Outlook October - November 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 Peter Ripe for Harvest What is harvest and why do we celebrate it? This month we will celebrate our harvest festival services and harvest lunches; including our schools. Looking out of the window at home I realised that most fields have been harvested in July and August, including the big field which is crossed by the Cotswold Way. But why do we celebrate Harvest? Jesus looked out across the fields in Palestine all those years ago and said “The fields are white for harvest, the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few”. The wheat and corn was ripe, the disciples had tasted it by crushing the ripe ears in their hands to release the tasty grain for a morning snack. But Jesus was not really talking about a time of year or thinking of harvesting the wheat. He was thinking “Why do we about bringing people into the Kingdom of God. Jesus could see that people had real needs and needed someone who cared to celebrate meet their physical and spiritual needs and to share with them harvest?” about the abundant life of the Kingdom. Sharing abundant life is feasting on the good things God has given us. It is not being run off our feet by all the pressures that other people put upon us – work deadlines, children’s activities, caring for older relatives, church activities…. Abundant life has the sense of living a full and satisfying life with accountability to the Lord our Maker alone, not a hectic life. The ministry of Jesus all those many years ago was “to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom to the imprisoned, to give recovery of sight to the blind and to release the oppressed. There is much to do here as well as preach. Many around us are caught up in poverty and many are blind that the blessings bestowed on us day by day are from God. Some are imprisoned because they have lost hope and purpose in their lives and some are oppressed by the actions of others to use them for their own ends. This ministry reached out to others and rejoiced in the release of the potential of all those Jesus met. Now the gospel of Jesus Christ is exercised through us by our loving actions towards others to listen and care and to heal and to release Christ’s power; to give others hope and respect and freedom. Actions speak louder than words, but when people then ask us why do we it, how can we resist telling them Jesus is Lord? A very abundant Harvest be yours 3
Peter
Frontlines I facilitate along with others the outreach programme of the church here in Sodbury Vale. Outreach means, “the provision of information or services to groups in society who might otherwise be neglected” (Encarta). I like this definition of outreach as it really shows the motivation we have as Christians to get out there in the community to provide a service to someone who has never consciously realised that God loves them personally, or who have in some way been neglected or fallen between two stools, and need help. It does not mean blasting people with Bible verses or asking them to help the church. Outreach means what it says, to provide loving service to those who knowingly or unknowingly have a need. Quite often it means providing a listening ear. For the ministers it means exercising their ‘cure of souls’, which covers our interaction with all who live in the parishes and not just our church family. For churchwardens and pastoral workers it often means the natural job of keeping an eye out in the community and visiting someone or providing them with acts of kindness, love and hope. For all of us it is where we operate on our frontlines – at work, in our families, with our neighbours, in the clubs, pubs and societies of which we are a part. We spend much more time here than in specific church activities, however keen we are. In fact we often work or even live outside our parish boundaries and use our own unique gifts and strengths in a natural way. The church is a place that should support, pray for and encourage us in the places where we spend most of our time. It is when we operate in our environments and share the love of God and do not expect anything in return, that God is able to bless us, bless our church and bless others through us. He blesses us with His love and encouragement and in performing little miracles of love through us, whether we are in joy or in sorrow. We find we are moved by God’s presence and see the presence of God in others. Carrying the good news of Jesus is a special privilege we have as Christians. Sometimes we don’t find it easy, but we know that we felt good when God found us and drew us into His family. We have a great message to share. When we find sharing Jesus difficult we only need to say “yes I believe, but help me get over my unbelief”. The man in the Bible came to Jesus for healing and his stumbling faith made his daughter whole. Most people will not mind us praying for them because it shares a load. Looking Out
Actions Old and young Christians can share the gospel of Jesus because mostly our actions speak louder than words. Love for others is not saying “I love you” though that is important, but reaching out to the poor, the needy, the lonely, the sick, the 4
oppressed and the hungry. Jesus said “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs’s is the Kingdom of Heaven”. As we admit our weakness and vulnerability, so we begin to trust that God will take over in our lives. As we see God do that in little ways so our faith builds up “Give me the ability to and we trust God for bigger things particularly to transform situations and lives. We worry that see good things in are not enough of us to make a difference in unexpected places and there Chipping Sodbury and it is the same people who talents in unexpected do all the work, so that we have no more capacity, people. And, give me, O but what if we each prayed for two people this Lord, the grace to tell month?
them so. Amen.”
God can work through you in exactly the place where you work, live, enjoy your hobbies or go to church. Blessed people don’t have to come to church they just need to connect their blessings with God in reaching out to them. We are just channels. Spend a little time to think about your frontline. Where is it? What do you do there? How can you be God’s channel? Peter Fewings, Associate Minister
Revd. David Powe We are very happy to welcome Revd David Powe to the team of clergy in the Sodbury Vale Benefice. He will be welcomed at the Benefice Service on October 29th at 10.30am at Horton Church and he has written the following piece to introduce himself. David It is very exciting to be writing a few words of introduction to you as I join the Sodbury Vale team. Born in London and brought up in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Wight, I spent my early career in management. I then trained at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford for the Anglican ministry and after a curacy moved swiftly to prison chaplaincy. I served in Belmarsh, Lewes and Bristol prisons which are all challenging but rewarding experiences. For many years, I have preached in a wide range of churches and other venues and am now also a regular contributor to Premier Praise radio’s Christian messages. I 5
Market
Cross
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Oliver and Ruby Bell at St John’s Old Sodbury on the 13th August 2017 Tobias Elliot Verdun Hunter at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on the 20th August 2017 Ernie Samuel Doughty at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on the 20th August 2017 Riley Elvet Lewis at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on the 3rd September 2017 Pippa Isla Robertson at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury on the 3rd September 2017
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Struan Wilkin and Laura Fay Bannister at St James the Elder, Horton on the 25th August 2017 Funerals: We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of: Leslie Lewington at St James’, Horton on the14th June 2017 Michael Sarafian at St John’s Old Sodbury on the 28th June 2017 John Hannah at St John’s, Old Sodbury on the 31st July 2017 Julia Charles at St John’s Chipping Sodbury on the 14th September 2017
retired from a full-time role a few years ago and have been pleased to take up some additional interests such as cooking. My stews and pies are very popular amongst friends and family and now marmalade and chutney have made a grand entry to the repertoire! I have two sons, one in education administration and one who is a deputy Head Teacher. The Christian faith is the central focus of all our lives and we have been led to live in various places and circumstances because of it.
“I look forward to meeting you”
In a society that appears to place its trust in transitory themes and values self-interest and advancement, it is good to be part of the Christian church which seeks to live a life of service and spread the good news of the gospel story. I look forward to meeting you and playing a small part in your community’s ministry. Reverend David Powe
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HOLIDAY HOME
Harvest Services 1st October Chipping Sodbury 09:30am Old Sodbury 11:15am 8th October Horton 11:15am Little Sodbury 6:00pm
Harvest food
Thurlestone, South Devon
1st October Benefice bring and share Lunch Old Sodbury Village Hall 12:30pm
Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ
October Wine and Nibbles after the St Adeline’s Harvest Service, 6:00pm St Adeline’s Church
8th
22nd October Harvest Lunch at Horton Village Hall 12:30pm tickets £15
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.com
Sent in by Linda Hurst
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Engaging through Communication – Again A few months ago we reminded ourselves of the importance – and pleasure – of having good conversations. In our first Communications Workshop in February we looked at some of the critical elements of communication and how to make it work better. Since then it has been encouraging to seeing good progress being made. The facelift that Outlook has been getting is a good first step! It is now time to run a second Communications Workshop. This is planned for Saturday October 7th. It will be in the Church Centre from 11am to 3pm with a break for lunch and will consist of two sessions. The programme for the morning will be very similar to the first workshop while after lunch it will become more practical as we focus on internal communications within the Benefice while revisiting the progress being made with outreach. We might even find some time to look at the importance of telling stories. David is inviting other churches within the deanery to participate if they are interested. Some of you have already indicated interest in coming while others express regrets that they will be away. Hopefully we shall be able to run it again at a more convenient time in the New Year. Stay tuned for more information via SVBMail. · ·
Be ‘Shore’ of ourselves · ice” v d A a e Take time to ‘Coast’ “S ·
Avoid ‘Pier’ pressure And ‘sea’ life’s beauty Sent in by Joyce Cairns
Music for Survivors
(A novel by David Parsons, 2016)
I would like to introduce to all our readers, the first novel written by our recent Non-Stipendiary Minister, Rev’d David Parsons. As one would expect, it comes up to David’s highest standards. The story is about two adolescent girls, one born towards the beginning and the other towards the end of the 20th century. Both have a very disturbing childhood and come from two different countries. Like all good novels, the story has its high points of joy and its low points of horror. These two young people eventually discover they have family links. As one would expect from such an author, there are at least two moral points that have come out: one is that evil is horribly evil, the other is that some good things can have disastrous results. I highly commend the book to all thinking, adult readers. Write some more, David!
David Webster
This book can be obtained direct from the private publisher – The Rev’d David Parsons, 24 Helme Lodge, Natland, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7GA Price £8.50
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Jimmy and Katia Rocks , Florianopolis, Brazil In June we received a team of 10 from Trinity Church Cheltenham,. As part of the course they are given experience of overseas mission. We had a busy programme lined up for them, including ministering at our church and delivering training, street evangelism and speaking at other groups and churches who we have gotten to know in the area.
A testimony from street evangelism
“It was great seeing the team grow in faith as they saw God work in and around them.” Give praise for: ● Visits from Henry, our mission director, and the team from Trinity Cheltenham and for all that happened over those few weeks.
“A lady came past and Sarah and Christianne started praying for her hips. They prayed twice. She reacted by putting her thumbs up and thanking them for the prayers. It seemed that there was no cartilage present, which meant there was bone on bone contact with ● How God has been problems. A heat came and the pain then went. The working here in the bottom of her spine was ‘splintering’ and having church and in people’s received prayer for this, she was able to bend over, lives. something that she had not been able to do before. She was able to lift her legs to test the hip and there was Pray for: still heat. She had wanted to get to a church but had ● God to awaken the been unable to as she could not drive or walk the long hearts of lost people distance required. She can now!” It was great seeing in the area. the team grow in faith as they saw God work in and ●Guidance and wisdom around them. as we seek to better We are now over two years into serve the Lord, reach our first term here in Brazil. We our community, raise think the best time for us to come up committed disciback for a few months will be ples and leaders and December 2018 until March 2019 administer the church as that will give the work here A selfie after church here. more time to consolidate and the team will be in a better position ●Good health, to run things without us for a few months. Love, protection and God’s provision for us as a Jimmy, Katia, Joanna & Davi family. 9
Prayer of praise Jesus is Lord! Creations voice proclaims it, For by His power each tree and flower was planned and made Jesus is Lord! The universe proclaims it Sun, moon and stars in heaven cry, Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord! Yet from His throne eternal in flesh He came to die in pain on Calvary’s tree Jesus is Lord! From Him all life proceeding yet gave His life a ransom thus setting us free Jesus is Lord! O’er sin the mighty conqueror from Death He rose and all His foes shall own His name Jesus is Lord! God sends His Holy Spirit to show by works of power that Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Lord! Jesus is Lord! Praise Him with Hallelujahs, for Jesus is Lord!
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 Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
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Global Action - Mission Prayer Meetings One of the best-kept secrets of the Benefice is that up to seven people meet regularly on the 3rd Monday of the month at 7.30 p.m. in St John’s Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury for an hour to pray for mission. This means 'mission' in the broadest sense: all the organisations and ministries that we as a Benefice are involved with. Praise and prayer items from each of these agencies provides fresh topics to pray about. We start with local ones - the Street Pastors and the Foodbank - and move on to our overseas links: Jimmy and Katia Rocks church-planting with CMS in Brazil, Michael and Nicki Duncalfe with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Papua New Guinea, India and the growing difficulties of its government’s anti-Christian measures, and Turning Point, working in Kibera township in Nairobi, Kenya. We always have a section devoted to a country where fellow Christians are suffering persecution. Finally we pray for any particular concerns or plans current in the Benefice. And all in 60 minutes! We would very much like to see this meeting grow. At the moment two of the Benefice parishes are represented; it would be great if all were. Please don’t be put off by the thought that you might be expected to pray out loud if you don’t feel confident to do so. The present group members are used to doing that, and in any case, the prayers of our hearts are more important than what we say. We always go home afterwards feeling uplifted... So this is a warm invitation to all of you who feel called to pray for our mission as a Benefice to come and join us on October 16th and November 20th. Steve Abbott
Money CAN buy you happiness Money may not buy you love, but if you spend it on gifts for other people, it seems that it can buy you some happiness. A recent global survey of more than 235,000 people has found that whether you are rich or poor, if you spend money on other people, “It is more blessed to you will be happier than if you spend it on yourgive than to receive.” self. (Acts 20:35) From poor Ugandans to wealthy Canadians, it seems that those of us who treat our friends and family experience a ‘warm glow’, according to the Gallup poll. As one Canadian professor said, the study showed that helping others is “deeply ingrained in human nature.” And no wonder: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 11
Chipping Sodbury Music Society 70th Anniversary In 1947 the Downleaze Music Club was founded by a group of music enthusiasts to encourage the appreciation of music by means of illustrated talks, lectures and gramophone recitals. By the 1960s live concerts were introduced and the club gained a reputation for promoting music concerts of the highest quality and excellence. In 1990 the Downleaze Music Club changed its name to Chipping Sodbury Music Society,
“The club gained a reputation for promoting music concerts of the highest quality”and excellence Now, in the 21st century the Society continues to invite excellent musicians; not just Classical but also Big Band, Jazz, Folk and World Music to entertain their audiences. They are also keen to promote the musicianship of young students; of note have been performances by Flutissimo under the direction of Ian Clarke and, more recently, by the South Gloucestershire Music Hub. Our objective is still “... to bring together lovers of good music and musicians in a friendly and convivial atmosphere...” 12
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
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
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- Kendal Parish Church Photo by Michael D Beckwith on Unsplash
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar October 2017 8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise for Harvest
St John’s, C/S
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
Sun 1st Sixtenth Sunday 11.15am after Trinity 11.15am
Family Communion for Harvest
St John’s, O/S
12.30pm
Harvest bring and share lunch
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Tues
3rd
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
5th
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 for Harvest (BCP)
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong for Harvest {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun 8th Seventeeth Sunday after Trinity Mon
9th
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
10th
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
Thurs
12th
15th
Sun Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity
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
Mon
16th
7.30pm
Missions Prayer Group
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
17th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
19th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
22nd
Sun Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity Tues
Thurs
24th
26th
Sun 29th Last Sunday before Advent
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
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
9.15am
No Storkies - Half Term break
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
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St James’, Horton
4.00pm
All Souls Service
St John’s, C/S
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar November 2017 Thurs
2nd
Sun 5th Fourth Sunday Before Advent
Tues
7th
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
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 327118 for venue
Wed
8th
7.30pm
Crib Festival Meeting
Church Centre, C/S
Thurs
9th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion for Remembrance
St John’s, C/S
10.55am
Holy Communion for Remembrance
St James’, Horton
10.55am
Remembrance Service
St John’s, O/S
3.00pm
Civic Remembrance Service
War Memorial, C/S
6.00pm
Evensong for Remembrance
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun 12th Remembrance Sunday
Mon
13th
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
14th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
Thurs
16th
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
Sun 19th Second Sunday before Advent Mon
20th
7.30pm
Missions Prayer Group
Church Centre, C/S
Tues
21st
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
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
Thurs
23rd
10.45am Sun 26th Christ the King Sunday before Advent
No Service at Chipping Sodbury due to Crib Festival set up 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
Tues
28th
2:00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre C/S
Thurs
30th
10.00am
Holy Communion
Church Centre C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
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St John’s Nativity Crib Festival 2017
The dates for your diaries are 27th November 2017 – 3rd December 2017. Please help us get this message out……. I am sure, like me, with Summer just over – you don’t want to be thinking about Christmas – but it is only just over 3 months away and at St John the Baptist Church, Chipping Sodbury we need to be planning NOW for our ‘Nativity Crib Festival’. In previous years, we have been able to display over 150 crib scenes: - some made by local schools and toddler groups and some from around the world. These are loaned to us for the week of the festival by many people. If you have one, or know someone who has, please may we borrow it? We promise to take great care of it. We always welcome new cribs, but also welcome ones that we have seen before. Apart from the crib displays we have craft workshops for children and storytelling sessions for those who just prefer to sit. We run a very popular café, offering tea, coffee, soft drinks, homemade cakes and biscuits and at lunchtime delicious homemade soups. Our information leaflets will be available in local shops and the Tourist Information Centre in Chipping Sodbury. Come on your own or with family and friends and soak up the magic of our unique prelude to the Christmas season.
“Come and soak up the magic of our unique prelude to the Christmas season.”
We look forward to welcoming you. Steve Kerner (Publicity Co-ordinator) For more information please see us at www.svbcofe.org.uk
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