ST ANDREW'S HARLESTONE - October 2022When Revd Andrea briefed churchwardens on Operation London Bridge some time ago, it was for a contingency we hoped would be long-in-the-awaiting, and I thought to myself that having completed all the actions, like most things in life, having the plan would mean we wouldn't need it (on the illogical basis that not having a plan generally means that the wretched thing happens!).On reflection, it allowed us to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of our-longest-reigning monarch in June, in a packed church and with lots of readings from words written by our late monarch. For the last time, we unwittingly sang 'Long may she reign'. We saw Her Majesty in some frailness as she saw out her 14th Prime Minister and saw in her 15th. The rest is unprecedented history and most of us will remember what we were doing and where we were when the reign of Queen Elizabeth II was announced to have ended.I nipped in to the conservatory on Dad's call to see Huw Edwards' sombre announcement. Next I lowered the Ukrainian flag on the house flagpole and raised the Union flag to half-mast. I sent a message to the chat group for my team at work - 'The Queen is dead. Long live the King', and hastily pulled together all the props for the Op London Bridge church plan: the framed portrait of the Queen in yellow dress with corgi, long awhile purchased from the National Gallery, the candlesticks and electric candles, and the black book of condolence. Justin had just bought me some flowers for supporting him through a surgical procedure that afternoon, so I asked if I could use them. I picked up my gardening gloves (the rope on the church flagpole is notoriously unkind to the vexillologist!). I texted Clive Skinner 'I don't suppose you're free to toll the bell for half an hour, are you?' Within a minute he'd responded, 'Yes, I'll be there in 5 minutes.'So, Operation London Bridge for St Andrew's, and churches all over the country swung into action. The bell was tolled until dusk, the flag was lowered to half mast within the hour, a flower pedestal was arranged by this untrained churchwarden, and flowers put in vases, with all other church clutter cleared, assisted by Graham Mortimer, and developments whatsapped pictorially for the Rector's approval. Arrangements were made to have the church opened daily during daylight hours (thanks to all). Church services were altered for the next two Sundays, Harvest Festivals cancelled and so on. Then the CCTV paid silent witness to numerous people who came into church to reflect and sign the condolence book, including the 7 year old who laid flowers and pored over his written tribute. Rather than continue this narrative, it has been clear that locally and nationally, the Church of England, of which the late Queen was Supreme Governor, has been given, and has responded handsomely to the challenge of the nation's reaction to the end of an era and the constancy of her late Majesty' part of our wider family. So, having been silent in recent editions, I reflect (or bounce around) in bullet points on some of the memorable moments of the past ten days. You will hopefully see why and reflect yourself.PSALM 16 ON DEATH: On the preceding Monday, we had laid to rest our friend and former colleague churchwarden, Maureen Walton, in a service befitting a good Christian woman who lived a good life. Wendy Henley read (beautifully) from Psalm 16, which we used on 11th at Harlestone as we gathered to mourn the Queen's death. "I am always aware of the Lord's presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure, because you protect me from the power of death. I have served you faithfully, and you will not abandon me to the world of the dead." HYMNS WITH MEANING: Almost as a God-given energisation to our weariness after events of recent weeks, and with the unbelievable galvanising of the nation, I was reminded of the second verse from the hymn we sang at the Platinum Jubilee, and with gusto at the Service of Commemoration on the eve of the State Funeral, "Living stones, by God appointed, each to his allotted place; kings and priests, by God anointed, shall ye not declare his grace? Ye, a royal generation, tell the tidings of your birth, tidings of a new creation, to an old and weary earth." We were reminded of our own mortality in another hymn we sang, based on the second Collect of Evening Prayer, to Dudley-Smith's beautiful words, "To that last hour, when heaven's day is dawning, far spent the night that knows no earthly waking; keep us as watchmen, longing for the morning, till that day's breaking." The words of many of the hymns chosen throughout the week had similar impact. Read afresh the words to 'All my hope on God is founded.' TRIBUTES: The tributes in the convened House of Commons from Boris Johnson, Keir Starter, Jess Phillips, Theresa May showed how oratory can be done when sincere and without clanging cymbals. The tributes of Emmanuel Macron and Joe Biden were worthy of googling and reflecting: we had lost our Queen. The rest of the world had lost THE Queen. WORK MATTERS: My day job and my conversations with the Chief Constable discussed the ramifications of the days which followed, with officers being deployed on what we call 'mutual aid' to the Metropolis for the biggest policing operation ever. We had over 70 officers who responded in hours just to take the place of one officer to be part of the ceremonial team on the funeral route, in addition to the scores of officers billeted in London for all manner of duties including diplomatic protection. The planning was unprecedented - how do we deal with a public holiday with less than 8 days notice? Changing my twitter homepage to black, reducing normal social media activity brought another poignancy amid the protocols of a period of state mourning. THAT FUNERAL: And then the funeral itself. Immense, moving and beautiful. Aside the eulogies which tend to grace funerals of the majority of us, the liturgy was the solid wording and structure to all funerals. For the Archbishop of Canterbury, a sermon on servant leadership to the largest congregation in history, a challenge to which he rose admirably. As I tweeted his quotes afterwards, "People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer. But in all cases, those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten." CHURCH AT FUNERALS: Baroness Scotland brought the words of St Paul to vivid life, as though they had been written in the newspaper letters page yesterday. Both funeral and committal showed musical and liturgical standards of the highest order, reminding us all of how the CofE does this so well in cathedrals and churches, and how the theology of music is so vital.REFLECTING AFTER THE FUNERAL: I went up to St Andrew's to raise the flag to full mast and close the condolence book after the Funeral Service, but was prevented from doing so, because even at 6.30pm, there were six people in church, prompting our decision to leave things as they were. This meant that I was in the car to happen across 'Beyond Belief' on BBC Radio 4 with Andrew Carwood (Director of Music at St Paul's Cathedral', Catherine Pepinster (Commentator on Religion & journalist), Douglas Davies (Professor of Religion, Durham university), Rev Giles Fraser (Vicar of Kew). Go to BBC Sounds, and find this edition on the evening of 19th and be inspired by the review of the funeral which needs no more explaining by me. I thoroughly recommend it. Revd Sue Kipling recommended 'Love divine' for our family funerals, and explained the relevance of the last verse. It was sung at the State Funeral "Changed from glory into glory, till in heaven we take our place, till we cast our crowns before thee..." In unprecedented televised poignant drama, we saw the Queen's coffin stripped of the sceptre, orb and Imperial Crown - symbols of the office to which she was anointed, placed on the altar as he Lord Chamberlain's wand of office was snapped in half. She had indeed 'cast her crown' before her, and our Lord, as she had changed from glory into glory. CHANGED FROM GLORY INTO GLORY: And so we were all changed by the week that was. With the words of the Archbishop on servant leadership ringing in my ears (the theme chosen by Rev John Evans when he preached at the Platinum Jubilee), I draw to an end with the tweet I sent when social media was back on. "Till we cast our crowns before thee' ... Whatever our status in life, whatever our crown, sceptre or orb, they too are laid at the altar in death. A great leveller and reminder of the relevance of humility in life and leadership and yes, even in work." LOOKING FORWARD: And really finally, the words of Lyn - the coordinator of Harlestone Village Institute - another great village institution - as we bumped into each other as she tearfully signed the condolence book on her return from holiday, and I was faffing in church - 'please can village hall and church organisations work together when it comes to a Coronation?', to which a resounding yes please, and a reminder of the hope to come as we all now get used to singing an amended national anthem, and as I conclude. 'God save the King.'
SAT 1 OCTOBERAfter publishing my reflection on the aftermath of the late Queen's period of mourning and State Funeral, for the records, I put in one place the services we have held for her late Majesty - the Platinum Jubilee Service, so well attended in June, as well as the two service during the period of mourning. See attached.TUE 13 SEPTEMBERFurther to previous updates on activities at St Andrew’s Church following the sad death of the Queen, the church remains open daily from 9.30am to dusk for those who wish to sign the condolence book. This Sunday 18th, the normal service pattern is interrupted and at St Andrew’s there will be one service for the six churches of the Benefice and all who wish to attend. This will be a Service of Commendation written for the eve of the Queen’s funeral at Westminster Abbey.The service will start at 3pm in church, including music, prayer, readings and reflection. Tea will be served after the service, Please pass the word around and circulate on your social media platforms.SAT 8 SEPTEMBERAs the situation develops in relation to the plans for the national period of mourning, the following is announced as St Andrew's responds:1. There will be a service of music and reflection in church at 10am on Sunday 11 September as previously announced. There will also be a short service in the open air at the Jubilee Field, Loxton's Field at 4pm2. Teas in Church will go ahead on 11 September, as will the Historic Churches Ride & Stride, and the church remains open for signing of the Condolence Book3. On Sunday 18 September, advertised services will go ahead, but with changed content4. Depending on the announced date of the State Funeral, there may be a Memorial Service for the Benefice at St Andrew's on the afternoon of 18 September5. The planned bellringing in memory of Maureen Basford on 18 September is sadly postponed6. Harvest Festival on 18 September will be postponed to October (date tbc)7. Sunday Teas on 18 September will be cancelledFRI 9 SEPTEMBERCONTINUED ARRANGEMENTS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH IIFurther to previous communications on the evening of the Queen’s death, this brings you an update of your church’s response to this time of national mourning.The church bell was tolled until dusk last night (8th), the day of Her Majesty’s death, and is being tolled at noon today (9th) as bells are being rung across the country at the same time.The church will be open daily from 9.3am until dusk until further notice. All are welcome to visit and sign the Book of Condolence, sit, reflect, pray as desired.A simple service will be held at 10am in church this Sunday 11 September, using a liturgy which will be used in all churches. All are welcome to attend.We will not cancel Tea & Cake on Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm as the church will be open and, given the Queen’s love of community, we consider it not disrespectful to allow the community to have access to the church, condolence book and have a cup of tea. By offering tea and cake, it may offer an added reason for people to come. Sam DobbsChurchwarden
JULY UPDATE FROM ST ANDREW’S, HARLESTONEWith no substantive St Andrew’s news for you since March, down to my inability to juggle deadlines, here is a whistlestop update beyond this month’s deadline, thanks to the Editor being on another continent! The headings are services, people and then bits and bobs. All are interlinked. Services: On top of our regular service pattern, the church has been filled for some special services, sadder and happier. I was pleased and grateful that Rev Andrea allowed for the use of St Andrew’s for two very poignant services linked to my work. On Tuesday 19 April, we welcomed the family of the late Sgt Paul Keany, who died at work due to heart failure, aged 42, at the beginning of Covid. The rules meant that he was allowed only a graveside committal with around ten people present, and ever since, the promised Memorial Service was postponed on many occasions, due to the latest Covid rulings. In the month of the second anniversary of his death, I asked if we could host the service at St Andrew’s, followed by a Reception at Harlestone Park. A lovely service took place, led by the National Police Chaplain and Revd Andrea, with a tribute from the Chief Constable. The choir sang Psalm 23, and Jude Wilton sang ‘How long will I love you?’ The Force ceremonial team paraded the Force standard in and out of church – an event very much appreciated by Paul’s mum and family and officers & staff who attended and some closure achieved.A fortnight later on 28 April, the church was stretched to its 230 capacity as the family and friends of the late Anne Mortimer attended her funeral which was lovely (in its truest sense) and full of the hope we expect the funeral of a good Christian lady to be charged with. It was truly uplifting with beautiful hymns and readings, older and newer. Our hearts and love remain with the quite remarkable Graham and we are grateful for the Votive Candle stand which will adorn the church in Anne’s memory from July, to be dedicated later in the year, to remind us that ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’As we laid Anne to rest, back at work, the police family was being rocked with the news of the collapse and death of PC Alex Prentice, a 40 year old colleague who suffered heart failure at work and died in A&E. A hugely popular figure in the force and community, his funeral had been held in East Carlton and Corby for close family and friends. The Chief Constable asked if we could hold his Police family Memorial Service of Thanksgiving at Harlestone, and this took place on 25 May in another packed church of around 200 congregation, led by Rev John Evans, and the Chief Constable leading the tributes, again followed by Tea at Harlestone Park. There was a muffled peal of the church bells, the choir sang and we had the pleasure of hearing John Evans Jr singing an apt solo rendition of ‘Will your anchor hold in the storms of life?’ John Griff attended in his role as HM Deputy Lieutenant representing the Lord Lieutenant and the Queen, as he presented Alex’s father with the Platinum Jubilee medal which Alex never had the chance to collect himself. The ceremonial team paraded, and it was so moving that so many police colleagues turned out to pay their respects to this immensely popular officer. The service featured in a half page feature in the following week’s Chronicle & Echo, as John Griff reflected on the service ‘Recollections of lives of service, lived to the full, were wonderfully moving.’John Griff was again in church in his DL role on Friday 3 June as the bells pealed, this time unmuffled, as people from all over our village and church community walked and drove to church on this special holiday to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of HM The Queen. Led by Rev Andrea, with a full choir, organ, trumpets and timpani, we sang our hearts out and listened to Readings from the Bible and from speeches made over the years by Her Majesty. We heard a good, solid, cracking sermon from Rev John Evans and the roof was veritably raised before four litres of gin and 40 litres of tonic plus nibbles were consumed at the back of church.And as we look ahead, we now have Music for a Summer’s Evening in church, organised by Bobbie Austin. After that concert, and taking into account attendees of Tuesday Tea and Toast and Thursday Arts and Crafts, in two months, the church will have welcomed well over 700 visitors not on a Sunday, which delights us.People: As Revd Kathryn seeks the next chapter of her ministry journey to take on her own parish following successful completion of her curacy with us, we will sadly wave her and her family farewell. Until that time, she will remain in the Brampton Rectory and in our Benefice. On Sunday 17 July at a special Benefice Service at Harlestone at 10am, we will welcome Mrs Kim McCloghry who is to be our newly ordained Curate. As a part-time priest, she will undergo her training with us for the next four years and we look forward to welcoming her (and her husband Fergus) into our church community. On 17 July, we shall also welcome Dr Brian Canfield from the USA. Brian is Professor of Clinical Mental Health at Florida University and an ancestor of his, 19 generations back, John Calmfield, is buried in the aisle of St Andrew’s. In past years, prior to Covid, we were used to welcoming a visit from Brian and friends as part of a one-week summer programme in the UK – the Oxford Institute for Family and Couple Therapy, held at St Hilda’s College, Oxford. This year’s programme will comprise 30 participants – mental health professionals and graduate students – from throughout the USA and internationally. Around 20 including members of Brian’s family will be joining us for worship and an afternoon in the village.Bits and bobs· We have now joined the Parish Giving Scheme which means that we can join the other parishes with our own QR code to make giving easier. We also await delivery of our new ‘CollectTin’ – a card reader which will allow visitors to donate to church, or offer their giving/collection by selecting the amount and swiping their card. This eventually hopefully responds to the cashless society we have now become. · Our church website is gathering new visitors monthly – do check out www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16414 or search on the website. · It’s been a delight to hear the bells ringing out with members of the Benefice bellringing teams practising at St Andrew’s, and with the team from around the Deanery who ring for our special services under the leadership of Nick Hiams. The bells have had some attention and maintenance recently from Taylors of Loughborough, and thanks to a kind donor in the village, we will now have our own set of leather bell muffles to allow the bells to be rung with their sombre echo, for funerals and sadder occasions.· Teas in church will resume on Sunday afternoons in July, August and September, with thanks to the ladies who bake and serve at this popular event. We have new greetings cards displays for the wonderful array of stock made and provided by Bobbie.· The tower area is being gradually cleared and cleaned to allow for dual use as a children’s area. Noticeboards have been installed, and we are provisioning wheeled storage units for toys and a soft area, so our ministry of welcome for our younger visitors is assured at whatever event – services or Tea & Toast! We are also looking to clear some more space so that our new Curate, who will live outside the Benefice, will have a base in church.· With the demise of the church noticeboard in the gales, a new information board has been ordered and we are grateful to the Parish Council for their support of this – they don’t come cheap!· We are in discussion with our neighbours at the Golf Club, who have agreed to make unlocking and locking of the church part of their daily schedule. This will allow us to review/reduce our key issue and maximise the security cameras to allow fuller access by all to church during the daytime.· We have installed new radio microphones which were ‘christened’ at the Jubilee Service. The new microphones allow for two wireless lapel microphones as well as the lectern microphone. Sylvia Roberts made a point of grabbing my elbow in Waitrose (in that way that only Sylvia can do) and assured me it was the clearest she had heard in church. Praise indeed!· As you have read, we have had many visitors to church in recent months and it’s always interesting to hear comment and feedback. To see the church through a visitor’s eyes is always helpful. Highlights for me as Churchwarden have been ‘you really do welcome children, and don’t just tolerate them,’ ‘I really didn’t expect such musical and liturgical quality in a village church’, ‘this place is such a warm welcoming spiritual space – can I come back?’, ‘what a beautiful church and how well it is maintained and unspoilt’, ‘I’ve never been offered tea and toast, and gin and tonic in a church – and I love it.’, ‘how lucky you are to have such a well-maintained churchyard.’ My thanks, and those of the PCC, go out to all who contribute to make those comments possible – not least the Parish Council of Harlestone whose contribution to the maintenance of our churchyard is so very much appreciated, alongside their excellent contractors at the village’s A&A Landscapes. Much to report here, and much to be grateful for. Our church is very much alive and if I could do a cartwheel, I would, for we are now proving that an active church is not just about bums on seats on a Sunday, though I thoroughly recommend that too! I also recommend you now clear from your minds the image of me doing a cartwheel before you move on!SAM DOBBS (Churchwarden)
ST ANDREW'S CHURCH, HARLESTONEMinutes of PCC meeting: 10th May 2022, held in the churchPresent: Rev'd Andrea Watkins (Chair); Rev'd Kathryn Evans; Sam Dobbs; Bobbie Austin; Jean Bateman; Joan Lee; Graham Mortimer; Liz Ashton Davies (minutes)Apologies: NoneOpening prayer: Rev'd WatkinsMinutes of the last meeting (2nd Feb 2022): Accepted as accurate. Signed by AndreaMatters arising: a) Fabric items: Repairs to bells, roof and boundary wall all completeb) Finance: Parish Giving Scheme – PCC approved plan to join the Parish Giving Scheme and run it alongside current donation practices. Proposed: Joan Lee; Seconded: Bobbie AustinAgreed unanimously.Andrea suggested we contact East Haddon about the letter they delivered to all parishioners, explaining the scheme as it had a very positive outcome.Action: Liz to contact diocese to start process of joining scheme Liz to contact East HaddonSafeguarding: Andrea reported that there had been no issues since last meeting but documentation must be udpated and signed off by PCC.Action: Sam to produce new documentationServices and Mission:a) Andrea thanked PCC for agreeing to Tea and Toast being held at Harlestone, also the Art/Craft sessions. They are providing a service for the community. Positive feedback from participants.. Andrea would like to create an attractive, warm, safe environment for the children in the tower. Sam will source a dehumidifier; want to create wall boards, acquire flooring, cushions, storage cubes on wheels so tower can be cleared for bell ringers. Safeguarding issues have been considered.PCC agreed to allocate £250 for this purpose.Action: Andrea to take forward.b) Andrea again expressed her wish that the church is open every day. Sam to resume talks with Golf Club and clarify when / whether they will open/close every day. Caroline Bilbie always willing to open.Action: Sam to confirm Golf Club involvement then approach Caroline if needed.c) Services at Harlestone:Sunday 15th May: 11am communion serviceSunday 22nd May: 10am Worship for All (Jackie)Sunday 29th May: 10am John Evans to lead service from Book of common PrayerSunday 17th July: 10am – extra Benefice service at Harlestone to welcome new curated) Queens Jubilee: Friday 3rd June 4pm – Benefice Jubilee Service. Non communion. All singing, all dancing, all flag waving! Will be advertised.e) Weddings: so far only 6th August and 3rd December.Fundraising Activities:a) Musica Music concert - 25th June 2022: Bobbie to set up sub committee with people from and beyond church. Jean and Sam volunteered to be on it. Graham will help but cannot attend.Action: Liz to contact Radio Northampton Sam to secure licence (Liz to nag Sam (his request!!) Sam to check with Golf Club about possibility of parking there.b) Gilbert and Sullivan concert 2023: Concern expressed that the group charges so much (£600 plus expenses). Also, do we have appropriate setting and facilities for them to prepare and perform? Sam suggested holding the event next April / May as memorial to Anne Mortimer. Andrea and Sam want it to be in church if it goes ahead. Group is performing at Long Buckby this Saturday (14th May).Actions:Liz to invite Tim (group leader) to look at our church on Saturday to see if it is suitableLiz to get feedback from Long Buckby on their experienceFabric:a) Demonstration of churchyard survey by Liz: 7pm Wednesday 13th July in church or Sam's house (tbc)b) Glass doors – may not have enough money yet but apply for Faculty . PCC agreed to apply for a Faculty for glass doors to be installed in the porch. Proposed Graham Mortimer; Seconded: Sam Dobbs; Agreed unanimously.Action: Liz to start application.Treasurer's Report: distributed in advance of meeting. No questions.a) Charities: Currently donate small amount to Diocesan Bell Ringers and to NHCT, also Christian Aid. PCC should adopt a policy on giving to charities and review it every year. This is common practice in other PCCs. Could decide to ring fence a certain amount to donate to charities and decide each year which charities (global and local) to support. Action: Liz to create basic wording and guideline on amount for next PCC meeting.AOB:a) Bell ringers: We come under Northampton bell ringers guild (other parishes in Benefice are serviced by other areas). Confusing. Sam communicating with various people to confirm which bell ringing guild can ring our bells. We want them to be rung!Action: Sam to continue research.b) Operation London Bridge (in the event of the Queen's passing): need bell mufflers. Should be full muffles but they are expensive. PCC agreed we must have them.Action: Graham Mortimer to research and purchase.Other actions for Operation London Bridge:Condolences Book – we have oneUnion flag to be flown at half mast (which really means third way down)Candles and picturesChurch openc) Grave matters (1): Chancellor has declared that Maureen Basford's grave is to remain in situ. The paperwork is to be completed retrospectively and paid. The stonemasons have been admonished by chancellor for incorrect application of the rules.Action: Andrea to progress.d) Grave matters (2): Andrea asked PCC if they agreed to an application to reserve a grave space for the Viesels, next to the grave of their baby.Approval proposed by Sam Dobbs. Seconded by Jean Bateman.Approved unanimously.Action: Andrea to progresse) Rota for organists: Sam and Joan have worked out new rota so they are represented around the Benefice. They felt strongly that (1) they should not be asked to play just when they turn up at church – they are entitled to be able to worship as any other member of the congregation and (2) that organists should always be paid, including for the Worship for All services so Bobbie was asked to claim for playing and then decide herself what to do with the payment.f) Greetings card racks – Sam had collected some and the vendors also presented us with greetings cards as they are winding down their business. ?More available if we want them and if Sam is willing to pick them up from Cricklewood! They were handed over to Bobbie.g) Notice boards: suggestion to replace broken notice board with double fronted, double doored pin board in man made timber. Guaranteed for long time. They look like wood, do not rot, come with preprinted heading and key locks. Quite expensive – ca £1500.Liz proposed that they should be purchased. Jean seconded proposal.Action: Sam to purchase and install. Liz to ask if HPC can help with funding.h) Votive candle stand: a votia is to be put in place in memory of Anne Mortimer with a small brass plaque, paid for out of donations at her funeral.Action: Graham Mortimer to progress.Date and time of next meeting: Tuesday 2nd August 2022 at 7pm in the church.Meeting closed with Andrea saying the grace.
