ICKENHAM CHURCH NEWS
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On Sunday 22 December the
Bishop of Willesden, the Rt. Revd. Peter Broadbent, paid a visit to St. Giles‰
Church. He preached to both the 8.00 and 9.45 a.m. congregations as well as
participating in the Parish breakfast between the services. After the 09.45
Communion, all processed to the Church Hall where the Bishop proceeded to
dedicate the revamped rear hall and the new rooms upstairs. These are now
known, officially, as The Bernard Chapman Hall, The Walter Davis Room and the
John Hillier Room.
The rooms, whilst creating
much needed and enhanced accommodation, serve also as a permanent reminder of
Walter and John who both gave excellent, and devoted, service to St. Giles‰
Church and the community of Ickenham over many years.
When dedicating the Bernard
Chapman Hall, Bishop Pete expressed the idea that although the rear hall had
now lost its concrete, central supporting pillar (to make more room)
nonetheless its human central pillar (Bernard) remains with us. We are grateful
for all his 27 years support as Hall Manager, and his ongoing help in the life
of the Church.
Editor
DROP-IN FOR THE BEREAVED.
Third Monday of each month. St. Giles‰ Church Hall, 2 to 3.30 p.m. A friendly,
informal opportunity for a chat, over a cup of tea, with other bereaved people
and pastoral visitors.و The next meeting
is Monday 17th February (also Monday 17th March). Just come
along, or ring the Rectory (622970) if you would like to talk to someone first.
ICKENHAM GOOD NEIGHBOUR
SCHEME exists to serve the whole of Ickenham. We‰re here to assist in an
emergency. If you need help, the daytime contact numbers are: 01895 633020 or
01895 235061.
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Will the date of 27 January
come and go with or without the initiation of a war with Iraq? By
the time you read this, the answer will be known. The lay person could be
forgiven for thinking that the present situation is surrounded with confusion,
fear and uncertainty. The UN Inspectors are still undertaking their work
in accordance with the UN Resolutions.و
Meanwhile the US and Britain are despatching their military to the
region as fast as they can in readiness for action. The Inspectors appear
to be working 'blind' and finding nothing while the US and Britain continue to
claim that they have intelligence which will prove Iraq possesses weapons of
mass destruction. Is it naive to ask why such information could not be
given to the Inspectors? Of course, the lay person doesn't have all the
facts (in the interests of national security) but it would seem obvious for the
US and Britain to co-operate publicly and more positively with the UN
Inspectors to try to avoid conflict and the potential suffering of thousands of
innocent people. Clearly there is growing concern both in the UK and US
about the possibility of military action being taken without reference back to
the UN first. War should be avoided at all costs, in any situation, and
our Government should be urged not to be drawn into any military conflict
unless, and until, it is the last resort, and certainly not without the backing
of further UN Resolutions.
و
We have just celebrated the season of peace and goodwill, remembering the
time when God became incarnate through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of
Peace. Those of us who are concerned about the present situation should
be urging our Government to do all it can to bring about a
peaceful solution in this
matter for the benefit of all humankind. In our churches we pray
regularly for leaders of nations that they may all strive for peace among
nations - our prayers are needed at the present time with renewed vigour.
و
Greetings, and peace, to you all.
Philip
