April 2023
Welcome to the April 2023 issue of the parish magazine for St John's East Dulwich. Each edition of The Gander includes news and insights from St John's and our local community in East Dulwich and Peckham, as well as book reviews and profiles of some of our members.
Click Subscribe to be added to our mailing list and you'll be notified when our next edition is available. The next issue will be published in the summer.
From the Curate...
Welcome to the new edition of the Gander!
Since the last edition, our beautiful Holy Week and Easter Day services were a particular highlight for us all, and Revd Gill’s excellent sermon on Easter morning left us all with much to think about and be thankful for. She has provided an abridged version of her sermon for us in this edition, and we hope you will enjoy reading it.
In March we were delighted to welcome our new parish administrator, Maxine Plunkett. Maxine is interviewed in this edition and shares a some of her story and background with us all.
It was also a great joy for Revd Gill and me to officiate at two weddings in the last few months, first for Angela and Paul in March, and most recently, for Fiona and Ian. Do have a look at the lovely photos. Many congratulations to the happy couples as they embark on married life!
Dorothy provides us with another excellent health awareness article, do take a look for the events that are planned in the next few months to raise our understanding of very important medical issues we are all, in one way or another, likely to be affected by. John Webber enjoyed a trip around the Netherlands visiting and playing the organs in a number of churches there. He summarises his adventures below. And as always, you will find the music list for the forthcoming months in this edition as well.
Finally, do have a look at two of the forthcoming events at St John’s that are highlighted in this edition. First, Christian Aid Week and notice that our excellent Christian Aid Café returns to our churchyard on 21 May. Secondly, please do read the article about Black Voices Matter and consider joining Brenda La Mothe and Sian Conlon as they lead a reading and reflection group through Ben Lindsay’s book “We need to talk about Race”.
Happy reading, all good wishes,
Welcome to the new edition of the Gander!
Since the last edition, our beautiful Holy Week and Easter Day services were a particular highlight for us all, and Revd Gill’s excellent sermon on Easter morning left us all with much to think about and be thankful for. She has provided an abridged version of her sermon for us in this edition, and we hope you will enjoy reading it.
In March we were delighted to welcome our new parish administrator, Maxine Plunkett. Maxine is interviewed in this edition and shares a some of her story and background with us all.
It was also a great joy for Revd Gill and me to officiate at two weddings in the last few months, first for Angela and Paul in March, and most recently, for Fiona and Ian. Do have a look at the lovely photos. Many congratulations to the happy couples as they embark on married life!
Dorothy provides us with another excellent health awareness article, do take a look for the events that are planned in the next few months to raise our understanding of very important medical issues we are all, in one way or another, likely to be affected by. John Webber enjoyed a trip around the Netherlands visiting and playing the organs in a number of churches there. He summarises his adventures below. And as always, you will find the music list for the forthcoming months in this edition as well.
Finally, do have a look at two of the forthcoming events at St John’s that are highlighted in this edition. First, Christian Aid Week and notice that our excellent Christian Aid Café returns to our churchyard on 21 May. Secondly, please do read the article about Black Voices Matter and consider joining Brenda La Mothe and Sian Conlon as they lead a reading and reflection group through Ben Lindsay’s book “We need to talk about Race”.
Happy reading, all good wishes,
Gemma
Revd Gemma Birt
Holy Week and Easter at St John's
Holy Week began with a procession, blessing of palms and the Passion Gospel on Palm Sunday. From Monday to Wednesday, we held the Stations of the Cross followed by a Eucharist. Maundy Thursday saw a sombre Mass followed by a watch of prayer in the Lady Chapel, and on Good Friday we held Children's Worship, Meditation and the Liturgy of the Passion. Easter Day was celebrated with a Dawn Mass at 6.00 am followed by a shared breakfast and a Festival Mass which concluded with an Easter Egg hunt.
Below is an abridged version of Revd Gill's sermon on Easter Day:
Holy Week began with a procession, blessing of palms and the Passion Gospel on Palm Sunday. From Monday to Wednesday, we held the Stations of the Cross followed by a Eucharist. Maundy Thursday saw a sombre Mass followed by a watch of prayer in the Lady Chapel, and on Good Friday we held Children's Worship, Meditation and the Liturgy of the Passion. Easter Day was celebrated with a Dawn Mass at 6.00 am followed by a shared breakfast and a Festival Mass which concluded with an Easter Egg hunt.
Below is an abridged version of Revd Gill's sermon on Easter Day:
A few weeks ago, after the dreadful earthquake in Turkiye and Syria we supported an appeal to collect clothes for victims who had lost everything. We were completely unprepared for the response! When we put up signs saying that we couldn't take more donations, but there was almost a riot. Donations continued to appear long after we wanted them.
The kind hearted version of me was moved by the generosity of our neighbours, and rejoiced that the church could be a presence for good, but the cynic in me felt that we became a convenient repository for a load of old clothes.
Old clothes is what the disciples see when they run to the tomb on that first Easter morning. Two piles of old clothes.
The linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head rolled up by itself.
Details like these, some would argue, indicate that this was no grave robbery, why would a grave robber bother to remove the clothes, let alone fold them? Is this detail evidence that the resurrection is real?
Maybe, but the actual moment of resurrection is off camera to us; let’s not be so preoccupied with the empty tomb, that we forget to talk to the gardener.
It is entirely appropriate that Mary Magdalene mistakes him for a gardener. For Christians, the story of creation and recreation begins and ends in a garden, first in Genesis and here in John 20. What does a gardener do? Gently tends, prunes and weeds, discarding what no longer brings life and sowing seeds of new growth.
What is the new life that is being grown in this garden?
The theologian James Alison describes what happens in the death and resurrection of Jesus as nothing less than an anthropological earthquake, in that what Jesus is inaugurating is a new way of being in which there is no social other.
Listen to St Peter when he says, I truly understand that God shows no partiality.
God shows no partiality: is this not what Jesus told his disciples to imitate on the night before he died, when he said love one another?
Are we, human beings, not the ones who show partiality, in all cultures and across all human history, shoring up our identity and sense of self by excluding the other?
Jesus becomes the innocent, excluded one, who shows us exactly what we tend to do, and still loves and forgives us that we might grow out of those tendencies, calling us to show that this new way of being is possible.
This Easter is twenty five years after the signing of the Good Friday agreement, that extraordinary yet fragile ending of violent partiality. A God who shows no partiality, and a church tries to put that into practice, is what we mean when we say that the we believe in one holy, catholic church.
In James Alison’s words, “the great secret of catholicity:
is that we can build a culture which has no frontiers because we no longer have to build any order, security or identity over against some excluded person.”
Mary may not hold on to Jesus just as we need to let go of our assumptions of superiority and righteousness. She is invited, in her grief, to enter into this catholicity of being.
Just as we might be keen to declutter, and get rid of our old stuff, is it not also time to let go of our ideas about ourselves, or about God that no longer bring life, or assumptions or prejudices that make us feel more secure, but show a partiality that God does not?
Is it time to walk with St Mary Magdalene from the garden, along the way of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s spacious and generously forgiving and welcoming, impartial love?
The first Christians did all they could to spread this extraordinary message. The story does not end as long as there are disciples who meet Jesus in the same way the first disciples met him, not only up in heaven, but here and now, challenging the powers that would divide and exclude people, recognising in ourselves our own lack of love, but walking with him nevertheless. May we walk in the way of Christ this Easter and always. Amen.
Parish Administrator
We are pleased to welcome Maxine Plunkett as the new Parish Administrator and Goose Green Centre manager. Read an interview with Maxine below.
Eco-Church
After some delay, we were finally able to submit our application for the Eco Church Bronze Award to A Rocha last month. You will recall that the process involved completing a detailed survey on our commitment and work towards being an eco-friendly church. I’m pleased to say that we have now received our Bronze Award.
Whilst this is a great achievement for our church, we cannot rest on our laurels, but use it as a catalyst to work even harder on our eco journey. As the survey has shown, there are still a number of things we can improve on which will also stand us in good stead for the silver award.
Coffee Morning
Coffee Morning continues to be well attended, with between 20 and 30 visitors each week. We have many visitors who come regularly and also often we welcome new attendees who seem pleased to have discovered the group.
Recent activities have included more sessions of The Singing Geese, a Chinese calligraphy workshop, still life drawing in oil pastel and a talk by the Fairtrade Foundation. Most weeks at Coffee Morning are kept free for everyone to engage in conversation and enjoy each other's company.
The Strong and Steady Exercise Class also takes place on Wednesday mornings, with some attending both groups. The Strong and Steady Exercise Class is aimed at older people who are starting to experience unsteadiness or who are losing confidence in feeling balanced. If you would like more information about Goose Green Coffee Morning or the Strong and Steady group please email goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com.
Peter Bibby
The funeral of Peter Bibby, husband of Revd Anne Clarke, was held at St John’s on 21 March. The church was packed, with about 250 family members, friends and former colleagues of Peter joining to give thanks for his life.
The service was conducted by Rev Raymond Baudon, assisted by Revd Gemma Birt, and included tributes from people who knew Peter through his varied work and interests: George Daly, Nick Snow, Pat Boyer, Keith Buchan, Sonia Francis-Mills and Ben Bibby. An expanded St John’s choir sang music including John Rutter’s A Gaelic Blessing. Everyone who attended was given a daffodil to place on Peter’s coffin on leaving the church.
The funeral service and internment was conducted in line with Peter’s wishes, as he set out in an article for The Gander in October 2021 (“Looking forward to my funeral”).
Robes Project
Thanks to a very kind, generous and welcoming team of volunteers, including a dedicated team of young people and Duke of Edinbrugh candidates, and the excellent support of the Robes team, St John's was able to offer it's space to be a host for the Robes winter night shelter for the 2022/23 season.
We hosted up to 15 guests every Saturday night. As a volunteering team, we were all touched by the friendly and warm environment that our Robes guests shared with us; it was good to be able to all sit down each Saturday night at 8pm at eat a hot meal together.
By the end of the season, most of the guests had, with the help and support of the Robes HQ team, secured more permament accomodation.
If you would like to learn more about the Robes project, and how you can help please speak to Julie or Gemma. Or have a look at their website www.robes.org.uk
Julie Whitney and Gemma Birt
Musical events
Choral Evensong is at 6pm on 25 June and 26 November. There are organ recitals at 11am on 20 May, 15 July and 16 September.
The Evensong on Sunday 25 June at 6.00 pm will include “The heavens are telling,” which is an extract from Joseph Haydn’s Oratorio “The Creation”. It uses words from Psalm 19 and is a flamboyant choral piece celebrating the wonders of God’s world. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis are by Basil Harwood (1859-1949) and are melodious (and fun to sing!). We only sing Evensong three times a year; do come and join us.
Coffee Morning continues to be well attended, with between 20 and 30 visitors each week. We have many visitors who come regularly and also often we welcome new attendees who seem pleased to have discovered the group.Recent activities have included more sessions of The Singing Geese, a Chinese calligraphy workshop, still life drawing in oil pastel and a talk by the Fairtrade Foundation. Most weeks at Coffee Morning are kept free for everyone to engage in conversation and enjoy each other's company.
The Strong and Steady Exercise Class also takes place on Wednesday mornings, with some attending both groups. The Strong and Steady Exercise Class is aimed at older people who are starting to experience unsteadiness or who are losing confidence in feeling balanced. If you would like more information about Goose Green Coffee Morning or the Strong and Steady group please email goosegreencoffeemorning@gmail.com.
Peter Bibby
The funeral of Peter Bibby, husband of Revd Anne Clarke, was held at St John’s on 21 March. The church was packed, with about 250 family members, friends and former colleagues of Peter joining to give thanks for his life.The service was conducted by Rev Raymond Baudon, assisted by Revd Gemma Birt, and included tributes from people who knew Peter through his varied work and interests: George Daly, Nick Snow, Pat Boyer, Keith Buchan, Sonia Francis-Mills and Ben Bibby. An expanded St John’s choir sang music including John Rutter’s A Gaelic Blessing. Everyone who attended was given a daffodil to place on Peter’s coffin on leaving the church.
The funeral service and internment was conducted in line with Peter’s wishes, as he set out in an article for The Gander in October 2021 (“Looking forward to my funeral”).
Robes Project
Thanks to a very kind, generous and welcoming team of volunteers, including a dedicated team of young people and Duke of Edinbrugh candidates, and the excellent support of the Robes team, St John's was able to offer it's space to be a host for the Robes winter night shelter for the 2022/23 season.We hosted up to 15 guests every Saturday night. As a volunteering team, we were all touched by the friendly and warm environment that our Robes guests shared with us; it was good to be able to all sit down each Saturday night at 8pm at eat a hot meal together.
By the end of the season, most of the guests had, with the help and support of the Robes HQ team, secured more permament accomodation.
If you would like to learn more about the Robes project, and how you can help please speak to Julie or Gemma. Or have a look at their website www.robes.org.uk
Julie Whitney and Gemma Birt
Musical events
Choral Evensong is at 6pm on 25 June and 26 November. There are organ recitals at 11am on 20 May, 15 July and 16 September.The Evensong on Sunday 25 June at 6.00 pm will include “The heavens are telling,” which is an extract from Joseph Haydn’s Oratorio “The Creation”. It uses words from Psalm 19 and is a flamboyant choral piece celebrating the wonders of God’s world. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis are by Basil Harwood (1859-1949) and are melodious (and fun to sing!). We only sing Evensong three times a year; do come and join us.
Christian Aid Week
Christian Aid is the official relief and development agency for churches in the UK. It works to support sustainable development, eradicate poverty, support civil society, promote services such as healthcare and education, and provide disaster relief in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
This year the campaign focuses on families in Malawi who are suffering from soaring costs. Food, fuel, fertiliser and school fees have doubled in price in the last twelve months. Hard-working farmers are seeing their harvests fail as the climate crisis brings increasingly erratic weather. Our donations could help farmers in Malawi plant better seeds, secure a fairer price for the crops, and build happier futures for their children.During Christian Aid week, donation envelopes will be available at the back of church. If you prefer to make an on-line donation, please scan the QR code.
St John’s Christian Aid Café – Sunday 21 May 2023
After the success of last year’s event, St John’s is once again holding a Christian Aid Café on Sunday 21st May, directly after church, until 3pm. This will coincide with The Dulwich Festival Goose Green Fair. We would love to see you there! If you would like to volunteer, either on the day itself or by way of cake baking in advance, please contact Mary Dawson (marydawson78@hotmail.com) Thank you.
At the end of the last of the excellent talks given by Laura Williams as part of Black History Month 2022, there was a lot of interest expressed in pursuing matters of racial justice.As we have already established a commitment at St John’s to understand each other’s experiences more deeply and empathically with the Black Voices Matter movement and the Allyship training, we wanted to find the next thing to harness and develop this appetite and to deepen the trust between us.
We Need To Talk About Race is a book by Ben Lindsay, local pastor and CEO of Power the Fight, a Peckham-based charity that works to combat knife crime. It has been adapted into a four-part Home Study Group, guided by Ben himself, in online form. It covers the following topics, each with a given structure.
- Race, Society and the Church
- Slavery, Society and the Church
- Radical Solidarity and Church Leadership
- Social Action and the Road Ahead
‘Ben Lindsay’s book is a must-read for the UK Church. It is my prayer that we heed his call and respond together to the mandate to challenge discrimination in all its forms’ - Justin Welby
In the coming weeks there will be an announcement in church with more information and dates for the course. We look forward to welcoming you!
By Brenda La Mothe and Sian Conlon
Music for May and June
7 May
Processional: 202 Word supreme, before creation
Psalm: 117 The Lord spoke to him face to face
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” - “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, called out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Offertory: 197 For all the saints who from their labours rest
Communion: Anthem – “O thou, whose all-redeeming might” – plainsong melody, arranged by David Blackwell; 227 How bright these glorious spirits shine!
Recessional: 478 Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Voluntary: Impromptu No.1 in F major – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
14 May – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Processional: 345 Christ is the King, O friends rejoice!
Psalm: 66 Let the sound of his praise be heard
Gospel Acclamation : Celtic Alleluia -“If you love me, you will keep my commandments, says the Lord, and the Father will give you another advocate.”
Offertory: 351 Come, ye faithful, raise the anthem
Communion: Anthem – “Ave Maria,” by Simon Lindley; 414 O for a closer walk with God
Recessional: 103 Alleluya! Alleluya! Hearts to heaven and voices raise
Voluntary: Trumpet Tune and Air - Eric Thiman
21 May – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Processional: 352 Crown him with many crowns
Psalm: 68 Sing to God O kingdoms of the earth
Gospel Alleluia: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; make music in praise of the Lord!”
Offertory: 124 Ye choirs of new Jerusalem
Communion: Anthem – “How beautiful are the feet” (“Messiah”), by G F Handel; 388 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Recessional: HON 81a Christ triumphant, ever reigning
Voluntary: Carillon from 24 Pièces en style libre – Louis Vierne
28 May – Pentecost
Introit: 520 Whitsunday Sequence
Processional: 137 Come down, O Love divine
Psalm: 104 Send forth your Spirit O Lord, and renew the face of the earth
Gradual: 431 O thou who camest from above
Offertory: 142 Sing to him in whom creation
Communion: plainsong proper; Anthem – “Litany to the Holy Spirit,” by Peter Hurford; 140 Holy Spirit, come, confirm us
Recessional: 342 Breathe on me, Breath of God
Voluntary: Hornpipe (“Water Music”) – G F Handel
7 May
Processional: 202 Word supreme, before creation
Psalm: 117 The Lord spoke to him face to face
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” - “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, called out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Offertory: 197 For all the saints who from their labours rest
Communion: Anthem – “O thou, whose all-redeeming might” – plainsong melody, arranged by David Blackwell; 227 How bright these glorious spirits shine!
Recessional: 478 Ye watchers and ye holy ones
Voluntary: Impromptu No.1 in F major – Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
14 May – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Processional: 345 Christ is the King, O friends rejoice!
Psalm: 66 Let the sound of his praise be heard
Gospel Acclamation : Celtic Alleluia -“If you love me, you will keep my commandments, says the Lord, and the Father will give you another advocate.”
Offertory: 351 Come, ye faithful, raise the anthem
Communion: Anthem – “Ave Maria,” by Simon Lindley; 414 O for a closer walk with God
Recessional: 103 Alleluya! Alleluya! Hearts to heaven and voices raise
Voluntary: Trumpet Tune and Air - Eric Thiman
21 May – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Processional: 352 Crown him with many crowns
Psalm: 68 Sing to God O kingdoms of the earth
Gospel Alleluia: Alleluia at Taize chant 13 – Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; make music in praise of the Lord!”
Offertory: 124 Ye choirs of new Jerusalem
Communion: Anthem – “How beautiful are the feet” (“Messiah”), by G F Handel; 388 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Recessional: HON 81a Christ triumphant, ever reigning
Voluntary: Carillon from 24 Pièces en style libre – Louis Vierne
28 May – Pentecost
Introit: 520 Whitsunday Sequence
Processional: 137 Come down, O Love divine
Psalm: 104 Send forth your Spirit O Lord, and renew the face of the earth
Gradual: 431 O thou who camest from above
Offertory: 142 Sing to him in whom creation
Communion: plainsong proper; Anthem – “Litany to the Holy Spirit,” by Peter Hurford; 140 Holy Spirit, come, confirm us
Recessional: 342 Breathe on me, Breath of God
Voluntary: Hornpipe (“Water Music”) – G F Handel
4 June– Trinity Sunday
Processional: 146 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, one God, who was, and who is, and who is to come”
Offertory: 148 The God of Abraham praise
Communion: Anthem – Te Deum Laudamus (plainsong, using the Ambrosian melody; 147 Most ancient of all mysteries
Recessional: HON 122 Father, Lord of all creation
Setting: Congress Mass, by Alan Rees
11 June – Corpus Christi Sunday
Processional: 295 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Psalm: 116 I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” - “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.”
Offertory: 280 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
Communion: Anthem – “Panis angelicus,” by Camille Saint-Saens; 272 All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
Recessional: 373 How shall I sing that Majesty?
Voluntary: Sian Conlon (piano)
18 June – Second Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 484 The Church’s one foundation
Psalm: 86 You Lord are gracious and full of compassion
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 - “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. You have the words of eternal life.”
Offertory: 415 O for a thousand tongues to sing
Communion: Anthem – “The tree of Life,” by K Lee Scott; 411 My Lord, my Life, my Love
Recessional: 440 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
Setting: with Agnus Dei from service by Basil Harwood in A flat
Voluntary: Fugue in G minor – J S Bach
18 June – Second Sunday after Trinity Choral Evensong at 6.00p.m.
Introit: “God’s power to guide me” – Colin Brumby
Responses: William Byrd
Psalm: 43 (Anglican chant in G major by Samuel Wesley)
Office hymn: 241 Before the ending of the day
Antiphon to Magnificat: “You have done great things O God; and holy is you name.”
Canticles: Basil Harwood in A flat
Anthem: “The heavens are telling the glory of God” (“Creation”), by Josef Haydn
Hymn: 346 City of God, how broad and far
Voluntary: Voluntary in D major – George Dyson
25 June – Birth of St. John the Baptist
Introit: “Blesséd are the pure in heart,” by Henry Walford Davies
Processional: 12 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Psalm: 85 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” – “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; God’s own people, called out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Offertory: 231 Who are these, like stars appearing?
Communion: Anthem - “This the record of John,” by Orlando Gibbons
Recessional: 381 Jerusalem the golden
Voluntary: Allegro Marziale (from First Book of Organ Pieces) – Frank Bridge
Processional: 146 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Gospel Acclamation: plainsong Alleluia - “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, one God, who was, and who is, and who is to come”
Offertory: 148 The God of Abraham praise
Communion: Anthem – Te Deum Laudamus (plainsong, using the Ambrosian melody; 147 Most ancient of all mysteries
Recessional: HON 122 Father, Lord of all creation
Setting: Congress Mass, by Alan Rees
11 June – Corpus Christi Sunday
Processional: 295 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
Psalm: 116 I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” - “I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.”
Offertory: 280 Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness
Communion: Anthem – “Panis angelicus,” by Camille Saint-Saens; 272 All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
Recessional: 373 How shall I sing that Majesty?
Voluntary: Sian Conlon (piano)
18 June – Second Sunday after Trinity
Processional: 484 The Church’s one foundation
Psalm: 86 You Lord are gracious and full of compassion
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia at Taize chant 37 - “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. You have the words of eternal life.”
Offertory: 415 O for a thousand tongues to sing
Communion: Anthem – “The tree of Life,” by K Lee Scott; 411 My Lord, my Life, my Love
Recessional: 440 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
Setting: with Agnus Dei from service by Basil Harwood in A flat
Voluntary: Fugue in G minor – J S Bach
18 June – Second Sunday after Trinity Choral Evensong at 6.00p.m.
Introit: “God’s power to guide me” – Colin Brumby
Responses: William Byrd
Psalm: 43 (Anglican chant in G major by Samuel Wesley)
Office hymn: 241 Before the ending of the day
Antiphon to Magnificat: “You have done great things O God; and holy is you name.”
Canticles: Basil Harwood in A flat
Anthem: “The heavens are telling the glory of God” (“Creation”), by Josef Haydn
Hymn: 346 City of God, how broad and far
Voluntary: Voluntary in D major – George Dyson
25 June – Birth of St. John the Baptist
Introit: “Blesséd are the pure in heart,” by Henry Walford Davies
Processional: 12 On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
Psalm: 85 The Lord will indeed grant prosperity, and our land will yield its increase
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia from Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” – “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; God’s own people, called out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Offertory: 231 Who are these, like stars appearing?
Communion: Anthem - “This the record of John,” by Orlando Gibbons
Recessional: 381 Jerusalem the golden
Voluntary: Allegro Marziale (from First Book of Organ Pieces) – Frank Bridge
Trip to the Netherlands
By John Webber
On 24 March, I went with a group of other musicians to visit church organs in the Netherlands. Eight of us travelled by Eurostar, including Ian Clifford (member of our Choir) and Nicky Jones (one of our team of organists). We are all members of the Southwark and South London Society of Organists and this was the first foreign trip for (I am guessing) fifteen years.
There is a full write up on the Society’s website, but suffice to say that we visited several churches of the Lutheran and Calvinist traditions, with overwhelming pulpits. The organs were reached by climbing sometimes lethal, winding staircases, but it was well worth the effort. One organ was four years old, but the others were all much older; the first one dated from 1696 and was in fine condition. Many of the Dutch churches are no longer needed for worship, but the buildings and the organs are well preserved by Government funding.
Do have a full look at the written account of the visit, which also has wonderful photographs: https://sslso.org.uk/?p=9177
By John Webber
On 24 March, I went with a group of other musicians to visit church organs in the Netherlands. Eight of us travelled by Eurostar, including Ian Clifford (member of our Choir) and Nicky Jones (one of our team of organists). We are all members of the Southwark and South London Society of Organists and this was the first foreign trip for (I am guessing) fifteen years.There is a full write up on the Society’s website, but suffice to say that we visited several churches of the Lutheran and Calvinist traditions, with overwhelming pulpits. The organs were reached by climbing sometimes lethal, winding staircases, but it was well worth the effort. One organ was four years old, but the others were all much older; the first one dated from 1696 and was in fine condition. Many of the Dutch churches are no longer needed for worship, but the buildings and the organs are well preserved by Government funding.
Do have a full look at the written account of the visit, which also has wonderful photographs: https://sslso.org.uk/?p=9177
Interview: Maxine Plunkett
How long have you been coming to St John's and how long have you lived in this area?I have been coming to St John’s for 17 years now, that said I was born in East Dulwich hospital almost 55 years ago. When I was a little girl my family lived in Peckham, but moved back to East Dulwich when I was about 10 years old.
I lived with my mother in East Dulwich until I left home, but was lucky enough to be close to the place I call home…and moved to Peckham, very close and still local to St John’s and neighbouring East Dulwich. So essentially I have lived in the area all of my life really.
What do you like about it and what are your favourite things to do in this area?
I like to walk now. I like the open spaces, we are very lucky to have a playground with swings etc., for the children, schools (the sound of children playing outside is second to none…very joyful!) and there are many green park spaces, which many people (myself included) walk through, look onto, reflect, and enjoy…the dogs and birds like it too! And a sense of community that only East Dulwich has and neighbouring areas have ….not to mention a beautiful church and grounds that are also enjoyed by all, and has been a part of the backdrop for me all of my life.
What roles have you held at St John's and what do they involve?
Goodness me! Where do I begin… so I think I started off as a sidesperson/welcomer, which involved showing people where they can sit and ensuring they have all of the service sheets and hymn book they need for the service and make them feel welcomed. That quickly progressed to pastoral carer, which means you keeping in touch with any new members by phone, just to say hello and welcome on a more personable level.
I have been a reader, reading the scriptures usually on a Sunday at the 10am service. I have been an intercessor, which involves preparing and reading out prayers on behalf of the whole congregation…not an easy task! I think I was even made deputy church warden…. at some point in my past life at St John’s!
About four years ago I started to help out with the flowers and now have a regular slot on the rota alongside a few other volunteers. I really enjoy making the flowers sing out for the glory of God! About two years ago I was invited to become a sacristan. Initially I was very nervous especially since I didn’t fully know what that meant. Essentially it means that you help to prepare Christ's meal…no pressure then! I have it ago alongside the other duties that comes with becoming a part of the serving team like being a crucifer (carrying the cross), and a thurifer (throwing incense), and sub deacon (holding the scriptures/service book for the priest), all of these roles are essential to our Eucharist and worship at St John’s. I feel privileged to have been invited!
You are now parish administrator - what are you looking forward to in this role and how will you approach it?
Oh gosh! I am looking forward to understanding church life from a liturgical viewpoint and all that goes with it, from preparing the notice sheets and order of service (which involves an incredible amount of work), and is viewed by the audience/congregation for about 1.5 hours weekly. I do hope people reflect on it outside of that, it is prepared with much love, to understanding the legalities behind weddings, baptisms and funerals, and of course church life in general. I always approach things with a positive, I got this, attitude.
What sort of things does the parish administrator do?
Lots of preparing as I mentioned before. An incredible amount of work goes into the notice sheet and orders of service from readings to the gospels and psalms and notices, they all have to be collated and presented in a user-friendly format. Dealing with enquiries about hiring of the hall, marriages, baptisms, the running of and general upkeep of the church. Highlighting any issues to the vicar and wardens and generally carrying out duties and working alongside the aforementioned in conjunction with the PCC.
What other jobs have you done during your career and how have they helped prepare for this?
My last role was finance and facilities manager for an established well-known charity in the city. Where I prepared the financial accounts for the trustees on a monthly basis to enable them to make decisions for the charity. I was also responsible for the building/premises, and was responsible for reporting any premisses issues and liaising with the landlord. This has enabled me to directly transfer some of my skills to this role.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I like to think I’m a happy go lucky, glass half full kinda gal! But that’s where I am now. I’ve also had my share of ups and downs, but I am in a good place now. Praise God! 😉 My favourite food is finger food or street food like Wahaca and tapas…that sort of thing… I like to eat little and often, but that’s just me and I think my doctor may have a chat with me soon about cholesterol! But hay ho!
I like self-help books that can give a bit of direction in life….the latest book I have picked up is What’s so amazing about grace, by Philip Yancey. After all we are never too old to learn …
I also love Call the Midwife…. I don’t know why… I think it reminds me of my mum!
Health updates in May and June
By Dorothy Oxley
Did you know that every month of the year, there’s a day, a week, or even the entire month, which has been dedicated to raising awareness of something? Many of those in May and June have a focus on some aspect of health care, so I thought I’d draw your attention to just a few of these.
Dementia Awareness Week (or rather, 10 days) runs from the 15th to 25th May, and from 1st – 8th May, Dementia UK is encouraging people to hold coffee mornings or tea parties under the banner of ‘Time for a Cuppa’ (see https://www.dementiauk.org/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/do-your-own-fundraising/time-for-a-cuppa/). Did you know that in the time it takes to boil a kettle, one more person in the UK will have been diagnosed with dementia? The Alzheimer’s Society is raising awareness with posters and other resources carrying the message “Asking the same question over and over again? It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill” (see https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week). If you don’t have internet access but would like to ask either of these organisations questions about dementia, the Helpline contact numbers are: Dementia UK (Admiral Nurse dementia helpline): 0800.888.6678; Alzheimer’s UK: 0333.150.3456
Mental Health Awareness Week: (15th – 21st May): The mental health charity Mind is focusing its campaign for this year’s ‘Week’ on the effect the cost of living crisis is having on people’s mental health – see https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/#info This gives a link to information and case studies, and also details of a confidential Infoline (telephone 0300.123.3393). The Mental Health Foundation are focusing on anxiety and if you’d like some helpful tips on how to cope with anxiety yourself, check out https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety. You also might like to check out Southwark’s information about mental health support in the borough – see https://www.southwark.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/health-advice-and-support/taking-care-of-your-mind?utm_name=Health
World Hypertension Day: (17th May) – Why not use this as a reminder to get your blood pressure checked, either by your GP or a local pharmacist who offers this service? (Note - Blood Pressure UK will have their own ‘Know your Numbers’ campaign running again this September)
Diabetes Week (12th – 18th June): With cases of Type 2 diabetes going up and up, you might like to visit the Diabetes UK website to find out what you can do to try to prevent yourself developing the condition by clicking on https://www.diabetes.org.uk/preventing-type-2-diabetes. The Diabetes UK website also offers plenty of advice on living with diabetes, and a Helpline, Monday – Friday (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) on 0345.123.2399
By Dorothy Oxley
Did you know that every month of the year, there’s a day, a week, or even the entire month, which has been dedicated to raising awareness of something? Many of those in May and June have a focus on some aspect of health care, so I thought I’d draw your attention to just a few of these.
Dementia Awareness Week (or rather, 10 days) runs from the 15th to 25th May, and from 1st – 8th May, Dementia UK is encouraging people to hold coffee mornings or tea parties under the banner of ‘Time for a Cuppa’ (see https://www.dementiauk.org/get-involved/events-and-fundraising/do-your-own-fundraising/time-for-a-cuppa/). Did you know that in the time it takes to boil a kettle, one more person in the UK will have been diagnosed with dementia? The Alzheimer’s Society is raising awareness with posters and other resources carrying the message “Asking the same question over and over again? It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill” (see https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week). If you don’t have internet access but would like to ask either of these organisations questions about dementia, the Helpline contact numbers are: Dementia UK (Admiral Nurse dementia helpline): 0800.888.6678; Alzheimer’s UK: 0333.150.3456Mental Health Awareness Week: (15th – 21st May): The mental health charity Mind is focusing its campaign for this year’s ‘Week’ on the effect the cost of living crisis is having on people’s mental health – see https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/#info This gives a link to information and case studies, and also details of a confidential Infoline (telephone 0300.123.3393). The Mental Health Foundation are focusing on anxiety and if you’d like some helpful tips on how to cope with anxiety yourself, check out https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety. You also might like to check out Southwark’s information about mental health support in the borough – see https://www.southwark.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/health-advice-and-support/taking-care-of-your-mind?utm_name=Health
World Hypertension Day: (17th May) – Why not use this as a reminder to get your blood pressure checked, either by your GP or a local pharmacist who offers this service? (Note - Blood Pressure UK will have their own ‘Know your Numbers’ campaign running again this September)
Diabetes Week (12th – 18th June): With cases of Type 2 diabetes going up and up, you might like to visit the Diabetes UK website to find out what you can do to try to prevent yourself developing the condition by clicking on https://www.diabetes.org.uk/preventing-type-2-diabetes. The Diabetes UK website also offers plenty of advice on living with diabetes, and a Helpline, Monday – Friday (9 a.m. – 6 p.m.) on 0345.123.2399
Who's who
Vicar Revd Gill O’Neill (on leave until 2 July)
Curate Revd Gemma Birt curate@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Assistant Priests Revd Anne Clarke anne@oakhurstgrove.com , Revd Alistair McCulloch mccullocha95@gmail.com and Revd Rosemary Shaw rshaw1983@icloud.com
Parish Administrator Maxine Plunkett, office@stjohnseastdulwich.org
Churchwardens Tayo Olatunde 07908 679 407 and Julie Whitney 07786 686 385
Parish Safeguarding Officer Mary Dawson (contact via Parish Administrator)
PCC Secretary Christine Camplin
PCC Treasurer Claire Nylander
Stewardship Martin Howell
Director of Music John Webber
Editors of The Gander Christine Camplin, Jim Nurton, Tayo Olatunde and Dorothy Oxley
(Contact each of the above via Parish Administrator)
Website: www.stjohnseastdulwich.org
Twitter: @StJohnsEDulwich
St John's & St Clement's C of E Primary School, Adys Road, London SE15 4DY
www.stjohnsandstclements.org, 020 7525 9210
Disclaimer
The views expressed in The Gander are not necessarily those of the Editors, Vicar or PCC.
Magazine deadline
Notices and items or articles for possible inclusion in the next issue of The Gander must be with the Editors by the 15th of the preceding month. Please contact the team in person or by email to the Parish Administrator with any questions.
Follow us on social media!
