SVB
Outlook October-November 2018
The magazine of the churches of The Sodbury Vale Benefice: Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, www.svbcofe.org.uk Little Sodbury and Horton. 1 1
Our Team
The Rector
Associate Priest
Assistant Priest
The Revd. Canon David Bowers 01454 313159, rector@svbcofe.org.uk
The Revd. Peter Fewings 07795206590 ptfewings@gmail.com
The Revd. David Powe 01454 777745
Day off Monday
Work Days Tues, Wed, Thur & Sun
Churchwardens St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
St James’ Horton
Joy Gibson 01454 319288
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380
Jane Jones-Williams 01454 324970
Richard Needs 01454 329890
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
St John’s, Old Sodbury
Vacancy
Vacancy Safeguarding Nominated Person
Administrators
Hannah Saunders 07515 915976
Michelle Jenkins, Trish Gailey and helpers
Hcsaunders.hone@talk21.com
Advertising
Contact Hannah if you have a concern about suspected abuse of a child or a vulnerable adult
Volunteer required
Published by The Sodbury Vale Benefice, Church Office, St John’s Church Centre, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BQ, 01454 325160, office@svbcofe.org.uk, Open in school term time, Mon - Tue - Thu mornings 9.00 - 12.00. Editor - Michael Stephenson outlook@svbcofe.org.uk
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A word from David Dear friends
“At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them”
A pr��er for �he pe�ce of �he Wor�d O God of the nations, as we look to that day when you will gather people from north and south, east and west, into the unity of your peaceable Kingdom, guide with your just and gentle wisdom all who take counsel for the nations of the world, that all your people may spend their days in security, freedom, and peace, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Remembrance Sunday this year falls on the 11th November, exactly 100 years on from the Armistice that ended the First World War in 1918. Our services on that Sunday, including the civic parade and ceremony in Chipping Sodbury, will reflect this anniversary and we shall also have various displays to remember the lives of those who died in the conflicts, especially those from our parishes. One of our parishes, Little Sodbury, is a “Thankful Village”, meaning that those who went to fight in the war all returned safely. It is one of only 53 such villages in England and Wales. In contrast to the thankful villages, a number of towns and villages across the country lost large numbers of their young men, many of whom had joined up through the “Pals’ Battalions”. The “Accrington Pals” from Lancashire, for example, lost 235 of their 700 soldiers in just 20 minutes at the Somme on 1st July, 1916. The First Word War involved 30 nations and was fought on a scale never seen before, with the deaths counted in millions. It was described as the “war to end all wars”, yet the world was plunged into another global conflict 21 years later. War has continued to blight many parts of our world up to the present day. From a Christian perspective, alongside remembering we also pray and commit ourselves to working for peace, looking to the time when, in the words of the prophet Isaiah in the Old Testament, “nation shall not lift up sword against nation”. It seems a long way off but it must always be an aspiration for our world. I hope that you will come and take part in our commemorations this year as we especially remember this poignant anniversary. David Bowers 3
Market
Cross
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Harper-Rose Hampton 5 August at St John the Baptist Chipping Sodbury Daisy Marie Pick 12 August at St John the Baptist Old Sodbury Richard Edward Haskin 9 September at St James the Elder, Horton Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Nicholas Jodrell and Ema Andrea Ash on the 4 August at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury Matthew James Cliffe and Laura Jayne Glanville 17 August at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury Charlie Michael Williams and Anna Daisy Edwards 25 August at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Lee Matthew and Suzanna Burke 1 September at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury
Funerals: We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of: Jean Mary Miller 21 August at Westerleigh Crematorium
Sunday 18th November 2018 at 4pm St John the Baptist Church, Chipping Sodbury
Valiant for Truth Music for Remembrance Tide A concert by the
Bristol Chamber Choir Admission free. Retiring collection
Front Cover - Flower meadow, Old Sodbury 4
A chance sighting on an early morning walk Sent in by Linda Hurst
Photo by Richard Kingscott
Introducing our new safeguarding officer Hannah started worshipping at St Johns Chipping Sodbury over two years ago when she moved into the Town. She and Steve were married in the church in the October of 2016. Prior to that Hannah lived in Wickwar - for 10 years and worshipped at Holy Trinity. For 5 years she was a member of the PCC and also served as PCC Secretary. Hannah was also involved with the local Open the Book team plus a lot of outreach and fundraising activities. Hannah now works full time - as Parish Clerk to Dodington Parish Council - so can't volunteer as much as she used to. Understanding the importance of Safeguarding (due to being the Safeguarding Officer at work) thought that this was something that she could help with. In her spare time Hannah is involved with Should you have any the local Greenpower Initiative at Chipping safeguarding concerns - Hannah Sodbury School (where her son is studying), can be contacted on either she enjoys walks with the family dog, 07515 915976 or by emailing Bobbie the Westie, and always has a good hcsaunders.home@talk21.com. book on the go. Yoga is a love along with music, poetry and puzzles.....
Reflections on Billy Graham The name of BILLY GRAHAM revived many vivid memories for me. At the time when he launched his crusade at the Harringay Arena I was a Curate in a parish in northwest London. By way of preparation for the Crusade I along with many others attended meetings to train us as counsellors. There were many critical comments in the press - what was an American doing here evangelising England? And would it turn out to be an enormous flop? We hired a coach to take our parishioners to the Harringay Arena. Very quickly we came under the spell of this powerful preacher. And to our amazement when Billy Graham called for people to come forward they got out of their seats in their hundreds. It was a great privilege to counsel them at the end of the evening. The Crusade proved to be a great success, not a flop. Billy Graham's conviction and sincerity made a big impact and dispelled all doubts and criticisms. Juergen Simonson 5
Take my hand and stand by me I need you to know about ADHD.
Take My Hand ADHD stands for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. It is characterised by difficulties in the areas of attention, level of activity and impulse control. It affects many areas of the child’s and family’s life. It is also, at times, referred to as “attention deficit disorder” (ADD)
It’s hard to explain but I want you to know I can’t help letting my feelings show Sometimes I’m angry, jealous or sad I feel overwhelmed, frustrated and mad I can’t concentrate and I lose all my stuff I try really hard but it’s never enough. Take my hand and learn with me We need to know more about ADHD.
Take my hand and come with me I want to teach you about ADHD I need you to know, I want to explain I have a very “I have a very different brain. Sights, sounds and different thoughts collide brain.” What to do first? I can’t decide. Please understand I’m not to blame I just can’t process things the same. Take my hand and walk with me Let me show you about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong, Everything I do takes twice as long. Every day is exhausting for me… Looking through the fog of ADHD. I'm often so misunderstood, I would change in a heartbeat if I could. Take my hand and listen to me, I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me I’m not defined by it you see I’m sensitive, kind and lots of fun I try to behave, I want to be I’m blamed for things I haven’t done I’m the loyalist friend you’ll ever know good But I sometimes forget to do I just need a chance to let it show Take my hand and look at me as I should. Walk with me and wear my Just forget about the ADHD. shoes You’ll see it’s not the way I choose. I do know what I’m supposed to do, my brain is slow getting the messages through. Take my hand and talk with me I have real feelings just like you I want to tell you about ADHD. The love in my heart is just as true I rarely think before I talk I may have a brain that can never rest I often run when I should walk But please understand I’m trying my It’s hard to get my school work done best My thoughts are outside having fun I want you to know, I need you to see I never know just where to start I’m more than the label, I am still me!!! I think with my feelings and see with my By Andrea Chesterman-Smith heart. 6
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Alone, yet not alone This article is more personal than “preachy”. When Barbara, my late wife, died in June 2016, my son-in-law, David, told me it was time I left residential care - after nine months in two homes – at least for a trial period- and return to my own home in Batten Court. I wondered how I was to get on. Fortunately, I inherited Barbara’s chief carer, Ian, who cares for me five days per week and is supplemented by Bluebird carers for two days a week plus Ian’s holidays. Then I’ve got a variety of family members and friends who call in from time to time for a chat. I must say that it especially lovely to have Myrtle, my daughter, call once or twice a week. Usually I am notified before a visit, but one friend – nameless - arrives unannounced and bursts into the house like a hurricane and we have a chat and a coffee for about half an hour!
David Webster
“I can’t help being a preacher”
My son, Chris, although far away in Hong Kong, supports me in many ways. He visits me three or four times a year. Maggie, his wife, and my granddaughter, Chloe also live and work in Hong Kong but try to get to the UK from time to time. I must not forget the visits from members of the Benefice who sometimes bring me home Holy Communion, and, as I am fairly ecumenical, I get visits from members of other churches. One thing I have discovered to be helpful, is my daily walk round the pond with Ian. We get talking and sometimes, neighbours will come out of their homes to say hello. An important habit to make is to take the first step. People will readily open up if they see you are interested in their concerns. Finally – I can’t help being a preacher – I talk to God, quietly all the day – not forever asking for things – what normal child does that – but thanking him or just chatting about things. As practising Christians, we have got this privilege. May the Lord continue to be with you. David Webster 8
“People will readily open up if they see you are interested in their concerns.”
Crib Festival 2018 The committee members have decided to make several changes to the Crib Festival following comments from various people and the schools. The cribs will be made by the children and local children’s groups and feature the collection of Mr & Mrs Pett, who have supported us for many years with just some of their collection. This amazing collection has approximately 180 cribs from around the world and started with Mrs Pett getting her children to make the first crib. We shall be able to include more schools and therefore more children who will be able to participate in the workshops and story telling. The theme this year is “THE GIFT” and they will be encouraged to explore this in the various tasks they do. The older children will be asked to write prayers. We feel this will enhance our outreach work with the children. We shall be asking for volunteers to help with these days. Jam jar collection will also be needed, please as the lanterns are so popular. We shall be having the “CRIB CAFÉ” on the Friday and Saturday, providing a selection of cakes and soups, as we have in previous years. We shall be asking for help to run this and provide the cakes and soups. Rotas and fuller information will appear nearer the time and we do hope you will feel able to help us again. We feel that by making these changes people will be able to enjoy the time with us and those who have worked so very hard in the past will feel it less onerous but still able to help and support us. We do appreciate all the time given to help us and realise it is a busy time of year for us all. I extend my thanks for your help and support, in advance. Liz Gregson 9
Crib Festival runs from Monday 26th Nov. to Saturday 1st Dec. Monday to Thursday School Workshops only Friday & Saturday Open to the Public
Travelling Light - Part 1 My Adventure Begins For some, life begins at 40 – but for me it began in January 1969, when as a 21year-old I boarded a BOAC flight to Southeast Asia – to work as a VSO volunteer at Lao National Radio, training Lao technicians. As our plane lost height over Thailand and neared the Lao capital my heart sank. It felt as though we were approaching one of the furthest-flung, God-forsaken places on earth. The ground below looked red and scorched, enhanced by the setting sun gradually disappearing from sight beneath a heavy, dark cloud of pollution... from burning off the rice fields. When we landed and disembarked, a small band of volunteers came out to greet us. It felt as though we had reached the last outpost on earth. On our way to Saylom, a suburban area of Vientiane where we were going to live, the prospect of spending fifteen months in Laos did not improve. We passed street sellers, with their carts and tilly lanterns, peddling basic food: smelly cuttlefish, bamboo rice, mangoes and melons.
English Class
That first night did not make things any better. Bombarded by mosquitoes, I awoke the following morning to find I was smothered in bites – knuckles, knees, feet and face in particular - well over a hundred. Lizards that ran up and down the walls and across the ceiling were kept busy day and night. Geckos clung under the eaves on the outside, breaking the silence of the night with their unmistakable call.
Vientiane was a rather sleepy capital city of a hundred thousand inhabitants, but the population was increasing daily as tribal people, displaced from their villages by the war, arrived. The traffic was light with no buses, few taxis and many samlors tricycles in which the passengers are seated behind the muscular cyclist. There were three sets of traffic lights, lots of dust along the streets and rather smelly open drains that bred mosquitoes. Many of the streets were lined with flame trees, and older houses from the French colonial era added charm.
“Only fifteen months, I thought... “
The ever-present backdrop was the Vietnam War, which spilt over into Laos. We often discussed the ethics of the war, the suffering and plights of the many refugees who fled the fighting, and the unfolding King & Queen human tragedy. of Laos at Shortly after we arrived, in the dry season of 1969, the war seemed That Louang Fair to escalate. The Vietnam-backed communist Pathet Lao forces made 10
massive advances across the Plain of Jars, resulting in large gains in territory and the fleeing of thousands of tribal people. By the end of 1969, I realised I would soon need to be going home. .... But I couldn't go home – I was having too much fun. Although my initial reaction upon arrival had been negative, I found that God had changed all that and the country and its people had grown on me. So, I found a way to extend my term.... a choice that “I was lying flat on my back on would change the course of my life. the control-room floor. Suddenly, Missionaries had been planning to I had a sort of "Damascus Road" build a recording studio, and they experience.” sought my help. Once the studio was built and soundproofed it was time to install the equipment, and this was how I got my first hands-on involvement. One night, my good friend Don Scott and I were busy soldering wires and I was lying flat on my back on the control-room floor. Suddenly, I had a sort of "Damascus Road" experience. God showed me he wanted me to return to run that studio.... It all became crystal clear. I told Don, and he was delighted. It also answered the big question about my calling. …. When I left to go back to the UK in December 1970, the pain of parting was offset by the almost certain knowledge that I would soon be back. God’s plans for my life appeared to be unfolding.
My workplace - Lao National Radio
Once in the UK, it meant living with Mum and Dad again. After two years of total freedom in Asia, I discovered I had changed. Why did everyone worry over trivia? If the milkman had not yet come, so what? I had not had any milk for two years! And why so much fuss over pet food? That seemed obscene after what I had observed and experienced in Laos. My parents even observed that I did not seem to care about anything anymore, and that “something has happened to Frank”.
I lost no time figuring out how I might get back to Laos. I got in touch with the headquarters of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) mission in New York. The Laos Mission of the C&MA were copied on this correspondence and they were anxious for me to come back quickly. The pastor of the International Church in Vientiane one Sunday morning put the proposal to the congregation that they undertake my monthly support. They agreed, and shortly afterwards I received a telegram. “Come.” © Frank Gray To be continued…. 11
In support of BUST (Breast Cancer Support Unit Trust) Bust is a major funding partner for the Southmead Breast Care Centre. Yate Choral Society are holding a concert to raise funds for this charity. The concert will include some traditional choral music, Old English folk songs, comic opera, a piece from the trenches of the Great War and songs from favourite musicals - “Oliver”, “The King and I”. You can have a great evening and support this worth cause by coming along to
St Mary’s Church Yate on
Life Certainties
Saturday 20 October
If there is one thing that is certain in life that is sooner or later even the most positive of us will find ourselves travelling through difficult times. A very dear friend of mine who has had to deal with long term illness, told me, her own mantra for helping her in times of need were nine simple words
‘God made me’ ‘God loves me’ ‘God keeps me’.
at 7:30pm Tickets only £8 Available from Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre or 01454 314779 / 313907 or from Choir members
Beauty Tips For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others. For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness For poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
May these same words, bring I shall definitely try that out! light in all our darkness. Sent in by Joyce Cains 12
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
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Dates for your Diary 5th Oct
7.00pm
Autumn Quiz
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
27th Oct
Benefice Away Day
Thornbury Baptist Church
4th Nov
10:00am 3:00 pm 4.00pm
All Souls Service
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
4th Nov
1
Afternoon Teas and entertainment with a Eukelel
St John’s, Old Sodbury
18th Nov
Tbc
Bristol Chamber Choir Concert
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
25th Nov
2.00pm
Stir up Sunday
St John’s ,Old Sodbury
28th Nov
7.00pm
Crib Festival opening night
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Crib Festival
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
29th Nov - 3rd Dec 12th Dec
7.00pm
Carols with Ale
St James’, the Elder. Horton
21st Dec
7.00pm
Carol Service
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
23rd Dec
5.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, Old Sodbury
23rd Dec
7.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
24th Dec
3.00pm
Christingle
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
24th Dec
4.00pm
Christingle
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
24th Dec
3.00pm
Crib Service
St John’s Old Sodbury
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Calendar October 2018 Tues
2nd
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Thurs
4th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
11.15am
Outreach prayer meeting
Church Centre C/S
7.00pm
Autumn Quiz
Church Centre C/S
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 {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Church Centre
Fri
5th
Sun 7th Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
Mon
8th
Tue
9th
Thurs
11th
Sun 14th Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118
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
Tues
16th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Thurs
18th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
21st
Sun Twentyfirst Sunday after Trinity
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Morning Prayer
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Tues
23rd
2.00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre, C/S
Wed
24th
3.00pm
Crib Festival Meeitng
Church Centre
Thurs
25th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
11.15am
Outreach prayer meeting
Church Centre C/S
10:00am -3:00pm
Benefice Away Day
Thornbury Baptist Church
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion{CW)
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Saturday 27th
Sun 28th Last Sunday after Trinity
14
Calendar November 2018 Thurs
1st
Sat
3rd
Sun 4th All Souls Fourth Sunday Before Advent
Tue
6th
Thurs
8th
Sun 11th Remembrance Sunday
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
10.00am
Baptism Preparation Meeting
Church Centre C/S
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
4.00pm
All Souls Service
St John’s, C/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion with Remembrance
St John’s, C/S
10.55am
Holy Communion with Remembrance
St James’, Horton
10.55am
Remembrance Service
St John’s, O/S
3.00pm
Civic Remembrance Service
War Memorial, C/S
6.00pm
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
Mon
12th
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Church Centre
Tues
13th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Wed
14th
3.00pm
Crib Festival Meeitng
Church Centre
Thurs
15th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
11.15am
Outreach prayer meeting
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Morning Prayer
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
18th
Sun Second Sunday before Advent
Tues
20th
Thurs
22nd 25th
Sun Christ the King Sunday next before Advent
No Service as setting up for Crib Festival
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion{CW)
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Tues
27th
2.00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre, C/S
Thurs
29th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
11.15am
Outreach prayer meeting
Church Centre C/S
15
Harvest Services You are warmly invited to join us for our Harvest Festival services in our churches this year, giving thanks for all of God’s provision for our world and remembering our responsibility of care for his creation. The services are:
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7th October at 9.30am
St James the Elder, Horton
7th October at 11.15am
St John’s Old Sodbury
14th October at 11.15am
St Adeline, Little Sodbury
14th October at 6.00pm
Copy Deadline - Please send all copy for the next issue to the Church Office by November 8th For early publication for the Crib Festival Map courtesy Streetmaps.co.uk
Finding Our Churches
St James’ BS37 6QR St Adeline’s BS37 6QA St John’s BS37 6BQ St John’s BS37 6NB
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 printing costs which are 65p a copy that would be most welcome. Thank you. 16