The Sodbury Vale Benefice
O U T LO O K
magazine
Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
This Cross was made by the children of Horton School and presented to the church by them
April 2012
1 Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian.
Old Sodbury
Contacts
Val Walker 16A Melrose Avenue, Yate 01454 318286 Tony Dixon 16 Chatterton Road, Yate, BS37 4BJ 01454 321 528
Rector The Rev. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159 email jane@kenchington.plus.com Assistant Curate The Rev. Val Bexon, 01453 521417 email:valeriebexon@onetel.com
If you would like to know more about Little Sodbury Nigel Rawlins the Christian faith or are thinking about baptism or confirmation please Little Sodbury House, Little Sodbury, speak to Jane or Val BS37 6QA 01454 312 269 Regular Weekly Events Nancy Nagle Winchcombe Cottage,Little Sodbury End 01454 319798 Monday 8.45am Morning Prayer, St John’s Chipping Sodbury 7.30pm Bell Ringers’ practice Church Tower Chipping Sodbury Wednesday 8.30am Morning Prayer, St John’s Chipping Sodbury Thursday 8.45am Morning Prayer, 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s Chipping Sodbury 7.00pm Choir Practice, St John’s Chipping Sodbury Friday 10.00am Tubbie Tots Church Centre Chipping Sodbury 7.00pm Youth Club (age 11-18) Baptist Church Centre
Horton Tina Hildick-Smith Kirrin House, King Lane, Horton 01454 320380
Church Office Open during term time Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9.00 - 12.00 01454 325160
Email sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
Web Site www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com
Churchwardens Chipping Sodbury
Advertising Sylvia Franklin St. John’s Church Centre 07788 111 726
Paul Jones-Williams 1 Meadow Mead, Yate 01454 324970 Keith Stanley 132 Harescombe, Yate 01454 319467
May Deadline Can you have all editorial to Michelle by April 12th please. 2
Dear Friends One of the things that’s expected of people when they’re Ordained in the Church of England is that they’ll pray the ‘Daily Office’. There are two versions of this, one from the Book of Common Prayer, which celebrates its 350th Birthday this year and one published in 2005 called ‘Common Worship’. When I was considering Ordination and the Diocesan Director of Ordinands suggested I start following this practice I didn’t feel too enthusiastic – however I obediently made it part of my morning routine and joined the vicar in Church whenever I was able. When I went to Theological College I continued using ‘Morning Prayer’ in my personal prayer time as by then I’d really started to value it – especially on the days when things seemed really tough and I might otherwise have struggled to find the enthusiasm to pray. Now I meet to pray with Jane (and sometimes others) on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and the rest of the week we pray on our own at home. Within its structure there is space for a Psalm and an Old and New Testament reading, these are prescribed each day in the Lectionary, which is used by the majority of Christian Churches across the world. There’s also space for extemporary prayer, and there’s now a resource called ‘Reflections’ available in book or as a smart phone ‘app’ on one of the readings of the day. Technology is making all of this more accessible as both the ‘Book of Common Prayer’ and the ‘Common Worship Daily Prayer’ are available as a free smart phone application and also on the Church of England web site (www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/join-us-in-daily-prayer.aspx) These even include the Bible readings for the day which saves fumbling around looking for the right page in your Bible! (But if you don’t like technology ‘Common Worship Daily Prayer’ is available on Amazon for £14.62!) So if you’ve been inspired by Pauline’s Lent Course and are still looking for a way to help you become more disciplined in prayer and bible study this might be something that could work for you. You could even join Jane and I in the church in Chipping Sodbury, or if you live in one of the villages you could see if anyone would like to meet with you to pray? After telling you all of this I now have a confession to make – I haven’t been following the prescribed Old Testament readings as from 1st of January I started reading the Bible from the beginning. I’m now 2/3rds of the way through Exodus, so I’ve been reading all about the complex design of the Tabernacle and the strict rituals the Israelites had to adhere to in order to worship God in a way that was acceptable to Him. I think having some knowledge of all of this really helps us to have a greater appreciation of the sacrifice terminology that is used about Jesus dying on the cross for us. We were really blessed at Chipping Sodbury by a recent sermon given by David Parsons in which he began to unravel the mysteries and meaning of the Crucifixion for us in a comprehensive and clear way, this is now available on our web site www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpres.com/sermons. I would recommend that you either listen or read it as part of your Easter Experience this year. Love and Blessings, Rev. Val Bexon, email:valeriebexon@gmail.com
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Funerals:We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of:
Gerald Bramwell Buckley at Westerleigh Crematorium on 28th February Eric Harry Cains at St John’s Old Sodbury on 1st March Muriel Gladys Sherborne at Westerleigh Crematorium on 14th March
Christian Aid Week 2012
Every year during Christian Aid Week over 300,000 volunteers collect money to help the world’s poorest people. Christian Aid Week this year will be from 13 -19 May. We are joining with more than 20,000 churches in an act of Christian witness to our communities – showing them we care about justice and an end to poverty. By being part of this week we’re not only funding life – changing projects, we’re helping tackle the root causes of poverty – helping to change the world for good. In these difficult financial times the world’s poorest people need our time, prayers and financial support more than ever. If you could help with this year’s collection in your area, please contact Rosemary Thomas Tel. 314286. Thank you.
29 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos. Telephone; 01454 325124 Fax:01454 326611
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The Queen’s Jubilee Prayer God of time and eternity, Whose son reigns as servant not master; We give you thanks and praise That you have blessed this nation, the realms and territories with Elizabeth. Our beloved and Glorious Queen. In this year of Jubilee, Grant her your gifts of love, joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her lord and God And in devoted service to her lands and peoples, And those of the Commonwealth, Now and all the days of her life; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Energy Performance Certificates for:
Sales, Rental & Holiday Lets, Floor Plans
Lynn Edwards MA, MCIEH, MCIH Domestic Energy Assessor Tel: 07973 166 692 or 01454 323 340 Email: office@lenergy-assessor.co.uk 5
Share the Light The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd. Dr. Rowan Williams will be visiting the Diocese in July. As part of his visit there will be two events to which everyone is welcome: Saturday 21 July: Share the Light for all the family -An event at Gloucester Cathedral for all the family, whatever age, to come together, have fun, worship and meet the Archbishop. There will be a bouncy castle, sporting activities and two question and answer sessions with the Archbishop. Starting at 1pm with a picnic lunch. Sunday 22 July: Share the Light worshipping together -Everyone is invited to take part in a special service at Newland Church in the Forest of Dean. Starting at 11am, there will be local music, inspiring worship and a special children’s programme as part of the service. Afterwards there will be a chance to meet the Archbishop. For more details of these events, please check the Diocese of Gloucester website: www.gloucester.anglican.org. call Lucy Taylor on 01452 835515 or email ltaylor@glosdioc.org.uk
Lent Course Pauline Green has been leading a group of around 35 people through Lent on both Wednesday evenings and Thursday morning in the Church Centre. The theme has been “our life of prayer”. 6
RichMcD Photography
Ian Yemm Ian will be a familiar face to many of you at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury and some of you will recall him preaching at Little Sodbury last August. Ian is the Anglican & Coordinating Chaplain at the University of the West of England in the Diocese of Bristol and a professional musician. He holds a degree in Theology and Music and is at present studying for an MA in Christian Spirituality. Last month, Bishop Michael gave Ian permission to preach in the churches of this Benefice so don’t be surprised when he appears to preach occasionally! Jane Kenchington
www.allaboutmi.co.uk 07881533530 7
Fundraising energy
Richard Kenchington Domestic Structural Engineer
The green energy company – ECOTRICITY – based in our Diocese at Stroud, are making an offer we really shouldn’t refuse. Switch to their green tariffs on Gas or Electricity and they will donate £60 to Christian Aid. Or if you prefer they will increase this up to £150 if you wish the donation to go to your church.
MSc(Eng), CEng, MICE, ACILA Chartered Civil Engineer & Chartered Loss Adjuster
Stuart & Val have been with Ecotricity for some time and they say that they are great as an energy supplier and are also mindful that the energy they use does not ‘cost the earth’. A great way to cherish creation and generate some cash for Christian Aid – call 08000 302 302 or visit ecotricity.co.uk/Christianaid for details.
ŸSteelwork & timber design. ŸStructural surveys. ŸSubsidence specialist. ŸFoundation problems. ŸProject management. The Vicarage, Horse Shoe Lane, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6ET
Telephone: 01454 324888
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JEWELLERY
CARDS
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Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BA Tel: 01454 501004
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Yate Choral Society Concert
Mrs. E.J. Gauntlett
Haydn’s Imperial ‘Nelson’ Mass
HPC REGISTERED CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST
M.Ch.S.
and other pieces
6 Beaufort Mews 7 Horse Street Chipping Sodbury South Glos. BS37 6DA
St John’s Church Chipping Sodbury Saturday May 5th at 7:30pm Tickets £8.00 (Accompanied Children £3)
Telephone: (01454) 319083 Available from Margaret Phillips (01454 324839) Jan Hazelby (01454 314779) other Choir members or on the door
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday Mornings
The next meeting of our Branch ,and I say our Branch because although it has always been regarded as Chipping Sodbury Mothers’ Union we are a Benefice and you are all welcome to join us at any of our meetings, will be
F. WOODRUFF Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors 118-120 Station Road,Yate Tel: (01454) 320005 24hr Service
“Marketing the Mothers’ Union” and will be held on Monday 16th April at 7:45pm in the Church Centre. An advance notice for all, the Mothers’ Union will be holding it’s
192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath Tel: (01454) 778838 24hr Service
Annual Coffee Morning and Plant Sale on Saturday 19th May at 10:00am in the Church Centre.
email:info@funerals.uk.net
All will be very welcome to come and support us in this fund raising event
www.funerals.uk.net
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
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Palm Sunday at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury The PCC has agreed to a slight change in the service pattern at St John ’s, Chipping Sodbury on Sunday 1st April, Palm Sunday. The services will be as follows: St John’s Praise - Starting at 9:15am with a donkey procession from Dando’s Garage, this service will be nonEucharistic (as usual) with 4 baptisms. If you don’t want to join the procession, the service will start at 9:30am in church. 11:15am Parish Communion (Common Worship) which will include the blessing of the palms and the reading of the Passion Gospel. There will be NO 8:00am Holy Communion Service on Palm Sunday. (On Easter day there will be an 8:00am Holy Communion (BCP) service and a 9:30am Parish Communion service). In order to help us decide whether we will hold the 11:15am service in the Lady Chapel or in the main body of the church, and whether it will be worth booking an organist for this service, we need to have some idea of possible attendance. So, if you think you are likely to attend the 11:15am service on Palm Sunday, please indicate this by putting a tick on the sheet at the back of the church. Thank you very much. Jane Kenchington.
The Barber Shop Roger Franklin 07855 887671
Paul Franklin 07772 789210
83 Broad Street Chipping Sodbury Bristol BS37 6AD Opening Hours Monday-Friday: 9:30 am-5:00pm Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
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Horton Court – Open days The house and grounds will be open three days per week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday) for all of June, July and August from 1pm to 3.30pm each day. In addition Horton Court will be open for one day only (Sunday 29th April) during the Horton Walking Festival from 1pm to 3.30pm. This will be an opportunity to see the gardens in springtime and explore the historical roots of Horton. Note: The National Trust needs more volunteers to act as room and garden guides at Horton Court. If you are interested contact Katy Smith or John Collin of the NT, both of whom will be at the Court on 29th April. They would be very pleased to talk with you and give an insight into the role of a volunteer in a NT setting. Alternatively you can contact Katy by email katy.smith@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Ice n Easy Easter stock available Call in & see what’s new
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27 High St Chipping Sodbury BristolBS37 01454 312205 www.ice-n11
Bishop John’s Letter Easter is the great C h r i s t i a n celebration. The sense of celebration is enhanced by observing the 40 days of Lent, with a focus on deepening our Christian discipleship. In April 1994 Rosemary and I were in Jerusalem on Good Friday walking, with hundreds of Christians from around the world, the way of the cross. Some in our group found the endless distractions we experienced, including the use of tear gas, off-putting until we recalled that as Jesus walked that way 2000 years ago, traders were selling their wares, Roman soldiers were everywhere ensuring order, sometimes brutally. Good Friday we celebrate God in Christ pouring out self-giving unconditional love for a world that often ignores or rejects his overtures. God in Christ embraces a guilty world in love, shouldering responsibility for the evil, violence and pain of his creation. As his lifeless body was lovingly taken down from the cross, and laid to rest in the garden tomb, all the hopes and dreams invested in Jesus appeared to lie shattered at the foot of the cross. On Easter morning the news began to break: He is alive! At the empty tomb we witness the victory of God’s love triumphing over human sin, suffering and death itself. At Easter we are assured of Christ’s continued presence with us.
years. This year Experience Easter materials have been produced for families, adults, young people and those in residential homes. We hope these resources will prove useful in helping parishes to reach out with the good news of Easter to as many as possible. They can be found on the Diocese of Gloucester website: www.gloucester.anglican.org —visit the Experience Easter page or you can order copies by emailing: experienceeaster@mail.com The good news, Christ is risen, rings out on Easter Sunday and all the days of Easter that follow right up to Pentecost Sunday. May your celebrations throughout Holy Week, Easter and the Easter season be richly blessed and a means of blessing in many lives. John, Bishop of Tewkesbury
To help celebrate Holy Week and Easter the Mission Initiatives group have produced a raft of resources. The Experience Easter material with schools has been extensively used in recent
supported by the Countess of Munster Recital Scheme
at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Tuesday 10 April 2012 at 7:30 pm Tickets available on the door Adults £12, School-age children FREE For further information contact: patrickmusic@btinternet.com or phone: 01454 312561 facebook.com/Chipping.Sodbury.Music.Society
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Horton’s “Belle of the Bells” “That was a great centenary dinner – when is the next one”. In another 100 years was the reply. In short that is how Tina Hildick-Smith and her team came to organise a ‘semi-centenary lunch’ for the bell towers of churches from near and far at Horton Village Hall on 4th March. One bell ringer was heard to say “we have had our ups and downs over the last 100 years but things are now looking up” (nothing like an old joke!) Over 90 people attended, bell ringers, ‘groupies’, and a cluster of clergy who don’t often get lunch on Sundays – a real treat! Over £1,000 was raised for St James’ church Horton – well done Tina - and the food was great too which is one reason why this is being planned as an annual event – does that ring any bells?
Progressive Pilgrims: Following a number of successful pilgrimages led by Bishop Michael in recent years a small group has been assembled to develop these activities in the Diocese and are set to offer very many more opportunities in the future. During 2008 a 100 mile pilgrimage was walked by a core of 12 people drawn from clergy and lay congregations throughout Gloucestershire who were joined by two visitors from our link diocese in Västerås. In addition very many people joined the walks for a few miles or all day. Walking up to 18 miles each day they were then (next page) 13
pilgrimage activities in their own Deaneries Pilgrims…. (cont) accommodated by church members and will be holding an open meeting at Tuffley Church Centre on Wednesday April overnight throughout their 7 day journey. During the intervening years several one day 25th – so please come along if would like to walks were organised which attracted a hear more and get involved. And on considerable following and covered many Saturday June 16th they will be welcoming parts of the Diocese. These too attracted new pilgrims to a one day walking event – visitors from our link Dioceses in El Camino venue and route to be announced later. Real, Västerås and Tanzania. During the Please talk to Stuart Bexon if you are a recent 100 mile pilgrimage joined by clergy ‘potential pilgrim’. from El Camino Real and Västerås, the 16 Make-over energetic pilgrims expressed considerable interest in future events and as a result the During the last few group, Gloucestershire Pilgrim People, weeks the Church Centre has been was born. receiving a makeBishop Michael hopes that there might be over. This has taken an emphasis on pilgrimage in 2014 to place on Sundays coincide with another major pilgrimage in the only so it has been, and probably still is, diocese, perhaps one that walks a large “work in progress” but the result, together section of its circumference. with the new chairs, will be well worth the The group, led by Bishop Michael, are disruption and will encourage more people seeking others to join and develop and groups to use this valuable facility.
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar April 2012 Sun 1st Palm Sunday
Thurs
Fri
Sat
5th
6th
7th
Sun 8th Easter Sunday
9.30am
St John’s Praise
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Mattins (BCP)
St James’ Horton
11.15am
St John’s Praise
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
7.30pm
Maundy Thursday Service
St John’s, C/S
12 Noon
Good Friday Service
St John’s, O/S
2.00pm
Good Friday Service
St John’s, C/S
7.00pm
Good Friday Service
St James’, Horton
9.00am
Benefice Prayer Meeting
Church Centre C/S
Dawn
Dawn Service
St John’s, O/S
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Family Communion
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion (BCP)
St Adeline’s L/S
Tue
10th
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
10 Lark Rise, Yate
Thurs
12th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.00am
Benefice Prayer Meeting
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Morning Prayer (CW)
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion (BCP)
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Evensong (BCP)
St Adeline’s L/S
Sat
14th
Sun 15th Second Sunday of Easter
Mon
16th
7.45pm
Mothers’ Union
Church Centre, C/S
Wed
18h
1.30pm
Women’s Fellowship
Church Centre C/S
Thur
19th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.00am
Benefice Prayer Meeting
Church Centre C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Family Communion (CW)
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Evensong (BCP)
St Adeline’s L/S
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
10 Lark Rise, Yate
Sat
21st
Sun 22nd Third Sunday of Easter Tue
24th
Thurs
26th
Sat
28th
Sun 29th Fourth Sunday of Easter
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
9.00am
Benefice Prayer Meeting
Church Centre C/S
10.30am
Benefice Communion Followed by Benefice Pilgrimage from Little Sodbury to Iron Acton
St Adeline’s, LS
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Benefice Walk Sunday 29th of April Our church families will be coming together in Benefice worship at St. Adeline’s church in Little Sodbury at 10.30am. This will be the third Sunday after Easter and recognized by many Anglican churches as Vocation Sunday,a good opportunity for us to enjoy a mini pilgrimage, share lunch and also each others friendship throughout the day. The walk will be about 7 ½ miles in distance and set off from Little Sodbury at 12 noon along the footpath to Horton village hall where lunch and toilet facilities will be available. After an hour’s break we will say goodbye to Horton at about 1.45pm and walk onto Sodbury Common to Chipping Sodbury. We reach the church centre at St. John’s for a comfort break and maybe find a moment of quiet in the church. At about 3.45pm we commence the relatively gentle walk along the Frome Valley walkway to Old Sodbury church perched on the hillside. It is here that we may be rewarded with beautiful clear views towards the River Severn. After another time of rest, we depart at about 5.45pm and turn north along the Cotswold Way back to our starting point at Little Sodbury. We hope to arrive back without sore feet at approximately 6.30pm. Whilst some walkers will be keen to complete the whole circuit, the approximate timings will enable other walkers to join just a section of the walk. Any person interested in the latter option should ensure that they are at the staging post before the given time, as it would be a disappointment for anyone to be left behind. Never can good weather be assured and it is therefore advisable to bring a small day sack with some warm
clothes and a cagoule. Each walker should also wear stout footwear and bring a snack and some water to prevent against tummy rumbles or dehydration! Please look out for route maps that will soon be available in our churches. Children and dogs all welcome. The weekend coincides with Horton’s first walking festival, Friday 27, to Sunday 29 April. The event is to raise much needed funds for Horton’s village hall, but through it the village is hoping to involve the whole community including organisations that work within the parish. There will be a range of walks to suit most abilities; many of these will centre on the village hall where refreshments will be served all day. There will be displays in the village hall put on by some of the organisations taking part and a variety of stalls on the recreation ground are anticipated. In addition to the walks there are will be photographic workshops, a talk, a pub quiz, and the National Trust will be opening Horton Court especially for the event. For the majority of the walks people are encouraged to book in advance (costs apply to some events), the main aim being so that numbers can be controlled in the interests of safety. However the Benefice walk will be freely open for people to join and leave as they wish. Although there are a number of walking festivals around the Country it is understood that this is a first for South Gloucestershire. Look out for details which will be advertised in the local community So dig out those walking shoes, practice your map reading skills and come along to participate in our Benefice walk and maybe one of Horton’s festival events too! Keith Stanley 16