SVB
Outlook December - January 2017- 2018
The magazine of the churches of The Sodbury Vale Benefice: Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, www.svbcofe.org.uk Little Sodbury and Horton. 1 1
Our Team The Rector
Associate Priest
The Revd. Canon David Bowers 01454 313159, rector@svbcofe.org.uk
The Revd. Peter Fewings 07795206590 ptfewings@gmail.com
Day off Monday
Work Days Tues, Wed, Thur & Sun
Churchwardens St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
St James’ Horton
Joy Gibson 01454 319288
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380
Jane Jones-Williams 01454 324970
Richard Needs 01454 329890
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
St John’s, Old Sodbury
Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Karen Hunter 01454 319903
Church Office 01454 325160
office@svbcofe.org.uk Open in school term time, Mon - Tue - Thu mornings 9.00 - 12.00
Safeguarding Nominated Person Mrs Hilary Holder
Administrators Michelle Jenkins, Trish Gailey and helpers
01454 327118 Contact to express concern about suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult
Advertising
Editor Michael Stephenson 01454 314094 outlook@svbcofe.org.uk
Volunteer required
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A Christmas word from David Dear Friends The main event in our group of churches each year to help us to prepare for Christmas is the Crib Festival at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury. As we go further into Advent there are, of course, several special events across the churches, including carol services, that will help us to think about the meaning of this season. A Prayer for the New Year God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose years never fail and whose mercies are new each returning day: let the radiance of your Spirit renew our lives, warming our hearts and giving light to our minds; that we may pass the coming year in joyful obedience and firm faith; through him who is the beginning and the end, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Christmas Greetings to you all from all the Clergy Team
St Francis of Assisi is believed to have introduced the crib scene, something that has become established as a tradition in most parts of our world. It is an example of how various aspects of our Christmas celebrations have been introduced over the centuries. Francis is also thought to have introduced carol singing as part of Christmas worship and St Boniface, a monk from Devon who was a missionary to the Germanic peoples, is credited with decorating the first Christmas tree. Later, it is said to be Prince Albert who introduced the tradition of the Christmas tree from Germany to Britain. The Victorian period also gave us the tradition of sending cards. Other aspects of Christmas as we know it have come directly from the story of the birth of Jesus. The giving of presents, for example, is originally derived from the gifts of the Wise Men. How Christmas is celebrated has changed and evolved down the years. The one thing that has not changed, and which we should consider indispensable, is its central meaning – the birth of Jesus as God’s gift to the world, the story of God entering into human history and sharing our human life with us. As the poet John Betjeman pointed out in his famous poem about Christmas, nothing at all can compare with the truth that “God was man in Palestine”. This is indeed good news for all people. May we all know his presence and his peace as we celebrate his birth. Judith joins me in wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. David Bowers 3
The Twelve Days of Christmas (Or the Everlasting Turkey)
“Christmas is a lovely time of the year, unless you are a turkey!”
On the first day of Christmas my true love said to me: I`ve bought a big, fresh turkey and a proper Christmas tree. On the second day of Christmas much laughter could be heard as we tucked into our turkey- a most delicious bird. On the third day of Christmas came the people from next door. The turkey tasted just as good as it had done before. On the fourth day of Christmas came relations, young and old. We finished up the Christmas pud and had the turkey cold. On the fifth day of Christmas, outside the snowflakes scurried But we were nice warm inside – we had the turkey curried. On the sixth day of Christmas, the Christmas spirit died As the children fought and bickered – we had turkey rissoles fried. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love he did wince When he sat down at the table and was offered turkey mince. On the eighth day of Christmas the dog had run for shelter He`d seen our turkey pancakes and the glass of Alka Seltzer. On the ninth day of Christmas by lunchtime Dad was blotto He knew that bird was back again, this time as a risotto. On the tenth day of Christmas we were drinking home-made brew As if that wasn`t bad enough, we were eating turkey stew. On the eleventh day of Christmas the Christmas tree was moulting. With chilli, soy and oyster sauce the turkey was revolting. On the twelfth day of Christmas we had smiles upon our lips. The guests had gone, the turkey too – we dined on fish and chips.
Sent in by Joyce Cains
Sent in by Linda Hurst
Benefice Harvest Lunch Success £156.25 was raised from the Benefice Harvest Lunch at St John’s, Old Sodbury. Turning Point thanked us very much for choosing them as our charity – they said the gift will make a real difference to the families in Kibera, a vast slum in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. Kenyan school children, courtesy of Turning Point
The Benefice Harvest bring and share lunch was enjoyed by all who attended. The food was plentiful & delicious and it was good to get to know people from other churches within the benefice. A good culmination of our Harvest festival season. 4
A Ringing Success!
Holy Land Pilgrimage We have about 10 places still available for our pilgrimage to the Holy Land from October 9th 18th 2018. This is a great opportunity to visit the main important sites of On 23rd September six intrepid Bell ringers the Gospels, including representing St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Jerusalem, Bethlehem and entered the annual Striking Competition of the Wotton Galilee. under Edge branch of the Gloucester and Bristol Diocesan Association of Church Ringers. Six teams from five “Our position: Bell individual towers took part at St first place, Mary’s Grittleton, Wiltshire. ! “ Competition was intense and overall standards were good. Our test piece of ringing consisted of 120 changes of Plain Bob Doubles lasting no more than ten minutes. Our position: first place, we won! On the day we were presented with the Beaney Trophy for our endeavours. The Beaney Trophy is a We travel on good large shield with the names of the towers that have scheduled flights with El won it and is now proudly displayed in the ringing chamber at Chipping Sodbury. Next year we will go on Al and stay in comfortable to represent Wotton Branch in the annual Association hotels in Jerusalem and Tiberias. Please contact six bell striking competition, this time competing for me if you would like the Croome Trophy. Watch this space! further information. David Clark, Tower Captain, David Bowers St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury.
we won
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Market
Cross
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: George Tullio Eley at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 1 October 2017
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Jamie Dann and Harriet Stevens at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury on 14 October 2017 Benjamin Watts and Amy Fussell at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury on 21 October 2017 Benjamin Nicholas and Georgina Hildick-Smith at St James the Elder, Horton on 28 October 2017
Funerals: We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of: Michael Wilson at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on 5 October 2017 Catherine Blackwell at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on 24 October 2017 Graham Wiltshire at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on 10 November 2017 Anthony John Pritchard at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on 11 November 2017
Countdown to Christmas Advent is the final countdown to Christmas day and many children will have an Advent calendar to help them count the days. It’s also a really special time for the church. The word Advent simply means ‘coming’ – it’s the season when Christians remember that God came to earth to be born as the Christ child, Jesus. God also promised that Jesus will come again at the end of time to heal all the world’s hurts and divisions. “Advent is the Advent remembers this amazing promise, so it’s a time final countdown of hope, of getting ready, and expectation. Waiting is hard, but Christmas is worth waiting for – it’s a special to Christmas Day” time, and at its heart is a gift of love from God to the world. Think about which things, for you, about Christmas are hard to wait for and which are worth saving until the day.
Here’s what you might see in church during Advent:● Fewer decorations – but there might be greenery instead of flowers. This allows us to recognise that the Christian life isn’t all about celebration. It’s about hope and faith during times of sadness and challenge, too. 6
● An Advent wreath with candles on it. One candle is lit each week (usually at the start of the service) – often with a special song or prayer.
HOLIDAY HOME
● Many churches try really hard not to start Christmas too soon, maybe waiting till Christmas Eve to sing the carols. Saving them until Christmas means they feel even more special. Advent is a really important time to pray for peace and love to fill the world, so you may hear more of these kinds of prayers in church.
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Often people track the days up to Christmas with an advent calendar. If your family enjoys chocolate, you might like a Real Advent Calendar (www.realadvent.co.uk). These calendars have a piece of Belgian Fairtrade chocolate behind every window, plus an illustrated Christmas story booklet that you can read together as a family. A percentage of each purchase is also donated to a good cause. There are other Advent calendars which present the Christmas story, like one offered by Traidcraft (www.traidcraftshop.co.uk) which you may be able to get in your local church. If you’re holding off on the chocolate, an Advent candle is a lovely way to count down the days – it’s marked with the days so you can burn a little each day and still have enough left for Christmas day. You can find them in Christian bookshops and some department stores. 7
Christmas Bible Quiz 1 1. When Joseph first discovered that Mary was pregnant, he: Matthew 10, 18-20 A Tore his robe; B Beat her; C Rejoiced; D No longer wished to marry her. 2. Why did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem? Luke 2, 4-5 A To celebrate their wedding; C To pay their taxes;
B To seek the prophet Simeon; D To visit Joseph’s parents.
3. With what did Mary wrap newborn Jesus? Luke 2, 7 A a blanket; C Joseph's cape;
B Strips of cloth; D a scarf.
4. After Jesus was born where did Mary lay him? Luke 2, 7 A She held him; C In a pile of hay;
B In a feeding trough; D on the ground.
5. The wise men travelled …………………….. To Jerusalem. Matthew 2, 1 A Southward B Eastward C Westward D Northward 6. How many wise men brought gifts to Jesus? A None C2
B3 D The Bible doesn’t say
7. What was the shepherd’s initial reaction to the angel who visited them? A They were exited C They were upset
Luke 2, 7
B They were angry D They were afraid
8. What did the angel tell the shepherds? A How to recognise the newborn Savior C Not to be afraid
Luke 2, 10-12
B The location of the baby D All of these things
9. Who visited Joseph, Mary and Jesus on the night he was born? A Shepherds C Shepherds and wise men
B Wise men D Shepherds, wise men, and all dwellers of Bethlehem
10. Where did Jesus’ family flee to from Bethlehem? A Samaria C Greece
Luke 2, 15-16
B Nazareth D Egypt 8
Matthew 2, 12-13
Christmas Bible Quiz 2 1. Who told Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem? 2. True or False: Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus because they were following a star. 3. What form of transport did Mary and Joseph use to get to Bethlehem? 4. Which Old testament prophet had the most to say about the birth of Christ? 5. In the accounts announcing the birth of Christ (Matthew 1 and Luke 1&2) how many times did an angel or angels appear? 6. Who told Joseph the baby’s name was to be Jesus? 7. Can you list 5 names of Jesus found in the Bible? (Some on my list are from Old Testament prophecies) 8. What are the meanings of the names Jesus and Emmanuel? 9. The shepherds and the wise men went to see Jesus. Which group followed a star and which group went because an angel told them where to look? 10. What did the angels sing to the shepherds? 11. When the shepherds went looking for Jesus, what was the sign they were to look for? 12. 12 How many wise men/kings/magi came to see Jesus? 13. Matthew 2:8 says Herod asked the wise men to inform him where the baby Jesus was. Why does this verse say he wanted to know? 14. How old was Jesus when the wise men found him? 15. What are the three gifts which are mention as being given by the wise men? 16. Which ruler ordered all the young children to be killed? 17. What animals does the Bible say were present at the birth of Jesus? 18. What is the name of the unkind innkeeper who would not allow the pregnant Mary to lodge in his inn? 19. What is the name of the person who was told that they would not die until they saw the Saviour? 20. Two of the four gospels do not mention the birth of Christ. Which two?
Answers When you have had a go at all the questions you can check your answers on the Church web site at www.svbcofe.org.uk 9
Church-sharing During the restoration work at St Lawrence’s RC Church in Chipping Sodbury, St John’s was delighted to provide a venue for their weekly Saturday evening Mass. By happy coincidence the first of these was at the end of the week when we commemorated the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation! As well as being a great opportunity for Christian hospitality and ecumenism, it was also therefore a significant historical event as the first Roman Mass at St John’s Church since the Reformation. We wish Fr Jim Williams and his congregation every blessing as they return to St Lawrence’s. David Bowers
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Christmas is on the Cards Connecting with Culture In case you haven’t noticed the bling, the Christmas shopping season is upon us again. With pressure on family budgets, Christmas could well be on the cards in more ways than one. This will no doubt contribute to a national day of gloom in January when the statements come through. Average household consumer credit debt in Britain is now close to 30% of income. For some it is much more – a frightening reality which traps people in despair and a life driven by the need for money. Breaking free from debt really matters. I’m not talking about those whose life situations put them on, or even below, the breadline, with agonizing decisions to make every day. Such people need our support and the help and advice of excellent charities like Christians Against Poverty. No, I’m talking about the majority of us who are in a position to make some simpler choices about what we spend. My phone battery is not what it was, but to change my mobile I would have to splash out or commit to a new contract. I want a new one, but I don’t really need it. I would love to give my children and grandchildren some big presents, but if I’m honest they don’t need them either. The pressure is coming from the advertising that tells me ‘I am what I have’, and, truth be told, from my own inward desires. We do, however, have a spiritual weapon to resist the pressure of our culture of materialism and consumer debt. It’s called contentment. The apostle Paul made it clear that he had ‘learned the secret of being content in any and every situation’ (Philippians 4:12). This may well be the battle to be fought in many a heart and mind in the lead up to Christmas. If we can learn to be content with less ‘stuff’, we will ‘Let no debt remain discover more freedom and more capacity to outstanding, except the help others.
continuing debt to love one another’ (Romans 13:8).
Far be it from me to stifle generosity – especially as giving can be a language of love. But Scripture also says that ‘if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have’ (2 Corinthians 8:12). In the midst of our giving, let’s hold on to the freedom of a high contentment, low debt lifestyle. Paul Valler
Paul is a mentor, author and speaker and chairs the Board of LICC.
Source - London Institute for Contemporary Christianity www.licc.org.uk.
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St Nicholas of Myra Legends about the patron saint of Russia credit St Nicholas with being a miracle worker blessed with the virtues of kindness and generosity, especially towards children. This, of course, is the saint famous for his role as Father Christmas. This may be because he is a patron for children, but may also be due to some of the legends about his life. There is a story that he once found three dead children in a brine tub and brought them back to life. He is also credited with saving three young girls from a life of poverty and prostitution. He is said to have thrown three bags of gold into their window, thus providing the girls with marriage dowries. He is also reputed to have saved three sailors from drowning. Thus he has become the patron saint of children, brides, unmarried girl and sailors. There is little solid evidence for St Nicholas’ life. There is evidence that a bishop of Myra, named Nicholas did live in the 4th century AD. Some claim that he attended the great church council in AD 325 at Nicaea which, among other things, gave us the Nicene creed. Despite the lack of information about him, St Nicholas has been a popular saint since early Christian History. His image appears all over Russia and the Christian Middle East and many churches are dedicated to his name. Linguists have observed that early Dutch settlers to the USA called him “Sinte Klaas” and gave each other presents on his feast day, which is 6th December, thus starting the Santa Claus tradition. The 6th December is still celebrated in many parts of Europe today. Information supplied by David Webster
“Christmas time is not about expensive gifts, but about the blessings we already have and the unfailing presence of God.” Sent in by Joyce Cains
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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
St James’, Horton
8.30am
Bell Ringer’s Practice Horton Morning Prayer
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
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Dates for your Diary 7th Jan
6.00pm
Epiphany Carol Service
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
17th Feb
10.00am
Wedding Preparation Day
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
Requiem ‘Thousand Colours of Sunset’ by Jonathan Crow sung by the Arcus singers
St Mary’s Wotton Under Edge
10th Mar 7.00pm
What do you think of the magazine and its contents? Send your comments to outlook@svbcofe.org.uk Copy Deadline Please send all copy to the Church Office by 12th of the month before publication Front Cover - Location and photographer unknown, but it makes a beautiful seasonal scene. 13
Calendar December 2017 Sun 3rd First Sunday of Advent Tues
5th
Thurs
7th
Sun 10th Second Sunday of Advent
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
5.00pm
Service of Reflection
St John’s, C/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
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
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Carol Service
St James’, Horton
6.00pm
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
Mon
11th
12 noon
Mothers Union Christmas Lunch
TBA
Tues
12th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
14th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
Sun 17th Third Sunday of Advent
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
5.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
7.00pm
Carol Service
St John’s, C/S
Mon
18th
7.30pm
Missions Prayer Group
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
19th
2:00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre C/S
Thurs
21st
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
Fri
22nd
7.00pm
Carol Service
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
Sun 24th 4th Sunday of Advent
3.00pm
Crib Service
St John’s O/S
3.00pm
Christingle
St John’s C/S
4.30pm
Christingle
St John’s C/S
Christmas Eve
8.00pm
Christmas Communion
St James’ Horton
11.30pm
Midnight Service
St John’s C/S
No Service at St Adeline’s L/S Mon 25th
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
Christmas Day
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s O/S
Thurs
28th
Sun 31st First Sunday of Christmas
10.00am
Holy Communion
Church Centre C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St Adeline’s, L/S
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Calendar January 2018 Thurs
4th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Epiphany Carol Service
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.30am Sun 7th Baptism of Christ 11.15am
Mon
8th
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Tues
9th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
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
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
Thurs
11th
Sun 14th Second Sunday of Epiphany Mon
15th
7.30pm
Missions Prayer Group
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
16th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
18th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
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
9.30am
Parish Comunion
St John’s, C/S
Holy Communion{CW)
St James’ Horton
Morning Praise
St John’s O/S
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
9.30am Sun 21st Third Sunday of 11.15am Epiphany 11.15am
Tues
Thurs
23rd
25th
Sun 28th 11.15am Fourth Sunday of 11.15am Epiphany 6.00pm
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Christmas Services around the Sodbury Vale Benefice Carol Services Sunday 10th 6.00pm
St James’ the Elder, Horton
Sunday 17th 5.00m
St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury
Sunday 17th 7.00pm
St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury
Friday 22nd 7.00pm
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
Christmas Eve: Sunday 24th 3.00pm
Crib Service
St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury
3.00pm
Christingle
St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury
4.30pm
Christingle
St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury
8.00pm
Christmas Communion St James’ the Elder, Horton
11.30pm Midnight Service
St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury
Christmas Day: Monday 25th 9.30am
Family Communion
11.15am Family Communion
St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury
New Year’s Eve: Sunday 31st 10.30am Benefice Communion
St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
Sunday 7th January: 6.00pm
Epiphany Carol Service St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury
This magazine is brought to you Free by the four churches of the Sodbury Vale Benefice. If you would like to make a small donation towards printing costs which are £1.50 a copy that would be most welcome. Thank you. 16