution Thursday 9th July 2020

There are some important things in the Bishop’s reflection that we should take notice of as

we move forward.

Bishop Colin reflects:

Well, the great day has finally arrived, and I’m delighted to be with you all for Jacky’s

institution tonight.

Normally on an occasion like this I would begin by welcoming Jacky’s family and friends, and

I’m delighted to do that – I don’t know Zoe if you realise the power you have as my

commissary – if you refuse to sign that your mother is the person she claims to be then the

whole of this service comes to a shuddering halt. But also an occasion when I’d be welcoming

those from Jacky’s former Parish and advising the receiving congregation that they are the

people to talk to if they want to know more. But of course, you know Jacky the Curate very

well indeed – tonight she becomes Jacky the Rector.

What I can’t leave out in thinking about tonight is huge thanks to all those who’ve done

much in this vacancy. To the churchwardens – Pat and Chris in Chinnor; Andy and Mags in

Crowell; Jeremy and Richard in Aston Rowant; and Roy and Fiona in Sydenham. Thank

you too to the Ministry Team – to both Brians, Des, Joan and Margaret – for the services,

Bible readings and many other spiritual supports. Thank you too to our Patrons, the Area

Dean and Lay chair, and everyone else who on 101 ways, has done so much – so often

behind the scenes and unnoticed but vital to the life of the Parish.

And so tonight, a new chapter begins

A new chapter for you Jacky, as you move from being assistant curate to Rector. New

Chapter for this Parish, New chapter being written at an extraordinary time in the history of

the church and nation.

A time of locked churches being gradually opened up – may I say what I’ve said elsewhere –

take things gradually. Here in this United Parish have a great advantage. Four churches but

only one Parish. Canon Law focuses on the Parish so that gives you considerable freedoms for

taking things at a different pace in different church buildings.

A time when we have learnt to do things remarkably quickly on Zoom. Wonderful that

people who would have felt excluded – age, infirmity, need to socially isolate or shield, have

been included.

A time when we’re living through a revolution in communication akin to that of printing –

still a long way to travel.

A time to wonder what it all means for the future.

But however the technology may develop and change, it’s people who will remain central.

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And I know Jacky, that pastoral care always comes very high on your list of priorities – I

suspect it may have been a significant in times of when those curate essays struggled to get

done!

But all that lies in the past. Now it is time to press ahead with fresh vision, But it is people,

not system that need to be central to that vision. Which is one reason why I love Romans 16.

You can see shining through Paul’s passion for people. We don’t know much about them.

They were quite a mixed bunch – some of his relatives, some not. Male/Female. Jews and

Gentiles, Probably old and young. They didn’t all get along with each other very well all of

times. Racial splits, spiritual splits – one group feeling superior, another group waning to

assert difference.

Paul wanting to promote unity in fresh ways.

As I look across Dorchester Area – both in multi parish benefices and multi church Parishes,

people have been working together in new ways. In some places people are saying -just go

back to what was; it will be foolish and tragic if we do. These are lessons from the past few

months that can be learnt and we need to learn from them.

I don’t know what it will mean here, Jacky.

Clearly tonight marks the fact that you’ve lost a curate. You can’t do all you were doing as

the curate and be the Rector. What will a reduction in the clergy team mean? You won’t

have another curate in Priests orders before 2023 at the earliest. How will things be

organised?

That is forced change through scarcity, what lessons? More positivity from working together

more closely both within your churches and you communities. Take time to reflect. For this

is a wonderful opportunity. A God-given opportunity that allows you, Jacky, to think with

others about the priorities both for yourself and for this Parish. Let me say to you, as I am

saying to others, let us seize that opportunity and not lose it.

I’ll close with one of God-incidences. This is a Reflection in Bible Reading notes I was

reading this morning. Written by David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, reflecting on Isaiah

42. It must have been written before COVID. Take it as a message to me, to you, Jacky, and

to this United Parish.

Isaiah’s vison takes us beyond the coming the Christ, to a God who will continue to break

anew into our world until the end of time itself. If we fail to see and embrace the new things

God is doing in our own place and time, we are little better than those who failed to recognise

the promised Messiah even as he walked among them. However old we are, we need to reject the

notion that change is something to view with suspicion. Instead, let us welcome the new

opportunities and challenges God places before us, both in the church and in the world.

Amen.

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A note from the new Rector of the United Parish of Chinnor,

Sydenham, Aston Rowant and Crowell.

It’s a bit hard to put into words how I feel now I’ve been licensed as Rector but this image

gets close to it!

I am very very happy to be Rector and staying in the Parish. And what an amazing three

days I had!

Thursday 9th July was the licensing day. A day I’d like to describe as being full of prayer

and reflection, but actually it was a day of nerves. How wonderful to spend the last half

hour as your assistant curate with the bells of St Andrew’s being rung in my honour. Wow!

Thank you so much to the Burdett family.

At last the moment arrived and the Area Dean finally let us into the Zoom meeting. I was

worried that being “licensed by Zoom” was going to feel remote and virtual in all senses.

But, my goodness, it didn’t feel like that at all. With over a hundred screens and about 150

people all beaming away at me, I truly felt such a connection to you all. It was very real

and very tangible. And utterly wonderful! I’m grateful to the Area Dean for coping with us

and to Bishop Colin for licensing me and for MCing such a glorious service.

The next day was a day off for me and I spent the day grinning my head off and

luxuriating in the feeling of being Rector!

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And then came the Saturday, Rambling Rector day. We couldn’t have had better

weather, dry, sunny with a good breeze to keep us cool. Thank you to all of you who

either walked with me or joined us at the churches. It was so lovely to see you all, there

were so many of you!

It was wonderful and deeply meaningful for me to enter each church as Rector and to

kneel at each altar to offer myself to serve God and the parish in each place. And, every

time I stood back from the altar, I turned round to see you all there, praying alongside me,

and my heart expanded a little bit more and I’m sure that it was just a touch of hay-fever

causing my eyes to water….

And we raised so much money from the walk around the churches! The total is standing

at £2250. That is such an amazing and generous effort on your part. Thank you to

everyone who made a contribution.

I am calming down a little now and the reality of the enormity

and seriousness of getting our churches re-opened is much on

my mind.

My reflection is that this role as Rector is not always going to

be easy one but I do know in every fibre of my being, that it is

the one I am called to. And I remain very happy about it!

With Love and Prayers

Jacky

The Rector

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RETURNING TO

CHURCH

With great joy and relief, we are hoping to begin offering Sunday services again on

Sunday 2nd August!

A lot of work and thought on behalf of the church wardens and the ministry team has gone

into this being able to happen. Do study the service rota (on page 6) and note the

changes there. There is also a piece (on pages 7 & 8) that will give you an idea of how

the services will work during this time of transition out of lockdown.

Here are some answers to questions that I anticipate that you may have:

Should I come to a church service? Everyone is unique with their health, as is the

health of those around them. Please make sure that you are aware of the guidance,

surrounding your particular situation, so that you can make an informed decision about

coming along.

Will I have to wear a mask? Ideally, yes please. The thinking at the moment, is that

wearing a mask does slow the transmission of the virus and is particularly relevant if

someone has the virus without any symptoms. If you think you might be exempt from

wearing a mask please do check the government guidance. We will respect your decision.

Can I sit in my usual place? When you arrive at church you will be shown to the next

available seat. The pews will be filled, in order, from the front to the back.

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Can I sit with my friends? You can sit with those you share a home with and those you

are in a social bubble with. To maintain the effectiveness of social distancing, we will ask

you to sit at least a metre away from anyone not in those two groups.

Can we sing together in church? Sadly not, we are going to follow the guidance that it’s

possible that singing increases the risk of transmission of the virus.

Can I receive Holy Communion? Yes, you will be able to receive the bread as the Body

of Christ but not the wine. We will celebrate the sacrament slightly differently than how

we are used to.

Will we share the Peace? We will offer one another our hope for each other’s sense of

well-being spiritually and in our hearts, but not by physical contact.

Will the collection plate be passed round? No, instead the plate will be placed by the

church door for you to leave your valuable donation to the work of the church.

If you have any other questions or concerns about returning to church, please do contact

me

by phone 352027 or text 07769 825 305 or email [email protected]

With Love and Prayers

Jacky

Rector


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The Rambling Rector’s ‘Church Crawl’ …..

Chinnor …….

Collect for St Andrews

God of Grace and Might, you are the Lord of all time and space.

Through your grace St Andrew’s has stood here in the centre of Chinnor for over

800 years and for that we give you thanks.

We humbly ask that your Grace will continue so that this church can always be a

place of comfort and joy for everyone who lives in this special village, exquisitely

placed at the foot of the magnificent Chilterns.

May St Andrews always be;

A place of joy and excitement on the day of a wedding.

A place of wonder and amazement at baptisms and

A place to bring sorrow and heart break at times of mourning.

We pray that St Andrew’s will continue to extend your welcome to the whole

community to provide a space for people to share their hearts with each other, and

their souls with God.

We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord,

Who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

One God, now and forever. Amen

to Crowell …..

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Collect for Crowell

Merciful God, you are the healer and soother of our souls.

The Nativity of the blessed Virgin Mary was a moment of delight and wonder, a moment of

potential that was brought to fullness at the birth of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

May the potential of the quiet healing that is infused throughout this church also come to

fullness in those who visit and prayer here.

We ask that you tenderness and your gentle Presence be always found in this place.

We make this prayer through Jesus Christ you Son, our Lord,

Who is alive and regains with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

Once God, now and forever. Amen

to Aston Rowant ……

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21



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Collect for Aston Rowant

Generous God of infinite Abundance, you bless your creation with all that we could ever

need for our minds and bodies, and souls.

We give you thanks for this church that has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years in

a place of such extraordinary beauty.

May this church, and this community in Aston Rowant, continue to be a reflection of your

abundance.

That in the generous and kind hospitality that shines forth from this place, people will find

their bodies strengthened, their minds eased, and their souls fulfilled.


Who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,


to Sydenham ….

Over the hills and far away

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Collect for Sydenham

Almighty and everliving God, your Spirit is moving in this place.

Lord, we beseech you that just as the spire of Sydenham reaches up towards you, so may

our prayers of today reach you.

We pray for this very precious community, who have such compassion for each other and

take such care of one another.

We humbly ask that this church will continue to be a place for the community to come

together and celebrate their joy and give thanks for your gifts.

That this place will always be a beacon of love and light in the village.


Who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,


back to Chinnor ………

A fabulous day was had by all. Thank you for inviting us Jacky.

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Thank you all so very much for the outpouring of love I received to celebrate

my licensing! You are very kind and thoughtful and all the cards and the

gifts are much appreciated and will be always cherished.

Love Jacky

Don’t forget to save the date for ….

Ride & Stride: Saturday 12th September 2020

Ride and Stride is the single largest source of income for OHCT and it is also a great way to enjoy getting out and about in Oxfordshire. This sponsorship event raises funds enabling OHCT to make grants to places of Christian worship and by participants sponsored funds being split between the Trust and their chosen place of worship, also helps provide significant support for the church or chapel of their choice. There are many ways to get involved – cycling, walking or horse-riding being the most popular however others have combined their involvement with sight-seeing whilst on holiday or driving vintage tractors! https://ohct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/

https://ohct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/

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Music at St Andrew’s – November 29th (hopefully)

Our final concert for 2020, all being well by then, will be a song recital from Julian

Godlee (baritone) on 29th November. I hope it is not tempting providence to say that

I shall be making the details known nearer the time – and that there will be a very

attractive and complete series in 2021. Graham Smallbone

Thame Food Bank

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Lyn Watts sends a picture of her garden ….

A wet, miserable July evening in my garden. But despite the black fly, I’m thankful

for such a green, welcoming outdoor space to call my own whatever the weather.

Jean Wadsworth from Chinnor sends us a picture of her Platycodon and Hosta’s.

Thank you for sharing these with us all.

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Water saving tips for your garden from Van Meuwen.

Droughts are becoming more common in the UK, so it's more and more important to

save water wherever possible. But that doesn't mean your garden has to suffer.

Mulching, more effective weeding, or collecting rainwater - there's plenty you can do,

even if there's a hosepipe ban.

Improve your soil

Work in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and help it to retain

water.

Use drip irrigation

This method delivers water efficiently where it’s most needed. Prioritise newly planted

and basket plants.

Water at right times

Early morning watering gives plants time to dry during the day and help prevent fungal

infections.

Mulch around your plants

Use straw, bark or shredded leaves between autumn and spring when the soil has

been wetted.

Use large containers

Large amounts of compost retain water more efficiently.

Use water retaining granules

Mixed with soil they release water gradually during the day.

Weed your garden

Weed regularly to avoid plants competing with weeds for water.

Collect rainwater

Re-use ‘grey water’ from baths, showers and washing-up water. Apply directly to soil

in case detergent harms young growth.

Water plants thoroughly

Deep watering every few days encourages plants to develop a good root system.

Don’t worry about brown lawns

Let your lawns grow; longer grass sends down deeper roots and provides more shade

for the soil. Aerate your lawn so water and air can reach your lawns roots.

Use less water, get more from your garden.

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Work on Sydenham Spire begins …….

We pray that the workers stay safe whilst doing this necessary work.

A Time for Everything by Helen Warwick. (April 2020)

A time to cleanse and a time to stick hands in the earth

A time to reflect and a time to plough on

A time to be solitary and a time to connect to others

A time to fear and a time to relax

A time to change and a time to keep routine

A time to love the earth and a time to stay indoors

A time to connect to the world and a time to look after self

A time to imagine and a time to think straight

A time for abstinence and a time for abundance

A time to hear and a time to ignore

A time to keep centred and a time to float

A time to write and a time to rest

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The Symbol of the Cross

In our increasingly complicated world, there is a need for simple symbols which

everyone can understand. Road signs are now universal, industry uses simple

trademarks, political parties use colours and every new movement adopts a sign.

The swastika, the hammer and sickle, the Olympic flag, the clenched fist, are all

examples of signs that tell us in shorthand what they mean.

The simplest sign of all is the Christian Cross. It is the first shape a baby draws, it is

used when a person can no longer sign their name, but like all the best symbols and

signs it has depths of meaning behind its simplicity. If we look at it with fresh eyes

we can see that behind that simplicity there is much to learn.

What does it look like?

It looks like a signpost. It offers us two ways on the path of life: the path of self and

the path to God. We have to choose, there is no middle way. It challenges us to

make up our mind.

Look at it again and it looks like a letter ‘T’ – ‘T’ for truth. Only here can the truth be

found about God, about man, about life, about death, about suffering, about

purpose.

Look at it again and it is an ‘I’ crossed out – we are naturally selfish and need to

learn to live with one another and to serve one another. ‘I’ is no longer the centre of

my life – the cross is.

Look at it again and it looks like a man with open arms. This is what Christianity is.

It is not a set of rules, it is not an ideology – it is an invitation. “Come to me”, says

Jesus, “and I will give you my love, my protection and my care.” No one ever need

feel lonely if they look at the Cross.

Look at it again and it looks like a banner. Held high it gives us a cause to follow, a

set of principles to stand up for, a marching band to join, a challenge to the young,

and a banner raised against evil, injustice, false values and uselessness of life.

Look at it again and it looks like a sword: a weapon with which to fight against the

evil around us and within us.

Look at it once more and it is made up of a vertical and horizontal line. The vertical

is firmly embedded in this world, for Christianity is not some airy-fairy vision, but

rooted and grounded inhuman experience – it is incarnate. But the vertical line

leads up to the heavenly places and guides our minds up to God. The horizontal

line reached out to the world – for Christianity is not just a personal faith, it is a

corporate one reaching out to others. Notice that the horizontal is supported by

the vertical. A man may have a strong social conscience and say “I do not go to

31



church however I serve others” – without the vertical dimension of worship, the

horizontal falls to the ground and is weakened.

The two lines remind us of our Lord’s two great commandments: to love God and to

love our neighbour as ourselves. All are there in the symbol of the Cross.

Perhaps you can see other meanings as you look at it? A pair of balances giving us

a balanced view of life, a sign of baptism that we carry everywhere and always

invisible on our foreheads, a kiss, an ambulance cross that brings us healing, a red

cross in a school exercise book that points to our sins by marking the wrong in our

lives, a sign of the Trinity.

Finally let us notice one more thing. The Cross is empty. No figure of Christ hangs

on it. We do not worship a dead figure of history but a living Lord. Jesus

experienced the Cross and overcame it. We too have our crosses to bear, our weak

human bodies, our faults of character, our worries, responsibilities, failures – but in

the end the Cross is empty, for Christ is alive and offers us eternal life if we follow

him past the Cross to the other side.

A simple sign with endless depths of meaning. Christianity is very simple, a child

can understand it, but it has depths that no one can fully understand or master.

May we see the Cross as a symbol and look at it with fresh eyes to see some of its

meanings. I have pointed out fifteen meanings – I wonder how many you will

remember?

Adapted from “Notes on a study of a Cross” by Rev. R. J. Goodchild

From the Parish Magazine October 2011)

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Parish Finances

The finances of the parish remain very difficult. We are missing you and

your generous Sunday morning gifts. We have also missed, and will miss,

some major fund-raising events. We are so grateful to those of you who

have continued to support us through this time, you have been amazing in

your commitment to your church.

If you would like to contribute to the church and all the work we do, then it

is possible for you to donate in the following ways

By bank transfer: United Parish of Chinnor, the sort code is 40 52 40

and the account number is 0001 9680

By cash or cheque (made to the United Parish of Chinnor) and send to

The Rev’d Jacky Barr The Rectory, High Street,

Chinnor, OX39 4DH

With humble thanks for reading and considering this request.

Jacky

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Sunday 20th September 2020, 11am

At Manor Farm, Chinnor Hill

This year, instead of each church having its own festival, we shall have one United Parish service in a barn at the Nixey’s Farm (providing space to socially distance with plenty of ventilation!).

Do join us for this opportunity to be together to celebrate this important

moment of the year.

Details about offering gifts and whether we

can share fellowship with a meal after the service are still being worked out. And will be dependent on the coronavirus pandemic situation and guidelines.

More information will be available in next month’s magazine.

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Last year, over 45 million people were forced from their homes by conflict and violence. Families who have suffered so much need your help now more than ever to face the deadly threat of coronavirus. Christian Aid has joined the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to raise urgent funds for communities living in extreme poverty and conflict in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Please help to protect refugees and vulnerable people in the world’s most fragile places today. The UK government will match pound for pound all donations made to this appeal.

Christian Aid has already responded to the Covid-19 outbreak by delivering life-saving information and hygiene support, personal protective equipment and food packages to communities in need. Your donation can help to:

• provide families with clean water, soap and information on keeping themselves safe

• give frontline medical and aid workers the equipment and supplies they need to care for the vulnerable and sick

• ensure families get enough food to prevent malnutrition, particularly amongst children

Please help families who have lost everything as they face this deadly threat.

If you wish to donate online, please go to the Christian Aid web site:

https://www.christianaid.org.uk/

OR you can send a cheque/cash to:

Chinnor Christian Aid

c/o Mavis Shortman

15A The Avenue, Chinnor, OX39 4PA

Many thanks from Chinnor Christian Aid Group

Coronavirus Emergency Appeal

https://www.christianaid.org.uk/

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ONE OF THESE NUMBERS COULD SAVE

SOMEONE'S LIFE.

Childline: 0800 1111

Samaritans: 116 123

Domestic Violence Hotline: 0808 2000 247

Mind: 0300 123 3393

Age UK: 0800 169 6565

The United Parish clergy team are also available for anyone to contact (by phone or email).

We are here for the whole community, not only the regular church goers.

Jacky 07769 825 305 - [email protected]

Margaret 01844 281 042 - [email protected]

Joan 01844 353 404 - [email protected]

Brian 01844 355 953 - [email protected]

Des 01844 355 945 - [email protected]






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Favourite Hymns of the

United Parish

Although we will have the joy of meeting together again and

sharing Communion, we won’t be able to sing out loud at this

time.

I can’t promise, but it may be possible, if we are able to have an

organist at a service then we might be able to at least hum along,

or maybe pray and meditate to a hymn as it is played.

As I was thinking about hymns, I began to wonder what the

favourite hymns are in the Parish. It would be lovely if you could

send in what your favourite hymns are, with no limit on how

many you nominate.

And if you have a reason why the hymn is important to you that

would be interesting to know.

Send your choices by email, text, phone message to the Parish

Office, myself or the church wardens – all contact details are in

the front cover and on the back of the parish magazine.

Hopefully next month we will be able a publish a list of our

favourite hymns – which hymns would you be disappointed not to

see on the list?

I’m now going to write down my prediction for the Parish’s top

three, wonder if I will get it right??

Jacky

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GUESS THE SAYINGS ….

1. LITTLE LATE * * * 2. L. S. D.

* * * pound shilling penny

LITTLE LATE * * * Stupid Clever

(Answers at the bottom of the page)

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES POSSIBLY ….

1. Three years old Reese: ‘Our Father, who does art in heaven, Harold

is his name. Amen’

2. A four years old girl prayed, “And forgive us our trash baskets as we

forgive those who put trash in our baskets.”

3. A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to

their six years old daughter and said, “Would you like to say the

blessing? “I wouldn’t know what to say,” the girl replied. “Just say

what you hear Mummy say”, the wife answered. The daughter

bowed her head and said, “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these

people to dinner?”

4. A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Ryan 3 and Kevin 5.

The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.

Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. ‘If Jesus were

sitting here, He would say, “Let my brother have the first pancake, I

can wait.” Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you

be Jesus!”

5. A father was at the beach with his children when the four years old

son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where

a seagull lay dead in the sand. “Daddy, what happened to him?” he

asked. Dad said, “it died and went to Heaven.” The boy thought for

a moment and then said, “Why did God throw him back down?”

(Answers to above sayings: 1. Too little, too late. 2. Penny wise, pound foolish).

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Captions received for July’s picture (in the order they were received)

1. That’s one way of making sure you get a word in (Maggs Warman)

2. No Jacky, you can’t have a ‘last-minute’ change to the Mag (Andy Warman)

3. Out of the mouths of babes and suckling’s Thou hast ordained… * 4. ME TIME – no one will recognise me with this. * 5. Long I accept, I will keep thinking. * 6. Oh – Can’t do lipstick! (* Jeremy Peters) 7. I am not sure if I am the Curate or the Rector, so have come to Church

in disguise! (Jackie Griffiths) 8. Holiday Snaps like this can be avoided by holding the camera the right

way around. (Bob Allan) 9. I've got two bananas here so hand over the money!' (Rosemary Keavy)

Caption requests for August please ….

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Parish Office

For all enquiries concerning baptism, confirmation and matrimony

please contact the Parish Office.

Rector: Rev’d Dr Jacky Barr

Parish Office: Tricia Prescott

St Andrew’s Church, Chinnor, OX39 4PG

01844 352472 - [email protected]

Opening Hours:

The office, along with the church building, is currently closed until further

notice. Jacky will be going in every other day for the post and phone

messages, and Tricia is fielding emails form home.

The best way of contacting the parish office is by emailing: [email protected]

Parish Magazine: Editor: Maggs Warman

Submissions should be emailed to [email protected]

DEADLINE for September Magazine is 16th August.

The churchwarden’s contact details

St Andrew’s, Chinnor St Peter & St Paul, Aston Rowant

Pat Haywood 01844 352007 Jeremy Wilcock 01844 761119

Richard Boarder 07795 681263

St Mary’s, Sydenham Nativity of B.V.M. Crowell

Roy Harrison 01844 353887 Andy Warman 01844 351909

Fiona Kermack 01844 352990 Maggs Warman 01844 351909




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