February 2021 Link

Who do I contact? Priest Rev Matt 01228 Parish Office in Charge Martinson 599562 01228 Holy Trinity, 538983 St Barnabas, Rev Ian or & St Luke’s Johnston [email protected] Associate Rev Barrie Thomas 07793 [email protected] Priest 917486 (for Baptisms) Associate Maria Holmes 07443 [email protected] Priest Mrs Jannette 549525 (for Funerals) Local Lay Minister King [email protected] Church Mrs Mary Mrs Yvonne Wardens Law Swainson (Holy Trinity, St Barnabas) (Safeguarding (Safeguarding) Lead) [email protected] Church Wardens Mal & Peter 07989 806096 or (St Luke’s) Brown 01228 St Barnabas 529227 Bookings Angela & John Worship Hewitt (answerphone) Leaders Mrs Ruby 01228 Safeguarding Link Morlin 380541 (St Luke’s) Magazine (answerphone) Mrs Lynsey Mr Geoff Bland Brown Alison Sayer 01228 Mr Richard 536574 Stewart Mrs Maria Holmes Mrs Hayley Mr Geoff Martinson Brown alison @tp4c.co.uk 2

What’s going on?! Sundays; “Face to face” All services will be at St Barnabas at 11am. Also live on Facebook , youtube or phone. Please wear a mask and bring a pen so that you can leave your details All churches also have the NHS Test & Trace app STOP PRESS! ALL SERVICES ONLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: Facebook/Zoom Prayer meetings at 9am Check on the TP4C group facebook page for the zoom code or phone number Wednesdays: at 10am Facebook Holy Communion You can also check www.tp4c.co.uk or contact Matt or Maria either by email or by phone to find out what’s going on or if you have any questions or need prayer or assistance of any kind. If you would like to donate, for example, your usual collection from the last few months, please put it in an envelope, marked with what it is and who it’s from and hand it to Yvonne Swainson, if possible, so that there is only one person actually handling the money. Or you could ask for the church bank details so that you can donate directly. 01228 599562 for Matt or 01228 538983 for the Office ***Matt’s day off is FRIDAY*** Information can also be checked on www.achurchnearyou.com or in- [email protected] Also on Facebook: If you “do” facebook, we have the following pages: Tp4c Bible Challenge Reflection Group St Luke’s Church Carlisle Holy Trinity Church Carlisle St Barnabas Church foodbank@tp4c Tp4c men’s meet up ST Luke’s Little Fishes ...and we now have our own Youtube channel: _https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzl4XRy53TzFt0EUS_ibW-Q 3

This is the letter from Rev Matt on behalf of the Holy Trinity and St Barnabas PCC members which went out to everyone on the Electoral Roll last month. I am writing to you today regarding the future of our Parish churches of Holy Trinity and St Barnabas. This year, as you will be aware, has been a very difficult year for us all, both due to Covid and numerous other reasons. As a result of this, we have had to become creative in the way that we engage with people in our community and how we do ministry. The traditional way of doing church has had to be revised and technology has been used , so that we could stream and broadcast our services live or pre-recorded has become a must and we have seen an increase in the number of people attending services through this means, not only from Carlisle , but around the world. Our churches have been in decline both financially and numerically for several years. This is due to a number of factors including rising costs, maintenance issues surrounding the buildings, reduction in giving and fewer people attending church. In the light of this we are having to look at how we do mission, church and ministry going forward., in order to adhere to both government and Church of England guidance and to ensure we are doing our utmost to protect those who attend our services. In January 2020 it became apparent to myself and the churchwardens that the financial crisis that Holy Trinity and St Barnabas were facing required immediate action. This was brought to the attention of the Diocese of Carlisle and the PCC members straightaway. The diocese has given us advice and guidance on the situation and we have taken some steps to try to alleviate some of the immediate financial pressures. These included making no Parish Offer this year to the Diocese and we no long- er pay for a cleaner. The paid Parish Administrator also handed in her notice. We have also scrutinised our contracts with the utility companies to reduce unnecessary costs and surcharges on outgoings. We also had a “Giving Day” and this was really amazing to see church people come and give towards the work and costs of the churches. Both myself and the PCCs want to say a massive thank you for this. It helped to pay some outstanding debts and enabled us to stay open. However since then, and with the state of the finances, we realised that we just could not carry on as before, even with reducing our overheads and costs. 4

In the light of this, the PCC of Holy Trinity and St Barnabas has been meeting regularly since late August to look at our income and expenditure and possible options of continuing ministry within the local community. We looked at every option available to us and talked this through over many meetings. After much discussion and prayer a vote was taken and the decision was made to close Holy Trinity church. The PCC recognise that this may come as a shock to some and that others have known for many years that there has been a steady decline in church attendance and this has had a knock on effect. This has been a very difficult process for all involved and the decision has not been made lightly. The Diocese has been informed of the decision taken and further discussions will take place to set out the next steps. This does not mean that we will not be caring for the people who live in the Holy Trinity church area. We will very much be looking at how we seek to build a church that is sustainable and here for future generations to enjoy. If you have any questions or would like to talk to me about this then do get in touch and I will be happy to do this. Yours sincerely, Rev Matt Martinson , on behalf of the PCC members of Holy Trinity & St Barnabas. www.tp4c.co.uk [email protected] 01228 538983 Parish Office, Stanhope Road, Carlisle, CA2 7BB Please pray for Matt, the ministry team and all members of the PCC as they struggle with the practicalities of this decision. Don’t forget that you can get a DVD of services posted to you if you are not able to watch live on Zoom, facebook or on the tp4c Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzl4XRy53TzFt0EUS_ibW-Q You can also get a phone number to contact to listen to services live. 5

What’s going on during the current restrictions? All church groups have not stopped and some new ones have even started up. A huge thank you to Maria for these uplifting stories...from our own parish! Only God can make way for groups in the middle of a Pandemic! GG's ( Girls Group) In our prayer groups and individually for some months I have been praying for a way to start a group of some description for our young ladies of secondary school age. In truth it has been a couple of years since we had \"the God for All\" Mission in 2018 and I had the great privilege of having Tony Porter the Bishop of Nottingham to stay at my house. We were discussing what our communities needed and one of them was a girls group. He said \"just have a go\". I was crippled by self doubt and have often felt disappointed that I hadn't done that. Fast forward to November 2020 and Covid 19. I came out of my front door with a heavy heart having just learned that a dear friend of mine had died and as I walked along with my little dog Zeba I heard someone shout \" Maria\" It was a group of 5 young girls who I had met when I volunteered at Community Reach. \"Where have you been?\" We have been out in to Great Orton (November, Dark ,No lights ) \"girls that is just too dangerous!\" We had our phones they said. \"How about we start a group for you in the church?\" \"Really?\" they said. Yes! Can it be just girls, can we call it GGs girls group all laughing and excited. So we just had a go. Within a week the church was booked, Network Youth kindly shared their policies, risk assessments completed. Gemma and Jannette volunteered to help. So GG's began following all Covid guidelines! How Awesome is our God? Women's Group During Covid many women in our Parish were expressing how difficult lock down had been and how they missed having a chat. I happened to have tea with my girls in the Museum Inn and it was very quiet! I asked if it was like that through the week. I asked if they Landlady Julie would be interested in hosting a women’s group once a month? In our Parish we have had men’s group for some time but no women’s group. After prayer, discussion with Rev Martinson and Covid regulations eas- ing slightly we were good to go! The first meeting there were 13 women all in their own bubbles and following all Covid regulations. Time to think about “what has been the most difficult thing in 2020 \" and “What has been the best thing in 2020\" Meeting two took place on Zoom where 5 of us met and had a Quiz (Thank you Jannette). We will be meeting each month and everyone is welcome. The link to join the meeting will be posted on Facebook Pages. 6

Meeting two took place on Zoom where 5 of us met and had a Quiz (Thank you Jannette). We will be meeting each month and everyone is welcome. The link to join the meeting will be posted on Facebook Pages. Wednesday Outreach Rev Matt asked me if I would be interested in doing some outreach from St Luke’s church on a Wednesday evening? After prayer and the increase in foodbank requests from Morton, we decided to do soup in the car Park. Yvonne, Jannette and I Leafleted Stonegarth, praying for each household as we went. The first Wednesday it was freezing, no sign of anyone around. Then Nigel Or- chard was passing and said I’ll go get my trumpet and play some carols! Within minutes there were a couple of lads of the park who asked what's going on? We asked if they would like a hot chocolate. We had a good chat and they left and came back with a few more. This was amazing. The second Wednesday No Trumpet this time and we had 6 or 7 young lads and a young lady. Lots of Hot Chocolate and conversations Not what we planned at all but God had other plans! A Lads Group? Well we will see when Covid Regulations allow? Maria Holmes The Parish Food Bank is still very much needed during the current lockdown. If you are able to donate, can you please steer clear of pasta for the moment. However toiletries like razors, shower gels and shampoos, soap, toothbrushes and so on are particularly needed at the moment as well as pasta or curry sauces, tinned vegetables, tuna and tinned meat. All donations are gratefully received and thank you to everyone who continues to donate. The Christmas parcels were much appreciated. 7

SOUP @ SANDSFIELD You are cordially invited to Sandsfield Community Church for Lunch. Date: First Tuesday of each month: Time: 12:30pm SUSPENDED!!! Soup at Sandsfield is a FREE lunch provided with love and lots of chatter in your community, for you, your family and your friends. We look forward to seeing you there. If you would like more information then give Stephen a call on 01228 591270 or just drop into the centre. Yewdale Crafty Crafters Wednesdays at 6.30 pm Term Time only It is an opportunity to come and have a chat , a cuppa and do crafts that you have always wanted to do or never got round to doing. Cost is £2 including a drink. You can bring your own crafts if you want to or there will be some simple crafts to start. We look forward to seeing you there. Contact Margaret Walker or Stephen 01228 591270 SUSPENDED! Embrace the Middle East News The new Embrace magazine and Spring catalogue are now available . I have some paper copies of these, but it is probably just as easy to look online. The Embrace sale is now also online. Get next year’s Christmas cards etc at a reduced price. Have a look on the website: www.embraceme.org Keep hold of your stamps for me...I’ll collect and send them off to either Em- brace or the Leprosy Mission as soon after lockdown as I can! Thanks! Alison Parish Prayer Loop: Maria Holmes : Speak to her! ([email protected]) Brenda Peerless 07436 868669 Elaine Johnston: 07793 917485 (text preferred) Alison Sayer: [email protected] Rev Matt & Hayley Martinson: [email protected] or 599562 Geoff Brown from St Luke’s Margaret Brown from St Luke’s All requests are confidential and can be for anyone about anything. 8

Lectionary Readings for February Year B Sunday 31st January Deuteronomy 18: 15-20 Mark 1: 21-28 4th Sunday of Epiphany Psalm 111 Revelation 12: 1-5a Tuesday 2nd February Malachi 3: 1-5 Luke 2: 22-40 Presentation of Christ/ Psalm 24: [1-6], 7-10 Candlemas Hebrews 2: 14-18 Sunday 7th February Proverbs 8: 22-31 John 1: 1-14 2nd Sunday before Lent Psalm 104: 26-37 Colossians 1: 15-20 Sunday 14th February 2 Kings 2: 1-12 Mark 9: 2-9 Sunday next before Lent Psalm 50: 1-6 Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21 2Corinthians 4: 3-6 Tuesday 16th February Shrove Tuesday Wednesday 17th Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17 or February Isaiah 58: 1-12 Ash Wednesday Psalm 51: 1-18 2Corinthians 5: 20b-6: 10 Sunday 21st February Genesis 9: 8-17 Mark 1: 9-15 First Sunday of Lent Psalm 25: 1-9 Mark 8: 31-38 Sunday 28th February 1Peter 3: 18-22 John 2: 13-22 2nd Sunday of Lent Genesis 17: 1-7, 15,16 John 3: 14-21 Sunday 7th March Psalm 22: 23-31 Luke 2: 33-35 or 3rd Sunday of Lent Romans 4: 13-25 John 19: 25b-27 Sunday 14th March Exodus 20: 1-17 4th Sunday of Lent Psalm 19 OR 1Corinthians 1: 18-25 Mothering Sunday Numbers 21: 4-9 Psalm 107: 1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2: 1-10 Exodus 2: 1-10 or 1Samuel 1: 20-28 Psalm 34: 11-20 or 127: 1-4 2Corinthians 1: 3-7 or Colossians 3: 12-17 9

10

Across: 8 Interrogated (Acts 12:19) (5-8) 9 ‘Burn it in a wood fire on the — heap’ (Leviticus 4:12) (3) 10 Tobit, Judith, Baruch and the books of Esdras and the Maccabees are part of it (9) 11 Science fiction (abbrev.) (3-2) 13 Clay pit (anag.) (7) 16 Went to (John 4:46) (7) 19 ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to — your bodies as living sacrifices’ (Romans 12:1) (5) 22 David’s plea to God concerning those referred to in 14 Down: ‘On — — let them escape’ (Psalm 56:7) (2,7) 24 Royal Automobile Club (1,1,1) 25 How the book of Ezekiel refers to God more than 200 times (Ezekiel 2:4) (9,4) Down: 1 Seas (Proverbs 8:24) (6) 2 One of the sons of Eli the priest, killed in battle by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11) (6) 3 Specialist in the study of the Muslim religion (8) 4 ‘Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but — him as if he were your father’ (1 Timothy 5:1) (6) 5 One of Esau’s grandsons (Genesis 36:11) (4) 6 Taking a chance (colloq.) (2,4) 7 God’s instructions to the Israelites concerning grain offerings: ‘ — salt to — your offerings’ (Leviticus 2:13) (3,3) 12 Confederation of British Industry (1,1,1) 14 ‘All day long they twist my words; they are always — to harm me’ (Psalm 56:5) (8) 15 The crowd’s reaction to Jesus bringing back to life a widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7:16) (3) 16 Disappear (Psalm 104:35) (6) 17 How Jeremiah was likely to die if he wasn’t rescued from the cistern where he was imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:9) (6) 18 What the prophets do to a wall, with whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10, RSV) (4,2) 20 Made by a plough (Job 39:10) (6) 21 Noah was relieved when the flood waters continued to — (Genesis 8:5) (6) 23 Jesus gave the Twelve the power and authority to do this to diseases (Luke 9:1) (4) Answers on page 17 Acknowledgements go to www.parishpump.co.uk for many of the articles, prayers, puzzles & cartoons in this magazine. 11

February opens with Candlemas – the naming of Jesus in the temple. Simeon and Anna praised God to see the promised Messiah, sent by a loving God to save his people. February also celebrates the love between a man and woman: Valentine cards and romance abound. ‘Love’ as in social compassion is also remembered: Fair Trade fortnight, Holocaust Memorial Day, World Leprosy Day, and National Nest Box Week.... Love is truly needed by everyone! naming romance justice Answers on Christ Matthias poverty page 17 Candlemas Fairtrade nest box Simeon Fortnight marriage Anna coffee wedding temple bananas Holocaust love chocolate leprosy Valentine 12

ST BARNABAS WITH HOLY TRINITY MOTHERS UNION Happy New Year everyone, I know that there will be only a few of you who have access to the Link on line. This time last year we met together at Vallum House Hotel to enjoy a post Christmas Lunch, sadly it seems doubtful that we will be able to meet together as a Branch for some time. Nancy and I will be telephoning you all shortly with regard to future plans. We were all so sorry to hear about the death of Evelyn Mitchell who was a well loved and much appreciated member of our Mothers Union for many years we will miss her very much. Evelyn passed away peacefully just before Christmas at the Eden Valley Hospice. I am sure that by now a good number of you will have had the vaccine, let’s hope that this is the beginning of better times. In the meantime take care of yourselves. Love and God Bless...Margaret x Chain vicars If you are unhappy with our vicar, simply have our churchwarden send a copy of this letter to six other churches who are also tired of their vicar. Then bundle up our vicar and send him to the church on the top of the list in the letter. Within a week you will receive 16,435 vicars and one of them should be all right! Have faith in this chain letter for vicars. Do not break the chain. One church did – and got their old vicar back! (From a Salisbury Theological College leaflet) Emmaus FREE Bible Courses If you are wanting to learn more about the Bible and grow in your relationship with God, then I would highly recommend the UK Emmaus Bible School to you. They have a selection of courses that you can do at home and for free. I personally have undertaken some of these courses and they have helped and developed my Christian Faith in so many ways. I cannot recommend them high- ly enough to you. Whether you are a new Christian just beginning your journey of faith or have being on it for many years they have something for everyone. Don't waste this time we have in lock down; why not use it to learn more about your faith and the Bible you believe and grow in your relationship with God. If you want to know more click on the website: https://www.emmausuk.com/ If you have any questions then please let me know and I will do my best to help answer them email [email protected] Use the time you have wisely and grow in your faith and understanding of God. Blessings Matt 13

14

We have Cubs and Scouts at both Holy Trinity and St Barnabas for boys and girls from 8 years+ Meeting in Term-time only St Barnabas Cubs and Scouts on Mondays Cubs at Holy Trinity Contact: Peter Martin 07718 237722 Holy Trinity Cubs and Scouts on Fridays at Holy Trinity from 6-7pm & 7-8.30pm GSL: Mark Hampton 07538 571546 contact Mike for Cubs or Mark for Scouts Beaver Colony at Holy Trinity Church Hall at 4.15-5.45pm on Fridays in term time Contact Ben or Joanne Girls may join the Rainbows or the Brownies who meet at St Barnabas Church on Wednesdays Meeting in Term-time only Rainbows 5pm to 6pm Brownies 6-7.30pm Contact: Suzie Giles for Rainbows on 544118 or for Brownies Ellis Page (mobile) 07729 046 765 or (Home) 01228 544 877. TEA@HT now MESSY CHURCH may be back soon Food, Fun, Family, Worship 15

16

ANSWERS Crossword answers: ACROSS: 8, Cross-examined. 9, Ash. 10, Apocrypha. 11, Sci-fi. 13, Typical. 16, Visited. 19, Offer. 22, No account. 24, RAC. 25, Sovereign Lord. DOWN: 1, Oceans. 2, Hophni. 3, Islamist. 4, Exhort. 5, Omar. 6, On spec. 7, Add all. 12, CBI. 14, Plotting. 15, Awe. 16, Vanish. 17, Starve. 18, Daub it. 20, Furrow. 21, Recede. 23, Cure. 17

Holy Trinity kneelers Jannette and Yvonne are trying to track down who the kneelers at Holy Trinity belong to or who they were made in memory of. If you would like to keep a kneeler from Holy Trinity or you know someone who would like to keep the one that was stitched for a member of their family, please could you contact Jannette as soon as possible. (07901 953917 ). If we can’t trace people and they don’t contact us they will be given to the Diocese . Thank you. 8th February : Kew and the wild boar St Kew has nothing to do with gardens or the ‘Q’ of James Bond fame. This Kew was a girl who lived in Cornwall in the 5th century, and who should be the patron saint of girls with difficult older brothers. Kew’s older brother was a hermit who felt his younger sister was not worthy to even visit his cell. But big brothers often underestimate their younger sisters, and he was no exception. One day Big Brother saw a wild boar charge out of the woods towards his sister. Kew spoke to it kindly in tones of such purity and sweetness that it immediately slowed down to a peaceful walk. Big Brother was so shaken by this that he repented of his superior attitude. When he then bothered to spend time talking with young Kew, Big Brother discovered her nature to be of “rare virtue and holiness”. Other people thought so too, and after her death they decided Kew had been a saint, and so should have the parish church named after her. Perhaps the moral of all this is that if you want to win over a difficult older brother, you should first practise on wild boars! As any member of a church committee will tell you, after all is said and done, there’s a lot more said than done. A closed mouth gathers no foot. Bishop: An exam for R.E. asked the following question: ‘What does a Bishop do?’ Came one answer: ‘Move diagonally across the board.’ An exam for R.E. asked the following question: ‘What 18

A Prayer for Light Fountain of light, source of light, Hear our prayer. Drive away from us the shadow of sin. Seek us, kindly light. You, who created us in holiness, Who condemned our sin, Who redeemed us from our sin, Sustain us by your power. Pour your gentle light into our dull minds, Filling our heads with holy thoughts. Pour your glorious light into our cold breasts, Kindling holy love within our hearts. From horror, lust and fear, Guard us while we sleep. And if we cannot sleep, Let our eyes behold your heavenly host. By Alcuin of York, c. 735 – 804, was later abbot of Tours. It is not enough to love – you need to be loved Sometimes we can be inclined to give and give and give to others - without asking anything in return. We may think that this is a sign of generosity - of great strength. But it can also be one of pride - we want to be seen as the one who does not need help. Or it can be a sign of very low self-esteem - we do not think we are worth receiving anything from others. Whatever the reason, when we keep giving, without also receiving, we put ourselves in danger - we will burn out quickly. It is as important to know when we need to TAKE attention and care, as when we need to give it to others. If you do not pay careful attention to your own needs - whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual - you will not last the distance. If you want to remain a joyful giver for years to come, you need also to be a joyful taker and accept God’s love, given to you through other people. 19

Hayley has been reading Stephen Cottrell’s book about prayer. Here is another of his books that you might like. Come and See – learning from the life of Peter By Stephen Cottrell, BRF, £7.99 When we look at the life of Peter – fisherman, disciple, lead- er of the early Church – we find somebody who responded wholeheartedly to the call to ‘come and see’. Come and meet Jesus, come and follow him, come and find your life being transformed. This book focuses on Peter, not because he is the best-known of Jesus’ friends, nor the most loyal, but because he shows us what being a disciple of Jesus is actually like. Like us, he takes a step of faith and then flounders, and needs the saving touch of God to continue becoming the person he was created to be. 20

God in the Sciences This series is written by Dr Ruth M Bancewicz, who is Church Engagement Director at The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion in Cambridge. Ruth writes on the positive relationship between Science and Christian faith. Hope for 2021: Celebrating the now and future creation I find that watching buds swelling on trees and plants during the winter months gives me a tremendous sense of hope. We may all need some need extra hope for 2021, after the events of 2020. By the time you read this a number of us may have been fortunate enough to receive a COVID vaccine, but all of us will probably still be under various kinds of restrictions. After crea- tion’s winter shut-down, the sight of tiny flowers poking out of brown earth may be more important than ever. Getting outdoors during daylight hours, enjoying green spaces and getting some fresh air and exercise are great ways to keep ourselves healthy at any time of year. A psychologist colleague wrote, “Attending to the details of nature can also inspire awe, which has been linked to positive mood and increased life satisfaction.” I expect it is this sense of awe that makes it easier for many of us to connect with God outdoors. Helping ourselves and others to thrive is a good start to 2021, but it is also vital to have hope for the future. The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by an animal virus jumping into the human population. Diseases like this are not ‘natural disasters’, but are almost certainly caused by environmental destruction and poor farming practices - either from greed or the desperation born of poverty. Part of the answer to the current crisis is for us to care for all of Creation, both human and everything else, with God’s help. Our ultimate hope is in God’s promise that He will bring about a new heavens and new earth. We can look forward to the day when Creation will be fully redeemed and liberated from evil. The Greek word used to describe the new cre- ation is the same as that used to describe someone who becomes a Christian, whose humanity is restored and renewed. There will be continuity between the old and new earth as it is cleansed and purified, surpassing and perfecting what has gone before. There will also be some discontinuity, as there will be no more suffering or death. So, one source of hope for 2021 is that we can enjoy both caring for and meeting God in Creation. But the parts of Creation that we find most beautiful, giving us a sense of awe and helping us to worship, are also a reminder that there is some- thing much better to come. By Ruth Bancewicz, Church Engagement Director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, Cambridge . 21

16th February: Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day Ever wonder why we eat pancakes just before Lent? The tradition dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, when Christians spent Lent in repentance and severe fasting. So on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the church bell would summon them to confession, where they would be ‘shriven’, or absolved from their sins, which gives us Shrove Tuesday. At home, they would then eat up their last eggs and fat, and making a pancake was the easiest way to do this. For the next 47 days, they pretty well starved themselves. Pancakes feature in cookery books as far back as 1439, and today’s pancake rac- es are in remembrance of a panicked woman back in 1445 in Olney, Buckinghamshire. She was making pancakes when she heard the shriving bell calling her to confession. Afraid she’d be late, she ran to the church in a panic, still in her apron, and still holding the pan. Flipping pancakes is also centuries old. A poem from Pasquil’s Palin in 1619 runs: “And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne.” Some people have noted that the ingredients of pancakes can be used to highlight four significant things about this time of year: eggs stand for creation, flour is the staff of life, while salt keeps things wholesome, and milk stands for purity. Shrove Tuesday is always 47 days before Easter Sunday and this year falls on 16th February Ash Wednesday: 17th February: A good time to admit you are sorry Have you done something which haunts you? Which makes you feel restless and defensive, every time you think of it? Why not deal with it this month, and put it behind you? Whatever your mistake has been, consider what the Bible has to say to you: ‘I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance’ (said Jesus). (Luke 5.32) ‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55.7) ‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abound- ing in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.’ (Joel 2:12-13) God is inviting you to come to Him this Ash Wednesday. What a wonderful offer! Make the most of it and remember how the prodigal son was welcomed back by his compassionate father. 22

I found this prayer in an old handbag I was looking through, Tis the end of another year, So what will this new one bring? We all have our memories, And to some we'll always cling, So let us start this New Year, With a pray for strife to cease, Then we can live together, In a world that is full of peace Mary A prayer for the pandemic Dear Father God, You promise to hear us when we come to you in prayer, thank you! We so need Your listening ear at this time – and your help, Lord. Winter always brings challenges, but this winter is exceptional as the effects of the pandemic continue. When we are afraid, or lonely, or grieving, or in despair, help us to trust You and to know that You are with us in the middle of it all, sustaining us. You are not social-distancing, You are very, very close, full of love and compassion. We pray for our National Health Service and ask for Your special strength and protection for all staff. Thank you for the skills You have given to scientists all over the world. Thank you for the hope which the vaccines bring. Most of all thank You for the hope which Jesus brings. This earthly life is a whisper in the light of eternity and Jesus is the key to that eternal life. Thank You, Father, for meeting all our needs in Jesus. Amen. By Daphne Kitching The woe of war Christ, why do you allow wars and massacres on earth? By what mysterious judgement do you allow innocent people to be cruelly slaughtered? I cannot know. I can only find assurance in the promise that Your people will find peace in heaven, where no one makes war. As gold is purified by fire, so You purify souls by these bodily tribulations, making them ready to be received about the stars in Your heavenly home. By Alcuin of York, c. 735–804, who later became abbot of Tours. 23

24

WALKER’S FUNERAL DIRECTORS * 24 hour Complete Service * Private Chapel of Rest * Memorial Consultants * Woodland Burials * Pre-paid Funeral Plans 80 Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 7AY Tel: 01228 515650 25

SEAN CRILLEY Independent Family Funeral Directors 78 Brook Street, Carlisle ‘A Local Firm Proudly Serving Local Families’ For 24 Hour Personal Attention Call Sean on (01228) 544905 Private Chapels of Rest - Pre-Paid Funeral Plans - Memorial Consultants www.seancrilleyfuneraldirectors.com Email; [email protected] AQUADRy CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SPECIALISTS FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES CALL 01228 810141 07867505206 26

Michael G. Maddison Independent Funeral Director 57-61 Newtown Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 7JB Tel: 01228 317577 Mob: 07796102996 Offering a 24 hour Caring and Dignified Service Chapels of Rest, Pre-payment Funeral Plans & Memorials 27

CONTACT DETAILS Are you new to the Parish or would like some further information about the different Parish activities? Please tick the information you require on the list below, send this form to the address given and the right person will contact you soon. Send your Parish Office request to: c/o Holy Trinity Church Stanhope Road, Carlisle, CA2 7BJ Phone: 01228 538983 [email protected] Name Address Postcode Telephone Email Baptism/Confirmation Bible Study Courses (Alpha, Footsteps, Called to Serve) Family Church activities Pastoral Visiting Prayer/ Healing Ministry Youth Organisations Link Magazine Parish Activities and Events Anything else? (Please note request in space provided)