The Sodbury Vale Benefice
magazine
Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
Jane is welcomed as a Companion of the Society of St Francis See Page 10 for a report by David Webster
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
April Deadline Please can you have all editorial to Michelle by March 12th. 2
Dear Friends, Recently, at Diocesan Synod, I saw a presentation by the Diocesan Department of Children and Young People. In it they featured a DVD in which a number of children spoke a bit about their faith. At the end of the DVD clip, each child told us how old they would be in 10 years’ time. The question we were all left with was, “What will the Church have done in nurturing those children’s faith in the following 10 years?” When we think about the children in our churches and the many children who we don’t see very much (if at all) in our churches – the same question remains: what are we planning to do in the next 10 years to help them grow in their faith? Across this Benefice we have recognised which churches are in a position to offer all-age worship services and we continue to build on that. We have good relationships with the three Church Schools and the Open the Book Teams go into two of the schools on a regular basis. The Crib Festival drew in children. But there’s more to do. One thing I have been powerfully reminded of is that work with children doesn’t come down to one or two people working with them every week. It is the responsibility of the whole church – the Body of Christ. Since I have been here, the failure to do this is writ large in that in St John’s Chipping Sodbury, for instance, we have no children’s work happening during the sermon slot. The people who used to do it had no proper team working with them and now that they have left, the work has fallen into abeyance. This is catastrophic in that it doesn’t serve well the children who do continue to come to St John’s on Sundays when there isn’t all-age worship AND the absence of such work will fail to attract any new families to the Church. I invite you to ponder that question, “What will the Church have done in nurturing those children’s faith in the following 10 years?” and I ask you to pray and think about this and consider how you as part of the Body of Christ in this place could play your part in nurturing our children’s faith. With love and prayers,
Rev. Canon Jane, Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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Market Cross Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Benjamin Thomas Pritchard and Isaac Charles Smith on 26th February at Old Sodbury
Funerals:We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of:
Jeanette Grace Bush (Diana Bush) 88 on 15th February at Little Sodbury with Burial.
Our Archdeacon announces his retirement The Archdeacon of Gloucester, The Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway, has announced his retirement, but with a twist! He will leave his current role and retire as Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, but will have no time to rest as he takes up the post of Priest in Charge of the benefice of Highnam, Lassington, Rudford, Tibberton and Taynton. Archdeacon Geoffrey came to the diocese from Canterbury in 2000. He first served as Archdeacon to Bishop David Bentley and since 2004 Bishop Michael. Bishop Michael said of Geoffrey's retirement. "Geoffrey has been exemplary through the last twelve years. We have much to be thankful for in his ministry.� Archdeacon Geoffrey will officially retire on 31 May this year and will then move on to his new post. A special leaving service will take place at Gloucester Cathedral on Friday 18 May at 7.30pm. everyone is welcome. 4
The Children’s Society Annual Box Collection 2010/11 We have raised £770.22 this year. Thank you all for your most generous donations. Hilary Hurley 01454 311515
Energy Performance Certificates for:
The Children’s Society Prayer
Sales,
Loving Lord, we thank you for The Children’s Society as it reaches out to young people experiencing pain and injustice. Guide and strengthen its work alongside children and young people who are homeless and on the streets, in prison or facing problems in the community. Grant us the wisdom to listen to the voices of the young and to respect their gifts and insights. Help us to work with them to create a fair and just society where we may all know the fullness of your love. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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
Rotary 'Unsung Hero' Award announced - 26 January 2012
why hundreds of girls in the Chipping Sodbury and Yate area grow up with a strong sense of purpose and self-worth'.
For many years The Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury has given an award to a person who has made a significant difference to their community over and above what would normally be expected.
In addition to receiving a certificate Sandi was awarded ÂŁ250 to donate to a registered charity of her choice.
The 2012 winner of the 'Unsung Hero' Award was announced this week and presented to Ms Sandi Hardwick, leader of 1st Westerleigh Guides and 1st Chipping Sodbury Rainbows. Sandi has been heavily involved with the Guiding Movement for over 30 years and we are delighted to be in a position to recognise and reward her for her dedication and tireless efforts in the local community' commented Rotary President Anthony Bourne.
Mrs. E.J. Gauntlett M.Ch.S. HPC REGISTERED CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST
6 Beaufort Mews 7 Horse Street Chipping Sodbury South Glos. BS37 6DA
A busy mother with four children, Sandi manages to juggle her family life and her Guiding commitments and make it look easy. She considers every girl who passes through her Rainbows or Guide groups as an individual and always has a smile and kind word for everyone she encounters.
Telephone: (01454) 319083
The people she supports and works with in the community nominated Sandi for the award. They commented on many aspects of Sandi's very busy life and her achievements, saying that she 'is a force for good in the community' and that 'her work is the reason
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday Mornings 6
S
RichMcD Photography
Jonathan Crow – Director of Music at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury
All About Mi Beauty Boutique & Training School
At the end of March, Jon will be leaving us and moving to Munich where he'll take up a new job with NATO. We are sad to see him go, but wish him well in his new post. Since Jon first came to us in April 2005, he has brought with him a great skill in organ playing and a depth of spirituality which have both enhanced our worship. On behalf of St John's Church, Chipping Sodbury, I'd like to say a huge "Thank you" to him for all he has given us. We hope he and his wife, Emevie, settle smoothly and quickly into their new home and enjoy living in Germany!
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Jane Kenchington 7
Heading north
Richard Kenchington
Charles and Jenny Pfeil attended their last service at St John’s on February 5th before heading to Scotland to make a new home. They will soon be living in Kilkaldy, closer to their family but a very long way from friends at Chipping Sodbury. As Jenny wrote “we will miss people at St. Johns as it is a very friendly welcoming church, we hope to find a new church in “Sunny Fife” where we can continue to worship God each Sunday. I always enjoy St. John’s Praise, it reminds me of Spring Harvest, but I also enjoyed Messy Church, making a “John the Baptist “doll!
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The Community of the Sisters of the Church St Paul’s Bristol Dear Friends, Thank you for all your generous support at Christmas. We had a wonderful, if busy Christmas, and we are all now looking forward to the relative peace of the coming months. I know you are all very aware of our mission here. However I think it is worth sharing with you the story of a young woman who sought our help in December. This mother of four young children had cleaned up her life in recent years by coming off the street and off drugs. She came to us desperate for help as her benefits had been temporarily stopped and did not start again until after Christmas. Our help with food and Christmas gifts for the children made life much more bearable for her and her young family.
F. WOODRUFF
In all we had 550 people call in the four days before Christmas. We gave out over 1,500 food bags including our special Christmas bags. Everyone had a present and we gave gifts to 170 children.
Local Family Cremation and Funeral Directors
As always it is thanks to your help that we can carry on our mission here. We wish you every blessing for the New Year.
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
Sisters: Hilda Mary, Rosina, Margaret Sarah, Sue, and Shirley Anna
www.funerals.uk.net
Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
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on all the responsibilities of the members of the “Community”. However, this was not the case. She assented only to the above obligations, and remains our vicar. Thanks be to God.
Confusion De-confused
On Sunday 29th January 2012 our Benefice Service included the admission of our rector, the Revd Canon Jane Kenchington, as a Companion of The Society of St Francis. The visiting As followers of officiant, Brother Damian, a Franciscan Christ, we ALL monk, read out the obligations to which have the privilege Jane assented. They are: to be members of the “Community of · To pray regularly for the Society Christ”, the of St Francis and its members Church Universal, · To support its work in any way and the she can Companions of · To aim at simplicity of life Christ. Sometimes · To help those in need it would be helpful · To strive to bring others to the to make an open knowledge and love of Christ statement of this, Confusion arose in my mind because I as the Methodists had confused the “Community of St do in their annual Covenant Service. Francis” with the “Companions of St A point to ponder? Francis” I wondered how Jane could take David Webster SODBURY VALE BENEFICE’S LENT COURSE 2012:
HOLIDAY HOME
A five-week course entitled
“OUR LIFE OF PRAYER” led by the Rev Pauline Green All the meetings will be in the Church Centre, Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury. They will run on Wednesday evenings at 7.30am starting on Wednesday 29 February and Thursday mornings at 11am starting on 1 March. Wednesday 29 February & Thursday 1 March: Session 1: Basic Essentials
Thurlestone, South Devon Mannings,The Drive, Downs Road
Wednesday 7 March & Thursday 8 March:
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Session 2: Learning to Listen Wednesday 14 March & Thursday 15 March: Session 3: Dealing with Difficulties Wednesday 21 March & Thursday 22 March:
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Session 4: Going Deeper
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Sunflowers Toddler Group Old Sodbury School: Sunflowers is a small, friendly toddler group which runs every Wednesday from 10.00am - 11.30am at Old Sodbury CE Primary School, during term time. The group takes place in the school hall, with a variety of toys and colouring activities, occasional crafts and a story. Children can use the school playground and field during break time, when weather permits. On the last Wednesday of each term we are entertained by Sarah from Jazzy Jamboree. Entry is £1.00 for the first child and 50p for siblings, which includes tea/coffee for parents/carers and a fruit snack with water or squash for the children. New mums are always welcome, so please come along; entry for your first visit is free. with sudden clarity, I sensed the power of Jesus and of true freedom. I’ll never forget I am a Christian the moment I gave my life to Jesus. On Muslim woman. It is my knees beside the kitchen table, I difficult to describe surrendered to His incredible gift. what it’s like. Believing Jesus is It was painful for me not to tell anyone dangerous for many of about this important moment, but it is not us in the Middle East. the custom here for a woman to make a I came to know Jesus through a radio decision without the approval of her broadcast. The speaker shared about husband. It has been three years and it God, Jesus and the free gift of salvation. is hard. I constantly pray for my husband I tried to see how these Christians had it – in fact, I love our five daily prayer times all wrong. But the more I tried, the harder more than I used to because I can talk to it became. Something was drawing me to Jesus freely about my family. My husband the story of Jesus. Free forgiveness! I does not understand this person of Jesus could not believe it. I was taught that a or the gift of forgiveness, yet. This gift of price had to be paid to earn paradise. But Life was free but the Relationship comes that night I understood that Jesus had paid at a cost. I am a Christian with a Muslim home. This is my price for following Christ. the price for me.
A Dangerous Love
I continued to listen to these broadcasts and wrestle with questions. Then one day, 11
The author can not be named for safety reasons
Crib Festival 2012 5 – 9 December At the January PCC meeting, we agreed to run the Crib Festival again this year. Last year’s was a great success – and that was largely down to you volunteering to be in the Church at different times during the Festival. The town recognised this and the Lions Group admitted that they had had the most successful Victorian Day ever and that was down to the mild weather AND the Crib festival. They all expected it to happen again – along with the camel and donkey procession. And it will happen – the camel has already been booked and the Chamber of Commerce is prepared to pay Photo courtesy of Rich McD for half of the cost of hiring it. The three aims of the Crib Festival (communicating the Good news of God in a novel way; building partnerships with the town; raising the profile of the Church) were all met and we continue to build on what we achieved last year. I hope you will be willing to help as volunteers again
WE NEED YOU, please! We can spend time worrying about how we can be a Missional church, connecting with our local community and this Festival is one way of being a Missional Church. So please put the dates in your diary – even though in March, December seems a long time away.
Jane Kenchington 12
Don’t Quit
Steve Blakeney
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Egg-citing news! The only Easter Egg to mention the Easter story is back for a second year. Launched last year, the Real Easter Egg – proved hugely popular with churches, schools and the general public. Despite its obvious appeal, once again supermarkets have still not placed large enough orders to meet the likely demand. There’s a free Easter story booklet which comes in each box, and when you open the lid, you will see
‘Happy Easter’ and, for the first time ever on an Easter Egg, there is a quote from the bible - the resurrection text from Mark. As an added bonus, a donation from the sale of each egg goes to Traidcraft to support its vital overseas development work with small-scale farmers and artisans. Orders have already started coming in and thousands of eggs have been sold to previous customers. With your help we can change the Easter egg market forever by making it more spiritual, more generous and more faithful. How to order The eggs cost £3.99 each and you can order them from Jane and Paul JonesWilliams by calling 07980240103 or visiting their stall at Chipping Sodbury Farmer’s Markets, Saturdays 10th and 24th March.
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
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar March 2012 Thurs
15th
Sun 4th Second Sunday of Lent
Wed
7th
Thurs
8th
Sat
10th Sun 11th Third Sunday of Lent
Mon Tue Wed Thurs
12th 13th 14th 15th
Sat
17th Sun 18th Fourth Sunday ofLent Mothering Sunday Wed 21st Thur
22nd
Sat
24th Sun 25th Fifth Sunday of Lent Passion Sunday
Tue Wed Thurs
27th 28th 29th
Sat
31st
10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 8.00am 9.30am 11.15am 11.15am 6.00pm 1.30pm 7.30am 10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 9.00am 9.30am 11.15am 11.15am 6.00pm 7.30pm 3.00pm 7.30am 10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 9.00am 9.30am
Holy Communion Coffee Shop Lent Course Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s Praise Mattins (BCP) Family Communion Evensong (BCP) Women’s Fellowship Lent Course Holy Communion Coffee Shop Lent Course Benefice Prayer Meeting Parish Communion Holy Communion St John’s Praise Evensong (BCP) Mothers’ Union Meditation Meeting Lent Course Holy Communion Coffee Shop Lent Course Benefice Prayer Meeting Family Communion
St John’s C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S St John’s C/S St James’ Horton St John’s O/S St Adeline’s L/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S St James’ Horton St John’s O/S St Adeline’s L/S St John’s C/S 10 Lark Rise, Yate Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S
11.15am 11.15am 6.00pm 1.30pm 7.30am 10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 9.00am 9.30am 11.15am 11.15am 6.00pm 3.00pm 7.30am 10.00am 10.45am 11.00am 9.00am
Morning Prayer (CW) Holy Communion (BCP) Evensong (BCP) Women’s Fellowship Lent Course Holy Communion Coffee Shop Lent Course Benefice Prayer Meeting Parish Communion Family Communion (CW) Morning Praise Holy Communion (BCP) Meditation Meeting Lent Course Holy Communion Coffee Shop Lent Course Benefice Prayer Meeting
St James’ Horton St John’s O/S St Adeline’s L/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S St James’ Horton St John’s O/S St Adeline’s L/S 10 Lark Rise, Yate Church Centre C/S St John’s C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S Church Centre C/S
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Did you know? 4 million members in 84 countries, that’s Mothers’Union today. A knowledgeable, up to date, Anglican charity from a Victorian beginning in 1875 by a vicar’s wife. Bible reading, study and prayer is the basis of everything, combined with practical advice and help to improve family life. From that small country parish this work has spread around the world. Most people know of Mothers’Union but know nothing about what the organisation actually does so here are some of the ongoing overseas support projects · Marriage and family life is supported by parenting groups. · Literacy, numeracy and business training is provided to enable families to earn a better standard of living · Home care is taught, particularly regarding HIV/Aids (which is a major issue as approximately 60% of grandparents are sole carers of their orphaned grandchildren) · Prison ministry providing food and support for prisoners. · Providing specialist tuition on growing crops and animal care also providing the animals themselves (a chicken for example could then go on to provide eggs for the family) Nearly all these projects are run by locally trained Mothers’Union members and will benefit the whole community in the long run.
commissioned by the government regarding the commercialisation and sexualisation of children was chaired by Reg Bailey, the chief executive of Mothers’Union. What do we do at home? - In this diocese Mothers’Union is involved with crèche facilities in prisons, a free money advice service, AFIA (away from it all holidays) for families that need a break, literacy and parenting classes, plus much much more. Retreats and quiet days are organised, a ‘Wave of prayer’ is going around the world and our slot is in April. Prayer is the most important part of everything we do. Most members in our branch are not as active now as they were, but we have all held various offices in Mothers’Union in years past: leaders, deanery leaders, trustees and diocesan positions, as well as always supporting church activities and being involved in various roles in the church. In 2010 this branch celebrated 100 years of MU in Chipping Sodbury; to commemorate this we funded parenting classes in the West Indies, literary classes in Burundi and the Mothers’Union in Uganda, also the opening and continuation of a nursery facility for children in Madagascar.
We continue to support St John’s with our presence and financially, by providing the oranges for the Christingle services, the polyanthus for Mothering Sunday and more recently a donation towards the chairs for the church centre. I would ask you all to pray for the ability of the Mothers’Union to carry out this important work supporting families at home and abroad. If you would like to What else do we do? - MU has a know more about this amazing organisation representative on the committee for please contact Audrey Fasey through the Women’s Rights at the United Nations. It Church Office on 01454 325160 campaigns against the trafficking and abuse of women and girls. The ‘Bailey Review’ an official independent document 16