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st giles’ churchchurch news 2009
The Vicar, Church Wardens and all members of the Parochial Church Council extend a warm welcome to everyone over the Christmas period. The Christingle Service at 3.00 pm on Sunday 13th December is a delightful one for children in particular and christingles will be presented to all. The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 6.30 pm on Sunday 20th December is always popular and Readers will be drawn from Village residents. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards. On Christmas Eve at 3.00 pm the Crib Service will be held at which children will arrange the figures and herds of sheep which residents have been knitting for some time. That evening at 9.30 pm the Christmas Eve Sung Communion will be held which attracts in particular those who feel unable to make the short Christmas Day Family Service at 9.00 am. There are many other Services taking place within the Five Alive Mission Community but try not to miss their Carol Service in Dalwood Church at 10.30 am on Sunday 27th December.
St Giles’ Church will be decorated with poinsettias loaned by residents and they are asked to leave them clearly labelled at the back of the Church on Friday 18TH December. Flower arrangers are asked to assemble at 2.00 pm on Saturday 19th December to decorate in time for the Sunday Carol Service. The poinsettias will be ready for owners to collect on Monday 28th December. A Memorial Christmas Tree will be located in the Lady Chapel so that residents and visitors can record the names of absent family and friends whom they will be remembering over Christmas. The memory stars will be delivered to all houses in the Village which can be hung on the tree or left at Hurford Stores; a £1 donation for church funds would be appreciated.
Carol Singers will tour the Village on the evenings of Wednesday 16th and Friday 18th December starting on The Common on the Wednesday evening covering the top half of the village. On the Friday the start will be by the Whitford Road cottages covering the lower half. Adults and children are invited to join the group at any point but bright clothing suitable for the weather should be worn and torches/lanterns carried; carol sheets will be provided. The aim is to bring the good news to residents doorsteps wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and not to call for a collection. Be advised, however, that the Axminster Lions Club will call on another night that week collecting for charities. Any queries to Bring Lavender on 01297 34922.
CHURCH OF ENGLAND CHILDREN’S SOCIETY
Gill Perkins and Juliet Hurford have collected the boxes in Kilmington recently and are pleased to report that monies raised amounted to £426.65. This total has been forwarded to the Society and the boxes returned. They wish to advise that they are now retiring from the box collection but hope that one or two kind people will be willing to take over. Please contact either of the undersigned if you can help. Maybe you would like to keep your box and either send a cheque yearly to the Society or hand in the money at the annual Christingle Service in St Giles’ Church. Collections for the Children’s Society first started prior to the last war, and Gill and Juliet would like to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of money raised over the years; the Children’s Society is very grateful.
Gill Perkins 01297 34888
Juliet Hurford 01297 34900
THE FIVE ALIVE READING GROUP
We met in September for a very enjoyable conversation about the book “Everybody’s normal ‘til you get to know them” by John Ortberg. During the course of the evening it was noted that we aren’t often encouraged to delve deeply into our faith and consider how we feel about it, and books such as these chosen for the Reading Group can help us to do that.
Our next evening discussion will take place at the beginning of December (not the end of the November as originally mentioned) on Tuesday the 7th at 8pm in the Vicarage at Kilmington. It is not just for Kilmington residents and all members of the Mission Community are welcome to attend. If you can’t make the date but would like to read the book anyway I would encourage you to do so — our chosen title for this time is ‘The Jesus I Never Knew’ by the author Philip Yancey. It is a surprising look at the way in which Churches often forget the very basic nature of who Jesus was and how many of us miss the influence of Jesus’ Jewish roots on his life and his teaching. Again if you cannot get to the meeting, please do read the book anyway and we can always discuss it another time! I can order copies for £7.19 each from Amazon if people have orders to me by 6th November and I will make sure they are delivered to you as soon as possible after they arrive.
If anyone has any ideas about books it might be good to read as part of a group and then discuss over drinks and nibbles at the Vicarage (or elsewhere) then please let the Vicar know and we can consider them for our next book group which will take place in early February.
ST GILES' CHURCH HARVEST FESTIVAL
A large congregation assembled for the Harvest Thanksgiving Service in St Giles’ Church on Sunday 11th October, conducted by the Rev’d Alastair McCollum, who gave a warm welcome, thanking all those who had decorated the Church so beautifully and those that had donated harvest produce to be raffled later. Traditional harvest hymns were sung during the Service with an anthem by the Choir. The Readings were all given by farming families; Jane Bond, the Collect, Michael Collier, the Lesson, Oliver Bond, the Gospel and Mark Burrough, the Intercessions. The children helped and everyone was interested when the Vicar produced his breakfast basket which contained produce from all over the world and it was a good geography lesson as the countries concerned were identified on his world map. It was a great celebration for the “harvest home” as we sang and praised God, thanking Him for his goodness.
Some 70 people attended the Afternoon Harvest Tea in the Village Hall where all the tables decorated with flowers were traditionally laid out with delicious sandwiches, cakes, harvest loaf etc while Anna Cope provided musical entertainment on the piano. Two large harvest loaves had been kindly donated by the Punch and Judy Bakery in Bridport for the occasion. A special birthday cake with candles was brought in for Isobelle Ray who celebrated her 90th birthday the previous Thursday and there was an enthusiastic rendering of “Happy Birthday”. The raffle of produce was conducted by Michael Marsh and Elizabeth Stonex, before the judging of the Rogation sown runner bean competition. Disappointingly, there was only one entry, a 40cm long dried up one from Brian Lavender who declared himself the winner! Having brought two prizes for the winning boy and girl, he conducted instead a five question quiz for the under 16 year olds. Alex Kerslake and Emily Rudolph were awarded drinking pots, and packets of “squirms” to be shared among their friends. Church Warden Bill Kerslake wound up the proceedings by thanking everyone for participating and particularly the ladies who donated and prepared the “slap up tea”. Over £500 was sent to St Anne’s Hospital, Tanzania, as a result of the takings from the Church collection, tea tickets and raffle.
ST GILES’ CHURCH PATRONAL FESTIVAL
A traditional sung Evensong conducted by the Vicar marked the Patronal Festival at the Parish Church on Sunday 6 September. Nearly 70 people heard a very good talk by the Vicar and enjoyed singing some lovely hymns and listening to an anthem by the choir.
The Rev’ds Alastair McCollum, Anne Mills and Church Wardens Ann Marsh and Bill Kerslake who took turns at the gate to the Church on 5th September were pleased to meet many residents who called in with their donations and took coffee in the Church. At the time of writing, over £3,800 had been received for which they were all most grateful. These generous contributions will help meet the Parish Churches expenses and the restoration of the bells in particular.
ST GILES’ CHURCH HARVEST FESTIVAL
The normal arrangements for Harvest Festival which this year will be held on Sunday 11 October have been changed to allow the Baptist Church to use the Village Hall on Sunday mornings as a result of the fire at the Chapel. The Family Service will be held at 3.00 pm in Church and will follow the traditional format. The Church will be decorated with harvest produce, farmers will be invited to read the Lessons and the children will be given other Readings and invited to take an active part in the Service which will be conducted by the Vicar, the Rev’d Alastair McCollum.
Following the Service an Afternoon Tea will be served in the Village Hall where some musical entertainment will be provided. The judging of the runner beans sown at the Rogation Service will take place with prizes awarded for the longest. A raffle of harvest produce will follow. Tickets for the tea will be on sale in Hurfords Stores or from the Church Wardens at £4 for adults, children free. The proceeds from the collection, tea and raffle will be donated to St Anne’s Hospital Tanzania. A village with several farmers and numerous gardeners, we hope that many will come to give thanks and celebrate the harvest home. Harvest produce, which could include the tinned or bottled varieties, would be most welcome and should be left at the back of the Church on Friday 9th or early on the Saturday morning.
The Parish Church Fete in the Village Hall on Saturday 18th July was well attended again this year in spite of the drizzle which inhibited the outdoor activities to some extent. There was a good variety of stalls, games with a draw and a special “Heavon in Devon” tombola. The cream teas did a roaring trade while the music group provided the entertainment. The Vicar and all members of the KPCC send their thanks to everyone who contributed to and supported this highly successful event which raised £1256 for church funds.
ST GILES' CHURCH COFFEE MORNING
Di Seward is kindly organising a Coffee Morning in aid of St Giles’ Church Funds at Fernwood Farm, Kilmington, on Saturday 12th September from 10.00 am – 12 Noon. There will be tombola, a cake stall and a draw with entrance fee of £1 to include coffee. Please support this event which will be held in the Village Hall if the weather is inclement.
ST GILES' CHURCH GIFT DAY AND PATRONAL FESTIVAL
The Vicar and the Rev’d Anne Mills, supported by Church Wardens, will be outside St Giles’ Church on Saturday 5th September from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm to accept monetary gifts sorely needed to cover the Parish Church’s expenses. Kilmington residents will receive a letter from Alistair explaining why the Church is so dependent upon generous donations. The Patronal Festival of St Giles’ will be celebrated at an Evensong the next day, Sunday 6th September at 6.30 pm. You can be sure of a warm welcome with tea/coffee at the back of the Church afterwards.
REPORT ON EXETER DIOCESE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
“HEAVEN IN DEVON”
That was the theme, and it certainly felt like it in Exeter on Saturday 27th June with glorious sunshine greeting the thousands that arrived on Cathedral Green to celebrate 1100 years of Worship in the Diocese. Three enormous figures were being paraded representing three men of God who served the West Country at the time: Leofric who established the Holy See, Richard Hooker, the Theologian who taught that God would welcome all of us and not just those with whom we agree, and Archbishop Temple who understood that science does not replace God.
At 11.30 am, an enormous procession of clergy, ecumenical guests and leaders of other
faiths emerged from the Cathedral as the hymn to celebrate the Anniversary, written
by Patricia Johnson of Exmouth, was sung to the tune of “Morning has Broken”; she
won the prize in the competition to write the hymn to the theme of “Heaven in Devon”,
and it is included elsewhere in the magazine. Following a “Welcome”drama enactment
with the choir and the figures, and an opening Anthem, the College of Canons, St
Edward’s Canons, Celebrating Bishops, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Bishop
of Exeter accompanied by the Deans of the Cathedral processed to the hymn “For all
the Saints, who from their labours rest”. Bishop Michael then welcomed everybody,
particularly the Bishops from overseas and especially Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop
of Canterbury, and introduced the celebration. A 2nd drama enactment dwelling on
“Past Mistakes” followed, using the choir and the figures before the 1100th Anniversary
Anthem “Gloria in Excelsis”, composed by Stephen Tanner, Director of Music at Exeter
Cathedral School was sung. Following the Collect and reading from 1 Peter 1 verses
3-
In his Sermon, The Archbishop of Canterbury used the Gospel reading to explain that the Christians assembled on the green reflected the Glory of God because Jesus had promised he would pass on his glory to us so that the World would know that he loved us, as God loved him. He invited us to look around at those close to us and one could see the glory reflected in the faces of those present as they sang God’s praises with enthusiasm and joy. He went on to point out that although there was good news, as demonstrated in Exeter at the Celebration, the bad news was that we had to struggle hard in our lives to follow the example of Jesus which of course was an enormous challenge in view of our imperfections. His Sermon was truly inspiring, intellectually stimulating and delivered in an authoritative but sympathetic manner.
A 3rd drama on the theme of the “Law of Love” was acted out before we all renewed our Baptismal Vows and the many Bishops came round sprinkling holy water as a symbol. Intercessions were then read by young people selected from throughout the Diocese. The Archbishop pronounced ”The Peace of God” and he and all the Bishops came round to shake hands with as many as possible amongst the thousands. The Bishop invited everyone to take Communion at the many Communion Stations set up on the Green. A last drama was then enacted to the theme of “Change the World” before the Archbishop pronounced the Solemn Blessing The very moving and memorable Service culminated in the singing of “Thy hand O God has guided thy flock from age to age.” It was an absolute privilege to be present and I am sure that many felt how powerful prayer can be in communal worship.
While there were many very interesting seminars held during the afternoon at various locations in Exeter, I chose to listen to Dr Rowan Williams in the Cathedral. He was introduced by Bishop Michael to an audience of about 800 people and his subject was “What’s New in the Good News?”. I must confess that sitting on one side of the Cathedral with music intruding through the open door, it was not easy to hear or to follow the points made. The best I can do is to report that he had been very encouraged by the resurgence of faith and church attendance in rural areas and particularly in the South West. He commended the Exeter Diocese in particular and cited the tremendous turn out to worship God on Cathedral Green on that day as an example. However, he said that church attendance was not as important as the way that we led our lives, following the example of Jesus Christ, and by our deeds and actions. He urged us to concentrate on the good news, of which there was an abundance, and not take too much notice of the bad which was always highlighted in the media. He urged us to love one another and remind ourselves that we needed and relied on help and support from others.
He talked about the difficult path that he had to tread in trying to preserve the unity of the Anglican Church when there were such strong and conflicting opinions on issues such as homosexuality, gay priests and women bishops. He acknowledged that his decision not to appoint Canon Jeffrey John as Bishop of Reading was reached after a lot of consultation, thought and prayer, and he hoped that it had been the right one. Although church unity was important and some compromise was often necessary, it should not come before preserving the basic elements of our faith.
Everyone present had been issued with paper and a pencil so that they could ask the
Archbishop a question. During a 15 minute pause in the proceedings, the Bishops present
sorted them into groups of related issues and Dr Williams was quite masterful in
scanning a bunch of related questions and giving his thoughts and ideas with clarity.
He was asked for his views on the appointment of a Muslim as Head of the BBC’s Religious
Broadcasting; he said that he was not completely comfortable with it and was concerned
that it might lead to a neglect of the Christian heritage of a country that was predominately
Christian. Asked about his relationship with members of other faiths, he explained
that he was very happy to meet them and hold discussions but he found it difficult
to pray except through “Jesus Christ.-
There were still thousands of people in Cathedral Green for the Songs of Praise which started at 5.15 pm, introduced by Judi Spiers (BBC’s Pebble Mill) and David Winter (BBC’s previous Head of Religious Broadcasting”. “Guide me O thou Great Redeemer” rang out over the City first and was followed by a story by Simon Airey. Other popular hymns were sung, in between which, moving interviews with people from Devon giving their testimonies of faith were conducted by David Winter. He then turned to the Archbishop who talked about his Mission and Faith.with great conviction. Following “Make me a Channel of your Peace”, Bishop Michael gave a final prayer and Blessing, and “Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my Heart” brought to an end to what for me was the most meaningful and wonderful spiritual experience that I have had in the West Country. I think that everyone present throughout the day must have been truly inspired by the Celebration which was organised so brilliantly.
Brian Lavender
THE WINNING 1100TH HUNDRED ANNIVERSARY HYMN
Celebrate Devon,
embracing heaven,
green fields and pastures,
seaside and moor.
All that the Lord gives
throughout the ages
is ours to treasure
from shore to shore.
Give God the glory!
Sing Devon’s story!
Glorious Devon
this we adore.
Poets and painters,
seamen and farmers,
all these enrich us
for evermore.
Walk on the high moors,
stroll in the byways,
swim from the gold sands,
cycle the lanes.
Cherish the beauty
of field and flower,
churches and chapels,
all God’s domain.
Heaven in Devon!
Praise the Creator
for all the past years
and those to come.
Bells will ring out now
all over Devon.
We shall praise God here.
Amen! Amen!
Patricia K.S. Johnson. Tune: Bunessan (Morning has broken)
The St Giles’ Church Annual Fete will be held in the Village Hall on Saturday 18th July at 2.30 pm with activities spilling outside if the weather is favourable. There will be a variety of stalls including plants, cakes, nearly new, books and a big Tombola with the theme “Heaven in Devon”; contributions of items with a Devon flavour would be much appreciated. There will be Draw and the Music Group will provide entertainment as those present enjoy the side shows and games. Please come with family and friends to support this fund raising effort for the Parish Church and to enjoy a cream tea and a pleasant afternoon.
It was a lovely day on Whit Sunday 31 May for the Open Air Songs of Praise in the Vicarage garden led by the Honiton Town Band. The Vicar, the Rev’d Alistair McCollum, who had chosen some very well known hymns from the Band’s selection, welcomed the 90 or so in attendance and the Band played with great spirit in spite of an earlier engagement in the morning. Even the cricketers (Kilmington were playing Blacksmiths and Antiques) commented afterwards in the Old Inn how much they’d enjoyed the music and singing. The Vicar gave a thought provoking Address and thanked the Band and organisers before everyone enjoyed refreshments afterwards.
EXETER DIOCESE 1100th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
The coach to the above event on 27 June had to be cancelled, regretfully, due to lack of support. Most people obviously preferred the more flexible alternatives of using the train or the park and ride facility. Apologies to the few that had signed up for the coach. A full report on the celebrations will be prepared for these pages soon.
PLANTING AT LOWER WESTWATER FARM
St Giles’ Church, Kilmington, held a Rogation Service at Lower Westwater Farm on 17th May to celebrate the season of planting, by kind permission of Dick and Margaret Hurford. The Hurford family have farmed there since the 1940’s and now manage a large milking herd of Holstein Freisans whose milk is marketed in Sainsburys. The Service was conducted by the Vicar, the Rev’d Alistair McCollum, who led prayers for the Village farms, the fields and gardens, and the Music Group, conducted by Margaret Hurford, played the hymns/songs. In spite of the inclement weather, nearly 80 people including many children who enjoyed playing on the straw bales and planting runner beans for judging at the Harvest Festival on 11th October, were in attendance. Andrew Hurford, eldest son of Dick and Margaret, answered questions on how the farm was managed and gave everyone a good understanding of how important farming was to the community. The Vicar thanked the Hurford family for hosting the event and presented a bouquet of flowers to Margaret Hurford for all her many years of work as organist at St Giles’ Church and as Musical Director of the Five Alive Mission Community Choir. Delicious cakes and refreshments were enjoyed afterwards.
EXETER DIOCESE 1100TH ANNIVERSARY
At the time of writing, only 10 seats have been reserved on the 57 seat Sewards coach scheduled to depart Kilmington Village Hall at 9.30 am on Saturday 27th June for the Anniversary celebrations in Exeter it should be a very memorable occasion with several events and some excellent speakers. Details were given in March and April (see below) but unless we get a better response, the coach will have to be cancelled. Please contact Brian or Caroline Lavender on 01297 34922 and forward your cheques made out to St Giles’ Church to The Cider Orchard, Silver Street, Kilmington, Axminster, EX13 7SN.
ST GILES’ CHURCH AGM
There was quite a good attendance at the meeting in the Village Hall on Monday 20th April to elect Ann Marsh and Bill Kerslake as Church Wardens and to take part in the AGM at which Mrs W, John Thorne, Rachel Burrough, Elizabeth Stonex and Susan Moore were elected members of the Parochial Church Council. The Rev’d Alistair McCollum thanked Mrs W for her three years as a Church Warden and expressed his appreciation to Diana Church, Mark Borrough, Joan Lovegrove, Linda Heighway and Gerry Ware as they retired from the Council. The Vicar said that he and his family had been overwhelmed by the welcome received since arriving in the Village and how impressed he was with the role that St Giles’ Church plays in the community. After various reports, those present split into groups to discuss the future of the Parish Church and how best it could minister and support the community; some good points were raised which will be considered by the KPCC.
Brian Lavender
EXETER DIOCESE 1100TH ANNIVERSARY
Further details of the events in Exeter on Saturday 27th June, to celebrate the 1100th Anniversary of the Diocese, are emerging. There will be an outdoor Communion Celebration at 11.30 am on Cathedral Green while separate children’s activities and a crèche will be available. A County Schools Art Exhibition entitled “Colours in Devon – Heaven in Devon” will be on display in the Cathedral. A Flower Festival will be open for viewing in the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in South Street. From 3.00 to 4.30 pm, at various venues within easy walking distance of the Cathedral, keynote speakers will talk on issues of faith and life today; they are, Archbishop Rowan Williams on Mission and Ministry, David Bookless on Environment, Simon Airey on Storytelling, Lucy Moore on Messy Church,. Mike Moynagh on Future Church, Richard Hardy on Care for the Family, Ann Pettifor on World Justice, Alister McGrath on Darwin, Science and Faith and RC Bishop Christopher Budd on Pilgrimage. Tickets will be limited for these talks but can be obtained on line by searching for www.devon1100.org. At the time of writing, booking was not possible, but keep a watch out! At 5.15 pm, the Archbishop of Canterbury will lead a Songs of Praise on Cathedral Green with Judi Spiers and Alister McGrath. Exeter will be very crowded but you can book your seats on the Mission Community 57 seat coach by telephoning Brian or Caroline Lavender on 01297 34922. Please note that their answer phone failed during the period 30 March – 7 April and anyone who tried to book then should reapply.
You will regret it if you miss the concert in St Giles’ Church on Sunday 10th May at 3.30 pm, advertised in last month’s edition, which includes a cream tea in the Village Hall during the interval. The renowned Lyme Bay Chorale, directed by Alex Davies, will present “O Sing” and there are some very talented artistes – soprano Susie Milmer (nee Hodges), tenor Leslie Baker, saxophonist Alison Young and accompanist Peter Milmer. At the time of writing, there were still tickets available at £7.50 to include a cream tea, available from Hurford Stores, Margaret Hurford or the Church Wardens. Please support this event in aid of the Church piano appeal.
ST GILES’ CHURCH SONGS OF PRAISE
The Honiton Town Band has kindly agreed to lead an Ecumenical Open Air Songs of Praise in the Vicarage garden on Whit Sunday 31st May at 3.00 pm. Although they have an engagement in the morning, when they heard that the Rev’d Alistair McCollum was from a Honiton family they felt they could not refuse! This event is of course open to everyone and there will be plenty of room so please come along and do not feel inhibited if you are not a regular churchgoer. Refreshments will be served afterwards, but in the even of inclement weather the event will be held in St Giles’ Church. Readers are reminded that the Kilmington Art and Craft Exhibition will be taking place in the Village Hall that day and they might like to take in both events
ST GILES’ CHURCH ROGATION SERVICE
The season of planting will be celebrated with a Family Rogation Service in a barn at Lower Westwater Farm on Sunday 12th May at 3.00 pm, by kind permission of Dick and Margaret Hurford. Most of us know Margaret as a Musical Director and Church organist but this will be the opportunity to see her as a hard working farmer’s wife! They have a large milking herd of Holstein Friesians and will be able to tell us how the herd and farm is managed. The Rev’d Alastair McCollum will conduct the Service and the Music Group will lead the singing. Children will be given runner bean seeds to plant in the pots provided, and prizes will be awarded for the longest runner beans produced at the Harvest Festival lunch in the Village Hall next October. Please come and show support for our farmers, see the animals and enjoy refreshments afterwards. Boots and warm clothing should be worn if the weather is inclement. There is plenty of car parking at the farm but drivers are asked to go via the Village Hall car park to pick up anyone wanting a lift.
The Shute Armada Beacon was again used as the symbolic tomb, which was empty when 17 people including the Rev’ds Alastair McCollum and Darrell Holmes arrived at 7.00am on Easter Sunday morning for a short Service with readings entitled “A Reflection on the Empty Tomb”, led by Brian Lavender. It was a beautiful morning with a loud dawn chorus as Gerry Ware on his guitar accompanied the singing of Easter hymns which echoed down the valley.
The Rev’d Anne Mills gave a warm welcome to a large congregation in a beautifully decorated Church for the Family Service at 11.00 am. It was lovely to have visitors to the Village filling the pews and families present to celebrate this great Festival. The Music Group led a number of the Easter hymns starting with “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” and the Choir sang an Easter Anthem. Anne Mills recounted a story through St Peter’s eyes explaining some of the tumultuous events that happened after he was recruited by Jesus, which kept everyone very interested. Many people remained after the Family Service to take their Easter Communion while the children with parents and others went to the Vicarage garden where Jo McCollum told them an Easter story before setting them of on an exciting Easter egg hunt; thence on to the Village Hall to colour Easter cards and decorate Easter cakes while many of the congregation enjoyed refreshments. It was a very fitting and joyous occasion.
MISSION COMMUNITY SERVICE – 29 MARCH
There was an excellent attendance for the Five Alive Mission Community Passion Sunday
Service in St Giles’ Church, conducted in his relaxed and inimitable style by the
Rev’d Alistair McCollum. He made it clear that he had a passion for motorbikes but
his greater passions were for his family and his faith. The Service was a well designed
and a very meaningful one with some lovely hymns, songs and an anthem by the choir.
At the end, the Vicar announced it was a very special occasion on two counts; first,
he presented a bouquet of flowers to Joan Lovegrove who had served so well as his
PA/Secretary ever since he arrived; second, he drew attention to the Rev’d Anne Mills
who was in attendance but not robed because he wanted to surprise her with gifts
in recognition of the tremendous work that she had carried out in the Five Parishes
during the vacancy. As a result of collections within the Five Alive Mission Community,
she received a “travelling Communion set” for use when celebrating Holy Communion
in people’s homes (she always had to borrow one previously) and a substantial cheque
which she received, as everyone showed their appreciation for her dedication as a
non-
MOTHERING SUNDAY – ST GILES’ CHURCH
The Rev’d Alistair McCollum gave a warm welcome to all the Mothers in a large congregation
and he led the Music Group and everyone assembled with some delightful hymns/songs.
He gave an interesting talk with a few questions about Mother Church and the important
role of Mothers in our homes. Beautiful posies of Spring flowers were handed out
to children to present to their Mothers and there were plenty for all members of
the congregation to take home to their neighbours. An excellent four-
In spite of the fire in the Baptist Chapel, more events than ever are planned to celebrate the most important week in the Christian year. The Palm Sunday Procession on 5th April will form up at 10.30 am outside the Baptist Chapel so that prayers can be said thanking God that no one was injured in the fire and asking for His help in planning the rebuild. A donkey from the Sidmouth Sanctuary will lead the Procession by the usual route along The Hill past the New Inn, down The Street handing out palm crosses and stopping at a number of locations, including Koppers Care Home, for hymns/songs, readings and prayers. The ecumenical Service will be held in St Giles’ Church at 11.15 am, conducted by the Rev’d Alistair McCollum at which the Rev’d Darrel Holmes will give the Address. Refreshments will follow in the Village Hall. That evening, the Baptists will hold a Service at 6.30 pm in St Giles’ Church. On Wednesday 8th April, the last of the Lent Lunches will be served in the Village Hall at 12.30 pm in aid of Shelter Box.
On Maundy Thursday 9th April, the Baptists will hold a Service and a Passover Supper in the Village Hall starting at 7.00 pm while there will be a Mission Community Communion Service in St Giles’ Church at 7.30 pm, culminating in the stripping of the altar. On Good Friday, the Baptists will join in a “Procession of Witness” starting from TESCO’s in Axminster at 12.00 Noon, while Prayers will be said in St Giles’ Church at 12 Noon in remembrance of Christ’s suffering on the Cross. At 7.00 pm, the Baptists will hold a Service of Reflection in St Giles’ Church.
Try to make a special effort to get up early on Easter Sunday morning and walk up to the Shute Beacon with children and dogs for a short Service entitled “Reflection on the Empty Tomb” at 7.00 am. The Baptists will hold an all age Easter Sunday Service in the Axe Valley Community College at 10.45 am, and there will be a Family Service in St Giles’ Church at 11.00 am, followed by a short Service of Holy Communion during which the children will be engaged on an Easter Egg Hunt in the Vicarage garden.
There are Mission Community Services at 7.30 pm on Monday 6th, Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th April at Stockland, Yarcombe and Whitford Churches respectively. On Good Friday, there will be a Family Service in Dalwood Church at 10.00 am and Services in Shute Church at 1.00 pm and in Stockland Church at 2.00 pm. Lifts to any of the Mission Community Services will be coordinated by Brian Lavender (01297 34922) and Nigel Burton (01297 35303).
We invite readers to make Holy Week special this year and we wish you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter.
The Rev’d Alistair McCollum
The Rev’d Darrell Holmes
EXETER DIOCESE 1100TH ANNIVERSARY
A 57 seat Sewards coach has been booked on behalf of the Five Alive Mission Community for the celebrationS in Exeter on 27th June 2009 to mark the 1100th Anniversary of the Diocese. The coach will depart from the Kilmington Village Hall at 9.30 am and from Exeter at approximately 5.00 pm. Cost per head will be £5, inclusive of gratuities. Please book early to secure a place by telephoning Brian or Caroline Lavender on 01297 34922 and send your cheques made payable to St Giles’ Church to The Cider Orchard, Silver St. Kilmington, Axminster, EX13 7SN
Brian Lavender
All Parishioners on the Register of Local Government Electors are invited to coffee/tea in the Village Hall at 7.00 pm on Monday 20th April where they can vote at the “Vestry Meeting” to elect the St Giles’ Church Wardens, starting at 7.30 pm. The AGM will follow and is open to everyone, but only those on the Electoral Roll of St Giles’ Church are eligible to vote. Please come along as the opportunity will be available to air your views.
Brian Lavender
Some Kilmington residents like to fund lilies at Easter in memory of loved ones. Please place your orders, with the names to be remembered, with either of the contacts below. Contributions to the Flower Fund would be welcome to keep the Parish Church looking lovely throughout the year, particularly on Festival occasions.
Coral Dunmow and Caroline Lavender
LENT STUDY GROUP
The Rev’d Alastair McCollum will lead the Five Alive Mission Community Lent Study Group meetings at 7.30 pm on Thursdays during Lent to be held in the Methodist Church Meeting Room in Dalwood. These are open sessions and everyone is welcome to attend.
At the time of writing two of the Thursday evening Mission Community Lent Study Groups had met in the Dalwood Methodist Meeting Hall where they found the Vicar’s words and subsequent discussions to be very interesting and helpful. You can read about them on the internet by searching for newkiddeep.blogspot.com which is the Rev’d Alistair McCollum’s blog. It is well worth reading, as is his other blog fracme.blogspot.com.
ST GILES’ CHURCH -
I suppose people think this and of course it is true. Some explanation about the expense of running our Parish Church, with all the benefits that it provides for the community, might help to understand why. In 2008, for example, the Treasurer, Peter Huscroft, had to pay out some £63,271. £22,718 of this was to the Exeter Diocese which goes towards such things as Clergy pay and allowances, pensions etc. £4,700 was St Giles’ Church share of the Mission Community expenses paid with the other four Parishes. Heat, light and repairs totalled nearly £10,000, insurance costs were nearly £1,500 and the Churchyard expenses were over £1,500.
The source of our main income is from Church collections which totalled some £13,000. Small wonder, therefore, that we have to continuously raise funds to preserve our Parish Church. Kilmington residents were very generous in providing donations of some £2,865 and by contributing £4,825 on Gift Day. We managed to raise some £7,800 from the fund raising events organised in the year which appeared to be much enjoyed by those that took part. By careful administration, the Treasurer also managed to recover £5,457 from the Inland Revenue and Customs, as a result of Gift Aid. Without going into details of all the income and expenses, St Giles’ Church finished the year with a deficit of £834. The Parochial Church Council knew that things would be tight that year and, reluctantly, charity giving had to be restricted in comparison to previous years. Nevertheless, about £2,000 was donated to the United Society for the Promulgation of the Gospel, Christian Aid, the West Country Charity Shelter Box, the Bible Lands Society, the Children’s Society and to St Anne’s Hospital in Tanzania.
I hope that this explains why so much fund raising is necessary to keep our Church in good condition and to help it remain very active. In 2009, the Parochial Church Council has decided, at last, to purchase a good quality piano so that Margaret Hurford and other musicians can play it in the Church, not only for some Services and Choir practices, but at concerts etc. The Yamaha is second hand but in excellent condition and is ideally suited for the purpose at a cost of £1,000. If any readers would be willing to contribute to this purchase, it would be most appreciated. Please contact the Vicar on 33156 or one of the Churchwardens, Ann Marsh on 33711 if you can help.
Brian Lavender
ST GILES’ CHURCH MOTHERING SUNDAY
The Rev’d Alastair McCollum will conduct the Mothering Sunday Service at 11.00 am on Sunday 22nd March to which it is hoped that children will bring their Mothers, and others who attend can give thanks for theirs. Posies will be available for presentation during the Service. A Mothering Sunday four course lunch will be held in the Village Hall afterwards, following which the entertainment will be a bingo session so that everyone can join in the fun. Tickets for lunch will be on sale at Hurfords Stores or from the Church Wardens at £5.50 for adults, children free. Please come and support this traditional event.
St Giles’ Church looked lovely over the Christmas period with the poinsettias loaned by residents mounted in greenery by the flower arrangers; the lighted crib and memory trees all added to the welcoming atmosphere which attracted hundreds through the doors. The traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, conducted by the Rev’d Anne Mills on Sunday 21st December, brought some wonderful singing from the choir and congregation; the rendering of “O Holy Night” with soloists Susie Hodges and Christopher Balcomb was quite exquisite The Readings by Kilmington residents from all walks of life were excellent. The mulled wine and mince pies arranged by Elizabeth Stonex were much enjoyed by everyone afterwards. The collection of £256 was divided between the Bible Lands Society and Christian Aid.
The Crib Service during the afternoon of 24 December attracted many children with doting parents/guardians/ grandparents, and the Vicar and Jo McCollum had arranged some popular children’s songs and helped the youngsters place the figures in the crib as the story of the birth of Jesus unfolded in Readings and songs. The Christmas Eve Communion was again well attended and there was an air of anticipation. Although the Family Service on Christmas Morning, taken by Gill Heighway, was well organised, attendance was rather disappointing and one wonders whether it was too early on an exciting morning at home for the children! The Memory tree bore 135 stars over Christmas with some touching messages about absent relatives and friends scattered throughout the world; there was one remembering all Service Personnel on active duty over Christmas. With the Village well covered by carol singers on 17 and 19 December, it would have been difficult for anyone not to have felt the Christmas spirit in Kilmington.
