Outlook September 2017
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
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 word from the Rector Dear friends Judith and I have just returned from leading the annual youth visit from Gloucester Diocese to our partner dioceses in India. I have organised this for the past 5 years and this year’s trip was my last as I have now handed the role on to a colleague. I have also passed on the role of Link Officer for the Dornakal Partnership and will be concentrating on our link with Bangalore (Karnataka Central Diocese) for the next few years.
“Youth groups in India cater for people up to the age of 35!”
“Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Dornakal and Bangalore as they follow Jesus in a country where Christians make up just 2.5% of the population. “
We were a small team of eight this year and we spent time in both Dornakal and Bangalore, including visits to schools, churches and children’s projects, ranging from the prestigious (and expensive) Bishop Cotton Schools to schools in slum areas. We spent time with a number of church youth groups and our young people were surprised to find that such groups in India cater for people up to the age of 35! The team engaged enthusiastically and even when half of them were struck down with tummy troubles for a couple of days, the other half carried on with the programme. As well as the more serious programme there was some time for tourism, including a trip by boat on the Godavari river to the tribal village of Papikondalu and a visit to the historical city of Mysore. From Bangalore we also travelled by sleeper train for 11 hours to Kodaikanal, a hill station in Tamil Nadu. We spent a couple of days relaxing in this beautiful place before returning to the noise and heat of the city. On August 15th, which is Indian Independence Day, we were guests of the Karnataka State Government at the official celebration, which included a military march past and an amazing demonstration of dancing by children from the schools of the city. We arrived back on August 16th very tired but having enjoyed spending time with the Christian community in South India. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Dornakal and Bangalore as they follow Jesus in a country where Christians make up just 2.5% of the population. David 3
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Connor John Matthew Rees at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 23 July 2017
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Jessica Davis and Phillip Harris at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 24 June 2017 Victoria Tozer and Gavin McCaughey at St John’s, Old Sodbury on the 21 July 2017 Andrew Van Biljon and Hannah Marshall at St James the Elder, Horton on 22 July 2017 Sam Kemp and Sophie Youell at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 29 July 2017 David William and Alison Gowen at St John’s, Old Sodbury on 29 July 2017
Funerals: We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of: John Eric Woodman at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 29 June 2017 Francis Joseph Coyle at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 3 July 2017 John Alan Day at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on 27 June 2017 Christopher James Edward Nagle, memorial service at St Adeline’s, Little Sodbury on 7 August 2017
Revd. Christy Gnanadason On September 18th Revd. Christy Gnanadason, a priest in the Karnataka Central Diocese, will be staying in Chipping Sodbury for about a week from September 18th as part of a visit to our Diocese. Christy serves in two churches in Bangalore and is the Diocesan Link Officer for their partnership with Gloucester. We look forward to welcoming him.
Prayer for the Month This is a collect from the Church of South India which is used on their Independence Day (August 15th): Lord God, creator of all, you have called us in freedom to take part in the building of a great nation; teach us the path of true greatness so that, following in the steps of your Son, we may seek not to be served but to serve, and to work together for the common good; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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How long do you really want to live?
Clutter
But this news made me wonder whether we really want life expectancy to keep rising? My children’s grandma is in her 90s. Her husband died many years ago, her friends have mostly died. She gets very lonely with all her family living miles away. She can no longer drive and is increasingly isolated and unwell. I have met many elderly folk like her who feel that they have had enough. I wonder what it is that we value about longevity? Is it that we are afraid of what’s next, that we cling to what we know? Is our aim in medicine and health care to keep people alive or is it to give them the fullness of life? Inequality means that some people don’t get the chance to live differently or to die well. How should I respond to this?
keep, and a time to cast away...”
Never mind hard work and perseverance: have Recently the news broke that despite the fact that our you tidied your desk life expectancy has been rising for the last 100 years it lately? A clear desk will has now stopped rising. The report describes how the help free your internal wealthier areas of the country are not affected by this world, and make you and that it is the less affluent whose life expectancy is more successful. So says so much less. Poverty, poor working conditions and an expert, who warns that employment, education all “clutter in your outer affect life expectancy by “I wonder what environment is the influencing lifestyles. Of physical manifestation of it is that we course, the level of social care all the clutter that is going for the elderly also affects this. value about on inside of you. Clearing This inequality pushes against longevity?” clutter has a ripple effect all that I believe as a Christian, across your entire life, for we are called to challenge oppression of every sort. including your work. “ The good news of ‘life in all its fullness’ is not for the wealthy and educated – it is for all. “There is a time to
By the Revd Pauline Godfrey, Discipleship and Vocations Officer, Gloucester diocese 5
(Ecclesiastes 3:6) Jayne Morris is the resident life coach for NHS online, and she warns that “the things you are holding on to that you don’t really like, don’t ever use, and don’t need any more. drain your energy.” Scans have confirmed that victims of hoarding disorder have abnormal activity in regions of the brain involved in decision making. A survey has shown that more than a million people in the UK are compulsive about keeping their possessions. From www.premier.org.uk/News
Sunday Teas at Old Sodbury Sunday teas at Old Sodbury Church are enjoyed by many people as you can see in the photos.
“When we seek to bless others, God blesses us in surprising ways”
Walkers from all over the world walking the Cotswold Way are often surprised to find the welcome refreshment. There was one lady from America who said the teas and the open church had been the high point of her holiday! People visit who have lived in the area in their lives but never visited the church are amazed at the view. Others come to meet with friends or those living alone come for a chat. In a small way we hope we are reaching out with the love of God with a smile, a cup of tea and a piece of cake. Everyone who volunteers to serve the teas says what an enjoyable afternoon it is and marvel at the interesting people who visit. May we all seek to bring the love of God to others, working together in whatever ways we can.
The Silver Ring Choir of Bath
Can you help?
The Silver Ring Choir of Bath is a mixedvoice choir which was founded in 1951. We have a varied repertoire – something to suit all tastes – and at the moment we are recruiting voices for all Sections. We are holding an ‘Open Rehearsal’ to give you an opportunity to meet our Musical Director, Philip Draisey, and members of the Choir. We are a friendly group and you can be assured of a warm welcome. For more information, contact our Secretary, Ruth Bwye, Tel: 0117 9422205
Advertising Organiser Needed We need someone to look after the the magazine’s advertisers
If you think you could help then please contact the office on 01454 325160 or email office@svbcofe.org.uk 6
Outlook is changing The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed some changes to the appearance of Outlook this month. We are giving it a more contemporary look. It is also part of the on-going process of making the magazine more appealing to non-churchgoers and enabling it to be used as an outreach tool. By sharing the magazine with others, we hope to generate their interest in Jesus’ message and encourage them to join our Christian family. We want it “We want it to be a to be a tool to help you spread our message to others. tool to help you We want you to be confident that it has articles that spread our people will find interesting and relevant to life.
message to others.”
An ongoing process
This is not going to happen overnight and we need your help in improving the content as well as the look. The plan is to extend the pew sheets and use them to share church news as it happens on a weekly basis. From the October issue, the Outlook magazine will become bi-monthly and focus on articles on Christianity and its relevance to life today as well as stories about what we are doing in our churches. If you have a story to tell, or spot a story we could use, do let us know. Perhaps you can write a short piece for the magazine or be interviewed by one of the team who will write the story for you. We are considering whether to change the name from Outlook. To those familiar with computers this name can be confused with Microsoft’s email app which is also called Outlook (it is open to debate who had the name first).
Send your ideas to me. Do let us know what you think of the changes, Michael Stephenson, at whether you think a name change is a good idea and outlook@svbcofe.org.uk. share any ideas you have for a new name and how to give the magazine more appeal.
A Festa on Gozo “What a difference twelve hours can make.” Thanks to Chris Evans for these shots 7
Festival lights at this church on the small island of Gozo, just to the north west of Malta, change the picture completely.
HOLIDAY HOME
Thurlestone, South Devon Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
Self Catering Pet Friendly Open All Year Wonderful Sea Views Parking for 2 cars Sleeps 6-10 people 3 Bedrooms, 2 Futons
Call Bob Alcock
01454 313880
bobandsueal@gmail.
Shipbuilding project delayed In the year 2016, the Lord came unto Noah, Who was now living in England and said: "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over -populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another ark and save two of every living thing Along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the blueprint, saying, "You have 6 months to build the ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights." Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah Weeping in his yard - but no ark. "Noah!," He roared, I'm about to start the rain! Where is the ark?" "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed. I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the boat inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbours claim that I've violated the neighbourhood bye-laws by building the ark in my back garden and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the local Planning Committee for a decision. Then the Council and the electric company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power, lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would 8
hear none of it. Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go! When I started gathering the animals the RSPCA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space. Then the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that I couldn't build the ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood. I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew. The Immigration Dept. is checking the Visa status of most of the people who want to work. The trade unions say I can't use my sons as they insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience. To make matters worse, HMRC seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species." So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this ark." Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, “You mean you're not going to destroy the world?� "No," said the Lord. Sent in by Linda Hurst
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Storkies
"If you went down to St John's today"
Thanks to all our Storkies helpers
Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Can I just take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports Storkies not just on this week but every Tuesday by helping set up, pack away, preparing the healthy snack, doing the accounts, to Michelle and Trish in the office who are always there when we need them and everyone who is remembering us in your prayers. To Cherie, Audrey and Hilary special thanks for all your support, kindness and energy as you help us deliver safeguarding, crafts and by supporting parents and carers each week. Sue and I couldn't do it without you all and when you see the fun and joy the children have it really is worth every moment spent in the planning, preparation and delivery of this part of our church life. A special thanks to Bob Alcock who empties the children's loo every week, this to me means more than anything! Sarah Ledger, Sue Alcock
37 children came with parents and carers and enjoyed a very happy and exciting morning at Storkies end of term party this week. The theme was a picnic for their favourite cuddly teddy or toy. Everyone enjoyed the toys, games and doodle bag craft and of course the fantastic bouncy castle set up in the Lady Chapel. A party treat also went home and a big thank you needs to go to Cherie Hurcombe for sourcing the balloons that caused such delight! Many thanks also to Mother's Union who served the picnics and to Rev. Peter who came and reminded us that this is the third year Storkies has been running... time does fly! He gave a very thoughtful blessing to the children bidding them health, safety and God's love over the summer break on behalf of the “This year has Benefice. been fantastic Some of the children who and we have had have been at Storkies since some lovely the beginning are leaving times” for school now and it was lovely to give them a special cheer and send them forward to a new stage in their lives. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be 10
part of their development and we hope they leave with life long memories of happy days spent with us in church at Storkies and will feel that St John's is a place that cares for them and that they will always belong to. This year has been fantastic and we have had some lovely times. Now each term one of the story sessions is parent led and we have had a variety of skills showcased by parents and carers. Hawaiian dancing, a silly hat story, and an Old Mc Donald's story song with violin and piano accompaniment. Rev David brought some of our friends from his work in India to teach us a song and at another session made some delicious Indian sweets that had parents asking for the recipe! Sue and I continue to make absolute idiots of ourselves doing puppets, dressing up and becoming dingle dangle scarecrows every week! But it's such fun and very rewarding to Storkies begins use the again on church building in 5th September such a 2017 . special way. Storkies has also had the Would you like to be involved? pleasure of dressing the If so contact Sarah or church porch for Rev David's Induction. Harvest , the Sue or leave your Crib Festival and lately the Chipping Sodbury Festival name with the Church when we used the Americana theme to highlight the mission of Jonny Appleseed to fill the USA with Office nurseries of apples. His vision of planting good seeds to 01454 32510 see them grow and flourish seemed to represent what we truly hope happens at Storkies each week. Sarah and Sue 11
Ram Hill Open Garden Success Once again the Yate-Genieri Link’s summer event at Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath on the first weekend of July welcomed many members “£1400 was of the Benefice. raised for the They enjoyed two of the best Gambian Village days of the of Genieri” summer weather and contributed significantly to the £1400 which was raised for projects in the Gambian village, so a big ‘thank you’ is due to them.
F. WOODRUFF Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors 24 Hour Service 2 High Street, Winterbourne Tel: (01454) 773776 118-120 Station Road,Yate Tel: (01454) 320005 192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath email:info@funerals.uk.net
Live music was being performed by pianists and singers throughout both days, notably by the Chipping Sodbury and Yate Community Choirs conducted by Liz Martin.
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
Danco contributed two event marquees, used as tea tents. The previous weekend they had been used as pop-up restaurant where supper was served following the annual piano recital. If any Benefice member would like an invitation to next year’s piano recital all they need to do is mention it to Graham or Margaret Newman. The soloist on that occasion will be the brilliant Spanish pianist Aitor Garci-Ruiz.
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Prayer on a Vast Canvas
the world’ (17:24), that we might be loved by the Father with the love he has for the Son. Just bask in that for a moment.
The scope of Jesus’ prayer in In a sense, John 17 is the real ‘Lord’s John 17, which prayer’, with the one recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 best thought of as the is the whole chapter, is huge, disciples’ prayer. It is Jesus’ prayer, not ours. And, as we eavesdrop on it, we overwhelming hear not just his voice but his heart: his even. It begins alignment with the will of the Father, his with the desire to complete the work given him oneness between Father to do, his concerns for his people. Above and Son ‘before all, perhaps, the prayer demonstrates the world began’ (17:5). The prayer then the intimacy between Father and Son. But it also beckons us into that intimacy, moves through the mission of the Son sent from the Father, to the keeping and and invites us to reflect on how we will pray as a result. sanctification of the apostles as John 17 helps us, not Father, I want those you have those in turn because it gives us a given me to be with me where I technique for prayer, sent into the am, and to see my glory, the world (17:18). but because it orients our praying. It shows Jesus concludes glory you have given me us that prayer is by praying for because you loved me before addressed to God as those who Father and is rooted believe through the creation of the world ... I their testimony have made you known to them, in relationship with – us included – and will continue to make you one who knows us and loves us. It also who come to known in order that the love reminds us of the participate in centrality of God’s the eternal love you have for me may be in of the triune them and that I myself may be glory. Our prayers can sometimes be God. Jesus’ in them. John 17:24-26 focused on ourselves prayer embraces with concentric nothing less circles of legitimate interests and than the whole history of redemption. concerns, needs and responsibilities. But The prayer thus reflects God’s mission, and the goal of that mission – to gather a Jesus puts the Father’s glory at the people to share in the fellowship of love centre, and the circles that radiate out are to do with his will and his purpose. and oneness that existed between Father and Son ‘before the creation of
Source - London Institute for Contemporary Christianity www.licc.org.uk.
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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 29th Oct
4.00pm
All Souls Service
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
28th Nov
7.00pm
Crib Festival opening night
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Crib Festival
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
29th Nov - 3rd Dec
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
Copy Deadline Please send all copy to the Church Office by 12th of the month before publication Front Cover- Maria de Cartagena Church, Cartagena, Spain Photo by Michael Stephenson
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar September 2017 Sun 3rd Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
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
2.00pm
Church Family Get together
Vicarage, C/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Tues
5th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
7th
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 (BCP)
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun 10th Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity Mon
11th
7.45pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
12th
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
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Thurs
14th
17th
Sun Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Mon
18th
7.30pm
Missions Prayer Group
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
19th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
21st
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm
Chipping Sodbury PCC
Church Centre, C/S
22nd
2.30pm
Pastoral Care Meeting
Church Centre, C/S
Sun 24th Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion {CW)
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
2:00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre 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
Fri
Tues
Thurs
26th
28th
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Young people exploring selfidentity
Research from the YMCA and Dove Be Real Campaign found
that almost a third (30%) of secondary school pupils isolate themselves to avoid activities because of low body confidence while more than half (52%) regularly worry about how they look. Research from the Children’s Society found that a third of girls are unhappy with their appearance and as they In October 2016 Bishop Rachel launched a social become older they media campaign #liedentity with pupils from All Saints become increasingly Academy in Cheltenham, challenging negative body unhappy with their image and encouraging young people to look within to appearance. The research discover true value and beauty. This led to a number also found that of visits where Bishop Rachel has spoken with young unhappiness in young people about her own identity in Christ and her desire people with life as a whole for every person to discover their worth and potential and unhappiness with as a unique individual created in the image of God. appearance are This led to a conversation particularly strongly Bishop Rachel with Marksteen Adamson associated with mental recognised that this founding partner of ASHA, health problems such as resource could be an international marketing depression and anxiety. developed into an excellent way for young agency based in Cheltenham. He was developing a people aged between 10- multi-media resource, which helped young people 18 to explore the themes (16-18) explore self-identity through photography of identity and values in and poetry. This photography will be shown at London Fashion Week this September, to highlight a school setting, and in the issues of body image anxiety in young people. church youth groups. Bishop Rachel met with a group of 20 young people, who were exploring their self-identity through poetry and photography. This week long workshop involved kids from a number of different secondary schools from across Cheltenham. The outcome of their project will result in an exhibition, called PEEL, being launched during London Fashion week .
From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
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