The Sodbury Vale Benefice
O U T LO O K
magazine
Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
September 2014
1 Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian. 1
Nominated Person:
Contacts
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
Rector The Revd. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159 [Day off Friday] email jane@kenchington.plus.com
Churchwardens
Associate Priest The Revd. Yvonne Brae, 01454 850682, Mob. 07908 513098 [Day Off Monday] email jmyr@blueyonder.co.uk
Chipping Sodbury
Assistant Curate
Anne Mudge 07823 441920
The Revd. Peter Fewings, 07795 206590, Email ptfewings@gmail.com
Old Sodbury
Reader (Licensed Lay Minister)
John Myers 01454 312223 Mrs Karen Hunter 01454 319903
Mr Ian Yemm 01454 318608 email reader@ianyemm.co.uk If you would like to know more about the Christian faith or are thinking about baptism or confirmation please speak with the ministers
Little Sodbury Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Director of Music Nick Sherwood, 01454 319539 Mob. 07802 427135
Horton
Church Office
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380 Richards Needs 01454 329890
Open during school term time Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9.00 - 12.00
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 that would be most welcome. Thank you.
Administrator : Michelle Jenkins 01454 325160 Email: sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com Web Site: www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com
Advertising:
October Deadline
Sylvia Franklin 07788 111 726
Can you have all editorial to Michelle in the Church Office by September 12th at the latest
Editor: Michael Stephenson 01454 314094
Front Cover - Intrepid Abseilers
please.
Photos by Michael Stephenson
2
I can’t claim to be a fan of Bob Marley’s music but this caused me to think. It’s difficult in this magazine always to address issues which might be causing anxiety, disquiet or fear. The very nature of Outlook means that we only see it once a Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Imogen Ann Wiltshire on 13 July 2014 month usually and we focus on things that might affect us in the Church. Besides at St John’s Church, Old Sodbury which, conflicts seem to rise up only to be Marriages: We send our congratulations to: overtaken by yet another conflict. But Victoria Jones and Jack Ridge on 9 we’re not isolated from all that happens in August 2014 at St John’s Church, our world – to achieve such isolation would Chipping Sodbury be a difficult thing living in our media Candice Lansdown and Stuart Sady soaked world – and in any case as on 9 August at St John’s Church, Old Christians our thoughts, concerns and Sodbury prayers, are to be focused on whoever is Funerals:We extend our sympathy to the in need regardless of faith, ethnicity or indeed anything else. Aside from knowing families and friends of: the amount of time Jesus prayed we have Ian Macallister Ross on 24 July in St Paul’s urging in Colossians 4:2 and 1 John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury Thessalonians 5:17. followed by burial in St John’s extension Churchyard One of the things that can make it hard to continue is that world leaders appear to Nancy Elizabeth Davis, aged 95 died come up with a solution only to find that in Carmarthen General Hospital on 18 same problem rearing its head a few July 2014. She had lived in Chipping months later in an even nastier way. Sodbury but for the past 20 years or more lived in Wales. Oh if we could just ask the question ‘What shall we do’ and then have it answered… wouldn’t that be good. But life isn’t that Keep on Praying simple is it? So what shall our response Bob Marley wrote a song: So Much Trouble in the World – some of the lyrics be to these situations…. Perhaps the first thing is to recognise, in simplicity, the are: things God has done for all of us, knowing You see men sailing on their ego trip, that he is willing to do so much more for Blast off on their spaceship, all who will listen. We need also to trust Million miles from reality: in the mighty power of God (Isaiah 41:10 No care for you, no care for me. and Proverbs 3 5-6). So I urge you, So you think you've found the despite all that goes on, let’s keep on solution, praying, keep on caring, keep on being the But it's just another illusion! people God has called us to be and rest (So before you check out this tide), in the blessing that Romans 15:13 gives Don't leave another cornerstone us, ‘May the God of hope fill you (us) with Standing there behind, all joy and peace in believing, so that you (we) may abound in hope by the power of ‘And of course the repeating chorus is the Holy Spirit. Yvonne ‘So Much Trouble in the World.’ 3
Dear Friends, I am writing this having just returned from a lovely holiday in Italy. We spent most of our holiday staying in a hideaway in the Umbrian hills not far from Assisi. Richard described the hideaway as “a piece of heaven”. Our host was hospitable – we were warmly welcomed; nothing was too much trouble and at times it was so quiet that all we could hear were the bees buzzing in the copious lavender bushes. Hospitality is important. I know I have spoken about it before because I have a passion for it. But our holiday reminded me of it yet again. Apart from our host, the Anglican church in Assisi which we visited to worship in on one of the Sundays showed great hospitality. The people welcomed us as we entered the building and at the end of the service a man from the restaurant opposite the church came in to see how many people would be requiring lunch. Yes, in case you’re wondering, it was the usual practice of moving from the church across to the restaurant where they all shared lunch together – and we were invited to join them, which we did. The exercise wasn’t too expensive – their practice was to order one course each and then split the cost. We all enjoyed ourselves and felt we’d begun to get to know some of the people there. Since I’ve been home, and plunged into the familiar church routines, I had a meeting with someone who was new to Chipping Sodbury. He’d asked to see me because he wanted to engage with the church community here. In telling me his story, he related an experience of going to one particular Anglican church where the welcome was non-existent. On returning a second time to the same church, he received a repeat reception. He didn’t bother a third time – he tried somewhere else. How hospitable are we? Do we chat to strangers we meet in church or do we huddle with our usual group over coffee? When did you last invite a person who lives alone to a meal in your home? Do we just “talk the talk” but not “walk the talk”? We can’t afford to have people coming to our churches and not coming again because they haven’t felt welcome. Hospitality is part of the life of following Jesus. So how about talking to that person you have never seen before or who you have seen but never had a conversation with? How about a meal invitation? With love and prayers, Rev. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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Update from David & Christine Parsons
The Diocesan Celebration of Healing and Wholeness
After four weeks of almost wall-to-wall sunshine we had begun to wonder if it really was the Lake District we had come to, but the weather is now back to Cumbria’s more normal mixture of rain and sunny intervals which hasn’t dampened our enthusiasm for being in this lovely place. We have been made extremely welcome by our neighbours as well as by St Thomas’ Church in Kendal, (picture below) where we are getting to know people and feeling at home. David is applying for Permission to Officiate in the Carlisle Diocese. A very big THANK-YOU for all the cards, good wishes, and words of appreciation and encouragement we have received from so many of you in the churches of the Sodbury Vale Benefice. The warmth you have shown has been truly humbling. Next Wednesday begins six weeks of alterations in our little house so we will be up to our eyes in dust, but hopefully the end result will be worth it! Just in case anyone has not noted our details, we are at 24, Helme Lodge, Natland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7QA. Ring us on 01539 727183 or 07425 604893. Email : davidnparsons39@btinternet.com (unchanged). And do call in to see us if you are coming north – we’d love to see you (after the builders have finished!) With our love, David & Christine
October 18th from 1 – 4 pm at Cirencester. Put this date in your diaries now. More details of the day will follow nearer the time. The day will end with a celebration of the Eucharist led by the bishop.
Harvest Celebrations in the Benefice Please note when the harvest services will be across the Benefice: Sunday 21 September 6pm Harvest Evensong at St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury followed by refreshments Sunday 28 September 9.30am Harvest Parish Communion at St John’s,Chipping Sodbury Sunday 5 October 9.30am Harvest St John’s Praise at St John’s Chipping Sodbury; 11.15am Harvest Parish Communion (BCP) at St James’, Horton 11.15am Harvest Family Communion at St John’s, Old Sodbury Please bring tinned and dry goods. These will be sent to the Food Bank and the Sisters of the Church in Bristol. We’ll produce “shopping lists” in September, to guide you as to what these places would appreciate receiving. The Harvest Supper in Old Sodbury Village Hall will be at 7pm on Monday 6 October when any fresh fruit and vegetables will be auctioned. The financial proceeds from the auction will go to the charity “Aid Ukraine.” The Harvest lunch at Horton Village Hall will be on Sunday 12 October. 5
Wotton Deanery Day of prayer
WW1 Commemorations in Little Sodbury
27 September in St Mary’s Church, Wotton-under-Edge 10am-4pm We can’t hope to discern where God is calling us and what God is calling us to do if we do not pray to God! With this in mind, as a deanery, we have arranged a day of prayer in St Mary’s Church, Wotton, when everyone from ALL the parishes in the deanery (which includes our four in this Benefice) has been invited to join other in praying for each church’s work and direction. Please make this a priority. You don’t have to stay for long – 15 minutes, 30 minutes or longer (or shorter). Knowing that this is a priority for every parish and realising that not every parish has the resources to run such a day, we decided we would provide one on a deanery basis. So do please seriously consider coming to it.
About forty villagers and parishioners of Little Sodbury met at St Adeline’s at 11.00 on Sunday 3 August for the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate the village being one of the 51 thankful villages of World War I which had all of the villagers who went to war return safely. The village is doubly fortunate in that it also had all the villagers who went to fight in the the Second World War return safely. Brenda Cordy gave a short opening address and then Roy Gowan unveiled the plaque which is situated between the rolls of honour for the two wars on the north wall of the church. Pictured below, with the plaque between the Rolls of Honour, are Roy and his brother Tony whose Grandfather, William Gowan, was one of those to return safely from World War I, and whose Uncle, also William Gowan, returned safely from World War II.
STORKIES On September 9th, we’ll be starting a new children’s group – it’s really exciting. It’ll be held at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury each Tuesday morning between 9.15 and 11.15. There will be toys, games and craft for the children with a drink and biscuit. We’ll be concentrating on encouraging literacy skills from babyhood and also enhancing social skills through play. If you’ve any children under school age, you’ll be made most welcome and if you want any further details please ring me on 07908 513098. Be good to see you there. Yvonne
Our commemorations at St Adeline’s concluded on Monday 4 August at 8:00pm when about 20 of us joined in a short service, held simultaneously in each of the Churches of our Benefice, to commemorate the start of WW1 and to remember those lost and the sufferings caused by that conflict. 6
Bishop Michael
F. WOODRUFF
The news broke on 1 August that Bishop Michael was stepping back from his ministry as Bishop of Gloucester. It is important to note that Bishop Michael has not resigned and was not asked to resign. He is due to retire in November 2014. The following statement was issued by Bishop Martyn and read out in all the churches on Sunday 10 August: “It was announced last week that Bishop Michael has, for personal reasons, stepped back from his ministry as Bishop of Gloucester. This news has caused great sadness across the diocese. Various news outlets have been carrying a story about a police investigation into certain allegations relating to the early 1980s. You will realise that this is very traumatic for everyone involved and affected by these news reports. Please hold them all in your prayers. The Archbishop of Canterbury has signed an Instrument of Delegation allowing the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Right Reverend Martyn Snow to act as Diocesan Bishop. If you would like to speak to someone about this matter or any other concerns you may have, please contact either the Bishop of Tewkesbury or the Diocesan office. Thank you for your prayers and understanding.� Contact details: The Bishop of Tewkesbury: 01452 835562 or bshptewk@glosdioc.org.uk Diocesan Safeguarding Officers: Judith Knight and Becca Faal: 07944 680320 or bfaal@glosdioc.org.uk
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Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
We pray for Michael our bishop, for his family, and for all who are hurt and suffering; Grant us wisdom and gentleness, that we may care for one another and for all who are vulnerable with the same love and compassion that you have shown us in your Son Jesus Christ. We ask this in the name of your Son. Amen.
Exploring Christianity Course/Confirmation Course
We will be starting a new course on Tuesday 16 September in the Church Centre at 7.30pm. This course is for those who wish to learn a bit more about the We are invited to use this prayer: Christian faith and for those wishing to be God of all mercy, you love all that you confirmed. Please do contact Jane or have made and have compassion on all Yvonne as soon as possible if you are your creation: interested. 7
Gloucester Diocese at the The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival 3-12 October 2014 We are delighted to be growing our relationship with the Literature Festival and particularly its religion and spirituality strand. This year the festival will be welcoming speakers including John Bell, Lavinia Byrne, Richard Coles, Francis Spufford, and Alister McGrath to events developed in partnership with the Diocese. Our aim is to help create a space where Christian faith can be debated and explored in the public square. See the events listings below for full details. More information can be found at www.cheltenhamfestival.co.uk/literature Discounted tickets are available for the events overleaf on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis when booked through the Department of Mission and Ministry. You can claim this from your CMD if in credit. Please contact Charlie to book your discounted tickets. Charlie can be contacted on 01452 835551 or by e-mail: ckawczynski@glosdioc.org.uk
Future? anity Have A Does Christi the 21st Christianity in
Truth and Uncertainty Although science attempts to explain the universe and human existence, a vast majority remains a mystery: exotic, hypothetical and undetected. However, faith rises where certainty falls, supporting our understanding of what cannot be known for sure. Theologian Alister McGrath, philosopher Ray Tallis and physicist Tom McLeish explore the meaning of certainty and the nature of truth.
allenges facing urch’s Exploring the ch orny gender issues to the ch th m fro economics and cs, century— liti po in le rsial ro (Ten Things often controve or John Bell nister and auth us), Francis Spufford public life —mi Jes t ou c nun ld Me Ab They Never To c) and former Roman Catholi d its (Unapologeti the church an of e ur fut e th ciety. e discuss Lavinia Byrn multicultural so role in today’s 5 to 2.45pm ctober 2014 1.4 Inkpot Saturday 4th O The , re ua Sq l ria Impe £7
Thursday 9th October 2014 6.15 to 7.15pm £7 Imperial Square, The Inkpot
Rowan Williams Law, Rights and Religion
Fathomless Riches Richard Coles
The Cambridge Coexist Theology Lecture
Parish priest, for mer rock star with The Comm and BBC Radio unards 4 presenter th Coles joins Pe e Reverend Ri ter Guttridge chard for a ric h insight into his remarkable life , explored in his autobiography Fathomless Ri ches. Sunday 12th O ctober 2014 3.1 5 £10 to 4.15pm, Imperial Square , Town Hall, Ma in Hall
Are religion and the language of human rights uncomfortable bedfellows? This lecture looks for connections between these potential enemies on the assumption that mutual flourishing requires mutual engagement. Saturday 11th October 2014 11.45am to 12.45pm, £10 Imperial Square, The Sunday Times Garden Theatre
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Ride On Cycles
Baptism Fun Afternoon 20 September from 2pm to 4pm. Baptism is of great significance to us at Church and so we really love and value our baptism families, making, as they have, one of the most meaningful decisions for their children. So we have decided to celebrate this by holding a ‘Baptism Fun Afternoon’ on Saturday 20 September from 2pm to 4pm. There will be a bouncy castle, crafts, games, singing, a small tea and a short time of remembering your child’s baptism. If by any chance you’ve not heard from us and have a child who was baptised in any of the Churches in the Benefice after 2010 then we’d love to welcome you to be with us. Just ring Yvonne on 07908 513098
The cycle workshop that comes to you
Having problems getting to a cycle shop? Call Ride On Cycles & I come to you. A full range of services & repairs by a City & Guilds qualified mechanic. Collection & return service also available Custom bike builds, recondition and overhaul also available. Boxed bikes assembled & safety checked. For more information contact Andy on: 01454 880872 / 07443333219 andy@ride-on-cycles.co.uk www.ride-on-cycles.co.uk
Tea and Chat You may have seen posters in church advertising our afternoons held once a month in St. John’s Church Centre. They are aimed at anyone, of any age, church members or not, who may find time hanging heavy on their hands and who would appreciate company. At the moment we’re mainly content to sit and chat over a cup of tea and piece of cake, but from time to time we have other activities, such as the very enjoyable visit and performance by St. John’s Mead School choir in June. Everyone is very welcome to join us, regularly or only occasionally, and for anyone with a mobility problem, transport can be provided to the Church Centre. Please pass the message on to anyone you know who may be interested. We usually meet on the last Tuesday of the month in the Church Centre. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 30 September. For more information phone Christine Stephens on 01454 314621.
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a) When did I sense God’s presence the most in my day? b) When did God’s presence seem farthest away from me in my day? c) How was God loving me in my day? d) How was God loving me even when his presence seemed far away? e) How did I respond to God’s love in my day?
Principal Service readings September September 7 (Twelfth Sunday after Trinity) Ezekiel 33: 7 - 11 Romans 13: 8 - end Matthew 18: 15 - 20 Psalm 119: 33 - 40
Following this practice regularly helps us to think about where God is in our lives and from that to be more aware of his nearness.
September 14 (Holy Cross Day) Numbers 21: 4 - 9 Philippians 2: 6 - 11 John 3: 13 - 17 Psalm 22: 23 - 28 September 21 (St Matthew) Proverbs 3: 13 - 18 2 Corinthians 4: 1 - 6 Matthew 9: 9 - 13 Psalm 119: 65 - 72
At our August meeting we welcomed members from Yate branch to afternoon tea in the lady chapel. Our September meeting is our annual service on Sept. 8th at 7:30 pm in church when Ian Yemm will be our speaker. All are welcome. With love Joy
September 28 (Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity) Ezekiel 18: 1 - 4, 25 - end Philippians 2: 1 - 13 Matthew 21: 23 - 32 Psalm 25: 1 - 8
Feel closer to God. At our midweek morning service recently we considered the Jesuit habit of selfexamination which they practice twice a day, once at noon and again at the end of day. This is a practice of prayerful reflection on the events of the day that can help us detect God’s presence and discern his direction. Time is set aside to reflect on the day, when the time is right ask yourself each of these questions then carefully consider your answers. 10
An exhibition of over 100 contemporary sculptures in the glorious setting of Gloucester Cathedral
SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER 6.30 – 8 PM GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL WARMLY INVITES MEMBERS OF THE WOTTON DEANERY TO A PRIVATEVIEWING OF CRUCIBLE 2. Drinks will be served on arrival at 6.30pm and the evening will end with Compline in the Quire at 7.45pm
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Open the Book As the new school year starts the Open the Book teams in Chipping Sodbury and Old Sodbury are about to start their regular visits to St. John's Mead and Old Sodbury Schools. New recruits are always welcome to the teams as we act out and explain stories from the Bible. The children are always very appreciative of the assemblies as can be seen from the thank you letter below, one of several received from St. John's Mead School at the end of the last school year.
If you would like to help us at St John’s Mead School please contact Avril Harris on 01454 323417.
Uniting the PCCs We are continuing to have meetings to explore how we move forward towards uniting our PCCs. From July, all four PCCs will meet together several times in order to work together on issues of mission – which can only properly be done altogether. The next meeting is Thursday 11th September at Old Sodbury Village Hall. Watch this magazine for more news of progress! 12
International Partnerships – so what?
Since 2004, we have gained some further diocesan links. The first of these is our link with the diocese of Västerås in Sweden. This is a different sort of link because it is between two countries of similar wealth. Since it is nearer geographically, we have had a lot of exchange visits learning about the Church of Sweden (Lutheran) and learning from each other – particularly in the field of lay-training. After the Lambeth Conference in 2008, when issues such as women bishops and issues in human sexuality reminded us again of how divided the Anglican Communion is over such issues. As a result, we formed a “triangular partnership” between the Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Africa and El Camino Real in the United States of America. It was felt that the only way to try to navigate a path through these divisive issues was to bring together people from different standpoints and listen to one another and try to better understand our context. As well as all these highly successful diocesan links, we also have specific benefice links. For some years now we have been both supporting the work of Turning Point in Kiberia, Kenya and we have supported CMS partners. Our latest CMS partners are Paul and Charitas Cho, who work in Manila in the Philippines, teaching in the theological college there. On Sunday 7 September, we will focus on our International links in all our services in the benefice as well as being invited to the cathedral service at 3pm on that day. So do keep this date in your diaries. JK
When I was growing up, I was very familiar with the work of what used to be called USPG and CMS missionary societies. We in Britain, sent out people to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with people in developing countries – continuing the work of many missionaries who had gone abroad as a result of the British Empire. There was always the feeling that it was them and us – we “did to them and taught them what to believe” with little thought of mutuality. There was certainly a feeling of superiority on our side. Thankfully, times have changed rapidly in my lifetime when the country has had to rethink what it means to be in the Commonwealth and how we relate to other people across the world. People in developing countries often have a far more robust Christian faith compared with those here and it’s reached the stage where they are sending missionaries to Britain! The missionary societies such as USPG (which has been renamed as “US” and CMS have changed dramatically as well. The very change in USPG’s name indicates the belief in a mutually equal relationship. Gone are the days when Brits went around the world trying to convert people into little Brits. The Diocese of Gloucester has a number of dioceses across the world with which it is partnered. In the 1990s, the diocese linked up with two dioceses in South India: Karnataka Central and Dornakal. There are clergy exchanges and a Diocesan Youth group visits those dioceses in the summer to do work out there in the communities. In this partnership, there is material help we can give whilst we can learn from and be inspired by the depth of faith that is so often lacking among Christians in this country. 13
International Partnerships Service Sunday 7 September at 3pm Gloucester Cathedral
Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.30pm
Bell Ringers’ 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
8.45am
10.00am Holy Communion
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Choir Practice
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events Mon
6th
Oct
7.30pm
Harvest Supper
Village Hall, OS
Sun
2nd
Nov
4.00pm
All Souls’ Service
St John’s, CS
Sun
23rd
Nov
2.00pm
Friends of Old Sodbury Church will be holding ‘Stir up Sunday’
St John’s, OS
Sat
29th
Nov
7.00pm
Friends of Old Sodbury Church present a Concert by the Silver Ring Choir
St John’s, OS
Tue
2nd
Dec
6.00pm
Bishop Martyn of Tewkesbury meets Sponsors, Guests and helpers for the Crib festival
St John’s, CS
Wed 3rd - Sunday 7th Dec
Crib Festival
St John’s, CS
5th - 14th
Pilgrimage to The Holy Land led by the Ven Jackie Searle Archdeacon of Gloucester
Info from Alison Vlach 01452 835583
May
2015
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
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar September 2014 Tue
2nd
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 312228 for venue
Thurs
4th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
Sun 7th Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Mon
8th
Thurs
11th
Sun 14th Holy Cross Day
Tue
16th
7.30pm
Crib Festival Meeting
Vicarage, 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 {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
7.45pm
Mothers’ Union Annual Service
St John’s, C/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
7.30pm
All PCC’s Meeting
Village Hall, O/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 312228 for venue
7.30pm
Exploring Christianity Course
Church Centre, C/S
Wed
17th
7.30pm
Pastoral Care
Church Centre, CS
Thurs
18th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
Sat
20th
Baptismal Fun Day
Church and 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
7.30pm
Exploring Christianity Course
Church Centre, C/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
Parish Communion for Harvest
St John’s C/S
Holy Communion {CW}
St James’ Horton
Morning Praise {CW}
St John’s O/S
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Sun 21st St Matthew
Tue
23rd
Thur
25th
9.30am Sun 28th 11.15am Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity 11.15am 6.00pm Tue
30th
2.00pm
Tea and Chat Afternoon
Church Centre, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 312228 for venue
7.30pm
Exploring Christianity Course
Church Centre, C/S
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F Turning Point Bible Holiday Meshach’s Story Meshach lives with his father in Kibera. Camps We are really excited to once again be planning to run bible holiday camps this year in the November school holidays. We are planning to take a smaller group of about 120 children his year, focusing on the older primary school children we support in government run schools. Since the Fountains of Hope school was launched we now get to spend every weekday with the younger kids in our programme, but we have only very little contact with the older children who are busy in their schools all week. This is why we are concentrating on the older group, staff will be able to give more attention to each one, not to mention that everyone will get more time in the swimming pool. We’re also excited to be targeting the older age group because we’ll be able to tailor the teaching programme to be relevant to that age group and the issues they are facing right now. Something else is different this year, we will be going it alone. Plans for volunteers from the UK have fallen through, but the Kenyan team are feeling ready to take on the challenge. It costs £60 to take a child to camp and provide all they need for the week. If you would like to sponsor a child get in touch with your Turning Point contact.
Before he came to Turning Point, Meshach was in and out of school, missing more days than he attended. He was often hungry and would skip school to look for food, or at other times his father couldn’t pay the fees for the school and so Meshach was sent home. Meshach learned about Turning Point through his neighbour and started attending our Transition Class. Once he had completed one year in Transition, Turning Point supported him to return to Primary School. We ensure the Meshach has breakfast and lunch every school day and cover the essential school fees so now he attends school every day. He has now reached Standard 8, the final year of primary School, and will take the all important KCPE exams in November. Meshach loves dancing and drama and is a great character to have around at Holiday camps. He has attended cams for the last few years and they have become a real highlight in his year. As he is now in Standard 8 this could be his last camp and we intend to make it a great one for him. Cheques for sponsoring a child at Bible Camp can be sent to The Turning Point Trust, Christ Church, Town Square, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6YG. Please gift aid your donation if you can.
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