The Sodbury Vale Benefice Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
O U T LO O K
magazine
July 2011
St John's Chipping Sodbury might have been around since 1284 but we bet you have never seen it from this angle. We hope that the 727 year wait is worthwhile. The tower stands 104 feet off the ground - not far below the aircraft piloted by our churchwarden Keith Stanley who was accompanied by local photographer Richard McDonough of RichMcD photography. Well done you two.
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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
August Deadline 2
Please can you have all editorial to Michelle by July 11th.
Dear Friends, We're often told by psychologists that experiences in our early years have a great influence on our development and how we turn out as adults. Research from other sources tells us that children get turned off church at a quite early age (and I'm not talking about the typical teenage rebellion!). This makes my heart bleed because I know from a personal point of view that a good experience of church as a young child can nurture a child's faith journey so deeply that they continue to grow in faith in Jesus Christ right into adulthood and beyond. The challenge for the church is how do we create such environments for children's faith to grow and not come to a halt or be discarded. How welcoming are we to children? Do they feel at home when they come to church? Who is willing to help with the nurture of children's faith in age-related activities? What priority do we place on the allocation of our money for children's and youth work? The preacher at the Benefice service at the end of July is Canon Roland Meredith. Roland was Vicar of Hitchin Parish Church from 1963-1972. I worshipped there with my parents and sister throughout that time. I loved going to church - I felt at home. There were lots of other children there. The choir was large (sadly, men only, unless you were an alto - but it was all those years ago!) and I adored the music. Organ voluntaries became part of my life. There was a Sunday School which took place during part of the Parish Communion service and was attended by many children. I refused to go - why? Because I said I wanted to listen to the sermon - and that was the honest truth. The Youth group was good fun - where we studied the Bible and had lots of discussions…and walked 20 miles every year on Easter Monday on the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage to St Alban's Abbey. I remember being able to ask Roland questions and being treated with respect as a child. Christianity was as much caught as taught. That church provided a welcome, it provided space to ask questions, it drew me into the worship of God through its high standards of worship and music. All sorts of interesting people came to preach: (black) African priests, missionaries, Bryan Green the Evangelist, ordinands from Cuddesdon. The church at that time opened up my world. My Christian journey was nurtured through the ministry Roland exercised in that church. When I look back on my life, so many things that I have subsequently done can be traced back to seeds sown in those early years. Times have moved on. We live in a very different culture to that of the 1960s. But Jesus Christ is still a gift for all people. Children deserve to know Jesus. It's our job to see that they do…and it's our job to strive to find ways that will enthuse children, just as church did for me all those years ago. With love and prayers, Rev. Canon Jane, Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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Baptisms: - we welcome into the church: 15 May: Harry Edwin Gilmour & Charley Anne Wenn at St John's, Chipping Sodbury 22 May: Mason John Tyler Hinder at St John's, Old Sodbury 28 May: Ella-Grace Harvey at St John's, Old Sodbury 5 June: Zak Jayden George Cordy-Rugman at St Adeline's, Little Sodbury Marriages: - we send our congratulations to: 28 May at St John's Old Sodbury: Gareth Harvey & Lyndsey Whittington
To Let CHARMOUTH HOLIDAY "PAD"
29 May at St Adeline's, Little Sodbury: Timothy Le Friant & Suzanna Dolman 3 June at St James the Elder, Horton: John Shovelton and Claire James 4 June at St John's, Old Sodbury: Jonathan Wilson and Imogen Woolley Funerals: - we extend our sympathy to the family and friends of: 11 May (Interment at St John's, Old Sodbury) Lilian Berry 20 May at St James the Elder, Horton: Stanley Sims aged 66 3 June at St John's, Chipping Sodbury: 4 Peter Windram aged 69
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an abundance of wildlife. He seemed to lose his way as the picture shows and sought guidance from his followers.
Rogation congregation
Returning to Horton church at 4pm a delicious tea was waiting - much appreciated by all.
…… and Rogation flight St James the Elder, Horton, was packed for the Rogation service on May 29th when Rev Susan Bailey talked on the origins of rogation and of pilgrimage. Afterwards, led by Keith Stanley, some 25 hearty walkers, ranging from 4 - 72 years, rambled for 7 miles or so through the delightful South Gloucestershire countryside, stopping only to have lunch in the centre of Wetmoor Nature Reserve surrounded by wild orchids and
A few days later Keith took Val on an aerial 'rogation' of the Benefice but again appeared to have problems with navigation and ended up in Westonsuper-Mare, the Forest of Dean and Ross-on-Wye - but they did find their way back to Kemble in time for tea.
HOLIDAY HOME
Did you know? It is estimated that in 2010 there were over 250 million Christians in the USA, 180 million in Brazil, 115 million in both Russia and China, 58 million in India and even 58 million in Germany. In the UK 37 million claim to be Christians.
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
Booking the Centre 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 Stjohns.sodbury@talktalk.net
Call Bob Alcock
01454 313880
bobandsueal@gmail.com
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Enjoy the beauty of the house and gardens, visit places of interest in and around the Cheltenham area, but more importantly enjoy not having to cook and clean - or spend a fortune on petrol. Ensuite bedrooms, a warm welcome and a sense of being away from it all. July 25th - August 3rd B&B ÂŁ25 per person.
Up-up and Away
Glenfall House, Mill Lane, Cheltenham GL54 4EP. 01242 583 654
Open House The new electric mobility chair was pushed into action on Sunday June 5th when Sandra Witherden got into the 'driving seat' and helped Eric Cains from the Lych-gate up the steep winding path to St John's, Old Sodbury in the pouring rain, watched by his wife, Joyce, and Pauline Green. He didn't look particularly nervous but he did choose to walk back down after the service.
Holiday idea?
The second informal Sunday worship OPEN HOUSE- will be held in the Lady Chapel at St John's Chipping Sodbury on Sunday 17th July for a 7pm start. Worship songs, teaching, DVD's, discussion and prayer in a comfortable and informal setting with drinks and nibbles - please try it.
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Why not have a 'staycation' at Glenfall House, the extremely comfortable Diocese retreat centre outside Cheltenham.
email:info@funerals.uk.net
www.funerals.uk.net
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
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be married in church. Weddings are a time for celebration -we have four Wherever and whenever you choose to churches to accommodate most needs get married, you make a public and aspirations. declaration of life-long commitment to Less than £350 is all you need to marry love each other faithfully and take on a in church. As well as weddings, the whole new legal status as husband and church offers Marriage Preparation wife sessions; Services of Blessing after a It is a considerable commitment to make. marriage that's taken place abroad; Whether you choose to marry in a civil weddings combined with the Christening venue, or in a religious context of any of your baby/child; and services of faith, around 85% of married couples renewal of marriage vows. agree: marriage is the most serious decision of your life!? The Church of If you'd like to find out more, please do England thoroughly believes in marriage get in touch with Canon Jane for the wellbeing of individuals and Kenchington on 01454 313159 society. jane@kenchington.plus.com If you have found 'the one', and you are or Michelle, our Parish Administrator on committed to each other in every 01454 325160. respect, there is so much more adventure ahead. We would be thrilled to We look forward to meeting you! If you be part of that adventure too. are considering getting married in church We welcome everyone: you don't have you might also like to visit this web link: to be Baptised (Christened) to be able to http://yourchurchwedding.org/projects
Getting married?
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His week-long journey will take in a total of 38 churches, including some of the most beautiful and historic places of worship in the county. A group of 16 people will be walking with the Bishop visitors from California and Sweden, local people who are preparing for ordination or training for ministry and keen walkers from the area.
'Noah's Ark' may visit Olympics
A Dutch builder has asked London mayor Boris Johnson if he can bring his 'Noah's Ark' to the capital for next year's Olympics. Johan Huibers claims he was guided by a dream to create the ÂŁ1 million life-size replica of the biblical boat. Both model and real animals will feature on the 450ft by 75ft vessel, which sits on 25 barges wrapped in a steel frame. Huibers was inspired to undertake the project 20 years ago, but actually started building it on the river near Rotterdam three years ago against his wife's advice. 'It is to tell people that there is a Bible and that, when you open it, there is a God,' said the 60-year-old construction company owner.
Around our Diocese‌.
The pilgrimage begins at St Peter's Church in Newnham on Severn on Friday 15 July (8am). There will be overnight stops at Churchdown, Bishop's Cleeve, Naunton, Aldsworth, South Cerney, Minchinhampton and Cam. The pilgrimage is scheduled to finish at 1pm on Friday 22 July at Wotton Under Edge. A full timetable of the route is available at: www.gloucester.anglican.org/downloads/ 2372.pdf and everyone is invited to come and walk part of the way with the Bishop. Wotton-under-Edge The Rowe Veterinary Hospital Bradley Green Wotton-under-Edge Gloucestershire Tel: 01453 843295 Yate Yate Veterinary Surgery 9 Station Road Yate Bristol Tel: 01454 318016 Thornbury
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Michael Perham, will be making a breath-taking pilgrimage of over 100 miles through Gloucestershire during July (15-22 July).
Thornbury Veterinary Surgery 3 Pullins Green Thornbury Bristol B35 2AX Tel: 01454 425478 Bradley Stoke
Three years ago Bishop Michael set off on a journey to mark the millennium of the county of Gloucestershire. Now he's off again and is inviting everyone to join him.
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The Rowe Veterinary Hospital Bradley House Ferndene Bradley Stoke Bristol Tel: 01454 275000
Valuing life's veterans
have received grace should also display grace.
The elderly are often overlooked and pushed to the margins of society. Although many are physically active, psychologically alert and enjoy fulfilled, happy lives, many more struggle with loneliness, ill health and neglect. Not long ago they were honoured and respected. Why has this devaluation of the old happened and what should we do about it?
ŸThe elderly are often wiser concerning human relationships than the young. Their friendships were not in cyberspace, but in reality.
ŸIn the past, older men would have advised on farming and home maintenance and older women on child-rearing, cooking and managing families. Grandparents were a rich store of wisdom. Now, the hardearned life skills of the elderly seem to have only curiosity value. ŸThe elderly can be demanding. They expect a conversation to last longer than a few quick sentences and we have to slow down to their pace. ŸThe elderly are an uncomfortable reminder of what we will become. Our culture is obsessed with youth, appearance and fitness and one day we will have lost these. The elderly remind us of our own mortality.
ŸThe elderly deserve our: Attention. We should find situations in which we can get involved with elderly people. ŸHonour. The elderly should be listened to. In a throwaway society, we need to reassure the elderly that they are not disposable. ŸTime. We should be ready to sit down with the elderly, listen to them and talk to them. ŸConsideration. The elderly are often baffled and frustrated about modern living. Although we must avoid being patronising, we need to ask how we can help. ŸAssistance. Some elderly people are fiercely independent but some need transport, most will welcome a visit and many will sleep easier knowing that a friend is just a phone call away. We can be advocates for them, accompanying them to the garage, standing behind them as they negotiate costs with the plumber or helping them phone the council.
How we treat the weak, sick and aged is a test of what we really are. The Bible talks about respecting family and looking after those at the margins of society. Life's veterans are to be treated with dignity and respect for other reasons, too: Working with the elderly can be challenging and may require patience, tact and ŸThey are the people who built the world persistence. Nevertheless, we need to care we live in. They may have taught or cared for them. Remember Jesus' great command for us; many suffered in wartime to maintain to 'do to others what you would have them the freedoms and prosperity of our society. do to you '. To ignore them is to be guilty of ingratitude. Agapé, J.John (Canon) www.philotrust.com ŸWe should be kind to the old because they need our care. We should look after them and listen to them, not because we get anything out of it, but because those who10
New Face A reminder that there will be a new face in the Benefice for the next couple of months. He is David Frith, a Reader- intraining from Berkeley on a placement with our churches as part of his on-going learning programme. You have probably seen him already in the congregation looking something like this but from now on he will probably be looking more like a 'vicar' and preaching. When not studying at college he and his wife Jenny are smallholders - hence the hat.
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Is it too early to be thinking about Christmas? Do I hear a definite 'Yes!' Well, not if you live in Chipping Sodbury!
many visitors to the town. The Church will be transformed into an exhibition of Cribs that speak of the Christmas story in many different ways. There will be things to see and do to interest everyone including arts and crafts, music, poetry, worship and of course refreshments. Watch this space!
It is not often that a parish launches a new event that everyone can both contribute to and take part in. And we hope that you will! So here is advance Most importantly this will be a unique notice for your Diary - PLEASE make opportunity to be a centre of hospitality yourselves as available as possible for‌ in Chipping Sodbury welcoming both general visitors and invited groups from schools and other organisations. Keep THE NATIVITY CRIB FESTIVAL looking in Outlook, on the website, in the St John's Church Chipping Sodbury pew leaflets for updates as plans Tuesday 29th November to Sunday develop. 4th December 2011 10am-9pm daily Between now and the Festival you may The Festival is also timed to coincide with Chipping Sodbury's Victorian Day on Friday 2nd December when there are
be asked for your support with the necessary fetching, carrying, stewarding, making and so on. And if this inspires you and sparks ideas why not let us know Here are some things to be going on with: We will need plenty of Nativity themed dressing up clothes for the many children who will visit us so keep your eyes open in the charity shops, or perhaps you are good with a needle! If you have a poetic personality, why not try writing something on the theme of the Crib and the Christmas story that can be read during the Festival. With your help this will be an exciting and memorable week for all of us!
The Crib Committee (Jane Kenchington, Val Bexon, Anne Mudge, Chris Evans, Linda Hurst, Ian Yemm, Stuart Bexon) 12
Donkey Rides: We will be at St John's Mead School on Saturday July 2nd between 124pm for the Summer Fete. Donkey rides will be on for the young - and maybe the young at heart. There will also be loads of stalls and activities so it will be a really good place to be.
Energy Performance Certificates for:
Sales, Rental & Holiday Lets, Floor Plans
Sabbath Day's journey?
Lynn Edwards MA, MCIEH, MCIH
We use this phrase frequently but what is a 'Sabbath Day's journey'? Well, according the Rabbinical Jewish law this was the maximum distance you were allowed to travel on the Sabbath Leviticus 23.3 defines the Sabbath. A 'Sabbath Day's journey' is .just less than a mile, 2000 cubits. A cubit is around 18 inches. So if you walked from the car park to church in those days, Morrison's would be a no-no later.
Tel: 07973 166 692
Domestic Energy Assessor or 01454 323 340 Email: office@lenergy-assessor.co.uk
For a lovely selection of cards for every occasion
Sunday 3 July Praise in the Park, Lydney Churches together, Bathhurst Park 3 to 5pm- Praise Party for families Cards • Giftwrap • Balloons 6 to 7pm-Songs of Praise Two floors of quality cards & gifts Contact: Aileen Powell, 54 Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury 01594 843180 Tel 01454 273999 13
Sodbury Cards
Calendar Highlights
Richard Kenchington Domestic Structural Engineer
MSc(Eng), CEng, MICE, ACILA Chartered Civil Engineer & Chartered Loss Adjuster
ŸSteelwork & timber design. ŸStructural surveys. ŸSubsidence specialist. ŸFoundation problems. ŸProject management. The Vicarage, Horse Shoe Lane, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6ET
Telephone: 01454 324888 E-mail: richard@kenchington.plus.com
Sunday 3 July - 9:30am St John's Praise, Chipping Sodbury Alison Thurlow speaking on Re:Gener8 Sunday 10th July 9:30am at St John's Chipping Sodbury and 11:15 am at St James' Horton The Gideons are speaking Sunday 17th July 9:30am Confirmation service with Bishop John. Please pray for all the candidates, Charlotte Curtis, James McMahon, Jane Youell and Francis Turner - and do come to the service Sunday 17th July 7pm Open House at St John's Chipping Sodbury. Informal contemporary worship with J John speaking on the 9th commandment - "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour"
Get the 'munchies' after church?
DOGS Welcome To Browse
Then don't forget that you can have lunch with Jane, Richard and the church family at the vicarage on July 2nd. Bring some food and drink and if possible a chair to sit on in their garden - all very welcome. And if you miss this you can come to another one on the 31st - or both if you wish.
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar June 2011
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