Good News

Congratulations to Steve and Sandra Williams, who heard on the 8th December 2018, that Steve  will be ordained to become a Deacon in the C of E at Truro Cathedral in June 2018.
This news comes following many months of study and prayer.
Throughout this process Sandra has provided great support.
RJ

DIY Church Service at St Mabyn

For some time the first service of each month has been  planned and produced by a team of people from the village.

The focus is very much on our village and the content is both challenging and enjoyable.

The theme of the first service in December (Advent) was on Christ being a light for our world in difficult times.

It was very impressive to see the  large number of people who participated.

Molly led the service and Anthea lit the  candle for Advent.

At the beginning Sandra talked about the number of homeless people now sleeping rough in Cornwall. We have the 3^rd highest number in England ---just behind Westminster and Brighton.

We were asked to support the initiative of the White Hart in Bodmin, which is offering a bed to anyone without shelter.

Music was a good mixture of Les playing traditional carols on the organ and the Worship Group playing joyful modern songs.

Readings were given by Liz , Jill and Rob while Steve and Molly offered us two thought provoking meditations.

Jenny led us in prayers with a special focus on the people in our village, before requesting special prayers for women throughout our world that continue to suffer from gender based violence.

Special thanks to those who contributed to make this such a relevant hour in Church, where there is always a especially warm welcome for everyone.

Friends of St Mabyn Church

Christmas Tree Festival

St Mabyn Parish Church

It was a great pleasure to welcome back the Reverend Canon Dave Elkington to conduct the service for our Patronal Festival for St Mabena, and also members of the other congregations on the Benefice. Warmest thanks to the members of the Worship Band for the delightful music during the service sand also to the many providers of the super Patronal Feast afterwards! This coming Sunday, 26 November, the Reverend David Pollard will conduct our usual service of Holy Communion at 10am, a warm welcome to all.

Remembrance Sunday at St Mabyn

There was an amazing turnout for this, with a full church and a very large crowd at the War Memorial after the service led by the Reverend David Pollard. Lessons were read by Brigadier Gage Williams, and also Joe, from St Mabyn Scouts – all the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers were smartly turned out and a credit to their parents and leaders, it was heart warming to see so many.

There are some lovely photos on the Village Facebook Page!

There were also many former and current members of the Armed Forces present – lots of medals! and at the War Memorial former Colour Sergeant David Cameron made the dedication. Thanks to those who acted as stewards to ensure the closure of the roads at the crossroads to ensure that we could honour the fallen in respectful silence.

Bible Study Group

The new course for Advent, called “So what are you waiting for?” by the Reverend Lucy Winkett, Rector of St James’s Piccadilly, has started and will continue each Tuesday, meeting at Trelowarth, Watergate Lane, home of David and Mary Bishop, at 10.15 am for coffee and then start at 10.30am. Don’t worry of you couldn’t make the first one, the course is over weeks and there is a book, and a CD too. Everybody is welcome and if you haven’t been before the format is to arrive for a chat over a drink and biscuits before settling down to work. Everyone can have their say and contribute their ideas, if they wish – and those who want to then retire to the pub for lunch! further details from 01208 – 840010

Appointing a new Rector

The new Camel Side Cluster Benefice, comprising St Breward, Blisland with Temple, Helland, St Mabyn and St Tudy with Michaelstow, hopes very soon to appoint a new Rector to lead our churches in the New Year. Next week the candidates will be touring the seven churches concerned during Tuesday 10 October and that evening, at 7.30pm the members of the PCCs will be sharing supper with them prior to the interviews on Wednesday 11th. Exciting times!

Keeping our much loved churches open

It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone expects their own village church to be open and available to them – and family and friends for important celebrations – regardless of their being regulars attenders or worshippers or supporters! It is just one of those things which we feel entitled to, and as, in our immediate area, they have existed for many hundreds of years it seems obvious that they must continue to do so! But the march of time takes it toll on these ancient buildings and new regulations round Health and Safety decree that costly works must be undertaken and that’s before the insurance premiums turn up with annual regularity. As we have seen with the recent major restoration of Temple Church, and several years ago a similar major project at St Mabyn When there is a Will, there’s a Way and these major works have been accomplished and the vein of deep affection and nostalgia is mined and donations are received from people who were last in the building for their baptism! We are all conscious of being rather unwilling to be a member of the generation which let it fall down / be closed because it is dangerous and so it continues to be a source of joy and pleasure (read the comments in the various Visitors’ Books) and place of peace and consolation. Yes, indeed, we are all agreed, but it isn’t just the major works which are the headache every couple of decades, it is the remorseless annual costs – such as trying to keep the building warm enough for those accustomed to central heating and padding around at home barefoot and in a T-shirt – and the Insurance! St Mabyn Church is one of the largest in the area and the annual premium is close to £3000 – and the average attendance on a Sunday around 30 people – and so on down the size scale, of both church building and numbers in the congregation.

Each church has a strategy to pay for this and in our area we are very blessed that they are all based on a community activity which in its turn gives great pleasure – St Mabyn and St Tudy have Fetes where a huge number of people (not all regular members of the congregation but much appreciated) are involved in what is always a most enjoyable event, St Breward recently hosted a Flower Festival, the success of which astonished even the organisers! and then little Helland held a Safari Supper which not only raised much needed funds, and brought neighbours together but also was a really jolly and enjoyable evening. There is much doom and gloom amongst our supposed metropolitan elite who bemoan the end of religious observance and even demand that is IS ended in some cases lest our religion offends someone else – but we can only assume that they are not privileged to live in the vicinity of a wonderful medieval building. It is often said that “somebody ought to do something” but usually that somebody is YOU and the something is Help Pay For It!

ST MABYN’S LABYRINTH – 2017 For those of Riper Years

ST MABYN’S LABYRINTH – 2017
For those of Riper Years

ALPHA: Our childhood (At the Font)
2. Schooldays (Sunday School chairs)
3. Those Teenage Years - 1. (Nave)
4. Those Teenage Years - 2. (Nave)
5. It gets serious. (Chancel)
6. Family Life. (Chancel)
7. Autumn beckons. (Choir)
8. Maturity. (Choir)
9. Old Age (at the Altar rail)
OMEGA (at the Altar rail)

ALPHA: Our childhood (At the Font)
It is difficult to remember our childhood, now. Those years when our parents cared for us, made
decisions, gave advice as we grew in mind and body. Cast your mind back – is there something
that you can recall? A toy, a book, even a doll or every child’s companion it seems, a teddy bear?
Can you recall bedtime stories that you were told? Wind in the Willows? Brer Rabbit? Winnie the
Pooh? Your bedroom? Can you recall the voice? Think on these things.
As you grew older, there was school. At school we read more complicated books, but books that
were gripping. Enid Blyton wrote many, but people like Beatrix Potter, Rudyard Kipling and other
famous authors gave so much to young minds.
It was all part of the loving environment that started with the first breath of life, and the warm
blanket of love that surrounded us. Those who gave us so much love and care are now long gone
to a place that we do not know. Did you ever wonder “who am I, and what am I here for?” Did
anyone tell you about God? You were probably told, but far too early to remember. Your parents
and godparents took promises on your behalf if and when you were baptised.
Think, reflect and pray. Not everyone had an idyllic and loving childhood. Some lost parents for
one reason or another, some knew hardship, even cruelty. We are haunted by the sights of those
– especially in war-torn countries, where wide-eyed and terrified children are daily denied the
peace, love and protection which is their right.
2. Schooldays (Sunday School chairs)
These are a little easier to recall. The small desks and chairs, children that we have never met
before, and teachers, and adults whom we have never met before. Or perhaps would not want to
again? We were introduced to things which we had to do, rather than choose to do or not. And if
we didn’t or couldn’t we got into trouble. Some the subjects were interesting, some fascinating,

and some boring. Children were good at different things, and some weren’t bothered at all, getting
into trouble all the time.
We learnt about numbers and tables, our language and how it was used, about geography and
history, science, and games. Most people liked games, and it was good to be picked for a team.
It was hard to be omitted if one wanted very much to play soccer, rugby, tennis or cricket. Some
people were nice and it was easy to make friends with them. Others were not and were bullying
and fighting too much and were not good friends at all.
School. Even today despite all the changes in more than half a century, a school still has that
strong scent of young people, their breath and perspiration in hot weather. Long gone are the
academic gowns, the smell of pipe tobacco, of chalk, and the remoteness which went with them.
We came in, not being able to read or write, and we gradually grew into young people, each with
their own ideas, their circle of friends, and their hobbies and pastimes. There was an energy in life
then.
God didn’t come into our lives very much, but many schools had assemblies at which the Lord’s
Prayer was prayed. Some schools had the Vicar or a teacher to give religious instruction, as it
was called. We started to become used to the idea that there was someone else in our life,
mysterious, invisible, and who could do impossible things. A book was written about him – or her,
called a Bible. We learnt songs called hymns at assemblies.
It was our transition from the cradle to the school, and in the hustle that life was becoming, God
was still there. Did we think about him? Or was life too busy and interesting to think about such
things.
3. Those Teenage Years - 1. (Nave)
Remember them? The odd haircuts, the frankly ridiculous clothes, the very dated music, the
cinema and its films of the day. What was the urgency to conform? How did we do it? Why did
we do it? Because we could, by and large. Some were well off and could live the life, while others
had to make do.
There was a great casting-off of authority, even of one’s parents’ authority. There were questions.
The pressure of style and no substance started to split children into smaller groups. Some were
set on a career, and were determined to get to a university. After WW2 there were few, but that
number grew and grew as more youngsters look to the professions – medicine, law, engineering,
and finance. Others were good at sport and looked to a famous future. Some had a natural ability
in dealing with people, working in business. Some hadn’t very much talent, and looked to find a
job. And of course there were those who had no real ability or inclination, who turned to crime to
one degree or another.
Then there was for some, armed service, through conscription or volunteering. The shock of
encountering people from all walks of life, with different and sometimes tragic backgrounds and
levels of varying levels of education and intelligence. But beginning to learn to judge people, to
make friends, and the warmth of firm friendship.
Looking back, for the want of care – love if you like – work or opportunity, lives could have been
transformed. But they weren’t. You can almost hear it – if only I had worked harder I might have
made something of myself. Et cetera, et cetera. Where was God in all this?
4. Those Teenage Years - 2. (Nave)
We have sat and pondered on our school and teenage years, and the parting of the way from
childhood. We haven’t finished yet, though, because something else has sneaked into our lives.

Sex. It blundered into our lives on the back of Biology, or for younger oldies, as formal education.
It comes earlier and earlier. Girls were no longer those silly things who squeaked and kept
together, as their bodies changed from children to women. Boys were still those smelly children
who were obsessed with their hobbies, played football, cricket or rugby, and dropped things down
your blouse collar if you weren’t looking. But suddenly, they weren’t quite so tiresome – in fact
quite human.
However, it was far from straightforward. There was shyness to overcome, a lack of confidence
that deserted you at the vital moment, and for boys, the tendency to blush and blurt when
articulacy was needed. To the boys, there would be a girl, perhaps seen out of school, who was
spell-bindingly gorgeous. How many boys have had a secret passion but no idea how to
transform it into a friendship, and more?
In the same way, many girls must have trailed their coats in order to get a boy that they rather like.
How to make the first move? Too obvious was not a good idea – it would create the wrong
impression. It was our introduction to that crazy stage in life which we might call mating.
And then there were our parents. How strange that in the throes of love, it was awkward to talk to
our parents? After all, they had been through it them selves.
For some it was a time of confusion, for sexuality was and is far more complex than just woman
and man, sometimes body and spirit inclined in different directions. Society has slowly recognised
this truth and the unhappiness of past generations hopefully moves into the past. As we grew
older we gained experience in dealing with one another in that unpredictable maze of emotions
that can make or ruin a life. And does.
Love is an emotion which is defined by its objective. Parental love is not the same as sexual and
spiritual love between equals, and in due course it is different again from the love that we have for
our own children. Yet, love can destroy us as well as make us, and many are the crimes of
passion that have arisen from frustrated or betrayed love.
We have free will and we can do as we wish. Looking back, did we really know our sexuality?
Ourselves? To what extent are we masters of our own lives? If not, who is? Where does God
come into our lives at this time? Ponder awhile.
5. It gets serious. (Chancel)
We have met the person with whom we want to spend our lives. Were we sure, or was it like
throwing a message in a bottle from the proverbial desert island? Certainly, in hope. Was there
the happy accident, or was there something else? Would it work, or would we have found that our
intended partner was not the paragon that we thought? What about the family that we were going
to join? To what extent were we prepared to honour our vows when they were tested by events.
Family considerations? Careers? Finance? Where to live? Children?
Marriage, or a partnership, is not just the culmination of the processes of infatuation, heartbreak,
worry, and speculation. It is the Overture. The Opera called Life Together has yet to start. Did
we listen to the priest at our wedding, telling us to put God at the centre of our union. Yes it was
easy to be blown off course, but did we?
Much of this is undertaken in the belief that any problems can be solved – somehow.
There were so many unknowns that many of us took our partners in trust, knowing that many
others had been in this situation, and come through, happily. We were probably not helped by
academics telling us for example, how much children cost, discounting the incredible joy of being a
parent. Why, oh why can’t life be simple and not full of decisions that can go wrong. Answer:
because we aren’t simple either. Sadly, they do go wrong.

We need to remember that when we love another, wife, husband, parent, child, friends, that bond
of love will be broken one way or another. The price of love that God gives us is the sadness of
loss. Reflect.
6. Family Life
When we cast our minds back to our children, the memories of babies and their progress to little
children will almost certainly bring a smile to our lips. Photographs and videos bring a smile to us,
with precious memories. Children are beautiful. It’s such a shame that they grow up. Playgroup,
school, uniforms that are grown out of seemingly before the first wash, after-school activities, and
meeting the friends of your children, the first sign that they are individuals themselves with their
own lives.
Even in the paradise of childhood, tragedy is no stranger. Risk is always everywhere in life.
Infertility, cot deaths, dire chronic disease or disability, even death of the mother or father are all
possible despite the care and skill of the medical professions. Divorces can be heartbreaking,
especially for children, often scarring for life. We must not forget those who have no children
either by choice or circumstance. Fortunately for those who are childless, there is the possibility of
adoption of a child, orphaned or, incredibly, rejected. How could it be, one asks. But it does.
We reflect on those moments of cold panic when one we love is in danger. Maybe that was when
we let God into our lives, one who gives us the breath of life, the emotion of love, and the one who
allows us the privilege of children. Think about what God has given you.
7. Autumn beckons. (Choir)
The children have grown up, and are getting to grips with life, with friends and family, going away
to university, to training, and taking their own decisions. It was a worrying time, finding the cost of
higher education, coping with the fact that sometimes they have fallen short at school, and had to
select a different career path, or had to move away for education. Maybe they wanted to live with
a partner as man and wife, or as equals. That must have been difficult. To put your parental foot
down would have risked losing your child, and although it might have hurt, to give way after a
loving discussion was right. Or was it?
Children have our love in their pockets, even when adult. They can do risky things like travelling
round the world, sky diving or wing walking, which has our hearts in our mouths. There is a time
when children are difficult, seeming to take any advice other than that of their parents. Love and
keep loving, and they will return, having sorted out the mental and hormonal upheaval of the teens
and twenties.
Think back. Work was good for all of you, but younger people with new ideas have come in. That
generational gulf in which the younger and older cannot communicate easily becomes a problem.
The Doctors look no older than one’s children: they probably aren’t! A different fellowship slowly
emerges, activities for the older people such as U3A, Probus, Age Concern, even golf and bowls.

8. Maturity. (Altar)
Well, it is usually a bit painful here and there, and one’s faculties need a little help now. We spend
much more time sitting down, enjoying each other’s company. The world seems to be going mad,
things aren’t as good as they were, and the various levels of government don’t seem to have a
clue. We won’t be here when the bill comes in for our corporate stupidity, etc, etc. Why grumble?
What goes round, comes round. The language of business may change, but the ideas don’t.

Old age is a blessing, often an arthritic one, but think about what we have learnt in our lives. How
things have changed and largely improved – even though we don’t understand why our TV always
pixillates when a good rugby match is on. But we have time to garden, to paint, to write, to
embroider, to make marmalade or even to act in “Open the Book”. We have time to paint Aunt
Jessie, and time to throw the painting away as she looks like a hippo! Old age is to be enjoyed, so
far as possible, and the fact that 25 mile walks are not a good idea has to be accepted with good
grace.
It is not too late to look at that chap who has been following us all this time. Why is it that we turn
to God when the going gets hard? Why do we take what he gives us without thanking him? We
encountered him at our baptism, but could be understood for it slipping our minds. Perhaps we
talked to him in the fervour of romance, praying that he or she would ask that question. Did we
bother to have our children baptised? It costs nothing and is the best present that we could have
given them. No doubt.
Church? Give it a try, nice people just like us. You’re getting on.
9. Old Age (at the Altar)
Increasingly, we come face to face with our mortality. Dearly loved relatives and good friends
pass on, leaving us sadder and more alone. Some go well before their time, and we have to cope
with tragedy. Those whom we loved were given to us in love. There is a bill of love to be met, and
it hurts, it hurts like hell. If you love them deeply, yes it will hurt, and in a way one can commit that
pain in a prayer of thanks to God. It is difficult: we always want more, rather than giving thanks for
what we have had.
Well, it’s late but not too late. Consider. A man, Jesus, was born in Israel 2000 years ago. His
mother had an angelic vision which established that Jesus had come from God. He was raised
and worked with his earthly father Joseph until his twenties, when he met a distant cousin, John,
who was baptising – christening – in the River Jordan. John had been waiting for Jesus. At his
baptism he was empowered with the Holy Spirit of God, and his preaching ministry started then
and there.
Born of a Jewish mother, and therefore a normal human being, but with the power of the Holy
Spirit, he was able to perform miraculous acts of healing many of which are still impossible today.
During 2-3 years his ministry comprised teaching and the gathering of Disciples, trained to
continue his work after his death. His ministry, his teaching and his miracles conflicted with the
interests of the Jewish religion, which was corrupt, and eventually he was captured and executed.
Three days later, as he had prophesied, Jesus reappeared, reassuring the Disciples and horrifying
the religious authorities. After a period in which Jesus was widely seen – by fully five hundred or
more according to St.Paul – he left his Disciples to return whence he had come. The execution by
Crucifixion, and subsequent Resurrection showed that there is an existence beyond this life. It
also demonstrated that even the greatest evil that mankind can do to its fellows, it is as nothing to
God. Whatever the wrongdoings of all types, God has dismissed them. Jesus Christ had died for
our sins, and thrown the gates of Heaven open briefly, to see the truth of his words.
We wait here, hoping that the words of Jesus are true. Hang on, though, read the small print. He
said that God gave his Son to the end that all who believed in him would not perish, but inherit
eternal life. Do we? It is true that even the most depraved and evil person, confessing in abject
and sincere penitence, may through the mercy of a loving God, enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Omega.
Well?

St Tudy: celebrating the great outdoors

 Reception and year 1 pupils from St Tudy CE Primary School are being taught the value of their incredible environment, and have their lessons outdoors every Friday.

Their class teacher, Daniela Cheetham, sees this as an important part of their school life.

She said: “Every subject is covered, and being outdoors inspires and motivates the children.  The enthusiasm is written all over their faces.  We have great adventures and recently went on a dragon hunt where we discovered where the dragon may have lived in a big tree! We have been measuring rainfall, looking at the weather and cloud watching.”

Head of School, Jennie Franklin, also believes that learning out in the natural environment is an important part of children’s development.

Miss Franklin said: “We are very lucky to have this opportunity on our doorstep and this is the beauty of being a small school surrounded by countryside”.

Last term the pupils also had the benefit of sessions with visiting staff from the Badger Forest School.  With them the children have been taking part in exciting activities including making and lighting fires, toasting marshmallows, den building, whittling wood and foraging in the woods.

When the children were asked what they enjoyed about Forest School and being outside, they all agreed that Friday was their favourite day of the week.

Luke said he enjoyed making stick men, Oliver liked going on the adventures, Harry said he liked making fires and several children said they enjoyed toasting and eating the marshmallows.

The feedback from parents is also very positive, with many of them telling Mrs Cheetham how much the children enjoy their days outside. 

Luke’s mum, Penny, said: “He was raving about his day in the rain – he loved it.”

The children at St Tudy make the most of their access to the wonderful countryside that surrounds their school.

Spring Fair at St Mabyn

By Nicki Burdock

The sun shone on the pupils, parents and staff of St Mabyn School, as they enjoyed a well-attended spring fair – and raised more than £500 for the PTA's new polytunnel.

A spokesman for the school said: “The sun was shining, the hall looked wonderful full of exhibits and decorated with bunting, and the event was very well attended by families from the school as well as the local community. It was a fun-filled afternoon, with a barbecue and games.

"Categories included miniature gardens, something sewn, decorated pebbles, Lego, and showstopper bakes.

"It was such a success that we are hoping to make it an annual event in the village."

Charlie Daniels, chair of the PTA, said: “The PTA team are incredibly proud of the children. We are so grateful for the support of the school and the families in our community.

“We were overwhelmed by the talent of all those who entered. A huge well done and thank you: hope to see you next year.”

Emily Lofthouse, of the PTA, said: “We had so much fun with this event and it was really lovely to see the children and community as a whole coming together to make it such a success. I think we may need a bigger venue next year.”

Head teacher Alison McDonald said: “Everyone had a brilliant day. A huge thank you to the PTA who worked so hard to organise it.

“It was great to see the enthusiastic response of the children in the amount of work they produced.”

Year Two pupil, Tyler, said it was a “great day” and he had lots of fun, while Dexter, who attends the nursery, said he was “really happy” that his Lego model of Eden won.

Celebrations at St Mabyn as it moves up in the Ofsted ratings

The community of St Mabyn CofE Primary School is celebrating following a ringing endorsement by Ofsted.

The school was ranked Good by lead inspector Paul Hodson. As well as saying teaching across the school was now “consistently good”, he also singled out many areas of the school for further praise.  He said the school’s work to promote pupils’ development and welfare was outstanding.

The positive report is a shot in the arm for the school, which had previously been judged as requiring improvement.

It has even prompted a letter to the school from Regional Schools Commissioner for the South West, Rebecca Clarke, who wrote: “I was struck in particular by inspectors’ comments about the improvement in teaching quality that you have been able to bring about since Ofsted last visited, and the impact this has had on pupil outcomes.”

Mr Hodson also highlighted the strong leadership of the executive headteacher, Karen Holmes, based on her depth of understanding and ability to accurately assess the quality of teaching and learning. Head of school Alison McDonald was also singled out for praise. “Both share a commitment to providing high quality care and education for pupils and families,” said the inspector.

The inspection report also praises the school’s early years’ provision, saying: “As a result of the good teaching they receive, children get off to a positive start in the early years and make good progress.

“The proportion of pupils who attain a good level of development have fluctuated over time but are now above the national average.”

 “The school skilfully tailors the curriculum to meet the needs of each year group and the challenges presented by the wide range of abilities in mixed-age classes.”

The inspector also noted that the school has recently admitted nursery children on specific days. “The children that joined at the start of the school year are making excellent progress in communication and language and in personal development, ” said the report.

As well as singling out the school’s staff, the report also says that the governors provide strong, supportive and challenging leadership. The principal of The Saints’ Way Multi-Academy Trust and the Diocese of Truro’s director for schools are also named as individuals who contribute significant levels of support.

Head of school Alison McDonald said: “The report talks a lot about the personalised learning we offer children, and I think that is very important. All children have their own talents and their own ways of learning, and we tailor our teaching to meet their needs. We are very focused in making sure that each child fulfils their potential and makes progress in all areas. Of course, there is a strong emphasis on academic progress, but we are also keen to see them develop in terms of sport, the arts and their spiritual, moral, and social development.

Executive head teacher Karen Holmes said: “It is great to have some recognition for all the hard work that everybody has put in over the past few years. Thanks must go to all our staff and governors for ably answering questions during the two-day inspection as well as delivering excellent lessons, as always. We’re also grateful to those parents who spoke to the inspector on the day and took the time to complete the Parent View section on the Ofsted website.”

Principal of the Saints’ Way Multi-Academy trust, Stuart Renshaw, said: “St Mabyn is a success story and proves what a balanced and nurturing learning environment can be provided in a relatively small village school. The staff and school community should rightly be proud of what they have achieved. They’re delivering an outstanding education for the children of that community.”

WHAT THE CHILDREN HAD TO SAY

The report quotes several comments made by pupils to Mr Hodson, as he went about his inspection:

·      “I only started learning how to tell the time like this yesterday and now I can find twenty-five past nine!’

·      “Thinking about what I had done made me realise how it feels to be in their shoes.”

·      “Democracy is putting everyone’s opinion in mind so you can decide which one might be best.”

·      “Before I came to this school I had no idea there were so many religions.”

·      “We make up the rules. Sensible rules. It’s like a contract and we sign it.”

·      “I am a persevering parrot because I kept going!”

Friends of St Mabyn Church

Friends of St Mabyn Church

will hold their AGM at 7.30pm on Wednesday 19 July in the church. 

We welcome anyone who is interested in seeing the church maintained as a landmark building, not only central to the spiritual life of many, but also for its architectural significance.

Any support is much appreciated 

Esther Dudley, chair FoSMC 

Santiago Cathedral

This is a photograph taken during the Pentecost service we attended in Santiago Cathedral on Sunday 4th June

St James the Great is buried below the alter; an image of St James was paraded before the service.

The parade was led by the Archbishop, the Bishop, the Dean and twenty priests from around the world.

These priests were visiting the Cathedral, which contains the remains of St James the Great, at the end of their pilgrimage walks.

There were 3,000 communicants, including the three of us; our priest friend was taking part in the service and provided some of the intercession prayers.

A wonderful spiritual experience! 

You can see the Thurible hanging from just to the right of the alter; it was swung by a team of 6 “swingers” to fan the burning incense and ensure the whole church and congregation is purified!

Friends of St Mabyn Church AGM

"Please note that the Friends of St Mabyn Church AGM, scheduled for tomorrow ( Tuesday ) evening is postponed. The new date will be circulated soon."

Pilgrimage walk typical track

 Pilgrimage walk typical track, no traffic other than human!

Pilgrims service at Bentanzos

Pilgrims service at Bentanzos with presiding priest and assistant! (40/50 attended)

English Way Pilgrimage walk

This is Ferol, in north west Spain, at the start of the English Way Pilgrimage walk to Santiago De Compostela

The plan was to walk some 80 miles from Ferol to Santiago in six days and to attend the Pentecost service at the Cathedral.

Prayer experience day for St Mabyn School

The children had a prayer experience day yesterday with Felicity Henchley

Steve Williams of St Mabyn being confirmed as an Anglican C of E member

Saturday 20th May 2017

Steve Williams of St Mabyn being confirmed as an Anglican C of E member by Bishop Tim in Truro

Steve is being supported by his wife Sandra and several members of the Church in St Mabyn---

Penny, Felicity, Mary, David, Jill and Molly

A 'Cornish Camino' ­ photos

A 'Cornish Camino' ­ Walking the length of Cornwall from the Tamar to Cape Cornwall – a Pilgrimage in Appreciation and Thanks after Whitsun

Nine days of prayer

Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come is 10 days of prayer between Ascension and Pentecost.

Archbishop Justin Welby says,

 “We show our faith and trust in God in prayer. 

It is in prayer that God takes hold of our lives and works through us in ways we can barely imagine possible. 

Our praying is particularly transformative when it is done in the company of others. 

Jesus prayed at the Last Supper that we, those who follow him, might ‘be one that the world might believe.’ 

There is an invitation then, to make a lasting difference in our nation and in our world, by responding to his call to find a deep unity of purpose in prayer.”

Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement, which invites Christians around the world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus Christ.

As part of this week of prayer a number of prayer stations have been set up around the church: the pebble pool, handprints, prayer tree, the world, the prayer wall, clay bowl.

Samara’s Aid Appeal

Banana boxes needed! We have been supporting the Samara’s Aid Appeal to help refugees ----especially children, who are ill equipped to face the weather in Syria. We are now collecting blankets, duvets and towels (in good condition please!) and especially hospital cotton blankets, for the hot weather coming soon. Hand knitted or crocheted blankets for adults, new mothers and the elderly are also needed and so are banana boxes to pack them into. Please contact Jan Fisher on 01208-852182 both for more details and to arrange collection, though St Mabyn Church is unlocked during the day and contributions can be left there.

Hand knitted or crocheted adult/children’s clothes including hats, scarves, jumpers cardigans, shawls, socks(particularly for men/boys.) are also welcome.The next collection for Samara’s Aid Appeal is going to be sent via Brighton in June. Please contact Jan for more details or see the information at the back of the church. www.samarasaidappeal.org Jan’s contacts are, Pentol, St Tudy and Jan-fisher@UK2.net

St Mabyn Bible Study Group

The new sessions have started, held at Trelowarth, Watergate Lane, meeting each Tuesday at 1015 for coffee first.The topic is Philippians, where, in this letter Paul exhorts us to “Rejoice in the Lord always” even though when he wrote the letter he was in Jail with a possible death sentence awaiting him! The Philippians Bible study “Lifebuilder” study books have been ordered and will soon be available today; we are looking for volunteer leaders for some of the sessions planned. Please let David Bishop know if you are willing to lead a session. 01208 840010.

Easter in St Mabyn

Holy Week started with Palm Sunday and the distribution of palm crosses, which had been made by members of the Lent Bible Study Group, this service was conducted by the Reverend David Pollard. On Maundy Thursday there was a service of Agape, recreating the Last Supper and led by Steve Williams, who also led the Good Friday Hour of Meditation, all held in church. We then had something totally different, for us! Given that Easter is all about the return of the light, what better way to experience that than to be up for sunrise on Easter Day? Thirteen of us gathered at Burlerrow Farm at 6 am and walked up to the field  by the windmill for our Sunrise Service, led by Steve Williams, which movingly re enacted the Resurrection and the empty tomb. Afterwards everyone repaired to the Village Hall to warm up and enjoy bacon butties and breakfast, kindly organised by Sandra and her family. The action then moved to the church for the 10 am Easter Celebration Communion, which the Rev. Canon Dave Elkington kindly emerged from his well earned retirement to lead. A much larger congregation, including several young families, enjoyed rousing music from the organ and Music Group, and Dave’s thought provoking sermon on why the events of that first Easter Day put love at the centre of everything. Special thanks to all the flower arrangers as, after the austerity of Lent, the many beautiful flower arrangements added joy and colour – and of course also to John and Anthea Lobb for the Easter Garden round the font – it really is lovely, please go and see! The young children who joined us for Easter Sunday enjoyed not only the children’s corner, with books and toys but also the Easter Egg Hunt after the service! Truly Easter Day 2017 was cause for celebration together. Why not come and experience that special St Mabyn welcome next year, or even one Sunday soon?

Agape meal

The Agape meal was held in the Church on Maundy Thursday to commemorate the last supper.

St Mabyn Church Prayer Area

Isidore of Seville is believed to have said, “If we want to be always in God’s company, we must pray regularly…When we pray, we speak to God.”  In a quote from the Archbishop, he says  “We show our faith and trust in God in prayer. It is in prayer that God takes hold of our lives and works through us in ways we can barely imagine possible. Our praying is particularly transformative when it is done in the company of others. Jesus prayed at the Last Supper that we, those who follow him, might ‘be one that the world might believe. There is an invitation then, to make a lasting difference in our nation and in our world, by responding to his call to find a deep unity of purpose in prayer.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury is calling on Christians across the globe to join in a week of prayer during Pentecost, to pray for more people to come and know Jesus Christ. With the emphasis on prayer, St Mabyn Church now has a dedicated space for prayer developed by a group of people from the church community. This is a space to reflect and talk to God: leaving prayer requests, lighting a candle and praying for those in need.  As Isidore of Seville said, “If we want to be always in God’s company, we must pray regularly…When we pray, we speak to God.” The Archbishop of Canterbury calls on all Christians to join in a week of prayer.

So what can we do to invite people to have the opportunity to speak to God?

Church Annual Meeting

The Reverend Sherry Bryan chaired the Annual Church Meeting where Colin Hyde stepped down after 20 years wonderful service as Churchwarden and he was warmly thanked for all his stalwart efforts over these years. Everyone was delighted to learn that he has agreed to chair the Church Fete for one further year – he will be a hard act to follow! Rob Turner was elected as Churchwarden for the first time and Carol Grigg for a further year. Liz Turner was elected as Treasurer and thanked Jo Hyde for all her support as she takes on this role. Molly Dyke has stepped down as a representative on the Deanery Synod and Jan Fisher was elected in her place and joins Penny Lloyd and Abigail Kirby-Harris as the representatives. Lists of sidesmen, readers and flower arrangers were confirmed (these are all posted in the porch) and the setting up of the new Prayer Corner was much praised, not to mention our stalwart bellringing team who give much pleasure to all residents – and not just those being summoned to worship! A very enjoyable meeting overall

Easter Day Sunrise Service Sunday 16th April

This year for the first time St Mabyn  is organising a Sunrise Service to welcome the start of Easter Day

This will be held in a field overlooking the Camel Estuary at the top of Old Hill.

It will start at 6 am as the sun will rise at 6.23am

Meet  at Burlerrow  Farm –where parking will be  available thanks to James Mutton.

The service will be led by Steve Williams—supported by the Worship Group.

Afterwards breakfast eg bacon bap --- will be served in the Village Hall.

All are welcome

Later at 10 am there will be the Easter Holy Communion Service led by Rev Dave Elkington in the Church

Other Easter Services in the Church ::

Sunday 9^th April Palm Sunday Communion @ 10am led by Rev David Pollard

Thursday 13^th April at 7.30  pm ‘Agape’ Service to commemorate The Last Supper

Please contact Carole Grigg –841276 if you would like to come as she needs to plan food etc. 

Friday 14^th April at 2pm –Good Friday Meditation led by Steve Williams

The St Mabyn Music Group

The St Mabyn Music Group and the Open The Book team travelled to St Breward Church for a Cluster Eucharist for Candlemas on Sunday 29 January. The Music Group, comprising guitar, accordion, keyboard, bass, and percussion, and seven singers, provided the music for the service, the Benefice choir sang during Communion, and the Open The Book team demonstrated one of the dramatised Bible stories that they take into local schools. Rev. Canon Sherry Bryan conducted the service. Afterwards, she said:- 'I have been overwhelmed with emails saying how much everyone enjoyed the service and how uplifting was the music. Apparently some people found it difficult to keep their arms down! It was a great way to bring life and light into a dreary winter Sunday morning, and to give faith a boost. Thanks to everyone!

Tuesday Morning Home Group

These meetings are held at  Mary and David Bishop’s home—Trelowarth, Watergate Lane, St Mabyn between 10-12. They recommenced on 24/1/17 to discuss ‘Changes in relationships’

On 31/1/17 the focus will be on ‘ how to confront injustices in the world’ while on 7/2/17 the             topic will be about caring for our planet ‘ Treading lightly on the Earth’

This will be followed by the Lent Course to be led by Rev Dave Elkington.

Dates are 28th Feb; 7th March ; 14th March; 21st March ; 28th March; 4th April

All are welcome.

For more information visit---www.stmabynchurch.co.uk

Samara’s Aid Appeal

Samara’s Aid Appeal  to help refugees ----especially children, who are ill equipped to face the very cold winter weather in Syria eg wearing only a t –shirt, shorts and flip flops

As a result of collections at the Harvest Lunch, Seasonal Concerts and Crib Service almost £1000 has been raised to help Samara with transport and purchase of medical equipment.

A big thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

Also it is hoped to send a parcel of knitted items to Samara by the end of February  

If you would like to help please contact Jan Fisher of Pentol, St Tudy  Tel 01208852182

Jan-fisher@UK2.net

St Petroc’s Appeal

In response to a sermon by Jem Thorold –Vicar of Newquay –describing homeless people who sleep in the doorway of his Church - it was decided to collect  warm  clothing and new socks / underwear to be donated to St Petroc’s Society . A big thank you to   all who contributed to this ‘Reverse Advent Challenge’ , which resulted in the collection of several large bags of good clothing.