The Sodbury Vale Benefice
O U T LO O K
magazine
Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
50p
May 2014
1 Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian. 1
Nominated Person:
Contacts
Mrs Hilary Holder 01454 327118 This is the person to contact if you wish to express concern about suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult
Rector The Revd. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159 [Day off Friday] email jane@kenchington.plus.com
Associate Priest
Churchwardens
The Revd. Yvonne Brae, 01454 850682, Mob. 07908 513098 [Day
Chipping Sodbury
Off Monday] email jmyr@blueyonder.co.uk
Paul Jones-Williams (to 18 May) 01454 324970 Anne Mudge 07823 441920
Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) Mr Ian Yemm 01454 318608 email tenor@ianyemm.co.uk
If you would like to know more about Old Sodbury the Christian faith or are thinking Val Walker (to 18 May) 01454 318286 about baptism or confirmation please Dr John Myers (from 18 May) 01454 speak to Jane or Yvonne 312223 Mrs Karen Hunter (from 18 May) 01454 319903 Director of Music Nick Sherwood, 01454 319539 Mob. 07802 427135
Church Office
Little Sodbury
Open during school term time Monday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings 9.00 - 12.00
Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Administrator :
Horton
Michelle Jenkins 01454 325160 Email: sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com Web Site: www.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380 Richards Needs 01454 329890 Annual subscription to Outlook (10 issues) ÂŁ5
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Sylvia Franklin 07788 111 726
Editor: Michael Stephenson 01454 314094 2
Mission to Seafarers News I am most grateful for all the woollen hats which have been knitted by members of the Sodbury Vale Benefice and passed on to me for delivery to the international Seafarers Centre at Royal Portbury Dock. Your contributions, when combined with those from the Tyndale benefice and others, enabled Rita and myself to deliver a total of seventy-one woolly hats and seventeen neck warmers to the centre back in January. There can never be too many of these woollens, so I would ask that you please just keep them coming. One seafarer visiting our Centre in Felixstowe told us ‘It is good to know that people we don’t know take the time to knit a hat that keeps us warm and dry at sea; it is amazing that someone cars enough to do this, especially when we are feeling homesick and missing our families.’ So, a very big ‘Thank You’ to all who have given of their time, talents and treasure to enable us in this part of the world to contribute to the welfare of seafarers visiting the centre at Royal Portbury Dock. Anyone not at present engaged in this very worthwhile activity can obtain a pattern from my wife, Rita, on 01453 842473 John Ballantyne St Mary’s Wotton Under Edge Mission to Seafarers Parish Link.
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Holly Grace Hopkins on 16 March 2014 at St James’s Church, Horton Jack Patrick Philip Hawker on 16 March 2014 at St James’s Church, Horton Winter Rose Clarke on 23 March 2014 at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Emma Wroe & Stephen Bird on 8 March 2014 at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury Sheldon Scott Whittingham & Georgina Grace Thornell on 24 March 2014 at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury
Funerals:We
extend our sympathy to the families and friends of:
Alan Walter Hurst on18 March 2014 at St Johns Church Old Sodbury Maurice Christopher John Perry on 3 April 2014 at Westerleigh Crematorium Joyce Isobel Mary Beveridge on 4 April 2014 at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury Rita Anne Baldwin-Charles on 7 April 2014 at St John’s Church, Chipping Sodbury
Thomas Neill Pritchard (Tom) on 10 April 2014 at St John’s Church Old Sodbury
WHEN COMFORTING A GRAMMAR GEEK
Interments:We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of:
Edward John Jones on 12 April 2014 at St John’s Extension Churchyard, Chipping Sodbury
“Take the time to become who you truly are” Margaret Silf
I ALWAYS SAY SOFTLY “THERE, THEIR, THEY’RE” 3
Dear Friends, This year, Great Britain is holding various events to mark the centenary of the beginning of the First World War. In recent weeks, the BBC has produced a series on VADs working in the WWI Field Hospitals. Watching these programmes today, we might not think there’s anything startling about such programmes (apart from the dreadful facts of slaughter on the battlefields). But, after that war, the role of women changed dramatically. The old traditional order had gone: women had had to work in the place of men and shown that they were just as capable as men in the world of work. Women were eventually given the right to vote in 1918 (well at least if you were 30 years old or more) and gradually over the ensuing decades, women did start being able to do things that they had been hitherto denied. It can be noted that women were only able to obtain a degree from Oxford University in 1920 and from Cambridge University in 1948, despite London University awarding degrees to women from 1878. The Church of England opposed Cambridge University opening Girton College for women students in the early 1900s. Tragically, the Church of England is so conservative at times that it can become a laughing stock, or worse, it is dismissed as irrelevant by large sectors of society because it seems so out of touch with reality. The Church of England, has not had a good track record on its attitude towards women’s ordination. The fact that it’s May 2014 and we have still not passed legislation to finally enable women to be bishops is disgraceful. And even as General Synod will (hopefully) pass the legislation later this year, women bishops will still not be able to serve everywhere: “safeguards” will be put in to “protect” people from the ministry of a female bishop. Rev. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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Twenty years ago, on 13 & 14 May 1994, 26 women deacons in Gloucester Diocese were ordained priest. This was hugely historic – it had never been seen before and Pauline Green and I were among those ordained priest at that time. On 10 May 2014, there will be a 4pm festive eucharist held in Gloucester cathedral to celebrate the 20th anniversary of this event and I have been invited to be the preacher at that service since I was one of the original priests (and the second youngest) all those years ago. I really hope many of you come to that service. The previous week, on 3 May, many of us are travelling to Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral for a national celebration, which will include walking from the Abbey to St Paul’s. You might be forgiven to think that nowadays, it’s quite normal to have male and female priests: this diocese is one of the best places in the country to minister as a woman. Regrettably, there are many dioceses where it is much harder to minister as a woman priest because of the prejudice against them. Although we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of women being ordained priest this month, for many of us, it’s been a difficult journey and many of us still experience misogyny now. Women will tell you that they’ve been spat at; one even had her hand bitten as she administered Holy Communion; people have refused to take communion from us; others have entered church, seen that a woman is taking the service and promptly left the building. And we are meant to be the Body of Christ! So today in 2014, amidst our celebrations, the journey isn’t finished and there is still much work to be done and many prayers needed. Women can’t be bishops yet; huge numbers of women around the world suffer oppression, discrimination, cruelty and are denied opportunities just because they are women. A huge thank you goes to all those people who have supported women in the past and in the present; who have encouraged us; who have stuck out their necks to support women when many of their colleagues refused to. For that we are thankful. In Christ, we are all one – nothing divides us. May we continue to encourage one another, draw out one another’s gifts and not leave anyone excluded just because they are different from us.
With my love and prayers, Rev. Canon Jane Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com
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What are we here for? When I find a book with many quotable quotes I start underlining them. Such has been my recent experience as I have been digesting the contents of The Joy of the Gospel. Here is just one of these quotations: “The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God’s word, for growing in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration – a sanctuary where the thirsty come to drink in the midst of their journey, and a centre for constant missionary outreach.” How closely does that coincide with our own understanding? Surprisingly it is not written by an Anglican theologian or clergy – but by Pope Francis. Taking it one item at a time we find it presents us with a formidable challenge – but also opens our eyes to tremendous doors of opportunity as we share the love of God with others.
A Taster Retreat
Jesus Himself was the perfect model for this, having demonstrated through His life and example. No doubt it is the substance of what he taught His disciples in the days before His ascension. Acts 1:3 simply says: “He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.”
For those not used to silence. at The House of the Open Door, Childswickham, Nr. Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7HH Lead by Revd. Felicity Bayne & Dr Jennie Barrow This retreat will begin at teatime 4.00 pm on Tuesday 13th May and end after lunch on Friday 16th May. Each retreatant has their own room, and all meals are provided. The cost of the retreat will be £195.00 per person. Please book directly through The House of the Open Door. Tel:01386 852084 or by email at bookings@houseoftheopendoor.org
The Kingdom of God embraces all these things, and the Church today – our Benefice - is the channel God has chosen to be the means of bringing the blessings of God’s Kingdom to those in our communities and in the wider world. Frank Gray
Quote: Madeleine L'Engle, (20th century) when asked, "Do you believe in God without any doubts?" "I believe in God with all my doubts."
More detail at 01386 852084 or on the web at www.houseoftheopendoor.org 6
SPIRITUALITY NETWORK FOR GLOUCESTERSHIRE
F. WOODRUFF
INDIVIDUALLY GUIDED RETREATS IN GLOS. & WORCS. 2014 A TASTER IGR: GETTING USED TO SILENCE at the House of the Open Door, Broadway, Worcs. From Tues 13th – Fri 16th May Team: Felicity Bayne and Jennie Barrow Cost: £ 195 A SUMMER 4-DAY IGR at the Marist Centre, Nympsfield, near Stroud, Glos From Tues 26th –Sun 31th Aug Team: Sister Winnie Morley, Rob Hingley, and Brenda Dowie Cost: £355 AN AUTUMN 4-DAY IGR: at The Monastery of Our Lady and St.Bernard, Brownshill, near Stroud From Fri 3rd- Wed.8th Oct Team: Pauline Green, Francis Buxton and Rachael Willard Cost: £ 295 Enquiries to the Revd Pauline Green. Tel: 01454 311 936 e-mail: pgreen@clara.co.uk
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Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate
Ride On Cycles The cycle workshop that comes to you
Singers Needed We have a Jazz mass happening at CS church on 8 June at 10.30am, celebrated by Martin, Bishop of Tewkesbury. We will be singing Bob Chilcott’s “A Little Jazz Mass” lasting 12 minutes and we need singers. Rehearsals will be Thursdays at 7 - 8pm in St John’s church CS on Apr 24, May1, May 8, May 15, May 22, Tuesday May 27 and June 5. Whether you are a member of a choir or just enjoy singing please come and help. Google “A little Jazz Mass” to hear the piece Nick Sherwood
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Graham’s Garden
Jazz Mass at St John’s CS
Graham and Margaret Newman's garden at Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath will be open in aid of the Yate-Genieri Link again this. This is the Link's main annual fund-raiser and thanks partly to the year's fine weather last the total raised was £1400. Like last year, musicians will sing and play during the two afternoons. Among the performers will be the combined Community Choirs of Yate and Sodbury (Sunday) and, if last year's turnout is anything to go by, about 50 singers will come. Weather permitting, a limited number of cars can be parked in part of the garden, but there will be additional off-road parking at Henfield Village Hall. The charity has set up projects to help improve the welfare of the villagers, such as starting a Day Care Centre for younger children to begin their education early and to enable their mothers to help cultivate crops. More recently it has started a micro-loan scheme whereby prospective business women are loaned small lump sums to help them realise their dreams. In the past year the Charity's aim has been to strive to make as many of the projects self-supporting as possible so that in the coming years the village will be able to sustain its own economy. This year, cream teas will be back by popular demand. The garden will be open on Saturday and Sunday June 21st and 22nd from 2pm until 5pm.
Sunday 8th June at 10:30 am at St John’s Chipping Sodbury is our Benefice Service led by Bishop Martyn of Tewkesbury who will preach as well As part of the Service Bob Chilcott’s ‘A Little Jazz Mass’ will be sung as the Ordinary of the Eucharist. This is our contribution to the Chipping Sodbury Jazz Festival
A Little Jazz Mass
Sat and Sun June 21st & 22nd at Nutridge, Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2UF 2.00pm - 5.00pm Admission £3.00 Children under 16 free
Musicians will perform in the Garden during the afternoon
Proceeds in aid of Genieri, the African village linked with Yate www.yategenierilink.org.uk
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New 'Chip' Curate I was born a Geordie, but now live in North Nibley with my wife Linda. I will be travelling to Chipping Sodbury, hopefully as your new Assistant Curate after my ordination on July 6th. I felt God directly calling me to Anglican ministry in June 2010 through an ordination service I was attending. I realised it was confirming other calls I had ignored earlier, but God does not give up on you!
of several different Anglican churches of different traditions. We were married in North Nibley and returned there where Linda’s Mum still lives and we currently attend the local Church, which of course we will be leaving this year. I am training at WEMTC which is part of Ripon College Cuddesdon (Oxford) as an SSM and have truly enjoyed the challenge of the course and have made good friends there with people from all over the Diocese and beyond as WEMTC also train Ordinands and Readers from Hereford and Worcester dioceses. I still have some academic work to do on the course till the end of June and will be attending residential courses, so please pray for Linda and I in the final stages and come to my ordination service in the Cathedral. I am really looking forward to working together in the Sodbury Vale Benefice and getting to know you in each of the parishes represented. As part of the clergy team I will be very much a learner, but I bring with me a desire to be part of the community and the work of the churches in worship and in mission in its broadest sense. By grace and nature, being part of God’s mission together is challenging and rewarding and I will be praying for the work in Sodbury Vale.
I was trained as a construction project manager and have worked on large new and conservation building projects in Bristol, London and Bath. I then became a lecturer in my first post in the University of Zambia in Kitwe in the Copperbelt, teaching management to Architects and Peter Fewings. other aspiring building professionals for four years, supported by the UK development programme. When we came back we settled in Newcastle and Bristol where I continued to lecture, research and write books. I left UWE Bristol at the beginning of last year and I am currently involved in building a large new church and community centre in Stoke Gifford where we used to worship. Linda and I started our married life in a Baptist church, but 4 years later we joined the Anglican Church and have been part 10
South India youth trips In July, a team of young people will travel from the Diocese of Gloucester to South India. We enjoy partnerships with the two dioceses of Karnataka Central and Dornakal. Most years a group visits one or the other, but this year the team will be going to both! Karnataka Central is centred around Bangalore, one of the largest and fastest growing cities in India and the home of the Indian IT industry. Great wealth sits alongside extreme poverty. Dornakal is much more rural. The countryside is very beautiful but relatively underdeveloped, and people have to travel a long way to access basic education or medical services. The young people going to India this summer will be working in schools run by the two dioceses, as well as hostels for former street children. They will be
ambassadors for the Diocese of Gloucester and will undoubtedly make firm friends with the people they meet in India. All our overseas partnerships help us to learn from our brothers and sisters around the world. They remind us of the glorious diversity of God’s church and help us to grow together in unity. For more information about the India youth trips contact the Revd Canon David Bowers at dbowers@btinternet.com or on 01285 860221. Places are now full for the trip this year, but we will be recruiting soon for 2015. David would also be glad to hear from anyone interested in leading a group in the future. The Revd John Paul Hoskins
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Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for planting your word in our hearts. Help us to grow and to bear fruit in your kingdom. Amen.
the Saturday closest to our original ordinations. There is a festive Holy Eucharist at 4pm in Gloucester Cathedral, to which all are welcome. Many of the original 26 women will attend, as will the ordaining Bishops, David Bentley and Jeremy Walsh. Bishop Michael will preside and Canon Jane Kenchington, one of the original group and now Rector of the Sodbury Vale Benefice and Area Dean of Wotton, will preach. This milestone comes as the Church prepares to take another big step this summer, with the legislation allowing women to become Bishops coming to General Synod for final passage. After the shock of its defeat in November 2012, a new spirit of dialogue has prevailed and the ordained ministry of women has begun to be truly celebrated. Even though the Christian community has relied on the ministry of women since the time of Jesus, this will mark the first time that all positions of church leadership will be open to women and men equally - a cause for celebration indeed!
Principal Service readings May May 4 (Third Sunday of Easter) Acts 2: 14a, 36 - 41 1 Peter 1: 17 - 23 Luke 24: 13 - 35 Psalm 116: 1 - 3, 10 - end May 11 (Fourth Sunday of Easter) Acts 2: 42 - end 1 Peter 2: 19 - end John 10: 1 - 10 Psalm 23 May 18 (Fifth Sunday of Easter) Acts 7: 55 - end 1 Peter 2: 2 - 10 John 14: 1 - 14, Psalm 31: 1 - 5, 15 - 16 May 25 (Sixth Sunday of Easter) Acts 17: 22 - 31 1 Peter 3: 13 - end John 14: 15 - 21 Psalm 66: 7 - end May 29 (Ascension Day) Thursday Acts 1: 1 - 11 Ephesians 1: 15 - end Luke 24: 44 - end Psalm 47
The Diocese of Gloucester marks 20 years since ordination of women With over a third of our clergy being female, one might wonder why women’s ordination is still newsworthy. But the fact is that the very first women priests in the Church of England were ordained twenty years ago this spring. From March 12 in Bristol through to the end of 1994, more than 1,300 women were made priests. Many had been serving in other roles for decades. In Gloucester, we’re celebrating on May 10, 12
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Lent Course 2014 By the time you read this article Holy Week and Easter will have passed but the memory and meaning of this special event will surely have remained. Prior to these solemnities and rejoicings, the Benefice was given a guided tour of Holy Week with the aid of paintings and expositions during the weeks of Lent. These lectures/meditations were presented by both invited clergy (Wednesday evenings) and our own local retired clergy (Thursday mornings.) Many thanks are extended to both. My own memories relate to Thursdays and in particular the contemplation of Salvador Dali’s painting ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’. Surrealistic – no nails, no crown of thorns, suspended between heaven and earth, no facial features, no obvious source of light, isolated, absolute dereliction. There lies beneath its shadow but on the further side The darkness of an awful grave that gapes both deep and wide. And there between us stands the cross two arms outstretched to save A watchman set to guard the way from that eternal grave. Elizabeth Clephane O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. Romans 12 v 23. David Webster
hidden. Also, there are no crown of thorns, nails, blood or wounds visible as Dali said this would mar the depiction of Christ. To some, this seems sacrilegious and in 1961 the painting was vandalised by being torn with a stone and ripped with hands just below the foot of the cross. However, despite the restoration, the scars are still apparent, and for me, this adds to the painting. We see a fishing scene at the bottom of the picture, depicting people going about their business in a peaceful untroubled world, with Christ transcendent in the heavens, but between the two there are the wounds and scars of conflict between good and evil still visible. It is regarded by some as the most enduring vision of the crucifixion painted in the 20th century and is displayed at the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow. Linda Hurst
Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali This painting was inspired by a drawing made by the Carmelite friar St John of the Cross who died in 1591. The work was painted by Dali at his home in Spain in the summer of 1951. The painting has given rise to much IT MIGHT NOT BE QUITE THE WAY YOU REMEMBER controversy, mainly because of the angle IT, FOR EXAMPLE I DON’T REMEMBER YOU BEING RUSSELL CROWE of Christ’s head and body. Christ appears to be seen from above and his face is 14
The seeds of a different future. Last year many of you in the Benefice helped t e n families who used to live in the Kibera slum in Nairobi to move on to their own one-acre plot of land in Kingangop, Kenya. Emily – one of TP’s staff writes in appreciation…. “Owning land in Kenya means security for the future, provision for the family, and a place to build a home and belong. This is the gift that you have helped to give to single-mums from Kibera and their children. At the beginning of this year, land was subdivided from the Turning Point farm and homes were built for the 10 families who have successfully navigated three years of transition from the cramped slum conditions of Kibera to a new rural home. In March, the 10 mums and many kids packed up their belongings and moved into their new homes. Each family has received a fenced one acre plot of land with a two-bedroomed home complete with living room, kitchen, and separate toilet and shower block. Each plot also has a water tank and is set up to collect rain water. The mums and kids were ecstatic on moving day – proud of their own hard work that had taken them so far and incredibly grateful for the gift of land. It is certainly not an easy process, leaving behind familiar places and faces, friends and family to move to a completely new environment. Learning to farm is hard physical work but every mum has thrown
herself into it, several of the kids have also got stuck in on the farm to help their mums. We at Turning Point are so impressed with the great attitude and effort shown by this group and its a real joy to see all ten of them get to the final stage and move into their new and permanent homes. On behalf of these families, we would like to thank and appreciate all those who gave generously and sacrificially to the homebuilding fund. Your giving has truly changed lives”. David & Christine Parsons Turning Point Ambassadors
Stainer’s Crucifixion I’m not a music buff, not very familiar with the world of music concerts. Maybe that was to my benefit, because I thoroughly enjoyed being at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury, on Sunday 13th April. I was so delighted to hear the choir singing together so well, such lovely harmonies. And when it came to the professional performers, well I was blown away. In fact so moved was I that I couldn’t find the words to describe the experience afterwards. The whole work put me into that place of Christ’s Passion in a way that was different to ways I’d experienced before. I’m sure Nick and the choir put many hours of rehearsals into this and it showed. I could see they were pleased to be singing with Ian and Martin A high standard has been set – I look forward to the Jazz Mass and then the concert after that, and the concert after that. I’m a convert. Yvonne
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Mothering Sunday was a very special occasion for the M.U. in the Chipping Sodbury benefice. Not only was I commissioned as the new leader, but we also saw three new members enrolled. In the order of service Jane included the five objects of the M.U. I urge you to consider these – there are copies on the M.U. table at the back of church. If you agree with them, as Jane said, we urge you to become a member of this worldwide fellowship which works tirelessly to encourage, preserve and strengthen marriage and family life. Please remember, you do not have to come to meetings, you don’t have to be married or be a mother. You don’t even have to be a woman! Please think and pray about this. At our next meeting on May 12th we welcome Ian Yemm to talk about ‘University Life’. Please remember it’s an evening meeting starting at 7.45 pm. With love Joy Gibson
ALAN HURST Linda, Christopher and David Hurst would like to thank everyone who has given such wonderful support since the death of Alan in March. Your love and prayers have been a source of comfort and encouragement during a very difficult period of our lives. We were able to donate just over £1,000 to the Lung Research Group at Southmead Hospital, which is a charity Alan supported for many years. Thank you and God bless.
Prayer Lord when the powers of this world threaten to overwhelm me, grant me the serenity of Daniel. Amen
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Sowing the Future Together Sowing and Eternal Future Please pray: ●for the ‘Families come First’ Awareness Day in Gloucester on 28 June 2014 ●that we ‘put on the Lord Jesus Christ’ & be Easter People in a Good Friday world Praise for: ●the blessings received and the fellowship shared at our Lady Day Service ●the Mothers’ Union vision of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships Thank you for your contribution towards Christian Care for Families Worldwide May the glory of eternity fill our hearts with joy as we go from here to serve the risen
The Bishop of Gloucester, looks forward to his final pilgrimage On Pentecost Sunday (8 June), I begin my final pilgrimage as Bishop of Gloucester. My first such walk was in 2008, when I set off with ten fellow pilgrims from Tewkesbury and walked over the next seven days on a route that took us to 34 churches across 101 miles. In 2011, following a number of pilgrimages in the diocese, we formed a group with an ambition to ensure that, by the end of 2014, I would have walked through every parish on the boundary of the diocese. This June, I will walk the final stretch, a mere 89 miles, setting off from Whelford, near Fairford, on Pentecost Sunday and arriving at the Cathedral on the Eve of Trinity Sunday, taking in 26 churches on the way. During my time as Bishop of Gloucester, I will have spent 35 days walking across 438 miles, visiting 173 churches. There isn’t time and space here to explore all the reasons for going on pilgrimage, though it is an important spiritual theme. But I invite you to look in your diary and, if you are fit and well enough, to see whether you could join me and my fellow pilgrims for a day or even half a day of the June pilgrimage between 8 June and 14 June. You would be very welcome indeed. Come and be a pilgrim. The Right Revd Michael Perham
numbers of people driven from their homes by war is on the rise. It stands at 42 million people – an appalling statistic and a stain on the conscience of humanity. The good news is that your church can make a real difference. Last year, a magnificent 20,000 churches across the country helped raise over £12 million for Christian Aid Week. This Christian Aid Week (11 to 17 May), we want to go even further. We want every church in Britain and Ireland to get involved – whether by giving, acting or praying. Together we can send people living in fear this message: you are not alone. We’re with you, helping you to rebuild your lives, and working for peace. Demonstrate God’s love for those living in poverty and show how much good the church is doing in the world this Christian Aid Week. Together we can reach the 42 million people caught up in conflict and help them live a life free from fear. Be an instrument of God’s peace. Give, act and pray this Christian Aid Week. To find out more about the work of Christian Aid and to download resources, visit www.caweek.org.
St Adeline’s Spring Look Over the winter a working party of Little Sodbury villagers planted bulbs around the church, and now we see the fruits of their efforts.
Christian Aid Week 2014 War tears lives apart — love can help piece them back together. For a growing number of people across the world, the horror of war is a part of daily life. Right now, fuelled by the devastating violence in both Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the 17
What’s this all about ?
Concert at St John’s Chipping Sodbury Saturday 7th June at 7:30 pm
Yate Choral Society will be singing 3 main pieces among other items in the programme, supported by a professional orchestra and soloists. The 3 pieces are: “Spring” From Haydn’s Seasons, Schubert's “Mass in G” and Brahms’ “How lovely are thy dwellings”. The Seasons was Haydn's follow up to Outlook is a small magazine in size but his successful “The Creation”. In four look closely .... it’s actually a statue that parts, each musically depicting a season, depicts Jesus as a homeless person completed and first performed in 1801 it sleeping on a bench. It’s set in the grounds was enthusiastically welcomed by its Viof St Alban’s Episcopal Church, a wealthy enna audience. The opening of Spring area of Davidson, N.C. describes winter going away and spring Jesus is huddled under a blanket with his awakening with a pastoral sound. We face and hands hidden. At first glance you then hear about the farmer sowing his might think it was simply a homeless fields and we are then invited to go to the person – what makes it Jesus are the fields and admire the earth, water and air, before we finish with a hymn of praise to crucifixion wounds on the feet. You probably won’t be surprised to know God. that there’s been a mixed reaction to the Schubert's Mass in G-Major was written statue. One neighbour says it freaks him in 1815 and has always been a favourite out, whilst others are (believe it or not) with the experts. It was composed in less insulted by it, they feel it demeans the than a week, the year after his first mass neighbourhood. Indeed one woman called had been successfully performed in his Police when she drove by, thinking it was home parish. a real homeless person. Brahms’ “How lovely are thy Dwellings It’s the work of Canadian Sculptor and fair” is the fourth and middle movement devout Catholic, Timothy Schmalz who of the Brahms Requiem which has 7 intended the sculpture to be a visual movements. It is a tranquil piece which is translation of Matthew 25:40 "The King will the most popular section of the Requiem. reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for It is based on the 84th Psalm. The ‘dwellone of the least of these brothers and ings’ being the Temple in Jerusalem sisters of mine, you did for me.' He says which the psalmist is longing to visit and it’s a good Bible lesson for those used to to worship God there. seeing Jesus depicted in traditional Do come and enjoy these wonderful piecreligious art that is as the Christ of glory, es of music. Tickets are £8.50 (accompaenthroned in finery. Yvonne nied school children are free) and can be What do you think? Why not write in ordered from choir members, Margaret Phillips (324839)or bought on the door. and let us know. 18
others from using their God-given gifts. I What would your answer be if someone don’t believe that God gives certain gifts asked you this question: “How is your to certain types of people. I don’t think race or gender of sexuality come into it. God relationship with God?” Is it a question you’ve ever been asked or creates us and calls us to use the gifts God has given to each of us. have ever answered?
Prayer Corner
If your prayer life needs a bit of dusting down, how about starting with this practice: As you go about your day and at the end of the day, thank God for what’s happened. “Count your blessings” is an old phrase. But do we count them? A good way to cultivate an attitude in ourselves of becoming more conscious of God as we go about every day is to be thankful. So how about trying to do that this month? You never know – it might become a habit and you will then have no problem answering that question about your relationship with God!
The National Church has designated Sunday 11 May to be Vocations Sunday. It’s there so that our congregations can be prompted to think about their own gifts and whether they are using them or not. It’s there for our congregations to think about how they live out their Christian calling to be followers of Jesus in the places where they work and live. So, have a think about your own life. How are you exercising the gifts God has given to you? If you are interested in talking about this further, please do contact Jane or Yvonne.
Vocations Sunday 11 May Years ago, when people talked about “vocation” it almost certainly meant a vocation to be ordained a priest. It might have also meant a calling to be a teacher or a nurse. But this is a very narrow definition of vocation. Vocation (which comes from the Latin word voco – “to call”) is something that happens to all of us. When we are baptised, God calls us into the Body of Christ. When God creates each of us, God calls each of us into being. There is a link between being called and being created. God calls us into being and he calls us to know him, to become more like Jesus. We are all called to that. Not just clergy. But everyone. If God has created us (as we believe God has), then God has created us with particular gifts that are unique to us. The greatest travesty is when people stop 19
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The Revd. David Parsons David and Christine are leaving Chipping Sodbury in May in order to live nearer to their daughter and son-in-law and family in Cumbria. David came to Chipping Sodbury from Swindon in 2003. He became a very valued colleague to my predecessor, Chris Wray, and looked after St John’s, Chipping Sodbury, during the Vacancy, once Chris had retired. His passion for preaching and teaching has been greatly appreciated by many across the Benefice and we will miss his gifts. David greatly enjoyed writing study courses which some of the (now called) Together Groups followed and wrote several Lent Courses which he then led during the time Chris Wray was here. He was a great fan of Bishop Tom Wright and would often use his writings as a resource. In Chris Wray’s time, David took on the running of the music group for St John’s Praise and continued to work hard on that service, enabling it to be informal and using music that had been written since 1900! Enjoying a close working relationship with one clergy colleague (Chris) and then coping with a vacancy and then having to adjust to a new clergy colleague who is very different and who faces a different remit, is never easy. But David, despite having found himself in that position, continued to serve this Benefice faithfully and support me as much as he could. He even dared to launch into the churches in the Benefice who enjoyed using the Book of Common Prayer! David warmly welcomed me when I first arrived in the Benefice and the day after my licensing, we agreed that we’d share the Thursday morning eucharist to show some degree of collegiality. I asked David to read the
gospel and I had prepared a homily on that gospel reading. Unfortunately, David misread the lectionary and read another gospel reading and my first test was to try in a matter of seconds to put together (mentally) a homily on the gospel reading that he’d read! I did wonder, tongue in cheek, whether he’d done that to test me! Christine, has been the steady, continuous support and gentle friend to all of us. I remember the casserole she sent round to the Vicarage after I had to have my ankle in plaster. We will miss her greatly – for her kindness and loveliness. David and Christine introduced the parishes to the “Turning Point Trust” – enabling us to have a real connection with the work of mission in Kenya. It’s been a delight to welcome Jon and Jo and their family whenever they’ve been here to keep us updated on their work in Kibera. So, thank you, David and Christine, for all you have given us in your 11 years here. We wish you a very happy move to that glorious part of the country which, I for one, hope heaven will be like! May God continue to bless you both richly. JK
David and Christine Parsons
Journeying on Our Christian discipleship can lead us to places and into situations where we sense God has specifically sent us, to enable his
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kingdom here on earth to grow. I believe this has been true for David and Christine Parsons when encouraged greatly by prayer, they moved to Chipping Sodbury in 2003. Over the ensuing years, the true gifts of David’s pastoral and teaching ministry have been revealed to many of us in the Benefice. David’s imaginative and colourful preaching style has enabled God’s word to be relevantly brought into our own life situations. David’s love of singing and of playing musical instruments has enhanced our family worship, and similarly his leadership role within fellowship and prayer groups has helped individuals grow in their faith. As keen walkers and lovers of the great outdoors, David and Christine have trodden many footpath miles in Gloucestershire and beyond. As they now look forward to their move north, the Cumbrian fells also await their footprints. The hymn ‘Hills of the north rejoice’ must surely be doing exactly that, rejoicing at their imminent arrival! As we wave our friends David and Christine on towards their new home, we will greatly miss them; but pray that the Holy Spirit will be ever present protecting them both, and that God’s radiant love for humankind will continue to be revealed through our Saviour Jesus Christ. ‘In Jesus, all shall find their rest’, but I suspect God has fashioned exciting new plans for David’s continued ministry, and these journey paths He will be revealing soon. Thank you David and Christine for your Christian witness in our community. Thank you for your valued friendship. Thank you also Jesus for the love David and Christine have for each other. May God Bless you both! Keith Stanley.
Whale banned - too religious
As part of the ‘Pass It On’ campaign, The Bible Society had planned to erect a 50 foot inflatable whale beside the Thames in London and tell the story of Jonah and the Whale to children. With actors to play Jonah and other characters to "I married an archaeologist because reintroduce a new generation of children to bible stories, after research showed the older I grow, the more he appreciates me." - Agatha Christie that children are increasingly unable to identify Bible stories such as Noah’s Ark. 21
Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.30pm
Bell Ringer’s Practice
Church Tower, Chipping Sodbury
8.45am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Wednesday 8.30am
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Thursday
Morning Prayer
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
8.45am
10.00am Holy Communion
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Choir Practice
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Friday
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
Saturday
9.00am
Benefice Prayers
Church Centre, Chipping Sodbury
Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events 5th - 14th
May
2015
Sat
7th
June
7.30pn
Pilgrimage to The Holy Land led by the Ven Jackie Searle Archdeacon of Gloucester Yate Choral Society Concert.
Sun
8th
June
10.30am
Jazz Mass Benefice Service
Info from Alison Vlach 01452 835583 St John’s, CS
Haydn’s Seasons (Spring); Schubert Mass in G
St John’s, CS
Wed 11th
June
Bishop Michael will be on pilgrimage in our area. Chipping Sodbury Festival Starts
Fri
13th
June
Fri
13th
June
7.30pm
Concert by Visiting Choir
St James’, Horton
Mon
6th
Oct
7.30pm
Harvest Supper
Village Hall, OS
Sun
2nd
Nov
4.00pm
All Soul’s Service
St John’s, CS
Sun
23rd
Nov
2.00pm
Friends of Old Sodbury Church will be holding ‘Stir up Sunday’
St John’s, OS
Sat
29th
Nov
7.00pm
Friends of Old Sodbury Church present a Concert by the Silver Ring Choir
St John’s, OS
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 sodburyvalebenefice@gmail.com
Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar May 2014 Thurs
1st
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
11.00am
Benefice Communion Service
St John’s, C/S
Sun 4th Third Sunday of Easter Wed 7th
8.00pm
Mission Prayer Group
Church Centre, C/S
Thurs
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
Holy Communion {CW} by extension
St James’, Horton
8th
Farewell to David and Christine Parsons
Sun 11th 11.15am Fourth Sunday of 11.15am Easter
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Mon
12th
7.45pm
Mothers’ Union
Church Centre, C/S
Tue
13th
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 314409 for venue
Wed
14th
7.30pm
Churchwarden’s and Treasurer’s Meeting
Upstairs, Church Centre C/S
Thurs
15th
Sat
17th
Sun 18th Fifth Sunday of Easter
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.00pm
CS PCC beginning with Eucharist
Church Centre C/S
10.00am
Old Sodbury Church Prayer Day
St John’s, O/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Morning Prayer
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
4.00pm
Archdeacon’s Visitation
St Mary’s, Thornbury
6.00pm
NO SERVICE
St Adeline’s, L/S
Tues
20th
7.30pm
Pastoral Care Meeting
Church Centre
Wed
21st
7.30pm
Old Sodbury PCC
Village Hall, OS
Thur
22nd
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
7.30pm
ChurchWardens Bible Study
Vicarage, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise {CW}
St John’s O/S
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Sun 25th Sixth Sunday of Easter Tue
27th
2.00pm
Sodbury Vale Benefice Social Afternoon
Church Centre, CS
Wed
28th
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 314409 for venue
Thurs
29th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
7.30pm
Eucharist for Ascension Day
St John’s, O/S
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F
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