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The early part of the month of November at least is a time for 'remembrance'. All Saints' tide and All Souls' tide provide the opportunity for us to reflect on the saints of old as well as more modern day 'saints' - some of whom we might know personally - for their commitment and involvement in a particular cause. Traditionally All Souls' tide is when we might remember our own relatives and friends who have died and in many churches there are well-attended special services to commemorate the departed.
In Ickenham we do this too but at another time of the year when we hold a special service for those who have been bereaved. But it is the 'remembrance' of those who have died in the service of their country in two World Wars and conflicts since that the nation remembers especially in the month of November, with great thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for the freedom which we can all enjoy as individuals; a freedom which we might now, nearly 60 years on from the end of the Second World War, simply take for granted. We should never do that.
There are poignant reminders around the world even today
where 'freedom' and 'justice' have yet to be achieved. On Tuesday 11
November at 1055 in St Giles' Churchyard, there will be an opportunity for people
to come together to give thanks, and honour those from Ickenham who gave their
lives in the cause of our ongoing freedom, with a short service around our own
flagpole. Two minutes' silence will be observed. For those who are
unable to be there at that time, there will, of course, be the customary chance
to observe a period of silence at each of our morning services on 9th
November.
'They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary
them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the
morning, we will remember them' Thanks be to God. Our prayer
is that all peoples will share the freedom and justice, which we enjoy.
Greetings and peace to you all.
Philip
Sept. 28thææ Joshua South
Oct. 12thæææ Harry George Gallear
æææææææææææææææææ Daniel Keith Harr
Sept. 23rdæææææ Gilbert (Ron) Longley, aged 89
Oct. 8thææææææææ Yolanda (Lola) Price, aged 94
Oct. 15thææææææ Herbert Arthur (Bill) Vinton, aged 87
NB.
Apologies. In the cremation register of 4th September (October
edition) concerning the passing of John Barrett, his name was inadvertently
spelled as Barratt.
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I am writing to you
from my college room in Cambridge, and I have to keep pinching myself to
believe I really am here! When I began ëcandidating‰ for ministry
training I did not envisage undertaking a full time course. It is very exciting
to find myself here in Cambridge where I can concentrate on my studies during
the week without having to fit them in around work and other commitments. (It
is also nice to come home to Ickenham at weekends!)
Cambridge is a
lovely place to be. We are very near the famous "Backs" - the delightful view of the colleges, which back onto the River Cam. One of them is King‰s College with its
beautiful chapel. It has been a pleasure to walk among these ancient buildings
in the autumn sunshine, although my walks have usually been at quite a speed,
as we are kept very busy!
æ
Although I am at a
United Reformed Church college, we study with students from several other
Theological Colleges. These form part of the Cambridge Theological Federation.
I am already getting to know people from the Methodist, Roman Catholic, Orthodox
and two Anglican Colleges nearby. It will be enriching to talk, learn and
worship with people whose understanding of the Christian faith may well be
different from mine. I look forward to experiencing their different styles of
worship and discovering what is important and precious to them.
æ
I am already
impressed with the level of respect and cooperation among the colleges of the
Federation, where people are deeply rooted in their own traditions, and yet
open and willing to learn from others. But of course I am used to it! One of
the great strengths of church life in Ickenham is the way our two churches are
able to work, worship and share together.
æ
Some people may find it confusing that there are so many Christian denominations, and wonder why we do not agree about some aspects of faith. Yet it is not surprising really, when you think how varied and diverse we all are as human beings with our different personalities, backgrounds, cultures, and inclinations. It would be wonderful if we could all come closer together in cooperation and understanding and much work is being done towards this goal. Yet I think our different perspectives and styles show that the Christian faith is dynamic, alive, and available for all types of people. God seems to like variety - that is why he made us all different! How boring it would be if we were all alike!
Greetings Anne Dove
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Saturday 29th November from 10.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. in the Church Hall, Swakeleys Road. Entrance is only 50p and under 16s are FREE!
We aim to make this year‰s Fayre our best ever and attractions include:
- Christmas Gifts, Cards, Wrapping and Decorations
- Jewellery
- China and Glass
- Toys
- Quality Used Books and CDs
- Bulbs
- A Bran Tub and Games for the children
- A MONSTER Raffle
- Home made Cakes
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Refreshments and Food [including Lunches] will be available throughout.
If you are able to help in any way or have something to
donate, please contact Richard Piper: 01895 634348, or richardjpiper@btopenworld.com
See you there!
Friday 7th November at 12 noon in the Parlour of the U.R.C
PATIENT
SERVICE 2003
More volunteers needed urgently
The next Sunday when volunteers are needed to collect patients from wards for Communion services in the hospital chapel is:æ Hillingdon Hospital, Sunday 16th November. More dates will be published in future months. This small service is very much appreciated by patients who have no family available to help them. Anyone who is able to assist, please contact Alan Grove on 020 8868 9220.
