ChadNet – no 207

ChadNet – no 207 – Sunday 10th March 2024

ChadNet - the eBulletin of St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull

Welcome to this week’s edition of ChadNet – the eBulletin of St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull.

In this week’s ChadNet:

View from the Pews

Henry Ibberson

Can it be a year already since last we celebrated Mothering Sunday? It seems only yesterday to me, but then, of course, this year Easter is at one of the earliest dates it can be and the clocks haven’t yet gone forward, so that’s why it seems to have come so quickly upon us!

And then I got to thinking about the day once again, what it means; and I had a vague recollection of delving into this some time ago. And lo and behold I found the VFTP I had written in March 2022, when this appalling war in Ukraine had just started – which got me thinking about what has changed, for better or worse. As we all know, much has changed for the worse and daily we are now witnessing further destruction elsewhere, with the consequent heart-rending suffering and loss visited, both on the people of Gaza and in Israel, where it all started. Too many are playing the game of polarising politics, which has absolutely no place in this forum, except earnestly to pray that those beginnings of sanity and the search for an initial ceasefire, which are emerging as I write, may lead to an end of suffering for so many thousands in the Middle East. It would appear that no such hope is on the horizon for the people of Ukraine, for whom we must continue, as we do weekly, to hold in our hearts and our prayers.

But what has not changed, is the collective joy of our celebration of Mothering Sunday, which as you will recall always falls on the 4th Sunday in Lent, exactly 3 weeks before Easter. Two years ago, I reminded myself that it had its beginnings in the 16th Century as a specifically religious event; it had absolutely no connection at all with Mothers, since the term ‘mothering’ meant the Mother Church, the main Church or cathedral of the region. It became a tradition on the 4th Sunday in Lent for folk to return to their Mother Church for a special service, and this particular pilgrimage became known as “going-a-mothering“; it became a holiday event when domestic servants were given the day off and encouraged to visit family as well as the Mother Church. And Simnel cake, often regarded as an Easter delicacy, is in fact traditionally linked to Mothering Sunday, as a bit of indulgence amidst the general austerity of Lent ( and as a pleasing gift for Mother! ). Consisting of layers of cake and marzipan, it also has Lenten religious overtones, traditionally topped with eleven balls of marzipan representing all the disciples of Jesus, minus Judas.

So, as a reminder once again, where does Mother’s Day come in? Well, Mothering Sunday had begun to fall out of fashion by the early 1900’s, but as you may recall, one lady, Constance Penswick-Smith, daughter of a vicar, battled to revive the fading festival, which eventually she did, although with much more of a focus on motherhood. And this was due to American influence, because another lady, Anna Jarvis, invented Mother’s Day there to honour her own mother, who had been a militant peace activist in the US Civil War. It was officially approved by the US government in 1914.

So, once again when all our mothers receive their posies on Sunday morning, along with celebrating those here with us, and those sadly departed, let us reflect on the origins of all this and remind ourselves of our own Mother Church too, our cathedral in Lichfield. And especially now, as I said above, let us hold in our hearts and prayers all those mothers whose families have been ripped apart in the last 2 years; those who have lost husbands, their children, whole families, along with their homes and everything they owned, yet who still display a truly remarkable and humbling strength and courage, which in many shines through the pain and suffering visited upon them. They now know how Mary suffered 2000 or so years ago. We know that, amongst all of this, God is at work, through the hands of those ceaselessly caring for all caught up in these war-torn areas. We hope that the message of Good Friday and Easter to come, will sustain them in their herculean efforts.

As I said two years ago, if mothers had been in charge, would these conflicts be happening?

Henry Ibberson

Would you like to write a View from the Pews?

We welcome contributions for View from the Pews from anyone who would like to write one. It does not need to be on any particular subject. If you would like to write one please send it to or contact Henry Ibberson ( / 01902 701136).

.Contacts

We do not have a Vicar at the moment. For matters which would normally be dealt with by the Vicar the churchwardens are the first point of contact. The Vicarage phone (01902 700257) is redirected to the churchwardens. When they are not available a message can be left on the voicemail and they will return the call when they are available. Emails to will be received by the churchwardens.

Contact details for church officers can be found on the Contacts page of the church website. You can use if you are nore sure who to contact and the churchwardens will be able to forward it to the correct person.

Notices, which should be received by Friday afternoon for inclusion in that week’s ChadNet, and other communications in relation to ChadNet should be sent to

Articles for the magazine should be sent to (note – this is different to the address used before November 2020 which no longer works).

Sunday 10th March – Mothering Sunday / Fourth Sunday of Lent

At 10 am there will be aservice of Holy Communion for Mothering Sunday, led by Revd Paul Brown, in church. It will include songs, drama, interactive and candle prayers and the blessing of flowers for moms. Mothering Sunday posies will be distributed. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.

At 6.30 pm there will be a Service of Evensong, led by Iain Coleman, in church.

In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for:
Those who live and work in: Letchmere Close.

In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
St Chad’s, Pattingham.

This week

The church will be open every day. Look out for the “church open” sign outside the porch.

Contractors are continuing work on various repairs and work to the church this week. The contractors will be working in and around the church. The church and churchyard will remain open but please take care while using them. Access to the toilets will be kept unlocked. See below for more details.

On Monday at 7.30 pm the fourth session of the Lent Course “Act on Poverty” takes place in The Loft. More details below.

On Tuesday Prayers for Peace will be said in church at 6 pm. Please do join us and if you would like more information or are willing to lead a session, please contact Mary Hayward ().

On Wednesday at 10.00 am there will be a service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer, led by Revd Paul Brown, in church which will be followed by tea, coffee and cake.

After the service the church will be open from 10.30 am until at least 11.00 am as a Place of Welcome when anyone who wants to will be welcome to share in the coffee, cake and chat, whether they have been to the service or not. Those attending will receive a warm welcome.

On Wednesday at 6 pm the Pattingham Shower Singers meet in church. All are welcome – just come and sing and have fun! If you need more information, contact Alix at .

At 7 pm on Wednesday Choir Practice takes place in church. Anyone interested in joining the choir should contact any member of the choir.

Wednesday is the copy date for the March magazine. Send articles to Mike Moss at

On Thursday at 10.30 am the repeat of the fourth session of the Lent Course “Act on Poverty” takes place at Christ Church, Tettenhall Wood. More details below.

Sunday 17th March – Fifth Sunday of Lent

At 10 am there will be a service led by the Youth Group in church.This will be followed by a short service of Holy Communion, led by Revd Lin Vawer, to which you are all most welcome. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be available after the service.

At the Youth Service certificates will be presented to those who attended the recent Young Responders course.

In the Parish Prayer Diary we pray for:
Those who live and work in: The Greenway, The Square, High Path, Green Close.

In the Trysull Deanery Prayer Diary we pray for:
Holy Cross Bilbrook.

Disposal of old screen

We are in the process of refurbishing the West door at the back of the church so it can be used in connection with funeral and wedding services and help to keep our heating costs down. The decorative screen in front of the door has been dismantled and will be disposed of by the end of March. The PCC has decided to make the timber available to those who feel they can make use of it before then in return for a donation to church funds. If anyone is interested, please speak to one of the churchwardens.

The contractors are continuing to work in the church.

Easter cards

The Easter cards which are delivered to all homes in the parish will be ready soon. A few of those who normally deliver them are unable to do and if you would be able to help by delivering a batch of the cards please speak to Alan Smith on 07757 688518.

Lent and Easter

Lent Lunches

The second Lent Lunch will be held at 12.30 pm on Thursday 21st March (at the home of Sue Stirk). There will be a sign up sheet at the back of the church in due course.

Lent course

The Lent Course shared with Tettenhall Wood on the theme “Act on Poverty” is continuing.

  • Monday Evenings, 7.30pm, St Chad’s, Pattingham
  • Thursday Mornings, 10.30am, Christ Church, Tettenhall Wood
  • Also available online:

Holy Week

There will be the usual services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

  • Maundy Thursday (28th March)
    • 7.30 pm – Holy Communion and stripping of the altars
  • Good Friday (29th March)
    • 10.00 am – Building the Easter Garden – service for children and families – followed by an Egg Hunt.
    • 2.00 pm – Good Friday devotional service

Easter Day

In addition to the Communion Service at 10.00 am there will be a service of Evensong at 6.30 pm.

The Well – the Wolverhampton Food Bank

The Well Easter Egg Appeal

With Easter just around the corner, the Well food bank is excited to announce its Easter Egg Appeal! They are reaching out to you to ask for your help in bringing smiles to the faces of those in need.

The Well is dedicated to meeting practical needs and showing love to those who need it most. This Easter offers the chance to spread joy and cheer by giving out chocolate eggs to those who may not have the opportunity to indulge in this special treat. The Well would be so grateful if you could help by donating chocolate eggs. Every single egg counts and together we can make a real difference. So, whether you can spare one egg or a whole basket, your kindness and selflessness can contribute to the Easter Egg Appeal.

If you wish to donate please can you drop off your donations at the rear of the church and rest assured that they will go to someone in need. It would be appreciated it if you could make your donation by Sunday 17th March.

Thank you for your support and generosity. It is only through coming together as a community that we can make a real impact and bring happiness to those who need it most.

Alan Smith

Dementia Friendly Church

Weekly Prayer

Becoming Dementia Friendly Church 2023-24

Faithful God

My memory is not what it used to be.  I forget things.  I forget people.  But they do not forget me.
I give you heartfelt thanks that I have people around me who love me and care for me.  They understand  what is happening to me.
Always I have you beside me.
You show me that it does not really matter if I forget things.  I`m allowed to.
Give me the grace to see that the present is enough for me.  I still enjoy my favourite food.  I have not lost the gift of laughter.  I have someone to guide me where I need to go.
And I have my memories of the past, which seem to grow more vivid day by day.
Let me meet the days ahead with trust and serenity.  Bless all those who walk beside me.
Hold my Hand.
Amen

(Prayers for Dementia and how to live well with it. Fay Sampson)

If you would like to suggest (or write) a prayer for inclusion in this series please let Tracey Williams, our Dementia Friendly Church Co-ordinator, know.

Dementia Friendly Songs of Praise

A Dementia Friendly Songs of Praise is being held at Lichfield Cathedral on Tuesday 23rd April – the service is 10.45 until 11.30 and will be filmed by the BBC for Songs of Praise. Tony Christie will be joining the choir. The details can be found on a poster that is on the Dementia Notice Board and on the Dementia Friendly Church page of the church website at <https://www.pattinghamchurch.org.uk/web/information/becoming-dementia-friendly-church/>.
Canon David Primrose would like you to register your interest and to receive further details by contacting him: or 07946 222667.

From the Memorial Book

Those whose anniversaries occur between 3rd and 17th March.

Gordon Frederick Roberts – 3rd March 2010
Roy Meredith Wilcox – 5th March 2016
Anthony John Harley – 11th March 1997
Gordon Francis Thomas – 12th March 1992
Dennis William Lovering – 12th March 2012
Emily Margaret Ada Pugh – 13th March 1991
Ronald Lacey – 13th March 1998
Arthur John Rogers – 14th March 2005
Hilda Northern – 15th March 1997
Thomas William Roberts – 17th March 1973
James Keith Bradshaw – 17th March 2006
Lilian Ross Beach – 17th March 2006

You can see all the pages of the Memorial Book on the Memorial Book Online page of the Church website.

Giving to the church

Details of the various ways in which you can give can be found on the Giving page of the website.

We have a JustGiving page to enable people to make one off donations. It’s at www.justgiving.com/pattingham-church. You will be asked if you want to make a contribution on top of your donation. If you do it will go to JustGiving and not to charity. If you do not want to make such a contribution select “other”. If you are a taxpayer please consider gift aiding your donation.

You can make a bank transfer to our bank account (Account name: Pattingham Parochial Church Council – Sort Code: 20-97-78 Account No: 50655023).

If you are paying by cheque please make the cheque payable to “Pattingham PCC” or “Pattingham Parochial Church Council“.

ChadNet

This bulletin is sent to those who have requested it. We now have 128 subscribers but there may still  be some people who are not aware of it and would wish to receive it. The weekly bulletin for each Sunday will normally be sent on the preceding Friday or Saturday. Additional bulletins may be sent if required. It is only being sent to those who have requested it.

If you know of anyone who might be interested please tell them about it and ask them to sign up using the form on the website (www.pattinghamchurch.org.uk/web/information/chadnet/sign-up-to-chadnet/) or by email to

St Chad’s Church, Pattingham with Patshull Registered charity no 1151604