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Christian Aid
A special thank you to our 'Ickenham villagers' who responded
so generously to our band of compassionate collectors.
The success of Christian Aid Week is largely dependent upon our
helpers, and we are thankful for their support and dedication.
We were short of volunteers this year so, regrettably, some roads
were not covered, and some people had far too many homes to visit.
Special thanks go to all those who compensated for this shortfall
and so willingly, and joyously, gave of their time. You
all do a tremendous job.
"By supporting Christian Aid you are among the millions
of people who think poverty is a scandal we do not have to accept."
"Your actions and commitment will bring about a better
life for people in poor communities all over the world whatever
their race or religion to help them to stand upon their
own two feet."
It's a date!
Typically, Christian Aid Week begins on the second Sunday in
May, but in 2005 it's been moved back so it doesn't clash with
Red Cross Week. Christian Aid chose not to compete for
doorstep space against an organisation also working on behalf
of the world's poor so this means the dates next year will
be 15th 21st May. Put the date in your diary,
and we hope you will be able to join us again.
Bernard Pearce
HHH - Hell Continued
Bob Forrest continues to provide you with his personal
thoughts for your spiritual well being using the alphabet as
his guide.
He descended into hell. Thus the Apostles Creed.
Put into context, we read ... "was crucified, dead, and
buried, descended to hell, on the third day rose again from the
dead "
These words do not appear in the Nicene Creed "was crucified
for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and
rose again on the third day"
Research has suggested that the Apostles Creed varied in content
over the years and that significant additions were made to the
original text. The word "catholic" was introduced before
the word "church", and a reference to the communion
of saints added. The descent to hell is in this same category
and reflects the incorporation of ideas popular in medieval piety.
The concept of the descent into hell is not set in tablets of
stone.
After the crucifixion there were those who were anxious to prove
there was no resurrection, and the easiest way to do this was
to show that there was no death. Jesus feigned death, his disciples
got permission to remove the "body" from the Cross,
he was nursed back to life and carried on his work of evangelism
safe in the knowledge that he was believed to be dead.
It was therefore important for the early Church to emphasise
the reality of Christ's death. He was crucified, dead, and buried.
And if he was really dead, would he not have done what all other
people did when they died. They all descended into a shadowy
underworld, ferried across the Styx by Charon, never to return.
In any case, where was Jesus during the first three days after
the, crucifixion, and what was he doing? These questions needed
answers and so we have the descent into hell.
There is no Biblical authority for the descent into hell. Indeed,
words of Jesus on the Cross are evidence to the contrary. Jesus
said to the dying thief crucified beside him, "Today, you
will be with me in Paradise." Surely that is sufficient
answer.
Bob's new book GOD ONLY KNOWS SEQUEL, by Robert M.
Forrest, is now available from good bookshops. It is published
by Scotforth Books 2004 ISBN 1-904244-35-1. It contains the A-Z
series, with revisions, that ICN has been printing.
Heythrop Drive Deliveries Solved
We are very pleased to advise that Mrs Jill Taylor, of 4 Heythrop
Drive, has offered to deliver ICN to that road on a regular
basis. Thank you Jill.
Should anyone else be willing to help, or act as substitute for
that round during a period of possible illness, or holiday, please
contact Jill and the Editor.
Short-Mat Bowling Club
The St Giles' Church Short-Mat Bowling Club has for disposal
two green carpets, 45ft long x 6ft.8ins. wide, stored, currently,
in St Giles' Church Hall. Useful for household, shed, etcetera?
Anyone interested please contact Colin Kershaw. Tel. 01895 634454
Happy Birthday Dorothy
Dorothy Simmonds celebrates her 90th birthday on 8th July.
We all wish her congratulations and many happy returns of the
day.
Gospel Oak Meeting
 On May 20th a team assembled by
the Gospel Oak in Swakeleys Road opposite Woodstock Drive to
note progress made and investigate further action. Present were
Peter Daymond of Ickenham Residents' Association, Andy Boeckstaens
from LBH's Environmental Services, Ralph Hughes of the Horticultural
Society and Diana May representing South Swakeleys Neighbourhood
Watch. The council has recently cut back the semi-circle of yew
trees and, as reported in an earlier ICN, a new Gospel Oak was
planted and is thriving.
The stone tablet near the tree has an inscription commemorating
the fact that harvest prayers used to be said there in times
past; as the letters are worn, discussion took place about re-engraving
it, possibly attaching a bronze plaque to mark the restoration,
and re-siting it to one side. A deeper layer of wood chippings
will be laid within the yew circle; and the crescent-shaped bed
to the south of it will have some low-level ground cover.
A little bit of Ickenham history is thus being preserved - a
reminder of more spiritual times when people were closer to the
land.
Diana May
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