SVB
Outlook October- November 2021
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
Curate
The Revd. Canon David Bowers 01454 313159, rector@svbcofe.org.uk
The Revd. Jane Jones-Williams 07498 878164 revjanejw@gmail.com
Day off Monday
Churchwardens St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
St James’, Horton
Joy Gibson 01454 319288
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380
Paul Jones-Williams 01454 324970
Richard Needs 01454 329890
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
St John’s, Old Sodbury
Linda Hurst 01454 319183
John Myers 01454 312223
Safeguarding Nominated Person
Administrators
Hannah Saunders 07515 915976
Michelle Jenkins, Trish Gailey and helpers
hcsaunders-home@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, sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com, 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 Jane “The heavens declare the glory of God”. How does the experience of the natural world inform an understanding of God? Thus was the title of my final college assignment, submitted in September. A 6,000 word project, but how can you limit the description of God’s glory; there’s so much to write about! The very wonder of God’s creation opens our minds to more than we might expect if we think beyond what we can see. Whilst we’re unlikely to see much of the universe from an urban garden these days, less light polluted areas reveal some of what’s hidden from normal view; night skies studded with stars and planets, drawing us in to dwell on how this was all formed. How is it all supported, is there other life of any kind? What is the size and scope of creation? If there are aliens, does Jesus save them too, or are we the only ones who need his redemption.
“The heavens declare the glory of God”.
“it’s in danger, danger from us whom God created”
Then there’s what’s in full view if we just look. The sky, whatever the weather. Seas and beaches, with differing makeups across the world, from murky to clear, azure sea with white sands. Then differing landscapes, trees, flowers, grass – intricate patterns. The multitude of creatures and the differences in them, cute or dangerous. Cats that should be miniature versions of their wild cousins, but like mine, are fluffy, white and blue-eyed. Finally, there’s us and the wonder of human creation as we have children and then grandchildren, how they can resemble us or not. Imagine the fun the Trinity must have, experimenting and creating the different parts. Their massive paint box with many brushes, giving a zebra black and white stripes helping disguise it from predators. Small mice and birds in drab colours, again, helping protect them, but then vibrantly coloured birds designed to attract a mate or just for our amazement. Experiencing all this, surely it can’t have happened by itself; it shows us the glory of God so clearly. But we know it’s in danger, danger from us whom God created. Led by Revd Chris Axford, the Benefice is looking at ways we, both as churches and individuals, can engage in eco church and climate change issues generally. Meanwhile, this term Revd Catherine Coster is leading the children attending Storkies on a theme of ‘Caring for God’s Creation’. Please do contact them for further information. Jane Jones-Williams 3
Persecution of Chinese Christians A Chinese court has sentenced four Christians to a total of 13 years in prison for running a business that sold Bible audio players. According to religious liberty magazine, Bitter Winter, the group was first arrested and fined in July 2020 for "conducting illegal business operations." Fu Hyunjuan, 43, Deng Tianyong, 50, Feng Qunhao, 45, and Han Li, 40 run Life Tree Culture Communications in the southeast city of Shenzhen. It produced and sold electronic players which had the Bible recorded in them. Fu, as the head of the organisation has been sentenced to six years in prison and fined 20 million Chinese Yuan (£2 million). Chinese American pastor, Bob Fu has described it as a "heavy persecution" against Christians. Crackdown of Christians in China is increasing. Only last month, a pastor became the first Christian leader to be arrested for "unlawfully possessing items that advocate terrorism or extremism." Speaking to Premier at the time of the pastor's arrest, Christian Solidarity World wide's advocacy officer Jane confirmed the escalation of measures against Chinese Christians. "We are seeing a huge pressure on the unregistered independent churches to close down completely. We're seeing church leaders being threatened regularly, interrogated by security agents and police because of their religious activities." China ranks 17th in Open Door's list of countries where Christians are persecuted the most. Kelly Valencia (Premier Christian News)
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Craft and Table Fair at Horton Village Hall Saturday 20th November 10:00am to 2:00pm Tables include: Pickles and Preserves, Hand Crafts, Bottles, Nesting boxes, Hog boxes, Bird feeders, Planters and much more.
Tea, coffee and cakes to keep you refreshed
To book a table contact Brenda Cordy 07767 076985 or brendacordy370@gmail.com Proceeds in aid of St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury and St James’, Horton
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Joining in with Mission of God. Every month a group from our churches meets to pray together for missions, areas of work that our churches support financially in our community and in various locations in the wider world. These are Regenerate, the Foodbank, Feba Radio, the Turning Point Trust, the Arpana School and the community it serves, and CMS missionaries Jimmy and Katia Rocks in Florianopolis in Brazil.
Jimmy and Katia Rocks
In a series of future articles in this magazine we plan to better inform church members about the work of these organisations and the ways in which we support them through our prayer and our giving. If we were to ask most Christians questions about mission we would be met with various answers ranging from sadness at missions that appear to have failed, to inspiring tales of ways in which lives have been transformed by encounters with Jesus Christ, by actions taken in his name to provide health care, education and training in Christian leadership. Most Christians would agree that all should be involved in mission but often our lives are so busy. We attend meetings to keep the organisation running and the fabric of the church building intact, as well as coping with work and family, such that we find our call to mission difficult to put into any sort of action. Often we are confused by what mission means for us locally, let alone in the wider world. And on a personal level the idea of sharing faith with neighbours, friends and strangers can be daunting. Bible School group in Bangladesh
It has been suggested that it might be helpful to “In every act of move away from the idea that mission is something mission, God is there that we and others do, to an understanding that ahead of us.” mission is about what God is doing in the world. Rowan Williams has written “It’s of course a salutary reminder of the very general principle that mission is never a matter of 6
taking God where he hasn’t been before, and introducing him to a lot of kind strangers. In every act of mission, God is there ahead of us.” CMS pioneer student Kerry McLeish reflects on how she has changed from how she sees mission. It is not just seeing mission as going to a distant and troubled part of the world, running an Alpha course, putting on a church event or talking to a neighbour about her faith. It is also understanding that God is at work in the world all the time through creation and in every aspect of life, with us joining in with what God is already doing. It’s not about us creating our own agenda and plans and asking God to bless those. It is really about trying to find glimpses of glory, finding the places where God’s kingdom is breaking out. God is already on a mission in every community, and it is up to us to look and listen and wait to see where we might join in. Turning Point Trust children in Kibera, Kenya Working alongside people in our communities we acknowledge that we are only a small part of bigger secular structures, and that everyone has ideas to offer and share. Our mission locally gives us the chance to be alongside others in an inclusive way in order to receive as well as give. Our unique Christian perspective is to understand that God is already at work in the people to whom we speak. Our challenge is for us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that mission becomes about change “We look for those and transformation for individuals as they trust in glimpses of glory and God and, at the public and corporate level, as a find those places where release from despair and oppression, from poverty and inhumanity.
God’s Kingdom is breaking through. “
In the prayer time we share information received about what God is doing through the gift of the global church. We seek to find ways to join in with this so that we can see a world transformed by Christ. We invite you to join us by receiving the monthly prayer sheet compiled and distributed by Frank, and by attending and sharing in our time of prayer together. We look for those glimpses of glory and find those places where God’s Kingdom is breaking through.
We normally meet in the Church Centre and make it available for others to join via Zoom. Catherine Coster 7
Dates 21 October; 18 November; Time 7.30pm Place Upper Room, Church Centre
Washing Dishes While the Planet Burns Recently the Sixth Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) dropped with a thud. The headlines are blazingly obvious, leaving policymakers no room to claim it’ll all come out in the wash. The recordbreaking droughts, fires, and floods we’re seeing aren’t normal. The blame for ‘global warming’ is on humanity. Everything is connected, and no region is exempt. Our greenhouse gas-fuelled over consumption is responsible for a 0.8– 1.3°C rise in global surface temperature over the last century. We’re at code-red. Dialling down the heat requires drastic reductions toward global net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. ‘Each of us can Yet it’s unlikely we can keep within the 1.5-degree threshold take small however severe the intervention; prior climate sins have steps toward generational fallout, with temperature rises set for decades to achieving net come. Where can we find hope? zero carbon. … Surprisingly, COP26 spokesperson Allegra Stratton suggested we how do you start by skipping the rinse and putting our plates straight in the start to change dishwasher. Unsurprisingly, such ‘micro-steps’ were mocked. your life in Like Nero playing his proverbial fiddle, it’s easy to caricature this manageable, politician as washing dishes while the planet burns. achievable, Many claim we’re doomed. But what if there’s a third way to feasible, small bring change on both large and small scales? Of necessity, the ways?’ government must do the heavy lifting. Head, heart, and hands must work together. The facts will fall on deaf ears if our hearts are hard to the planet’s plight. And without hope that God loves his world and hasn’t abandoned us in this time of ecological need, our hands are prone to point the finger at fallible politicians or hang limp by our side when our big plans fail. Everyday actions, prayerfully performed, prime us to care for creation. A simple lifestyle, sustainable eco-churches, and wise advocacy, together make for ecological integrity. It shows that hopeful action begins with our Creator’s goodness, not simply human machinations. If this truth isn’t seen yet, be sure it’ll come out in the rinse.
Dr Dave Benson
Culture & Discipleship Director, LICC
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Source - London Institute for Contemporary Christianity www.licc.org.uk.
“Back in the Swing Again!”
Eco Christmas In the spirit of ‘Eco Church’ we are planning a page of Christmas The most recent fundraising event organised by the Greetings in the Dec/Jan Friends of Old Sodbury, certainly lived up to its name. issue of Outlook in lieu of One hundred and fifty guests enjoyed their al fresco people sending Christmas picnics in the beautiful gardens of “Camers”, Old cards to their church Sodbury, whilst listening and indeed dancing to the friends. If you’d like to be toe-tapping sounds of the Thornbury Swing Band. The involved, send your weather was perfect, and a beautiful sunset and the seasonal messages to me majestic sight of many hot air balloons provided a in the office by email stunning backdrop. (Sodburyvalebenefice@g mail.com) or pop in the As the evening came to a close, it post box at the Church was obvious from Centre by November 15 comments made, and I’ll collate them to be our Season’s Greetings that the event page in December’s had been an Outlook. enormous success and that all present had relished the chance to You might want to think meet up again, to relax in such an idyllic setting and to about sending the money enjoy some sense of normality. Over £1300 was raised you save on cards to your to help maintain our beautiful church. favourite charity – maybe it’s an Eco friendly one! Once again, we are indebted to the Denman Michelle family for their kindness and generosity in allowing us to share their wonderful garden. Lynne Watts 9
A message from Bishop Robert The opening chapters of the Bible in the book of Genesis contain some of the most fundamental and profound truths about the nature of the creation in which we live, and our own humanity. That the world was made by God and that it was good and that we, men and women, were created in God’s image, to reflect God’s love and to care for creation. As we reflect on this truth, what is laid before us is our failure. The way in which, in the words of the reproaches that we sing in the liturgy of Good Friday, we have created the means to destroy creation and denigrated body and spirit to mar the image of God in ourselves and others. As the Reproaches put it, God says to us: I made my children of one blood To live in families rejoicing in one another. But you have embittered the races and divided the nations
“Racism is a sin. It is an affront to the very nature of God”
Like so many I was deeply shocked by the recent Panorama programme. As Bishop Rachel said that evening, “We heard the voices of courageous brothers and sisters sharing heart-breaking experiences of racism in the Church of England, underlining yet again, our failure to act.”
We need to say it clearly. Racism is a sin. It is an affront to the very nature of God who created us, each one of us, every one of us, with no exceptions, children of one blood… called to rejoice in one another. The report of the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce will be important. It builds on work already begun by the House of College of Bishops, and s a major focus of work we are undertaking in this Diocese. But all this will be of no consequence if we do not act, and we will not act until our hearts are convicted of the evil of racism and discrimination and the need to confront it, in our Church, in wider society, in our county… crucially in ourselves. Racism is simply never someone else’s problem; it is mine and yours and needs to be actively confronted and countered. Jesus commands us to love God and our neighbours as ourselves. We have marred the image of our God. The Panorama programme challenges us again. How will I play my part, what thing will I, my church and community, what will we as a Diocese do, to redress this sin, to live differently, in the way for which we were created. + Robert 10
But what can I do about the Climate Crisis? More ideas … Maybe you do something that you could share with others? Every small action makes a difference, and there will be many small steps on this journey of change we all need to make. I invite you to send me your ideas, things you do that you could share with others, so that the Eco Church Group can circulate them more widely. We’ll keep them anonymous as we may find similar ideas get put together. This can be a long term project, so keep them coming in - by email or via the Church Office. One thing we can all do is pray. We know God cares for his world; we can talk to him about our concerns and listen for his guidance. You might get some ideas from this prayer, written by Andy Atkins, CEO of A Rocha UK.
A short chat with God about climate change. Heavenly Father, we’re anxious about Climate Breakdown. It’s already causing wildfires, crop failures, killer heatwaves and floods. We’re angry: it’s so unfair, hitting the poorest hardest, Adding to human conflict and compounding nature’s struggles. From youngsters to grandparents, we need some hope: To see governments stopping the bad stuff and driving the good, A fair transition to a low carbon economy, a naturefriendly way, Acting boldly on the science; no more denial or delay! And this year, Heavenly Father, the climate summit will be in the UK too It’s exciting and daunting; what should your people do? We will praise you for your creation; commit our churches to act; Work together across neighbourhoods and nations; And call all leaders to be bold, just, honest with the facts; So, help us, Heavenly Father, to worship, act and speak up. Yes, we will worship, act and speak up. Chris Axford, (Eco Church group) Phone: 01454 321161, Email: chris@robaxford.plus.com 11
Bishop Rachel as you have not seen her before Early in September Bishop Rachel dedicated new bronze statues of John the Baptist and Mary at Cirencester Parish Church and wood figures in the gardens which involved her in a range of unusual activities including a ride on a cherry picker, despite her not being a great fan of heights, skateboarding, table tennis and playing statues with the children.
A Reader’s Letter During my stay in Glebe House I decided to read the whole Bible – Genesis to Revelations, as well as my BRF notes. Some parts are horrible – rape, murder and much more. Some are not for public reading. When I got to 1 Samuel the reading coincided with my BRF notes where Samuel has to tell Eli, the priest, some bad news. (This was a confirmation of what God had told Eli previously, that no man of his family would reach old age due to the contemptible actions of Eli’s two sons, Phinehas and Hophni.)
My own family is going through a difficult time. One of my grandsons was choosing a name for a new daughter. He and her mother chose the name of a rather evil pagan God. It seemed so contrary to the Christian Faith, so -hesitantly- I told my grandson. I don’t think a good priest would baptise a child with such a name. Please pray for us. David Webster 12
Mothers’ Union Mothers’ Union is a Christian mission organisation working with people of all faiths and none. We are firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos centred on mutual respect and collaboration. Our governance, leadership, and activities are driven by and undertaken through members within their own communities worldwide.
Monday August 9th was Mary Sumner Day, Founder of the Mothers’ Union, and as a branch we celebrated this day with an afternoon tea in the garden of Chris and Jenny Evans. Thankfully the weather was kind to us and we were able to gather together for a long awaited catchup with friends. If you have never attended any of our meetings you will be most welcome to come along. We meet on the second Monday of the month at 2.00pm in the Church centre, commencing prayerfully in September. (Apologies to Jenny and Diane who do not appear in the photograph whether by accident or design!!!!) Hilary Hurley
The Mary Sumner Prayer All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee; And every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, Whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe, or the life I live. Amen 13
Prisons Week 10th to 16th October What does the Church do to help prisoners and those released from prison? Prisons Week is when Christians join in prayer for all prisons and prisoners. As Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales and a member of the All-Parliamentary Group on Women in the Penal System, Bishop Rachel supports chaplains in prisons, as well as developing relationships and being involved with people and issues across the breadth of the Criminal Justice System. She heads up a Prison Team and is a Patron of both the Prison Fellowship, and The Welcome Directory and the President of the Nelson Trust.
Rachel’s story Rachel served a sentence at Eastwood Park Prison and told her story in the House of Commons at an event to highlight the importance of finding suitable accommodation for women released from prison. She said, “I tried to escape [from my abusive partner, who was dealing drugs] many times but had never been able to get away. I found that if I did as I was told, the beatings happened less often.” Rachel was drawn into her partner’s drug dealing. “I got arrested and sentenced to four years in custody and was going to be away from everything I knew for two years. I was scared, I was terrified. My daughter had to go and live with my parents – I know I’m very lucky to have had them. “In Eastwood Park, I met Jo from The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre. She would come and see me every week and I felt I had someone to talk to and share my experiences with. “Throughout my whole time away, I was concerned about my release – how was I going to get a home for me and my daughter? I wanted my life to be back to normal again.” Rachel was able to get a home, which the Diocese of Gloucester provided through The Nelson Trust Project Reunite Gloucestershire, to rebuild her relationship with her daughter and finally be a mum. She now has a job, a strong relationship with her daughter and a foster daughter.
Front Cover:
Copy Deadline Please send all copy
St John’s Chipping Sodbury
for the December-January issue to the Church Office by Friday November
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Save the Dates
Friday 3rd December & Saturday 4th December
St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury
A Crib Festival But not as you know it!
Join us on
Saturday 13th November at 10am at
St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury Enjoy delicious cake and coffee and have some fun
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The Extended Team Honorary Assistant Ministers Meet the members of the extended team who support our worship. They consist of retired clergy (perhaps not quite?) and lay readers, who help David by taking services and helping with other events around the benefice.
Revd. Steve Abbott abbott.steve@btinternet.com
Revd. Pauline Green pauline.green936@gmail.com
Revd. Canon Rob Axford
Revd. Chris Mason revd.chris.mason@gmail.com
rob@robaxford.plus.com
Revd. Christine Axford chris@robaxford.plus.com
Revd. David Powe
Revd. Canon Catherine Coster
Wully Perks (Reader)
catherinecoster3@gmail.com
wulstanperks@gmail.com
01454 777745
Mike Swain (Reader) swain189@btinternet.com
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