Father Mervyn's Blog

Father John Studdard RIP

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:56:00 +0000

I met Father John Studdard when I was Rural Youth Development Officer for the Bishop of Colchester. At that time he was the Curate at Halstead Parish Church. Fr. Studdard only moved to Thornbury last summer after serving as Team Rector of Witham in Essex. His brutal murder continues to be investigated by the police.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Child Poverty in India

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:16:00 +0000

In 2001 Ann and I achieved a long held ambition to visit India. We travelled first to Delhi and then went on the “triangle” visiting, amongst other places, the beautiful Taj Mahal. We stayed in quite luxurious hotels including one which had been a Maharaja’s palace. We saw the new estate on the outskirts of New Delhi where all the banks have skyscrapers and there are lovely apartments for the people who work in them. Contrast that with the frequent abject poverty we witnessed.

India is a place of contrasts from the beautiful palaces of the Mahajas to the hovels of many of the people, from the limousines and top of the range cars to the three or four people attempting to travel on a moped. To the superb restaurants and hotels to the free food offered every evening by the Sikh's and Hindu’s to all who need food. Along many main roads are encampments of people living under sheets of plastic or w.h.y.

Interestingly there are more millionaires in India that in the UK. and what was once a very poor third world country is now flourishing financially. It is now an offence under Indian Law to give money to beggars who litter the streets everywhere you visit. Some have very badly damaged bodies which have been badly mutilated by relatives as this will make them better beggars! On one occasion alighting from a coach on which we were travelling we were surrounded by children. We initially thought they were asking for money but in fact they wanted ball point pens!

I suppose the worse thing you experience in India is child poverty- something we also saw quite a lot of in China. Many children live on rubbish tips making what ever money they can by recycling items thrown away by the public. Over 50,000 children are abandoned in the country every year. 11 million children live on the streets and there are more than 44 million child labourers in India in all.

India is a beautiful country and one I hope to visit again in the future. I really hope that something can be done to eradicate the child poverty so much in evidence. There is something very strange about observing the wealth and seeing the poverty in such close proximity. God bless India.

St. Mary’s Church, ILFORD

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Today I had the pleasure of returning to St. Mary;s Church, Ilford to concelebrate and preach. During the interregnum I was a regular visitor to celebrate Mass and preach so it was good to be back there again to a very warm welcome from both Father Gareth and the congregation. After Mass thhere was a glass of wine as well as the usual tea, coffee and biscuits in the St. Mary’s Room as we wished well to one of the long-standing members of the congregation who will be moving shortly to Bexhill.Afterwards Ann and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with Father Gareth and cooked by his wife.

PRAYERS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:13:00 +0000

I was sad at the recent judgement that Prayers before Council Meetings are illegal and hope that steps will taken urgently to change the law. I understand that it has been the custom for prayers to be offered at Council meetings ever since Elizabethan times. The atheist who took the case to the High Court, in conjunction with the Secular Society had previously been a member of the Bideford Council. In his judgement Mr Justice Ouseley, sitting in London, ruled: ''The saying of prayers as part of the formal meeting of a council is not lawful under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, and there is no statutory power permitting the practice to continue.'' There is no doubt in my mind that this was another attempt to marginalise Christians but as I will demonstrate this doesn’t only affect Christians.

In the year before I retired as Vicar of St. Francis, Barkingside I was privileged to be Chaplain to the Mayor of Redbridge, a role which I very much enjoyed and which I hope I fulfilled satisfactorily. On the night of the Mayor making, the Chaplain to the previous Mayor, a Hindu priest, took the prayers. At subsequent Council Meetings it was my responsibility to lead the prayers and I saw my role as Mayor’s Chaplain as one of being Chaplain to all members of the Council.

The Council then was made up of members of many different faiths:Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Sikh, Jainism etc. None were compelled to attend the pre-council meeting prayers but many chose to do so. The next Mayor to take office later this year has announced that he is appointing three Chaplains of different faiths for the next year. I don’t think Redbridge is unique in appointing non-Christian chaplains when the Mayor is not a Christian but a follower of a different faith. So this ruling will be detrimental to all faiths until it is corrected.

GO COMPARE

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:23:00 +0000

When I recently received my renewal for my House and Contents Insurance I was somewhat daunted to discover that the premium had increased by 20%. Last year it did the same. Convinced that there was a mistake I phoned the company and was assured that the premium was correct. I decided to try the Internet and found several reputable companies who were considerably cheaper. By changing to one of them I saved £130; a lost of money when your a pensioner!

CHURCH FEES

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:59:00 +0000

Yesterday General Synod of the Church of England decided to increase the fees payable at weddings and funerals. Nothing too much unusual about that, it happens every year and fees increase annually. The difference this year is the amount of the increase. Present funeral fees are £102 which are to be raised to £160. I can see no justification whatsoever for such a steep rise of over 50%. which will hit people at their most vulnerable and begin to make funerals taken by CofE clergy prohibitively expensive. Where is the pastoral care demonstrated by this increase?

CHARLES DICKENS

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:21:00 +0000

Today we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. He was born in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, very close to Portsmouth Dockyard and the Royal Hospital (now demolished) As I was born just outside the City of Portsmouth I have always regarded Portsmouth as my home town and know the terraced house well.

GUILD OF THE SERVANTS OF THE SANCTUARY, ROMFORD

The local branch of GSS met yesterday evening for a Solemn Requiem Mass at the Hospital Chapel of St. Mary and St. Thomas of Canterbury. Father Hingley celebrated Mass and I preached.

GENERAL SYNOD and WOMEN BISHOPS

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:20:00 +0000

This afternoon the General Synod of the Church of England meet at Church House, Westminster. The main debates during this session will be on Women Bishops, looking at the provision made for those who can’t accept this innovation which I have to say, having read the paper on it, is about as much use as a chocolate teapot for traditionalists. I was not impressed by the comment made yesterday in the Telegraph by the Revd.Rose Hudson-Wilkin “The Church is desperately trying to hold everybody together, and we haven’t understood that this is not going to be possible. To try to do that is to put on a sticking plaster that is going to curl at the edge and fall apart. It cannot be sustainable. The whole thing is a mess. We need to say, as a Church, 'We ordain men and women.’ Full stop. All the way to the top. For those who feel that they can’t live with it? They’re adults. By all means, go to Rome. Join the Ordinariate. Don’t stay and make demands of the Church. It’s wrong.”

The only demand that I and many others make of the church is that they observe the guide lines of scripture, tradition and reason when making any decision and make adequate provision for those who cannot accept Women Bishops and Priests AND THAT IS NOT A CODE OF PRACTICE.

5th SUNDAY OF THE YEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +0000

For once the weather forecasts were accurate and we had snow last night, lots of it, so we woke up this morning to discover our road virtually impassable. Living on an estate means we have to travel on two side roads before we can access anything like a main road. Our local authority doesn’t believe in treating side roads so we are left to do so ourselves.

Father Martin rang very early and suggested that we didn’t attempt to travel to St. Augustine’s as the roads in Rush Green were difficult and dangerous. So we celebrated Mass at home and then set about trying to clear the cars and our drive and some of the road outside our house. It seems we have had about 12 inches of snow. Several of our neighbours were out doing the same but the problem is going to be some of the other local roads where absolutely nothing has been done.

CANDLEMASS

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:00 +0000

I celebrated Mass with the Ceremonies at Ilford Hospital Chapel of St. Mary & St Thomas of Canterbury yesterday at the usual Thursday lunchtime Mass my first Mass here.

On Monday evening at 7.30 p.m. the Guild of the Servants of the Sanctuary will be using the Chapel to celebrate a Requiem Mass that was postponed from November. I will be preaching at that service.

Diamond Jubilee Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:07:00 +0000

The Diamond Jubilee Prayer released by the CofE reads:

THE PRAYER FOR USE BY ROMAN CATHOLICS READS:

Almighty God, we pray that your servant Elizabeth, our Queen, who, by your providence has received the governance of this realm, may continue to grow in every virtue, that, imbued with your heavenly grace, she may be preserved from all that is harmful and evil and, being blessed with your favour may, with her consort and the Royal Family, come at last into your presence, through Christ who is the way, the truth and the life and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

ILFORD HOSPITAL CHAPEL

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:27:00 +0000

After ten years of outstanding service as Chaplain of the ancient church situated in the middle of Ilford known as Ilford Hospital Chapel Canon John Barnes has decided to retire. Father Barnes was for many years the Vicar of St. Mary’s, Great Ilford until retirement and then became became the Chaplain.

The Trustees have appointed me as Chaplain in succession to Father Barnes and my first service will be on Thursday 2nd February Candlemass at 12.35 p.m. Father Banes will be a difficult act to follow but I will do my best.

You can read all about the Hospital Chapel here.

BANKER'S BONUSES UPDATE

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:44:00 +0000

In view of the fact that the Chief Executive of RBS has decided not to accept his bonus my previous article on this has been withdrawn and I am delighted that this is the case.

Prayers for Holocaust Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:01:00 +0000

Let us pray for God’s ancient people, the Jews, the first to hear his word – for greater understanding between Christian and Jew for the removal of our blindness and bitterness of heart that God will grant us grace to be faithful to his covenant and to grow in the love of his name.

From the Intercessions for Good Friday: Lent, Holy Week and Easter Services and Prayers, as commended by the House of Bishops of the General Synod of the Church of England

Lord, remember not only the men and women of goodwill, but also those of ill will. Do not remember all the sufferings they have inflicted upon us; remember the fruits we bear, thanks to this suffering – our comradeship, our loyalty, our humanity, courage, generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this. And when they come to judgement, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.

A prayer found on a scrap of paper beside the body of a girl who died at Ravensbruck

Prayers said on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of Anne Frank: Reproduced with kind permission of the Anne Frank Educational Trust and the Council of Christians and Jews

God, you created us all in your own likeness.
We thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in your world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellow feeling and understanding;
show us your presence in those most different from us, so that in all our relationships,
both by what we have in common and by things in which we differ,
we may come to know you more fully in your creation;
for you are Father, Son and Holy Spirit for ever. Amen

Judge eternal, bringer of justice,
hear the cry of those who suffer under the lash of heartless political oppression;
those who languish in prisons and labour camps, untried or falsely condemned;
those whose bodies are shattered,
or whose minds are unhinged by torture or deprivation.
Meet them in their anguish and despair,
and kindle in them the light of hope,
that they may find rest in your love,
healing I your compassion
and faith in your mercy.
In the name of him who suffered, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

WILLIAM MORRIS EXHIBITION

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:50:00 +0000

Today we went to the William Morris Exhibition at 2 Temple Place. This is an extraordinary building which was built for the Astors. Although designed as a house it has never been used as such; it was known for years as Astor House. Rebuilt after WW2 it is very elaborate with the most wonderful panelling and carving. After the Astors sold it, it was occupied by Sun Life of Canada from 1922 to 1928, the Society of Incorporated Accountants and Auditors from 1928 to 1959 and Smith & Nephew from 1959 to the present time. It is now run and preserved by the Bulldog Trust; for more information about the trust click here. Only open occasionally it is well worth a visit. For more information and detailed photo’s about 2 Temple Place go here It opened in October 2011 as London’s newest public gallery.

During the refurbishing of the William Morris Museum in Walthamstow various articles, prints, designs etc. have been exhibited here in a free exhibition which finishes on Sunday. We had to queue for around 40 minutes but the wait was very worthwhile. After the exhibition we went to the Spaghetti House for lunch and then onto CTS and St. Paul’s Bookshop.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:17:00 +0000

THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL

The Unity of all Humanity in the Charity and Truth of Christ

Father, we pray for the Unity of Christians. Forgive us the sin which separates us and maintains divisions among us. May your Spirit penetrate all our souls and draw us closer to Christ in holiness. Today we pray for the unity of all humanity in the charity and truth of Christ. Give all human beings, your children, an ever greater holiness; and lead us along your path, to unity in the love and truth of Christ.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

Capitalists I Met and Liked

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:22:00 +0000

In this weeks Sunday times there was the following: “David Cameron’s defence of capitalism and the free markets doesn’t seem to have impressed parliament’s bookshop which is offering a title called “Capitalists I Met and Liked” For £4.95 you get 160 pages – all blank.”

Perhaps another title that could be considered is “Bishops I have Known and have Trusted”

THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

The Sanctification of People in other Faiths

Father, we pray for the Unity of Christians. Forgive us the sin which separates us and maintains divisions among us. May your Spirit penetrate all our souls and draw us closer to Christ in holiness. Give us an ever greater holiness and lead us along your path, to unity in the love and truth of Christ. We pray today for people of other faiths. May we and they be enlightened by your Spirit, walk before you with a sincere heart, be made more perfect witnesses to your love and advance on the way of salvation.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

The Sanctification of the Jewish People

Father, we pray for the Unity of Christians. Forgive us the sin which separates us and maintains divisions among us. May your Spirit penetrate all our souls and draw us closer to Christ in holiness. Give us an ever greater holiness and lead us along your path, to unity in the love and truth of Christ. We pray today for the Jewish people. By faith may they continue with us to advance in love of your name and attain the fullness of redemption.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:13:00 +0000

The Sanctification of all Protestant Christians

Father, we pray for the Unity of Christians. Forgive us the sin which separates us and maintains divisions among us. May your Spirit penetrate all our souls and draw us closer to Christ in holiness. Today we pray for all Protestant and Pentecostal Christians. Give Evangelical, Reformed and Pentecostal Christians, with all Christians together, an ever greater holiness and lead us all along your path, to unity in the love and truth of Christ.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Paul Couturier, Apostle of Unity

IT CAN BE VERY TAXING

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0000

There are times when I really wonder just what things are coming to; let me explain. Those people who have to send in their Tax Returns for Self-Assessment must do so by the 31st January otherwise they will be fined initially £100 and, after 3 months, this increases by £10 a day.. Some excuses are acceptable and will result in no fine. According to the HM Revenue and Customs website HMRC may agree you have a reasonable excuse if:

life-threatening illness, for example a heart attack that prevents you dealing with your tax affairs
the death of a partner shortly before a payment or tax return deadline
unexpected or unforeseeable postal delays
important documents lost, through theft, fire or flood, that can't be replaced in time
late receipt of your online Activation Code, User ID or password even though you asked for them before the tax return deadline

However my complaint is that no special provision is made for those in the armed forces despite the fact that they may be serving in Afghanistan; a representative from HM Revenue and Customs said, on Radio 4 today, that if the assessment is late they will be fined £100. He then went on to say that anyone in that position could Appeal against the fine. Usually the people who have to make Self Assessment are Officers. Perhaps I’m really thick but I would have thought being our of the country serving in HM Forces would have counted as a reason for not applying the deadline but apparently not.

(I am aware that soldiers in Afghanistan are only allowed a very short period of time using the Internet and the tax returns have to be made on line)

PRAYER FOR UNITY

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:01:00 +0000

The Sanctification of Anglican Christians

Father, we pray for the Unity of Christians. Forgive us the sin which separates us and maintains divisions among us. May your Spirit penetrate all our souls and draw us closer to Christ in holiness. Today we pray for all Anglican Christians. Give Anglicans and all Christians an ever greater holiness and lead us all along your path, to unity in the love and truth of Christ.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer

PRAYER FOR UNITY

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:13:00 +0000

The Sanctification of Orthodox Christians

Father, we pray for the Unity of Christians. Forgive us the sin which separates us and maintains divisions among us. May your Spirit penetrate all our souls and draw us closer to Christ in holiness. Today we pray for all Orthodox Christians. Give Orthodox and all Christians an ever greater holiness and lead us all along your path, to unity in the love and truth of Christ.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Paul Couturier, Apostle of Unity

THE DRAFT REPORT ON A CODE OF PRACTICE

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:16:00 +0000

At long last, there is a report of the Working Committee on the Code of Practice which will come into effect after the passing of the legislation for the Consecration of women as Bishops in the Church of England, to make provision for those of us who cannot accept that women can be bishops. This can be read here.It is a long document and if you are an insomniac will soon send you to sleep.

On many occasions and in many places it has been said “that a Code of Conduct will not do” and after reading this I have to say I haven’t changed my mind on that – it will not do. Before commenting any further I will read the document again but my initial reaction is as above.

General Synod meet in early February and will be spending time discussing the legislation; it is not too late for the Measure to be rejected which would mean that it can’t be re-introduced for five years or for different and more satisfactory provision to be made for traditionalists. Please keep members of General Synod in your prayers.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY BEGINS TODAY. 18th–25th JANUARY 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:54:00 +0000

Prayer for Unity

You, the one
From whom on different paths
All of us have come.

To whom on different paths
All of us are going.
Make strong in our hearts what unites us.

Build bridges across all that divides us;
United make us rejoice in our diversity.

At one in our witness to your peace,
A rainbow of your glory.

Amen.

-- Br. David Steindl-Rast, OSB

Independence for Scotland?

noreply@blogger.com (Father Mervyn Jennings) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:52:00 +0000

The debate over independence for Scotland is quite frankly boring me to death and prompts a question I would like to pose to our politicians. Why can’t England have independence? Scotland will be having a referendum around 2014 when they will decide if they wish to abandon the United Kingdom to become a tiny, totally insignificant but independent country with the most wonderful scenery. And here’s another question (the West Lothian Question): Why can Scottish, Irish and Welsh MP’s vote on matters which are exclusively English? I would be sorry to see the United Kingdom fragmented by Scottish independence.