News from Newport Pagnell THOUGHTFORTHEMONTH review where we have come from. BIRTHD BELLS Saying Goodbye at the End ofa Jou Honesty about how things have been is also important. We should allow freedom for expression of feelings, whatever the range of emotion - grief, anger, sorrow, perhaps joy. Finally, a sense of hope and looking rward to the ture, knowing that we can journey on and build upon what is past. All this depends upon the nature of the ending and in the case of a significant bereavement, the process towards acceptance may take a very long time and the wounds may never be completely healed. To mark the 90th birthday of Louise Moodie, a former bellringer, a quarter peal of Bob Minor was rung at Newport Pagnell Parish Church on June 5. The 1260 changes took 44 minutes. Those taking part were: Treble Catherine Stacy, 2 Rachel Stacy, 3 James Maltby, 4 Scott Ayers, 5 Charles Knight, 6 Doug Hird (conductor). • LETTER FROM THE ECUMENICAL MODE TOR All good things must come to an end, so the saying goes. But have we ever thought about the "endings" themselves? At this stage in the year, those with any connection to the academic world will be experiencing endings of courses and academic years. As I write, I am approaching the end ofa three-year course in Spiritual Direction. I am not looking forward to the goodbyes with those I have become very much attached to as we have journeyed together. Jesus said goodbye to his disciples before ascending into heaven. They had already experienced losing him once already at his crucifixion and now the Mission Partnersh Thanks We all experience endings in life, whether it is the ending of a course of study, a job, a relationship, leaving home Saying goodbye can o en be a pain l business, writes Dr M Cotes, both for or the ultimate ending, death. How do we mark our endings? Or are we the sort of resurrected Christ was leaving them a he order to avoid the "goodbyes"? In fact, wouldn't be back again. They must have they knew avoidance of a proper ending does not felt the loneliness and bewilderment all This time alleviate the pain ofparting. Ifanything it over again. However, on this occasion, people who just disappear into the ether in second time. makes the situation and any future Jesus gave them a promise of another endings more di icult. helper - the Holy Spirit. Once the Spirit arrived on the scene they knew that they were not alone. May God's Spirit guide us on our journeys through all our endings and new beginnings until we reach our final destiny and meet him face to face. • A good ending acknowledges the reality of the ending. Preparation, where possible, helps - an ending that we are expecting is easier to bear than one that occurs without warning. It is valuable to have time to re ect upon what has been achieved - to Rev Lisa Co we On behalf of the Mission Partnership I want to say an enormous thank you to those who are leaving and for those who are staying behind, even if the new horizons, which are beckoning, o er exciting prospects. This month we are saying goodbye to a number of people: The Rev Ian Parker who leaves us to become Superintendent of the Methodist Circuit in Newham, Monsignor Kevin McGinnell who moves to a large parish in Luton, and Steve Peck who leaves us with his wife Jean to take up a Methodist deacon's post in the Wirral. D.S.Gri iths INDEPENDENT MOTOR ENGINEER Established 1982 • Servicing, Mechanical & Electrical Repairs • Sun Diagnostic & Tuning Equipment for accurate Testing and Setting of modern computer systems • Most makes and models of Cars & Light Commercials • Parts Supply Service • Tyres & Exhausts • Valeting and Bodywork Repairs COLLECTION & DELI RY Specialising in French, German & Landrover Vehicles North End Road, Ravenstone, Olney, Bucks M 6 5AN Tel 01 908 551 339 Fax 01 908 551 525 Gardner & White O ering a Better Service NEW PEUGEOT SCOOTER AND SACHS MOTORBIKE DEALER SALES • SERVICE • PARTS Servicing carried out on all makes of Cars, Bikes & Scooters Always a selection of 30 high quality used cars on display MOTs CARS • BIKES • SCOOTERS No Booking Required MOTs carried out while you wait Free retest within 14 days High Street, Stoke Goldington, Newport Pagnell Tel: 01 908 551 387 Fax: 01 908 551 602 www.gardnerandwhiteltd.co.uk PAGE 36 THE PHONEBOX