SVB
Outlook August-September 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
Assistant Priest
The Revd. Canon David Bowers 01454 313159, rector@svbcofe.org.uk
The Revd. Peter Fewings 07795206590 ptfewings@gmail.com
The Revd. David Powe 01454 777745
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
Vacancy
Vacancy Safeguarding Nominated Person
Administrators
Hannah Saunders 07515 915976
Michelle Jenkins, Trish Gailey and helpers
Hcsaunders.hone@talk21.com
Advertising
Contact Hannah if you have a concern about suspected abuse of a child or a vulnerable adult
Volunteer required
Published by The Sodbury Vale Benefice, Church Office, St John’s Church Centre, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BQ, 01454 325160, office@svbcofe.org.uk, Open in school term time, Mon - Tue - Thu mornings 9.00 - 12.00. Editor - Michael Stephenson outlook@svbcofe.org.uk
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A word from David Dear friends As I write, we have just come to the end of the World Cup and there has been a huge level of interest in England in the progress of the national team, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in over 20 years. Sadly, it didn’t get beyond that but one of the main observations was that they played as a team and worked well together. It was a good illustration of how a football team is more than just a collection of talented individuals. We hope for even greater success in 2022!
“Part of the life and work of the Church is to encourage and enable people to grow in their gifts and talents�
Teamwork is important in any organisation and it is certainly increasingly important in the life of the Church. We rely on the combination of the strengths and talents of many people to work together and one of the pictures of the Church in the New Testament is that of a human body, with every part having an essential role to play. An image I often like to use is that of an orchestra with every musician contributing to the music.
Part of the life and work of the Church is to encourage and enable people to grow in their gifts and talents as well as in their faith so that we can more effectively Congratulations work together. The best way to get involved in To Jane Jones-Williams, working together with others is to come and see what one of our churchwardens we do in our churches. There are many opportunities, from singing in a choir, to bellringing or in one of our at Chipping home groups, where people meet to learn, discuss and Sodbury, who pray together. We believe that the Christian faith is has been relevant and life-enhancing. accepted to begin training The post-holiday season in September is a good time for ordained to think about getting involved in something new. Why ministry. She will begin not come along and sample the life of our churches for her three-year course in yourself? We absolutely guarantee a warm welcome September. and a friendly atmosphere. In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful summer and that you are able to find some time for relaxation, whether at home or on holiday. David Bowers 3
Market
Cross
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Edward Christopher Jackson 22 April at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury Joshua Paul Takle 22 April at St James the Elder, Horton Macie Lee Webb 22 April at St James the Elder, Horton Evelyn Jean Langley 15 July at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Ethan David Richards 15 July at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Andrew Parsons and Kelly-Anne Garland 16 June at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury Steven Lord and Kathryn Phipps, 23 June at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury Aiden Thompson and Georgina Daniell 23 June, at St James the Elder, Horton
Funerals: We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of: Rosalind Elizabeth Stone 30 May, at Westerleigh Crematorium William McLellan 1 June, at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Eileen Willis, 5 June, at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Ann Windram, 26 June, at St John the Baptist, Chipping Sodbury Rex Alan Boucher, 26 June, at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury William (Bill) Adams, 4 July, at St John the Baptist, Old Sodbury
If God had a refrigerator If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
Photo by Squared.one on Unsplash
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem; not to mention that Friday at Calvary. Face it friend. He's crazy about you. - Max Lucado 4
Would you Believe it? There we are 10,645 miles from home in Sydney, Australia, having actually travelled 16,420 miles in total on our journey around Australia. We were doing a bit of fairly random exploring of the centre of Sydney, when we popped up out of a train station next to St Andrew’s cathedral in the heart of the city, so we thought we would go and have a look round. We found that a communion service was in progress so we sat quietly at the back, but unfortunately we had missed most of the service. After the service the presiding minister came to have a chat and asked us where we were from. We said “Its a small church on the edge of the Cotswolds, I don’t expect you will have heard of it, it’s St Adeline’s at Little Sodbury.” “O yes.” he said, “That is William Tyndale’s church isn’t it? A friend of mine took me there when I was last in the UK.” And who was this friend? David Bowers. After all that travelling the first church we step into and the first person we meet there is The Revd. Tom Halls, a friend of our own rector. Would you believe it? David really does have a Global ministry! Michael & Diane
St Andrew’s Cathedral Sydney
10,645 miles from home 16,420 miles travelled.
Billy Graham It was interesting to read the article about Billy Graham in Outlook in April. I have always associated Billy Graham with large scale gatherings throughout the world, proclaiming the gospel. My wife and I attended one of his meetings in the early 1950s. It was very powerful in its attempting to win converts to a passionate faith in Jesus Christ. Many responded favourably. It seems to me that spiritual revival comes in different phases. In immediate post war Britain, the large scale event was a goad to get moving – needed to get the country to think about spiritual and material matters. Today, we are reminded that even in Billy Graham’s days the individual approach to ‘one-to-one’ encounters was still important. Our clergy team is rightly encouraging us to make contact with individuals – neighbours, friends, relatives and shop workers – so that we can share our personal experiences of Jesus Christ with local people. Church should be a place from which we are sent out- not only a place for us to invite people into. David Webster (he’s still going strong in his 90s!) 5
“Church should be a place from which we are sent outnot only a place for us to invite people into.”
Travelling Light God has given me an exciting life. Little did I know back in January 1969 when I went to work in Laos with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) all that would unfold. By God's grace he does not reveal all that he has in store for us, but in my instance, it felt as though it would be an exciting adventure. I was not to be disappointed. Now, fifty years on, it is with gratitude that Hennie and I can look back and trace God's hand at work. I have felt compelled to write down many of the stories and this has resulted in my book 'Close to the Listener' (240 pp) which has just been published. Over the next several issues of SVB Outlook I shall be using excerpts to capture for you some of these experiences – some humorous, some sad, some uplifting, some insightful, and many informative. They cover our early experiences in Laos in the closing years of the Vietnam War, our seven years in USA, then our move to Manila, Philippines in 1982. During those years we experienced the turmoil following assassination of Ninoy Aquino, the People Power revolution and the eruption of Mount Pinatubo the week before we left in 1991. Work with Far East Broadcasting (FEBC) took me to the former Soviet Union, Mongolia and Cambodia (after Pol Pot,) while in Indonesia I became heavily involved in the use of radio in the recovery phases in Aceh following the Indian Ocean Tsunami of Boxing Day 2004. There are a few printed copies of the book still available to buy – or you may obtain a copy through Amazon, either as a paperback or a Kindle eBook. I have also been putting together a companion web-site (http://francisgray.com/listener/) My hope is that by publishing these stories we might be able to encourage you to tell yours... Frank Gray 6
“Why not send us some of the stories of your life to share with others?”
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From Basle to Hitchin My sister, Eileen, and I were returning from holiday. We left Basle, Switzerland, at 7am on a journey of some ten hours, during which we would travel on two coaches and three trains. Until we arrived at St Pancras we would be with a group. Then Eileen would be met by her daughter and go in a different direction from me, and I would return alone to Hitchin. As I sat in the Eurostar I was nervous about the last part of my journey. How would I manage to get across from St Pancras to Kings Cross with my luggage, and find the right train to take me back to Hitchin? It’s not far, but I was exhausted and didn’t know the way. I know that in the past I ‘ve found my way alone to Bolivia! But in recent years I’ve sometimes felt confused when travelling in places I don’t know.
“The Lord will send his Angel with you and make your journey a success” Genesis 24: 40
The thought came to me: ‘When you travelled with Douglas (my husband), you never had to worry. He always took charge and led the way. I once said to him: ‘I don’t mind where I travel as long as I’m with you!’ Then I realised that my Heavenly Father loved me just as much as Douglas did, and was just as capable of looking after me – even more so. So all I needed to do was to ask for His help and trust Him. When we arrived at St Pancras, having walked the length of twelve carriages to the end of the platform, I needed to sit down before saying goodbye to Eileen. We found a bench on which a man was sitting. Almost immediately he spoke to us. ‘You don’t need to go to Kings Cross. A train goes from here to Hitchin from platform B at 3.21.’ With that he got up and walked away. It was then just before 3pm. Eileen’s daughter, Helen helped me find the way to platform B – it was nearby – but gates prevented her entering.
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The platform was crowded. I couldn’t read the board indicating the trains. (I had recently had an eye operation and hadn’t yet been given new glasses). I walked down the platform looking for a seat. Was I on the right platform? I wasn’t sure. Then a lady stood up from a bench full of passengers – almost as though she was expecting me – and offered me her seat. ‘It’s tiring travelling when you’re in your eighties!’ She said. She was eighty-one, she added, ‘Where was I going? The third train goes to Hitchin.” She was going on that train herself, to Biggleswade. The first carriages would be best for Hitchin! We both got on the third train. She turned to the right, I looked for a seat to the left. When we approached Hitchin, I collected my suitcase and stood by the doors. The lady then got up from her seat and came to the doors. She spoke to a young man standing near. ‘Please open the doors and help this lady off the train. Put her suitcase down on the platform for her.’ He looked surprised by complied. Then she said, ‘Goodbye, Margaret Edmonds’. Seeing the look on my face she added: ‘Oh, I can read upside down’. My name was on my case, but could she read it? I was convinced that this was no ordinary lady. There was something unusual about her. Was she an angel in disguise, sent by my heavenly Father to help me? And what about that man who told us about the train to Hitchin? We hadn’t asked him. He just gave us the information I needed. Was he too an angel? Whether you believe in angels or not, our Heavenly Father certainly responded to my prayer and took care of me. Margaret Edmonds
Congratulations to our Archdeacon The Venerable Jackie Searle, Archdeacon of Gloucester, has been appointed as the suffragan Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Jackie came to the Diocese in 2012 and over the past six years many people have appreciated and benefited from her pastoral care, wisdom, practical advice and support, theological reflection and teaching, always rooted in her deep commitment to Jesus Christ.
Jackie’s consecration will take place at Southwark Cathedral in London on September 27 and there will be more information in due course. There will be a leaving service in Gloucester Cathedral on September 4 at 7pm when as a diocese we will be able to officially thank Jackie and bid her farewell. All are welcome. We wish her and her husband David every blessing as they move to Devon.
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Church Reordering in the Cotswolds - was it worth it? In this article Phil Andrew interviews churchwarden Christine Morphew about the recent reordering of St Lawrence Church, Bourton-on-the-Water: How would you describe the church of St Lawrence? St. Lawrence has a long history of alterations and additions. The chancel is 14th century but the Nave, St Lawrence Church North aisle and porch are Victorian Gothic. Other internal alterations had been done since but it was dark, cold and had little flexible space. It serves a thriving community of nearly 3,500 and is a top tourist destination so regularly receives visitors every day of the year. We see about 70-80 people at church on a Sunday and also have a weekly toddler group, a monthly Breakfast church and have strong links with our schools, particularly the primary school. Thinking back to the beginning of the project, what was the vision for the reordering - what did you want it to 'achieve'? We were keen to make our church more welcoming in terms of light and warmth and to have more flexible space to use creatively. We also wanted a meeting room as we had no church hall. We wanted to enhance the beauty of the building to inspire a sense of worship and to do this we needed to provide more storage and declutter! And how did you go about sharing that vision and helping others - PCC and wider church community - to 'own it'? We took things slowly and built up our statement of needs following lots of discussions in the PCC. We also looked at what other churches in the area had done and thought about what we liked. We talked with an architect who had been recommended to us then communicated our ideas to the congregation verbally and by means of a visual display. Initial plans were thrashed out over many PCCs. We had some mock up photos done to show what it would look like and placed articles about our proposals in the monthly village news bulletin so that the wider community was kept informed. How long has the whole project taken - first in planning and then in construction? The idea of reordering the church had been going on for many years. We had put forward a proposal unsuccessfully during the previous Rector’s time but 10
when our new Rector arrived we started the whole process again and it took about 5 years in the planning and 7 months construction. And now it is completed what difference has the project already made? It is such a joy to go into our church building now. It is warm, light and beautiful and everyone who comes through the door says ‘wow’! We have already noticed new people joining our congregation and word has gone out that there is something amazing to see. Many people from the village who have never entered the building before are coming and bringing their friends. Was it worth it?
Was it worth it?
Definitely! What advice would you give to any other churches thinking of setting out down a similar road?
Definitely!
Take time to be clear as to what you want to achieve and don’t be in a rush. Try and communicate your vision to the church community as you go along. Make sure that the wider community is also informed as often the objections come from outside the church family. Find a good contractor. We interviewed 3 different firms and never regretted the one we chose. (Published with the permission of Ven. Phil Andrew, Archdeacon of Cheltenham)
Horton Events The Concert on the 7th July raised just under £1000 for everyday running costs of the Church . Thank you for your support. It was a lovely evening .
Future Dates Horton Court The National Trust will be opening Horton Court on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 - 5 pm from 28 July to 29 September when the Norman Hall, Ambulatory and Garden will be open to visitors. (Note: Advanced booking required) We shall be serving teas in the Church on the Saturday afternoons Sunday 21st October Wednesday 12th December Sunday 16th December
Carols with Ale
A fun evening of hearty The Harvest Lunch singing, Ale, Music and Carols with Ale. 7pm Food (suitable Ladies The Carol Service 6pm refreshments will be available). Everybody welcome. 11
Reading your Bible Yes, it’s that man again. I feel so strongly about the need to read God’s word, The Bible, every day that I must emphasize and encourage its practice yet again.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. (Psalm 119)
There are various sources to help us with this. My own choice is Bible Reading Fellowship. (local contact for this is Madeleine Ludlow, web site www.biblereadingnotes.org.uk ) When I was a Reader, years ago, at St Nicholas’ church, Yate, I said, “I find reading the Bible is like cleaning my teeth – a daily regular habit.” A member reminded me of this some years later. Some people feel they can’t do this in case they can’t keep it up. Others feel they don’t need it, once a week, on Sunday, is enough. Personally, I feel that one meal a week is not sufficient for my well-being. The Bible itself does not command us to read it regularly, but practice and common sense do suggest the wisdom of a daily “spiritual meal”. As a final recommendation, I can witness that I have been a reader of scripture since the age of 10 years, using BRF since 1979. May I recommend the general practice to all Christians who wish to grow in their faith. David Webster
Other sources to help with a bible reading programme are, Scripture Union (www.scriptureunion.org.uk) and the daily Lectionary of the Church of England, it is not reserved for C of E people only. Ask one of the leadership team if you are interested.
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Meditation meeting dates for the rest of 2018 Meetings are on alternate Tuesdays at 3:00pm Aug 14th, Aug 28th, Sept 11th, Sept 25th, Oct 9th, Oct 23rd, Nov 6th, Nov 20th, Dec 4th, Dec 18th.
Copy Deadline Please send all copy for the next issue to the Church Office by Sept.14th
Front Cover Country wall by Frank Gray Why not put a collage of photos of your church together and send them in electronically to be used on future Front Covers of Outlook or send a set of pictures and I will make up a collage?
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
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Dates for your Diary 21-Oct
Horton Harvest Lunch
Horton & Little Sodbury Village Hall
All Souls Service
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
27 Nov to 2 Dec
Crib Festival
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
12-Dec
Carols with Ale
St James, Horton
4 Nov
4.00pm
7.00pm
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
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Calendar August 2018 Sun 5th Tenth Sunday after Trinity
Thurs
9th
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
Holy Communion
St James’, Horton
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
9.30am Sun 12th 11.15am Eleventh Sunday after Trinity 11.15am
Mon
13th
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
TBA
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 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Wed
22nd
7.30pm
Joint PCC
Church Centre
Thurs
23rd
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
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
26th
Sun Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity
Tues
28th
2.00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre, C/S
Thurs
30th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
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Calendar September 2018 8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
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
Sun 9th 11.15am Fifteenth Sunday 11.15am after Trinity 6.00pm
Holy Communion
St James’, Horton
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
Evensong
St Adeline’s, L/S
Mon
10th
2.00pm
Mothers Union Meeting
Church Centre
Tues
11th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
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
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 2nd Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity
Thurs
6th
Sun 16th Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Tues
18th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Wed
19th
7.30pm
Joint PCC
Church Centre
Thurs
20th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
11.15am
Outreach prayer meeting
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
Storkies
St John’s, CS
2.00pm
Tea and Chat
Church Centre, C/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm
CS PCC
Church Centre
10.30am
Benefice Communion
St James’, Horton
Sun 23rd Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity
Tues
25th
Thurs
27th
30th
Sun Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity
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Barnhill Community Building Day Sunday 26 August 2.00 - 4.30pm on Chipping Sodbury Rugby Ground
Church Meets
This is a brand new community building day, between St John’s Church, a lively historic Christian community, and the Barnhill community in Chipping Sodbury, to provide opportunities to get to know neighbours, to celebrate the newer parts of Chipping Sodbury and build relationships for flourishing and growing together.
What you can expect on the day · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Bar open for drinks and table games Tea and cake tent Barbecue Fairground roundabout Family games Church stall Waitrose Eco project Sodbury in Bloom and poppy making Church schools information British Legion Vintage/Super cars Bee keepers
Help setting up We need as much help as we can get in setting up and dismantling on the day. If you can help after the morning service or during the event or dismantling it, offers will be gratefully received. If you have ideas you want to submit to the committee or information, can you please let Jane or Paul know or email me or the office.
If you are interested and/or if you can help please contact Peter Fewings 07795 206590, email ptfewings@gmail.com, Rev David Bowers 01454 313159, email rector@svbcofe.org.uk Paul & Jane Jones Williams 01454 324970 email pjandjj@waitrose.com
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