Letter from the Vicarage

We had 80 small Easter eggs to give to children attending Church or Easter Sunday and they all went. It was heartening to see so many
young families, particularly at St Catherine’s. One hopes that it bodes well for the future.
In his final Easter Sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury, RowanWilliams preached to a larger than usual congregation and suggested that the tide might be turning towards a more positive view of religion from those outside it.This would seem to be borne out by remarks made around the sametime by our Prime Minister, David Cameron. He was speaking at a reception for Church leaders at Downing Street.                  He told them that there was “ a Christian fight back taking place” and gave as evidence the “ enormous reception” that greeted the Pope’s visit to the UK in 2010; the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible in 2011 and the support for saying prayers at local council meetings.ln his Easter message, Mr Cameron described Jesus as a “man of incomparable compassion, humility and love". He went on to say that such values “make our country what it is - a place which is tolerant. generous and caring.”
Not so long ago, a spokesman for a previous Prime Minister who was known to be a Christian said, “We don't do religion” so Mr Cameron`s observations show an encouraging shift in public attitudes. In a world where we see too many examples of intolerance and inhumanity, let us hope that his observations areproved to be true.
Jim

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS POSTER
There are lots of events planned for the Jubilee If everyone, including the attractions, inns etc. can email their  details to Chris Jones jhdcesk@globalnet.co.uk by 12th May,  a combined events poster will be put into June’s Magazine.

EASTER SERVICES
lt was lovely to see so many people at the Easter Services. Many thanks to all those who decorated the churches so beautifully for this special day.
LENT CONVERSATIONS
We were particularly fortunate in our speakers and, as ever, the soup was  delicious. Our thanks go to John Wedley for organising the speakers and to Susan Wedley and her helpers and the mothers of St Bega`s School for all their hard work in providing the lunches.
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY
The Revd. Judy Evans, who is both Vicar of Kells and chaplain of the West Cumberland Hospital, would welcome offers of help in the Chaplaincy.
Training would be given to suitable applicants. Please contact Anne to be put in touch with her if you are interested in this kind of ministry.

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS
MARRIAGE
24th March at St Michael’s:
Christopher Thompson and Susannah Escolme

BAPTISMS
25th March at St Catherine`s: Rowan Joseph Geoffrey Harrison

l4th April at St Catherine’s: Edward Oscar Henry Hare and Daisy Emilie May Hare
FUNERAL
The funeral took place on lOth April at Distington Crematorium of Norah Thompson, mother of Kate van Zeller.
After a very busy and fulfilled life Norah moved from the north-east to Bradbury House to be nearer her elder daughter, Kate. She settled very well and was very appreciative of the friendships she made there and the wonderful care she received.
Our sympathy goes to Kate and her family in their loss.

Jim