On 17th November I went on the Interfaith walk of friendship here in Sunderland. We met at Sunderland Minster and we walked into a joyous service with singing and dancing. Over a hundred people joined in the walk to places of worship around Sunderland. We set off first to the Gurdwara in Ashbrooke. Our hosts had put on an incredibly tasty two course meal which we thoroughly enjoyed. There were lots of colourful decorations on the ceiling and fairy lights around the walls. Drumming and singing welcomed us as we arrived. It was a complete sensory experience. We walked through the streets to the convent and were welcomed by the nuns. We sang “He’s got the whole world in his hands” and had a look around the beautiful building and artworks. The nuns gave us sweets and chocolates as we left. Our final stop was at the Madrasah in Burn Park. We were given a PowerPoint presentation about the history of the Madrasah and a talk by the Imam. The afternoon rounded off with another spread of food with bhajis, a delicious Turkish pudding called Noah’s pudding and Indian tea. We all had a wonderful time but underlying the social aspect was the knowledge that these kinds of events are so important at this time, after the terrible violence and civil unrest in the summer targeting minority groups and immigrants. By experiencing our differences, we can also recognise how similar we are and how we are all striving for peace. Let us pray that we can all live in peace together and treat each other with love and respect. By Elaine Shanks
On 2nd November St Paul’s hosted another of its famous Christmas fayres. The church was full of stalls offering crafts, jewellery and cards to toys and Indian snack foods. Hundreds of people came and attempted to win chocolate on the tombola and win the Grand Hamper in the raffle. Richard from Ryhope choir was excited to win a giant St Bernard teddy from the guide dogs’ stall! The fayre raised around £1600 which is an amazing achievement. Well done to everyone who helped with organising, running stalls, serving refreshments and helping the event run smoothly. We are looking forward to the summer fayre now.
On the evening of 11th November St Paul’s held a special service to rededicate a plaque to honour former pupils at Ryhope Grammar school who were killed in World War Two. The plaque was thought to be lost when the school was demolished in 1988 but had been rescued from a skip and found its way to a car boot sale where it was bought and brought back to St Paul’s. The story made the local newspaper and even the local TV news report. The service recreated the original service in the 1940s which Father David was given by the family of one of the fallen following a chance conversation when his mother told a member of her church about the rediscovered plaque. That church member said it was her uncle who was the first name on the plaque and she had the original service sheet from the first dedication of the plaque. The family of Thomas S Akenhead attended the service to pay their respects. Ryhope choir learnt the hymns for the service and sang them on the night. Some were old and long forgotten. With the help of one of our talented organists, Jan, the choir managed to perfect the hymns. There was also a haunting rendition of the Last Post played during the service. Reading out the names in the service was very moving, with the congregation picturing the young men who had had all of their lives in front of them before they were cut horribly short bravely fighting fascism. The service solemnly rounded off Remembrance Day in a very thoughtful way. By Elaine ShanksImage: Reverend David with Tony Bowler of Ryhope Choir and Councillor Helen Glancy who read the address at the service.
Dear All, I’m on the Governors at the Primary School where we’re imminently awaiting the arrival of Ofsted. We’ve been told they could be coming at any time. We’ve been trying to predict when. We’ve said to ourselves, ‘Well, the school up the road has been inspected, so it must be our turn next.’ So we know it’s soon. The question is, ‘How soon?’ The head teacher told me that she felt sure it was going to be the other day. I said that I felt the same. But that day came and went, and still no phone call. So the waiting goes on. We’re anxious because what Ofsted says about a school can really affect things. There are four grades that can be given: outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate. How a school is judged can really affect morale, for better or for worse. Our head teacher wants us to be up to speed. So, we Governors are doing our best to have the necessary information at our fingertips. I’m trying to memorise the facts in my spare time. We have to be ready to give the inspectors the right answers. Failure to prepare means preparing to fail, as the saying goes. So, it’s a stressful time for everyone. I can’t help but feel that there are some parallels to be drawn here with the Second Coming of Jesus, which we especially think about at Advent. We’re told that one day he will return, and that we are to be ready for him. But, as with Ofsted, when that day will be is in uncertain. 4 Jesus talks about certain signs that will suggest that he is near, signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, along with fear and foreboding, and the shaking of the powers of the heavens. Some Christians feel certain that the time is now, just like the Head and I felt certain that Ofsted were coming last week. But against this we have to hold something else that Jesus said: He says that no one knows when the exact time will be, not even the angels in heaven. That secret is known only to God the Father. What this means is that we’re not to predict. We have to put a question mark against any suggestion of certainty as to when it might be. I’ve learned from Ofsted that this kind of predicting doesn’t really get you anywhere anyway, and only raises the anxiety. Instead, we have to watch and wait, and go about our usual business. It’s understandable that anticipating the return of Jesus might cause anxiety. St Paul says that we shall all have to stand before the judgement seat of God, and no one can feel easy about that. The prospect of Ofsted pales in comparison. But Jesus says we’re not to be weighed down by the worries of this life for that day to catch us unexpectedly. How much better to share our worries with Jesus, who will only judge us with the judgement of love,a love that casts out fear. And if there is any penalty to be paid, he has paid it already on the Cross. Lord Jesus, guard our hearts and prepare us for your coming. Help us to stand up and raise our heads, knowing that our redemption is near. Your friend and vicar, David.
