The Sodbury Vale Benefice
O U T LO O K
magazine
Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
1 October 2013 50p Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian.
Contacts
Churchwardens
Rector
Chipping Sodbury
The Revd. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159 [Day off Friday]
Paul Jones-Williams 1 Meadow Mead, Yate, BS37 7UT 01454 324970
email jane@kenchington.plus.com
Anne Mudge 22 Gorlands Road, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6LA, 01454 880613
Associate Priest The Revd. Yvonne Brae, 79 Westerleigh Road, Yate, BS37 4BN, 01454 850682, Mob. 07908 513098 [Day
Old Sodbury
Off Monday] email jmyr@blueyonder.co.uk
Val Walker 16A Melrose Avenue, Yate, BS37 7AL 01454 318286 Tony Dixon 16 Chatterton Road, Yate, BS37 4BJ 01454 321528
Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) Mr Ian Yemm 33 Horse Street, Chipping Sodbury 01454 318608 email tenor@ianyemm.co.uk
If you would like to know more about the Christian faith or are thinking Little Sodbury about baptism or confirmation please Brenda Cordy speak to Jane or Yvonne Benswell Cottage,Little Sodbury End BS37 6QF, 01454 316447 Director of Music Nick Sherwood, 78 Firgrove Crescent, Yate, BS37 7AG 01454 319539 Mob. 07802 427135
Horton
Tina Hildick-Smith Kirrin House, King Lane, Horton BS37 6PD, 01454 320380
Church Office Open during term time Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9.00 - 12.00
Administrator 01454 325160
Richards Needs - Michelle Jenkins Ashdown House, Horton Hill, Horton, BS37 6QN 01454 329890
Annual subscription to Outlook (10 issues) ÂŁ5
sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
November Deadline
Web Site www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com
Can you have all editorial to Michelle in the Church Office
Advertising - Sylvia Franklin
by October 16th at the latest please.
St. John’s Church Centre 07788 111 726
2
Dear Friends, We live in a world, don’t we, where people tweet, Facebook, Beebo, all manner of things on the internet, making their lives and their thoughts public. Their views, who they are, is out there for the world to see should they care to notice. It’s a way of making friendship and sharing knowledge, views and ideas. There’s another kind of sharing, a mix of the words web and log, called blogging. For those who might not know blogging is a kind of journaling where ideas and thoughts can be shared over weeks. The author usually sets a page aside for his/her own use allowing only controlled input. You may, or may not, know that there is a Blog Action Day – 16th October 2013. Why am I not surprised? Lots of Christians blog, indeed many a Bishop blogs, but I want to ask the question, “Is sharing our lives on a blog page the same as responding to Christ’s call to share our lives?” Perhaps Christians blogging could be seen as acting as the early Church did when they shared their distinctive identity with one another above all else but somehow it seems to me that we miss a huge aspect, and the vitality, of sharing when our thoughts are expressed only on the written blog page. Would I be the only one who finds that by meeting with people, coming alongside one another, I am stimulated in a way no blog could touch? It seems to me that the West has made an art form of the individual and whilst there’s something good in respect of the individuality of people, we have somehow lost out when it comes to feeling fully part of a community, knowing that in order to be community we need the different characters, the little eccentricities of one another. Where else could we face the challenge of when we put ourselves down and say ‘it doesn’t matter if I don’t participate,’ or ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘someone else will do it.’ My favourite theology is called Ubuntu Theology. Basically that’s saying that I am because you are. Perhaps it can be better explained in a story: An anthropologist proposed a game to some kids in an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruit near a tree and told them that whoever got there first won the sweet fruits. When he told them to run they took one another’s hands and ran together. They then sat together enjoying their treats. When he asked them why they had run like that as one child could have had all the fruits for themselves, they said, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?’ Blogging, tweeting etc., is here to stay, I use it as much as anyone, I just find myself wanting to say, let’s be careful to not let the semi-reality world of the internet affect our relationships with one another and with our neighbours. Indeed let us stand against anything that might get in the way of our meeting together. (1 Corinthians 14: 26; 1 Thessalonians 5:11.) After all, we need one another.
Yvonne
Rev. Yvonne Brae, 01454 850682, email jmyr@blueyonder.co.uk
3
conducted by Jane. Mrs. Sue Plant (Deanery Leader) gave the Address. During the Service Sue admitted her daughter, Sarah into the Mothers’ Union.
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Owen Fussell-Smith & Evan John Fussell-Smith on 18 August at Horton
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Jo Granger & Matthew Gay on 3 August at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury Kayley Gould & Steven Burden on 10 August at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury Tracey Copley & David Boden on 7 September at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury
Funerals:We
extend our sympathy to the families and friends of:
The October meeting of the Mothers’ Union will be on Monday 14th October at 7-45 pm in the Church Centre when Rev. Val Abbot will speak on "Women in the Church". This subject certainly sounds very interesting and should be enjoyed by all Everybody,members and non-members, are most welcome to join us. Refreshments will be served. Jenny
Norma Hurcombe on 9 August at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury, then Westerleigh Crematorium followed by interment at Chipping Sodbury churchyard Roy Maurice Newnham on 4 September at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury then at Westerleigh Crematorium
Mothers’ Union The annual Church Service of the Mothers’ Union was held on Monday 9th September and was
THE PLACE HAS BEEN PACKED SINCE I ADVERTISED OUR SERVICES AS BEING PERFORMED LIVE IN HIGH_DEFINITION 3D
4
Egyptian Bible Society determined to re-open damaged book shops
King Solomon’s Mines discovered? Copper mines discove red in Israel t h a t w e r e thought to have been built by the ancient Egyptians, were active three centuries later and were actually King Solomon era mines, archaeologists have claimed. Known as Slaves' Hill, the site is among thousands of copper mines scattered about the Timna Valley in the Aravah Desert, an area previously thought to have been mined by the ancient Egyptians in the 13th century BC. A team of archaeologists from Tel Aviv University claim to have found items that showed mining activity in fact took place on the hill three centuries later during Solomon's reign. Analysis of 11 samples of metals, clothing, fabrics, ceramics and ropes as well as foods, like dates, grapes and pistachios recovered from the Slave's Hill site and carbon dated at the University of Oxford matched the period. The study, led by archaeologist and metallurgist Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef, suggests the discovery may confirm King Solomon’s, and with it King David's, place in history. Dr Ben-Yosef said: "The mines are definitely from the period of King Solomon. "The findings at the Slaves' Hill site undermine criticisms of the Bible's historicity based on a lack of archaeological evidence. "It's entirely possible that David and Solomon existed and even that they exerted some control over the mines in the Timna Valley at times."
Bible Society of Egypt General Secretary, Ramez Atallah, tells of attacks on two Bible Society bookshops in the country this month. The two shops in Assiut and Minya were set on fire. No workers were injured, but the shops, in the largest cities in Southern Egypt, were completely destroyed. It happened as violence broke out across the country after the breaking up of protest camps in the capitol Cairo and the dispersal of supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi.
The Bible Society in Egypt has been operating for 129 years and this is the first time it has been the victim of attacks like those carried out on the two bookshops. Ramez said that the bookshops were very popular because they were the only source of Bibles for two cities that have a very large Christian population. He said, 'The vast majority of Muslims are peace loving people who want the Christians to continue living as co-citizens in Egypt. So when some of the churches were burned there were Muslim neighbours and others who were trying to put out the fires.' The Bible Society of Egypt plans to refurbish and re-open the bookshops as soon as possible. 5
Bishop of Gloucester apologises for church treatment of gay community Same-sex marriage was on the agenda at a rare meeting between Gloucestershire's Gay and Lesbian Community and the Church. The Bishop of Gloucester, Michael Perham, hosted the discussion, which was the first official meeting between the two groups since 1976. He admitted it was time for the church to apologise for its treatment of the gay community. Michael Charlton-Hubble, chairman of the GGLC, said he had experienced a hostile reception in some quarters. "For me It is about how homosexuals are treated by the church. Twenty years ago I served with the PCC and when the church found out I was gay, it was like a curtain had come down. I was really shocked by the reaction I've had at Gloucester Cathedral. There are other churches in the Forest of Dean that are far more accepting."
Steve Blakeney Plumbing and Heating
Mr Perham, who admits to being a liberal and modern Bishop, said: "The church has to be sorry, that it has not treated the gay, lesbian and transgender community very well. The church may be moving slowly, but it will get there. The vast majority of Christians are moving relatively fast towards a more modern way of thinking and towards a position where they should be. It is a place where they should have reached a long time ago, but clearly not as quickly as the rest of society. The church is slow because it is trying to pull together this universal family from all over the world to have the same understanding. The church's view on same sex marriage is not sustainable. But homosexuals must realise that the church is not homophobic. We should all celebrate committed, faithful and loving relationships."
C.I.P.H.E. Registered Plumber Oil Installation and Service (OFTEC reg.) Bathrooms and Tiling Heating System Power Flushing Renewable Energy Solar Energy and Air Source Heat Pumps Tel: 01454 294875 Mobile: 07778 362623 6
Get involved…
THE
MODA
Ever wondered how you might get involved in your local church. We speak to two people from St Catharine’s Church, Gloucester about their very different roles.
HOUSE Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend break away, celebrating that special occasion or perhaps just visiting the area on business we can accommodate your individual requirements.
Welcome to our church by Don Humphries, ‘A Welcomer’ “The first thing I do when I arrive for my weekday Open Church duty is attach our ‘Welcome to our church’ mobile board to the perimeter fence. Each morning we have a team of two who turn on the rolling screen which shows notices and activities, display the visitors’ book and check there are enough parish magazines to give away. Then it might be time to make a cuppa.
Bed and Breakfast 11 Individually styled rooms Excellent breakfast using fresh local produce FREE parking and FREE WiFi Within easy reach of the M4 and M5 Meeting room To make a reservation or for more details simply email enquiries@modahouse.co.uk or telephone 01454 312135 1 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos. BS37 6BA www.modahouse.co.uk
At Sunday services we have teams of Welcomers who look out for ‘new’ people, give out large print service sheets to those who need them, locate wheelchairs in the best place and generally make sure everyone feels welcome to whichever kind of service it might be.”
Sharing our faith
Energy Performance Certificates for:
by Helen McGeoch, Children’s Outreach Worker
Sales,
“I spend time each week working to create links with families and our local Children’s Centre. This is all part of the vision of making a difference in our community, which is shared by many of the congregation who are involved in school assemblies, Open the Book and Experience Easter and Explore Christmas. We have many care homes and hostels in our patch and we invite them to special seasonal services tailored to their particular needs. An annual memorial service for the bereaved is also well attended.”
Rental & Holiday Lets, Floor Plans
Lynn Edwards MA, MCIEH, MCIH Domestic Energy Assessor Tel: 07973 166 692 or 01454 323 340 Email: office@lenergy-assessor.co.uk
From “The Messenger”www.gloucester.anglican.org
7
Journeying Together Every church tells a story. If church is the building then each one reveals its own story: the history of the stones and architecture, significant events shown in glass or symbolism, the stories of the people in the registers and memorials. The building reveals not just the stories of the past, but also of the present – the donations for the foodbank in the corner, the latest art work from the children’s holiday club, the candles in the side chapel, the book stall, the digital projector - these too tell a story of a living building. People meet here, they pray, worship, give generously and learn together. The church is active, living and vibrant. And of course the church is always the people – the ‘living stones’ if you like. People tell their stories, and for Christians this means telling the story of God, His encounter with us and ours with God. The story is told and shown wherever the people of God are present – in cities and villages, in homes and schools, in places of work and places of relaxation. On November 24th at 3pm all are invited to a special service in Gloucester Cathedral to hear and tell our stories. It will be a year since the launch service for ‘Journeying Together’, our diocesan vision and strategy. Since then many churches have turned their thoughts, discussions and prayers into action. Come and hear what is going on, be inspired by the stories that are told and offer to share your stories too. Every church tells a story – what’s yours? The Ven Jackie Searle, Archdeacon of Gloucester
THE SPIRITUALITY NETWORK FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Saturday 2nd November, 2013 at
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL BODY and SPIRIT a Day of Reflection with
REVD. DAVID RUNCORN Author, Spiritual Director former Lee Abbey Chaplain, Diocesan Director of Ministry
from 10.00am to 3.00pm
Cost of the Day £12 To reserve your place contact Revd. Paul Henstock Tel. 01452 525244 ph005a4900@blueyonder.co.uk (Bring a packed lunch AND DRINKS)
From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
8
Can you host a student for a Jesus feeds 5,000 on short stay? Brighton beach The Bible Society and actors from the Sussex-based theatre group, Soul by the Sea, performed a contemporary re-telling of the Feeding of the 5,000.
Could you offer someone a home far from home for just a day or two? HOST, a well-established charity, is hoping to hear from people who enjoy making others feel at home, and who would love to meet interesting young adults from other parts of the world who are currently studying at universities in the UK, and who want to understand this country better. One host wrote: ‘It is a great to welcome these students and make them feel wanted. They get to see a good side of life in Britain in contrast to what they
They dressed as Jesus and his disciples and offered free tuna, prawn and salmon sandwiches to people on Brighton seafront. The story from Luke 9.12-17 was written on the packaging to help people engage with Scripture in an unusual and exciting way. The Ardeton Ensemble Concert
Friday 4th Oct. 7:30 pm St John’s CS
Kibera is dirty, polluted and overcrowded as well as being a dangerous place to live
might learn from the media. It is also fun getting to know someone from another country.’ Invitations can be for a day, a weekend, or 3 days at Christmas. Sharing Christmas with someone who has little idea what Christmas is can be really special – and for the guest, much better than being on a deserted university campus. Invitations are urgently needed from volunteer hosts, no matter how far they live from a university. To find out more, please see www.hostuk.org or contact local organiser Lynette Chappin 02920 693903. Thank you.
Jane, who used to live in Kibera, now at the Turning Point Farm in Kingangop, Kenya
For ten years the Turning Point Trust has been running programmes to help disadvantaged families in Kibera. The Farm Project gives families the chance to move from the slum to a farm where, after two years' training they can have their own small plot and house where they can be self-sufficient.
Proceeds from the concert will help give this chance to one family.
9
Celebrate a new experience
Mrs. E.J. Gauntlett M.Ch.S. HPC REGISTERED CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST
6 Beaufort Mews 7 Horse Street Chipping Sodbury South Glos. BS37 6DA Telephone: (01454) 319083 Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday Mornings
‘Celebrate!’ is the name of a newly formed Church in Priors Park, Tewkesbury. It’s led by me, the Revd. Wendy Ruffle and is a new experience of Church known as a ‘Fresh Expression’. Fresh Expressions of church are ways for people to explore their spirituality and find out more about faith, in a fun setting. Celebrate! is part of Tewkesbury Abbey and just happens to meet in a local primary school on Saturday afternoons where there’s lots of space and it’s fine to be noisy! Lots of local families gather together to join in this new way of experiencing Church and enjoy being creative with puppets, craft, construction, sport, drama and great food is always on the agenda. Celebrate!, like any family, gather together regularly to enjoy days out too - getting wet, muddy (and lost!) in the Forest of Dean was a real highlight this summer! Celebrate! is at the heart of the community in Priors Park. The members of Celebrate! are committed to journeying together with all who would like to belong - whatever you believe and wherever you might be spiritually. It’s a safe place to come and explore life, God, friendship and what it truly means to be part of a loving family, unconditionally. And if you’re wondering why this new church is called Celebrate!, Kelly Walker, a member of the community, said: “It’s because we love to Celebrate when we worship God. We Celebrate our God who loves and heals us and we Celebrate our God who saves and guides us. Come and join us in celebrating sometime!” by the Revd Wendy Ruffle Contact Wendy on 07768 182769 or email rev.wendy@icloud.com From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
10
CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service Call our professional team on 01454 323 624
Our Services We offer everything from personal care to shopping, Cleaning or companionship. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home, including overnight care and live in care.
Get in touch Call our professional team on
01454 323 624 Email us southglos@bluebirdcare.co.uk 1st Floor, 82 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury South Gloucestershire
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
BS37 6AG
11
F. WOODRUFF
John Morgan DIP MCFHP MAFHP
Home Visiting Foot Health
Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors
Fully CRB checked Fully qualified and insured
118-120 Station Road,Yate Tel: (01454) 320005 24hr Service Tel: 07749 393231
192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath Tel: (01454) 778838 24hr Service
E: info@problemfeettohappyfeet.co.uk
www.problemfeettohappyfeet.co.uk email:info@funerals.uk.net
Relax...... Put your feet up!
www.funerals.uk.net
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
DO YOU NEED FULL TIME CARE FOR AN ELDERLY RELATIVE ? If so we may be able to help. We are full-time LIVE-IN Carers, who stay with a vulnerable person all the time (including overnight). We do all personal care if needed: cooking, shopping, hoisting, incontinence-care, oversight if someone is prone to falls, laundry, and helping the person get out to appointments, friends, shopping etc. We have many years of experience, especially with people who have Dementia; and have Enhanced CRB certificates, and excellent references. Charges are between ÂŁ65 - ÂŁ80 per day according to complexity of work. Sometimes the council will pay some or all of this. This gives family complete security knowing that someone they can trust is present all the time. We are happy to give any information you may wish, or can tell you who else you may need to consult. Feel free to ring on 07501 610562 or Email uphellyaa1@fireflyuk.net
12
The Missal of Sarum restored to the library of St Paul’s Cathedral For at least 150 years the book known as The Missal of Sarum has been missing from the library of St Paul’s Cathedral, a hidden treasure trove behind the south west tower of Sir Christopher Wren’s famous building. The Sarum Missal records the liturgical form used in most of the English Church prior to the introduction of the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. Like most of the liturgies of the Church at that time, it was extensive and complicated. It takes only a short study of it to appreciate Archbishop Cranmer's criticisms of it found in the Preface of the 1549 Prayer Book The original library was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, but when it was rebuilt in 1712 no fewer than 2,000 volumes were bequeathed by the Bishop of London, Henry Compton, to start the new collection. The missal, which dates back to 1502, was one. But at some time during the 19th century, it disappeared.
sale by the Law Society, as part of a wider summer sell-off of its Mendham collection, a treasure trove of rare Reformation era bibles and religious tracts amassed by the family of a 19th century clergyman. It is unclear how the work came to be owned by the family. Staff at St Paul’s library had no idea the book was still in existence until it came up for auction at Sotheby’s in June, and immediately set about recovering it. They examined the legal options, but were advised that the break in the book’s provenance would prove insurmountable. After the missal failed to make its reserve price at the auction – the estimate was set between £15,000 and £20,000 – the library negotiated a private sale with the Law Society, with Sotheby’s acting as an intermediary. As a result, the missing volume has finally been restored to its rightful place on the library’s shelves.
Mystery surrounds the book’s disappearance, and although those working at St Paul’s would never say it publicly, there is a belief it may have left the cathedral premises under the cassock of a light-fingered priest. Imagine their surprise, then, when the ancient tome was suddenly advertised for 13
Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.30pm
Bell Ringer’s Practice
Church Tower, Chipping Sodbury
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Wednesday 8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Thursday
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
Friday
Saturday
8.45am
10.00am Holy Communion
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Choir Practice
10.00am Tubbie Tots
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
9.00am
Benefice Prayers
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events Tue
3rd
Dec
6.30pm
Opening night of Crib Festival 2013
St John’s, C/S
Sun
8th
Dec
5.00pm
Contemplative Service to close the Crib Fest St John’s, C/S
Sun
15th
Dec
6.30pm
Carol Service
St James’, Horton
Fri
20th
Dec
7.00pm
Carol Service
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun
22nd
Dec
5.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, O/S
Sun
22nd
Dec
7.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, C/S
Sun
16th
Feb
10.30am
Benefice Confirmation Service with Bishop Michael
St John’s, C/S
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 sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
14
Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar October 2013 Wed
Thurs
Fri
2nd
3rd
4th
Sun 6th Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
7.30pm
Benefice Church Wardens Meeting
Vicarage, C/S
8.00pm
Mission Prayer Group
Church Centre C/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm
Ardeton Ensemble Concert in aid of Turning Point Trust
St John’s C/S
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion for Harvest {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Evensong (BCP)
St Adeline’s L/S
Mon
7th
7.00pm
OS Harvest Supper
Village Hall, O/S
Tue
8th
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 314409 for venue
Wed
9th
7.00pm
LS PCC Meeting
St Adeline’s, L/S
Thurs
10th
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
12.30pm
Harvest Lunch
Village Hall, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s O/S
Sun 13th Twentieth Sunday after Trinity
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Mon
14th
7.45pm
Mothers’ Union
Church Centre, C/S
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
Morning Prayer {CW}
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 314409 for venue
Sun 20th Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity Tue
22nd
Thur
24th
Sun 27th Last Sunday after Trinity
Thur
31st
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
Family Communion {CW}
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise {CW}
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
15
F Introducing Myself What is a bishop? Aren't you a little young for this? What does your family make of it? Just some of the questions thrown my way since it was announced that I am the next Bishop of Tewkesbury. I have been intrigued both by the level of interest (long lost friends and relatives phoning me to say they saw the announcement) and the lack of knowledge, 'so what is a bishop and what will you actually do?'
and nurture courses. Helping churches engage creatively is my passion. So as a bishop I look forward to sharing in caring, teaching and leading the churches of this historic and beautiful diocese. The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Tewkesbury From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
All are invited to Martyn’s service of welcome on Saturday 12 October at 4.30 pm in Gloucester Cathedral.
My answer usually involves three words. Firstly, a bishop cares for others. So when I was a vicar serving the people of my parish (in my case a former coal mining area of South Yorkshire, then rural West Africa, then inner-city Sheffield) it was the bishop who regularly checked I was looking after myself and my family. Secondly a bishop teaches. My previous role as Archdeacon of Sheffield has led to opportunities as diverse as speaking at conferences of council leaders from across northern England, to teaching on training courses and mentoring individuals. I'm looking forward to doing more of this. Finally a bishop leads, particularly leading the church in engagement with the wider community. In my last parish we did this through lunch clubs, playgroups and a community charity shop; we served women involved in prostitution and asylum seekers learning English; we ran Christian basics courses 16
A FOUR-DAY INDIVIDUALLY GUIDED RETREAT will be held at
The Monastery of our Lady & St Bernard Brownshill, Stroud from
Teatime on
Sunday, 27th October until
After Breakfast
on Friday, 1st November directed by
Revd Pauline Green, Mrs. Rachael Willard Revd. Rob Hingley Cost £270 For further information and to reserve your place Contact Sister Mary Joanna at the Monastery TEL: 01453 883084 email: brownshillbookings@bernardine.org