Charismatic at the Chalet School
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: Charismatic at the Chalet School Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:15 pm

This idea was discussed a lot on the old board, but it never got written, being quite a sensitive subject. But I have been pondering on it for ages, and at last have decided to take the plunge and write it.

I hope I don't offend anyone in what I write, a lot of it will probably be from my experience which obviously may be different to other people's, but feel free to comment and heckle!

Jayne was almost in tears when at last she turned to follow her father from the church. As they passed through the doors for what seemed like the last time she turned to wave to her friends there – Claire, Jon, David and Jenny stopped their conversation to see her go, and Claire called out,

“Bye, Jay! You’ll be fine!” Jayne smiled a little then hurried on to join her father and link her arm in his. He smiled down at her.

“All right, Jay? You’ll be back in no time, don’t worry.” Jayne tried to look cheerful but her laugh was a trifle forced as she replied,

“I wish I didn’t have to go at all, Dad.”

“I know. But you know it’s the only thing to do really, and in a lot of ways it’ll be better than a boarding school in England. At least we’ll be closer to one another this way.”

Jayne knew all this, but it was still a hard break to leave England and all her friends from church and from Chauntsingers Hill School, and go to a big boarding school in Switzerland. Since Mrs. Fry had died Jayne and her father had grown very close. In addition she had always found it hard to make friends, although once she had done it was a strong bond – and thus even more painful to break. Jayne was frankly dreading the Chalet School.

 

#2:  Author: Kate, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:22 pm

This sounds promising... Smile I'm hoping this will be a learning experience for me, I don't know much about charismatics and I'm a little doubtful of what I do know. Keep it up, it sounds great and I'm dying to see the CS reaction.

 

#3:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 3:34 pm

Thanks Kate!

Um, does anyone know who would have been prefects when Felicity etc. were fourteen? When was that? Also, who the 'etc' part would be? KB maybe? Thank you Kiss

 

#4:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:01 pm

The next day was a wild rush of last-minute packing, hasty goodbyes and then the drive to catch the ferry. She had been sent directions and was to meet a particular group of Chalet School girls under the care of a few mistresses, with whom she would spend the ferry journey before joining the rest and travelling to the Gornetz Platz by train and then by hired coach. It was not difficult to spot the group of perhaps twenty girls who were all wearing similar uniform to herself, and four mistresses who were talking to the girls or welcoming the ones who came up more or less constantly. Jayne and her father approached them, Jayne with a sinking feeling in her stomach. They were instantly seized on by a small, brown-haired woman who asked the new girl’s name and found her on her list.

“Ah, yes. Jayne Emma Fry, fourteen years old. Let me find someone to look after you.” She descended on one small huddle of girls, and Mr. Fry and Jayne found themselves alone for a moment.

“Have a good time, Jayne,” said her father, and she hugged him so tight that it almost hurt her. Then the mistress was back with another girl whom she introduced to Jayne, and Jayne was swept off into the noisy group, with only time to glance back over her shoulder and wave to her father as he talked to the mistress.

 

#5:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:23 pm

Brave girk Abi. Really looking forward to more of this.

 

#6:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:26 pm

I'm looking forward to reading more of this Abi - like the others I know very little about Charasmatics.

 

#7:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:50 pm

Abi, this sounds promising and I shall be interested to hear how she fits in.

I think we would all like to learn moe about charismatics.

Last edited by patmac on Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:51 pm; edited 1 time in total

 

#8:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 5:51 pm

I am very interested to see how this develops. I know almost nothing about charismatics, hopefully I'll learn something.

 

#9:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:09 pm

Please, what are charismatics? Embarassed Confused

 

#10:  Author: niscii, Location: Aberdeen PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 6:19 pm

i don't have a clue either! Embarassed Embarassed Embarassed

 

#11:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 7:56 pm

I also don't know but the dictionary says power to inspire or attract others;divinely conferred power or talent.
Don't know if this is the right meaning but I do know that I want to hear more!

 

#12:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:12 pm

I remember the discussion we had about this and thought about it myself, but was never sure of a starting point for it. Will be interested to see how you develop it and to see the reaction of the CS.

For info the description comes from the greek charis which literaly means grace and is used in the New Testament to refer to 'gifts of the Holy Spirit', The term is used of churches whose teaching includes baptism in the Holy Spirit and use of the gifts such as tongues, prophecy and healing. (The one's that normally get noticed, although wisdom and understanding, service, knowledge, administration are also included.) This is meant to be part of a Spirit led life, which affects everything, not just worship on Sunday. The worship in meetings tends to be quite free and people will dance, kneel or whatever they see as an appropriate expression of their prayers and worship.

 

#13:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:13 pm

well you can be described as charasmatic - if you're a good leader etc, but i think there is a beleif system as well. I know nothing about it! Embarassed

 

#14:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:24 pm

Carolyn P wrote:
I remember the discussion we had about this and thought about it myself, but was never sure of a starting point for it. Will be interested to see how you develop it and to see the reaction of the CS.

For info the description comes from the greek charis which literaly means grace and is used in the New Testament to refer to 'gifts of the Holy Spirit', The term is used of churches whose teaching includes baptism in the Holy Spirit and use of the gifts such as tongues, prophecy and healing. (The one's that normally get noticed, although wisdom and understanding, service, knowledge, administration are also included.) This is meant to be part of a Spirit led life, which affects everything, not just worship on Sunday. The worship in meetings tends to be quite free and people will dance, kneel or whatever they see as an appropriate expression of their prayers and worship.


This is interesting. I married a Pentecostal christian last year, which I believe is something similar. Can't wait to see how this develops.

 

#15:  Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:10 pm

Very interesting and as you say controversial

Charismatics have the gift of speaking in "tongues" or a language that we and they wouldn't understand in everyday life - to them and the onlooker potentially frightening - on the face of it, they are able to understand and convey the word of God
I have never seen it but understand from friends that it is an impressive and moving experience

It's an incredible gift - one that usually comes to the fore in a spiritual situation
Please correct me where I am wrong as I'm writing from what I've heard from friends

I'm very intrigued as to how this could be incorporated into a CS story, particularly as they generally profess to be quite private in their religious observations

 

#16:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:28 pm

Janet wrote:
Very interesting and as you say controversial

Charismatics have the gift of speaking in "tongues" or a language that we and they wouldn't understand in everyday life - to them and the onlooker potentially frightening - on the face of it, they are able to understand and convey the word of God
I have never seen it but understand from friends that it is an impressive and moving experience

It's an incredible gift - one that usually comes to the fore in a spiritual situation
Please correct me where I am wrong as I'm writing from what I've heard from friends


Peter speaks in tongues sometimes when he is prayer. He said it is a spiritual gift and not intended for use in public, unless someone is there to translate. Basically, he describes it as a gift to help him pray on another level, the Holy Spirit taking over when he runs out of words. It's not a gift I've ever had, so that's the best way I can describe it.

 

#17:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:33 pm

Cathy wrote:
Janet wrote:
Very interesting and as you say controversial

Charismatics have the gift of speaking in "tongues" or a language that we and they wouldn't understand in everyday life - to them and the onlooker potentially frightening - on the face of it, they are able to understand and convey the word of God
I have never seen it but understand from friends that it is an impressive and moving experience

It's an incredible gift - one that usually comes to the fore in a spiritual situation
Please correct me where I am wrong as I'm writing from what I've heard from friends



Peter speaks in tongues sometimes when he is prayer. He said it is a spiritual gift and not intended for use in public, unless someone is there to translate. Basically, he describes it as a gift to help him pray on another level, the Holy Spirit taking over when he runs out of words. It's not a gift I've ever had, so that's the best way I can describe it.


Yes you are both right.

 

#18:  Author: Rosie, Location: Huntingdonshire/Bangor PostPosted: Sun Feb 08, 2004 11:34 pm

Thanks for the info. Still not sure I totally understand to be honest, but it is 10 to midnight!

 

#19:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:20 am

All the Christian's I know, including myself I would describe as being charimatic, as would they, I had always seen the Chalet School as being so, I know they didn't pray in tongues, but they believed in the power of prayer for healing, there were a few instances were someone pulled through after many prayers when they wern't expected to (mainly Joey as I remember), they believed in living the life rather than preaching it, I would always have described them as being evangelsistic as new girls soon came to realise what it was all about etc... by the end of every term.
I pray in tongues, but generally on my own or when praying for healing.

Will watch in interest

 

#20:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:53 am

This looks interesting! I must have missed the discussion on the old board but I'm looking forward to more of this... Very Happy

 

#21:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 12:30 pm

Thankies for kind comments, everyone. I haven't got any more story yet because I really need to know about Felicity's form-mates and who would be prefects when she was 14. I'm hopeless at dates and things so if someone could help me PLEASE that would be great. I want to make Jayne a friend of Felicity.


BTW, did the board just faint for a moment? Or was it my computer?

 

#22:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 3:42 pm

It was definitely the board Abi!
This is great so far, and in the interests of getting more, Felicity's best friends were Lucy Peters and Jean Morrison, I think that possibly Jack and co would have been prees when Felicity was 14, but I'm not sure. Hope that helps a bit!

 

#23:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 4:42 pm

I would agree with what others have said about charismatics. My church would descibe itself as evangelical, charismatic - ie based on the bible as the word of God and sharing your faith with others, and also seeing the holy spirit at work through healing, tongues etc. One way this really shows itself is throught the contact we have with our community and the events we put on and other things we do within the community.

 

#24:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 9:46 pm

I wonder how Jayne will fit in then? My personal experience of evangelical, charasmatic Christians is that they tend to regard more "traditional" (for want of a better word) Christians as not really proper Christians. I have been told that I (as a Catholic) am not a Christian. Also one friend told me that until he met me he didn't know that Catholics really were Christians even though they say they are. If you see what I mean. I think Jayne may find the structured attitude to faith at the Chalet School quite difficult.

I hope I've put this in a way which doesn't cause offence to anyone. If so, I apologise. I have tried not to make sweeping generalisations.

 

#25:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:00 pm

Alex, you've put your finger on the problem. Each 'denomination' claims to be the 'one true faith' and scorns the rest. It is so sad. If Abi can break through this barrier an even a few of us are made to appreciate that there can be other views, IMHO that will be a good thing.

I hope the CS can meet the challenge.

 

#26:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:04 pm

I was thinking of this drabble at my bible study this eveing (one of the most charasmatic christians I know is a member). We were discussing some things our CU had been doing and this guy said he had been to a meeting with 3 Christians and 2 non-Christians then he said that one of the two was a Catholic... I bit my tongue this time but only 'cause I've argued that point so many times in the past. I can see Jayne finding it hard to be faced with tons of Saint's days etc in the School as well as the more set forms of worship!

 

#27:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:12 pm

It's not that charismatic or evangelical non charismatic christians regard those from traditional churches as not proper christians, it's more that the difference between a 'churchgoer' and a 'christian' is often easier to ignore in a more traditional church but in most traditional churches I would still think that the majority if not all of the active members would probably be christian. The other thing that many charismatic christians often think about the traditional churches is that they are christian, but that they don't take advantage of all that God is offering to them.

I've seen both sides as I was brought up in a traditional methodist church, but I've been in a charismatic church for the last 15 years. (so roughly half my life in each.)

 

#28:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 10:21 pm

That's the attitude that's always annoyed me. One of my best friends is a member of the Church of Ireland, and a devout one at that. She is one of the kindest, most truly Christian people I know- yet my dad, who converted to charismatic/ pentecostal Christianity from Catholicism at the age of 22, can argue that she's not really a Christian.

I'd agree with Carolyn, though- if you're sincere about your faith, go to Church regularly etc etc then you can describe yourself as a Christian. Personally, I think that people who try to deny that are being spiritually arrogant- faith can be public, and often is, but the crux of it must be private- an individual thing between you and God, and how can any person judge the faith of another? Which is probably why I like my signature at the moment!

But more, please, Abi. I'm also interested to see how the CS will cope.

 

#29:  Author: Kate, Location: Ireland PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:23 pm

Theologically a Christian is someone who believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that's the thing that makes you Christian as opposed to Jewish or Muslim etc. Then being Catholic/Protestant/Orthodox etc are just different branches of Christianity. That's what i was always taught anyway. It drives me nuts when people describe a "good" person as a "Christian" person, some of the nicest people I know are Jewish and Muslim. Although, being Southern Irish - pretty much everyone I know is Catholic - some C of I, some Jewish and some Muslim.

Personally I am very skeptical about religion in general. I always want to see things before I believe them - and so far in my life, I haven't had reason for me believe anything. Although I'd like to - it seems to bring such happiness to people.

But anyway! Abi, this story is great. Smile

 

#30:  Author: Polly, Location: Essex PostPosted: Mon Feb 09, 2004 11:33 pm

Kate wrote:
Theologically a Christian is someone who believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that's the thing that makes you Christian as opposed to Jewish or Muslim etc. Then being Catholic/Protestant/Orthodox etc are just different branches of Christianity. That's what i was always taught anyway. It drives me nuts when people describe a "good" person as a "Christian" person, some of the nicest people I know are Jewish and Muslim. Although, being Southern Irish - pretty much everyone I know is Catholic - some C of I, some Jewish and some Muslim.

Personally I am very skeptical about religion in general. I always want to see things before I believe them - and so far in my life, I haven't had reason for me believe anything. Although I'd like to - it seems to bring such happiness to people.

But anyway! Abi, this story is great. Smile


I agree with you Kate. I was brought up C of E, christened and confirmed, but also now feel the same as you do. I wish people would be more tolerant of each others' beliefs, but it is a human reaction (and failing?!) not to do so!

Interested to see what happens with this story!

 

#31:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:06 am

Although I would say I am a charismatic christian I have to say my view on different denominations, has always been shaped by Joey talking of there being many different roads to God, I know that this in some ways, is quite simplistic, but I think we sometimes get so caught up in the theology we miss the point Wink

My friends Rudy always says if everyone always liked and felt comfortable doing the same thing we wouldn't have so many varieties of everything in life from Tea & coffee to Cars and books (he says it much better) but that there is a church for every type of personality and style etc... and isn't it better that they all have a place to go than saying, my way is the best and therefore all other's are inferior. But then he's always very good at explaining these things to me (might have something to do with 3 years bible college ?)

 

#32:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:17 am

I always liked that phrase Kathye. Many paths... I always reckoned life would be far too boring if we were all the same and that goes for worship style as well as everything else. Plus it's so cool to see how other people view God sometimes, really challenging. Maybe the CS reaction might be more positive than we are expecting... Question

 

#33:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:33 am

Surely it would be. They're already a step ahead in catering for two denominations- I can't think of any school now that does that so explicitly!

 

#34:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:24 am

Wow, you're scaring me quite a lot now, I really hope I can do this! Vikki, thanks for the help (I'll make the rest of the characters up Very Happy ).

As I'm writing the drabble I may as well have my say! To me to be a charismatic Christian is simply to be a Christian who makes use of the spiritual gifts - any denomination can be a charismatic, I have a few friends who are charismatic catholics. I do go to a church that is Charismatic in denomination, which I really like because it's very free and obviously designed so we can make use of the gifts. BUT, I've been to other churches, Anglican ones, quite a number of times - some that are charismatic and some that aren't, and I've found that it's just as easy to worship God in a non-charismatic setting. I've come to the conclusion that it's the people and their attitude to God, not the church they go to, that makes the real difference.


Anyway, there should be more of this tomorrow.

 

#35:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:18 pm

I know a lot of mainstream Christians who see Charismatics as 'Happy Clappy, but no depth' people! So it bites both ways! Each to their own way is what I think. We all believe in the basic truth that makes us Christian after all.

 

#36:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 12:49 pm

Just a point - the charismatic church in the UK at the era we're talking about (late 50s, early 60s) was in fact the Roman Catholics.

And I get very annoyed by the definitions of what is and isn't a Christian - there's the label, and then there's the state, and they don't always coincide.

my own theology is somewhat complex - I have friends that pray in tongues, but eschew the label 'charismatic'. Evangelical and Charismatic are not synonymous, as my opening sentence suggests.

 

#37:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 1:00 pm

Oh I know the charismatic movement didn't start till the eighties or something - I've kind of swizzled the timescale because I don't think I could write something too far in the future - I'm very easily confused!

 

#38:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 1:04 pm

The charismatic movement re-started in the 1910s IIRC, and there was a Charismatic movement in the UK in 50s.

Arguably, there has always been a charismatic movement - one is mentioned though not labelled as such, in Wesley's work.

 

#39:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 2:59 pm

Having just caught up on this I'm glad that everyone has felt able to express thier opinion and to know such a lovely tolerant group of people. If only everyone were as ready to accept people for who not what they are. I remember coming across the whole thing about Catholics not being Christians and getting really cross but managing to stay polite and calm *just* about it in front of a meeting for most of the church when I was 17 and part of a group going to work in Poland for the summer. I was brought up as an Anglican but has godparents who were an atheist, methodist and catholic (who later became a nun)! And have parents who are a churchwarden and an atheist!

 

#40:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:04 pm

The nun wasn't originally the atheist? Smile

As for lists - there was a list of people 'After Prefects'

 

#41:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 3:36 pm

Angel wrote:
The nun wasn't originally the atheist? Smile


No the nun was the catholic - who then became not a nun and now shares a house in Sheffield/flat in Walthamstow with a Methodist!

 

#42:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 4:53 pm

The evangelical Church of England began in Victorian times. Look at the clergymen in 'Jane Eyre', you'll get a good idea of how they preached their message.

 

#43:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:24 pm

There is a lot about Charasmatic Catholics in "How far can you go" by David Lodge. A friend of mine (brought up C of E) once told me that a Christian was someone who belonged to the church of England, ie an Anglican.

Religious education in this country is deplorable.

 

#44:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 5:39 pm

*sighs*

I'm something of an amateur theologian, and I'm tempted to teach RS, just to try and removed some of the idiocies I've seen promulgated in certain quarters.

 

#45:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:42 pm

To say that you are a christian because you attend a certain church seems to me to be not quite right. A christian isn't someone who goes to the anglican/catholic/methodist/house/whatever church, but someone who has a relationship with their Father in God, that relationship being based on the work of Christ. The church they attend will be a personal decision after that. Some churches in all denominations will aid that relationship and some churches in all denominations will hinder that relationship.

 

#46:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 7:46 pm

Well said! (oops only 2 words. Will waffle a bit to make it up. That should do. Rather spoils the emphasis though. Oh well)

 

#47:  Author: Grembles, Location: Norwich PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 9:55 pm

I am finding all of this fascinating.
My grandparents had me Christened at 6 weeks old against my parent's wishes and that is where my religious education ends.
From reading widely I have obviously learnt a little more and reading Theo's Odessey by Catherine Clement also taught me a lot but I think I have learnt more about Christianity from this thread than anything else.

I for one am really happy that people feel able to talk about their beliefs here 'cos I am learning so much..

 

#48:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:14 pm

Ask us all anything you want Grembles, although you'll probably get as many different replies as there are posts!! Very Happy

 

#49:  Author: Grembles, Location: Norwich PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:22 pm

Carolyn P wrote:
Ask us all anything you want Grembles, although you'll probably get as many different replies as there are posts!! Very Happy


Thanks Carolyn, I think that I know so little I don't know what to ask, I shall just read this and ask if and when I don't understand something. I always wondered what everyone else was doing in assembly/RE lessons, but then I did get all that extra time in the library...

 

#50:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 10:24 pm

*echoes previous sentiment*

I'm very much an unorthodox Evangelical, and though I can back up what i say, you may find that I won't be echoed by others.

 

#51:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:16 am

It is so lovely to see so many different views. I too was brought up Cof E but left when it became obvious as Carolyn said above it was a non-encouraging church. I then went to a Bretheren Church with my friends for a while - which helped a lot with teaching. Then the church I'm in now was formed about 21 yrs ago so there we have it. We had a very active YMCA in Carlisle from the late 60's to the 80's and I was a member from the mid 70's to mid 80's and that taught us a lot about tolerance as there was people from every denomination and different churches in the denominations. We all supported each others churches if anything special was happening.

 

#52:  Author: Cathy, Location: Australia PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 1:29 am

I'm going to wade into this discussion properly. Here's where I'm at with denominations etc. I describe myself as an evangelical Christian. I was brought up in the Anglican church, baptised as a baby, confirmed etc. My whole extended family is Christian -- we have a broad mix of Anglican, Uniting Church, Roman Catholic, Baptist and Pentecostal. My husband was an assistant pastor in a Pentecostal church and we now attend a Baptist church.

My children were born into an Anglican church, but when we made the move from Canberra to Sydney, were raised in the Baptist church we still attend. Consequently, I expect that when they are old enough they will probably choose to undergo baptism again, this time adult baptism. I don't have a problem with that.

Like a lot of other people here have said, I don't think it's the denomination which is important, it's what's in your heart, what you believe.

 

#53:  Author: Kathye, Location: Laleham PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:54 am

The earliest account's I know of, of people using the gifts of the spirit in recent times are actually from the US, as the Quakers were very into using gifts of the spirit when they first formed and at the back of the old churhes they had shelves built into the wall to place the worshipers who had been slain in the spirit (basically sort of an unconscious state) finding this out always made me wonder about the quakers who attended the CS.

Back to an earlier post by Carolyn_P, I know plenty of people who go to church, but don't have a relationship with God and don't consider it necessary and plenty of people who don't go to church who do. I agree entirely with what you said, to be a Christian it is all about having a relationship with God, the church if you go, the denomination, style of worship, the theology you practise are all second.
I often think that God is appalled at the lack of understanding & compassion other groups show each other and feel like showing them the verse which says love your brother, and do not judge one another ?

 

#54:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:49 am

To quote Jostien Gaarden " many things have been done in God's name that heaven isn't very pleased with" (actually more of a paraphrase.)

I agrre totally with the fact that denomination shouldn't mater - as longas an individual has a relationaship with their Father God what right do we have to judge them. Christ sayd do not judge or you also shall be judged and showed by his words and actions that showing love to someone is the most important thing.

 

#55:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:11 pm

Um... if you don't mind me interrupting, there's some more story here. It seems to be going a bit slowly though...


Jayne looked curiously at the girl to whose care she had been consigned. Dymphna Linden could hardly have been more different to the new girl. She was short and plump, with dark hair that evidently took great joy in life and behaved accordingly. Her eyes were black and her face looked as though she spent a lot of time laughing. The name Dymphna certainly did not suit her in the least. Jayne, on the other hand, looked rather bland beside the dark vivacity of the Chalet girl. She was average height, but her excessive thinness made her look taller than she was. She ahd that look that children get when they are growing fast, of being too tall for their width, with the result that her clothes were all either too short or too wide. She had light brown hair and nondescript eyes that were blue in some lights, grey in others, and occasionally a sort of murky green. But despite her fourteen-and-a-half years her face was still that of a child – which Dymphna’s was not. Dymphna turned to her as they approached a particular group of girls.

“I know what you’re thinking. It’s frightful, isn’t it?”

“I… I…” said Jayne, not very intelligently.

“Call me Dimples – it’s a lot more me than Dymphna, isn’t it? Dymphna sounds like someone terribly swish and dignified. My mother called me it because it means ‘one fit to be’, or something.” She shrugged her shoulders expressively. “I don’t even know what that means. Anyway, I’m Dimples to you.”

Jayne could not help but respond to the light of amusement in Dimples’ eyes and sher laughed, feeling that if she could be friends with Dimples things might not be so bad.

By this time they had reached the group – there were five others besides themselves, all about Jayne’s age. She gathered from what the others said that they comprised all the English in that form, except those who lived elsewhere. She was rapidly introduced to them but although she was sure there was a Jean in there somewhere the only person whose name she remembered was one Patricia Kennedy, commonly known, it seemed, as Trish.

Soon they were all on the ferry, where the seven stuck together and spent their time talking about School and explaining to Jayne various things that were not in the prospectus. They did not bat an eyelid when a gaggle of small girls charged past them apparently in an attempt to discover exactly how many flying eleven-year-olds the railings could withstand at any single moment. Neither did they appear concerned at the sight of Miss Ferrars (as she discovered the brown-haired mistress was called) rescuing one of the children from certain death in the blue, sparkling depths of the Channel. They were far more interested in subjects such as the ‘sheepdogging’ system, the marriage of one of the mistresses and the probable appearance of the newly-decorated form rooms.

 

#56:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 3:21 pm

Ooh, more story - excellent!

The yibbling was interesting but I do prefer a story ... Very Happy

Love the description of Dymphna's hair, even if her name and short leave a little to be desired - poor girl!!

Quote:
Neither did they appear concerned at the sight of Miss Ferrars (as she discovered the brown-haired mistress was called) rescuing one of the children from certain death in the blue, sparkling depths of the Channel.

LOL! Wonderful understatement

 

#57:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:40 pm

Um, Abi....

Dymphna?

I can't see even JMB seizing on that one with glee.

I'm sure it's going to turn out to be your middle name or your mother's name or you best friend now I've said that. Or do you have a copy (like me) of A-Z babies names?

 

#58:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:45 pm

Love that Abi, so like kids to ignore all the chaos and mayhem to discuss the things important to them!

 

#59:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 5:46 pm

Thanks for story. I love Dimples and I love the description of the "flying 11 year olds'.

 

#60:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 7:42 pm

Dimples sounds fun! The heroic rescue by Miss Ferrars was hysterical though, the fact that they just ignored it. Too used to tragedy and heroics I suppose Laughing

Yibble is fun but drabble is better!

 

#61:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 9:08 pm

yay! that was excellent
more please! Very Happy

 

#62:  Author: Polly, Location: Essex PostPosted: Wed Feb 11, 2004 11:12 pm

Sounds like this might be amusing!! Thanx Very Happy Very Happy

 

#63:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:46 am

Thank you for that Abi love the description of the ferry journey.

 

#64:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 1:03 pm

Thanks Abi - tried to send this yesterday but the board was sulking at me. Love the understatment on the ferry journey

 

#65:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:37 pm

Abi, that's wonderful!!! Looking forward to more!!!

 

#66:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 12, 2004 5:45 pm

Loved the very accurate description of the girls ignoring everything except their own interests.

Looking forward to more, please.

 

#67:  Author: Senji, Location: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:38 pm

*quietly waiting for more with anticipation*

 

#68:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 3:47 pm

Looking forward to more.

 

#69:  Author: KB, Location: Berlin, Germany PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:21 pm

Why are we being quiet about it?

 

#70:  Author: Senji, Location: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:23 pm

KB - I don't want to distract Abi!

 

#71:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 6:24 pm

Because we forgot about it Embarassed

Remedies situtation:

MORE PLEASE

 

#72:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 7:36 pm

*echoes Chelsea but a little quieter*

This is really interesting.

*chuckles about flying 11 year olds being rescued from the Channel*

 

#73:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 12:51 am

Joins the quietly waiting for more group

 

#74:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

I loved the brief mention of Miss Ferrars' heroic rescue, but now I would like more story please.

 

#75:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:54 pm

What, still no more story, Abi?



ABI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#76:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:10 pm

*falls over backwards*

Yes?

Sorry, I've been busy this week. Um no, not busy. Just writing essays and things. I may be able to get more posted tomorrow, if not then Tuesday!

 

#77:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sun Feb 22, 2004 5:17 pm

Looking forward to tomorrow or Tuesday then Abi. Very Happy

 

#78:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 3:52 pm

looking forward to tomorrow Abi!! Wink

 

#79:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 8:34 pm

I hope that that's a promise, Abi, and not just a maybe. We really want some more.

 

#80:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Feb 24, 2004 1:53 am

*agrees with all the previous posts*

 

#81:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Feb 25, 2004 4:51 pm

Scuse me for mentioning it, Abi, but its Wednesday now and we still seem to be waiting for more.

 

#82:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:42 pm

Poor Abi. Everywhere I go in C & D, RL is winning the battle.

Waiting for more, please.

 

#83:  Author: Polly, Location: Essex PostPosted: Thu Feb 26, 2004 11:46 pm

I know the feeling. This is the first chance I have had to get onto C&D for days!!!

 

#84:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 1:30 pm

*carefully pretends not to see this thread*

hammer RL!!

 

#85:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 3:13 pm

Abi, this thread IS RL, so get writing.
Please.

 

#86:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Feb 27, 2004 8:36 pm

*sits Abi down at her computer, and stands over her looking fierce!!*

 

#87:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:16 am

*can't post any more even if I'd written it because I'm with my friend in Cambridge.* So nyaaaaahhhhh!!! Razz Razz Razz

 

#88:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 12:50 am

You could have written and posted some before you left. Crying or Very sad

 

#89:  Author: Alex, Location: Manchester PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 1:23 pm

How did you get to Cambridge? Public transport I hope (surely no-one would be silly enough to take a car into C?!) so plenty of time on the way home to write more.

*Feels need to organise a chant*

 

#90:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:05 pm

By train I came. (I can't drive). I will write more













































one day Laughing

 

#91:  Author: Sarah_L, Location: Leeds PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:17 pm

You really meant to write today there didn't you Abi? 'One day' was just a typo. Wink

 

#92:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:27 pm

*looks repressingly at Sarah*

 

#93:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 2:45 pm

Abi, control yourself.

 

#94:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Sun Feb 29, 2004 5:07 pm

Do as you are told, Abi!!! Post some more soon.

 

#95:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:21 pm

So Abi is there any more of this, will there be any more sooon?

*starts chanting*

 

#96:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:24 pm

Yes I have written some more...... I'll post it tomorrow or Wednesday I promise - it might not be tomorrow because I'm going back to Windsor to fetch my dagger!

 

#97:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 12:34 pm

how exciting a dagger...will we be seeing it in the BV tread or are you boycotting it!!!

Look forward to the next installment of this!

 

#98:  Author: Senji, Location: Cambridge, UK PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:09 pm

yay, more!

*chants* Very Happy

 

#99:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 1:12 pm

*pretends not to notice the chants but explains to Nell that the dagger has already made it to BV!*

 

#100:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 2:14 pm

I know that now I've only just got back from there...

*mutters something about some people being lost*

 

#101:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:55 pm

Abi, Abi,Abi, whare are you? we're waiting for some more drabble.

 

#102:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:56 pm

visit BV and you'll find out where she's been!!

 

#103:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:57 pm

I'm here! Hello!

 

#104:  Author: Chelsea, Location: Your Imagination PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:57 pm

You're here - but where's the drabble?

 

#105:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 4:59 pm

At home Laughing

 

#106:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:01 pm

well go and get it and post more....

 

#107:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:01 pm

Well that's no use Abi!

 

#108:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:11 pm

Sorry....Wednesday.

 

#109:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:12 pm

*cries* but Wednesday's aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages away.

 

#110:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:13 pm

Well I would tomorrow but I'm going to get my dagger.

 

#111:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:14 pm

Nice to see you have your priorities sorted... *ahem*

 

#112:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:14 pm

Please, please, let's not go there again.

 

#113:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 5:17 pm

Shocked But it's true, Jennie!

 

#114:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 7:15 pm

Abi wa heavily engaged on msn thisafernoon, when she could have been writing!!! Razz

 

#115:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 9:01 pm

Hm, she needs to be reminded that good Chalet School girls ought to get their priorities right.

 

#116:  Author: Polly, Location: Essex PostPosted: Mon Mar 15, 2004 11:41 pm

*agrees wholeheartedly!*

 

#117:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 2:42 am

*promises to try and get a photo of Abi's dagger, to prove it's real.........*

 

#118:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 9:12 am

Pat wrote:
Abi wa heavily engaged on msn thisafernoon, when she could have been writing!!! Razz


However while heavily engaged on msn she did manage to yibble her way to sixth or was it fifth on the board...and it was fun anyway!! And the dagger sounds beautiful...and she's meeting up with Vikki!!

 

#119:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:11 pm

We met! And I've seen thye dagger!! (also the sword that she wanted to buy!!!!)

 

#120:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Mar 16, 2004 5:16 pm

Don't encourage her, Vikki. This obsession with sharp implements, I don't know, poison's been good enough for the CBB for ages.

 

#121:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 12:30 pm

But the swords were so nice and exciting.....weren't they Vikki? There should be more of this up in about half an hour...!

 

#122:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 12:37 pm

*Sets stop watch to time Abi* Wink

 

#123:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:30 pm

Ok, it's been more like an hour - I got caught up reading Surfeit! Blame Lesley!



Dear Claire,

I’ve been here nearly a week, and you’re the first person I’ve written to – except Dad, of course. You would not believe how busy this place is! You hardly get a moment to yourself, but I’m getting used to it now. At first I used to get lost all the time (which can be horrifically embarassing) but I’m finding my way round quite well now.

There are some really nice people here – one of my friends is a girl called Dymphna, but everyone calls her Dimples – you can guess why! She makes up a sort of trio with a lovely girl called Lucy and another called Felicity, who wants to be a ballet dancer. She doesn’t really talk to me very much – I think she’s shy, but she and Lucy are marvellous at languages. You should just hear them jabbering away at each other! Dimples isn’t quite so good, she says it’s because she’s only been at the school about a year. I have to admit that although most of the time I have no idea what people are saying to me, it is getting better. They have special language classes for new girls and the teachers – or mistresses, as they call them here – are very good. Even so, there seem to be cliques in the Form of girls from a certain country. I mean, like Dimples and Lucy and Felicity and now me, and a few other English girls, all seem to stick together, and so do the ones from France and Germany.

It’s quite strange living with so many other people all the time – having your life set our for you and so many rules. Dimples talks in her sleep! The food isn’t bad – better than at Chauntsingers, anyway! The other weird thing is prayers. They have Catholic and C of E services – I don’t think I’d ever been to a C of E service before this. It seems very structured and formal. It doesn’t give you much scope, although I suppose in a way it’s quite holy. But it is strange not being able to do or say what you want to, when you want to, and sometimes a bit frustrating. It’s also rather frowned upon to talk much about God or religion the rest of the time. Oh well, I suppose I’ll get used to it!

One other thing – and this is quite exciting! Felicity’s mother is Josephine M. Bettany. Remember, there was a craze for her books last year? We all bought the lot of them. Actually, I have to admit I do still read them, they’re such nice books, you can just curl up with them and not worry about things turning out badly or anything. And having met her – she lives next door to the school – somehow changes how you read the books. Felicity says that some of them, especially the earlier ones, are based on her own life, like Nancy Meets a Nazi, which actually happened!

Anyway, this is a long letter and I’ve still got to write to Granny. Show this to the others, will you, and say I’ll scribble them a line if every I get time. Roll on Christmas is what I say!

Much love, Jayne xxx

 

#124:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 1:35 pm

Thanks Abi, glad to see that Jayne is settling in ok!
Hope we'll get more soon!

 

#125:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:00 pm

Thank you Abi for more story. It is nice to see Jayne settling in. Not surprised she found things strange. Looking forward to seeing more of her.

 

#126:  Author: pim, Location: St Andrews (right next to the beach) PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 4:53 pm

Thanks for that Abi!

 

#127:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 10:15 pm

thanks Abi. glad Jayne is settling in OK, though I suppose we have some hiccups ahead?

 

#128:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 17, 2004 11:29 pm

Thanks Abi, so pleased to see there is more of this, hope to see lots more soon.

 

#129:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 1:46 am

Yay!! More please Abi!!
Oh, and did Jo manage to stop you going back for that sword? Wink

 

#130:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:36 am

Thanks Abi, this is looking good and not traumatic either!! So did you get the sword or are you resisting to the time being...

 

#131:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:36 am

No, no sword yet! They were a bit beyond my budget, but oh, so tempting!

And beware, for trauma is ahead, I'm afraid!

 

#132:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:38 am

Nooooooooooooo Abiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#133:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 11:43 am

Sorreeeee! I can't help it!

 

#134:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Mar 18, 2004 4:57 pm

More, please Abi. This is getting interesting

 

#135:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Mar 19, 2004 8:40 pm

*worries about the potential upcoming trauma.......*

 

#136:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 12:54 pm

You mean the trauma of no more drabble when you were wanting a nice long post from Abi, Vikki?

 

#137:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 1:02 pm

Or the trauma of seeing this has been posted to and still no more drabble? Laughing

 

#138:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 2:23 pm

Sorry, I had the next part all typed up and ready to post and then I read through it and discovered it was actually a load of rubbish, so I'm in the process of re-writing it! If it's any comfort I have a later part all ready Laughing

 

#139:  Author: Janet, Location: Ferndown, Dorset PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 4:40 pm

A charismatic at the CS?

What an original idea and very brave of you!!
Very interesting so far - I look forward to the school's reaction if Jayne starts speaking in tongues etc!

 

#140:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Sat Mar 20, 2004 5:25 pm

Have a feeling it will be when not if!

Should be interesting!

 

#141:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 3:12 pm

Umm, yes interesting. It would be very interesting to see what the various reactions from the CBB'ers will be.

 

#142:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 8:47 pm

So where did you get the name Dymphna from?

More please!

 

#143:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:59 am

Just to remind you that we're waiting Abi!!

 

#144:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 1:38 pm

*looks for more story in a hopeful fashion*

 

#145:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:17 pm

Try under that cushion Xan...... Wink

 

#146:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:20 pm

*chuckles as the game of "hunt the story" continues*

I've got a rather sticky bit in the process of being done, but I can post another random bit of nothing-in-particular tomorrow if you like, just to prove I am still wokring on this!

 

#147:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 10:04 am

well i'm sure we wouldn't complain!!

 

#148:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 12:46 pm

ABI!!!!!

Where's more story?

*Would quite enjoy it if, at half-term, Jayne persuades the others to go to a pentecostal meeting on a Sunday rather than the "traditional" churches, whilst they're on excursion*

K

 

#149:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 1:09 pm

Joins in the yelling for Abi.

ABI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

#150:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Thu Apr 01, 2004 9:06 pm

*claps hands to ears and staggers backwards* You foghorn, Jennie!! Anyway, here's the random bit.....


Let us now move a little forward in time. The day was Thursday, the second Thursday of term, and the lesson just about to begin was Scripture, with Miss Annersley. The previous week the class had summarised their work of the previous term, which had covered a part of the Old Testament. This week they were to begin their study of the Gospel of Mark and the class were sitting in what should have been silence, waiting for the Head to arrive. As a matter of fact, most people were talking, and in one corner of the room Jayne was telling Dimples about an experience she had had with a sheep stuck in a hedge.

“And quite suddenly,” she was saying, “I looked down into the ditch, and what should I see…?” She paused for dramatic effect, her eyes forming perfect circles holding such an expression that Dimples clutched the side of the desk and said,

“What…what?” Jayne’s expression grew more solemn, and she finished her sentence in her best gruesome style.

“A hand!” Dimples’ jaw dropped. Her hand flew to her mouth, and her eyes began to look as though they were in severe danger of falling out. “Yes,” continued the narrator, pleased at this reaction. “A hand, and there was an arm attached to it. I dug around a bit, and discovered that it was a man.” She paused again to add to the suspense, then placed the final touch to her horror story. “And he was dead.” The last word was spoken with grim relish. Dimples clapped her other hand to her mouth.

“Oh…” was all she appeared capable of saying. A look of suspicion came into her eyes. “You’re joking, aren’t you? It didn’t really happen!” But Jayne shook her head. Her face was sober and her eyes seemed to reflect some of the tragedy of what had occurred that day. “Oh…” said Dimples again. “How frightful. What did you do?” She gazed at her friend with a sort of spellbound dread.

“Well,” said Jayne. “There wasn’t much I could do, was there? It gave me an awful scare, I can tell you, but I called the police, and it turned out that he’d been murdered in the most horrible way. I’m not sure I ought to tell you……. It might give you nightmares.”

“No, it won’t,” protested Dimples fervently. “Please tell me, Jay!”

“He’d been strangled to death….. By fingers. Fingers that caught round his neck and slowly, painfully, choked him. He gasped, and struggled, but the killer was relentless. Slowly his fingers tightened, until….” She broke off suddenly and went into fits of laughter. “Oh, Dimples,” she sobbed. “Your face! I’m sorry….. I couldn’t keep it up any longer!”

“Wha-a-a-at?” Dimples’ hands slid down her face and she stared at her friend. “You mean it was all a joke?” she squealed. “Jay! You…you…you little horror! How could you?” Jayne squeaked helplessly,

“And you were drinking it all in,” she gasped between gusts of laughter. “Oh, Dimples!” Dimples shook her fist in her face.

“I can’t believe you did that to me! And I was being so sympathetic! You utter beast,” she said, beginning to laugh as well. She was well away, and Jayne was almost howling with laughter, with tears running down her cheeks, when Miss Annersley entered.

 

#151:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 9:03 am

Was it 1st April there as well?

 

#152:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 9:19 am

Thank you Abi! Mr. Green

 

#153:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 10:37 am

well done Abi! Waiting to see what Miss A has to say to Jayne!!

 

#154:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 1:47 pm

hahahaha very funny, Abi - really good!

Now write what happened in that Scripture lesson, PLEASE!

 

#155:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 6:01 pm

More please, Abi! What did Miss Annersley do?!!

 

#156:  Author: Polly, Location: Essex PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 7:51 am

More more more please Abi!!!!!

 

#157:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Apr 03, 2004 3:54 pm

Abi, where's the next bit?

 

#158:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 10:32 pm

Poor Dimples! Now what happens next Abi?
*attempts to be subtle*

 

#159:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:43 am

Subtle doesn't work with Abi. Try yelling.

 

#160:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 12:14 pm

ABI WE WANT MORE!!!

is that better lesley?

 

#161:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 1:56 pm

Nell wrote:


is that better lesley?


*wonders if Nell meant 'Jennie'....*

 

#162:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:00 pm

Think i must have done...oops! Embarassed

 

#163:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 9:40 pm

Rolling Eyes At people who can't wait! I've been revising! I kind of need to 'cos I've done no work for the whole year and my exams count towards my honours Shocked
Anyway, here is more. (*waits in fear and trembling*)


There was just enough time as she walked to the front of the room for Jayne to scrub her eyes with her handkerchief and extinguish her giggles, although she felt rather weak for the first few minutes of the lesson. Fortunately, the Head merely told them to get their Bibles out and turn to Mark’s Gospel.

“Now,” she began, “as I told you last week, we will be studying the Gospel of Mark. This lesson we shall look at John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus. Mark, Chapter One, verses one to thirteen. Jean, will you take the first verse, please?” They went round the class, each reading out a verse.

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
As it is written in the prophets, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness. And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.

“Does anyone have any questions about that passage?” asked Miss Annersley. She had always found this an effective way of stimulating an interesting conversation. A few hands went up. “Hanna?”

“What is a ‘latchet’, Miss Annersley?” queried the German girl.

“It was the fastening of the sandal,” explained the Head. “John means that he is not worthy even to untie the sandals of Our Lord.”

“If that’s what they mean, why can’t they just say it?” grumbled Dimples.

“Because in the seventeenth century, when the Bible was translated, that was the language that was used. You must know, Dymphna, that language has changed enormously since then.”

“Oh, yes, but surely there must be more modern translations,” persisted Dimples, who had always been vaguely irritated by the antiquated language of the Bible and was in a particularly tenacious mood that afternoon.

“Of course, there are,” admitted Miss Annersley, “but we feel that the King James adheres more closely to what the Bible really said.”

“I don’t see why,” Dimples said. “Surely it would be better to use a modern translation that says things so that we can understand. And it must make it much harder for girls who aren’t English, all those thees and thous and yea verilys. Why can’t there be modern translations that are just as good?”

“The Bible we use at home is in modern German,” put in Hanna, who, with the rest of the class, had been listening to the discussion with interest.

“We use the New American Standard,” said Felicity, “it still has thees and thous and things in it, but it’s a bit easier to understand than the King James.” Jayne glanced at Miss Annersley, who was sitting and listening to the discussion roving around the classroom. She did not appear at all annoyed to see the judgement of the School being questioned, so Jayne took courage and added her own bit, as most of the girls seemed to be putting in their views.

“We use the New International Version at home and at Church,” she said, flushing slightly as she realised that most of the class was looking at her. “It’s a new one, but it’s awfully good. It puts the Bible into modern language.”

“I’ve never heard of it,” said Dimples interestedly.

“I think it was only published about a year ago,” explained Jayne, “but our vicar has been wanting a good modern translation for ages, so when it was published we all bought them.”

“What’s the difference between the King James and the one you use?” asked someone else.

“Well…” Jayne hesitated a moment. “It just sort of… uses modern English.” She glanced down at the text of the Bible in front of her. “I mean, it says sandals instead of latchet, and… and Holy Spirit instead of Holy Ghost. That kind of thing.” Dimples giggled.

“Holy Ghost does sound funny,” she admitted. “As though it was some sort of spook floating round ready to howl in your ears.”

“But,” remarked a French girl, one Sandrine, “Sometimes that is what the Holy Spirit is like. Here he appears in the shape of a dove, that is a little ghostly, think you not?”

“Yes, I s’pose so,” acknowledged the irrepresible Dimples. “Gosh, wouldn’t it be exciting if that sort of thing happened now?”

“What? Ghostly doves flapping round people’s heads?” queried Frederika Kempf, a German girl who spoke all three languages of the School like a native, with a grin.

“Well, it would, of course.” Dimples was in earnest now. “But really I meant the Holy Spirit actually, really coming, like it – he – used to, and, well, miracles happening, and voices from heaven, you know,” she finished rather incoherently.

“Oh, but miracles do happen today,” said Felicity eagerly.

“Really? What sort of miracles have you seen?” challenged Dimples, looking disbelieving. Miss Annersley looked then as though she might interrupt, then she decided not to, but listened carefully.

“Well… Mother says that God’s in everything,” Felicity said, hesitating slightly. “Like when she and the others escaped from the Nazis in the War, and quite recently too, when Phil was ill. She and Dad prayed like anything and now Phil’s as well as anyone else.”

“Ye-es,” said Dimples, “but that’s not exactly miracles, is it? I mean…” she continued hastily as Felicity looked like contradicting this statement, “it’s not like raising someone from the dead, or healing them from leprosy, is it?”

“I’ve seen miracles,” said Jayne. She said it quite quietly, but it caused a minor sensation in the class.

“Have you?” said Dimples with excitement. “What sort of miracles?”

“There was a lady in the church… she was deaf, and someone prayed for her…” Jayne began to laugh. “It was quite funny, actually. He was praying for her, and when he was praying she suddenly said, ‘I heard that!’ and he said, ‘what?’ and she said ‘I heard that, too! I can hear what you’re saying!’ And she could. She can hear quite well now.”

“Gosh!” was Dimples’ only comment on this, but she was obviously impressed.

The discussion continued to develop along these lines until the end of the lesson, when Miss Annersley set them an essay to write on any aspect they liked to choose of the afternoon’s debate.

 

#164:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 10:13 pm

Abi, it's good to see Hilda being so supportive of debate...suprised Jayne wasn't able to say she had a NIV and could show them.

Look forward to seeing how this develops, good on Felicity as well, liked that.

 

#165:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 12:50 am

Thank you Abi! Good to see more of this!

 

#166:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:24 am

Yippee! Thank you THANK YOU Abi Mr. Green

(and good luck revising)

 

#167:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 8:25 am

Thank you Abi for a great piece of story. Very well and sensitively written. Surprised Jayne didn't have her NIV at school with her.

Have been wondering if I would have been as brave as Jayne at her age.

 

#168:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Tue Apr 06, 2004 12:45 pm

Oh, this is fabulous Very Happy keep it up, keep it up!

 

#169:  Author: Nicci, Location: UK PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 7:51 pm

Hey Abi. I've read this, as promised! Its wonderful (as is all the yibbling - I've truly been educated in the last 10 minutes), please continue it as soon as you have time!

Hope you can sit down comfortably now! Wink

 

#170:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 8:04 pm

Hmmm

I wonder what Hilda would make of the NIV and some of its translations.

Angel who is not an NIV fan

 

#171:  Author: Cazx, Location: Swansea/Bristol PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 9:19 pm

Thanks Abi, I've just discovered these last few posts! Hope you can post more soon Very Happy

 

#172:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 9:59 pm

Thank you. I'm another who likes the NIV. it's easy to understand and more accurate than the Good News.

 

#173:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 10:05 pm

Pat wrote:
Thank you. I'm another who likes the NIV. it's easy to understand and more accurate than the Good News.


That's not difficult *grins*

 

#174:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Thu May 06, 2004 10:10 pm

Nope!! Very easy in fact!!

 

#175:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2004 4:57 pm

Aaaaaaaaabbbiiiiiiiiiii.........??????

More story? Pleeeease?

Kirsty
*who prefers New Amercan Standard Bible - but that wasn't out at the time this is set*

 

#176:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 2:02 pm

Nicci wrote:
Hey Abi. I've read this, as promised! Its wonderful (as is all the yibbling - I've truly been educated in the last 10 minutes), please continue it as soon as you have time!

Hope you can sit down comfortably now! Wink


Thanks Nicci.... my legs were sore until yesterday Confused When I came onto campus on saturday I had to lean on my umbrella becasue I couldn't walk properly, and going upstairs was a nightmare (I found that crawling was the best option) Laughing

Will post more of this when I have time. At the moment I have exams to revise for and have not been too well lately. Thanks for all the encouragement.

ETA: Kirsty, the NIV wasn't out until about 1972 and this is set 1963 Very Happy

 

#177:  Author: Polly, Location: Essex PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:43 pm

Am still enjoying this - just manaeged to catch up for the first time in over a month. Excuse me for being thick, but what is the difference between most of these bibles and who uses them and why. I used to have a Good News, and my sister had the King James, and my dad has the Good News with the Apocrypha, but what about the others?

*confused Confused *

 

#178:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue May 11, 2004 5:53 pm

Differences in bible version are down to the bias of the translators and whether they're idiomatic or word-for-word.

Idiomatic - most extreme variant is 'The Message' - that is that idioms are translated across cultural context.

Word-for-word - the precise meaning is conveyed - King James Version is the most extreme variant - no one ever spoke like the KJV.

Some versions have a translation bias over certain words - for example the ministry of women. THe same word gets translated as 'teacher' for men and 'helper' for women. IIRC. Homosexuality is another. Also things like Priesthood.

Good News is incredibly simple in its language, and very biased to a particular way of seeing the world. It's often used for Schools and ESL.

This is all based from memory, and YMMV.

 

#179:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 12:42 pm

Also some translations are actually more academically accurate - the Good News, for example, is not particularly accurate, whereas the NIV is much more so. And the King James, or Authorised, was written in the seventeenth century (when people did talk more like that) and so was firstly less accurate because there has simply been more scholarship since then, and secondly the language is obviously very archaic and word meanings have changed, some words have gone out of use, so it's not very easy to use. The Message isn't translated directly from the original language, I don't think - it's updated from another translation (I think, anyway).

 

#180:  Author: Sue, Location: Tunbridge Wells PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:40 pm

Good News was originally written for those who were English as a second language, and has a low reading age deliberately, whcih is why it is used in primary schools. Today the current academically sound translations are generally considered to be the Revised English Bible, New Revised Standard and New Jerusalem, which is the approved RC translation. All of these use, I think, gender inclusive language. King James is beautiful to read, but not a good translation.( Sorry, but this brings together 2 of my jobs!)

 

#181: Charismatics Author: Anna,  PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 1:57 pm

I'm a charismatic Christian and I speak in tongues. It's not really frightening at all, although it isn't meant to be used in public. I'm very interested to see how this develops and there needn't be any friction between Chrsitians who use the gifts of the Holy Spirit and those who don't. 1 Corinthians 12-14 explains more. Very Happy

 

#182:  Author: MissPrint, Location: Edinburgh PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 2:02 pm

I'm not a fan of the Jerusalem Bible, it just sounds too clunky to me. I know it's supposed to be very good, but I think a lighter touch on literal translation would have helped the fluency of the language.

I love the Good News Bible, it was the one I bought for my daughter when she made her First Communion, and she still uses it. It is great for the story parts, though perhaps not what you'd want for exigesis.

Currently I use the New American Bible, a modern Catholic translation, and very readable. The New Revised Standard Version is good too, we had the RSV at school.

To go back to a yibble pages back (sorry, but I'm new here, and just catching up) Margot says she's in CathSoc at Edinburgh. There ain't no such animule: The Catholic Students' Union is on the west side of George Square, we generally thought of it as the CSU or the Chaplaincy, although the University caplaincy which is used by protestants and the Chrisitian Union, is housed in the modern Students Union building in Bristo Square. The Friary is next door to the CSU and the Chapel is upstairs, the whole first floor being knocked into one L shaped room, very plain, with the altar in the wide bay window, looking out onto a mature sycamore tree. It's very plain, and simple, and I love it. It's dedicated to St Albert the Great, and the friary is Dominican, of course. On Holidays we use the somewhat larger chapel at St Catherine's convent (Sisters of Mercy) which backs onto my daughter's high school which was originally the convent school.

 

#183:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 2:32 pm

I actually like the way the Jerusalem Bible reads, and that’s what I normally use, though the bits of Douay and psalms (don’t know what ed. the psalms were) memorized as a kid are naturally the ones that come back to me. However, I find having lots of translations around a real plus. Not that I spend much time reading things side by side, but almost everyone in my weekly discussion group seems to have a different edition, and it really adds to the conversation.

(What next, Abi?)

 

#184:  Author: MissPrint, Location: Edinburgh PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 8:46 pm

Hang on, I think I put my yibble in the wrong thread, oops! Too much drabble reading confuses me.

 

#185:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 9:18 pm

I like to use different translations.

I find the NIV good for study as it is a solid translation, but if I'm really after somehting will go back to the RSV.

I use the message for stories, especailly with the children or if I want to read somehting without feeling oh yes this passage again, or I want a new take on somehting. It is good to read when you just want to sit and read a book through. It was written by a biblical scholar and pasor who wanted to make it accessable, so it has good scholarship, but only one persons and scholarship is not it's main idea.

I am actually using the New Living a lot for devotional reading atm. The original Living was bad, and was done from other translations, but this is completly different. It is more idiomatic that the NIV but is still very good academicaly.

I think it is always good to use different translations and to compare them, using different translations for different things.

 

#186:  Author: MissPrint, Location: Edinburgh PostPosted: Wed May 12, 2004 10:45 pm

Oh gosh yes, I'd forgotten the Living Bible. It was rather dire, though most folks who used it switched to the NIV, which was IMO not much better. There was a fairly ghastly stilted translation which we used in junior school called the New English Bible, not really junior friendly at all.

 

#187:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri May 14, 2004 2:29 pm

Is there any more of this to come? it's getting to be interesting.

 

#188:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 10:28 am

I remember the Living Bible too! It was very much in vogue whwn we were all members of the YMCA in the early seventies. A Living Bible and lots of stickers - oh how cool we thought we were.

 

#189:  Author: Abi, Location: Alton, Hants PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 12:51 pm

Jennie wrote:
Is there any more of this to come? it's getting to be interesting.


If you mean the story Jennie, there will be, but not till after my exam, which is on Wednesday. I suppose I should be revising for it now... I haven't started yet.

How about the New Century Version, anyone? Very modern and quite a free translation, but fun. It's the one used by the Youth Bible.

 

#190:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon May 17, 2004 2:33 pm

The very best of luck for the exam on Wednesday, Abi.

 

#191: Charismatics Author: dramafreak, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Fri May 28, 2004 2:43 pm

Dear Abi

I hope your exam went well and that you're able to carry on with the story. I'm really interested in seeing what happens and whether she cames against any intolerance.

Speaking from experience, I am a born-again Christian, who goes to a pentecostal church, it's mainly non christians who call pentecostals 'happy clappy'. I agree with the others, it's not the denomination you attend that makes you a Christian (that just makes you a churchgoer), but your faith in God, through Jesus Christ his Son and Jesus being central in your life. I know that faith is a personal thing, between a person and God, but that shouldn't stop you telling people so that they can experience God for themselves.

Anyway must go, I look forward to reading more.

Tracey

 

#192:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 7:14 pm

Drabble-bouncing

I found this randomly, and wondered what had happened to it

 

#193:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sun Jul 11, 2004 7:53 pm

Yes I found it a while back and read through it all. Will there be any more???

 

#194:  Author: Lisa_T, Location: Belfast PostPosted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:30 pm

*g* I'd forgotten about the Living Bible too! I went through a phase at 12 when I tried to read it from start to finish. If I remember rightly, I got stuck at Numbers (which are not my forte in any way shape or form- even as biblical books) and never really tried anything so systematic again. In any case, you could argue that the Bible is not meant to be read start to finish in any case, as the Old and New Testaments are very different in their purpose and outlook, not to speak of intended audience! (sorry, but as a historian, I cannot help viewing the Bible as a document as well as a sacred text).

BTW, what do people think (this is way OT but since we're waiting..!) about the existence of other books/gospels which have not been included? Archaeologists keep discovering them- that's all I know. Are they bona fide or not?

 

#195:  Author: Ruth B, Location: Oxford, UK PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:34 pm

I have a copy of the New Revised Standard version with the Apocyryphal texts. I haven't read any of the gospels yet, but am quite interested in them - just waiting for time. I remember my vicar saying the other week that the gospel of Thomas had some pretty un-pc stuff about the role of women and that she was glad that it was in the Apochrypha and not the main part of the bible!

I think that any new gospels that are discovered are only of worth if we know who wrote them and what their agenda is. Its always useful to have new insights into the life of Christ as long as we know where the writer is coming from.

Oh - and can we have more drabble please? I grew up in a charasmatic church and am really interested in this !

 

#196:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 3:44 pm

Considering that the Christian church would not have survived without the assistance of the money given freely by the rich women who had heard and understood Christ's message, I think that women have had a very thin time of it.

In fact, the whole idea that women cannot be priests is unChristian. The message was that all were equal under the HolySpirit.

BTW: where's the drabble that Abi promised us in May?

 

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