The Sodbury Vale Benefice Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
O U T LO O K
magazine
www.svbcofe.org.uk
October 2016
1 Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian. See 1
Churchwardens
Contacts Rector
Chipping Sodbury
The Revd. Canon David Bowers 01454 313159, [Day off Monday] email rector@svbcofe.org.uk
Joy Gibson 01454 319288 Jane Jones-Williams 01454 324970
Associate Priest The Revd. Yvonne Brae 01454 325160, [Day off Monday] email yvonne@svbcofe.org.uk
Old Sodbury
Karen Hunter If you would like to know more about the 01454 319903 Christian faith or are thinking about baptism or confirmation please speak with one of the the ministerial team
Little Sodbury Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Church Office
Open during school term time Mon - Tue - Thu mornings 9.00 - 12.00 Horton Tina Hildick-Smith Administrators: 01454 325160 01454 320380 Michelle Jenkins, Trish Gailey Richard Needs email: office@svbcofe.org.uk 01454 329890 Web Site: www.svbcofe.org.uk
Advertising: Volunteer required
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 (about 70p per magazine) that would be most welcome. Thank you.
Editor: Michael Stephenson 01454 314094 email outlook@svbcofe.org.uk
Nominated Person: 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
November Deadline Can you have all copy to Michelle in the Church Office by Oct 14th at the latest please.
Front Cover- The altar at the Rock Church, Helsinki (see page 7) By Michael Stephenson
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Supporting Brace
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Martha Grace Harvey at St James’, Horton on 14th August 2016 Joshua Ashley Derham at St John’s, Old Sodbury on 11th September 2016
Following the huge success of our 50th anniversary concert, earlier this year, when an audience of over 200 enjoyed the fun of a “Last night of the Proms” style performance where the musical instruments included brown paper bags and bicycle bells, Yate Choral Society’s next concert is in support of research into Alzheimer’s. This is something which has affected the choir as two of our members have had to retire due to the disease. Brace raises money to fund research into dementia. It provides grants to university based researchers in the South West. Their aims are to: ● gain an understanding of the causes of dementia in its various forms ● achieve earlier diagnosis of dementia. ● find new and more powerful treatments Our concert to raise funds for Brace will include a wide range of music from folk songs from around the world, Brahms love songs and songs from well known musicals. It will be a great evening for all. Do come and support us and Brace.
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Andrew Youell and Natalie Prince at St John’s Old Sodbury on the 13th August 2016 Andrew Goode and Anna-Marie Payne at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on the 20th August 2016 Mark Benn and Catherine Bennett at St John’s Old Sodbury on the 20th August 2016 Darren Brown and Melissa Palmer at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on the 27th August 2016 Michael Garde and Debbie-Louise Mains at St James’ Horton on the 28th August 2016 Steven Newport and Danielle Cross at St John’s Old Sodbury on the 3rd September 2016
Funerals:We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of:
Pamela Jean Francis at Westerleigh Crematorium on the 9th August 2016 Arthur Palmer at St James Horton on the 19th August 2016
Saturday 15th October St Mary’s Church,Yate at 7:30pm
I loved the story about the little boy who wanted to know God’s telephone number. It is found in Jeremiah Chapter 33 verse 3. ‘Call unto me, and I will answer thee’
Conductor Pianist
Geoff Wickham Hazel Wickham
Tickets £8.00 From Chipping Sodbury Tourist Information Centre, 01454 314779, 01454 316485 or choir members
Sent in by Joyce Cains
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FROM THE RECTOR Dear friends This time of year, between late September and early October, is when we traditionally celebrate the Harvest Festival and give thanks to God for all his gifts, as well as praying for those who work to produce our food. Harvest Festival, as we know it today, is a combination of older traditions (such as Lammastide) and the form of celebration that was introduced and developed in the mid-nineteenth century by Rev Stephen Hawker, a rather eccentric Church of England priest who was Vicar of Morwenstow in Cornwall for most of his ministry. It is a tradition that has been enthusiastically kept by even the most urban of churches, as I remember from when I worked in the Manchester area. Harvest reminds us that the countryside, as well as being a beautiful place and a place where many enjoy their leisure, is also a workplace where much of our produce is supplied through a partnership of God, as Creator, and humankind, as the guardians and stewards of that creation. It reminds us of our dependence on God and on those who work to produce our food and helps us to remember our responsibility in looking after all that God has made. As well as our own local farming community, of course, we also remember those who work in other parts of the world, especially those in the developing world who we can practically support by buying as much of our food from fairly traded sources as possible. I hope that all our Harvest services will have a note of concern and support for our local farming community as well as a strong note of thanksgiving for all the gifts that God gives to us. Please come along and share in our Harvest worship this year. David Bowers
PRAYER for the month October 4th is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, one of the most well-known of the saints whose lives and examples we remember. From his childhood and youth in a very wealthy family, he was guided to live a simple life of poverty as he travelled around with his companions to share the good news of God’s love. He is also remembered for his reverence for the whole of creation, including a respect for animals as God’s creatures. The Collect (or special prayer) for his feast day celebrates his simplicity of life and his devotion to Christ. O God, you ever delight to reveal yourself to the child-like and lowly of heart; grant that, following the example of the blessed Francis, we may count the wisdom of this world as foolishness and know only Jesus Christ and him crucified, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 4
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Secondly the Children’s Society are encouraging us to think about how to be inclusive communities in ways that enable people to feel truly welcomed and at home within their new locality. Building inclusive local community is a recurring theme in my work – if we can learn how to draw on spiritual resources in God to break down the barriers the divide us, that has huge potential for the thriving of local communities, and the wellbeing of individuals. It also is a fabulous demonstration of the difference that faith can have in our lives. Thirdly, Christian Aid is encouraging us to ‘Change the Story’ that is being told about asylum seekers in our nation. If you have a positive story to tell, big or small, please make sure it is told in the media. It really does have potential for changing attitudes in our local communities. Links for all three campaigns as well as GARAS’s suggestions for how people
Action for Refugees Over the past year there has been a strong expression of interest from around the Diocese in understanding how best to help refugee families coming to England. Lots of people have been involved in practical tasks, such as painting houses for new arrivals or donating furniture. To date, eleven families have arrived in Gloucestershire. I am delighted to report that the government has recently launched a scheme that will enable a community to “sponsor” the welcome of a refugee family into their local community. The scheme has been welcomed by Archbishop Justin Welby.
Churches, in partnership with their wider community, or in partnership with another church and community, are being encouraged to consider whether they can offer this support for a family. It is a significant commitment in both time and money (approximately £10k) which shouldn’t be underestimated, but is a real possibility for any group that sees this as a significant expression of their Christian discipleship. The aim is to enable a good welcome and stable start for families coming to England until the state is able to provide long term security. It is also important to put in place appropriate, qualified support for these families, which is why we are working locally with GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) on this initiative.
might help are available on the diocesan website www.gloucester.anglican.org/churchoutreach/social-action/refugee-action Revd Cate Williams, Mission and Evangelism Office, Gloucester Diocese From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
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The Rock Church , Helsinki, Finland The church is called the Temppeliaukio Church and is situated in the heart of Helsinki on Fredrikinkatu. The church was completed in 1969 and is sunk into a huge piece of natural granite bedrock. The church walls are between 5 and 9 metres high and it is covered by a copper lined dome of 24 metres diameter. The altar is made of a piece of granite rock and the font is supported on two large granite pieces . The church seats 750 and is the parish church of the parish of Toolo. It is The Font an evangelical Lutheran church. It is used for regular parish worship and is also a popular venue for weddings and baptisms. The excellent acoustics of the bare natural stone walls also make it an ideal venue for concerts and there is space provided for an orchestra and choir for such events. The organ has 3001 pipes and was designed by the building architects. The church has no bells and recorded bells are played through speakers on the exterior walls when needed.
RAINBOW SALE Saturday 8th October 10am to 12 noon St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury STALLS, RAFFLE and REFRESHMENTS EVERYONE WELCOME
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CRIB FESTIVAL 2016
The Spider and the Harvest
This is just a further request to ask if anyone has a crib we may borrow, please? Full details are on the website with more information and a registration from. We will leave forms in the churches so they can be completed before you bring the crib. The dates are Wednesday 30th November – Sunday 4th December. We would like to cribs to be brought to the Church on Monday 28th November between 9 am and 12 noon, if possible.
There was once a spider who lived in a cornfield. He was a big spider and he had spun a beautiful web between the corn stalks. He got f a t eating all the bugs t h a t would g e t caught in his web. He liked his home and planned to stay there for the rest of his life. One day the spider caught a little bug in his web, and just as the spider was about to eat him, the bug said, "If you let me go I will tell you something important that will save your life." The spider paused for a moment and listened because he was amused. "You better get out of this cornfield," the little bug said, "The harvest is coming!" The spider smiled and said, "What is this harvest you are talking about? I think you are just telling me a story." But the little bug said, "Oh no, it is true. The owner of this field is coming to harvest it soon. All the stalks will be knocked down and the corn will be gathered up. You will be killed by the giant machines if you stay here." The spider said, "I don't believe in harvests and giant machines that knock down corn stalks. How can you prove this?" The little bug continued, "Just look at the corn. See how it is planted in rows? It proves this field was created by an intelligent designer." The spider laughed and mockingly said, "This field has evolved and has nothing to do with a creator. Corn always grows that way." The bug went on to explain, "Oh no. This field belongs to the owner who planted it, and
I am also am making a plea for jam jars for us to use to make lanterns for the craft activity. Please leave them in the porch of the Church or in the Church Centre. We need clean medium sized jars and do not need the lids. We shall also be hoping that you will help with the rotas and a little baking or soup making! If you are able to help, please add your name to the rota at St. John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury. We hope this will save any duplication of times etc. The posters and leaflets are in the church centre so please do take some and deliver them to places near you and to venues that maybe willing to have them for us. With many thanks, Liz Gregson Crib Festival Committee 8
the harvest is coming soon." The spider grinned and said to the little bug, "I don't believe you," and then the spider ate the little bug for lunch. A few days later, the spider was laughing about the story the little bug had told him. He thought to himself, "A harvest! What a silly idea. I have lived here all of my life and nothing has ever disturbed me. I have been here since these stalks were just a foot off the ground, and I'll be here for the rest of my life, because nothing is ever going to change in this field. Life is good, and I have it made." The next day was a beautiful sunny day in the cornfield. The sky above was clear and there was no wind at all. That afternoon as the spider was about to take a nap, he noticed some thick dusty clouds moving toward him. He could hear the roar of a great engine and he said to himself, "I wonder what that could be?" Courtesy of www.skywriting.net
to live in an environment of fluctuating temperature changes, while keeping our bodies a steady 98.6 degrees. Water is a universal solvent. This property of water means that various chemicals, minerals and nutrients can be carried throughout our bodies and into the smallest blood vessels.
Water is also chemically neutral. Without affecting the makeup of the substances it carries, water enables food, medicines and Water minerals to be absorbed and used by the Designed as a life sustaining fluid body. Colourless, Water has a unique surface tension. Water odourless in plants can therefore flow upward against and without gravity, bringing life-giving water and taste, and nutrients to the top of even the tallest trees. yet no Water freezes from the top down and floats, living thing so fish can live in the winter. can survive without it. Ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water P l a n t s , is in the oceans. But on our Earth, there is a n i m a l s a system designed which removes salt and human from the water and then distributes that b e i n g s water throughout the globe. Evaporation consist mostly of water (about two-thirds takes the ocean waters, leaving the salt, of the human body is water). You'll see and forms clouds which are easily moved why the characteristics of water are by the wind to disperse water over the land, for vegetation, animals and people. It is a uniquely suited to life: system of purification and supply that It has wide margin between its boiling sustains life on this planet, a system of point and freezing point. Water allows us recycled and reused water. 9
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Principal Service readings October October 2nd (Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity) Habakkuk 1: 1 - 4, 2: 1 - 4 2 Timothy 1: 1 - 14 Luke 17: 5 - 10 Psalm 37: 1 - 9 October 9th (Twentieth Sunday after Trinity) 2 Kings 5: 1 - 3, 7 - 15c 2 Timothy 2: 8 - 15 Luke 17: 11 - 19 Psalm 111 October 16th (Twentyfirst Sunday after Trinity) Genesis 32: 22 - 31 2 Timothy 3: 14 - 4: 5 Luke 18: 1 - 8 Psalm 121 October 23rd (Last Sunday After Trinity) Jeremiah 14: 7 - 10, 19 - end 2 Timothy 4: 6 - 8, 16 - 18 Luke 18: 9 - 14 Psalm 84: 1 - 7 October 30th (Fourth Sunday before Advent) Isaiah 1: 10 - 18 2 Thessalonians Ch. 1 Luke 19: 1 - 10 Psalm 32: 1 - 8
Benefice Holy Communion Thursday Mornings 10:00 am St John’s, Chipping Sodbury Join us for an hour each Thursday morning for a friendly service, for the whole benefice, followed by tea/coffee, biscuits and a chat in the Church Centre.
The first dyslexia friendly gospel 1 in 10 people in Britain has dyslexia and struggles to read, especially the thin, crowded pages of a Bible. But last year we released a dyslexia-friendly version of Mark’s Gospel. Over several months we took advice from a group of dyslexic people and the British Dyslexic Association to produce a book that most people could read. It has thick, creamy pages, preventing the text from showing through. The typeface is clear and the size is larger than a normal Bible. ‘It’s really clear to read,’ says Mark who took up the role of curate at St Thomas’ Church, Kidsgrove, in the Lichfield Diocese, last summer. ‘Mark,who is dyslexic, struggled to read the Bible when he first became a Christian, but persevered because he thought, ‘This was God speaking to us. How can you miss an opportunity like that?’ But not everyone has that drive and motivation and he believes the dyslexiafriendly Gospel of Mark will be an easy-toread option for today’s teenagers living with dyslexia. ‘I think it will be really useful to be able to give this to dyslexic children. It’s so much easier to read. I can tell them how it’s helped me,’ he adds. ‘We’re hugely encouraged by the early responses to this book. People are telling us that they’ve wanted this for years and asking when we’re going to do the whole Bible. ‘We don’t know the answer to that one yet, but we really hope that the Gospel of Mark opens up part of the Bible to a whole sector of our community who couldn’t read it before.’ From The Bible Society
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Farewell message from the Revd Canon Robbin Clark, Dean of Women Clergy As many of you may know, I will be retiring and moving back to California at the end of October. I want to take this opportunity to offer thanks to God for the blessings of these last five and a half years and express my gratitude to all the wonderful people who have made this time such a special one for me. I have had the privilege of working with an amazing staff team and an extraordinary ‘flock’ of women clergy. I couldn’t have asked for better. For one in my post as Dean of Women Clergy, it has been a crucial period as well, with the long-awaited joyous celebrations, both local and national, of twenty years with women priests, followed closely by the historic decision to admit women to episcopal orders. How thrilling to have served with one of the most ardent advocates of this measure, Bishop Michael, and now with the first female diocesan, Bishop Rachel! While I’ve long loved the UK and felt ‘at home’ here, this is not to deny that my time here has been a constant cross-cultural adventure. I’ve learned new language, been a source of comic relief with my ‘Americanisms’ and endured (I hope with grace) the various jibes and attempts at the accent. The natural beauty and rich history of Gloucestershire have become very dear to me. All in all, I wouldn’t trade my time here for the world. As I’ve remarked more than once, “I feel like I’ve
fallen into a vat of chocolate!” You are all most warmly invited to my farewell service at the cathedral on Saturday, October 22 at 4.30pm. And rest assured, even though I’ll no longer be your resident “non-EU migrant worker”, I hope to be a frequent visitor in the years ahead. With love and thanks, Robbin From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
Name the competition
strong-room
Did you know that Gloucestershire Archives in Alvin Street, Gloucester, looks after parish registers and records from parishes across the Diocese? They include registers dating back to 1539, records relating to policing, road maintenance and looking after the poor (formerly a parish responsibility), as well as PCC minutes and parish magazines. Three new specialist strong-rooms are being built to house the next generation of archives, and the Diocese is inviting parishes to name one. The winning parish will be offered a group tour ‘behind the scenes’ at Gloucestershire Archives to see the new strong-rooms and a display of archives relating to their area. Please send your suggested name, together with your own name and parish to churchhouse@glosdioc.org.uk by 14 November 2016. From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
Life: vision and a celebration Thank you to everyone who submitted their conversations to help form the new diocesan vision. You can find the draft of the new diocesan vision at www.vision2016.org.uk Everyone is invited to our family friendly party on 26 November to celebrate the new diocesan vision. (See page 13 for details) From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
7.30pm
Bell Ringers’ Practice CS
Church Tower, Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
8.30am
Morning Prayer
Church Centre, Upper Room,Chipping Sodbury
9.15pm
Stor'k'ies
St John's Church, Chipping Sodbury
8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
730pm
Bell Ringer’s Practice Horton
St James’, Horton
8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Benefice Choir Practice
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events Sunday afternoons 2.30 through the summer 4.30 1st Sunday of Every 8:00am Month
Teas at Old Sodbury Church
St John’s Old Sodbury
Holy Communion at St John’s Chipping Sodbury
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 office@svbcofe.org.uk
Magazine Advertising Organiser Wanted Sylvia Franklin is standing down from the role and we thank her for the great work she has done over the years. As a result the editorial team needs a volunteer who will look after the advertising for the Outlook magazine. The job entails keeping in contact with the advertisers, persuading them to renew their adverts when the time comes and looking for new advertisers in the local community. If you are able to help please initially contact Michelle in the Church Office 01454 325160 or by email at office@svbcofe.org.uk
Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar October 2016 Sun 2nd Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise for Harvest
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
Tue
4th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
6th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
All Day
Mothers’ Union Rainbow Sale
St John’s, C/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 Church Centre, CS
Sat
8th
Sun 9th Twentieth Sunday after Trinity Mon
10th
2.00pm
Mothers’ Union
Tue
11th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
Thurs
13th
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
Sun 16th Twenty first Sunday after Trinity
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Mon
17th
19.30pm
Missions Prayer Meeting
Church Centre, CS
Tue
18th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Thur
20th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion {CW}
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise {CW}
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
2.00pm
Tea and Chat Afternoon
Church Centre, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St John’s O/S
16:00pm
All Souls Service
St John’s C/S
23rd
Sun Last Sunday after Trinity Tue
Thurs
25th
27th
30th
Sun Fourth Sunday before Advent
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Children’s page
16
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