May issue - Magazine - Page 15
Glenside
News
GlensideNews@mail.com
PARISH CHURCHES
THE CHURCHWARDEN’S LETTER
After almost six years of ghting with
millions of lives lost on all sides, peace
nally came to Europe in May 1945. The
Second World War was the most lethal,
destructive conict in history. Troops
continued to be engaged in erce combat
with Japan until victory was nally declared
in August 1945. Tens of thousands of
prisoners could now be repatriated - others
mourned the loss of loved ones who paid the
ultimate price in battle.
We must never forget - they gave their
lives for the freedom we enjoy today.
Watching, and listening to the stories of
those who survived, is very humbling and
emotional. When marking VE Day each year,
fewer Second World War veterans are still
alive to share their experiences, making it
all the more vital that we mark the occasion
every year in the future - WE WILL
REMEMBER THEM.
Midsummer’s Day is also the feast of the
birth of John the Baptist - a day which, once
upon a time, was kept in a similar manner
to Christmas, with decorating, feasting and
merrymaking. no doubt the celebrations
were connected with the worhip of the sun
during the period of the 21st to the 26th of
June. The eve of St John was an evening of
superstitions. Bonres were lit and people
danced round them, hoping to keep evil
spirits from their crops. Certain plants were
gathered, which were supposed to keep evil
things at bay. Young women believed, by
various means, they might discover who
they were to marry. Many stayed up well
after midnight - if they were tired the next
day, what matter? Midsummer Day was a
holiday with fairs, shows, contests and
sports to be enjoyed - nothing changes!
As the feast day of John the Baptist it is
a little unusual - most feast days
commemorate the death of the saint. St
John’s Day commemorates his birth, six
months before the birth of Jesus. Perhaps
this is because the circumstances of his birth
were unusual - for he was the herald who
paved the way for Jesus in his life. “After me
comes one who is mightier than I. I am not
r to unfasten his shoes. I have baptised with
water; he will baptise you with the Holy
Spirit.” St Matthew 1 1-8
Our Midsummer Fair - now Festival - has
grown over the years, but has never failed to
be a great success. To everyone involved THANK YOU. It does not just happen, it is
very carefully ‘engineered’. Sally (0777
942031) is collecting for the tombola.
Anything is acceptable - cans, bottles,
unwanted gifts, children’s toys, games - it’s a
great way of contributing without much
effort, and the tombola stall is a great
attraction for all ages.
There is so much ‘going on’ in the next
few weeks. Try and support where possible,
in all the villages. The Glenside News Editor,
Alan, keeps abreast of it all much more
diligently than I do - just as well!
With every blessing, Sheila Robinson
BAPTISM ST JAMES
Phoebe Jenny, daughter of Daniel and Fiona
Heard, sister of Luca
You have received the light of Christ; walk in
this light all the days of your life.
“What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth
BIBLE VERSE never goes out of fashion; it's as up-to-date as the earth when the sun comes
from Koleh
(disciple of Christ)
up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that's what you ordered you set the earth going.”
(Psalm 119:89-91 The message bible)
Heavenly Father, thank you that your word still shines in the darkness of
this evil time, your word is truly guaranteed and is trustworthy.
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