Father Mervyn's Blog

FATHER ERNIE STROUD RIP

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 19:36:00 +0000

Yesterday I , together with at least 25 priests, the Bishop of Richborough and the retired bishop of Chichester, The Rt. Revd. John Hind concelebrated the Funeral Mass of Father Ernie Stroud, whilst the ...Bishop of Chelmsford gave the address. Amongst the congregation were other priests, Anglican and Ordinariate and people from congregations where Fr. Ernie had served prior to becoming the Archdeacon of Chelmsford. Bishop Stephen told the packed church that it was through Father Ernie that he became a Christian and was subsequently ordained. It was an inspiring service and afterwards I was able to talk to some of his relatives from Bristol who I had known since my curacy in Bristol Chelmsford Diocese.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory

14th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 12:10:00 +0000

Today Father Martin officiated at St. Alban’s, Romford as some of the parish are on their annual Walsingham Pilgrimage. I celebrated the Solemn Parish Mass, and preached. Veronica, one of the Churchwardens, led our intercession. In his address I pointed out that parents have the responsibility of teaching children to be obedient; we say things like “go to bed”, “get up” “tidy you room”. “don’t interrupt people when they’re speaking” “clean you teeth”. We learn from our parents as children and put that into practice as we mature. The things parents, teacher and priests teach us form our conscience when we grow up. We learn how to listen to our conscience, not in some act of blind obedience but by listening to what is good, honest and the kind thing to do. It enables us to grow into spiritual maturity and greatness.

SS PETER & PAUL

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:08:00 +0000

Today at St. Augustine’s we celebrated the Solemnity of SS Peter and Paul, the two pillars of the Church. Father Martin presided at the Solemn Parish Mass and i concelebrated, read the Gospel and preached. In my sermon Father I drew attention to the differences in character of the two men , who complemented each other in their Apostolic Ministry. Peter the impetuous, chosen by Jesus to lead the embryonic church Paul the great missionary and writer. It is at this time of year that ordinations to the Diaconate and Sacred Priesthood take place. Each person brings into ministry their different abilities and talents. I reminded the congregation to listen to see if they were being called to serve as Ministers in God’s Holy Church and to bring into their ministry their own special, and different, talents.

THE PLAYING FIELDS OF ENGLAND

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 15:42:00 +0000

State educated school children need greater provision for sports, according to Ofsted. Correct me if I’m wrong, but a few years ago, a certain political party, then in power, sold of many of the state school playing fields despite many protests at the time. One of the sayings prevalent at then was “they knew the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

From “The Guardian”

TRINITY 1–12th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 15:01:00 +0000

Today, Father Martin went to St Paul’s, Goodmayes to celebrate Corpus Christi, swopping with me and I officiated at St. Augustine’s. I haven’t been too well lately and it was decided that the celebration of Solemn Mass, Procession and Solemn Benediction must just be a little too much as I feel at present .

As St. Augustine’s had observed Corpus Christi on Thursday, today was the usual Parish Mass. I preached and led the Intercessions. In my homily I talked about the need to use the wonderful gift of the Eucharist as something we celebrate frequently. We were privileged to take into our hands the precious Body of Our Lord: a gift he had given to us just before his crucifixion.

THE GLORIOUS AND MOST HOLY TRINITY

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 14:04:00 +0000

Today I presided at the Solemn Mass in celebration of the Most Holy Trinity; Father Martin concelebrated, read the Gospel and preached. In his sermon Father Martin referred to a previous sermon on the Trinity when,as an illustration and an egg had been used. He said the the Trinity was a difficult concept which had kept theologians debating for many years until they had agreed on the words of the Nicene Creed which we would be saying shortly. In the end what we needed to believe was that God is love. After the sermon, Ann led us in our intercessions.

PENTECOST 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 12:09:00 +0000

As Father Martin was away for the weekend I presided and preached at the Solemn Mass and our Intercessions were led by Joan our retired Lay Reader. In my sermon I talked about how fear can paralyse us; the disciples locked themselves in the Upper Room because they were afraid. The Holy Spirit removed their fear and instead of be frightened by the authorities, they found the strength and inspiration to preach the Gospel far and wide even facing martyrdom for the sake of the Gospel. If we are open to receive the Holy Spirit into our lives he will rid us of our fears and qualms so that we too can proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus.

ASCENSION 1

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 13:33:00 +0000

Today we continued our celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Father Martin was officiating at St.Andrew’s, Romford. so I was the celebrant at St. Augustine’s. During my sermon he reminded people about Captain Kirk asking Scotty to beam him up in Star Trek. Is this what some thought had happened at the Ascension? If that was so, we had a wrong understanding of the event. We knew that Jesus was taken from their sight by a cloud but he was still with them although no longer visible to them – he is still with us but we can’t actually see him. He returned to his Father so that the gift of the Holy Spirit could come to be part of His church. We shall think more of this next week which is Pentecost.

EASTER 6

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 25 May 2014 13:58:00 +0000

Today at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green we welcomed the Archdeacon of Barking, Dr. John Perumbalath to our Parish Mass and he concelebrated with Father Martin and preached the homily. Pamela led us in our Intercessions and, as our Organist & Choirmaster is taking a well-earned break I played the organ. In his homily Father John referred to the book “Is your God to Small” by J. B Philips. He said that God is a God of all people – he makes no distinction.. We make a mistake if we try to categorise Him – he can’t be contained. Nor can Jesus be confined to church premises because he is in our daily lives. Everything God wants to do He can but he would prefer to have our co-operation. However He is all powerful and will ultimately achieve His will. He is close to use at all times – take a breath and He is that close.

Father John joined us in the hall after Mass for refreshments so he could meet as many parishioners as possible.

The Flower Festival at St Augustines continues afternoon concluding with Evensong and Benediction at 6.00 p.m. and tomorrow opening at 11.00 a.m.

EASTER 5

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 18 May 2014 13:47:00 +0000

Today Father Mervyn officiated at St. Paul’s, Goodmayes who are in their interregnum. In his sermon, based on Today’s Gospel Father Mervyn stressed that Jesus is The Way, The Truth and The Life. It is only through following him that we can be saved. If we know Jesus we know God and it is through recognising Jesus we can recognise God himself. Jesus didn't leave us a handbook itemising every single thing that might happen; instead he gave us this guideline “the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE” During the Interregnum it was something to keep in the front of their minds.

We hope to see many people at St Augustine’s for our May Fayre and at our FLOWER FESTIVAL next week-end (during the Flower Festival there will be organ music.)

EASTER 4

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 11 May 2014 12:07:00 +0000

Today I presided at the Solemn Concelebrated Mass at St. Alban’s, Ilford where there was an excellent congregation. I preached on the Gospel and talked about the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep, protecting them and guarding them. After Mass refreshments were served and I had the chance to replenish my supply of marmalade which is made in the parish as part of their fund raising – and very good it is too.

HALLAL or KOSHER MEAT?

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Fri, 09 May 2014 10:11:00 +0000

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling some degree of discomfort about the lack of labelling of meat so that what I’m buying could be hallal. The supermarket chains are refusing to identify where their meat comes from and the government intend to take no action on this. The BBC reports in an article: How widespread is halal in the UK? A number of supermarkets including Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Morrisons, and the Co-op all sell halal lamb. Some Waitrose lamb products are given a Halal blessing, but are not supplied separately and are therefore not considered halal on the shelves, the chain said. The Sun newspaper prompted a debate after running a front page reporting that all chicken served at Pizza Express was halal and customers were not being told. The HFA estimates 15% of all meat slaughtered in the UK is halal compliant.” I have no problem in eating either Kosher or Hallal and have done so many times both in the UK and when I’ve been abroad but surely, we have a right to know just what we are eating and to be able to make a choice whether or not we are happy to eat meat killed according to either Hallal or Kosher rules?

3rd SUNDAY OF EASTER

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 04 May 2014 13:30:00 +0000

Today I presided at the Solemn Parish Mass at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green, and Father Martin concelebrated, preached and led our Intercessions. As it is the Bank Holiday week-end we wondered if our congregation would be somewhat reduced as we knew several families were going to be away. In the event, the church was pretty full. In his sermon Father Martin reminded us that we recognise saints by various means and mentioned his particular regard for St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, as he frequently misplaced his keys and glasses. The travellers on the road to Emmaus eventually recognised Jesus by the breaking of bread. Every time we attend Mass we have the chance to do the same: recognise Jesus in the breaking of bread; and if we are willing, to let him enter our hearts.

LOW SUNDAY–2nd SUNDAY OF EASTER

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 14:04:00 +0000

Today Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass whilst I read the Gospel, preached, led our Intercessions and concelebrated. It was good to see quite a full church. In my sermon I commented on the fact revealed by the Gospel that that after the Crucifixion the disciples were in the Upper Room with the door locked because they were afraid. Jesus came and stood among them and gave them their commission to go out to the world. All except Thomas were there and he doubted the veracity of what the disciples told him until a week later when Thomas was present and Jesus appeared again. The conclusion of St. John’s Gospel reminds us that: "These signs are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing this you may have life through his name."

During the Intercessions we prayed for our brothers and sisters in the Roman Catholic Church as today they pronounced Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II Saints and we prayed that the day maybe hastened when we are united.

EASTER 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 11:36:00 +0000

Our New Fire, Vigil, Renewal of Baptismal Promises took place at St Augustines at 5.30 a.m. and afterwards we all adjourned to the Parish Hall for a sumptuous breakfast of Cereals, fruit juices, eggs, sausages, toast, marmalade and coffee or tea. The sausages made by our local butcher Paul was fantastic. Father Martin presided I played the organ

At 10.00 a.m. it was time for the Solemn Mass of the day which was concelebrated; I presided and Father Martin preached and lead the Renewal of Baptism Promises with me do the my favourite job – the sprinkling.Pamela led us in our prayer. Our choir was augmented for the anthem by Ann and Ruth. At the end of Mass all the children were presented with an Easter Egg whilst all the adults had a smaller individual egg. I was surprised and delighted when I was presented with a huge Egg by Father Martin which I will really enjoy. All our chocolate eggs were by the Meaningful Chocolate Company which supports Fair Trade.

Easter Day finished with Solemn Evensong & Benediction at which Father Martin presided and for which I played the organ.

PALM SUNDAY 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 13:36:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon I was asked if I could help out at St. Mary’s, Ilford as their Vicar had been taken ill so this morning I was at St Mary’s for their Palm Sunday Procession, Blessing of Palms and Solemn Mass, We started in the church car park where the Choir sang the Antiphons I blessed the Palms and read the Gospel. We then went out to the road in procession and round the nearby side road and back into the church. Local police were there to ensure our safety. The choir led the singing of “All Glory Laud and Honour” and at our entrance they sang another Antiphon before leading us in “Ride on Ride on in Majesty”

Led by three soloist, the Passion according to St. Matthew was sung by the choir. In my homily I talked about the tearing of the temple curtain. It had separated the congregation from the Holy of Holy’s but with the death of the sacrificial lamb of God, Jesus, we no longer had the need for animal sacrifices and heaven and earth were now joined so we didn’t separation.I really thought the Choir, led by their organist & choirmaster Ian, were suburb. It was a really wonderful service.

LET 5 Passion Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 13:39:00 +0000

Today I celebrated the Parish Mass at St. Paul’s, Goodmayes. The service began with The Asperges. In my sermon I highlighted the saying of Jesus “I am the Resurrection and the Life. If anyone believes in me, even though he dies he will live and whoever lives and believes in me will never die”. I pointed out how this verse had been an inspiration and gave an example in the life of Robert Schumann. Following the Angelus, during the Notices, volunteers for the Washing of Feet at the Maundy Solemn Mass were sought at which I am also presiding.

After Mass I headed back to St. Augustine’s for the well attended Annual Vestry and Parochial Meeting.

MOTHERING SUNDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 13:19:00 +0000

Today I presided at St. Augustine’s where we had a full church as Father Martin presided at the Parish Mass at St. Lawrence, Upminster; . At the beginning of the service the flags from the Uniformed Organisations were paraded and presented. Our Intercessions were led by the Brownies. I talked about the different names for this Sunday and then pointed out that we all had 3 mothers: our own Mums, Mother Mary and Mother Church. What linked these together was “love” – you couldn’t see “ love” but you knew it was there. I produced a stick with 2 coloured balls at each end; as you pulled one – one at the other end went up (or down) He then opened the stick into two pieces to show that the coloured balls were not linked.

At the Peace, flowers were blessed and distributed, or votive candles lit for those whose mothers had died. Leaflets detailing all the services for Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter were distributed and they included an invitation to the annual Easter Parish Breakfast on Easter Day. Cost for adults: £3, £1 for children between 5 to 11, children under 5 free. Fruit Juice, Cereals, toast and marmalade, Boiled Eggs and Sausages, tea or coffee. All breakfasts must be pre-booked – no one will be served who hasn’t reserved a place. Having been to this for several years I can thoroughly recommend it.

We hope to hold a Flower Festival on 24th and 25th May as part of our Mission Week ; volunteers to arrange flowers or sponsor an arrangement are needed by NEXT SUNDAY when we are holding our Annual Vestry and Parochial Meeting..

Talking points on same-sex marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 18:36:00 +0000

From the Coalition for Marriage

The democratic deficit

With the first same-sex weddings set to take place this weekend to much media fanfare, it’s important to remember how undemocratic and illiberal the redefinition of marriage is:

Marriage was redefined over the heads of the 24 million married people in this country.
None of the three main political parties at Westminster made redefining marriage part of their election manifesto. It was not even in the coalition agreement.
Three days before the 2010 General Election, David Cameron told Sky News he had no plans to change the law of marriage.
There was no green paper or white paper. The only consultation was on 'how' to redefine marriage, not 'whether' to.
The Government ignored the 500,000 names and addresses of UK residents on our C4M petition. They weren’t accepted as responses to the consultation.
Since the Government’s online response form was anonymous, anyone anywhere in the world could submit a response, as many times as they liked.
The consultation ruled out religious same-sex weddings. But when the Bill was published religious ceremonies were included.
This exposed religious organisations to the threat of hostile legal action, with one gay couple already publicising their intention to go to court to get a C of E wedding.
Though he still backs gay marriage, David Cameron has admitted he would never have gone ahead had he known the level of opposition that would be stirred up.
Parliamentary scrutiny was wholly inadequate. At Second Reading, backbench MPs were limited to four minute speeches.

Inadequate safeguards

The implications of redefining marriage have not been thought through. The Government agrees that people’s careers shouldn’t be damaged just because they believe in traditional marriage – yet the protections in place are completely insufficient.

A parent complained to her school that her six year old daughter had had two lessons on same-sex marriage in a week.

A teacher was threatened with disciplinary proceedings because she said in the staff room that she believed in traditional marriage.

A couple wanting to adopt children were told they were unsuitable because they supported traditional marriage.

Thankfully all these cases have been resolved, but they should never have arisen at all.

Further redefinitions

If marriage is redefined once, what is to stop it being redefined again? Some campaigners are now calling for polygamy to be legalised.

Just recently the Government stripped familiar words like husband, wife and widow from a raft of our laws simply because these words don't line up with the Government's new definition of marriage.

For another example of what could happen, you have to look no further than the recent comments of a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Lord Wilson, in a speech he gave supporting gay marriage, suggested that marriage to the dead was an option. He said “if it really helps the broken-hearted, we have at least to ask: why not?”

No nation on earth had legalised same-sex marriage until 13 years ago. Only 16 out of 193 nations have done so.

The truth is that same-sex marriage is a social construct, a social experiment. Parliament can change the law, but it cannot change the reality that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Marriage – between a man and a woman – is the greatest partnership in history. It reflects the complementary natures of men and women.

Time and time again the evidence has shown that children do best with a married mother and a father.

So let’s keep standing up for marriage.

Colin Hart
Campaign Director
Coalition for Marriage

THE ANNUCIATION

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 14:37:00 +0000

Today we celebrate THE ANNUCIATION

Pray for for us O Holy Mother of God

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

LENT 3

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 14:20:00 +0000

Today I was the principal celebrant and Father Martin read the Gospel and preached the sermon at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green. Father Martin began the sermon by recalling how he had been approached by a television production company to appear in TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) a few days ago; he had to decline as he had a prior engagement at the time of filming. We were a little disappointed that we won’t be seeing Father on our TV’s just yet.

The Gospel relates how the Samaritan woman had approached Jesus who was able to supply her immediate needs. Father pointed out that the Samaritan woman represented us; Jesus came not only for the Jewish people as their expected Messiah but to us, non-Jews/gentiles, as well. Jesus provides our needs; he provides us with “living water”. I led the Intercessions today.

The Samaritans are an interesting people and now number only around 751 divided into 5 families. Recently males have been given permission to “marry” out provided the bride converts. In view of the Samaritans strict observance of Levitical law many have found this very difficult.

LENT 2

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 14:27:00 +0000

I was a little surprised when, returning home yesterday afternoon, I had an e-mail informing me that our Organist & Choirmaster had sustained some nasty injuries following a fall in his garden and would I play the organ for the Parish Mass today. So this morning it was of to church a little earlier than normal to have a look at the anthem and to take Choir Practice. During Lent it is the custom to only use the organ to accompany the hymns service setting so I didn’t have to play anything before or after Mass.

I was also preaching today and in my sermon suggested that Nicodemus might have thought Jesus had taken leave of his senses when he said that a person needed to be born again. How could some one re-enter the womb of their mother? However Nicodemus totally missed the point as Jesus was talking about being born by water and the Spirit referring to the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. It was just before the crucifixion and afterwards that Nicodemus reappears in the Gospel when it seems he now understood the point Jesus was making.

BOB CROW DIES AT THE AGE OF 52

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:11:00 +0000

Unquestionably Bob Crow was one of the greatest Trade Union leaders, possibly the last of the true socialists, and whether or not you agreed with him, you had to admire both his tenacity and his outstanding leadership of the RMT. At a time when Trade Unions have been loosing membership the RMT were increasing theirs. Bob Crow managed to obtain above inflation settlements for his members which other Union seemed unable to do. Tributes are being made to him from both friends and opponents alike.

May he Rest in Peace.

1st SUNDAY OF LENT 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:27:00 +0000

I presided at the Parish Mass at St. Augustine’s, Rush Green today: Father Martin read the Gospel, preached and Concelebrated. We had a good congregation for this the start of the Holy Season of Lent. It is the custom to read out to the congregation the Ten Commandments on the 1st Sunday in Lent which I used as the introduction to the Confession. It seemed quite strange to have no voluntary either at the beginning or the end of the service, and this will be the case now, until Easter. The Choir sang an arrangement of “God be in my head” during the Communion.

In his sermon Father Martin talked about temptation. He pointed out that we were all subject to temptation; some here at Mass might be tempted to have a snooze or think about their next shopping trip instead of concentrating on the sermon. He gave an example of how people could be tempted and actually sin but not realising initially that they were doing so. Helping yourself to stationary or pencils/ball points from the cupboard at work was breaking the commandment not to steal. He briefly talked about parents letting their children go hungry so that they could buy drinks or drugs. We might be tempted to gossip about people. Fortunately we have a way to put matters right by coming and making our Confession, a sacrament which is mentioned in the Book of Common Prayer and it was pointed out the either he or I were always ready to hear confessions.

FATHER MICHAEL HORE RIP

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 17:25:00 +0000

FATHER MICHAEL HORE 12th May 1950 - 19th February 2014

May he Rest in Peace

Today I attended the Requiem Mass for Father Michael which was taken by the Bishop of Chelmsford and supported by many clergy. The church was packed and the choir magnificent. They sang three solo's Justorium Animae by William Byrd, And I saw a New Heaven by Edgar Bainton and God so loved the World by John Stainer. In a fitting tribute to Father Michael who had suffered from Motor Neurone Disease The Bishop of Chelmsford preached an excellent sermon on the text "Be still and know that I am God". At the end of the Requiem Bishop Steven blessed the coffin with Holy Water and Incense and we sang that wonderful Easter Hymn "Thine be the Glory". The cortege left the church to that great triumphal organ piece Nun danket alle Gott by Sigfrid Karg-Elert.