ACS - The Additional Curates Society

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 22nd.

As today is the last 'diary' before Christmas Day may I wish all readers a very blessed celebration as we remember with joy the birth of the Christ Child. I pray for both peace on earth and peace in our hearts and minds. The 'diary' will be taking a rest until Monday, January 8th. During that time I will be hoping to prepare the booklet of meditations for Lent,so I also offer my greetings for 2024. May it be a year when we each seek to know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly, day by day. (With thanks to St Richard of Chichester for those final words.)

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 21st.

I have often wondered if Mary and Joseph encountered other people that they knew as they trudged the long road to Bethlehem. They are always depicted as being utterly alone and yet there must have been others who needed to travel to the place where they were registered. Holding the image of utter loneliness in our minds is a timely reminder of the importance of friendship, especially in this season of the year. Let us give thanks today for treasured friendships and seek to remember those who are lonely, perhaps with a surprise visit or by giving them a telephone call.

While ACS is closed for Christmas, Father Darren will be busy covering various services:

Thursday 21st December : 1pm Funeral at St Lukes, Kingstanding

Friday 22nd December : 9am School Carol Service at St Lukes, Kingstanding for Kingsthorn School

Saturday 23rd December : 12 Noon, Wedding at St Lukes, Kingstanding

Sunday 24th December: 10.30am S Andrews, Birchills, Walsall
7pm S Andrews, Birchills, Walsall
9pm S Michael, Tividale
11.30pm St Mark, Ocker Hill, Tipton

Christmas Day : 11am St Lukes, Kingstanding

Tuesday 26th December : 10am St Lukes, Kingstanding

All of us at ACS wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 20th.

Each December after visiting the children at the Still Waters Children's Home in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami in 2004, my thoughts are always with them. It was good, therefore, yesterday to hear from the Still Waters Trust that they are able to support 20 poor and vulnerable families, who have just enjoyed a Christmas party and the children have all received gifts to help with further schooling. Amidst so much bad news from all over the world, it was good to hear something uplifting. We pray today for all who help people living in poverty and difficult situations. Move us, Lord, to help those in need. Amen

PocketDiary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 19th.

As I picked up my phone this morning preparing to send today's diary I noticed there was a text from a friend who is also a diary reader. Jane is spending these weeks before Christmas with her family near Perth in Australia. This morning she had sent me a video of all the Christmas lights shining in the town. The lights in the streets here, too, I have noticed seem to be brighter than ever this year and hopefully, in times that often seem troubled and dark, are a reminder of the real reason that we celebrate Christmas - that the Christ Child was born to bring light, joy and peace into the world.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 18th.

Matthew 1:24 reminds us about Joseph's humility, obedience and willingness to play the supportive role in the story of Mary and Jesus, certainly not an easy one in the society in which he lived. A number of people I know are being called to live out that role right now in difficult situations where it is proving to be both time-consuming and exhausting , but one which they are fulfilling with every ounce of love and care they can offer. We pray for those known to us who are offering loving care to those in need and pray that they will be blessed with continuing strength and abundant love. Amen

This Sunday, Father Darren is preaching at St Johns, Tipton. Mass starts at 9.30am

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 15th.

Two very different things lifted my spirits yesterday. Listening to the readings at the Eucharist, my attention became focused on the words from Isaiah 41:13, 'For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' Then later in the day when entering a large garden centre an elderly man stopped us and said, "How nice to see someone smiling." We chatted for a few moments as he told us of his loneliness after the recent death of his wife. It made me realise afresh, how God helps us to reach out a hand to help others in need.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 14th.

Last Saturday we went to an amazing event at our Church where about 30 young children in the 'Stamp' choir sang with such joy and enthusiasm we haven't stopped talking about them since. In the beautifully produced programme each child had their photograph and their answers to a variety of questions about what thoughts, hopes and dreams they had for Christmas. One question asked, 'Your Christmas wish?' I was so touched by Ananya's reply: 'That no one is alone and that they have love in their lives.'

Holy Week 2024 at Mirfield

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 13th.

For many years now in December, our daughter-in-law has brought us a beautiful, red, Poinsettia plant. It has become a treasured part of our Christmas tradition and for us has symbolised the love within our family and the shared celebration. I didn't realise until recently that this plant has a further significance. Apparently the shape of the flower is said to represent the Star of Bethlehem and the red petals, the blood of Christ, which makes it a very special gift.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 12th.

These days as Christmas approaches can be so busy, full of 'Can't stop now. So much to do.' I couldn't resist sending you the following words discovered in 'Light of the World' by Peter Millar and Neil Paynter: 'Lord, help me to stop in my tracks today - even for 10 seconds - and discover again where my true home is: that place in your love, where I always belong.'

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 11th.

Later today I will be meeting up with a friend I have known for many, many years. We will be going for lunch together and then moving on to Shirley Baptist Church where I will be speaking at the Women's Fellowship. It will be a time of renewing old friendships, catching up with news, singing carols, but above all thinking about and remembering the 'reason for the season.' Meeting up with this group has been such a treasured and special time of Advent for more years than I care to remember and I look forward to sharing in the love and joy that this group never fails to offer

This Sunday, Father Darren will be preaching at St Wilfrid, Cantley, Doncaster.
Mass begins at 10.45am

Later at 4pm, he will be taking the Memorial Service for SCM Funeral Directors, 600 College Road, Kingstanding, being held at Saint Luke's, Kingstanding.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 8th.

It is always sad and worrying when we hear news of much loved friends and family who are suffering in body, mind or spirit. We offer prayers for them today: 'Dear Lord, we offer prayers today for those we know who are ill. You are the source of all health and healing, all strength and peace of heart and mind. Help those in distress to rest in your love and enter into the stillness of your loving presence. May each one know they are not alone, for you are with them at all times. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 7th.

A book of Advent readings and meditations I am using asks the question, 'When life is proving to be difficult and problems seem to be coming from every direction, what helps you to keep your eyes fixed on God?' I thought about this as I walked our dog a while later on a bitterly cold, frosty morning. The ground was crisp, the sun had not long risen and I stood for a few moments just enjoying the sound of silence, the stillness all around me before the day picked up speed. I thanked God for this little time of perfect peace as we walked together in companionable silence.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 6th.

Today, in Europe, St.Nicholas is celebrated and remembered. It is said that the tradition of giving gifts at this time of year began when Bishop Nicholas helped a poor father pay for each of his three daughters dowries, by dropping a purse of money for each one down the chimney at night. Every time the purse would fall into a stocking left in the hearth to dry. So this custom of giving gifts was born out of kindness. As we prepare for Christmas may we remember in our gift buying and giving, those in need, the lonely, the troubled, the forgotten and the hungry.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 5th.

I cannot imagine that I am alone when I say I am really struggling to think cosy, Christmas thoughts when the news of the besieged people in Gaza is so horrific. On the radio this morning, one reporter was almost breaking down when trying to speak of the plight of those facing homelessness, extreme cold, thirst, hunger and lack of medical care. Oh Lord, we feel so helpless. We implore you, we beseech you, to bring an end to the fierce fighting and suffering. Rain down peace upon this troubled land and hear the cries of your people in their distress. Amen.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 4th.

Words from Isaiah 2:5, '...let us walk in the light of the Lord,' brought back the light and warmth of welcome that both David and I received yesterday from the people of St. Luke's Church, Kingstanding, where I had been invited to preach. I think the lighting of the first candle on the beautiful Advent crown will stay with me throughout this season, for it symbolised the promise of hope and love with which God reaches out to each one of us. May we offer this promise, both in prayer and action. to those in need at this time.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. December 1st. '

A prayer for a wounded world' by Kerry Davies: Dear Lord, thank you for this world of beauty, diversity and creation. We are sorry that we damage it with pollution, isolation and destruction. Sometimes we wound the world with our conflict, greed and hate. Please help us to heal it with peace, kindness and love. Amen.

This Sunday (3rd December) , Father Darren is preaching at Saint Margaret, Hollinwood, with Father Tom Davis leading the service.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 30th.

This evening, I will be joining with others at our church, St Andrew's in Shottery, to celebrate St. Andrew's day. In Mark 1 we read about the calling of the first disciples. Simon and his brother Andrew were fishermen going about their daily work when Jesus asks them to leave their nets and follow him. Just imagine for a moment, that today, you are going about your normal, everyday work and Jesus asks you to leave everything that is familiar and known to you in order to follow him. Would you? Could you? Let us pray today for those feeling called to follow Jesus in ways that are life-changing and costly.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 29th.

I sent a text to a busy friend who kindly replied saying she had just arrived at a cosy flat she had chosen as a get-away place in order to escape from her busy life for three days.She said she needed time to think her own thoughts. This morning a reading in a book called 'Hold On Let Go' by Malcolm Doney and Martin Wroe offers the wisdom of unplugging ourselves every now and then from the busyness of daily life. And Jesus, too, at times, heeded the wisdom of his own words: 'Come apart to a deserted place by yourself and rest.'

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 28th.

During the weekend we were anxious about a worrying plumbing problem. A phone call to a plumber of our acquaintance resulted in him laying aside a rare opportunity to attend to his own personal building project in order to solve our difficulty with such efficiency and gentle kindness that we were moved to tears of thankfulness. St. Paul writes in Colossians 3:12, 'Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.'

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 27th.

It seems such a long while since I was writing the diary, but it's good to be back with you all. I am so grateful for the skill of the doctor who has improved the sight in the one eye beyond my imagination. It has made me appreciate afresh and give thanks for the gift of being able to see the rich colours all around us, especially in nature, which so often we take for granted. I have been giving thanks this morning, too, for the newfound freedom of the hostages being released in Israel and Gaza. May we never take our own freedom for granted but thank God each day for the precious gifts we enjoy.

This Sunday, Father Darren will be preaching at St Peter's, Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire. Mass begins at 9.30am.

https://stpeterbusheyheath.org.uk/

The details of Ann Babbington’s funeral from her family :

Funeral of Cynthia (Ann) Babington

22 November 2023

10.30am Service, St Luke’s Church, Kingstanding B44 0LW.

12.15pm Committal, Streetly Crematorium, WS9 0SG.

1.15pm All welcome to join us after at Calderfields Golf Club, WS4 2JS, for celebration of life.

Cynthia (Ann) loved flowers and we would love her day to be filled with flowers - whites, creams, yellows. Donations to Myeloma UK should you prefer.

She didn’t like black, said it made her feel drab. We would love to see some pops of colour - a flower, brooch, scarf, tie, shoes, any small item of any colour to spread warmth and happiness.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 15th.

Yesterday I had a first appointment at an eye clinic to ascertain whether I needed treatment for a cataract. Having received the decision that it was necessary I went to make an appointment and was somewhat surprised to be asked if I would be able to attend this morning! I accepted readily, so hope you will forgive me if I give the diary a break for a few days. Lord, I am so grateful for such prompt treatment but it makes me more aware than ever of the cries of those in hospitals under siege in Gaza. Please help them in their distress. Amen

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 14th.

On a course which I have recently been leading, I have spoken about the need to listen carefully to one another, not waiting to interrupt with one's own thoughts and ideas and not allowing attention to drift elsewhere. Yesterday our daughter sent me the following words that she had found: 'Be a kind voice in this broken-hearted world. Give grace, and be ready to receive it. Listen so well that the person you're with can rest in your attention for a moment. Be a light. Be a light. Be a light.'

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 13th.

I was proud, somewhat surprised and also moved to read the following poem composed by our grandson, George, in the shower yesterday morning: 'Today we remember stories of woe, From the western front where poppies grow. Scattered across land our soldiers will die, Though bloody and disfigured, their bodies rotten, The souls of ours are never forgotten.'

Diary of a Cross in My Pocket. November 10th.

A prayer at the end of the week: 'God in the midst come close to us, and help us come close to you, as for a fraction of time we step back from the activities of the day. May we treasure such moments with you. Moments when we can bring to you the things we are doing, and find new meaning for them, and new strength for doing them. And moments for recalling how we are meeting you already in the stuff of daily living when faith is tested and compassion is translated into action. So if, as the day goes on, we forget you, do not forget us, O God. Amen (By Brian Woodcock.)

This evening, Father Darren will be attending, the Annual Solemn Requiem Mass at St Stephen's, Gloucester Road, London.

The preacher is The Rt. Revd Paul Thomas SSC, Bishop of Oswestry.

Mass begins at 7pm.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 9th.

Flicking through a book by Eddie Askew, I paused at some words which are oh so true for many of us! 'If you really don't have time to do something, what makes you think God wants YOU to do it? Don't we sometimes overstretch ourselves because we can't admit we are near our limits, because we can't say No? Actually our friends and family usually know we are at our limit before we do, although they often put up with our tenseness and worse without saying anything!' Ecclesiastes 3:1 says 'There is a time for everything.' Lord, help us to remember there is a time to work and a time to relax. Amen

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 8th.

I guess I am not alone, although somewhat ashamed of confessing, to feeling slightly wearied by news reports that are always seem to be bad. Therefore, as I lay dozing this morning having listened to yet more dreadful news from Gaza, my half conscious mind was suddenly alerted by the words, 'a force for good.' They referred to one of the prize winners in Prince William's 'Earthshot'. A 'force for good.' I began to wonder if each day we could each set out to try do at least one small thing that would be just that - a force for good to uplift one another's spirits in these sad, difficult and disturbing days.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket. November 7th.

I saw on television yesterday morning the most beautiful images of the Northern Lights that people across the country had experienced the night before. Then, when out later, I delighted once again in the colours displayed by trees in their autumn splendour and finally during the evening a large hare rushed swiftly to cross the road, thankfully, in safety. These reminders of the wonders of nature led me to give thanks for God's amazing gifts of creation.

It is with the greatest sadness, that we mark the passing of Ann Babington, long- time supporter of, and volunteer at the ACS

Father Darren had the privilege to minister to her, the last sacraments, shortly before she died on Friday evening at 10.45pm. Then, with Mark and Dawn, her 2 children, prayed the words of the commendation.

All of us at the ACS will greatly miss Ann, for her warm sense of humour and friendliness, and the copious cups of tea!

Finally reunited with her beloved husband, Howard and her identical twin sister, Cathy

We Prayer for Ann, and the consolation of her family

Ann’s requiem will take place at St Luke's, Kingstanding, where she was Churchwarden. Date to be announced.

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket.

At yesterday's morning service we were asked to remember just one person in our lives who has been a great encouragement to us as we have journeyed in faith. I couldn't do it! Oh, not because I couldn't think of anyone, but because there have been so many along the way, who have taught me, urged me onward when I was in difficulties, walked alongside me when it seemed a lonely path and given thanks and celebrated with me in times of rejoicing. Lord, today we give thanks as we remember all our guides, companions and fellow disciples who have helped us to grow as Christians. Amen.

This Sunday, Father Darren is at All Saints, Weston Super Mare. Solemn Mass starts at 10.30am

Welcome | All Saints with St Saviour We stand firmly in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, and beauty in worship has always been our ambition at All Saints. We are the only 'Society' Parish in the town. With us you will enjoy a Sunday Solemn Mass with our choir, dignified ceremonial and thoughtful sermons. We sing proper hymns, and the wors...