The Parish Church of
HOLY TRINITY, TARLETON
Parish "Webzine" August 2007

People who missed Fr Nicholas’ Sermon on Trinity Sunday have asked about the icon. Here is an extract from the leaflet produced for that day.

Holy Trinity Icon
The gift of Rose Queen Vicky Rimmer and her retinue
Painted by Cristi, an Orthodox iconographer from Romania

An icon is more than simply a painting. It is, as it were, a window through which we glimpse spiritual truths. The original version of this icon of the Trinity was painted around 1410 by Andrei Rublev, the Russian painter. Many scholars consider Rublev’s Trinity the most perfect of all Russian icons and perhaps the most perfect icon ever painted.

From the earliest times, the idea of the Trinity was controversial and difficult to understand: One God in three persons - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Not only uneducated people but some theologians had difficulties: Arianism was one heretical movement that questioned the doctrine.

Trying to depict the Trinity, but aware of the Biblical prohibition against depicting God, icon painters turned to a story in Genesis. Known as The Hospitality of Abraham, Genesis 18.1-8 depicts the appearance of God to Abraham as three strangers in the wilderness. Abraham and Sarah welcomed and fed them. These three mysterious visitors or angels have long been seen as representing God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Rublev does not tell the story, but deliberately just shows the three visitors. This is to convey through his image the idea of the unity and indivisibility of the Trinity.

In Rublev’s icon, all the angels are equally important - it is truly the orthodox Christian idea of the Trinity. His icon is a challenge, softly and gently trying to bring understanding of the icon’s meaning.

Perhaps the most important thought Rublev wanted to convey was that about the necessity and goodness of love, a bond based on the trust between individuals. The Trinity is Love: “The Son loves his Father, the Father loves his Son.” “The love of the heavenly Father is given to the world through His Son.” Rublev’s icon is not only a representation of the three persons of God, but it is an all-encompassing symbol of unity and an image of divine love.

There is much more to be said about the icon, and further extracts will appear in future magazines.

PARISH NOTICE BOARD

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS 2007

Baptisms “Inheritors with us of the Kingdom of God”
1st July Ewan Hamish Gerraty

Funerals “Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord”
9th July Mary Swale

Looking forward
The Bible Study group will resume in later September - meeting day and time to be announced later. The book to be studied this time will be the Epistle of James. Have a word with Beryl if you’ve never tried this before and would like to join in.

Legal note
The church, as a public space, has to display ‘No Smoking’ signs under the new rules. It now does, as discreetly as possible, unlike some local shops.

Mothers’ Union August
On Sunday 18th November, Blackburn Cathedral is holding a special service to commemorate the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of the Queen and Prince Philip.
The service is to be a celebration of marriage and the Dean has asked for help from the MU in collating a list of names and addresses of those in the diocese, who during 2007 have celebrated or will be celebrating a special anniversary. These are marriages of ten, twenty-five, thirty, forty, fifty years but especially 60 years of marriage. This is not just for MU members, but for any member of the parish celebrating a special anniversary, so if you have special celebration, or know of anyone with a special anniversary, would you please let me know, and then I can forward the names from Holy Trinity.

On Wednesday 1st August Sue is holding an Avon fundraiser for the MU Overseas Fund from 2.00 to 4.00 pm, and she will have a bargain box available during coffee after the 10 am Eucharist. The proceedings will be added to the contents of our ‘Jar of Love’, which will be offered in the Cathedral in October at a Thanksgiving Service.

Our new session will begin on Monday September 3rd with a meeting of the Prayer Group in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at 2.00 pm
Pat

Congratulations
Congratulations indeed to Kath and Keith Garlick who celebrated their Golden Wedding on the 6th of July.
They should be on Pat’s list!

“We’re so used to standing on our heads that when God shows up, we think he’s the one who’s upside down”
Robert Farrar Capon, The mystery of Christ ... and why we don’t get it.

ROSE QUEEN DAY 2007
Saturday 23rd June dawned a very cloudy, reasonably chilly, and blustery day. We began setting up at 7.15 and, being ever optimistic, we planned for being outside. As the morning progressed and the stage, marquees and stalls were organised the sun began to tentatively break through and by 1pm the whole field looked wonderful.

I was very proud to crown Erin Lynd this year’s Rose Queen and I know that we were both ‘terrified’ about making our speeches. Once the scary part was over we were all able to enjoy the entertainment. This year as a new venture the committee introduced the talent show and we were treated to a variety of performances which really were all winners but we had to choose a winner and that was Jennifer Bould who played a solo on her cornet.

Also new for this year was the small pet competition and I know by the smile on his face as he collected his rosette that Lewis Embleton was delighted for his rabbit to have been awarded best pet in show.

This year more than others before, the organisation of Rose Queen Day was fraught with difficulties. In some part this could be put down as’ a sign of the times’ but we as a committee are not willing to let this tradition go and from the comments people have made to myself and other members, this year was a winner! I cannot thank enough all the loyal supporters who help us each year without whom we would not succeed, to each and every one THANK YOU!! At the time of writing there is still money to come in and go out so the approximate total for the day is £1900.00 which is incredible.

Thanks must also go to Holly, our retiring queen, her family and her retinue, for all the work and achievement over the past year, I know Holly has had a wonderful time representing the Sunday School.

It is always with immense pride that Tarleton is able to host probably the biggest gathering of queens and retinues from surrounding parishes. We are able to maintain this only with the help of many dedicated people who all help to ensure the future of this precious tradition.
THANK YOU. Karen Rimmer.

LOADS OF THANKS
How many people would allow into their house miles of cables, numerous microphones, recording equipment, and several excited and exuberant teenagers repeatedly singing (with encouragement and advice) as they were recorded over two days? At last our CD is ‘in the can’! Thank you, Father Nicholas. Watch for the release date!

In spite of all Barbara’s and Chris’s efforts to prepare an immaculate setting for the Garden party in aid of Derian House and Church Funds, the weather intervened. Frantic concerns were soon overcome with the generous support of the facilities of our Tarleton Church School.

An amazing number of helpers, plus musical items form Banks Jazz Band and Simply Hosanna, made the stormy afternoon into one of delight and enjoyment. The financial outcome realised a staggering £900 plus £500 generously matched by the Halifax Building Society. A cheque for £1000 will be given to Derian House and the remainder to the PCC. Thanks indeed to all those who have helped make this possible.
Simply Hosanna

News from School
The term is nearly over, in fact the whole school year is nearly over and, as you read this, hopefully, some of us will be lazing in the summer sunshine! (As I write this the bottom of my garden is flooded!)

It has been a good year and so much has happened. One piece of recent good news is that the school has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag because of our commitment to looking after our world by, amongst other things, recycling, being sustainable and conserving energy and water.

June was such a busy month for the community but what a pleasure it was for the school to be involved. The confirmation of so many of our children, made my heart glad and we will continue to pray for them and for those who are thinking of taking that next step. Also in our prayers will be those children who are moving up to High
School and we wish them well.

Thank you for all the support you have given the school. I feel there are even stronger links between us and that a true partnership is evolving.

I hope and pray that everyone stays fit, well and safe over the summer break and that we return refreshed to continue our important work in Christ's name.

God bless to you all. Sue Hodgkins

Thank you
The family of the late Cyril G Mills would like to thank all those who made donations in his memory, which are being donated to the Church. We would also like to thank all those who sent cards, and for your thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

Informal Walking Group: August Bank Holiday
As the August Bank Holiday Monday follows Old Church Sunday (Old Church Sunday 26th, Bank Holiday Monday 27th), we will start from St Mary’s. Parking is either at the Old Church slip road or back up Coe Lane at the start of the newer housing.
We are hoping to celebrate the re-opening of the Douglas bank footpaths after work being done by the Environment Agency on the retaining banks, but if that has over-run, I have a cunning plan for an alternative. Either way, we will walk part of the river bank to Red Bridge, and the last part to Rufford would be not be on the bank anyway because of the high tide and the low footpath under the railway. Lunch will be at the Rufford Arms, who I have confirmed are as happy as ever to take our separate orders on arrival. The return will be directly along the canal from Spark Bridge to Bank Bridge, with a short uphill pull back to the Old Church.
Around 4½ miles before lunch (just over 5 if the alternative route is needed), c2 ¼ after.
As always, you are welcome to join us both ways, one way, or just for lunch. Any queries? Ring me on 07767 638996 in advance or on the day.
Ian

Thank you
Irene Baybutt would like to thank everyone who has helped her, and sent her cards and their good wishes. She is now ‘on the mend’ and is enjoying getting to church more regularly again.

HOLIDAYS
Please pray for those travelling on holiday, for their safe journey, and for those who work so that they can relax.
Pray for those who are unable to have a holiday, for personal, financial or health reasons.

FREE TICKETS to a World Premier!
No, there’s no catch - but the Cathedral Crypt is a small venue and you’ll need to book early.

World Premier of
The Eagle
A play by Donna Worthington
A reflection on contemporary faith … and its loss.
Monday 24, Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 September
at 7.30 pm
For FREE TICKETS (including interval refreshments)
Phone 01254 503097 or email: exchange@blackburn.anglican.org

Each performance will be followed by refreshments and an optional facilitated discussion of the issues arising from the play. The following will take part in the discussions:
Monday 24, The Revd Lynn McGregor
Tuesday 25, Canon Dick Cartmell
Wednesday 26, The Revd Dr Kenneth Leech

Please book the FREE tickets early as the capacity of the Crypt is strictly limited. This is part of the exChange Cathedral education outreach programme, and has support from the Northwest Regional Development Agency.

From August 1905
The last Sunday in August will as usual be observed as our “Old Church Sunday.” The meaning of this anniversary is so well understood amongst us, and its usefulness to the living as well as its commemoration of the dead so generally acknowledged, that we need say nothing more, in order to draw people to the Services. Those who still love the friends whose bodies lie below will not willingly be absent on the day appointed. The hours of Service will be, 10-30, 3-0, and 6-30; and the Collections will go to the renovation of the “Old Church,” which has been re-whitened and colour-washed inside, provided with a new stove, and had extensive repairs carried out in the plumbing and slating of the porch-roof.

The old ones are the best ones …
“I intend to speak on ‘The milk of human kindness’” said the habitually long-winded preacher to the vicar who had invited him. “Condensed, I hope” replied the vicar.

Parish Visiting Team
If you know of anybody who would welcome a visit, either because they are in hospital, or because they are confined to the home for whatever reason, or because they are new to the parish, would you please fill in one of the slips at the back of the church and place it in the box or contact Fr Nicholas on 812614

Help needed with coffee etc after the 10.45 am Eucharist. If you can help from September 9th on, please talk to Jean.

During August, the choir will serve coffee in the parish room after the 10.45 am - except for Old Church Sunday, when the wardens will serve something stronger, hopefully in the sun in the churchyard.

We don’t get visiting preachers like this …
The visiting preacher had a word with the vicar in the vestry after the service before they went to greet the congregation by the door.
“I hope I didn’t weary them by the length of my sermon.”
“No, indeed,” replied the local vicar: “Nor by its depth.”

A thought to ponder
“You have to allow a certain amount of time in which you are doing nothing in order to have things occur to you, to let your mind think.” Mortimer Adler

Old Church Churchyard team
After last month’s letter, I’ve had it drawn to my attention that Jack Stazicker also does a lot of work. Thanks again.

The price is right?
The famous painter and caricaturist William Hogarth was commissioned by a tight-fisted client to paint a huge mural on his staircase featuring the destruction of Pharaoh’s hosts in the Red Sea. The negotiations over price were so long-winded and tedious that Hogarth accepted the commission for only half what it should have cost. He set to work, and after only a couple of days announced he was finished. The client, surprised, arrived to inspect it and found the entire wall painted red.
“I ordered a view of the Red Sea.”
“That you have” said Hogarth.
“But where are the Israelites?”
“They are all gone over.”
“And where are all the Egyptians?”
“All drowned” said Hogarth, triumphantly.

PARISH DIARY for August
NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES
8.00 am Holy Communion,
10.15 am Sunday School and Crèche
10.45 am SUNG EUCHARIST
(3rd Sunday, FAMILY PARISH COMMUNION)
AUGUST
Wednesday 1st 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Then tea/coffee & fellowship
2.00 to 4.00 pm AVON Fundraiser for the MU (Parish Room)
Thursday 2nd 1.30 - 3.00 pm Mothers & Tots Group: Parish Room
7.00 pm Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Friday 3rd SS Peter & Paul
12.15 pm Eucharist
Saturday 4th 10 am to 12 noon: Book sale in Parish Room
Trip to Pinocchio at Lancaster
Sunday 5th The Transfiguration
8.00 am Eucharist
10.45 am PARISH EUCHARIST
Monday 6th 2.00 pm MU Prayer Group:
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
7.30 pm Licensing of Fr Nicholas tbc
as Priest in Charge of St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Tuesday 7th 10.00 am Eucharist: Oakgate Close
6.50 pm Choir practice
Wednesday 8th 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
Thursday 9th 1.30 - 3.00 pm Mothers & Tots Group: Parish Room
7.00 pm Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Friday 10th 12.15 pm Eucharist
Sunday 12th Tenth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Eucharist
10.45 am CHURCH FAMILY EUCHARIST
Tuesday 14th 6.50 pm Choir practice
Wednesday 15th The Blessed Virgin Mary
10.00 am Eucharist (BCP)
Thursday 16th 1.30 - 3.00 pm Mothers & Tots Group: Parish Room
7.00 pm Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Friday 17th 12.15 pm Eucharist
Sunday 19th Eleventh Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Eucharist
10.45 am CHURCH FAMILY EUCHARIST

Tuesday 21st 6.50 pm Choir practice
Wednesday 22nd 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
Thursday 23rd 1.30 - 3.00 pm Mothers & Tots Group: Parish Room
7.00 pm Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Friday 24th St Bartholomew
12.15 pm Eucharist
Sunday 26th Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
OLD CHURCH SUNDAY: ALL SERVICES at St Mary’s
8.00 am Eucharist
10.45 am PARISH EUCHARIST Preacher: Rev Peter McEvitt
6.30 pm Sung Evensong
Monday 27th August Bank Holiday Monday
10.30 am The Informal Walking Group leaves St Mary’s to walk to St Mary’s, Rufford see above
Wednesday 29th 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
Thursday 30th 1.30 - 3.00 pm Mothers & Tots Group: Parish Room
7.00 pm Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Friday 31st 12.15 pm Eucharist

SEPTEMBER
Sunday 2nd Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Eucharist
10.45 am PARISH EUCHARIST
Monday 3rd 2.00 pm MU Prayer Group:
Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Tuesday 4th 10.00 am Eucharist: Oakgate Close
6.50 pm Choir practice
Wednesday 5th 10.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
Then tea/coffee & fellowship
Thursday 6th 1.30 - 3.00 pm Mothers & Tots Group: Parish Room
7.00 pm Eucharist at St Mary the Virgin, Rufford
Friday 7th 12.15 pm Eucharist
Sunday 9th Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
8.00 am Eucharist
10.30 am Sunday School restarts
10.45 am PARISH EUCHARIST

LOOKING FORWARD
Sunday 23rd September Harvest Festival
10.45 am Church Family Eucharist 6.30 pm Festival Evensong
Parish lunch after the 10.45 am Eucharist
Monday 24th September Fr Tom celebrates 40 years as a priest
Friday 28th September Harvest Quiz & Supper at the Bowling Club