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www.ilkestonlife.com ILKESTON LIFE February 2022 7
Faith

Calder`s Corner will unfurl an ever-widening circle to the infant Church.
of feathers, so love also `fans Anyway, back to Valentine’s Day Pippin’s Paws for Thought
out` filling every aspect of human – it is almost upon us! So do not
existence. Love is magnetic – at- forget to send your card with its Dear All,
tracting affection; love is enduring message of endearment and quin-
– promoting survival; And love tessential kisses. Interestingly, the They are back! Yes Benji and
is adhesive – the `glue` of social symbol we use for a kiss appears his mum Lilly-Puss are back in
cohesion. Love may mean nothing to be a `throwback` to the crucifix- my home at the Vicarage. From
in tennis – but it means everything ion of Jesus. Way back in history, over hearing conversations with
in life! when few people could read and my guardians, it seems their
In the Greek language there are write, a mark denoting the cross of guardian has now moved into a
several kinds of love. The four Christ was often used on docu- care home permanently. Well,
basic types are: Eros – romantic ments and letters – the `signature` that’s not a very good ‘care
love; Storge – family love; Philia was then kissed by the signer to home’ if they don’t care for us
emphasise that their communica-
Love is.. God’s divine love. Bible readers tion was sincere and honest. cats too. So, I’m stuck with
– brotherly love; and Agape –
another little hissy cat and her
may recall the famous barbecue
Thankfully, alongside romance,
on the beach at the close of St love in many other forms contin- son, and unlike ‘Nervous Nip- church. This month I know
Hello! Here we are in February, John`s gospel. After that outdoor ues to exhibit itself, not just on per’ who is devoted to his mum lots and lots of people cel-
the `Shorty` of the twelve calendar breakfast Jesus sets out to finally Valentine’s Day but throughout the Hissy Missy, Benji and his mum ebrate St Valentine’s Day,
months, but which also happens to drag the Apostle Peter away from whole year in kind acts and char- Lilly-Puss aren’t that close at buying cards, gifts and mak-
include the celebrated Valentine’s the fishing trade, and cause him itable giving: food banks for the all, even hissing at each other. ing presents for people they
Day. February 14th is the date to concentrate `full time` on the less fortunate, holding open a shop I know I should welcome the love – and that’s fine, I am a
when the hidden feelings of secret world wide spread of the gospel. door for someone, giving-way gra- stranger, the Bible is quite Christian cat after all, so how
admirers `bubble to the surface` Determined to `firm up` loyal- ciously to other motorists, support- clear about that, but I don’t
and undying love is expressed, ty and commitment, Jesus asks ing a charity, smiling at strangers think these two cats are angels about celebrating the Patron
often anonymously, via cards, Peter three times “Do you love or chatting to lonely neighbours. Saint of Cats – Saint Gertrude,
flowers and chocolates. me?” Jesus initially uses the word And if one asks the source of all in disguise, do angels hiss at on her festival day of 17th
No one is really sure about the `Agape`, meaning Divine love, this benevolence, Christians be- each other? March, yes I know it’s also
origins of Valentine’s Day. One but Peter answers using the lesser lieve they have the answer! Just as saint Patrick’s Day and every-
explanation involves an Emper- word `Philia`, indicating merely the quivering needle of a compass body loves to get dressed up
or who, believing that romance friendship between equals. In the points steadfastly North, so the as leprechauns and have green
distracted his troops, forbad his light of the Great Commission to needle of love seems to point in However, just like Nipper, Ben- shamrocks everywhere, but
armies to have amorous associ- take the gospel into a hostile and only one direction. The New Testa- ji is trying to bully me, that’s poor old St Gertrude gets
ations. A monk named Valentine violent world, it was yet to be seen ment indicates that love is the very not angelic behaviour is it? I overlooked every year and I
defied the Emperor and arranged whether the `love of a friend`, `core` of God’s character. In the may be smaller than him but miss out on extra cat treats.
secret marriages for the soldiers. would prove Peter to be just a `fair Bible `Love` is highly prized – a I can stand my ground. Just
But when Valentine’s clandestine weather` disciple, or a zealous virtue placed at the very top of the the other day he was trying to How about celebrating the
activities were uncovered his fate champion abandoned to Christ. must-haves list! understand how the cat flap Patron Saint of Animals, Saint
was sealed. Another story centres However, somewhere along the So, `stir the moths` in your wallet works to get outside, so while Francis of Assisi on 4th Octo-
on the Roman god Cupid and his way Peter did attain that five star, or purse, and `splash out` on those ber – then everyone could buy
`matchmaking` exploits. It does divine love, which finally brought flowers and chocs – someone, he was looking at the clear me treats and spoil me, that
rather seem that when Cupid fires him to martyrdom. Legend has it somewhere, is waiting for you to plastic flap, I approached from would be great feast day.
his arrows, he `hits the target` that Peter was crucified, like his `make their day` on the 14th of outside and quickly hit the flap
more often than even Robin Hood master, but upside down at his February. And, if due to age, you with all my might, it swished so
did! own request! Why such a bizarre feel more `rheumatic than roman- quickly and hit him in the face –
The Western World has a narrow ending? Maybe Peter reasoned that tic`, you can still indulge in the what a look of shock, he wasn’t
concept of `love` that displays as a prominent figurehead in early wider aspects of love and become expecting that. However you celebrate it
itself, largely, in the language of Christianity, his own death on a a force for good with family, and whoever you celebrate it
romance. But, though inclusive of cross, if exactly the same as the friends and neighbours. Thank heavens they don’t all with, Happy St Valentine’s Day
romance, love has a far wider per- incomparable sacrifice of Jesus, Ken Calder come to church, at least I everyone - from Pips the tabby
spective. Just as a proud peacock would somehow bring confusion get a bit of peace and quiet in cat. See you again next month.
Flowers for the
o the Christmas season has
Sgone once more, leaving many We say farewell to Revd Gill and welcome Revd Jan Flowers for the
Queen
with mixed emotions but when we Queen
remember the true meaning of what One of the ‘new faces’ at the carol We have said our farewells to the now returned to us having graduat-
we celebrated, an overriding feeling service told us that her mother used Revd Gill who conducted her last ed. Welcome back Matt!
All Saints
embers of
of peace and hope for the future. to attend until she was unable. It service at St. Andrews on 9th Jan- Our thanks go to Mike the retiring embers of All Saints
Christmas at Stanley St. Andrews was a real treat to see her there. uary before leaving the Benefice. Treasurer for all his hard work over M MChurch, Kirk Hallam are
Church, Kirk Hallam are
was celebrated with a Carol service, Our thanks go to the children and We shall be entering a period of recent times. being invited to make knitted
being invited to make knitted
a Crib service and a Christmas staff at the school who had done interregnum, during which time the We have been getting enquiries flowers for the Queen’ s Plati -
flowers for the Queen’s Plati-
morning service of Holy Commun- a fantastic job of decorating the Revd Jan will take over with help about the results of the ‘flyer’ num Jubilee.
num Jubilee.
ion. window opposite the entrance door. from other, mainly retired, clergy. distributed to each house before Flowers of any size, any shape
Flowers of any size, any shape
The Carol service was quite well at- This brought a smile to your face as This will mean a re assessment of Christmas. Firstly, a big thank and any colour are being request- -
and any colour are being request
tended and it was a real pleasure to you entered the church. Well done services, however I can tell you that you to those who distributed them
ed to form part of an ‘amazing’
see new faces in the congregation, everyone. services in February will be on 13th during a very hectic time of year. ed to form part of an ‘amazing’
display in the church.
something we really need. We also A big vote of thanks also to the and 27th at 11.00am. Secondly, an equally big thank display in the church.
They can be left at the vicarage on
welcomed new faces on Christmas ladies who decorated the church, The Church also has a new Treas- you to those who have returned They can be left at the vicarage on
Ladywood Road before Monday
morning and our thanks go to one with every window bedecked with urer and a young one! We welcome the questionnaires. They are still Ladywood Road before Monday
30th May.
of those, in helping to light the lights and holly etc. Not to mention Matt who attended St. Andrews coming in and so it is not possible, 30th May .
* * *
candles on the Advent ring, [she the Christmas trees, with Brian regularly, turning up on his bike, at this time, to draw conclusions * * *
Kirk Hallam Community Hall has
had the touch with a gas lighter!]. contributing a tree as usual. before going to university. He has or to follow up suggestions. What Kirk Hallam Community Hall has
a cafe and community events for
I can say is that they will all be a cafe and community events for
anyone in need of company and
An Introduction to Catholic wants a refresher you would be warmly welcomed. considered. One thing that has so anyone in need of company and
friendship.
friendship.
Christianity We will be exploring all aspects of faith such as: far resulted is that there have been The cafe is open on T uesdays,
The cafe is open on Tuesdays,
Is there a God? Who is Jesus? What do Catholics
some generous donations and all of
Wednesdays and Thursdays for
Interested in the Catholic Church? - Our Lady and believe and why? What is the Church? How do we us at St. Andrews are grateful, not W ednesdays and Thursdays for
breakfasts, light meals, cakes,
St Thomas Catholic Church, Ilkeston is running an pray? How do we know what is right and wrong? and only for the donations but also for breakfasts, light meals, cakes,
drinks, etc.
introduction to Catholic Christianity for adults. there will be plenty of time for questions. your interest. Again, we wish you drinks, etc.
Let’s Sing is a free community
The sessions are appropriate for those who wish to We meet every first Saturday of the month in the a blessed, healthy and happy new Let’ s Sing is a free community
enter the Church (RCIA) and those who are explor- church hall (just behind the church, off Regent Street) year, God bless singing group that meets on T ues -
singing group that meets on Tues-
ing faith. Whether you are baptised, non-baptised, a at 4:30 pm. Our address is Our Lady and St Thomas Richard Hancock days, 10am till 12 noon.
days, 10am till 12 noon.
member of another Christian or faith community, or a of Hereford RC Church, Regent Street, DE7 5RF, Stanley St. Andrews PCC Tea, Laughter and Cake is open
is open
T
ea, Laughter and Cake
Catholic who has just been away for a while and just Ilkeston. Fr. Andrew on Mondays between 1 and 3pm.
on Mondays between 1 and 3pm.