This month Revd. Christine Gillespie looks forward to a return of singing in church, and the very central role that singing plays in Methodist worship, whilst Revd. Peter Crumpler explores five truths that he has learnt about the value of Truth from the pandemic. I couldn’t agree more with his conclusions; I’m sure that I’m not alone in thinking that the Truth hasn’t always been prominent in the debate so far… We welcome Derek Cooper of the Friends of Brayton Barff this month. Derek celebrates the oaks that grow on the Barff and notes that these ancient trees have a mystical and ethereal quality to them. It was only a few months ago that I reported on Bill & Pat Thorpe’s move to Derbyshire, and it is with sadness that Sheila Newsome reports that Pat has now died. Thanks to Sue Beevers for reminding me about the Stanley Holloway monologue regarding Yorkshire Puddings. Now that takes me back!
The test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its most vulnerable members.American writer and novelist Pearl Buck (1892-1973)As we move forward as a nation, local community and church family, the Bishop of Selby and his fellow York bishops are asking us to do so based on the Biblical principle of compassion for others; that we ‘bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ’ (Galatians 6.2), and must not allow our own liberty to be the cause of other’s stumbling (1 Corinthians 8.9; Romans 14.21).In other words, whilst there will now be fewer hard and fast rules, it will be a loving service to others if, for the time being, we find ways to act more cautiously than might suit our own personal convenience and preferences.Here at St Wilfrid’s we are inspired by these words, and believe this church building should be a place where everybody feels safe. We therefore urge you strongly to continue to wear a mask or other face covering, and maintain socially distancing, if at all possible.The back pews in the central nave area are reserved for those who wish to remain socially distanced. Please ask our welcomers to direct you there.With grateful thanksRev Pete Watson (Rector) and Mrs Pat Jarvis (Churchwarden)
This month we bid farewell to Revd. Pete’s sidekick Angus McShoogle who is retiring from public life after 75 Youtube videos. 75 videos! Wednesday mornings will not be the same!Revd. Pete also takes the helm of this month’s Dear Friends article in which we are entreated to look back with gratitude, and forward with hope and confidence, in the knowledge that God will love and care for us.We also celebrate St Christopher’s day on the 25th July which gave me an opportunity to publish a splendid picture of a Citroen car! I also witter on about Twitter, TikTok and other modern developments that may have confounded many innocent parishioners… The rest of the magazine is my fault as usual.
In this month's edition Revd. Paul Finlinson’s writes about the community of church.There is an article about the Beer & Banterers who managed to shed the shackles of Zoom and meet in person. Also meeting up again, the Zone got to play table tennis (without a ball) and eat pizza in the churchyard. Friday Fun Club also met again in the churchyard. Fingers crossed that this is a sign that life is starting to return to normal.Sheila Newsome records Pat & Bill Thorpe’s move to Derbyshire to be nearer their family. I always think of Pat when I’m cutting down the grasses in the conservation area; Pat did a great amount of work in the Churchyard and her efforts live on! Let it be known that the trees are doing well Pat!The rest of the magazine is my fault as usual.
