Last Updated: 20th January 2012 |
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MOTHERS’ UNION NEWS. Happy New Year to you all. Christmas Trees are down and celebrations over, once again it’s been a wonderful Tree Festival and a great privilege to be part of it. Our Church’s beauty was transformed into a blaze of light and colour. All the charities people have chosen are so worthy of support. Thank you to all who supported the Mothers’ Union tree, we raised £201.04 for the North West Air Ambulance. Despite the dreadful weather ~ sleet, rain and wind ~ our Christmas dinner at Bosun’s Locker on 4th January was most enjoyable and lovely to see so many members again after the Christmas break. On 9th we welcomed Lynda Woodburn, Headmistress of St. Mary’s school. It was clear she had settled into her new role and taking a great interest in the children, the school and the community, already there is a great sense of pride in the children and her staff. It was a really interesting insight into her past and present career and also her family. We wish her great success as Head teacher at St. Mary’s school and look forward to meeting again. February diary: Wednesday 1st Armchair workout with Meg Rowlandson Monday 13th Rededication Service, A.G.M. and faith supper
Looking forward to seeing you all then. Best wishes and love Doris Hall, Branch Leader.
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The Parish of Dalton with Ireleth and Askam |
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Deanery: Furness Diocese: Carlisle |
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New Life Magazine |
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New Life Magazine |
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Watersports—Water of Life Another year - another theme and this year it is ‘The Olympics’. We begin with ‘Water-sports’, which includes Diving, Canoeing/Kayaking, Rowing, Swimming, Synchronised swimming and Water polo. I do like watching the Olympics and admire all those athletes who spend so much time preparing for their chosen event, in order to achieve the pinnacle of their sporting career. Naturally for those involved it takes teamwork to get there. Many athletes would not be where they are today without the support of their families (some going as far as selling their homes or belongings to pay for training). Then there is the dedication and hard work of their coaches. This determination and support is given because those involved have faith in the sportsperson’s ability to succeed and believe he or she will give their all. In the Bible, our faith is likened to a race in which we are required to single-mindedly run towards the goal of God’s kingdom. Water covers nearly 71% of the earth’s surface and is vital to all known forms of life. Approximately 96.5% of the planet’s water is found mostly in oceans. 2.5% of the earths water is freshwater (of that percentage 98.8% is in ice and groundwater), and can be found in rivers, lakes and the atmosphere. (Wikipedia figures). We are lucky in the western world that nearly all of us have access to safe drinking water but it is shocking that there are still approximately one billion people who still lack access to clean water. As such they have no choice but to drink contaminated water causing disease and sometimes death. It is a fact that we can live without food a lot longer than we can live without water. In the Bible we read of the ‘Water of Life’ concerning the Holy Spirit and his work in refreshing and sustaining our spiritual life. The term is also used during the Baptismal service when the water is poured into the font, and blessed. Revelation 21:6 reads ‘to the thirsty I will freely give from the fountain of the water of life’. In John 7:37 it states ‘if any man thirsts, let him come unto me and drink’ and in John 4:14 ‘ the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life’. Just as our physical bodies need a constant supply of fresh, clean water, so our spiritual bodies need constant access to the ‘water of life’ that God provides for us through his Holy Spirit. Barbara Irwin |
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Dear Friends, How long do you spend in the bath? Are you a bath person? Or is it a shower you prefer? If the bath, do you prune and then come out? If the shower, are you in the recommended 4 minutes for your full ablutions? Water and cleanliness go together and even within our service of Holy Communion there is time set aside between the Altar being ‘set’ and the prayer of thanksgiving ‘starting’ called the ablutions when the celebrant does a ritual cleaning—washing—of his fingers, a symbolic gesture, before handling the sacraments. But, as we know, water has many other importance's in keeping us alive ~ without it we die! In transport and leisure ~ no food or fun. And, going back to religion and spirituality, God uses water to affirm or confirm His power. From the stories in Genesis about creation, Noah and the flood, into Exodus and the fleeing Israelites and the Red Sea. In Deuteronomy the waters of Meribah (strife) and in the books following (Joshua, Judges) ‘Springs of water’ are a regular mention and water, whether good or bad, has an important significance for a healthy life. In the Book of Psalms, in Psalm 23, ‘he leadeth me beside still waters’ is but one example of water having a deeper spiritual meaning ~ water and the spirit or soul reach into poetry and song to explain the mystery and miracle of the human and divine relationship. The prophets refer to water not only used as a physical washing but also a spiritual cleaning. And they see the life-force of water in many aspects of daily life ~ flood, famine, destruction, growth, life or death ~ the water force is seen to be a divine element not only in the natural world and its cycle but also in the spiritual and mystical. In the New Testament, water once again finds itself in its earthly environment but becoming a spiritual element, used in ritual ~ baptism. In miracle Peter walks upon it. Jesus changes it into wine. In history Pilate washing his hands of the matter. Well, where has all this taken us? Into a confirmation that water is basic to life and thereby without it death in both the natural and spiritual reality, and it clearly emphasises through its use in both Old and New Testament. It is a significant element in God’s world and never to be taken for granted for water testeth the human body and spirit. When we see the forthcoming Olympics in the pool (swimming or diving), rowing, sailing, canoeing, or when you bathe or shower, prepare a meal or pick up a glass of water to drink, then reflect (or even see yourself in it if you can) upon its wonderment. H²O is certainly an elemental mystery basic to life and, in God’s eyes, more than a splash or a drop to view as inconsequential. God Bless Allan . |
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THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S We start 2012 more cheerful and confident than in recent years, mainly because of the continuing interest and improvement of our three new ringers helping our experienced ringers. We hope we can continue to send out regularly the ‘one loud noise made to the Glory of God’ over Dalton, with renewed enthusiasm. Some readers may have seen the recent two programmes on BBC4 about bell-ringing. Those that did will realize the importance of this particularly English custom and also the effort needed to maintain it. I am grateful for all those in our parish who help me to continue this ancient English Art. We’d like to think that most people fully appreciate our efforts. On 28th January some visiting ringers from Penrith and the North East are ringing from 14.45 to 16.00. on 4th February there will be a peal attempt (involving about 3 hours of ringing) starting at 09.30. the ringing has been arranged by an Ambleside ringer and the other nine will be from other parts of the country. S.W. Tower Captain
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Dalton Leisure Centre Never before in ‘New Life’ have I encouraged usage of our Leisure Centre, but partly because the theme this month is Water, I am doing so now. In August we will have been operating for 25 years. During all those years we have been very successful, making additions and improvements whenever our finances have allowed us to do so. We receive no donations from anywhere, and all our income comes from paying customers. This is in stark contrast to Barrow Leisure Centre, maintained mainly by rates, including those paid by Dalton residents. The past few years have been very difficult in these straitened financial times and we need to increase our income. Now that the new Splash Zone is open and proving very popular, I would encourage as many people as possible to either begin or continue to use our many facilities. You will be made very welcome and will improve your health at the same time. Although the Splash Zone opened on 27th December last, the official opening will be on 4th February when our MP will perform the ceremony at 2 pm. We’ll be pleased to see you then. SW |
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St. Mary and St. Peters’ Churches need attention and the P.C.C. have decided to repair the church boilers at St. Mary as soon as possible this new year and also to repair the guttering and downspouts on the north side of St. Peter’s. The repair at St. Peter’s is to stop the rain penetrating the wall and causing so much damage to the interior and thanks to Beverley for organizing all of this. At St. Peter’s the P.C.C. have sent a letter confirming that they will adopt the toilets in Ireleth cemetery and so keep this very important facility open to the public and church attendees. All this comes at a cost of £6,500 for St. Peter’s and £1000 for St. Mary’s. The toilet and the expenses are covered at this moment in time. Thank you. If you can help towards the above costs please see me. Allan
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Thanks to the MU Branch at St. Mary I have always had a soft spot for the MU since my earliest years at St. Matthew’s, Barrow where my mother was a loyal and devoted member. I know I’ve fallen out with the MU over certain admin and mission issues over the years but I always, or tried, to support the local branch at whatever parish I’ve been called to serve in. It is good that our branch is not only surviving but also able to hold two meetings each month and do some very important things in the parish. * Always a great fundraiser and supporter. * Always up front in initiating and hosting events such as the Lent lunch and, over the years, Passover meals, which I would like to see again ~ perhaps in 2012. * And being a really significant part of our Baptism services: buying the candles (since Feb 2002), taking and making the photographic albums, and meeting and greeting and making Baptism families and guests, however small and large, so welcome to our church. * Hosting the Christmas ‘Service of Light’, the Mother and Toddler parties in summer and winter. * Instigating the making of hospital bags (see letter page 11) also hats, blankets and other items for prem. babies at FGH. There are so many things the MU does so thanks to you all and especially to Joan and Doris (Baptism Team), Barbara (P.A., Magazine Editor, Web updater, Tweeter, Electoral Roll Officer, MU Deanery Leader). Jean and team for refreshments and fundraising. Ann and Joan for weekly coffee after Sunday morning service.
Also, ‘now I’m, in the mood for thanking’, thanks to the ever faithful choir for the cheerful banter and good singing (especially over Christmas). To Brian Coulthard our Brass cleaner and repairer ~ the eagle hasn’t looked so proud ~ and compost muncher!! And finally but not the least the funeral and wedding team of Kathleen, Merril and David who, at both churches, do a wonderful job that is so appreciated by all concerned. Thank you to all who supported, sponsored and donated either time or money to the 2011 Christmas Tree Festival, switch on and torchlight processions. Over 6,000 visited and, looking at the church registers, nearly the same number 6,000 attended services and concerts during December. A fantastic amount of people, young and old, who made their Christmas a part of our church celebrations and preparations for the Big Day. It has been a huge and fantastic festival both in people and numbers and also financially. Can I express my personal thanks to St. Mary’s Churchwardens for allowing the festival to be, once again, held in St. Mary’s church. Also to the Festival Committee for all their planning and hard work. The Association members for joining in the fun of decorating the trees and being so creative. So many visitors said this year the trees had that certain ‘Wow’ factor ~ Amazing. Thanks to · Sylvia Stoker, our Association Secretary · John Wood, our Association Treasurer · Jack Dermody and his team of workers · Merril, Helen and Kathleen for their extra work in cleaning and supporting · Jean and her stewards and kitchen helpers and Raffle attendees · David and Paul from Little & Caine for their Remembrance Tree · Steve Silver and Elvis
Thanks also goes to our organists, especially to Maggie McCormick and Joan Swindlehurst for playing while David Kidd has been off ill. We wish David our best and hope to see him back with us very soon. Allan |