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home > parish church > parish newsletters > september to november 2002 |
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Helmdon Church Newsletter |
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THE ARCHBISHOP The secret is finally out. The stutterings over the announcement are at an end, and will undoubtedly be forgotten as the Church settles into an acquaintance with its next Archbishop of Canterbury. The weeks of official reticence have spared Dr Williams the deluge of advice, criticism and supplication that is now pouring over his head. We believe that the Church of England under Dr Williams has a bright and creative future. Dr Williams spoke on Tuesday of the moment when he finally had to confront the reality of a move from Newport to Lambeth. He recalled the words of the late Lord Runcie, when he was contemplating a similar fate: How could I face an ordinand or a curate in the future and tell him that vocations sometimes involve the call of the Church to an individual to serve in a difficult position, if I do not say yes?Ó It is clear that Dr. Williams takes seriously his priestly ministry to present the challenges of the gospel to the Church and the world, and so, for this reason, felt unable to duck a challenge that was made to him. Robert Runcie's story offers another example of encouragement. The day after receiving the letter of invitation from Margaret Thatcher, Dr. Runcie travelled to visit an old canon who was near to death. The canon reassured him that, if God were calling him through the Church, God would enable him to do the job properly. This conviction was to prove vital to Dr. Runcie as he coped later with criticism from sections of the Church, the press and the Government. Dr. Williams will need a similar confidence if he is to stay sane in the months ahead. Already he is being cast as an outspoken critic of the Government by sections of the media who are partly wishful, partly mischievous. Here are yet more similarities with the Runcie era. There was, at the time, no effective opposition to the Government and the Church, with little grasp of what was happening, was promoted to that position. Dr. Williams needs to find a period of quiet before taking office, so that when he does speak, he can draw on the expertise of his new colleagues, and together they can concentrate on those areas in which the Church can make most difference. Most of all, Dr. Williams needs the sympathy and prayers of churchpeople in this country. The Church of England, of late, has not been very good at praying for its bishops and archbishops. The restoration, where it has lapsed, of weekly congregational intercession for the Church's leaders might sound a trivial thing; but it will make an important difference to a man attempting to live under the weight of great expectations. "I suppose the Church of England wanted someone who knew a thing or two about increasing flocks" (Noel Ford) - With permission - Church Times 26/7/02 CRAFTS IN ACTION DAY On Saturday 9th November we are planning a Crafts In Action day at Helmdon Church from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The aim is to celebrate the various crafts and talents of many in the village by holding displays and demonstrations. Those interested may put up a display of their work and/or demonstrate their craft during the day to the visitors. The W.I. have offered to organise ploughman's lunches and afternoon tea. Any profit from the day will go towards Helmdon Church funds and a chosen charity. If you are interested in any aspect of what should prove to be a rewarding and enjoyable day then please contact:- Louise Stothard , Lilac Farmhouse, 55 Wappenham Road, - 01295 760518
THE CHURCHYARD
Our Churchyard not only records the past residents of Helmdon, but holds some botanical clues about the type of grassland that was once widespread across much of lowland England. Before the agricultural improvements that followed the Second World War, lowland pastures and hay meadows were a diverse mixture of grasses and numerous wild flowers, but these have become very rare now as farmers turned to more productive grassland of just clover and rye grass. In the Churchyard, the most diverse grassland is to the south and east of the Church, where oxeye daisy, bird's-foot trefoil, common sorrel, black knapweed and ten types of grass are typical of old hay meadows. The influence of the underlying limestone is shown by the presence of lady's bedstraw, hoary plantain and burnet-saxifrage. June and July are the best months to see the flowers, which are easiest to find in areas left long, but they are also present in the close mown areas if you look carefully. Traditionally, hay meadows were cut in June or July, then after allowing the grass to grow up, the "aftermath" was grazed in the late summer and autumn until it became too wet. If the annual growth of the meadows is not removed in this way, the soil fertility builds up and the grasses become rank and choke the flowers. The Churchyard is being managed to mimic this and keep a diverse mixture of meadow flowers and grasses. John A.Irving |
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