The Priory Church, St. Bees

Today we observed Bible Sunday. In the Family Service we heard from Tim about the work of the Bible Society in reaching people who cannot read. We gave thanks for the Bible remembering the ways in which it has been handed down to us, from the oral tradition at first, then scribes and then by printing. We were encouraged to read the Bible more ourselves.

We also took Bible Sunday as an opportunity to dedicate our new lectern Bible and pew Bibles. We have adopted the English Standard Version as the typical translation used in our services. All of the Bibles have been purchased in memory of loved ones and friends. The process of getting new pew Bibles began with John and Dorothy Warbrick. Thirty years ago they purchased a Lectern Bible in memory of their parents, John and Isabel Warbrick and Hedley and Marjorie Clarke. That Lectern Bible was coming apart, so they graciously offered to purchase a new one in the same memory. Our translation didn’t come in a Lectern Bible, so John arranged to have a large print version specially bound.

There are many aids to Bible reading. Some notes are available in the Priory. The Cornerstone Bookshop in Whitehaven has a good selection of Bibles and of Bible Reading Notes, some dated and some undated. The dated ones include notes for 2, 3, 4 months or a year. The November/December issue of Every Day with Jesus is available now.

“Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. Amen.”

We had our Harvest Celebration today. It was nice to see so many families in church. Thanks to the Brownies for singing and for the children for making an almighty noise for the childrens’ talk. Charm spoke well about the physical and societal aspects of harvest and encouraged us to make sure we are not satisfied with “bread alone” but make sure we open our hearts to receive from Jesus. The choir sang a wonderful anthem. As always, there was a lot of effort made to beautify the church for this Sunday. Thanks as well to all who contributed food and decorations.

St. Bees Parochial Church Council

Minutes of the meeting held in New College Hall on Monday 3rd September 2007 at 7.30pm in New College Hall.

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The Sunday School unveiled a project that has occupied them for almost 2 years. Helen (one of our teachers) got the idea from one of our wardens who saw something like this while on vacation. Many weeks, lots of work, and much smashed pottery later we have the final product. Congratulations to all the children who participated (Alistair, Katy, Matthew, and Megan) to Helen for her hard work and dedication, and to all who donated pottery (knowingly or unknowingly). The mosaic was dedicated in memory of Toby Craig, much loved and missed. Below are some of the children who worked on the project.

This last weekend we had a Priory History Festival. Between Friday night and Sunday night hundreds of people from around the area and visitors from abroad walked through the Priory to gain some insight into St. Bees Village history. The displays were well done and there was a video presentation. The Priory is almost 900 years old, so it was fascinating for all to gain a sense of perspective and think about our own continuation of life at St. Bees and how it may be reflected upon in time by other history groups. On Sunday morning we had a special service which incorporated the monastic service of Sext (noon prayer).  Our regular choir was joined by the Priory Singers.