The Sodbury Vale Benefice Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
O U T LO O K
magazine
August 2011
Your 1 FREE copy, 30p where sold
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
Little Sodbury Nigel Rawlins Little Sodbury House, Little Sodbury, BS37 6QA 01454 312 269 Nancy Nagle Winchcombe Cottage,Little Sodbury End 01454 319798
Regular Weekly Events Sunday 9.00am Breakfast Club Church Centre Chipping Sodbury 11.00am Brunch Bunch, Church Centre Chipping Sodbury 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, 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
September Deadline 2
Please can you have all editorial to Michelle by August 15th.
Dear Friends, Back to Church Sunday 25 September 2011 When I was at the Summer Fair at St John’s Mead School in July, I met a widow, whose husband’s funeral I had “done” a few weeks previously. During our conversation, she spoke about how she used to come to St John’s and had then lapsed due to various circumstances. But, she said, I would like to start coming again. I wonder how many other people there are who would say the same thing and might well come along to one of our churches IF we invited them! Back to Church Sunday started in 2004 in the Diocese of Manchester. Since then, other dioceses have joined in. In 2010, 3,500 churches from participating denominations welcomed back 51,000 people on Back to Church Sunday. Last year, we invited people to our churches as part of this initiative. This year, Back to Church Sunday will be on Sunday 25 September and I’d really like everyone to think about who they would like to invite to the church service which will be held in your particular church on that day. People will come if they are personally invited (as opposed to sticking a card through their door). But it requires us to have the courage to invite them. If we genuinely care about whether our friends want the opportunity to worship God; to come to know Jesus in a deeper way; to resume their lost habit of going to church, then please invite someone you know. We need to be bold! The worst they can do is say “No”. The chances are they’ll say “Yes”. And they’ll come and see – accompanied by us. Accompanying is key – I think we grossly underestimate how difficult people find it to walk through the church door alone. It of course puts an onus on us, as well, to make sure we are welcoming to them when they do set foot in the church. There will be invitation cards available for you to use – they will be in the four churches during August and September. Please take some and use them. With love and prayers, Jane Kenchington Rev. Canon Jane, Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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Baptisms: we welcome into the Church: Beatrice Lucie Hull at St John's Church, Chipping Sodbury, on Sunday 19 June Funerals: we extend our sympathy to the family and friends of: Peter Bush at St Adeline's Church, Little Sodbury on 22 June Margaret Green at St John's, Old Sodbury on 27 June
St. John's Church Chipping Sodbury MOTHERS' UNION are holding their opening service (probably Evensong) on Monday September 12th at 7-30pm in St John's and we invite you all to join us. Our speaker will be the Rev. Val Abbott. Light refreshments will be served after the service PS: You don't have to be a member to attend and we would like to see as many friends from the other Churches of the Benefice. By joining us for our service you might learn more about the work of the Mothers' Union
Facebook The Diocese has a new Facebook page where you will find news and photo galleries. Visit the page at www.facebook.com/pages/Diocese-ofGloucester
Wilhelmina (Vilma) Andrews at Westerleigh Crematorium on 6 July
A Journey in Faith The Spirituality Network for Gloucestershire (a body in Association with Gloucestershire Churches Together) are offering "A Day with Canon Andrew White", Vicar of Baghdad. Saturday 29th October 2011 at Gloucester Cathedral, 10.00am to 3.00pm. Cost of the Day ÂŁ10. To reserve your place - contact Revd. Pauline Green (Tel 01454 311936, Email: pgreen@clara.co.uk) (cheques to "The Spirituality Network for Gloucestershire") Booking Opens July 1st. Bring a packed lunch. Drinks provided.
To Let CHARMOUTH HOLIDAY "PAD"
Set in a small quiet private development of 30 acres of open countryside, two small lakes, woodland and wildlife in abundance. It can be used 364 days a year. Open plan living room with kitchen area, double bedroom and bathroom. A small hotel on site offers a restaurant, cafe/terrace bar. There is an outdoor swimming pool open May- October and direct access to the coastal path and Lyme Bay Golf Course. There is also a laundrette on site.
Phone Morag on 07549244599 4 Email: moragfox@tiscali.co.uk
Booking the Centre
Always in season The wonderful thing about the Traidcraft stall that Paul & Jane JonesWilliams run, at the Farmers Market in Chipping Sodbury, is that the goods they offer are always in season. Coffee, tea, muesli, dried fruit, cocoa, drinking chocolate, greetings cards, snack bars, loads and loads of chocolate and other goodies - even rubber gloves. These are 365 day ingredients and are also available in the church - or by contacting Paul & Jane. The next dates are 13th and 27th August
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If you would like to use the centre for your group or for a one off event please contact our Benefice Administrator Michelle on 01454 325160 or email at sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
India 2012 An invitation to hear about the Diocese of Gloucester's 2011 Youth Trips to India. Are you interested in taking part next year? Come along, hear the story and ask some questions. For more information contact Canon Adrian Slade on 01452 521438 or glossr@glossr.star.co.uk ÂŁ10 entry, including meal. Saturday 3 September, 7pm - South India Evening Christ Church Cheltenham
Nestling in quiet wooded hillside near Cheltenham, Glenfall House provides a secluded, peaceful retreat for those in need of relaxation and refreshment. The house extends a warm welcome to groups and organisations of all Christian denominations wishing to benefit from its calm, serene, atmosphere. It is well suited to a host of activities including conferences, residential courses, staff training, management meetings, summer schools and social events. Individually Guided Retreat - 29th August - 3rd September. If you watched
HOLIDAY HOME
'The Big Silence' on the BBC last year you'll recall the profound impact spending time in silence had on those taking part. This is your chance to experience it for yourself. Day of Reflection - 12th September. 9.30am - 3.30pm Franciscan Spirituality: Eco-mystic, friend of the poor, lover of God: Francis of Assissi is one of Christianity's most popular saints. What is his message today? Brother Nicholas, of the Society of St Francis, Glasshampton in Worcestershire, will be exploring the life and writings of this enigmatic saint. Further details please call Rev Liz Palin, 01242 583 654 enquiries@glenfallhouse.org
Have I got news for you? Probably not is the answer, unless you contact me with news, views and photographs of things which are happening in the Benefice.
Thurlestone, South Devon Mannings,The Drive, Downs Road 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.com
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If you have taken photos at an event, or have knowledge and some words about something which has happened, or is about to happen, then please let me know and I can include it in Outlook. Stuart Bexon. 01453 844615 / 07859 999 975 or bexon@onetel.com
Heritage Open Days
Kibera Crib
St John's Chipping Sodbury will be open on September 10th for the Heritage Open Days. This will include the legendary tower visits to witness the spectacular view.
During the Crib Exhibition starting November 29th we will be creating a special half-size stable and crib based on the Kibera theme. The young people of St John's have been tasked to construct this out of reclaimed materials which would likely to be seen in the slums of Kibera, Nairobi. So here is an opportunity to clear out your sheds, attics and garages and donate these to the construction crew. This is part of the craft activities for children, young people and grown-ups throughout the nativity festival. Please contact Val if you are able to help - fabric materials especially welcome.
Horton Court for FREE
Horton Court is the large house right next to St James' church in Horton. The house has a long and fascinating history, with parts of it dating back to the 12th century. The Horton estate was listed in the Domesday Book, and has been owned and occupied over the years by some interesting and prominent people. It has been owned by the National Trust since 1946 and leased out by them to various tenants until 2008, since when it has been empty. Horton Court is open to the public during July and August this year. The house is open between 1:00pm and 4:00pm on Fridays and Sundays throughout July and August, and entry is FREE even to non-members of the National Trust. Volunteers from St James' church are providing tea and cakes in the adjoining church in support of church funds.
F. WOODRUFF Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors 118-120 Station Road,Yate Tel: (01454) 320005 24hr Service 192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath Tel: (01454) 778838 24hr Service email:info@funerals.uk.net
www.funerals.uk.net
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
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Knitted Nativity?
Why worry?
'Knitivity' heralds a fresh slant on the traditional nativity scene. Designed for people with all levels of knitting skill (each project is graded), it encourages all family members to contribute. A knitted Mary and Baby Jesus are designed with two options: choose which you like best or knit both so that you can change the scene. Patterns are also supplied for Joseph, Three Wise Men, Shepherds (with shepherd boy), Ass, Ox Sheep, Angel, and Star. All the figures are child-safe, and have modern, stylish designs, and there are paper templates for a charming stable and manger background.
Matthew 6:25 has much to say on the subject: Don't worry about your life, what to eat, or what to wear. It then challenges us by asking if we can add a single hour to our lifespan by worrying. So do not worry about tomorrow, for today will bring worries of its own.
Available from Amazon post free for £6.99 ISBN 1907332456 Wouldn't it be really 'cool' if a man knitted a nativity scene? - come on guys.
Or, to put it another way - "don't worry, dogs don't" (probably also applies to cats).
Women Bishops Ten diocese, including Gloucester, have voted in favour of women Bishops, which represents nearly a quarter of the 44 in the UK. The remainder must vote on this draft legislation before November. It will then go to the General Synod in York next year.
WELCOME TO THE MODA HOUSE Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend break away, celebrating that special occasion or perhaps just visiting the area on business we can accommodate your individual requirements. Ÿ Bed and Breakfast Ÿ 11 individually styled rooms Ÿ Excellent breakfast using fresh local produce Ÿ FREE parking and FREE WiFi Ÿ Within easy reach of the M4 and M5 Ÿ Meeting room To make a reservation or for more details simply email enquiries@modahouse.co.uk or telephone 01454 312135 1 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, South 8 Glos. BS37 6BA. www.modahouse.co.uk
From the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt. Revd. John Went
enriched through meeting Christians seeking to be faithful to God in very different contexts to ours. The booklet "One World, One Church" offers helpful information about our links and how to support them. We easily become very parochial in our outlook, focusing only on our local church. Our partnerships "One World, One Church" encourage us to widen our vision to take summarises our diocesan partnerships. in the glorious reality of a church that Modern communications have made us reaches across the world, sharing in much more aware of being citizens of a God's mission in richly varied ways in world community torn apart by divisions, widely diverse cultures. hatred and violence. Jesus challenges his church to discover a unity that Copies of the Diocese's "One World, transcends the world's tragic divisions. One Church" booklet, which gives details The Diocese of Gloucester has entered of the Diocese's international links are on a number of partnerships with available from Church House on 01452 churches in different parts of the world. 410022 and online at Our first partnership was with Dornakal www.gloucester.anglican.org/downloads/ and Karnataka Central Dioceses in India. 2164.pdf Later we formed a link with V채ster책s in Sweden. In the wake of the 2008 Lambeth Conference Bishop Michael explored a partnership between Wotton-under-Edge Gloucester, El Camino Real, in America, The Rowe Veterinary Hospital and Western Tanganyika, in Africa, to Bradley Green encourage debate around some of the Wotton-under-Edge Gloucestershire issues that threaten to divide the Tel: 01453 843295 Anglican Communion. The different Yate partnerships find varied expression. The Yate Veterinary Surgery South India links have grown through 9 Station Road Yate exchanges. The annual visits of young Bristol people have been an especially rich Tel: 01454 318016 experience for participants. The Swedish Thornbury link has found expression too through Thornbury Veterinary exchange visits and the linking of Surgery 3 Pullins Green parishes with churches in the V채ster책s Thornbury Bristol diocese. In our links with poorer parts of B35 2AX the world there are opportunities to Tel: 01454 425478 support specific projects, honouring the Bradley Stoke Millennium Goals. More importantly, The Rowe Veterinary Hospital partnerships provide an opportunity for Bradley House learning from one another, for our vision Ferndene Bradley Stoke of the Christian faith and mission to be Bristol enlarged and for our discipleship to be 9 Tel: 01454 275000
The People's Bible is a national tour which will produce a unique, handwritten edition of the Bible.
Bible. And right now, to make this exciting project happen, we need your help. Volunteer now to help make The People's Bible a reality! It is coming our way on 26th August at Cheltenham and then again in Bristol on 23rd October - if you want to be part of history these are the places to be. See the west site for details of how you can become involved. www.thepeoplesbible.org Here is what actor Timothy West wrote:-
At venues across the country, people will be able to write a pair of verses to join the occasion and make their mark in history. In the year of the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, we aim to reconnect the British public with the
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Gloucestershire historic churches trust Ride and stride on September 10th A day to make a difference for our church
open for the day. Many of them serve refreshments as well as checking you in and providing a friendly welcome, directions and moral support. Whether you prefer a solitary expedition, or to go with family or a group of friends, you know that you're joining thousands of people countrywide to raise money for an important cause. As Ian Hislop has said, "In the old days the churches used to worry about saving us. Now we have to worry about saving them".
Ride and Stride, run by the Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust, What's in it for you, this church and the is a great way to support this church and county's churches? churches across the county when they Ÿ a perfect motivation to get out, most need help. It's an annual explore and enjoy yourself; sponsored walk, bike or horse ride which Ÿ the satisfaction of raising money and happens on the second Saturday of taking part in a nationwide initiative; September. That makes September 10th Ÿ 50% of the money you raise goes to a date for the diary in 2011. the church of your choice; Walkers and riders turn out to follow their Ÿ the chance to see inside some chosen route between churches which historic gems which cannot always be open for visits; Ÿ the chance for the church you nominate to apply for a grant; Even if you are unable to ride or stride, you can ask people to sponsor you to man your church or to carry out specific tasks while you are there. Further information, together with sponsorship forms, is available from your Local Organiser on the contact details below. For information about the Trust's work and how to support it please look at the website: www.ghct.org.uk The Local Organiser for our churches is Jackie Isaac (01454 318079) The County Ride and Stride Organiser can be contacted on 12 rideandstride@ghct.org.uk
Stuart 'certified' Val's substantial other half has spent the last twelve months studying at Gloucester for Mission Shaped Ministry - which is a posh phrase for 'fresh expressions' The course was organised as part of the national MSM curriculum by the Diocese Missioner, Andrew Braddock, and was supported ecumenically throughout the region. 25 Anglican, Baptist, Methodist and Salvation Army students took part, and on 9th July they 'passed out' during a final session with Eucharist. Bishop John commissioned the gathering and then presented them all with a signed certificate - and here is Stuart receiving his, accompanied by Andrew Braddock and Bishop John.
Save your empties. Val is a frustrated Blue Peter follower and is hoping to make all sorts of nativity people and animals out of discarded plastic bottles. Shampoo bottles could be seen as the basic shape of angels, and when 'dressed' you wouldn't even know that they started life as a 'Dove'. As for camels, sheep and oxen, none of which were actually present at the nativity, your imagination must be put into top gear. So please save your shapely plastic bottles and containers, and rifle your neighbours bin on recycling day and then present them to Val - but please bear in mind that she only has a small car. 13
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Telephone: 01454 324888 E-mail: richard@kenchington.plus.com
As part of the Chipping Sodbury Festival on Saturday 18 June 2011, a team led by Paul & Jane Jones-Williams, from St John's Chipping Sodbury, spent the day selling £1 tickets which were then attached to 223 helium balloons. The balloons all took to the air at 4.30pm that afternoon. Rumour has it that Paul was exhausted after personally blowing up all those balloons, and I can confirm that it was helium and not his 'hot air' which filled them.
Oil prices
DOGS Welcome To Browse
According to Bill Bryson the price of a barrel of oil in the USA in 1861 was $10 but probably due to lack of interest and over production the price fell to 10 cents a year later. Today a barrel of oil is valued at well over $100.
James Wellbeloved Burns Royal Canin All Dog Foods, Treats & Toys Pamper Your Dog
THE DOG SHOP 45 Rounceval Street Chipping Sodbury
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar August 2011
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o h J n t ’s S
Ch u rch
m m u er S h o w S
Saturday 10th September 2011
1pm-4pm Wickwar Road Chipping Sodbury Schedules available 16 from TIC/Church