December 2004

Dear Friends,

When the apostle Paul visited Athens he found the people worshipped many Gods and he even found an altar with the inscription 'To an unknown God'.
It is difficult to worship and relate to someone we don't know.
As Christians we worship a God who has made himself known to us. Initially he revealed himself to a small nation of people – the Jews, and his dealings with these people are recorded in the Old Testament.
However, he has uniquely revealed himself through the person of Jesus Christ his only Son.
Christmas is the time to marvel and celebrate the unique birth of Jesus.
Unlike any other human person Jesus existed before he was born. He has been with his Father since the beginning of Creation. We are reminded of this in those memorable words in

John's gospel:
'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
was with God, and the Word was God'.

God chose to send his Son into the world long before it happened for it is through his Son that he reveals himself and that he offers salvation to the whole of mankind.
God clothed Jesus in human flesh, as John reminds us 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.'
This is the incarnation – this is what we celebrate each Christmas and God achieved this by choosing an ordinary teenage peasant girl and planting the seed within her womb through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit but born of the Virgin Mary – he was brought into the world through a supernatural and a human act so he is uniquely divine and human, but a perfect human being, sinless.
I wonder what we think and feel when we hear the Christmas story or see it re-enacted by our children.
Does its familiarity stir up warm feelings of our childhood?
Do we see the glory of God as we observe the babe in the manger and are moved to worship him, not just in Church but in our lives?
Do we see Jesus as Lord and Saviour? As the one who grew into a man who lived a perfect life, who died on the cross for the sins of the world, who rose again and ascended into heaven from whence he sends his Holy Spirit to transform our lives by imparting eternal life to all who repent and believe?
If we do then Christmas is worth celebrating.
No longer are we spectators simply observing the scene but our hearts and lives are involved in the drama and what a difference it makes being a player rather than a spectator.
As a player we are lost in wonder, love and praise as we reflect afresh upon the Christmas story.
My prayer this Christmas is that the many people who will enter St. Peter's Church over the Christmas period may be deeply touched by the Lord, perhaps for the first time and that our worship will be in spirit and in truth.
May you experience God's richest blessings – his love, and joy and peace.
Remember he is a God we can know and relate to.

Yours sincerely in Jesus' Name,

Malcolm Convery

GROWING A HEALTHY CHURCH
(Part 3)
So far we have considered a healthy church as one which is:

Energised by faith.
Outward-looking.
Seeks to find out what God wants.
Faces the cost of change and growth.

The remaining three marks of a healthy church are:

It operates as a community.
Makes room for all.
Does a few things and does them well.

The church is not simply a gathering of individuals it is meant to be a community – a gathering of people who relate to each other, who belong, who work together and grow together in their faith.
In a community the focus is put on valuing people for their own sake and for their distinctiveness.
One reason why small churches may do better than larger ones is because they operate as communities more effectively – people know each other – but the danger is that they become 'closed communities' making the newcomer feel excluded.
Not surprisingly one of the characteristics of flourishing larger churches is that they make considerable use of small groups. They have found ways of building the value of the small into the structure of the large, thus enabling them to operate as a community.
Healthy churches are aware and take care about relationships. Not only one to one but also in building a sense of community and belonging.
In such churches a wide number of people are involved in different ways in the life of the church.
They are valued for their gifts and the opportunity is provided to use these gifts to benefit the whole. In other words a community is not a one man band with everything centred on the Vicar (thankfully!).
Healthy churches are highly participative.
A healthy church also works hard to encourage newcomers into the life of the church.
Newcomers are not just welcomed at the door, or offered a cup of coffee, or introduced to people but as soon as practicable they are incorporated into the life of the church. This is not easy and may disturb our comfort because the newcomers may think differently then we do.
For example a church of predominately 60 year olds + want to attract younger people.
However, this can easily be a pipe dream rather than a vision. What they would actually like is for children and young people to join them in what they are already doing. They certainly would not want to change anything simply because children and the young were present. That would not be joining just attending.
Healthy churches welcome and incorporate all even though it can be a disturbing challenge.
One of the surprising marks of a healthy church discovered in the recent survey was that growing churches were not simply those that were running faster with lots of frantic activity. They were focussed rather than frantic and they did a few things well, and in particular they did the basics well such as public worship, pastoral care, stewardship and administration.
They could be described as 'quietly efficient'.
Quality rather than quantity is their maxim. They have time to enjoy what they are doing and there is generally a relaxed and attractive atmosphere about such churches.
During the next few months we at St. Peter's will be applying the seven marks of a healthy church to discover our state of health at the present time and what action we need to take in order to continue growing into a healthy church.
Anticipate more details in the New Year.

Vicar

MOTHERS UNION

The evening members had a very interesting meeting on 18th November when Captain Graham Bibby told them about the Church Army and of his post of Parish Evangelist working at the Cat with no Tail. Whilst the afternoon ladies were entertained on 2nd November by Dot Tilbury in her role as Manager of the Isle of Man Philatelic Bureau – very interesting and on the 16th November they had 'tea and chat' when arrangements were finalised for the 'At Home' which promises to be a fun afternoon with Ollie Dobson and Francis Corkill – could all members please bring along 2 small wrapped gifts for Santa's sac.

Diary for December:
4th December 2 pm Christmas Fayre – Parish Hall
7th December 2 pm 'At Home' – Parish Hall
10th December Evening Christmas Meal at the Hilton Hotel
14th December 12 noon Christmas Lunch at the Hilton Hotel
18th December 9am Decorate Church for Christmas
21st December Coffee & Mince Pies at the Vicarage
24th December 9am Make Christingles in Church

We continue to remember that 2004 is the International Year of the Family and our prayer for December is for Relationships in extended families.

O Lord, our faithful redeemer and friends,
help us to realise the importance of families
and how to nurture our relationships with others.
Help us not to carry resentments and grudges,
but to support, strengthen and enjoy one another
as family members should.
May our homes be places of acceptance and trust,
give us understanding and compassion
so that we can help mend broken lives and restore love.
We ask this of you, who knows the perfect love of the Trinity,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

LADIES FELLOWSHIP

We spent an industrious evening on 3rd November when Alison Foster brought along felt, glitter, glue, etc for us to make Christmas tree decorations. Hilary Corlett spoke to us about her time in Mozambique with Voluntary Services Overseas at our meeting on 17th November. On the 1st December could members please bring along their wrapped gifts for the Christmas Fayre – thank you. On the 1st December we are going to learn all about flower arranging and a Christmas Evening is planned for 15th December.

PCC REPORT

Monday the 18th October, a wet and windy night, the PCC met in the warm sanctuary of the Parish Office. The meeting began in the usual way with a warm welcome, a reading and prayers. The Vicar, Malcolm Convery, reminded us the day was St. Luke’s day. He read to us from Luke (10:1-9) and pointed out that Luke was both a physician and an evangelist (two instructions that Jesus gave all Christians to be).
We then prayed – and included prayers for the World – it is important that our thoughts are not centred solely on the local church and ourselves, but also on the wider church community.

The meeting then began in earnest firstly with discussion on matters arising from the previous meeting.
Of note was that:
The PCC thought the recent trial of children’s seats and beanbags at the back of the church for children was a success. Although it would be nice that come family services, the families that sit at the back should move to the front – after all the service is for them.
The Christmas Fayre (4th Dec) is proceeding well. Monies raised will be split between the Parish Hall Appeal and MCAWS (the charity of choice of Valerie Convery who will be opening the event). There will be a couple of changes this year so watch out!
The ‘Challenge of Cell Church’ is the topic being discussed currently in the Key groups. It was reported that there had been some new members joining the groups and this was welcomed. There are 5 groups meeting, and at the end of the course (29th Nov) there will be a meeting where the groups report back on what they’ve learnt.
Jonathan Aitkin (ex-Tory minister) spoke to a full house at the recent Alpha Supper at the Hilton. 200 people attended with St. Peter’s Alpha groups taking up two tables. As a result of the supper 168 people are currently signed up on Alpha courses at 9 different churches. Eight people are studying at St. Peter’s.
Harvest has been a good season. The PCC wishes to express its thanks to all involved in the service and all who gave to the £1000 collection for the Sudan (via Christian Aid). Thanks too for those who gave out the Harvest Parcels after the services.
The PCC will be looking at the Healthy Church (see the articles in the review this and coming months) on an away day in February.
Next, the PCC was read correspondence that had been received over the past month. This month’s mail was mostly concerned with people sending their thanks for the Harvest Gifts.

The PCC then considered its Charitable giving. The Vicar pointed out that the more we give, the more we will be blessed. It was decided that this year we will give £5000 to charities including Children in Distress, CMS, The Bible Society, North Mbale (Uganda), Kenyon’s Café, Mannifest, St. Luke’s Hospital, Onchan Endowment Committee, The Salvation Army and the Live at Home scheme. This is in addition to special plate collections at the following services: Christingle, Lent, Civic Service, Harvest and Remembrance.

A report was given to the PCC from the Manx Churches Survey. You will be glad to know that the Government Report states that St. Peter’s Church is important to the Island and is viable pastorally for the foreseeable future. Good news indeed!

The PCC then arranged the times for the Christmas Services, heard details about Ecumenical Week in January and arrangements for Lent. Details will be published in the Parish Magazine nearer the time.

The Vicar then made his report to the PCC. He revealed that he might, instead of the Marriage Preparation evening held in the past, run a Marriage Preparation Course for people getting married at St. Peter’s next year. He reported on the success of the new Youth Alpha group (which meets fortnightly between 4pm and 5pm on Sundays in the Parish Office). This course will hopefully lead to the confirmation of some of the attendants. An Adult Confirmation course will run in the New Year if anybody offers themselves for confirmation.

On 14th November at 4pm in the church will be the first of the new service of All Age Worship. This service will be less formal than others at St. Peter’s. The Vicar also reported that the Mums and Tots’ group were soon to begin a parenting course (provided by Care for the Family).

The PCC then moved on to discuss Any Other Business. Of note was the intention of petitioning Onchan MHKs and MLCs about the amount of Overseas Aid given by the Isle of Man.

The Meeting then drew to a close with a final prayer, and the members left, wrapping themselves up preparing to face the elements. To their delight the weather had calmed. The next meeting takes place on 13th Jan. If you have any matters you would like raised at the meeting, see one of the members of the PCC, pictures of whom will be displayed shortly in Church. Matthew Long

POSTER PARADE

Whether it's advertising our Christmas Services, the next fund raiser for the Parish Hall, or the Lent lunches publicity is often the key to success.

Yes we can place ads with the newspapers and the radio but its often the posters put up around the village in particular that bring the people in. For this we are very grateful to the local traders and offices that display the posters.

But what we need is help with taking the posters round, and in some instances putting them up (don't worry we'll provide the drawing pins and Blutack). It's a job that might suit two or three retired gentlemen or ladies. The more offers of help the less often we'll need to call on you. So if you're willing to 'muster on parade' please let Jane know (675797). Thank you



KENYON'S CAFÉ

You will be pleased to hear that the Commissioner's have now purchased Kenyon's and are leasing it to the Management Committee so that it's future as a drop in centre for young people is secure for the moment.

However the Management Committee need to raise funds to equip and keep the centre functioning.

Energy bills, telephone, TV licence and insurances all have to be paid and there are items we need to purchase for the young people to use.

The recent bag pack at Shoprite raised over £800 for which we are very grateful but we need financial support if we are to continue to provide this important facility for our young people.

You can help by joining the 100 Club for £12 a year and so enter the monthly draw for prizes of £25, £15 and £10.

We would be very pleased if you feel you could support us in this way. Forms are available at the back of the church.

We also invite you to an open afternoon at Kenyon's on Sunday 12th December from 2-5 pm when coffee and mince pies will be served and there will be a raffle.

The Vicar
Chairman of Kenyon's
DECORATING CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS

The ladies decorate the Church for Christmas on Saturday 18th December. Any donations of flowers to assist would be much appreciated - buckets will be placed in the porch on Friday morning 17th December for any flowers. Thank you.


The ALL AGE SERVICE got off to a good start on Sunday afternoon 14th November with a congregation of 40 adults and 15 children.

All shared in the worship then divided into groups for the teaching on Worship.

The worship was led by our worship group and the congregation placed their prayers on the prayer board whilst the teenagers contributed a modern version of the two men who went up to the temple to pray.

There are lessons to be learnt not least the need for larger print for the overhead projector and the need to make sure everyone can see the screen.

Learning the new songs will also help us in our worship.

The next All Age Service is on Sunday 9th January at 4 pm when we will celebrate the Epiphany and all are welcome to join in the celebration.

Vicar
CHRISTMAS FAYRE - WE NEED YOUR HELP

Stalls this year will include cakes, gifts, raffles, bottle, chocolate, t-towels, paper & Christmas items, but we are not having second hand bric-a-brac. So please keep the day free (Saturday 4th December) – see what you can donate to stock the stalls, and all offers of help to set up will be much appreciated. Bottles etc. for the stalls can be left at the back of Church.

PARISH HALL

Royal Command Performance:

In the presence of a very regal looking Queen Victoria (Carole Bairstow) the hall resounded to the 'sights' (and there were some 'sights') and sounds of a 'Good Old Days' style Victorian Music Hall – and what a concert it proved to be raising over £830 towards the Parish Hall Appeal. And what a good laugh it was too!

What with the concert so marvellously organised by Wendy McDowell and featuring some of the Island's top artistes, and of course the Lord Bishop – wasn't he fantastic on what was presumably his stage debut in the Island – it couldn't fail could it. And they didn't disappoint did they. Not forgetting the cross-dressing wardens but perhaps the least said about the three little maids from St. Peter's Wardenary the better!

Thank you to everyone who supported the concert, the artistes, the Lord Bishop, to Carol, to Wendy and especially to everyone who made the effort to dress for the occasion – perhaps next year even more will dress in Victorian costumes. And wasn't the award winning ice cream scrumptious.

Cub Scouts support the Parish Hall Appeal:

Onchan Cub Scouts are holding two concerts (a Manx theme 'Jungle Book') in the Parish Hall – Sunday 12th at 2 pm and Monday 13th December at 7 pm – in aid of the Appeal. A big thank you to the Cub Scouts and their leaders. Please give them your support as they support the Appeal. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children at the door. Get there early!

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
from the Parish Hall Appeal Committee, and a big
thank you to everyone who has supported the Appeal.
Look out for more events in the New Year.

THE CHILD

On Christmas Eve I heard a voice,
And softly climbed each stair,
Within my room I chanced upon
A simple child at prayer.

His form was all adorable,
His skin like purest milk,
On his check he wore a mother's kiss,
On his head, a cap of silk.

He was a stranger in my house,
Of this I little care,
My soul rejoiced to look upon
A simple child at prayer.

The hall was draped with tinsel,
Seasonal magic to weave,
But nought was there more magical
Than that child on Christmas Eve.

The gloom that had about me hung.
This ghostly sight fast banished,
Lightly he gave his sweet 'Amen'
And from the hard world vanished.

Now when the sky is darkening,
Like myself at life's despair,
I climb in hope to think upon,
A simple child at prayer.

L. E. Thomas

SILENT NIGHT

The stars are cold and distant
Yet in the silence clear
The joyous sounds of Christmas
Are there for all to hear.

The children singing carols
With voices pure and sweet,
The crunch of frosty pavements
Beneath our hurrying feet.

A sudden lilt of laughter
A festive story tells,
And from the floodlit steeple
Peal our cascading bells.

And now it seems that clearly,
Upon this silent night,
We hear the angels singing
Above the stable bright.

And all the joys of Christmas,
The blessings from above,
Are echoed in their voices
To fill our hearts with love.

Brenda G. Macrow.


A prayer for you is said today:
May the love of God ever with you stay;
Wherever you are, whatever you do,
May the blessing of God ever rest on you;
And in the years that are still to come,
May the peace of God be in your home,
At Christmastide and in New Year, too,
May God's great love abide with you.

Amen.

FROM THE REGISTERS

BAPTISMS

Emilie Isabella Cottier Williamson
Niamh Lauren Blake,
Jacob Frank Kneale, Toby Nigel Kneale

Funerals

Shirley Dann, Louis Moffitt Waddacor, John Bradshaw,
Dawn Elizabeth McDonald, Carol Watkinson, Doris Knowles,
Doris Berry, Nell Gill

OFFERTORY

The offertory for October totalled £5,440.46 and was made up of £3,862.88 pledged giving and £1,577.58 of loose plate giving
(incl. £945.90 Harvest Collection re Christian Aid)

Thank you.

Please send a note of any Celebrations to Jane at the
Parish Office so they can be included in future Reviews.
Thank you.