REFLECTION ON ST PETER’S TIDE (29th June) celebrated on the last weekend of June - by Alan Crowle We all know Porthleven, the most southerly port in Cornwall, even if we have not been there. Every winter there are these photos of waves breaking over the foreshore. “Thou Lord dost rule the raging of the sea, when loud the storm and furious is the gale. Strong is thine arm, our little barques are so frail, send us thy help, remember Galillee”. (Hear us O Lord). Mark 1 v 16 “Jesus saw Simon Peter and his brother casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen”
Porthleven's most recognisable building is the Bickford-Smith Institute next to the pier and harbour entrance, with a clock tower about 20m high. It is currently used as a snooker club and houses the town council offices. The Institute has a plaque to Guy Gibson VC, leader of the Dambuster Raid. Gibson was born in India, but saw Porthleven, his mother's home town, where his parents were married, as a home town as well. He visited there while on leave during the war, sometimes attending the Porthleven Methodist Church. The harbour was contructed as a port to export china clay. It then became a significant fishing port. It is now a busy holiday spot. The last Saturday in June is celebrated in Porthleven as St Peter’s Tide.
The St Peter’s Tide celebration The Annual Festival of Porthleven is held at St. Peter’s-tide where the staple industry of the village was fishing. St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen and fisherwomen, netmakers and shipbuilders and his feast day is the 29th June. On the afternoon of the procession of the Sunday scholars accompanied by two bands and with banners waving, made a tour of the village, coming to a halt at the Recreation Ground, where tea was served to adults, and children were given a saffron bun and fruit. Peter's life story is told in the four canonical gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, New Testament letters, and other Early Church accounts of his life and death. In the New Testament, he is among the first of the disciples called during Jesus' ministry. Peter was a fisherman in Bethsaida. He was named Simon, son of Jonah or John. Peter's mother-in-law was healed by Jesus at their home in Capernaum. Jesus called Simon and his brother Andrew to be "fishers of men". Peter is often found in his boat, crossing the lake in storms, Jesus preaching from a boat, Peter walking on water for a moment but beginning to sink when his faith (2) wavers. Jesus amazes Peter and his companions by telling them to lower their nets, whereupon they catch a huge number of fish. Immediately after this, they follow him.
There is another story of large catch of fish in the resurrection story. When Jesus was arrested, Peter cut off the ear of Malchus but Jesus touched the ear and miraculously healed it. This healing of the servant's ear is the last of the 37 miracles by Jesus. A few hours later Peter denied Jesus three times. At the resurrection Peter went to the tomb. Following the great catch of fish Peter says he loves Jesus three times and promises to Feed His lambs and sheep three times. Simon Peter was twice arrested, but had miraculous escapes. Peter was the early leader of the church and he is described as "the rock" on which the church will be built. Peter suffered martyrdom in Rome where he was hung upside down on a cross.
A prayer for St Peter’s Tide ALMIGHTY God, who by your Son Jesus Christ gave to your Apostle Peter many excellent gifts, and commanded him to feed your flock. May we also obediently feed God’s lambs and sheep. How we wish our voices could ring out over all the world, telling of the great things you have done for us, praising you that we can come to you in Jesus Christ, that we can worship, honour, and thank you for all your goodness! May we thank and praise you for your working in the hearts of many people. Watch over us and continue to bless us. Amen.
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll. Fastened to the rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviours’ love”.
Forthcoming date: There will be an Induction Service for our new Minister as from September, Rev Vicci Davidson, on Thursday 3rd September at 7.30pm. This will most likely be held by Zoom.
Churches Together in Windsor (CTW) Initiative If you happen to be passing our Church, you will see a notice on the gates inviting passers-by into the garden. There are some prayers displayed in the garden and a signpost in the window of the entrance. This is in line with a CTW initiative called ‘Emerging from lock-down’. It is an attempt to show the community that although sadly all the churches in Windsor are closed, our hearts and minds are not closed to anyone. You may like to see what our friends at St Edward’s have done in their garden, and several other churches also have displays. This project was approved at the Church Council meeting earlier this month