January 2014
Peter Writes: New Years Resolution
Many people like to make New Year resolutions. Some of us, perhaps because we’re not so determined, regard them as a triumph of hope over experience. However, a good resolution would be to share more of the good things of life with other people. We could do this by giving to charity, helping the local food bank, visiting the elderly and in many other ways. But what about sharing our special relationship with God with other people? After all, if he means so much to us and has done so much for us, wouldn’t we like them to benefit from his friendship as well? Now, it’s true we’re not all gifted evangelists but we all enjoy friendships and, if we know where to get the best broadband or a good haircut, we have no hesitation in sharing that information. Why not apply that same approach to our faith? Simply recommend a Christian event to one or more of your friends and ensure you go along with them. There is a resolution that could really make a difference!
Peter. “If you have no desire to see sinners find a Saviour perhaps you have not found a Saviour?” C.H. Spurgeon.
Andy Writes: Happy New Year! The dawn of a new year feels like a fresh start! Fresh starts, beginning again is something very much at the heart of the Christian faith; Paul declares that “if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come”. The cross and resurrection of Jesus declares to the world that our past does not have to dictate our future. Yet the Christian gospel is not simply about forgiveness from the past and liberation to live a new life following Christ, it is about HOPE. As C.S. Lewis writes “that better things are ahead of us than behind us”. Yet with these transforming gospel truths it shouldn’t feel like ‘here we go again like the proverbial hamster on the wheel’, this new year let us throw off the shackles that hold us back from being who Christ wants us to be, let us say to the peddlers of deafest talk “get behind me Satan” for our hope is in the Lord, Peter calls this Hope a “living Hope” –Christ himself with us and leading us (if we let him)- as he heralds in his Kingdoms rule and reign. So let us embrace 2014 with expectancy of God to be at work within us and amongst us and his glory shining out to hurting and broken world that doesn’t yet know and love him.
Andy
“It’s Not About Politics”
“Christians speak out and act on poverty and social justice because they have received the love of God and want to share it with others. The Bible makes clear that God urges us to demonstrate our love for Him by loving our neighbour and if you love your neighbour you’re going to be deeply concerned in the things that trouble them, whether it’s about heating bills, whether it’s about insecurity in families and the need for good community life. The church is involved in those because we want to demonstrate that we have freely received the love of God and we want to share that with others. “It’s not about politics, it’s about love.” Nelson Mandela said that dealing with poverty is not an act of charity, it’s an act of justice. Every generation has the chance to be a great generation, and we can be that great generation.” I look around and I see many signs of hope, but also there are many communities, many families, many individuals struggling. Perhaps our New Year’s resolution is therefore not just to do something slightly differently, but to set our eyes on changing the world around us. That would really change our country in the most amazing way.
Archbishop Justin Welby
From his new years message
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than Sacrifice” Proverbs 21:3
CafeTots, Holy Trinity’s playgroup, is growing from strength to strength with over 100 children now registered with us and an average 35 families turning up each week. Highlights of last half term included a harvest festival and visit to the church where Rev Huzzey gave a funny story about the Harvest Banana and the term ended in the church with Christmas songs and the nativity story with presents for all the children from the crib. Members also enjoyed a trip to see Santa in the Fry’s Winter Wonderland. CafeTots received the accolade of being named Netmums Regional Winner Playgroup of the Year which was a wonderful achievement. They are also being regularly supported by Kingswood Sainsburys following a presentation to be named their Local Charity of the Year. Whilst we weren’t successful in that, Sainsburys were so inspired by the comments that many of the members made on the application forms that they wanted to do something for us. They have kindly donated a ‘lights & smell’ sensory tent to improve the baby/toddler area as well as fruit and veg for the children’s snacks in circle time. This half term we will be looking at healthy eating and exercise in our activities and hopefully encouraging discussion amongst the parents/carers during circle time on coping with fussy eating & bedtime routines. CafeTots meets every Tuesday morning (10am till 11.30am)
during term time in the church hall. Arts, craft and kiddies cookery are regularly offered during the first hour with free healthy snacks for the children during circle time. CafeTots costs £1.50 per family and includes free refreshment and all activities during the session. It is a large but very welcoming group and many friendships have been formed.
Fiona Brown Our Thursday group is growing in numbers and is really enjoyed by those who attend. This is a free session, with complimentary tea/ coffee and biscuits. There are toys for the children to play with but primarily this is time for the parent/carer. It is a fellowship and support group, which includes a short bible reading to encourage discussion around topics relevant to parenting today. It’s an opportunity to share/off load receive prayer/support if needed or just to meet up and chat. This is open to people of any or no faith. It’s a friendly session, run by the lovely Jane Huzzey. The group meets at 1pm every Thursday during term time at The Vicarage (next to the church hall) and ends at about 2.30pm to allow time for the school run.
Fiona Brown
“Many thanks to everyone who supported us by donating toothbrushes and toothpaste etc. for vulnerable families who are connected with the Kingsmeadow Flat in New Cheltenham, the response was fantastic and will make a real difference to these folk. Mothers` Union will once again be sending donations for our "Make A Mothers` Day" Appeal on the run up to Mothering Sunday. We purchase `Ethical` gifts for the people we support within our projects and programmes. Do look out for our catalogues in the coming weeks where if you wish you may `purchase` a gift individually (just take the catalogue) or else you might like to donate some money when we put a plate out in the churches around Mothering Sunday, we will let you know when nearer the time! We are always looking out for people to come and join us in the Mothers` Union, if you think it might be something you would like to be a part of please do come along to any of the gatherings above or speak to one of our members. Our branch of MU reached its Centenary year in 2013 and as part of our celebrations we were pleased to donate `100` (or thereabouts) tins/packets of food to the Assisi Project (for meals given to local refugees and asylum seekers) Our sincere thanks again to everyone in the wider congregations who have continued to support us so brilliantly.
I have also received a nice letter (and receipt) from the treasurer of MU Bristol Diocese for the generous gift of ÂŁ100 which KTM Mission Support group sent for the AFiA Holidays (Away From It All) which are given to needy families, as some of you will be aware - our branch were delighted to be able to send and support a local family on a holiday in 2013 which they all thoroughly enjoyed, the mum has now got a job and is attending her local church. It all goes to show that with a little faith and with many giving a little money/gift/time here and there how much can be achieved and how many can be helped! God bless.
Jacquie Owen
Mother’s Union 2014 Programme We meet in Down Under Cafe on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2pm unless otherwise stated and visitors are very welcome. 16th January “Play Reading” followed by a Bring & Buy Sale for MU Overseas Fund. 5th February (Wed) at 7.30pm, venue tbc branch `Leaflet designing` 20th February Spr: Mrs Jane Huzzey 20th March Holy Communion for Lent with Canon Peter Huzzey. HTK in the church. 9th April (Wed) at 7.30pm Venue Jacquie and Colin’s Spr: Rev. Judith Lee - “Water Aid”. 17th April Spr: Lt. Tracy Collis (S.A.) 15th May
19th June
Members Choice (everyone to bring a piece of music, hymn or song + also a poem, reading or a prayer to share). Branch A.G.M. Clergy welcome. Wed. 7.30pm at Leta’s Spr: Mrs Beryl Thane (MU) - “Pentecost”.
9th July
(Wed) at 730pm, venue tba - “Play Reading”.
17th July
Strawberry Cream Tea, quiz, Bring & Buy/Donations for MU Overseas Fund. HTK in the church.
21st May
“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; Someone else, and not your own lips” Proverbs 27:2
Dates and Venues 26th Jan
23rd Feb 23rd March May 18th
7.15pm All Souls’ venue, Rev. Simon Holland
(from St. Swithin’s Bath, formerly of Lee Abbey) on “Being a Community of Grace”. 7.15pm Hanham Youth Centre, speaker Rich Rycroft “Can these Bones Live?” 7.15pm Trinity Hall, Rev. Bob Mason, “Can these Bones Live?” 7.15pm All Souls’, Ven Christine Froude, “Can these Bones live?” (1st Anniversary).
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” Proverbs 23:4-5
God is always Good News
Bishop Lee of Swindon “God is always Good News. When we are good news, God’s people see growing churches.” So says Archbishop Justin Welby, who will be visiting the Diocese of Bristol in September 2014 to join us in prayer and witness. His visit will be a crescendo to the year during which, as a Church, we grow our confidence in God’s story now and throughout history. The theme for the Diocese in 2014 is creating confidence in evangelism. By raising our threshold of faith and our attentiveness to what God is doing – in our lives and those of others – we will have the self-assurance and sensitivity to share the Good News with words and the way we live our lives. “Our hope is that, by the end of the year, ten thousand people in our diocese will have the confidence to share their story of faith, and will have done so with a friend who is not a Christian,” says Bishop Lee. “Each of us has a story to tell about how our own lives have changed and God has been with us, and what God has done through the life and death of Jesus. Our prayer is that we will see five hundred people come to faith and be baptised by next Easter. What an exciting goal!” This theme will run through every major aspect of the life of our diocese. From Deanery Chapters to Diocesan Synods, training events to team meetings, creating confidence in evangelism will be at the heart of what we do. The Lent Study Mornings in
March, Bishops’ Visitations in May and Archbishop’s Visit in September will run with this theme “The Archbishop of York rightly said that the word evangelism needs liberating as it belongs to the whole Church,” said Bishop Mike. “There are lots of misconceptions about evangelism and we need to explore them together. “We need to have confidence ourselves in witness and evangelism. In our churches, we need to create opportunities for evangelism. Major events during the Archbishop’s Visit will provides a strong platform for churches to run courses like Alpha that enable people to explore the Christian faith. “We are all called to be witnesses; we can all play a part in this endeavor.”
© 2013, Steve Crespo. All rights reserved. Originally published at www.fromnothingcomics.com.
Sunday
Some Prayers
Pray that we might as one Church (in our different buildings and congregations) worship in Spirit and in truth, holding out the word that gives life to those who yet do not know Christ, and building one another up in love; ‘by this will all people know that you are my disciples that you love one another’. Monday Do pray for the foodbank and all involved in seeking to alleviate poverty and suffering in this local area. Tuesday Do pray for café tots and all the work done with children, teenagers and young families from this Christian Community. Wednes- Do pray for the work of the town centre chapday laincies, that we may see people who work in Kingswood and Hanham coming to know Christ and be mature in him. Thursday Do pray for the world wide Church and all we do to advance the cause of justice on a global scale.. Friday Do pray for the work of Street Pastors in this community. Saturday Do pray for the groups we fail to reach, 20’s and 30’s and men, pray that we may all play our part in correcting this inequality within our mission.. I love the story of Nehemiah, he saw the need, he prayed, and he responded (in obedience) in action, maybe as we pray, a good question is not “what can someone do?” but rather, what can I do?
Rules of Life
Some suggestions by Shane Claiborne a ‘modern day St. Francis’, author of many books including ‘Jesus for President’ and ‘Irresistible Revolution’ and founder of ‘The Simple Way’... Here are some of his suggestions for things to add into your daily life, to help us grow in Christ and like Christ. • SQUASH NEGATIVITY. I commit to shut down murmuring and cynicism and gossip and slander and all forms of passive aggression (even on the blogosphere!) – and to exorcise the demons of negativity. St. Benedict said that speaking negatively about people (even with well-warranted reasons) is “poison”, and it rots away the foundation of community. In its place I hope to practice honest confrontation when hurt or offended and encourage others to do the same. • READ MORE FICTION – and more books by women and people of colour. • PRACTICE THE OLD-SCHOOL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES. Fasting, prayer, solitude… these are exercises for the soul, working out the spiritual muscles. Just like running, the hardest step is the first one… but the more we do it, the better we breath and the more alive we feel. • LIVE A LIFE THAT IS SIMPLE… AND STILL BEAUTIFUL. Simple living does not mean ugly living. I want to be free like the lilies and sparrows – free of consumerism and clutter and noise– and be surrounded with wonder and beauty. And I want to make cool things out of trash. • BE NICE TO SOMEONE WHO IT IS VERY HARD TO BE NICE TO. Being nice is just as important as being right. I hope to disagree well with those who disagree with me and to exude the fruits of the spirit (kindness, gentleness, good-
ness, patience…). I hope to go out of my way to wear down mean people with love. • BE A MINORITY more often. I hope to put myself in situations where I am surrounded by folks who are not all like me (age, gender, ethnicity, economics, religion, politics…), and where who I am may be the exception rather than the norm. • MAKE A NEW FRIEND… who is different from me. We’re all most comfortable around folks like us (whoever “we” are), and most uncomfortable around folks not like us. Inspired by some Muslim friends who have started a movement to move “from fear to friendship”, I hope to make some new friends who don’t all share my beliefs or background. And I like my old friends and hope to keep them too.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” Proverbs 1:7
© 2013, Steve Crespo. All rights reserved. Originally published at www.fromnothingcomics.com.
The Sacred Static
Rev. Kevin Lewis 'The sacred static is the noise you hear from the heads of those so attached to how things never were. The sacred static is that which hasn’t always been but feels like it ought to have been and if we tell ourselves it has then we will believe it. The sacred static is the sound of dust falling onto things that once moved with life but now feature in a museum of an imagined age. The sacred static preserves memory like the ashes of a loved one in a golden urn upon the shrine of how things were that cannot be moved or questioned.
The sacred static is the sound you hear when you ask the question: so how about this worship we do that doesn’t reach anybody and hasn’t for years; shall we do something different…? Sacred static drowns out creative conversation and the faith of our children’s children with its fear of all but the most familiar. Sacred static is like staring at the telly in the old days when it went off air but you were so lonely you just kept watching the meaningless dots. Sacred static holds things as they are nailing them to the floor and claiming them as eternal yet ensuring their mortality with the very same nails. Sacred static is all that has been and cannot un-be. The sacred static is nothing to do with moving pews or updating hymnbooks but everything to do with safety and familiarity and being anchored in a bewildering world of change where it is ok to change homes, jobs, supermarkets... But do not change my church. The sacred static is the sound of the Spirit breathing out for the last time.
An article from the VERGE leadership network “The Church is a family, not an orphanage. You see, the reality behind an orphanage is usually characterized by a couple of things. Usually have one or two overworked staff trying to serve a bunch of underserved kids and we spend all of our time and all of our responsibility trying to depend on those individuals to take care of all of the work. There’s really no burden of responsibility for the orphans to maintain, but a family it’s all in. There’s this responsibility that each and every one of us have…” “Church exists for the benefit of its non members… It is not a show room for Saints but a repair shop for Sinners” Anon. “Seek first the Kingdom of God”.
We have had a good term with Elevenses, this term we have been looking at Heroes of the Bible, looking at Abraham, Joseph, Moses and looking at the Christmas story through the eyes of Jesus father Joseph. For this event we decorated the hall to look like a stable, and were really moving and effective, massive thanks to Allana for all the hard work she put into the transformation! At Holy Trinity there was a great Nativity this year, with a great twist, it featured Doctor Who and a Tardis, in a fantastic script written by our very own Josh Elliott, who also played the Doctor (complete with Fez –“Fezzes are cool!”)
The E-Prayer Network Continues to run with around 40 of us praying together on-line each day, if you love Jesus and have/ can use a computer than I suggest join up! Email E-prayernetwork@live.co.uk with something along the lines of yes, or I would like to join, it’s that easy.
James from Bishopston
Sometimes it does feel like we do an awful lot of carol services, but let this article encourage you, that Carol Services –done well and relevant can be really effective… Here’s an article from the diocese from a young man called James. A year ago, at an open air carol service, my life changed. I had been brought up in a Christian household and, though never baptised, believed in a god. However during a long illness starting at the age of 14, I lost my faith. Science had always been – and continues to be – my passion but there was still something missing. Over the years I tried other faiths, beliefs and theories, reading holy books and eventually settling on a pagan/spiritual outlook. This viewpoint left me still unsatisfied and I never felt this more strongly than at Christmas. At Christmas I would go with my family to a Christingle service but refuse to enter the church, instead spending time in a nearby pagan shop/meeting place. I never felt anything there and longed to walk back into the church. I can accept now that I was angry with a god that I saw as having abandoned me. In 2011, I started to question where my beliefs were taking me but never had time to consider it too deeply. Then, late in 2012, another illness struck confining me to bed. I spent this time reading shedding some of my misunderstandings about the meaning of Christianity. That Christmas, I attended Carols in the Park, an event run by Parish of Bishopston & St Andrews and the Vineyard Church in St Andrews Park and went into the church after where they were offering hospitality. I felt like I had come home. The prodigal son made sense. God hadn’t abandoned me but I had abandoned him. As I sat there I knew what I had to do and told a member of the church family that I wanted to be baptised. This past year has been incredible. I have never felt so alive, so calm and so happy. My journey with Christ continues and I love every moment of it. With-
out Carols in the Park, or another service like it, I’m not sure I would ever have felt able to walk into a church. I was burdened with misconceptions. The popular idea of the judgmental church. A pagan and a scientist? I felt like public enemy number one! However, the reality of what I found couldn’t have been more different. I believe to someone who hasn’t been to a church lately the truth of what it’s like may be almost as shocking as the Sermon on the Mount was 2000 years ago! At St Bart’s Church I’ve found friendship, humor, support; but most of all that unending love that Christianity espouses. This isn’t the cloying artificial love of Christians in sitcoms but a genuine desire to help people, to care about them and make life better for everyone.
James “For a mans ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths.” Proverbs 5:21 From Pub to the Pulpit… Margaret Bolton has written a book based around her life and that of her husband Kelvin, who was the Church Army Evangelist in this parish at the time of Charles Hutchins. Before joining the Church Army, Kelvin was a pub land lord.. If you want a copy do see Gill Godfrey.
Kingswood FoodBank Mary Whyatt
I have been a volunteer at Kingswood Food Bank since it opened just over 2 months ago. There are about 12 volunteers at present, some working ‘front of house’, greeting people, making tea and coffee and listening and talking to clients, whilst the ‘back of house’ team select, weigh and make up the bags of food. All the volunteers attended a series of training sessions on subjects ranging from how to be an effective listener to how to lift heavy loads safely. Working in the Food Bank is a very positive experience. The volunteers belong to a number of churches in the area, are of varying ages and from all walks of life. We are a friendly group, sharing a common aim – to reach out and help people in our community who find themselves in a crisis situation, without food and without the means to buy food. Whether or not we find it hard to accept, there is without doubt a growing need for Food Banks. Certainly the one in Kingswood is being used more and more. Seeing a person enter the door, head down, desperate and demoralised and then leaving after a cup of tea and a chat carrying enough food to feed their family for 3 days, with a smile of relief on their face is a heart warming experience. If, like me, you enjoy meeting and talking to people, whilst at the same time doing a worthwhile job in the community, volunteering for a few hours a week in the Food Bank is certainly something to consider. All of the food we issue is donated, so perhaps you could pick up an extra bag of pasta or a box of cereal with your weekly shop. It would be gratefully received.
The Bishop on Food-Banks Bishop Mike, Bishop of Bristol
As you know Foodbanks have been in the press a lot recently, 231 MP’s voted against a study in the cause of the rise in ‘food-poverty’ –including Chris Skidmore our MP. I (Andy) have written to him asking him to explain himself and the reason for his vote. Bishop Mike responds on the issue of foodbanks. The phrase ‘Food bank’ has become a well-worn part of our vocabulary. More than 3,100 people received a three-day food package from one of the Bristol-based foodbanks between April and September this year. For the same period last year the number was 1,700; a near doubling of the figure. Nationally, the number of people using foodbanks has trebled over that same year. Surely, as Christians we must agree that the help foodbanks offer to those in the most desperate circumstances is a good thing. We hear Jesus’ clear statement in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25) that when we feed the least of these little ones of his, we feed him. We hear Jesus proclaim right at the start of his ministry that the Spirit of the Lord has anointed him (and by implication us) to bring good news to the poor. We listen to the prophets of the Old Testament rail against oppressive systems and regimes that keep people in destitution; “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” says Isaiah (1.17). And so it is no surprise that churches are at the forefront of the impetus to set up and run foodbanks. It is estimated that 81% of parishes in this country support foodbanks in same way or another, through collecting food, providing volunteers, managing the foodbanks and distributing vouchers. We are right to feel proud of the church’s efforts as we take seriously the clear message of the Bible of support and compassion for the every poorest. And yet there is something that does not sit easily with us. Compassion – yes; but also justice. We will want to ask why in this modern, technological, prosperous age in the West, foodbanks are even necessary in such a nation as our own. What has gone wrong at the very heart of things that means that Lorna is quoted as saying: “I felt very ashamed
having to go to food bank the first time. It was down to my son’s school liaison officer coming round to my house, because I hadn’t sent my son into school for a couple of days as I couldn’t afford a packed lunch for him and I couldn’t afford to pay for a school dinner. I couldn’t do what a mum should do for them – look after them. I couldn’t even feed them. That just makes you feel really low as a parent”. The link between Government policy and what the Bishop of Truro recently called the “scandal” of food poverty in the UK cannot be denied. ‘Walking the Breadline’ states that, “The explosion in food poverty and the use of foodbanks is a national disgrace, and undermines the UK’s commitment to ensuring that all its citizens have access to food – one of the most basic of all human rights”. However, the Government seems to remain blissfully in denial of the facts. It will be an encouragement me and to my episcopal colleagues to do all we can to speak up for an economic system that delivers something that better, that corrects the shocking economic inequality that exists in the 21st century in a wealthy and developed country.
A Christmas Extravaganza in Kingswood
What do you get if you cross a packed local children’s play centre, a group of carol singers and a mini hurricane???? Answer: The Churches Together in Kingswood ‘Christmas Extravaganza’ 2013! On the last blustery Saturday evening before Christmas, a group of intrepid local Christian dramatists, market sellers, carol singers, hand bell ringers, cake makers, musicians and singers gathered together to celebrate Christ’s birth with the local community. Mulled wine flowed and mince pies were consumed aplenty as Santa handed out presents to the many children who were looking forward to the arrival of Christmas day. It was an evening that was well supported by both church-goers and local residents alike, and gave an opportunity to share the real story of Christmas with both young and old. Despite the weather, over 200 people crowded into Castaways soft play centre, with more enjoying the market stalls (although these were eventually closed due to a severe 20 minute downpour), Three Trees drama show, musical acts and an impromptu nativity, all based on the stage located outside in the car park. The Reverend Andy Mason was able to share the gospel message outside, while a series of Christ-centred ‘YouTube’ videos were playing inside the cafe area, highlighting the importance of faith and hope at Christmas through testimonies and visual prompts. The evening also provided an opportunity to raise over £200 for the nationally recognised charity ‘CLIC-Sargent’, which of-
fers support to young people who are afflicted with cancer and leukaemia, and to their families. This was an event that lifted up Jesus and gave local Christians an opportunity to serve and witness to their own community, enjoying the seasonal spirit together, while looking to the needs of others. There was a good response to the festivities: ‘I thought it was going to be awkward,’ commented one newcomer, ‘but it felt like family’. Other Castaways regulars were bemused by the generosity of the local churches: ‘I don’t know why they did this for us because we don’t do anything for them,’ said one, while another remarked, ‘They do it for free; they must care.’ Ultimately, it was a great encouragement to see churches pulling together for the glory of Christ and to reach out with the love of God to the lost in Kingswood, promising much for the future as we continue to be rooted in him and grow in his love.. Jon Pike, is the CTK rep from Bourne Christian Centre.
He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Proverbs 2:7-8
Archbishop to go out with Kingswood Street Pastors. Rev. Andy Mason
“The Archbishop wants to come out with you on the 12th September” said my wife. “Are... You don’t mean the Archdeacon, or the Bishop?” –I asked in my most condescending voice- but she was right (as she normally is!) it was indeed Justin Welby, who is coming to Bristol Diocese in September and will be coming out with the Street Pastors!
This time tomorrow…
“Christianity needs to work as well on Monday morning as it does on Sunday night!” –Whole life discipleship- not just an hour on a Sunday but a whole life commitment. My friend Kevin (who wrote the ‘sacred statistic poem’ was commission by Bishop Nick Baines to “not be a chaplain to a small congregation, but be the Vicar to the parish”; for too long Church in the west has been nasal gazing, and has fallen into the clericalism heresy (“the vicar does it all”).But the body of Christ is about EVERYONE taking part in mission and ministry; Mark Greene (from the London Institute of Contempory Christianity) said, that ‘what you are doing this time tomorrow is your mission field’… Many people live under the misapprehension that service Christ, and helping with Church based activities is the same thing, they are not. Ideas echoed by Bishop Mike recently, making it clear that our job as clergy is to “equip the saints for works of service” –(Anglican Ordinational rite), to encourage the people in our congregations who love Christ (i.e) YOU to live it out authentically and missionally in their own daily contexts..
No Room at the Inn Rev. Andy Mason
On Friday 6th December some of us from All Souls' Southey Park slept rough for the night, to raise money and awareness of the plight of homeless people. We called the event 'No Room at the Inn' as we remember that Jesus was born homeless, before becoming a refugee/asylum seeker and as he said "the Son of Man, had no where to lay his head". We were raising money for South Gloucestershire Young Persons Homeless Project, which does fantastic local work in Kingswood (and Yate) with young people aged between 16-25. Despite being a dry and clear night, it was still freezing cold, especially around the feet (still not warm even though all of us had multiple pairs of socks), and the feeling of sleeping outside, in a busy area, makes you feel exposed and vulnerable. It was a tough night, but the tougher truth is that for us this was just one night, for many this is a way of life. As I tried to sleep I remembered an awesome quote by Shane Claiborne who asked the Church "How can we worship a Homeless Man on Sunday (Jesus) and ignore one on Monday"... Which reminded me of Matthew 25, where Jesus says what you do for the least of these you for me, in serving the marginalised and disenfranchised we are actually encountering and worshipping Jesus; Mother Teresa put it like this, "in the poor we see Jesus in some of his most distressing disguises".
Book Review: Mere Christianity C.S.Lewis Sam Sheppard
If you are not a rational type, this book is probably not for you.. C.S.Lewis is neither a Minister nor a Theologian but a highly intelligent rationalist. In this book (first published many decades ago) Lewis approaches Christianity with fool-proof logic and attempts to work out why Christianity is the true way. Reading it, if I had not known that LEwis died decades ago I would have believed it was a new release. His sensible style has a certain timeless ness about it, and an unexpected humor that is both engaging and challenging. I highly recommend Mere Christianity to anyone both Christian and otherwise but I do so with a warning, Lewis will not give you the answers; he will make you think them through with him.
Why Have You Stolen This Building?
“Why have you stolen this building from your community?” the PCC at Warmley were asked. This story came from (Canon) Derek Chedzey who spoke at our Praise and Proclaim at Hanham about his MA research into ‘GROWTH’. He discovered that Churches that grew had these things in common; 1) Intentionality, they were serious about growth and making it happen 2) They took responsibility for it across the body of Church not just ‘blame the vicar’ from our sofa 3) Generosity and hospitality, people were welcomed and served with a ‘Kingdom Extravagance’ and finally 4) Discipleship –not just ‘bums on pews’ but actually seeking to see spiritual growth and Chris-like disciples… He was asked, “what if our Church won’t embrace these values?” –his reply (baring in mind he is assistant archdeacon) was surprising- “find a Church that does”.
Town Centre Chaplaincy
We have had many encouraging conversations out and about in Kingswood Town Centre and Hanham High Street, and are seeking to develop these relationships. I’d love see what has been termed “simple Church” happening locally with people coming to somewhere non threatening like Weatherspoon’s and reading/chatting through stuff like the Sermon on the Mount together… Hopefully 2014 can see this ‘dream’ become a reality.
Healing Ministry
Rev John Goodridge It was agreed some months ago to explore the concept of a healing ministry within the partnership. This came about as a result of Rev Chris Evans and myself, independently thinking about starting a healing ministry in our respective churches. I therefore decided to register for a Healing Ministry Conference, and who should be there was Chris and a group from Holy Trinity, Ascension and All Souls’ churches. Following this event it was agreed to organise a short series of morning events to be held at The Church of The Ascension, where it was planned to exploring the whole concept and challenge of healing ministry. The four sessions would include an introduction to Healing Ministry, Prayer, Sacraments and bereavement. All those attending are committed to creating a small Pastoral Team in their own churches, to develop more awareness of healing and to develop healing services or to bring in healing prayer into the normal Sunday or weekday services. The course also pin points some of the issues that are faced when visiting, especially when dealing with vulnerable people and the safeguarding issues both for those being visited and visitors. It is hoped that we will be able to build on this course and go forward in 2014 with people equipped to carry on the healing of Christ’s Church.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones” Proverbs 14:30
“Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question - is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? But conscience asks the question - is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position... that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.” Martin Luther King, It has been an interesting few months since our launch in May, our numbers have fluctuated our lowest being five and our highest being above 30, we have a few people from the community who now call All Souls’ ‘their’ Church, and we have had some really encouraging events. We had a great “Light Party” (Halloween alternative) with the hall filled with families and children, also had a great ‘Christmas Community Banquet’ – managing to feed around 60 people on £22, and also a great Christmas production of the ‘Three Trees’ but for me the highlights were a great harvest collection, a deeply moving prayer walk and compline and Colin’s Taize service, where God was just so tangibly present with us.
“The wicked man flees though no-one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion” Proverbs 28:1
Prayer Meetings 1st Monday of the Month (Normally) 2:30pm Mid-day Prayer of the Northumbria Community at Jacquie Owen’s house. 1st Tuesday of the Month 7:15-7:45 (am) Parish Office Evert Tuesday 7:00 (pm) at Anne Neals home.
Bible Study
Monday Tuesday 9 (fortnightly) Wednesday Thursday
7:30pm 7:30pm 11:00pm 2:00pm
at the Rectory. at Andy and Allana Mason’s. in Down Under. Footsteps’ for mums/carers at the Rectory.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and you plans will succeed” Proverbs 16:3
2013 In a Glance: January to June
• January saw us commission 2 more Street Pastors for the Kingswood Street Team, Andy Smith and Rob Powell, both newly retired Gents from Christ Church Downend. • On the 2nd Feb we had the Lantern procession leaving the Kingsmeadow Flat and going to Paige Park, a fantastic community event. • 26th March also saw Bristol Street Pastors finally commission and going live on the Streets of Bristol, and was a real privilege to help them get established and are excited about what they are doing and what they are going to do! • Easter weekend (27th-31st March) was a real high light with lots of great opportunities on the High Streets of BOTH Kingswood and Hanham as we gave out crème eggs to local shop workers and passers by. • 9th May 2013 (and the weekend)... Church of the Ascension for Centenary celebrations. • 18th/19th May, Pentecost weekend, following a missional push we launched "All Souls'" Southey Park; with the Archdeacon praying that this would be a Church where "strangers become friends and friends meet with Jesus". • 25th May saw us launch Alpha in Hanham and surrounding area, which started with a fantastic cheese and wine launch, and an amazing talk from former football hooligan Dave Jeal, • 9th June: Saw our first Baptism at Elevenses, in the vicarage garden, a real highlight of my time here! • 23rd June, We as a local area bid a very sad farewell to Captains Michael and Rebecca Eden from the Salvation Army at our July Praise and Proclaim, they have been real partners and ally in the gospel. • 30th June we celebrated with Rev’d Chris Evans as she was ordained Priest, and said goodbye to Rev’d Leighton Carr.
2013 In A Glance: July to December
• On 4th/5th/6th and 7th July we had our "Awaken Mission" with Greg Sharples and our friends from 'Pip n Jay' which saw some really encouraging things on the streets of Kingswood ending with the 'Raise the Roof 2' Concert. • 11th-18th August we had a fantastic "Be a Star" Holiday Club with the guys from BCC in their venue. • 1st September we started meeting weekly at All Souls. • 26th October also saw "Men's Breakfasts" return and on the 27th October. • 1st November saw All Souls' first 'Light Party' with 18 young people and their families from the local area coming along. • 4th November, after much planning and effort we were delighted to see the East Bristol and Kingswood Foodbank open on the 4th November and flourish, really making a positive difference to the poorest and most vulnerable in our community. • 13th December our Christmas Community Banquet we fed approximately 60 on £22 -our gracious God provides!and on the 15th we saw our production of the Three Trees. People often say ‘nothing happens here’ but the truth is that often is it a case of people choosing not to attend. Maybe a new years’ resolution could be a commitment to (in the words of Archbishop Rowan): “Find out what God is doing and join in”
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” 2013 In a Glance: January to June
Freely you have received, so freely give
“The sign of a great Church is not how many it seats but how many it sends. Always choose generosity. Always give it away. Be like your God” Mike Pilavachi. From Bill Brookshaw, treasurer for the Deanery, St. Stephen’s Soundwell and formerly operations manager for Easton Christian Family Centre. “The Church were worried about paying their parish share, and were planning a gift day, 25% to go to charity and 75% to pay their dues. They recently had a new Vicar, Rev. Philip Nott who vicar had just got back from a Tearfund Conference, and had been challenged by the 'make miracles happen' working to prevent the spread of HIV and Aids, and he suggested something radical, why not give 75% to the Tearfund campaign, and 25% for their needs. Bill said he didn't sleep very well that night. Yet the gift day came, and this small Church raised a staggering amount of money, enough to pay their share from the 25% and also make a massive donation to this fantastic charity. “
'I am no longer my own but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.' John Wesley (the Methodist Covenant Prayer said each year by Methodists).