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Second Before Lent: Sunday February 12th 2023

From under the rubble

We’ve spent the week in sorrow and dismay seeing the images of fallen buildings and weeping people as they scramble to dig out dead or dying families from beneath the wreckage in Syria and Turkey. The death toll continues to grow with grim inevitability mirrored by the despair. At some point soon there must surely be an ultimate acceptance that no more life will be found in the chaos and that the rescue of people turns only to removal of their bodies.
The incessant rise in the death toll has been a cruel measure. On Monday the first report I heard was that over 500 had lost their lives. Each hour brought a new figure. It is all too easy to see only that figure and compare this tragedy with others that have larger or smaller “outcomes”. The tsunami on Boxing Day 2004 killed 250,000 people. With the toll in Turkey and Syria currently around 25,000 does that make the tsunami ten times worse? Or the 1976 quake in China that killed an estimated 655,000: is that 26 times worse? Wikipedia tells the stories in dreadful objective form. The “deadliest” natural disaster (it reports) was 4 million dead in the Yangtze–Huai River floods of July 1931. That word: deadliest. Can we even imagine how that figures? 4 million.
Does this huge number of dead due to flooding diminish the now receding floods of Curry Moor? Of course it does. Only a fool would argue that such a huge number of deaths in so short a time has no greater effect that the loss of “only” a dozen in a forest fire, for example. Even though any tragic and unexpected death is to be grieved, the deaths of so many leave desolation in more people. It’s “simple” arithmetic, right? In that case, however, how do we measure the utter joy and relief at the rescue of Aya, born to her now dead mother? Because that’s what there is: utter joy at the new life that has managed against such violence to get a foothold in a fractured world. Aya means “miracle” in Arabic, a word and an idea that seems entirely right for this little girl.
And yet, 25,000 and more people have died. How can Aya be a miracle if there has to be so much death for us to recognise her as Aya? How do we make sense of comparing such tragedy and joy? My short answer is that I don’t think we can, not fully. There are those who will argue that the earthquake questions the goodness of God. There are also those who will say that this is all part of God’s plan. I almost envy their (misguided) certitude. To be so sure that we understand how God intervenes in this world and, from that, to arrive at such a dreadful conclusion is curious. Even so we still need to reflect upon what has happened in Turkey and Syria and somehow to make some sense of it. Personally I am struck once more by the notion of abundance. In all life we are in death and the misery of so many deaths over such a short time reminds us of all our mortality. The miraculous life of Aya and the power of her survival remind us too of the strength and determination we all have to live.
The survival of Aya must be a time of thanksgiving. It doesn’t deny the horror of death, but she is an emblem of hope in our world.

Second Sunday before Lent

Collect

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.

Genesis 1.1-2.3

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
And God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good.
And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. And God said, “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth, to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.” And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.
Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude. And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

Psalm 136

1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;
4 who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
10 who struck Egypt through their firstborn, for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;
17 who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed famous kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to his servant Israel, for his steadfast love endures forever.
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Romans 8.18-25

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Matthew 6.25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Post Communion

God our creator,
by your gift
the tree of life was set at the heart of the earthly paradise,
and the bread of life at the heart of your Church:
may we who have been nourished at your table on earth
be transformed by the glory of the Saviour’s cross
and enjoy the delights of eternity;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pastoral Care

Years Mind for February 2023
We call to mind parishioners who have died at this time in recent years.
Eleanor Bastable, Tony Brooker, Ray D’Arcy, Colin Gordon, Robert Green, Brian Hendy, Pam Pound, Marion Stanhope-White, Edward Vickery, David Woolfenden
For those who are sick or in need
Alison, Angie, Anne, Anne, Audrey, Audrey, Barbara, Caroline, Christine, Dave, David, David, Diane, Edward, Eileen, Ethel, George, Helen, Joyce, Judith, Marjorie, Mary, Norma, Patrick, Portia, Ralph, Rebecca, Rita, Ruby, Sheila, Susanne, Tom, Will, Zillah.
We pray for these and their families and carers, and all those who are in need but named only in our hearts. May light shine into their world, may abundance spring forth and may they find hope in their hearts.
Our prayer life is fundamental to our Christian living, and this will not ever change. Our prayers are our very own conversation with God and are one important way that we can show our care for others. If you would like to include anyone at all, please contact Revd Simon.

Praying together in North Curry: 25th Feb, 10am

Last month Judith and Hugh were so very kind to open their home to a time of prayer for North Curry. They will be doing so once more at the end of February. Judith writes,
“We pray that God will bless our community and of course our longing is for people to know and experience God's love in their lives. A few themes emerged when we met: prayer for unity among christians both within and between churches, supporting and giving thanks for the school in a time of challenges, the needs of teenagers and younger adults and prayer and appreciation for those who volunteer in so many ways. I have been aware this month how when we come to God in prayer the world changes sometimes beyond what we can see and often as Mother Teresa has said 'prayer changes us and we change things'. So meeting together to pray is an adventure and we look forward to seeing you.”
All are welcome to 1 Lodwells Orchard, TA3 6DX (stairs up to sitting room warning) at 10am on 25th February.

Andy House

Andy House, formerly of Woodhill, Stoke St Gregory, died on Thursday 9th February in Yeovil Hospital.  Funeral arrangements not yet available. Andy was a life long resident of the village and was well loved, especially for his handyman skills. Whilst he had been living in a home for a few years, he is very well remembered and will be sadly missed.

Lyng Church Meeting 28th February

A few months ago we held a “what would we like to do in St Michael’s, Burrowbridge?” meeting to explore the opportunities the church presents to us in our Christian journeys. It was a valuable and productive gathering. The coffee morning was one idea that emerged, and now we have a regular band of over fifteen people coming along every first Saturday (10am to 12pm). Other ideas emerged and are in the mix…
So, a similar meeting is now planned for St Bartholomew’s, Lyng: Tuesday 28th February at 7pm. The meeting is open to all, from across the Benefice. It will be an informal discussion about what we might want to think about doing (yes, that is intentionally vague!) Come along and be part of it! Refreshments will be provided.

Produce Market in North Curry

Anne Williams has been coordinating the produce market for many years, and continues to do a fabulous job of ensuring everything is arranged as it should be: from the setting up of the hall on the Saturday morning through to the clearing up afterwards. She arranges for the stall holders to show up and for the kitchen to be staffed and the bacon butties are cooked. We are all so very grateful to Anne for this (and also to her band of willing volunteers, of course!).
The thing is, Anne cannot continue to put so much time and energy into the market and so I seeking long term help. Anne is happy to continue doing the background things, the bookings etc, but she wants to hand over the kitchen and some other roles (and rolls…!) to others.
Please: if you are willing to work with Anne to ensure the market continues as it is, get in touch with Anne (annemarie.williams61@yahoo.com) and have a chat about how you might become involved.

Lent Course: Growing on the Frontline. Wednesdays at 4pm from 1st March

Revd Simon will be leading a Lent course this year at 4pm on each Wednesday afternoon. Please note: owing to the imminent return of the bells, the sessions will hopefully (if the heating is upgraded in time) be in Stoke St Gregory Church Room. This may change if the heating is not completed. Thank you for your patience! The course will be based around a series provided by the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC), exploring how we can be active and relevant Christians. Each session will mast an hour. It will begin with a time of prayer and will be built around how our own understanding of Jesus can be vital in how we share our faith with the immediate world of our own friends, family and neighbours.

‘Curry Capers Variety Show’, Friday 24th February 7.30 pm, St Andrew’s Church, Curry Rivel

Light entertainment with a varied programme of 60s songs, comic sketches plus wine and nibbles.
Donations toward the restoration of our North Chapel windows. Also, a chance to win a raffle prize: food hamper, a cuddly Paddington Bear clutching his jar of marmalade, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers
North Curry Parish Church has a strong link with St Andrew’s through their organist Patrick Rendell, who plays for North Curry on the first Sunday of each month. Last October the North Curry choir, through Patrick’s instigation, joined with the St Andrew’s choir for an afternoon fundraising recital in Curry Rivel. We hope to welcome a “return fixture” during the coming year!

Magic, Mentalism and Music: Fundraising benefit evening for Heart Of The Village

Come and join us from 7pm on Wednesday 22 February in the Function Room at The Royal Oak, Stoke St Gregory, for an evening of entertainment, courtesy of renowned professional local magician and mentalist James Brown, supported by local musician and guitarist Dave Owen singing classic hits.
Tickets £12, available from the Village Shop and over the bar counter at the Royal Oak, or can booked by phone with Paul on 01823 490565. Check out James Brown online at www.jamesbrownmagician.com

Parrett Community Shed

The Parrett Community Shed is due to be fully open in the Spring. The annual membership fee is £25 and each session attended is £4. However, people are encouraged to just pay what they can afford.
The Shed is situated at the Langport End of Stathe Road, in Portsfields Road, on an old chicken farm
If anyone is interested in helping set-up the Shed and prepare for full operations, volunteers are very welcome. Funds are also very welcome! The Secretary is Mr Chris Bottomley, 07814 946780, cbottomley@aol.com. The project is being started and funded initially by the Rotary Club of Langport and Somerton, once open, the Shed will be independently operated.

Shrovetide Supper, 21st February, 7.15pm for 7.30pm

The talk will be from a representative of Taunton Welcomes Refugees in Stoke St. Gregory Church, Church Room. Tickets  £10.00 available from Jane White 490508 or Pat Sollis 490750 or add your name to the list in Church. Please bring your own drink

Magazine

The February Magazine is now available online and in paper form. If you have it delivered it will be with you shortly. You can also download it here.

Coming Month’s Worship

February 19th: Sunday next before Lent

  • 8am: BCP, North Curry, Revd Simon
  • 9.30am: Eucharist, Lyng, Revd Martin
  • 11am: Eucharist, Stoke St Gregory, Revd Simon
  • 4pm: Evensong, North Curry, TBC

February 22nd: Ash Wednesday

  • 7pm: United Benefice Eucharist, North Curry, Revds Simon and Martin

February 26th: The First Sunday of Lent

  • 9.30am: Eucharist, Burrowbridge, Revd Martin
  • 10am: Eucharist, North Curry, Revd Simon
  • 11am: Eucharist, Revd Martin

March 5th: Second Sunday of Lent

  • 8am: BCP, North Curry, Revd Martin
  • 9.30am: Eucharist, Lyng, Revd Simon
  • 10am: Eucharist, North Curry, Revd Martin
  • 11am: Eucharist, Stoke St Gregory, Revd Simon

March 12th: Third Sunday of Lent

  • 8.30am: Eucharist, Stoke St Gregory, Revd Simon
  • 9.30am: Eucharist, Burrowbridge, Revd Simon
  • 10am: Eucharist, North Curry, Revd Martin

Zoom Worship Link: Eucharist, 9.30am at Burrowbridge

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The Athelney Benefice · Athelney Vicarage · Stoke Road · North Curry, Somerset TA3 6HN · United Kingdom