Trinity Times

 Christmas 2007

IN THIS ISSUE:

Letter from the Chaplain

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5. 18)

Now is the time to catch our breath a little. The rentrée, the harvest festival and the bonfire have been and gone and we have now had a short break before Advent and the joy and excitement of Christmas.

As we go through the year we celebrate the good things of life, much of which we have not created for ourselves but which are simply there for us to enjoy. They are pure gift and point to a God who really wants us to have the best of all lives and worlds. Our God is a giving, sharing, relational God and he wants us to be giving, sharing and enjoying good relationships with each other and with him. When we get in line with his purposes, we live as God intends us and life is good. When we are out of line with his will, then life is just that much poorer. It might be alright, but it is not as it is really meant to be.

None of us, I am sure, would choose to live in opposition to God’s will. None of us would choose to live ungratefully, meanly or selfishly. But somehow these attitudes creep in. We only have to think back to some of our donations at Harvest to realize how easily we can be caught out. Wrongdoing can be insidious, creeping up on us when we least expect it. The snake in the Garden of Eden was indeed the wiliest of creatures.

So what can we do? How do we live good and generous lives? There is no simple answer, except the one given us by the Christmas story. Here we see a faithful God, in the most unpromising and insecure of worlds, commit himself to its redemption. Not from a distance, but from within; by the life lived and by the death faced and ultimately conquered, we see God's purposes for us and for the world unfold. This is a story of encouragement that evil does not ever have the last word.

The Christian faith encourages us to face up to the tough calls and choices which are written into the very fabric of life knowing that we have someone alongside us who, having faced it all before, has conquered and has opened up for us a way to his eternal kingdom.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3 .17)

We will, no doubt, have the great joy this Christmas of both giving and receiving presents. May we, however, receive the greatest gift, Christ himself, and may our response to him be in living grateful lives, offering to God the very best we have and the very best we are.

Trevor Whitfield

Thanks to Karin Whitfield for finding these inspiring Advent Antiphons

The Great 'O's

The Advent Antiphons are thought to have been written by Pope Gregory the Great in the 6th century, and appeared in English liturgy as early as the 8th century, having been translated into Anglo-Saxon by Cynewulf, Bishop of Lindisfarne. They are amongst the most beautiful liturgical poetry in the Christian year and are well known through the hymn 'O come, O come, Emmanuel'.

The seven Antiphons address Christ with names drawn from the Old Testament:

O wisdom, coming forth from the Most High, filling all creation and reigning to the ends of the earth: come and teach us the way of truth.

O Lord of Lords, and ruler of the House of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai: come with your outstretched arm and ransom us.

O root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the nations; kings will keep silence before you for whom the nations long: come and save us and delay no longer.

O key of David and sceptre of the House of Israel; you open and none can shut; you shut and none can open: come and free the captives from prison, and break down the walls of death.

O morning star, splendour of the light eternal and bright sun of righteousness: come and bring light to those who dwell in darkness and walk in the shadow of death.

O king of the nations, you alone can fulfil their desires: cornerstone, binding all together: come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust of the earth.

O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, hope of the nations and their saviour: come and save us, O Lord our God.

The Antiphons have provided the motifs for the Advent Banner (keen observers will note that the fifth antiphon is represented twice, making the total eight and not seven!).

K.W.

Why not give yourself (or a friend) this treat as a Christmas present? It’s reviewed by Jean Lefèvre.

‘A Feast for Advent’
by Delia Smith

Did you know that one of Britain’s leading cookery authors also writes books in which she shares her Christian faith?

‘A Feast for Advent’, was originally written and published in 1983. Since then it has run into three more editions and many reprints, proving its perennial up-to-date popularity – perhaps because it is addressed to all of us who are so obsessed by the material preparations for Christmas, that we leave little time ‘to find a way of escaping for a few minutes each day to make space for God’. Advent is a time for preparing oneself for the ‘great spiritual feast of Christmas, of God’s coming into the world’.

The book consists of a daily reading from either the Old or New Testament, together with a reflection, a short prayer and a meditation inspired by a few more verses from the Bible, covering the period from Advent Sunday to Epiphany (1^st Dec.- 6^th Jan.).

Delia’s choice of readings from the Prophets (particularly Isaiah), and the Psalms, showing the roots of our Faith, is linked to those illustrating the experience of the New Testament writers, in a subtle and sensitive way. Each weekly section has a dominant theme, subdivided into a special aspect for each day. The Bible readings offer ‘flashes’, of symbolic or actual significance, such as that of ‘the healing banquet’ where examples of Biblical imagery are developed in the reflection, leading from the Old Testament, through the Passover into New Testament references to food and feasting, to the Christian Eucharist and the sharing of Bread.

In the reflections, a secular Christmas preoccupation is often mirrored in its spiritual counterpart, guiding us gently into a new perception of God’s loving purposes for each of us, and all mankind, culminating in the joyous feasts of Christmas and Epiphany.

A copy of this volume (paperback, 125pp). is now available for inspection on the Bookstall. Further copies to be sold at 11 Euros each, may be ordered. Please put in your order as soon as possible to (hopefully) get it delivered in a few days in time for Christmas.

J.L.

 As well as this book, you can also get cards and calendars from the bookstall..

Rachel Ischoffen asks what we give God from our store cupboard.

Harvest - the First Fruits?

October 5th was Harvest Sunday and the congregation brought gifts of food to thank God for his goodness in providing the food we eat.

The gifts were to be given later to the Secours Catholique which provides assistance to people in difficulty - homeless people, people who suddenly find themselves with no resources, the long-term unemployed, immigrants trying to adapt to a new culture..... As a member of this organization I often find myself wondering, when handing out packets of pasta, coffee, milk etc., how it must feel to ask for food to feed your children, to ask for "food that doesn't need cooking - I have no electricity"....

Holy Trinity's harvest gifts were duly loaded up and carried away for sorting and checking before being handed over to the Secours Catholique. I say checking because, having been warned by previous harvest gift sorters, the expiry dates, or use by dates, required particular attention. Yes, I am sad to say that in lots of cases what turned up as harvest gifts, were out of date cans and packets and other items that were clearly unsuitable for poor and needy people.

Please, please remember next year to send only the best as your harvest gifts; even if you forget to prepare and have to grab something at the last minute, make sure it's something you've bought recently!

Mother Theresa said that when she looked into the face of a poor person she saw Jesus - would you give Him a can of out of date fruit?

R.I.

…you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the LORD your God gives you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place which the LORD your God will choose, to make his name dwell there... Then the priest shall take the basket from your hand, and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 26.2,4

This local organisation is on our charitable giving list. Jeannie Lassez describes how we can give and get joy with the old and lonely.

Donner Recevoir
(Time and Friendship)

 (Or: One Group which your Church Supports Financially!)

“It was strictly by accident that I first entered this nursing home! You see, a friend of mine had asked me to drop off a blanket to his mother who was a resident there. I entered the building and went to the reception desk, and was told where I would find her.

To get to her room, I had to walk down two corridors and pass by two, large sitting areas, one on each floor. In these big rooms, I saw many very elderly people, almost all women, stuck in wheel chairs - just sitting there. Most of them had blank expressions on their tired faces, and were whiling away the time watching people go by. They weren’t waiting for anyone or any one thing... they were just there. There was no talking, no sharing with one another. I thought that perhaps they were struck with Alzheimer’s or were senile. But no! Not at all!

I then began to speak to one of these shadows, out of the blue. First to one, then to another. They then began to answer me; they smiled at me and spoke to me! Suddenly, they became alive under the influence of my fleeting attentions.”  - Stéphane Desjonquères

It was in this manner that Stéphane Desjonquères, long-time resident of Maisons-Laffitte, became inspired to form the association we know of as “Donner-Recevoir”. Completely struck by these hopeless faces he saw that day, mired down in their own solitude - even amongst themselves, he realized something very important. He could see that even though these lonely beings were not suffering, and were physically well-cared for, their loneliness was slowly killing them.

Stéphane’s idea was to form a caring group of people who would go to this old people’s home each week, or whenever each one could, and meet with the various residents who were signaled out to him as having none or almost no visits from outsiders. These poor souls were lost in their solitude, and had few or no friends or family members to come by and brighten their day. Little by little, Donner-Recevoir came into existence, at first with a handful of volunteers, and then began to grow. There are now about 40 regular volunteers on the roll, and the organization has expanded to include four or five old people’s homes in Maisons-Laffitte, Sartrouville, and Le Mesnil le Roi. They sponsor activities and outings for the residents, oversee meetings, plan parties and provide special events. Generally, through the love and concern that God has put on the heart of Stéphane - who is deeply rooted in his Christian faith - so many people are helped who would otherwise be forgotten and would perish in their solitude.

Donner-Recevoir has been in existence since 2003, and is one of the charitable organizations that our church supports. Last year, we were able to give them a gift of € 500.00, which will go towards the recruitment of more volunteers and the many other running expenses incurred by this organization. Until recently, many of these expenses were covered personally by Mr. Desjonquères.

Donner-Recevoir also hopes to increase the number of volunteers who so kindly give one or two or more hours each week to cheer up and encourage so many of these lonely people who have no one else to talk to. By offering to spend even a half an hour with someone who has no other contact with visitors the entire week, one quickly becomes a bright ray of sunshine in an elderly person’s otherwise dreary existence. The only requirement is an hour or two per week of your time, and a gentle smile along with a little conversation! Of course, our encounters are held in French, so you will need to know how to speak the language!

Donner-Recevoir literally means GIVE-RECEIVE! Stéphane likes to remind people that in sharing happiness, there is then more of it to go around! The Bible tells us to give to others, and in doing so, we receive much joy! Monetary gifts may be given to this association, with impressive tax exemptions, and new “bénévoles” are always needed to further their efforts! If you would like more information about this very noble cause, please contact Jeannie Lassez (01.34.93.08.25), who is an active and very happy member of Donner-Recevoir

J.L.

Noreen Riols reminds us that there’s more to Christmas than tinsel and turkey.

Sounds Familiar?

“Fred! Look here! They're even bringing religion into Christmas now.”

The indignant housewife dragged her husband towards a Christian bookstore, crammed between ‘Toys R Us’ and a Supersave. The cards on display had no jolly Santas sleighing through snowdrifts shouting ho-ho-ho. No twittering lovebirds. Strains of 'Silent Night' floated into the crowded street.

She sniffed in disgust and marched into the Supersave.

‘Jingle bells’ and an overweight Santa smelling of beer greeted her.

“Ahhhhh. That's more like it” she beamed. “Sharon and little Darren would love this, Fred. Let's ask our Gary if we can bring 'em next Saturday .”

“Yeah sure. Anything you say Doris,” her husband replied his eyes glued to a newsstand highlighting the sports results.

Doris' eyes latched onto a display of gaudy jewellery.

“Fred,” she cooed, holding up a 'diamond' cross surrounded by highly coloured stones set in a circle the size of a frying pan. “How's this for our Avril's wedding, now that that snooty vicar has agreed to marry her. Who does he think he is? Just because we don't go to church indeed ! That's what he's paid for isn't it?”

Fred nodded disinterestedly, his eyes on the racing results.

“The bridesmaids'll be wearing rainbow dresses. That cross thing on a silver chain'll look lovely with her low cut dress.”

She sniffed again.

“Expect that stuck-up vicar'll object to that. Well, just too bad.”

“I'll take it,” she announced imperiously to the hovering assistant. “And mind you put it in a posh velvet box.”

“Of course madam,” the salesgirl replied.

“I should think so too at that price,” Doris ended haughtily. “We'll put it under the tree Fred and give it to her after the turkey. Now don't let me forget to buy the stuffing. They make a lovely one in packets here. And we need new lights for the tree and more decorations I don't want that Mrs. Nextdoor lording it over us again saying her front room window looked better than ours.”

Taking her long-suffering husband's arm she dragged him towards the lift.

“Stop drooling Fred”, she groused. “We've still got to get something for your Auntie Flo. She didn't like that reindeer cushion we gave her last year. Never stopped grumbling.”

She had another sniff.

“Your family!!! I'll be glad when Christmas is over. Can't stand much more of that Salvation Army Band playing 'Hark the herald' and passing the hat round. Do they think we're made of money? Spend enough as it is, what with the cards, the presents, the turkey and Grandma grousing if we don't buy a Marks and Sparks pud. I tell you I'm fair worn out with it all…”

‘Jingle bells’ had now changed to Bing Crosby crooning "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas."

Doris smiled in satisfaction.

“Now that's what I call music”, she purred.  “That's what Christmas is all about.”

But is it?

It's a scenario enacted annually in every crowded shopping centre where Father Christmases going in opposite directions bump into each other, leaving bewildered children wondering which to approach to ensure their ten page list of indispensable toys arrive. And harassed housewives rush madly round declaring they'll never be ready in time. They can't find a present for Uncle Bert. The dog keeps knocking the tree over. And Tescos have run out of nuts.

How many people remember the real meaning of Christmas?

Not many.

Not many people accepted Jesus when he was here. Men fought and killed each other in his name when he was gone. We who go to church are ‘weirdos’.

For most people Christmas is just another excuse for a slap up celebration, with plenty of booze.

We've let our Saviour down haven't we? So... isn't it up to us to bring them back?

Have you ever thought what would have happened had God scheduled his son's birth for to-day? The year 2,000? A young girl about to be married suddenly told by an angel that she is pregnant? She'd have rushed to The Family Planning Clinic or the school nurse, who would have immediately solved her problem and...

Jesus would never have been born.

He'd have been aborted.

Happy Christmas!

N.R.

This prayer was written by a 17th Century Nun but is still surprisingly apt.

17^th Century Nun’s Prayer

Lord Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others' pains, but help me to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and less cocksureness, when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not want to be a Saint - some of them are so hard to live with - but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Claire Gilmore writes from University in the U.K.

Comments from the Campus

Moving away to university is always exciting: by stepping into a completely different world, you forge new and solid friendships and discover things about yourself and the people around you. When I arrived in Bristol last October, I was thrilled to experience the city’s vibrant social scene, whilst studying a subject I love (English) and writing for the student newspaper.

However, leaving home and all that was familiar to me was also very overwhelming. I wanted to throw myself into everything that university had to offer whilst staying true to myself and my beliefs. By meeting fellow Christians in my halls of residence, I was able to voice these concerns to them and was relieved to find out that they shared them, too.

Michelle, who studies chemistry, and Eleanor, a medical student, lived in the same block as me last year and I asked them how they juggled their faith and university life. Michelle stressed how important it was for her ‘to find a foundation, somewhere you feel comfortable. Meeting peers with the same outlook really gave me a confidence boost and made me feel like I wasn’t the only Christian on the whole campus!’ She goes to Woodies, a very student-friendly Church, on Sunday evenings and attends their Youth meetings on Tuesdays. ‘They sing amazing songs that make you feel uplifted.’ Michelle is well known for her unlimited love of loud music and has invited me to many a concert but she also takes time to pray in the peace and quiet of her room.

Eleanor commented on how difficult it was for her to be herself at first and maintain what she believed when many people around her seemed to be so different. But by getting involved with the Christian Union she met people who shared her faith and enjoyed taking part in activities such as bible readings, house parties and a carol service at Christmas. ‘I feel really blessed to be a Christian at university as whatever happens and however rough things get, I know I can rely on God. Even when my circumstances change, He doesn’t.’

Since moving into a house with my friends, I have been on the lookout for a church in my area that reminds me a little of Holy Trinity, a reassuring element in the oncoming mayhem of the new year! 

C.G.

A fun beginning to the year with our youth worker Nathan Lambert

†rinity †eens

Newz:

It’s been a fun beginning to the year. We started with a photo rally race, on the day of the welcome barbecue (there are photos of that in the youth room!).

On Sunday morning, we’ve been going through the meaning of life a little bit with the Youth Alpha course. It has prompted interesting discussions, and it’s given us the chance to get the TV on, and watch some video clips. Numbers have really gone up this year, and the youth room is starting to feel a bit small. It’s a bit difficult to get 21 people crammed into that little room, but it keeps us all warm, and it helps the atmosphere as well to all be squeezed on our sofas and armchairs.

And amidst discussions about how Christianity is relevant today, why Jesus had to die, and how we can have Faith, we’ve had time to go on our traditional Laser Quest trip. Loads of us turned up for that one and we had a really great time. Having stuffed our faces with Pizza, and done spicy-oil-ingurgitating contests, the videos of which shall be uploaded on to You Tube in due course (children, do not reproduce those tricks at home, they’re extremely dangerous, and only madmen can perform them!), we headed off for Cergy, and had a great time aiming Lasers at each other. I’m still amazed at the performance of our one and only Emmeran Pokorny, who had a field day, scoring over 1000 points!

And finally there’s been some cool stuff going on on Sunday afternoons as well. The girls met up at the Medcalfs’ on the first Sunday of the month, for their cell group. The guys were supposed to do the same, in the Youth Room, but none of them was able to make it. Next time, guys.

 So that’s all for now. It’s been encouraging and enriching. Please pray that the young people will be strengthened in their faith throughout the year, and that the leaders will be granted strength and wisdom by our Lord to help these young people in their walk with God.

Review: Tim Hughes, Holding Nothing Back

Tim Hughes has become known worldwide for his song “light of the world (here I am to worship)”, and his new album really lives up to his growing reputation as one of the top worship composers/leaders of our times. This album has an extraordinary array of fresh, contemporary songs that go back to the heart of our faith: the Cross of Christ, and reflects on our response to this great love that God has shown us. Songs like Happy Day, The Highest and the Greatest, We must go, and Holding Nothing back have become instant classics in many churches in the UK. This album is good! You can listen to it in the Youth Room, or buy it on Amazon. (http://www.timhughesmusic.com)

N.L.

Remember this is your page so any contributions are welcome! Send them to Fiona

Elizabeth Ragsdale Parmella takes us behind the scenes at the Nativity Presentation

2006 Nativity Presentation

Runny-nosed angels crying, boisterous soldiers tumbling around in a heap of arms and legs, missed cues, forgotten lines, the church burning down from fire started by Frankincense laden wise man out of control. I had heard it all when I was drafted to direct the 2006 Nativity Presentation, but I am quite happy to say that none of the above actually happened. In fact, directing the Nativity Presentation at Holy Trinity Maisons-Laffitte was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The children, our children, were interested in the story of our Savior’s birth and therefore my job of using the immense pool of talent in our young people to portray The Nativity was a blessing. So much, in fact, that I’ve agreed to do it again this year!

I went out on a limb last year and changed the entire presentation. I felt having a narrator read the entire story as the children wandered around the stage was a great disservice to our young impressionable minds. I felt they could learn far more from actually telling the story themselves and also the presentation would inevitably be a richer experience for everyone. During rehearsals we pondered such questions as: How did Mary really feel when the angel came to visit her? and What was Joseph’s initial reaction to this news? The children were full of ideas and insight and totally threw themselves into their roles. Some examples:

Mary insisted on being really pregnant for her walk to Bethlehem and even though it was freezing cold Joseph didn’t want to wear a modern day shirt under his period costume. Gabriel insisted on wearing a flashing halo to signify the importance of her message to Mary from God. The Soldiers were fierce and extra lines were written by Trevor himself as we had so many boys who wanted to speak. Our adorable Star kept her tired little arm straight up in the air even during rehearsals when we had taken a break. A first time guitar soloist graced this presentation, and others volunteered with incredibly moving vocal and instrumental solos that left not a dry eye in the church. Just when we thought that the actual birth of Jesus couldn’t be topped, our host of heavenly angels descended throwing golden stars that were left on the floor of our church for sentimental purposes until Christmas was well over. And now let me tell you about what happened behind the scenes. I had mothers right at the end of term, stressed to the max but graciously offering their services. Yes, the mothers of our church went above and beyond. Costumes were magically washed and put in order, programs were created and printed, amazing Christmas crackers were made filled with candy for all the children, volunteers herded each group from one place to the next, songs were rehearsed and polished, talented men from the congregation filmed the entire presentation and made DVDs and the emotional and morale support was staggering

Stepping into this role was my opportunity to say Yes, I am a part of this church and I want to bring something to our worship. Up until this moment I felt as if I had lived on the fringe of our congregation but through this experience I was able to bond with fellow Christians who have become an integral part of my life network. I challenge all of you this year to open yourselves up to the possibility of experiencing the gift of the Holy Spirit working in your lives through service.

E.R.P.

(Photos by Raymond Pokorny, December 2006)

If you have ever been at Holy Trinity when the choir was singing or at the Christmas Carol service, you will have seen Philip Cheung directing the choir and Georgina among the altos in the choir. Philip and Georgina Cheung have been in France since 1988, living in Montesson and attending Holy Trinity Church.

Chatting up the Cheungs

Philip was born in Hong Kong into a family of three boys and a girl. Philip’s family was Roman Catholic and one of his aunts was a Carmelite nun. He was baptised and had his first communion at St.Joseph's Church. He attended a school run by an Irish branch of the De la Salle Brothers, a Roman Catholic teaching order originating in France, and left Hong Kong at age 15 to attend another school run by the same order in the UK in Southsea, Hampshire. His first language was Cantonese but English gradually became more predominant through use at school and finally with his move to the UK.

Georgina was born and grew up in Oxted, Surrey, third child in a family of four. She was christened and confirmed at St Peter's, Limpsfield, where she and Philip later got married.

Philip and Georgina met at the University of Kent where Georgina was studying history and Philip was a research fellow in physics, having graduated from Oxford and obtained a doctorate at Warwick. They both belonged to the madrigal group at the university. For those like myself who are musical neophytes, madrigal is a polyphonic song using a vernacular text, much in vogue in Renaissance Italy and Elizabethan England.

Philip was hired by Schlumberger and worked for a time in London. Georgina and Philip were married in Limpsfield in 1978. They were much involved with choirs in London. By the time Frederick was born in 1983, they were living in Tunbridge Wells. Alexandra was born a year later in 1984. The next year Philip’s company sent him to the US and the family moved to Connecticut where they lived for 3 years.

After the stint in the US, they came to live in France, where they have been living for almost 20 years. Thomas was the only one of the children born in France. He was christened and had his First Communion at Holy Trinity. Frederick and Alexandra were confirmed at Holy Trinity. All three children are currently living and working or attending university in the UK.

Georgina enjoys crafts including sewing and knitting and until recently organised the craft stall at the twice yearly church fete. Georgina has handed this over to Jackie Gale who would be happy to hear from anyone with an interest in handicrafts for ideas and assistance.

The Cheungs met through their love of music and continue to pursue this hobby. Philip said he has always been interested in music, although he was not allowed to join the church choir as the Italian choir master would not allow boys to participate. In the UK, he sang in the school choir, eventually joining the university madrigal group. Philip has been active in the Holy Trinity choir since joining the church. He took over as choir director some 10 years ago from Rosalind Baines, who continues in her capacity as organist / pianist. Georgina has been singing in the choir for the last 5 or 6 years. The Cheungs invite anyone interested in joining the choir to contact Philip.

And do be sure to mark Sunday 16th December on your calendar for the Holy Trinity Carol Service which will take place at St. Nicolas in Maisons-Laffitte.

Nancy Huguet

Our very own super-chef gives us new ideas with some original Christmas recipes for in-between times

Claudia’s Cooking Corner

First a bit of history…

Oliver Cromwell’s spoilsport Puritan parliament banned Christmas feasting altogether in 1652 because it smacked too much of popery, or, more dangerously still, of paganism. The Restoration in 1660 restored not only a monarch, Charles II, to the British throne, but also the flaming pud, wreathed in holly, to our Christmas tables. And at teatime on Christmas eve we could, after this date, look forward to a slice of rich, iced fruit cake with its golden layer of marzipan.

Mince pies can be traced back to the spiced meat pies containing fruit that were very much to medieval Britain’s taste. Later, 17^th century mince pies had a sturdy crust of pastry that incorporated lard and hot water to make it pliable enough to mould into shape. The mincemeat filling was made in heroic quantities and stored in stoneware jars, sometimes for a year or more. A recipe of the time by Lady Portland included four pounds of meat to eight pounds of suet, along with apples, candied peel, dates, lemons and spices, scented with rosewater and containing enough sugar to act as a preservative as well as a sweetener. Meat content varied from region to region. Cumberland mince pies contained about one third mutton to two thirds fruit, while Cornish cooks made their pies with mutton, pigeons apples and onions! The renowned Victorian cook Isabella Beeton made her mincemeat with suet but no meat, and the tradition went into decline from there. The majority of 21^st century pies will be meatless, and often the suet vegetarian.

An entire newsletter could be given over to Christmas dinner recipes. However, most people already have the basics for cooking the turkey, the pudding etc., so here are some ideas for other moments of the day

A Couple of Christmas Morning Breakfast Ideas

Cranberry Muffins (Makes 12)

The great thing about muffins for breakfast is that you can make the mixture before you go to bed the night before and then cook them in the morning so that they are warm and yummy.

270g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder

170g cup caster sugar 250g sour cream

2 eggs 1 tsp finely grated lemon rind

80ml vegetable oil 160g fresh or frozen cranberries

Preheat the oven to 180°c. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add the sugar and stir to combine. Place the sour cream, eggs, lemon rind and oil in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Stir the sour cream mixture through the flour and sugar mixture until just combined. (stop at this point if you are preparing these the night before)

Sprinkle over the cranberries and stir once. Spoon the mixture into 12x125ml capacity non-stick muffin tins until two-thirds full. Bake for 12 minutes or until cooked when tested with a skewer.

Festive Mini Mincemeat Croissants (Makes 12)

240g drum French croissant dough 12 tsp mincemeat

1 tbsp milk 2 tsp icing sugar

pinch of ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 200°c/Gas6/fan oven 180°. Open the croissant drum, unroll the dough and cut into the 6 triangles marked with perforated lines. Cut each triangle in half lengthways. Reshape slightly by pulling the dough to an elongated triangle shape.

Place a teaspoonful of mincemeat at the wide end of each triangle. Roll up to enclose the mincemeat. Arrange on a baking tray, brush with milk and bake for 8-10 minutes until puffed and golden. Transfer to a wire rack.

Spoon the icing sugar and cinnamon into a small sieve and use to dust the hot croissants as they come out of the oven.

Now… after your delicious breakfast, a trip to church, and a busy time in the kitchen here’s an idea to keep your guests happy whilst you put the finishing touches to your Christmas dinner:

Glogg (serves10)

This warm spiced wine is traditionally served in small cups with a teaspoon, so you can eat the alcohol soaked almonds and raisins as you drink the wine.

10 cardamom pods, split in half 2 cinnamon sticks

6 cloves 100g piece of fresh root ginger, sliced

1 bottle red wine 85g caster sugar

a shot of vodka flaked almonds and raisins to serve

Put the spices in a saucepan with the wine and sugar. Bring to the boil.

Simmer very gently for 5 minutes then turn off the heat. Cover and leave to infuse for 15 minutes.

Add the vodka. Serve with a few flaked almonds and raisins in each glass.

Festive Crackers to Serve with your Drinks

(Makes about 24)

These edible Christmas crackers are made from filo pastry but if you cannot get hold of this then “feuille de brique” will do instead.

455g smoked bacon, chopped 1 onion chopped

340g full fat cream cheese 2 tbsp freshly snipped chives

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 12 large sheets filo pastry (about 275g)

12 long chives

Place the bacon in a frying pan with the onion and cook until the bacon is crispy. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Beat in the cooled bacon mixture, chives and seasoning to taste. (You may not need to add any salt)

Set the oven to 200°c Gas mark 6

Cut each sheet of filo into 4 squares – allow 2 squares per cracker. Place one square on top of another, then spread 2 tsp of the bacon mixture along the pastry 4cm in from the long edge and leaving 5cm at the short ends to form the cracker handles. Trim the ends with pinking shears and roll up. Gently twist the ends to seal. Place the crackers on greased baking trays and bake for 10 minutes until golden.

Before serving, tie strands of chives at both ends of each cracker.

Different fillings:

A mixture of smoked salmon pieces, cream cheese and dill

or

Blue cheese, chopped pecan nuts and fresh pears finely cubed.

C.P.

Do you wonder what our long-ago youth leaders are doing now? Here are some answers from the Harts.

Whatever happened to . . . . ?

As we congratulate our present Youth Leader, Nathan, on his forthcoming marriage in February, you might like to know what happened to his predecessors.

Our very first Youth Leader, in 1993, was Linda Leeson, now Hassall, who lives in Leamington Spa, has a boy and a girl, and works for the Prince’s Trust.

Simon Cutmore is Vicar of Leverstock Green, near St Albans, and has three boys under five.

Simon Stevens has two boys and is currently Chaplain of Southampton University.

Anna Macham has just finished her curacy in Cheshunt, and has been appointed Succentor (concerned with the musical parts of the service) at Southwark Cathedral.

Juliette Humphrey was last heard of teaching English and acting in Oxford.

Mitch Bach, for those who didn’t catch up with him in October, is back in the US writing his opera.

Somewhere along the way, Robbie Gibson, now a member of our Church Council, did a spell with the Youth Group.

And Andy Griffiths, once our Parish Assistant, is Vicar of Galleywood, near Chelmsford, and has just been appointed Rural Dean.

All these, except Robbie and Andy, survived varying periods, from 2 years to a few weeks, living over our garage. If anyone has more up-to-date news, we would love to hear it.

C&G.H.

Hesry Marshall writes following the family’s recent move from Maisons-Laffitte

Paris to Berlin.

It is funny how we tend to think back to similar situations when we are experiencing something different. Moving to Berlin brought back to mind a lot of the feelings and emotions experienced when we left South Africa in 1999 to move to France.

Feelings of excitement:- looking forward to “a new life”, new experiences, making more friends, learning a new language, sharing in a new culture, joining a new church community, driving on the other side of the road, celebrating Christmas in winter!! Feelings of parting:- saying good-byes to family and friends, leaving the comfort of the known behind, selling your home and having to pack or throw away all those things (baggage, junk?) that you had hung onto for sentimental reasons. Experiencing things for the last time:- The last ride in your old car before handing it over to its new owners, last night in your old home, last drive past the children’s school (even though you complained about the endless times you had to drive them there), last cup of coffee shared with friends, last family meals etc. Nights lying awake, worrying:- about whether the children will cope in the new school, how your husband will cope in the new job, different culture, whether you will make friends, how you will cope not speaking the lingo, whether you will find a church where you feel at home, how you will manage driving a new car, with the steering wheel on the wrong side, in a new city on the right (but wrong for you) side of the road.

Was this different this time moving from Paris to Berlin, at least it is the same continent, and still part of the European Union? Yes and no. The last family meals were not with biological family but rather with God-given church family members, we had to get rid of the same amount of junk (accumulated this time in much shorter space of time), the move had to happen in a much tighter schedule, between children writing exams, hubby only home over week-ends and the summer holiday plans of everybody involved, us, the movers, the friends etc.

But here we are in Berlin, the children very happy in a French school (although very different from French schools in France), the family (minus- one member) happily installed in an apartment (new experience for everybody), with the exciting part of the CHANGE awaiting us. We go to the Anglican church (St George’s) and becoming part of that family very soon. We really enjoy the German culture (Riaan especially the beer), the children made very nice German and French friends and I am getting used to taking my trolley for the daily shopping outing and sorting the garbage into the 3,4,5 or 6 different bins. There was of course the Germans’ lack of interest in the Rugby World cup, which resulted in endless trips to the Irish Pub to mourn France losing to England but eventually rejoicing in South Africa winning the cup.

Berlin is a great city, lots to see, lots to do, friendly people, lots of beer, good public transport and now with a South African/French family (minus one member) awaiting a visit from their family and friends (whom we miss very much), to share this new life and experiences with them. To sum up our move to Berlin, I can only best do it in the words of a very special friend, “I am happy that we are  where we should be for now”, but also know that we tend to only appreciate the good when we don’t have it any more.

What does it take to make such a change? Lots of prayers, good dictionary, good sense of humor in the family and good friends to share in your joys and frustrations.

H.M.

Joy Dansette, a former member of Holy Trinity sent this puzzle to keep us happy while digesting our pudding.

Merry Christmas from the Dansettes

Thanks from the Editor

Since our first issue, all of three months back, we have a new name and a new cover design and some new contributors. So this is a very warm thank you to the people who not only read the newsletter but who responded to our ‘pleas(e)’. It was very problematic to decide which was the most appropriate name among all the intriguing suggestions. The committee finally chose “Trinity Times”, sent in by Elizabeth Bean, who got our congratulations and our bottle of champagne. “Cheers!” Liz.

Thank you too to Lucy Charlier, a member of Pathfinders, who sent us the design for our first Christmas cover. It’s beautiful, Lucy, and will give pleasure to lots of people.

Thanks also to all of you who wrote articles. Don’t wait to be asked; just send them to the webmaster on newsletter@htcml.com or to me, at 3 avenue Lesage, 78600 Maisons-Laffitte. The deadline for the Easter issue is 16th February.

No more news; it’s all here in the Trinity Times, so I’ll sign off by saying “Have a very Happy Christmas everybody”

Ilona Wicker

Across:     2 Ado 3 Joseph 4 Set 6 Crackers 10 Bethlehem 13 Noel 14 Log 15 Santa 16 Turkey
                  18 Afar 21 Dates 23 Eve 24 As 28 Nativity 29 Brandy 30 Tree

Down:       l Advent 4 Sprout 5 Bed 7 Coal 8 St 9 Bells 10 Bing 11 Eleven 12 Ten 16 Treat 17 Rum
                  19 Star 20 Ivy 22 Son 25 Silent 26 Jungle 27 Myrrh