From the Rectory

February 2002

Dear Friends,

I have been looking at the Christian teaching on God and Christ. These are distinctive areas that separate Christianity from all other religions. There is also the Christian understanding of Man , which is also distinctive. Mankind must be understood in his relationship to his creator. Christians of the East and the West shared the same biblical view of man and that can be summed up in three heads:

This teaching has been worked out through two very distinctive personalities in the fifth century AD. The first personality that we come across is a man called Pelagius. He was described as a fashionable teacher in Rome and it is admitted that in many ways he was a man of blameless character. It was his teaching that created a controversy in the Church.

He taught that everyone could be sinless if they chose. For sinless read perfect. Few souls would claim that distinction. However, he claimed that some had actually lived perfectly. He then argued that if some lived perfectly they must have come into the world perfectly, turning the fact that all have lost original righteousness on its head.

The consequence of this teaching is that mankind needs no supernatural assistance which we call grace. There is also a further consequence that if man needs no grace then there is no need for Christ to have come into the world to save sinners who in fact did not need saving. The tenor of the New Testament is that ‘Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.’

The man that opposed Pelagius was Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo. Augustine’s conversion to Christ had been a slow and painful experience that had brought him to an end of his own devices and led him to put his trust in Jesus Christ through the grace of God. For Augustine, following Scripture, taught that man had been created upright but was under probation. The probation indicated that man could rebel (sin) against God and so lose that fellowship for which man was created.

Augustine also taught that it was self -love at the root of man’s rebellion. This was indeed what had happened and so because man wills to chose evil rather than good he stands in need of God’s grace at the beginning, in the continuing and in the completing of his life. Today, many people who may never have heard of Pelagius are still nonetheless his disciples in that they believe in what he taught. The essence of the Christian faith is summed up by the words of St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. "By grace are you saved through faith and that is not of yourself but the gift of God."

Yours sincerely in Christ, David Streater

Some five years ago, it became apparent that the pastoral care in the Sharnbrook Deanery would be in some difficulty because of retirements that were happening together. At the same time there was also a lack of finance and of clergy available for appointment. It was felt necessary to explore a way forward that would bring in other clergy, who although retired and on pension, could work without stipend, half –time, on a house for duty basis. The idea was quite imaginative and so a number of clergy, including me, were drafted into the Deanery. I leave others to judge how successful the experiment has been.

In order to achieve this, it was necessary for certain parishes to be suspended and other parishes were reorganised. Suspension means that the patron’s right of presentation of a clergyman to the parish is withheld for a period of five years. The particular General Synod Measures that control these matters are known as the Pastoral Measure 1983 and the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986. In simple terms the Church of England has rules and regulations that govern how these matters work so this affects Odell.

Odell was formerly joined to Pavenham. This joint benefice was dissolved and Pavenham was united to Milton Ernest and Thurleigh. Odell became a sole benefice (parish on its own, suspended with me legally in charge). Now, it has been decided that this will not do because of the above Measures. We are being given certain choices. Either we can be united with Milton Ernest, Thurleigh and Pavenham, or with Wymington and Poddington. We can make other suggestions for a union. What we cannot do is remain precisely the same. What does remain is the Rectory house and the appointment of a house-for-duty clergyman as an assistant curate. In due course, the new Rector of Odell will be the incumbent of one of the other groups and there will be pastoral care in the parish.

8th January 2002

Bishop Christopher Herbert comments:

'Dr George Carey has carried out his ministry as Archbishop with steadfast and unflinching courage. He has led the Church of England and the Anglican Communion through some difficult times and, with patient kindness and determination, has tried to ensure that Christian understanding and a particular Anglican concern for open-mindedness and generosity of spirit have prevailed.

He has reminded the Church of its world-wide rôle and has been particularly active in bringing the needs of countries such as Sudan and Ruanda to the notice of the nations. He has visited the Anglican Communion provinces assiduously and has worked tirelessly to create a sense that Christian Churches need always to listen to, and be sensitive to, each other.

His reaction to national events in the UK has always been measured and statesmanlike. His leadership, for example, in calling together the faith-communities after the September 11th tragedy, was typically straightforward and forthright.

All of his ministry has been shared with his wife, Eileen, who in her own right has been assiduous in caring for the needs of others. Her sparkling humour and warmth as well as her sheer quiet courage have brought her great respect.

All those who know George and Eileen Carey hold them in much affection. They will be deeply missed - and it is to be hoped that their retirement will bring them the rest and refreshment they so richly deserve.'

It is inevitable that there is much speculation about Dr Carey's successor. It needs to be remembered that the whole process begins and ends in prayer. The Church of England waits upon God, seeking His will and purpose in the appointment of a new archbishop.

It is absolutely vital that prayer, quietness and waiting upon God characterise the process that the whole Church is now undertaking - for what matters above all is not fanciful speculation but that God's will be done. It is the glory of God that should be the end of all our activities – and the wellbeing of the entire nation and Church.                                     Rt. Revd. Christopher Herbert, Bishop of St Albans

February

Tuesday 5^th 10.30am at Liz Dodwell’s, Watermead, Harrold.

Wednesday 20^th 10.30am at Jill Cheadle’s, Rectory Farm, Odell.

Tuesday 5^th 10.30am at Jane Eshelby’s, Newton House, Avenue Rd., Rushden.

Harrold Chapel, 10am, Friday March 1^st (Interdenominational Service)

Speaker: Liz Dodwell

Men also welcome. Refreshments afterwards

This subject seems particularly appropriate in the present political climate. This year the service has been prepared by Christian Women of Romania, which may explain the choice of our speaker!

Those in what was the Eastern Bloc should be able to teach us a lot about the need for reconciliation in countries that were suppressed under communist regimes. Now that they are ‘free’ yet many of them practically very poor, they are encountering the need to build bridges between different communities and also between Christian denominations. The work of our local Romanian charity has brought some people from our area into contact with these conflicts and problems, and, hopefully, practical experiences in these fields can throw light on this difficult subject.          All very welcome.

Saturday 9 February, 10.30am at St. Alban’s Abbey

Speaker: Dr Gareth Tuckwell (Regional Director, Macmillan Cancer Relief)

Personal Testimony by Eileen Shaughnessy

Music by Face 2 Face

This is always a very special service so do try to get there.

A One Day Introductory Course on the Healing Ministry will be held at Tony Smith's church, St Mary's, Rushden, on Saturday March 2nd from 9am to after a service at 4.30pm. Price is £3. Contact Tony for details (01933 314292).

This six-part course on the Christian Ministry of Healing aims at broadening understanding, building confidence, and fostering the ability to listen and pray effectively. It is a practical course, involving worship, teaching and work in groups. Small groups of people who expect to work together will be particularly welcome, as will individuals who wish to prepare themselves to join an existing church ministry team. The fee for the whole course is £20, to include a copy of the revised edition of the booklet ‘Forward in Healing’.

Please contact Carol Ormond (720409) or Liz Dodwell (720640) for further details.

As some of you will have heard, Tim and Liz had a very successful visit to Romania at the end of 2001. They visited all the 26 Sponsored families and made special arrangements for extra gifts of food and shoes at Christmas, as well as encouraging the installation of water meters in the families’ flats to cut their bills.

We currently have three families without their own sponsors whose expenses are met from central funds and events like the Posh Supper (to be held on Saturday February 2^nd – please contact Liz if this is out early and you want to come). They cost us about £750 per year.

Thank you very much everyone who has sent us special donations over recent months or who have supported the Posh Supper.

Our next fund-raising event will be the Pit Run (April 20^th)!               Liz Dodwell

Tim and Liz Dodwell invite you to their annual

Posh Supper

At Watermead, 41 Odell Rd.,Harrold

On Saturday February 2^nd from 7.30pm

Hopefully Iulia Mocioc and Becky Martin will entertain us

Tickets minimum price £14 (includes all drinks)

All profits to the Sponsored Families Scheme

    Donations and offers of help with preparation, drink, starters and desserts would be much appreciated so that expenses can be kept to a minimum. Honey and patchwork cushions and kettleholders, made in Romania, will be on sale.

Tim Lewis is currently taking a gap year between school and university during which time he plans to train and serve as a missionary in the Third World. As he embarks on his training he sends this letter everyone who knows him in All Saints’ Church:

On the 19th of January I began an orientation course with SIM (Serving In Mission). The Course is eight weeks long and is designed to prepare me for every aspect of Mission Work in the Third World. Although I do not yet know the precise destination, the most likely country is Niger (West Africa). There, I will be joining a long-term missionary couple, who run a youth programme for Muslim children. We will be sports coaching, music teaching, and eventually Bible teaching on an individual basis - in French, as Niger is a French speaking country. Other than these fairly vague details, I cannot be sure what the trip will entail.

SIM predict a total cost of between £2,500 and £3,500. Although I worked full time for four months, any support through regular prayer, or financially is very welcome (not to say essential!).

On top of the SIM (three month trip to Africa), I also plan to go to the USA. There I will be helping on Christian Summer activity camps for July and August, as well as a bit of travelling. Leading on camps will be a real challenge, if slightly different to that in Africa. Once again the need for support in every area is vital. I will be sending a prayer/information letter out fairly regularly. Please tell my parents (Phil and Liz Lewis) if you wish to be kept informed, or would like to support in any capacity whatsoever.            Tim Lewis

Every six years the Church Electoral Roll is completely revised from

scratch, and this is the year!

Roughly, the roll consists of those who wish to be considered as belonging to the church.

Briefly, you qualify to be on it if you are 16 years old and one of the following applies:

1) You live in Odell and are a member of the Church of England or a Church in communion with it.

or

2) You don't live in Odell, but have been worshipping in the church for at least six months, and are a member of the Church of England, or a Church in communion with it, or one that subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

Emmaus Village Carlton (EVC) has arrived! This article is to bring you up to date with the news on this exciting project.

By now, you may have unwittingly met some of the four companions (residents) who live there already. They have moved in prior to the official opening in order to help the leader and his deputy to prepare the place for future companions. Many of you will know the leader, Cameron Thomson, his wife Karen, a former teacher, and their children Kaden and Gabrielle. They have been resident in Pinetrees for quite a while, helping to set up the project. Recently, David Leighton, the deputy leader who is a former police officer, and his wife Sue, a nurse, have joined them. They have a son Sam who goes to Carlton Lower School. The team will further expand in the New Year when a workshop manager is appointed who will train the companions in various practical skills to restore and repair donated goods. They will then recycle and sell the items to the general public. This is how they will earn their living.

It is important to note that goods that are donated to the project must be ultimately re-saleable. Goods that are beyond repair or unsaleable are not acceptable. Cameron and his team will gladly collect donated articles from your home in the EVC van. Companions plan to open the shop on site every Saturday from mid-January until the official opening of EVC in the Spring, when it will be open six days a week.

At the moment, contractors of all descriptions are on site installing essential services to the three residential blocks, the workshops and the administration area. Work has already begun on the gardens. A companion has started the daunting task of clearing areas before any landscaping and planting can begin. A local farmer has given substantial assistance on a voluntary basis with some of the heavier tasks.

On an environmental note, EVC is presently negotiating with the appropriate authorities to install bottle and recycling banks for use by the village as a whole. Information will be circulated widely when the banks arrive.

A new year’s resolution!

"Hello there. When you wakened this morning, I thought perhaps you’d talk to Me and involve Me in your day, but you were preoccupied finding something to wear for work. When you’d time to spare, I thought we’d have a few moments together, but you got on the phone and started talking to somebody else. I noticed before you ate lunch at work, you looked around and seemed embarrassed to talk to Me. Maybe that’s why you didn’t bow your head and give thanks, even though some of your friends did. Later at home, I waited while you watched television, ate dinner, and did paperwork. At bedtime I guess you were just too tired, because you dropped into bed and fell fast asleep. Do you know I’m always here for you? I love you so much that I wait every day for a prayer, a thought, or just a chance to speak with you. The problem as I see it is – it’s hard to have a one-sided conversation. Signed, Your Friend, Jesus.

When did you last talk with the Lord? Or take time to listen to Him? There’s never a time when He’s not speaking; no room so dark, no lounge so crowded, or no office so busy that He’s not there. Never mistake your insensitivity for His absence. Among life’s fleeting promises of pleasure is this timeless assurance, "…I am with you always…"

(Matt28:20 NIV). Make time for Him today!

Printed with kind permission from United Christian Broadcaster (UCB) Tel.01782.642000.

If you would like someone to listen and pray with you, call the UCB Listening Line on : 0870 243 8787 Mon –Fri 9am-10.30pm

Prayerful thoughts for the year ahead.

The Prayer of Jabez makes a wonderful, simple prayer to use daily. Why not try it?

"Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4.10).

We continue to uphold in prayer Jen Cuddiford and John Hancock, both needing to feel the support of prayer and to know the warmth and love of the Lord around them.

Eileen Shakespeare is at home convalescing after her operation and as the weather is cold and the nights are long we know that the elderly, infirm and sick in the village would welcome any friends for a chat and a cup of tea. It is terrible to feel lonely. We remember these and all others in need in our prayers.

"Give and it will be given back to you in good measure".

We say goodbye to Julie and Alan Boon who have moved from 26 Horsefair Lane to Darlington and welcome George, Linda and son Miles Tringham into no.26 Horsefair Lane. We pray that both families will be blessed and happy in their new homes.

A special Christmas!

I am sure that I speak for all those who attended a Church service over the Christmas period and saw the church so cheerfully and prettily decorated - this year looking extra special in colour and beauty. The Christmas tree, floral decoration and all just seemed to beam out in rich colour. The carol service as usual was a joy and so meaningful, with just the candles for light – the dark of the church and the light of the candles so significant to a dark world and Jesus as the only true light. Extra special was the music which was shared by the ‘church orchestra’ and the organ, played by Toby Hudson. We have a group that we can be so proud of (Rachel, Hannah and Naomi Hudson and Tim Lewis, and back with us for Christmas was Anna Lewis, with Liz Lewis as pianist and musical leader). It is always a pleasure to welcome Anna and Toby back to play for us. On Christmas Day, too, the group supplied the music for us as we celebrated the birth of Jesus our Saviour with Holy Communion. Thank you to you all. Lots of blessings as you continue to play your part as musical contributors at All Saints’ services.

Many thanks to Mr Chamberlain for the lights amidst the trees on the castle corner near to the church approach, coupled with the floodlight shining on the Chancel window. It made a most welcoming sight for people driving through our village. Thank you.

If you did miss the ‘Carols by Candlelight’ service, do try to attend in 2002, it really is a meaningful and moving service

It was a joy to hear the carol singers in our village on Saturday 22^nd even though it was a really cold and frosty night. Thank folks!

February 14^th - Valentines Day. Hearts were made to love and to be loved!

A special day of ‘love’ and for telling that special person in your life just how much you really love them. No lady will refuse flowers – so come on you men - show the lady of your life your true feelings – make it a very special day full of love and surprises. I’m sure you won’t regret it. Love is everything!

Can you help? Hope Carriers Trust.

Charity no. 1088515

Some people in Odell will remember Arthur Etheridge of the 58^th Boys Brigade - some will remember him from his talk at the rectory telling us of his travels and happenings in the course of his life. As Arthur visited Romania in March and also in August, going back to places that he had been to four years ago, he became very disheartened with the happenings around him. During March he met up with children living and dying with aids, having been injected with dirty needles or given infected blood, most of them living in poverty with no medical aid, and very little love. Distressed by this he decided that with God’s help he would endeavour to raise £35.000 to build a hospice where they can at least die with love and dignity. Arthur and wife Yvonne and friends set up the "Hope Carriers Trust" and pray that they will see this vision a reality. If you could support them in any way please contact them at 25 Mill Street Hereford. HR1 2NX

Our thought and prayers go to Marion Smith in Avenue Nursing Home who celebrated her 98th birthday on 12th January. Marion so loved Odell and All Saints’ where she worshipped for over 80 years. May God continue to bless you, Marion. Love from all who know and love you here at Odell and All Saints.

Also, ‘Happy Birthday’ to:

Anthony Merret who will be 10 on the 14^th

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