The Sodbury Vale Benefice Chipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury
O U T LO O K
magazine
www.svbcofe.org.uk
1 Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian. See 1
October 2015
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
VACANT
Churchwardens
Associate Priest The Revd. Yvonne Brae, 01454 850682, Mob. 07908 513098 [Day
Chipping Sodbury
off Monday]
Joy Gibson 01454 319288 Jane Jones-Williams 01454 324970
email yvonne@svbcofe.org.uk
Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) Mr Ian Yemm 07514 139825; 01454 318608 [Day off Saturday] email ian@svbcofe.org.uk
Old Sodbury If you would like to know more about the Christian faith or are thinking about baptism or confirmation please speak with the ministers
Karen Hunter 01454 319903
Little Sodbury Brenda Cordy 01454 316447
Director of Music VACANT
Horton
Tina Hildick-Smith 01454 320380 Richard Needs 01454 329890
Church Office Open during school term time Mon - Tue - Thu mornings 9.00 - 12.00 Administrators: 01454 325160 Michelle Jenkins - Mon, Tue & Thu AM Trish Gailey
This magazine is brought to you Free by the four churches of the Sodbury Vale Benefice. If you would like to make a small donation towards production costs that would be most welcome. Thank you.
email: office@svbcofe.org.uk Web Site: www.svbcofe.org.uk
November Deadline
Advertising:
Can you have all copy to Michelle in the Church Office by Oct 13th at the latest please.
Sylvia Franklin 07788 111726
Editor: Michael Stephenson 01454 314094 email outlook@svbcofe.org.uk
Front Cover-Local field harvested Photo - Michael Stephenson
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on the third Sunday in July – especially as it was the occasion of Jane’s last service at St John’s – but I shall be back. With my love and prayers and best wishes to you all John Balantyne.
Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church: Penny June Elizabeth Roberts, on 6 September at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury Celine Grace Green, on 6 September at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury Hollie Martine Selwood, on 6 September at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury Freya Georgia West, on 13 September at St John’s, Old Sodbury
Jane Kenchington’s Induction in Solihull The parish church of St Alphege lies right in the centre of Solihull and cuts an imposing sight with spire and red stone edifice. Our coach with about 25 SVB folk (others came separately by car) unloaded right outside. Entering the sanctuary we found the church packed and buzzing with expectation as we were shown to our reserved pews. The mood was joyful, the choir sang beautifully (and we were all envious!), the Bishop of Birmingham gave a good sermon and Jane was officially both
Marriages: We send our congratulations to: Christopher Ewins and Victoria Allen, on 12 September at St John’s, Old Sodbury Louise Payne and Christopher Green, on 18 September at St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Funerals:We extend our sympathy to the families and friends of:
Dick Ludlow, on 11 September at St John’s, Old Sodbury Sheila Bullock, on 16 September at St John’s, Old Sodbury
Thank you from John Ballantyne
instituted (to the ‘Cure of Souls’) and inducted as the new Rector of Solihull. Several dignitaries were present and a high percentage of the congregation were fellow clergy. Refreshments in the church hall followed and we had opportunity to interact with several of the parishioners before we left. It felt like a ‘royal’ occasion in many respects. We continue to pray for Jane (and Richard) as she takes on this new challenge that God has been preparing her for. Frank Gray
Thank you to all those members of the Sodbury Vale benefice who telephoned, sent cards or made enquiries of Rita as to my progress following me recent knee operation. I would like to express my sincere thanks. It was a great comfort to know that so many of you were thinking of me. Your concern has been a great boost to me following my return from hospital. Rest assured that all your kind thoughts and messages have been very much appreciated. I missed seeing you all 3
Dear Friends I wonder how the newspapers will be reporting the refugee crisis as you read the October edition of Outlook. As I write this, the photograph of a small boy lying face down in the water on a beach near the Turkish seaside resort of Bodrum, appears to have been a game changer in the response of Europe to this enormous humanitarian crisis unravelling at high speed. The Christian religion is one that has its roots in a family who were refugees – the holy family exiled to Egypt for two years to escape the terror of Herod. And we would do well to remember that, as we consider what response we ought to make to the plight of these refugees today. And I mean our response not only in charitable giving, not only in our commitment to pray, but also in our attitudes to war and to those people who we might choose to keep at arm’s length. Some people may not be as tolerant as the Egyptians were in Jesus’ time. If Joseph proved a good worker, he would probably have found work straight away in Egypt, despite the language barrier. If he arrived in the UK today, he would not be allowed to work. Jesus and Mary arriving here would be closely questioned as to whether this yarn about Herod killing firstborn boys was really just a scam to get refugee status. And the fact that Joseph had referred to being told to flee in a dream wouldn’t make his story any more believable. And yet, it is dreams that are the impetus for these refugees to flee; dreams that were the impetus for a young family to climb into a plastic boat and paddle desperately towards a new life. The Archbishop of Canterbury has written the following message, ‘The people of these islands have a long and wonderful history of offering shelter and refuge, going back centuries – whether it be Huguenot Christians, Jewish refugees, Ugandan Asians, Vietnamese boat people or many, many more. It has always been controversial at the time it happened, always been seen as too difficult. Yet each time, we have risen to the challenge and our country has been blessed by the result.’ Christians must be people whose hearts and minds are open to those who, traumatised by war, make such desperate attempts to escape and run to us for help. We cannot pray for a miracle – if we are not prepared to be one. Yours in Christ,
Ian
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CofE vicar wins Funeral Celebrant of the Year The Revd Juliet Stephenson, vicar of the Church of the Holy Nativity, Newcastleupon-Tyne, was awarded the Funeral Celebrant of the Year, and was the only Church of England vicar among 11 nominees in the category. The Revd Juliet, said: “Being a vicar, a huge amount of my time is spent with families coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. I do just what every other Church of England vicar does; I get alongside, I listen, I help them celebrate and I help them cry. All of this is done whilst holding their story within the greater story of God and the hope of salvation. "The fact that a regular vicar won Funeral Celebrant of the Year, highlights the deep respect the funeral industry holds for the Church of England. They are conscious of the importance of good relationships with Local Family Cremation local funeral directors, and also hugely aware of the great pastoral network that and Funeral Directors the Church of England offers." The Church 24 Hour Service of England conducts over 3,000 funerals each week. Canon Dr Sandra Millar, Head of Projects 2 High Street, Winterbourne and Developments said. Tel: (01454) 773776 "The Church of England was a small presence at the weekend, where many 118-120 Station Road,Yate funeral professionals met to see some of the new things happening in the funeral world, and also to celebrate all that is 192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath good. The Church of England has been alongside countless families for generations through dying, funerals and email:info@funerals.uk.net www.funerals.uk.net bereavement and continues to serve people throughout the country, wherever Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate they are."
F. WOODRUFF
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A message for Bible Sunday, 25 October ‘I rejoice at your word, like one who finds great treasure’ Ps 199:162 One rainy day, a few years back, I spent a happy half an hour in the Sir John Ritblat Treasures gallery of the British Library. ‘Treasures’ is the right word. Along with scribbled lyrics by John Lennon and handwritten script from Charlotte Bronte and Shakespeare, was a 4th century fragment of the gospel of St John. I stood in awe and looked for a long time at the neat Greek script on ancient, torn parchment. I thought of the original writer, the careful copying, the safe keeping and guarding of such treasure over centuries. It is so easy for us to take the Bible for granted, opening it up as we can these days on our tablets or screens. Bible Sunday is a reminder to rejoice at God’s word, like one who finds great treasure. We remember with gratitude the authors, the copiers, the guardians, the translators, the printers, the publishers, many of whom risked or gave their lives that we might access this treasure in our own homes, in our own language, every day. Let us value this treasure and, like them, make sure we pass it on. Ven. Jackie Searle, Archdeacon of Gloucester From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
News, Views and Opinions – How we see our World In recent weeks news services have been serving up a variety of big topics – refugees and asylum seekers, the Queen’s record-breaking reign – and the election of Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party, just to name a few. 6
Inevitably each of these evokes some kind of response – especially as we watch the stories unfold and voice some of our reactions – albeit to our TV screens. How we view these events – and respond to them – reflects largely what is going on inside of us and perhaps something of our own past experiences, our joys and hurts. Inevitably as Christians our worldview and values are shaped by the teachings of Jesus and the wider body of wisdom and teaching found in the scriptures. Thanks to this vast library we are well-equipped to process these many stories from a biblical perspective. ·
What would Jesus have to say about the commendable examples of service that Queen Elizabeth has demonstrated over 63 years?
·
Would Jesus commend our response to the refugees and asylum seekers?
·
How many of Jeremy Corbyn’s utterances would be commendable by Jesus’ standards and values as one who went against the tide of public opinion during his day?
Gloucestershire County Council is in need of foster carers for children of all ages but especially older children, teenagers and children with additional needs. All children are different, and to meet their needs, the county council is looking for a wide variety of people from many different backgrounds. For some fosterers, faith is a motivating factor. What all foster carers have in common is a desire to care for young people to help them achieve their full potential. Foster carers need to be patient, tolerant and resilient and having a good sense of humour is very useful. Foster carers with the county council receive substantial support including a dedicated fostering social woker, monthly home visits, ongoing training and monthly support groups. In addition foster carers receive a weekly maintenance and skills allowance that can amount to more than £300 a week if you foster a teenager. Fostering families with a church background may also benefit from having a supportive church community around them who are willing to listen, help and understand. If you are over 21, have a spare room (or rooms for siblings) and feel that you are being called to foster, contact the county council’s fostering team on 01242 532654, find a drop-in event or fill in an enquiry form at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/fostering
Perhaps like me you feel sometimes drawn to pray into those situations as they evolve. By so doing we engage our minds and spirits and are drawn to showing compassion towards the hungry, the orphans, bereaved and homeless. We can ask God’s blessings for them, and for comfort as a loving heavenly Father. We might even find ourselves being drawn to donate clothing or make donations to help alleviate their suffering…. Because the love of Christ constrains us. Frank
From “The Messenger” www.gloucester.anglican.org
Faith in the world: Have you or someone in your church ever considered becoming a foster carer? 7
his death, the Gloria lay undiscovered until the late 1920s, when it was found buried among a pile of forgotten Vivaldi manuscripts. It was not until 1957 that the now familiar original version was published and given its first performance at Brooklyn College, NY.
“Gloria” at St John’s
Handel’s “The King shall rejoice” One of George I's last acts before his death in 1727 was to sign an "Act of naturalisation of George Frideric Händel and others". His first commission from Handel as a newly naturalised British subject was to write the music for the coronation of George II and Queen Caroline which took place on 11 October the same George II year. Handel took some of the words of Psalm 21 (verses 1-3 & 5) as his inspiration for the anthem.
DVDs of Jane’s Farewell Services
Come along to St John’s Chipping Sodbury on Saturday 17th October At 7:30pm For a concert of rousing choral music. (Details above) Yate Choral Society will be performing Vivaldi’s “Gloria”, Handel’s coronation anthem “The King shall rejoice” and other works Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” Antonio Lucio Vivaldi composed this Gloria in Venice, probably in 1715, for the choir of the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage for girls (or more probably a home, generously endowed by the girls' "anonymous" fathers, for the illegitimate daughters of Venetian noblemen and their mistresses). For two centuries after
The recordings of both the Benefice Communion and the Songs of Praise for Jane's farewell on July 19 are now available. There are two DVDs - one for morning and one for afternoon. I would like to cover costs by suggesting a donation of £2.50 each (2 for £5) with any surplus going to Benefice funds. To order you can contact me at admin@svbcofe.org.uk or ask your churchwarden. Frank Gray 8
Benjamin's Story
very clever. She goes to Boxford Muniversity where she’s studying to be a nurse. She wants to help animals who get stuck out in the deepest jungle of Spikeland, in the furthest reaches of the Churchyard, especially those whose paws get caught on the sharp thorns. And Murray, well usually he’s a bright little chap, always laughing and joking. All the animals in SMAC love Murray’s cheeky grin, they’re always ruffling his hair as he scoots past them on his skateboard. Now where was I ah yes Murray’s skateboard. Murray doesn’t mean to get into trouble on his skateboard, but somehow he often does. One day Murray missed his school bus so he decided to go to school on his skateboard. He got there fine - only his legs got tired, then his day was so long and he was exhausted at the end of it. He just wanted to sleep. Murray had a brilliant day, he played football, ran races and won! Then it was time to go home. Boy did he wish he could take the bus home, but he knew the bus driver wouldn’t let him on with his skateboard. The driver had known many an animal go whizzing off the bus on his skateboard and make a terrible dent in his seating. Tiredly Murray got on his skateboard and pushed off as hard as he could after the bus. One push, two push, now he was zooming down the path, following the bus as closely as he could. Round the corners, ‘Whoops sorry Mr Toad, didn’t mean to knock your hat off’ he shouted.
I want to tell you of a secret place that only I know about. But I’m not going to shout it out so you need to listen carefully. I know a Church called St Marks and under that Church there is a whole community of animals. Different animals, different sizes, different names, there’s an elephant, a kangaroo, a lot of hedgehogs and loads of the fleas. There’s also a family called Mice. There are lots of cousins and aunties and uncles to be enjoyed in this family, Uncle Methuselah, Auntie Cecelia, Granddad Mop Mice (he’s called that because he’s got a cute little tuft of snow white hair growing out of the top of his head.) Anyway they all live in SMAC (that is St Marks Animal Centre) in Cheddar Grove and Stilton Close. At No. 42 Cheddar Grove live the FinchMices part of the family. There’s Daddy and Mummy Finch-Mice, Algernon FinchMice, Rosemary Finch-Mice and little Murray Finch-Mice. Algernon is a fantastic footballer, he plays centre back for the local football team SMAC United, brilliant goal scorer he is. And guess what, Algernon is an incredible whistler. ‘Whistle us a tune then,’ people call out when they meet him. And guess what, he does just that, he whistles them a superb tune or two. And Rosemary, well she’s 9
Murray checked back to see if Mr Toad was okay but when he looked forward again, oh dear, he didn’t know where he was. He got off his skateboard and looked hard for the bus, couldn’t see it, couldn’t even see any of the bus stops. He was L O S T, lost. What could he do? Poor little Murray he was so frightened and you know like I do that being frightened makes you want to go to the toilet. And that made things even worse. Murray began to hop about in fear, what would happen to him. That bush over there looked very dark and scary and he didn’t know its name. Now that crocus there might just pick up its yellow spikes and stab him. Murray began to panic, and oh he did so want the toilet. He put his hands over his eyes and water seemed to come out of them. It seemed like he was there for absolutely ages. Then just as he thought he couldn’t bear it any longer he heard a tune, a whistle. Sounded like, was it? Yes it was. Murray quickly rubbed his eyes, he could hear Algernon whistling. ‘Algernon, Algergon’ Murray shouted. ‘Murray, where are you?’ It was Algernon, he was calling back. Whoopsie doo, he was going to be alright. That night, as he was tucked up in bed, mummy asked him if he’d like a story. ‘Can I tell you one please?’ Murray asked. ‘Of course’ said Mummy. Well Murray told mummy everything, how he’d missed his bus, how he’d taken his
skateboard, how he’d got lost and thought he’d never find his way home again. He even told her how much he’d needed the toilet. He was so glad to be safe and warm in his bed that night. And Mummy, well she was really pleased Murray told her his story, she was even more pleased that he’d got home safely. She gave Murray a lovely hot water bottle and tucked him tight in his bed. That night she read to him a Psalm, then kissed him on the head and said ‘Goodnight my little one.’ And when she hugged him that night it was the biggest, huggiest of hugs. Murray was so glad he was a member of the Finch–Mice family, and that night, in his sleep, his smile reached from tip to tip of his very lovely whiskers. Yvonne If you would like to read the psalm that Murray’s mummy read to him then it is just below. A CHILD’S PSALM Praise the Lord I will praise the Lord from the top of my head to the tip of my toes I’ll never forget God’s love for me When I mess up he forgives me When I’m not well he looks after me When I am lost he looks for me He’s always good to me even when I’m bad Look up to the sky How high is that And that’s how high God loves me 10
we’ll continue to pray that the person God is calling to be your new incumbent does Dear Friends, apply and is recognised as the right It was wonderful to candidate. May God continue to bless see so many of you you and give you the strength as you in St Alphege’s journey forward. Parish Church at Some of you might like our contact details the Institution – we’d love to see you or hear from you! service. The Our address is: service felt so The Rectory, 45 Park Avenue, uplifting and we were really glad Solihull, B91 3EJ you could join us. Phone number: 0121 705 4927 We have settled in Emails: jk@kenchington.plus.com or happily and have richard@kenchington.plus.com received a warm welcome from many people. Thank you for the very generous cheque With our love, and wordle that you gave us. We haven’t thanks and spent the cheque yet – but we may well prayers, use it to buy a larger dining room table. Jane and We have arrived here bearing many happy Richard memories of our time in the Benefice and
A message from Solihull
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Volunteer in your local community and raise funds for Marie Curie
to help us continue caring for terminally ill people at home.
Marie Curie needs your help! We are recruiting in your area for volunteers to join our local Yate & S o d b u r y Fundraising Group.
There are so many benefits to joining a Fundraising Group including:
Fundraising Groups across the UK meet regularly to organise and support fundraising activities in their local area. As the local face of Marie Curie’s fundraising team, volunteers donate their time and effort to raise money
from the local Marie Curie fundraising teams
Why join a local Fundraising Group?
· meeting new people in your area · getting involved in your community · sharing new experiences and having
fun · raising money to provide care to
terminally ill people in your local area · receiving expert support and advice
If you are interested in hearing more about our local fundraising group please contact your local community fundraiser Natalie on 01179 247 275 or email natalie.garland@mariecurie.org.uk.
DO YOU NEED FULL TIME CARE FOR AN ELDERLY RELATIVE ? If so we may be able to help. We are full-time LIVE-IN Carers, who stay with a vulnerable person all the time (including overnight). We do all personal care if needed, cooking, shopping, hoisting, incontinence-care, oversight if someone is prone to falls, laundry, help the person get out to appointments, friends, shopping etc. We are very experienced (many years), especially with people who have Dementia, and have Enhanced CRB certificates, excellent references. Charges are between £70 - £85 per day according to complexity of work.
Sometimes the council will pay some or all of this. This gives family complete security knowing that someone they can trust is present all the time. We are happy to give any information you may wish, or can tell you who else you may need to consult. Feel free to ring on 07501 610562 or Email uphellyaa1@fireflyuk.net 12
Principal Service readings October
HOLIDAY HOME
October 4th (Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity) Genesis 2: 18 - 24 Hebrews 1: 1 - 4, 2: 5 - 12 Mark 10 : 2 - 16 Psalm 8 October 11th (Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity) Amos 5: 6 - 7, 10 - 15 Hebrews 4: 12 - end Mark 10: 17 - 31 Psalm 90: 12 -end October 18th (Luke the Evangelist) Isaiah 35: 3 - 6 2 Timothy 4: 5 - 17 Luke 10: 1 - 97 Psalm 147: 1 - 7 October 25th (Last Sunday After Trinity) Jeremiah 31: 7 - 9 Hebrews 7: 23 - end Mark 10: 46 - end Psalm 126
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
The Friends of Old Sodbury Church Invite You to a
3 Course Meal Wine and Refreshments available Come Dressed to Kill !! Old Sodbury Village Hall, Saturday 14th November 2015 7:00pm Tickets £20 For further information & tickets Please call: 312223, 324344 or 324673 (Vegetarian Option available if pre-ordered)
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Sodbury Vale Benefice Regular Weekly Events Monday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
7.30pm
Bell Ringers’ Practice CS Church Tower, Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
Church Centre, Upper Room,Chipping Sodbury
Tuesday
9.15pm
Stor'k'ies
St John's Church, Chipping Sodbury St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
Wednesday 8.30am 730pm Thursday
8.45am
Morning Prayer
Bell Ringer’s Practice St James’, Horton Horton Morning Prayer St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
10.00am Holy Communion
Friday
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Benefice Choir Practice St John’s, Chipping Sodbury
7.00pm
Youth Club (age 11-18)
Baptist Church Centre
Note: No Morning Prayers on Bank Holidays
Sodbury Vale Benefice Forthcoming Events Sat
17th
Oct
Sun
1st
Nov 4.00pm
All Souls’ service
St John’s, CS
Thurs
12th
Nov 11.00am
Computer Clinic
Church Centre, CS
Sat
14th
Nov 7.00pm
Murder Mystery Dinner
OS Village Hall
Fri
20th
Nov 7.00pm
Computer Clinic
Church Centre, CS
Sun
29th
Nov 10.30am
Benefice Service
St James, Horton
Dec
Nativity Crib Festival
St John’s, CS
Dec 10.30am
Benefice Service
St Adeline’s, LS
2nd 6th Sun
27th
7.30pm
Concert - Vivaldi Gloria, Handel, St John’s, CS
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 office@svbcofe.org.uk
Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar October 2015 Thurs
1st
Sun 4th Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
8.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
St John’s Praise for Harvest
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Mattins {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Harvest Family Communion
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S Village Hall, O/S
Mon
5th
7.00pm
Harvest Supper
Tue
6th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, C/S
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s, C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre, C/S
7.30pm
Church Wardens and Treasurers meeting
Church Centre, C/S
9.30am
Parish Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Family Service
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
2.00pm
Mothers’ Union
Church Centre, CS
7.30pm
Joint PCC
Village Hall, OS
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
3.00pm
Meditation Meeting
Ring 312228 for venue
Thurs
8th
Sun 11th Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity
Mon
Tue
12th
13
Wed
14
7.30pm
Crib Festival Meeing
Church Centre, CS
Thurs
15
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
Sat
17th
10.30am
Mothers’ Union Coffee Morning and card sale
St John’s, C/S
9.30am
Family Communion
St John’s, C/S
11.15am
Morning Prayer {CW}
St James’, Horton
11.15am
Holy Communion {BCP}
St John’s, O/S
6.00pm
Evensong {BCP}
St Adeline’s, L/S
Sun 18th Luke the Evangelist
Tue
20th
9.15am
Storkies
St John’s, CS
Thur
22nd
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
11.15am
Holy Communion {CW}
St James’ Horton
11.15am
Morning Praise {CW}
St John’s O/S
Sun 25th Last Sunday after Trinity
6.00pm
Holy Communion {BCP}
St Adeline’s L/S
Tue
27th
2.00pm
Tea and Chat Afternoon
Church Centre, CS
Thurs
29th
10.00am
Holy Communion
St John’s C/S
10.45am
Coffee Shop
Church Centre C/S
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Bringing children to the Bible The Scripture Union has created a children’s game to encourage children to explore the bible. Guardians of Ancora is a world-class game which is available now. It is a virtual world that 8 to 11 year-olds can enter: a place where they can explore the Bible, meet with Jesus and grow spiritually. Children enter this virtual world as Guardians of the city called Ancora (meaning anchor) and their challenge is to find the Bible stories that have been lost. Each player will accept a quest and that will unlock a Bible story they can play through. As they continue to play they will interact with more Bible stories and participate in activities that encourage them to reflect on God’s Word, pray and respond. Through Guardians of Ancora we will be reaching 8 to 11 year-olds where they are at, in the online world. By playing this game they will discover the riches of the Bible and meet Jesus in easy and fun ways. Imagine a child who has never seen a Bible suddenly discovering Guardians of Ancora as they search for free games online or hear about it from a classmate who is playing it. Imagine a child playing the game, getting engrossed in completing various tasks, digging deeper into the Bible and starting to experience a faith environment. Imagine what the Holy Spirit can do in a child’s life as they continue to play the game and what impact being immersed in God’s Word several times a day can have on them. The game is available free on Apple, Android and kindle Fire devices. Encourage children you know to try the game. Guardians of Ancora could be the way millions of children worldwide will engage with the Bible in the years to come If you would like to support this initiative you can make a donation at the scripture Union web site www.scriptureunion.org.uk
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