The Churches’ Magazine
O U T LO O K
The Churches of the Sodbury Vale Benefice Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
July-August 2017 1
www.svbcofe.org.uk Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian. See 1
Churchwardens
Contacts Rector
Chipping Sodbury
The Revd. Canon David Bowers 01454 313159, [Day off Monday] email rector@svbcofe.org.uk
Joy Gibson 01454 319288 Jane Jones-Williams 01454 324970
Associate Priest
Old Sodbury Karen Hunter If you would like to know more about the 01454 319903 Christian faith or are thinking about baptism or confirmation please speak with one of the the ministerial team
Little Sodbury Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Church Office
Open during school term time Mon - Tue - Thu mornings 9.00 - 12.00 Horton Administrators: 01454 325160 Tina Hildick-Smith Michelle Jenkins, Trish Gailey 01454 320380 email: office@svbcofe.org.uk Richard Needs Web Site: www.svbcofe.org.uk 01454 329890
Advertising:
Volunteer required
Editor:
This magazine is brought to you Free by the four churches of the Sodbury Vale Benefice. If you would like to make a small donation towards production costs (about 70p per magazine) that would be most welcome. Thank you.
Michael Stephenson 01454 314094 email outlook@svbcofe.org.uk
Nominated Person: Mrs Hilary Holder 01454 327118 This is the person to contact if you wish to express concern about suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult
Sept. Deadline Can you have all copy to Michelle in the Church Office by Aug 14th at the latest please.
Front Cover- Combe Martin beach at low tide. Photo by Michael Stephenson
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Dear friends In July Judith and I will have been in the benefice for a year, something which seems to have come around very quickly. For us it has been good to get to know the area as well as the churches and people. Also in July we look forward to welcoming Peter Fewings as Associate Priest. Peter and Lin are no strangers, of course, to the Benefice and it will be wonderful to welcome them back to share in our life and outreach. One of the great strengths of our churches is how many opportunities we have to relate to the local communities, partly through the links we form through what we call the “occasional offices” i.e. baptisms, weddings and funerals, and partly through our involvement in local events. In Chipping Sodbury, for example, we have just enjoyed the annual Festival week, in which the church plays a part, and I really enjoyed my first experience of this. In each of our parishes, and with our brothers and sisters in other denominations, it would be good for us to pray that we may be at the very heart of community life, helping to shape and strengthen the qualities we value and which help us to be good neighbours. The theme of community has been at the forefront in the life of our nation over the last month or so, with a series of terrible incidents, ranging from the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London to the tragedy of the fire at Grenfell Tower in Kensington. In the midst of so much suffering and loss of life we have seen how adversity can bring a community closer together, determined to be positive and not to be drawn into dividing against each other. As we remember in our prayers those affected and as we seek to help in any way we can, let us also remember that all Christians are called to be involved in building community and in modelling the values of God’s Kingdom, where love is stronger than hate. David Bowers
Prayer for the Month
As many in our nation have faced sadness and tragedy this month’s prayer, from the Church of England, is for peace in our communities.
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July 23rd (6th Sunday After Trinity) Wisdom 12: 13, 16 - 19 Romans 8: 12 - 25 Matthew 13: 24 - 30, 36 - 43 Psalm 86
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Noah Robert Fraser, on 11 June 2017 at St John’s Old Sodbury Zac Timothy Rozier, on 11 June 2017 at St John’s Old Sodbury
July 30th (7th Sunday After Trinity) 1 Kings 3: 5 - 12 Romans 8: 26 - 39 Matthew 13: 31 - 33, 44 - 52 Psalm 8: 26 - 39
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Edward Wright and Rachel Paxton at St John’s Old Sodbury on the 13 May 2017
Funerals:We extend our sympathy to the
Principal Service readings August
families and friends of:
Donald Terence Harris at Westerleigh Crematorium on 12 May 2017
August 6th (8th Sunday after Trinity) Isaiah 55: 1 - 5 Romans 9: 1 - 5 Matthew 14: 13 - 21 Psalm 145: 15 - end
Principal Service readings July July 2nd (3rd Sunday after Trinity) Jeremiah 28: 5 - 9 Romans 6: 12 - end Matthew 10: 40 - end Psalm 89: 1 - 4, 15 - 18
August 13th (9th Sunday after Trinity) 1 Kings 19: 9 - 18 Romans 10: 5 - 15 Matthew 14: 22 - 33 Psalm 85: 8 - 13
July 9th (4th Sunday after Trinity) Zechariah 9: 9 -12 Romans 7: 15 - 25a Matthew 11: 16 - 19, 25 - 30 Psalm 145: 8 - 15
August 20th (10th Sunday after Trinity) Isaiah 56. 1, 6 - 8 Romans 11: 1 - 2a, 29 - 32 Matthew 15: 21 - 28 Psalm 67
July 16th (5th Sunday after Trinity) Isaiah 55: 10 - 13 Romans 8: 1 - 11 Matthew 13: 1 - 9, 18 - 23 Psalm 65
August 27th (11th Sunday after Trinity) Isaiah 51: 1 - 6 Romans 12: 1 - 8 Matthew 16: 13 - 20 Psalm 138
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on placement We are both looking forward to coming back and renewing and making new friendships with you. It isn’t long now till 23 July when we start. I feel called to ministry to serve all people in the four parishes with a particular heart for those who are on the fringes of our church and communities. I want to make the cure of souls relevant to all. I want to welcome all into our church and to listen to those who rarely cross the threshold of our church. Some of you will know that I worked hard to set up a daytime chaplaincy in Chipping Sodbury with the Baptist and Catholic churches. Since I left there is a new housing estate which has blossomed and new sheltered living homes. Both of them are important for the church to engage with. People’s lives also encounter different phases, some harder than others and when people are ill, have a baby or have someone die they often look for spiritual comfort that we can offer as a church fellowship. I want to encourage myself and others to do this. I shall be working with the ‘together’ groups and encouraging nurture groups and shared pastoral work to reach out to people in their homes and work places and the frontlines of where we meet others in the everyday of our lives. Peter
Peter Fewings
Our new Associate Priest I am delighted to return to Sodbury Vale after finishing my curacy in Wickwar. Most of you know me, but for those who don’t, I was born in Newcastle and I spent nearly 10 years in Africa, 4 of them working in Zambia. Before I became a priest I worked and lectured in construction project management. Most recently I helped to build a new church for 550 people in Stoke Gifford. It opened most of it just before I left Chipping Sodbury. I still author technical books on construction. I am married to Lin who is a librarian and a spiritual accompanier. When I was in Wickwar Benefice I was involved in lots of children’s and school work and had some responsibility for Hillesley parish. I also completed the mission shaped ministry course some of you have already been on, and worked in Eastwood Park prison
Not Guilty – Me-Lud! Are you one of those lucky people who never have twinges of guilt? Or are you one who is constantly saying to yourself (or others). Did I do that right? Have I upset Mrs Brown? Did I discipline my child to harshly (or perhaps not severely enough!)? Or, maybe you are one of those folk who always do say or think that the things you do are always right and think nothing about what’s happened. 5
I suppose most of you come somewhere in the middle. Now, many of you will have known me for the past 10 -12 years but I’ve got a confession to make I come in the category 2. Most of my life (Through genetics and environment) I have been a clinical worrier – much to my wife’s and my own distress. It’s quite easy to ‘put on a face’ when one feels quite different inside! Now, I’m not boasting of a sudden conversion in this area of life, but I want to tell you of the beginning of a change after reading the Revd. David Parsons’ book published in May 2014 and entitled ‘Sermons from an amateur preacher’*. I read a short sermon based on Romans chapter 8. The verse that hit me was ‘There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because David Parsons through Christ Jesus that love of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the low sin and death. The word condemnation can be read as ‘guilt’. Apart from saying sorry to God (and to people, where appropriate) we can claim God’s forgiveness and be people without guilt hanging round our necks. ‘Who will bring any charge or accusation against those whom God has chosen? Romans 8: 33. So, folk, we can stand upright in Christ Jesus (in Christ). If we sometimes have a fall, let’s get up and press on! Farewell David Webster *Copies from iwww.lulu.com id14647591
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Opening new paths to faith
Making a difference for baptism families
Imagination: Investing in our engagement with baptism families to spark an amazing adventure with Jesus Christ One of the sights that will stay with me all my life is of a group of Ugandan children drawing water from a well at their school. As they lifted the heavy pump they sang and danced, thankful for the amazing and precious gift of water. We, so used to simply turning the tap and finding it there, take this gift so often for granted, yet it is essential. We need it to wash, to be clean, to protect ourselves from germs and infection, and we need it to keep ourselves alive – without it we die! It should be no surprise therefore that it is this precious gift that we use in baptism, ordinary water out of the tap, over which we remember the great story of our faith and by which we pray those baptised may be cleansed from sin, born again, renewed in faith, and continue for ever living the risen life that is found in Jesus Christ. To be baptised is to be called to live life to the full, to begin an amazing journey with Jesus Christ, who gives us life and wants us to journey with him. It won’t always be easy – that is not his promise – but it will always, even in adversity, be filled with new possibilities, with hope and potential, for this is God’s gift to us, that he has made us, loves us and calls us to life. An amazing invitation indeed, offered for all, awaiting just one thing, a response from us... The Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt Revd Robert Springett From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
“This has been really good, so different from last time,” a parent said as she told me how her parish had welcomed her. “I met a really nice ‘man vicar’ at Mums and Toddlers’, who gave me the information. Then we were invited to church to talk about the Christening which I really enjoyed. I met the lady ‘Reverend’ and some other ladies from the church who will be there on Sunday, and now you have come to see us. Last time there was nothing, I just phoned up and we went to the church on the day.” It isn’t really appropriate to punch the air and shout ‘yes!’ as you walk away from such a visit, but I really wanted to. This church is making baptism a mission priority - they really are taking the bigger Kingdom view, that engaging with baptism families is a step in sparking an amazing adventure with Jesus Christ. Although their professions mean this family will never be long-term members of this church, the baptism is very much an important part of their faith journey. On the day, the ladies were there to welcome, to read and to encourage. During the service, I wrapped a blanket made by a member of the congregation, around the baby. The “Ahh” which rose from the family and friends was a significant response to a meaningful symbol of welcome and belonging. The Revd Jo Wetherall, Diocesan Children and Families Officer Find out more about the Archbishops’ Council Research into Baptisms and the ideas and resources available at https://churchsupporthub.org/baptisms or contact Jo at jwetherall@glosdioc.org.uk 7
From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
The new project called "Messy Church Does Science" encourages organisers to host experiments and explain the science St Lawrence’s behind accounts in the Bible. Church in Cheltenham is using personal invitation and a special gift to welcome b a p t i s m families back to church. The project's organiser, Rev Dr David A member of Gregory, said he wants to counter most the congregation knits a teddy bear for people's opinion that science and faith every child baptised at the church. Last don't mix. He said: "It's God's gift to us Pentecost, they held a Pentecost Teddy to explore his creation. Bears’ Picnic when all the children were "It's an aspect of the creativity - it's placed invited to bring their teddies and families within us and we want to show that those for a Messy Church-style session with things come together and actually can craft activities. Around 50 people came to come together in bringing life to us and the picnic and one family have become wonder and celebration and help us to regular worshippers. understand something more about God." All families are sent a personal invitation More than 500,000 people attend the to other key family services in the church’s 3,735 registered Messy Church events calendar including the crib service, around the world each month. Christingle service and Mothering Sunday. The Revd Liz Palin, Team Vicar in the Rev Gregory, who leads a Messy Church North Cheltenham Team Ministry, said: Science Lab says experiments include “This is a really important ministry and we rainbow making and looking at different all want to welcome more families to colour flames that different chemicals church, so for us it was an obvious thing produce. to continue our relationship with our He said his fascination for science led him baptism families. It’s about helping them away from Church and faith in his teens to nurture their child in their journey of but "rediscovered faith as I started to faith.” engage with science in my late teens and early twenties". From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
Baptism bears bringing families back to church
After doing simple science experiments with a group of boys in his lab he decided to open it up to children of all ages when a six year old girl expressed her eagerChildren attending Messy Church ness to join in when she is older. sessions are being urged to explore how Eno Adeogun faith and science fit together.
Messy Church brings faith and science together for kids
From www.premier.org.uk/News
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Muslim DJ raising money for Christian charity
Muslim DJ, Imy Shah will cycle 1,500 km without food and water to fund raise for Christian charity, Tearfund. He’s also doing the challenge to support Jewish and Muslim charities. The 44 year old will cycle 932 miles at his local gym in Luton to raise money for the three different faiths Shah said he believed it was crucial to tackle division between faiths and promote religious unity. He said: “I decided to choose three faith charities to support. In my view, what matters is that we are good to each other”. He added: “I am a regular at the gym but cycling is a real challenge for me and the saddles on the bikes in the gym are definitely not made for long distances. “Doing this challenge during the 30 days of Ramadan is even more of a test as I won’t be eating or drinking during the day. ”Jane Pleace, Global Fundraising Director at Tearfund, said: “We are thrilled and honoured that Imy is taking on this immense physical challenge to raise money for Tearfund as well as other faith organisations. “At Tearfund we need. Inspiring fund raisers like Imy who make it possible for us to bring life-saving training and assistance to people all over the world.” So far he’s raised £1,200. By Tola Mbakwe a multimedia journalist for Premier.
From www.premier.org.uk/News
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The Family Tree
promise made to Abraham. But more than this, Matthew’s very first words – about the ‘genesis’ of Jesus Christ – are reminiscent of Genesis 2:4 and 5:1. He is setting the account he is about to tell in the larger story of God’s dealings not just with Israel, but with creation, marking a new beginning in that story – a new beginning in Jesus. Why Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba are included in the genealogy remains something of a puzzle. Perhaps Matthew wanted us to note they were all ‘foreigners’ to Israel, brought within the orbit of the people of God. More significantly, perhaps, is that their unions and child rearing could be seen as outside the ‘norm’. Matthew reminds us – as Joseph will learn in the passage that follows – that God doesn’t always work out his purpose within expected boundaries.
This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham... Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the On the first page of the New Testament, Messiah. Matthew 1:1, 17 then, the significance of Jesus is seen in the shape of the history of Israel, with all The growth industry in genealogy its ups and downs, which goes back magazines and books designed to help through David to Abraham, and has its people trace their family tree, along with origins in God’s purposes for the whole of the popularity of TV programmes like Who creation. Do You Think You Are?, demonstrate our fascination with roots. In some cases it’s And this history becomes our history too, little more than a curiosity about family as we are adopted into the family of faith background, but in many cultures it whose roots go back to the very reflects a desire, even necessity, to show beginning, carefully worked out by God, connectedness and belonging. This was culminating in Jesus. Here is great certainly the case for Matthew, as he lays encouragement, as the gospel story out Jesus’ ancestry at the start of his reminds me of my incredible significance gospel. in God’s grand design – that I find my identity and purpose, with others, in the Crucially, he begins and ends the one who stands at the heart of God’s plan genealogy with David and Abraham. for the universe. Jesus is not only the fulfilment of the Antony Billington hopes of a new king on David’s throne, but also the one who will extend God’s Source - London Institute for Contemporary Christianity blessings to Gentiles in fulfilment of thewww.licc.org.uk. 10
Recollections from the past It had been quite a week. On Sunday we had awoken to the news of a revolution getting under way – Filipino style – and were coming to terms what it meant and the implications. By Tuesday evening Ferdinand Marcos, his wife Imelda and their family, had left, ushered out of Manila on board a helicopter. With lightning speed Cory Aquino, Ninoy’s widow, was sworn in on Thursday as the new president, protesting that she was only a housewife. Now it was Saturday. What to do? When we heard news that the former president’s residence, Malacanang Palace, was open to the public our family decided that we ought to go and take a look. We set out with some excitement to see the home of FL and FM, as they were commonly known – First Lady and Ferdinand Marcos. Within an hour or so we were standing in line outside the palace along with hundreds of excited Filipinos. Yellow balloons were in abundance and People Power stickers and mementos were for sale. It was a mood of celebration. Before long we were inside, all six of us, in a guided tour of the residence, still warm with the scent of the departed family. Presumably not much had changed. With time memories begin to fade, but in my own recollection three images from Malacanang stick in my mind. The first was the enormous painting of Marcos that hung over the stairwell as we walked in. It was not a conventional presidential painting but rather that of a
jungle setting. In the centre stood the Tarzan-like picture of Ferdinand Marcos – in jungle attire. Perhaps it was one of Imelda’s favourites. The second was of the black-and-white room where, our guide told us, they used to have seances or the equivalent. It was the “spiritual room” where they got in touch with the supernatural. It was, no doubt, heavily influenced by their recent infatuation with the Maharishi Technology of the Unified Field which had been ushered in a year or two earlier. In the middle of the room was a large black-andwhite chequered table. The third image was that of Imelda’s walk-in wardrobe, complete with row after row of shoes and Imelda’s clothing. Three thousand pairs of shoes was the estimate.
They may have a precise figure by now. The world already knew about them. Soon the tour was over and we emerged into the brightness of the palace grounds, situated alongside the muddy Pasig River. Emerging from the opulence and extravagance of the few we were confronted by the real world outside: the thousands of humble Filipinos celebrating the downfall of their former president and his trendy, rags-to-riches wife, Imelda. An era had passed – but what of the future? No one knew. Frank Gray
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HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 9th – 18th October 2018
F. WOODRUFF
The leaflets and booking forms are now available for this and if you would like to come please return your form and deposit to David Bowers. The pilgrimage is organised by McCabe Travel, an experienced company that have organised groups to the Holy Land for many years. The trip has six nights in Jerusalem at the Golden Walls Hotel, a very comfortable and friendly base for time in the Old City and surroundings, including Bethlehem. For the three nights in Tiberias we stay at the Ron Beach Hotel, on the shore of Lake Galilee with its own stretch of private beach. The flights are with El Al from Heathrow and we have a local guide with us throughout the trip. The cost of ÂŁ2025.00 includes all travel, accommodation, meals, entrance fees and gratuities.
This is a great opportunity to visit many of the places from the Bible and it will bring the Gospels alive to you in a new way. If you would like any further information please contact David Bowers. 12
Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors 24 Hour Service 2 High Street, Winterbourne Tel: (01454) 773776 118-120 Station Road,Yate Tel: (01454) 320005 192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath email:info@funerals.uk.net Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
7.30pm
Bell Ringers’ Practice CS
Church Tower, Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
8.30am
Morning Prayer
Church Centre, Upper Room,Chipping Sodbury
9.15pm
Stor'k'ies
St John's Church, Chipping Sodbury
8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
730pm
Bell Ringer’s Practice Horton
St James’, Horton
8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Benefice Choir Practice
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events July
10.30am
Benefice Service to welcome Peter
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
30th July
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St Adeline’s Little Sodbury
3rd Sep
2.00pm
Church Family Get together
Vicarage Garden, Chipping Sodbury
28th Nov
7.00pm
Crib Festival opening night
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Crib Festival
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
23rd
29th Nov - 3rd Dec
If you don’t see your event in the list above please let me know, once it is on this calendar other people can put it on theirs! All times are subject to change look out for further details closer to the date. Michelle 01454 325160 office@svbcofe.org.uk
Magazine Advertising Organiser Wanted Sylvia Franklin is standing down from the role and we thank her for the great work she has done over the years. As a result the editorial team needs a volunteer who will look after the advertising for the Outlook magazine. The job entails keeping in contact with the advertisers, persuading them to renew their adverts when the time comes and looking for new advertisers in the local community. If you are able to help please initially contact Michelle in the Church Office 01454 325160 or by email at office@svbcofe.org.uk
Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar July 2017 Sun 2nd Third Sunday after Trinity
Tue
4 th
Thurs
6th
9th
Sun Fourth Sunday after Trinity
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
Tue
11th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
14th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong (BCP)
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm
Joint PCC
Church Centre C/S
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St John’s C/S
Sun 16th Fifth Sunday after Trinity
Tue
18th
Thur
20st
Sun 23rd Sixth Sunday after Trinity
to welcome Peter
Tue
25th
2.00pm
Tea and Chat Afternoon
Church Centre, CS
Thurs
27th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St Adeline’s L/S
Sun 30th Seventh Sunday after Trinity
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar August 2017 Thurs
3rd
Sun 6th Eighth Sunday after Trinity
Thurs
10th
Sun 13th Ninth Sunday after Trinity
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s,C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Tues
15th
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
Thurs
17th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun 20th Tenth Sunday after Trinity
Tues
22nd
2.00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre
Thur
24th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
Holy Communion {BCP}
St James’ Horton
Morning Praise
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Sun 27th 11.15am Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 11.15am
Tue
29th
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
Thur
31st
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
15
Shaken not Stirred Connecting with Culture The name’s Bond. James Bond. Shaken not stirred. Licensed to kill. I could go on.
Last week, Roger Moore, who graced the screen as the iconic British spy during the 1970s and 80s, passed away aged 89. With a film and TV career spanning six decades, he exuded glamour and subdued good humour, his raised eyebrow perhaps his most defining motif. So what did we love about Roger Moore’s Bond? Firstly, in the 1970s, Roger Moore’s era, James Bond made us feel safe. Scaramanga, Blofeld, Drax, these were villains we loved to fear. With bottomless pockets, they somehow managed to finance a plan to achieve world domination. Or global destruction. But we always knew that 007 would come to the rescue. Back then, we tended to view the world in binary terms – the West was good, the Soviet Union bad. It’s not so clear any more. Since 9/11 and the war in Iraq, the lines between good and evil, us and them, have become blurred. Source - London Institute for Contemporary Christianity www.licc.org.uk.
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Our distrust of our own government has grown. And since the Manchester bombing, we’ve started to worry about the capacity of our own spies, MI5, to keep us safe. After all, it’s impossible to track every ‘potential terrorist’ with limited resources. So, the world feels more insecure, less safe. Secondly, in the 70s, Bond represented a culture we believed in. And we were winners. When the British flag was unfurled in Bond movies, it triggered a sense of patriotism in many film lovers. It represented democracy, a bulwark against Communism, the Cuban Missile Crisis still a relatively recent memory. Not so any more. British society has become fragmented. There is no agreement on British values. Indeed it generates contentious debate. Dare I say we don’t know what we stand for any more? But does James Bond something deeper in us?
tap
into
Perhaps the most significant desire that James Bond, and indeed any hero evokes in us, is one for a salvation figure. When Bond finally triumphed, he saved the world, he saved us. And it’s profoundly satisfying to be saved. Of course, all movie heroes are dim shadows of the only salvation figure who can truly fulfil all our desires. Christ alone makes us safe, and in him we’re offered ultimate security. But perhaps best of all, we can be sure he’s trustworthy. After all, his word is his bond. Richard Collins Richard Collins works with Living Leadership, a ministry which supports church leaders around the U.K. He maintains a blog called Mirth and Melancholy.