B E N E F I C E M A G A Z I N E OCTOBER 2021 ALL SAINTS Grove Road, Fishponds, Bristol www.allsaintsfishponds.co.uk “Come Gather, Come Worship, Come As You Are” ST. MARY’S Manor Road, Fishponds, Bristol Holding Together In Hope www.stmarysfishponds.org.uk 70p REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR 31st OCTOBER!!
All Saints Church Fishponds DONATE* Please help us to keep the Church, Hall and Grounds safe for safe for this and future use. You can donate in the following way TEXT HQJB01 to 70331 to give £3 HQJB01 to 70970 to give £5 HQJB01 to 70191 to give £10 OR GO TO http://easydonate.org/HQJB01 *Your donation will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme, operating DONATE, a charity registered in England and Wales (1149800) and Scotland (SC045106). In addition to any text donation, you will incur your standard network message charge (based on your service provider rates). *For Terms and Conditions, see www.easydonate.org St. Mary’s Church Fishponds Giving Our church is funded almost entirely by donations and fund raising. We provide several different ways of giving to enable people to give in a way that they are happy with. Some do standing orders and the envelope scheme. For those who don’t carry cash anymore, or who have forgotten their wallet we have a card reader in church which can take card payments including contactless, apple pay and google pay. You can also use this QR Code code that will take you to our donation page. Beavers Monday’s 6.15pm Tel: 0117 958 4164 Contacts for Scouting Groups Cubs Thursday’s 6.45pm East Bristol Partnership Office Co-ordinator Amy Donaldson Tel: 0117 958 6412 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.ebpbristol.org.uk 2 Scouts Thursday’s 8.00pm Tel: 078 5452 0595 www.13thbristolscouts.uk You can scan this code bar to take you to the donate site
CONTACTS for the BENEFICE of ALL SAINTS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH Vicar Revd. Lizzie Kesteven - Tel: 0117 965 0856 Curates Revd. Janey Hiller - Tel: 0117 239 0625 Revd. Diane Simms - Tel: 0117 951 8419 Licensed Lay Reader Mark Simms - Tel: 0117 951 8419 Licensed Lay Reader & Permission to Officiate Graham Biddlecombe - Tel: T.B.A. Church Warden Church Warden PCC Secretary PCC Treasurer Baptisms Weddings/Funerals Contacts for All Saints Church Elaine Seretny Nigel Heath Chris Whitehead Tam Pearce Helen Whitehead Anita Lavis Safeguarding Officer Helen Whitehead - Tel: 0117 965 4697 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Contacts for St. Mary’s Church Church Warden Mary Ewing Church Warden PCC Secretary PCC Treasurer Baptisms Mary Ewing Tel: 0117 382 6324 Pete Walker Matt Timms Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Hannah Gazeley Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Weddings/Funerals Amy Donaldson Email: [email protected] Safeguarding Officers Kate Hancocks & Clare Munoz 3 Email: [email protected] Tel: 0117 902 5257 Tel: 0117 965 2893 Tel: 0117 965 4697 Tel: 078 0098 7672 Tel: 0117 965 4697 Tel: 0117 307 9117
Saturday 30th October - 7pm All Saints Community Hall, Grove Road Teams of no more than six. You are welcome to bring your own drink, tea/coffee/squash will be available, plus there will be a raffle. Price includes the Fish ’n’ Chips (Price to be advised) Please book tickets in advance to help with the ordering of the meals. Contact Dave Tel: 01179584164 or Email: [email protected] 4 or Anita Tel: 0117 3019117 or Email: [email protected]
From Parish Pump, Canon Paul Hardingham considers the signs of God’s kingdom. St Luke - the doctor who brought good news This month we remember St Luke (18th October), the author of the third gospel and the Book of Acts. Throughout his writing Luke makes clear that the good news of salvation is available to all people regardless of their gender, social position, or nationality. It is believed that Luke was a doctor, and he certainly sees the importance of healing in the ministry of Jesus and the Church. The signs of the presence of God’s kingdom include the healing of sickness, hurts, as well as unforgiveness. This is evident when Jesus sends out the 72 disciples in Luke 10, a reading for St Luke’s Day: ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field… When you enter a town and are welcomed eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’’ (Luke 10:2,8). What challenges do we find in these verses? Firstly Luke, as a Gentile (a non-Jew) recognises the revolutionary way outsiders are welcomed into the faith community, e.g. Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and Cornelius (Acts 10). How can we engage with those who are outside the community of faith? We have to avoid the tendency to regard ourselves as insiders! As we reach out to those who are ready to welcome the gospel, we have an opportunity to share good news and healing in the name of Jesus. Secondly, as an Evangelist, Luke wants us to share the love of Jesus with all those we encounter. However, as these verses indicate, this has got to be rooted in prayer, if we are going to be led by God in our response to others. ‘Mission is seeing what God is doing and joining in’ (Rowan Williams). 5
OCTOBER READINGS for ALL SAINTS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH 3rd Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Genesis 2: 18 - 24; Hebrews 1: 1 - 4, 2: 5 - 12; Mark 10: 2 - 16. Evening Jeremiah 7: 1 - 11; Luke 19: 1 - 10. 10th Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Amos 5: 6 - 7, 10 - 15; Hebrews 4: 12 - end; Mark 10: 17 - 31. 17th Twentieth Sunday after Trinity (Green) Isaiah 53: 4 - end; Hebrews 5: 1 - 10; Mark 10: 35 - 45. Evening As above 24th Bible Sunday (Green) Isaiah 55: 1 - 11; 2 Timothy 3: 14 - 4: 5; John 5: 36 - end. 31st All Saints (White) Isaiah 25: 6 - 9; Revelations 21: 1 - 6; John 11: 32 - 44. Evening Isaiah 65: 17 - end; Hebrews 11: 32 - 12: 2 Sunday 7th November Third Sunday before Advent (Green) Jonah 3: 1 - 5, 10; Hebrews 9: 24 - end; Mark 1: 14 - 20. (The above readings are taken from the Lectionary for Sundays for the 8.00am & 10.30am services at All Saints and 10.00am & 6.30pm services at St. Marys. Note! Some Sundays readings may change). Sunday 3rd - 6.30pm Dedication Service Sunday 3rd, 10.30am All Saints Sunday 24th, 10.00am St. Mary’s Sunday 24th - Benefice Service at All Saints Church Patronal Festival for Holy Communion with Revd Lizzie and the Archdeacon of Bristol, Neil Warwick 6 with Holy Communion St. Mary’s Church, Manor Road All are welcome Sunday 30th - 10.30am
OCTOBER PRAYERS ✤We continue to pray for our nation as it seeks the best way ahead regarding the Covid pandemic. We remember planners, advisors and politicians as profound decisions are made, and we continue to pray for our NHS, caring for the Covid sick and managing health care for all during this ongoing crisis. Remembering all who are ill, especially those known to us, we ask for healing and peace ✤We remember too all those countries where, as yet very few are vaccinated, and very many are vulnerable. Open the hearts of the rich countries in the world, to ensure everyone is protected. ✤We thank you Lord for all your bounty in the harvest. Help us not to spoil it by greed and exploitation so that all may have sufficient and to live more in harmony with this good earth. ✤ For Afghanistan: Lord, we remember all men, women and children in that country who are afraid, who are hungry, who are persecuted. Help us Lord, to show kindness and compassion to all refugees. ✤ For Haiti: Help the people of Haiti, suffering their second major earthquake in a decade, to recover. Sustain all the international agencies offering help. ✤ Climate Change: We pray for the COP 26 summit meeting taking place in Glasgow, at the end of October, that they will come to an agreement on uniting the world in tackling climate change. “Creator God, giver of life, You sustain the earth and direct the nations. In the time of climate crisis grant us clarity to hear the groaning of creation and the cries of the poor; challenge us to change our lifestyles; guide our leaders to take courageous action; enable your church to be a beacon of hope; and foster within us a renewed vision of your purpose for your world; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by and for whom all things were made. Amen” (Prayer the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell) 7
ALL SAINTS DAY GIFT DAY All Saints Day is on Monday 1st November, so our Patronal Festival will be held on Sunday 31st October at 10.30am, which will also be a Benefice Service and the Archdeacon of Bristol, Neil Warwick has been invited to join us. This is also the time when we ask that you might give a little more and make an extra donation above your usual giving. As you maybe aware, that before lock down we were looking at upgrading our sound system and installing a screen, plus projector, the PCC are pleased to say that they are now looking at going into the 1st phase of installing the screen and visual aids. Plans are being sent to the Diocese so we will be waiting for the faculty, to go ahead. In the meantime we have a total of £4,007.24p which will allow us to go ahead with Phase 1, but we still need to raise approximately £11,665 to upgrade the sound system. There will be special envelopes throughout November on the table at the back of church. If you pay tax you might like to Gift Aid your donation by filling in your details on the envelope before handing it in during a service or to a warden. Thank you MAKE LUNCH SUMMER CAFÉ AT ALL SAINTS We had a great new initiative this year in the School Holidays, called All Saints Summer Café. Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3-7pm we had the Halls and grounds busy with families enjoying time together with Crafts, Games, Music and of course Food, Glorious Food. This was the brainchild of our own Rev. Lizzie, who managed to gain funding from the Diocese, Bristol City Council and Sovereign Housing Association for the venture. We were able to source lots of nourishing 8
food through ‘Fair Shares’ and bought some items from the International Food Stores and Morrison’s here in Fishponds. We had one session led by ‘Kids’ Kitchen’ who did a sort of Masterchef with children and adults, preparing, cooking and eating their own creations. There was also a recipe booklet for every family to take home, plus a bag of ingredients to make more nourishing meals. This was a wonderful session, led by committed, friendly people. Our Director of Operations was Amy Goodwin, who brought a lot of experience of this sort of working. She leads similar initiatives in St Luke’s, Barton Hill, and at Oldbury Court. Amy leads a busy life, travelling everywhere on her bike with panniers filled with food and paperwork. Through various contacts we were able to recruit enough volunteers to run each session comfortably. There were approximately ten helpers at each session, involved in activities with children, sharing meals with families, preparing crafts, cooking and washing up. We even had a second hand school uniform section helping people to prepare for the new school year. In total we had more than 30 volunteers over the course of the summer. They came from the local churches: All Saints, St Mary’s, St Johns, Barton Hill, Cotham, and Frenchay. It was a great working relationship and incredibly calm. At each session there were upward of 50 meals provided. Handwashing, manners and good conversation were seen in abundance. The clearing up at the end of each session was exemplary, with some great hoovering, sweeping and chair stacking by children and adults. I even managed to acquire a Level 2 in Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering as part of our planning and preparation, and the kitchen acquired a new refrigerator. Our grateful thanks to all those who worked in any way to put this initiative together, and a special thank you to those families who joined us in a real community spirit. We hope to repeat the initiative in future school holiday breaks. John Waldren. 9
REMEMBRANCE WHITE POPPIES White poppies for peace were created by the Women’s Cooperative Guild and made their first appearance on Armistice Day in1933. With the rising domestic and international tensions at the time, concern grew that the war end all wars, in which so many had died or languished in prison for refusing to fight, would now be followed by an even worse war. The white poppy was an expression of this concern, particularly for women - many of whom were mothers, sisters, widows and sweethearts of men harmed in the First World War. The white poppy became a symbol of our inability to settle conflicts without resorting to killing. The aim from donations received from the white poppy’s is to promote debate and rally support for resistance to war. White poppies will be available at the back of church, donations for these (but not obligatory) go to the Peace Pledge Union. RED POPPIES The red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community. The poppy is a well-known and well-established symbol, one that carries a wealth of history and meaning with it. Wearing a poppy is still a very personal choice, reflecting individual experiences and personal memories. It is never compulsory but is greatly appreciated by those who it is intended to support. Money raised during the Poppy Appeal helps us support the Armed Forces community in lots of different ways, including providing financial advice to veterans. The Poppy Appeal also helps fund services like the Battle Back Centre - the first port of call for wounded, injured and sick service men and women as they start their Individual Recovery Program. Please remember it’s not either / or, the white and red poppies have different messages and can be worn together. 10
‘COLUMBUS’ at your service For all those jobs that you haven’t the time to do!! Window Cleaning Painting ~ Plumbing Carpentry Gardening ~ Decorating Ring for a FREE quote Tel: 0117 939 0529 Mobile: 07954 161 210 For young people from year 7 and upwards. To meet, to talk, learn, pray and have fun together. 1st Sunday of the Month 7.15pm For information contact Nigel on 0117 965 2893 or Revd. Lizzie Need accounts prepared for your business? Need a Self Assessment Tax Return completed? WE CAN HELP! H & F ACCOUNTANCY For all your tax and accountancy needs. We do payroll and VAT too! Sarah Hendy 0117 951 7615 Telephone 11 Reasonable rates. Frank FitzGibbon 0117 932 9321
COFFEE BREAK TIME (Answers on page 26) Across 1. ‘Those who were standing near Paul said, “You — to insult God’s high priest?”’ (Acts 23:4) (4) 3. 9. They were assigned to guard the tree of life (Genesis 3:24(8) ‘Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the — of — , the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite’ (1 Samuel 1:1) (3,4) 10. Surrender (Joshua 24:23) (5) 11. Where American livestock can be reared (5) 12. Listen (anag.) (6) 14. Alternative name for Kiriath Jearim (2 Samuel 6:2) (6,2,5) 17. He founded Westminster Abbey, — the Confessor (6) 19. Hebrew word for the place of the dead (5) 22. Allies of Persia in the fifth century BC (Esther 1:3) (5) 23.Where John Wesley was forced to preach a lot (4,3) 24. Rebellion against God; abandonment of religious belief (8) 25. Note (anag.) (4) 12
Down 1. Give an account of (Mark 4:30) (8) 2. ‘I — — the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free’ (Psalm 119:32) (3,2) 4. ‘He took the ephod, the other — — and the carved image’ (Judges 18:20) (9,4) 5. ‘You are a chosen people, a — priesthood’ (1 Peter 2:9) (5) 6. The meek, the merciful and the mourners are all this (Matthew 5:4–5, 7) (7) 7. Musical Instrument Digital Interface (1,1,1,1) 8. He was the son of Nun (Deuteronomy 34:9) (6) 13. ‘Let the little — come to me’ (Matthew 19:14) (8) 15. ‘About three thousand were — — their number that day’ (Acts 2:41) (5,2) 16. In John’s vision, the wall of the new Jerusalem was made of this (Revelation 21:18) (6) 18. ‘Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly — a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ’ (Philippians 3:20) (5) 20. ‘Glorify the Lord with me: let us — his name together’ (Psalm 34:3) (5) 21. Young Men’s Christian Association (1,1,1,1) EASY SUDOKU PUZZLES (Answers on page 26) MEDIUM 13
All Saints Services and 3rd DUTY TIME 8.00am Services 10.30am Wardens Sidesperson Readers Prayers Parish Street 8.00am Holy Communion - All Age Family Service C. Whitehead 10.30am G. Smith / D. Williams E. Seretny / N. Heath 10.30am C. Edwards-Mlangwa 1st lesson R. Edwards-Mlangwa T. B. A. Stonebridge Park DUTY TIME St Mary’s Services 3rd 18th Sunday after Trinity 10.00am Services 6.30pm Dedication Choral Evensong Mondays - 8.15am. Zoom Morning Prayer Log on details please email: [email protected] Wednesdays - 9.00am Celtic Morning Prayer at All Saints All welcome 14 - - B. Pearce T. B. A. T. B. A. The Glades 10th 19th Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion 18th Sunday after Trinity - 10th 19th Sunday after Trinity Holy Communion For children aged 7+ and upwards. Meet on a Friday in All Saints Church from 6.30pm till 7.15pm
Duty Rota for October 17th TIME 8.00am 20th Sunday after Trinity - 10.30am Holy Communion 8.00am - 10.30am N. Heath / C. Whitehead 10.30am A. Lavis C. Powell T. B. A. Thingwall Park TIME 17th 24th Bible Sunday Holy Communion Café Church S. Cook / G. Smith E. Seretny T. B. A. T. B. A. T. B. A. Timberdene for October 24th 20th Sunday after Trinity Last Sunday after Trinity 10.00am All Age Family Service Holy Communion 6.30pm Holy Communion - LIVING AFTER LOSS Have you had to face a loss? Bereavement / Retirement / Health Problems / Redundancy etc. Do you need to talk? Then you are very welcome to come and talk to friendly people over refreshments at St. Mary’s Church Parish Rooms 1st & 3rd Friday of every month, 11am - 12noon Contact Revd. Lizzie for information 0117 9650 856 15 31st All Saints Day - Benefice Holy Communion - N. Heath / D. Williams C. Powell M. Simms T. B. A. Trendlewood Park 31st All Saints Day 10.30am Benefice Service at All Saints Choral Evensong
J. B. LANDSCAPES General Build and Maintenance Nick Tuftnell Counsellor Fully qualified BACP registered and based locally 07988 136267 tangate-counselling.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 0117 939 1316 Mob: 07792 097 234 [email protected] www.jblandscapesbristol.co.uk A family run business. James Bufton Qualified Landscaper kitchens Bathrooms Wetrooms loft conversations From concept to completion for all aspects of home build & renovation [email protected] 07748 397329 local family business 16
WELCOME RETURN We were delighted to return to Tiny Tots on Monday 6th September in glorious sunshine. We were able to play outside in the beautifully manicured fenced garden. It was a safe place for the children to play, with no litter, brambles or stinging nettles to worry about. This was much appreciated by children and adults involved. Thank you to Anita and her grandson, for such excellent work. Cynthia, Judith, Sue, Tom and John. From the Editor (Anita) I would just like to add to the above, Thomas, my grandson is working towards his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award and as part of the challenge he has to undertake some voluntary work, so asked about doing some work in our Church grounds. So the play area outside the link was a good place to start. As you see from the pictures, he had his work cut out, but glad to say that he did it with just a little bit of assistance from me. He will be back to do more, as the goal is to do it for a year, averaging an hour a week. The Link area took him roughly 5 hours. During Saturday Coffee Morning he did another couple of hours around the path area of the church. Still lots to do!!!! Just one final thing, thanks to Dave who on the following day cut the edges on the path, making it look a lot better. 17
CREATOR Cherish the world around you in this place. Remember to take care of all living things. Even the smallest garden can give great rewards. And underneath are the everlasting arms. The future of this planet is everyone’s responsibility. Open all senses to the remarkable works of nature. Reduce waste, Recycle resources and Remember…. ………………..there is no Planet B. John Waldren. This acrostic poem was written as part of the service at All Saints on August 29th, led by Diane and Lizzie, where we looked at aspects of our wonderful world. ' We have some wonderful green spaces in this part of Bristol. Lockdowns have made us appreciate these places which are on our own doorsteps. Gardens have become important places to cherish over the past two years. It has been wonderful to see things grow from tiny seeds. Those areas of parkland and grass verges which have been sown with wild flowers are wonderful gifts to our community.’ John Waldren ST. MARY’S The 200 year weekend was a great success, we had about 300 people in on Saturday if not more, both the services on Sunday were well attended. On Sunday afternoon we had people come wander around on Sunday afternoon. The cream teas, music and the chance to see all the old registers were the most popular things , and quite a few people who have moved away came back especially, so a lot of people were able to catch up in person with people they have not seen in a long time. Thank you to everyone for their time and effort, it was definitely worth all the hard work. Final thank you to all the visitors for making it all worthwhile. 18
ALL IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 500 years ago, on 11th Oct 1521 that Pope Leo X granted the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ to King Henry VIII of England and Ireland. It recognised the King’s defence of the sacrament of marriage, the supremacy of the Pope, and his opposition to the Protestant Reformation and the ideas of Martin Luther. The title has been inherited by British monarchs since then. 250 years ago, on 17th Oct 1771 that the premiere of Mozart’s pastoral opera, Ascanio in Alba, took place in Milan, Italy. Mozart was then aged 15. 125 years ago, on 3rd Oct 1896 that William Morris, British textile designer, pot novelist and socialist, died. Best known for his association with the Arts and Crafts Movement. 90 years ago, on 24th Oct 1931 that the George Washington Bridge was opened. It spans the Hudson River and links Manhattan to Fort Lee, New Jersey. 80 years ago, from 2nd Oct 1941 to 7th Jan 1942 that the Battle of Moscow took place. 19 Nazi Germany launched a massive offensive against the Soviet capital. It was one of the largest and most important battles of World War II. Soviet victory. 70 years ago, from 15th to 17th Oct 1951 that the first party election broadcasts were televised in the UK. The three main parties, Liberal, Conservative and Labour, were allocated 15 minutes each. Also 70 years ago, on 18th Oct 1951that Snowdonia National Park was established in Wales, and on 30th Oct 1951 that Dartmoor National Park was established. On the 31st Oct 1951, the zebra crossings were introduced in the UK. The first one was in Slough, Berks. 65 years ago, from 29th Oct to 7th Nov 1956 that the Suez Crisis took place. Israel invaded Egypt in an attempt to regain Western control of the Suez Canal and remove President Gamal Abdel Nasser from power. Britain and France joined the invasion but were forced to withdraw by the United Nations, the USA and the
USSR. British Prime Minister Anthony Eden resigned in Jan 1957 and Sinai was occupied by Israel until March 1957. 60 years ago, on 6th Oct 1961 that US President John F Kennedy advised Americans to build bomb shelters to protect themselves from nuclear fallout in the event of an attack by the Soviet Union. 50 years ago, on 1st Oct 1971 that the first CT scan was performed on a patient at Atkinson Morley Hospital in Wimbledon. 40 years ago, on 3rd Oct 1981 that a hunger strike by IRA members in Maze Prison, County Down, ended after seven months. 10 prisoners had died. 30 years ago, on 20th Oct 1991 that the Oakland-Berkey Firestorm took place in California. A grass/bush fire spread to the hillsides, fanned St. Mary’s Churchyard Gardening Group Meet every Monday from 10am till 12noon To do a spot of gardening and tidying up the grounds You are very welcome to join them. Tea & biscuits provided 20 Friday’s 7pm New members are welcomed by strong winds. 25 people were killed and 150 injured. Thousands of homes were destroyed. 25 years ago, on 18th Oct 1996 that the journal Science published the first study that showed a causal link between a toxin found in tobacco smoke and the development of lung cancer. 20 years ago, on 7th Oct 2001, that the first US and British forces arrived in Afghanistan to launch a massive military offensive following the 9/11 terrorist attack. 10 years ago, on 20th Oct 2011, that Muammar Gaddafi, head of state of Libya (1969-2011) was captured and killed by military from the National Transitional Council. St. Mary’s
24th October This special Sunday in the church’s calendar is an opportunity to stop and consider the enormous blessing that the Bible has brought to people down the centuries. Without it, we would know nothing about God our Father, Jesus Christ, or the Holy Spirit. It is God-breathed – full of His love and guidance to us. World history would have been radically different without it. At some time in your life, have you gone to start to read the Bible, but then put it down as you were unsure what is was about, or where to start, the following will hopefully help you with this. How to read the Bible Reading the Bible is much easier if you follow some simple steps and get prepared. And, as you delve into it, you might find that you are more familiar with the Bible than you expected: it crops up in everything from Shakespeare to Hollywood movies; it’s inspired musicians, historical figures down the centuries, and campaigners. The Bible is complex. It’s not one book but a collection of 66 books, split into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Each one of these books are divided into chapters and verses. People often find it easier to begin at the opening of the New Testament, which starts about three-quarters of the way through. The New Testament begins with four accounts of the life of Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, known as the Son of God. These accounts are known as the gospels. They include eye-witness reports of what happened. Matthew and John were among Jesus’ 12 closest followers. Here you can read about what Jesus did and said – His profound teaching, how He healed people of sickness and how He challenged the authorities. The Gospels also tell us about His death by crucifixion and how He came back to life and then returned to heaven. 21
The first Gospel, Matthew, opens with the story of Jesus’ birth (the event which is celebrated at Christmas) and then jumps forward 30 years to when Jesus began travelling around what is now Israel and the Palestinian territories telling people about God. Starting with a Gospel introduces you to the person of Jesus and the basics of Christian belief. Early Christian teaching A good next step is to read some of the teaching given to the early Christian Church. Much of the New Testament is a series of letters written by early Christian leaders such as Paul. He travelled around the lands of the eastern Mediterranean, telling people about Jesus. He then wrote to the various newlyestablished churches and individuals to encourage them in their beliefs. Letters such as Philippians or Colossians are short, bitesized letters full of advice about how to live a Christian life. Getting to grips with the whole Bible takes some time, but it is worth the effort. In his second letter to a young leader called Timothy, Paul says the Bible is “inspired by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. How reading notes can help Many people find it helpful to find a quiet and comfortable place to sit and read the Bible and make sure that they read it every day. Take time to digest what it says. You could say a quick prayer – asking God to help you understand what you are reading and its relevance to you. You can find our Bible Sunday readings on page 6 and for more resources for Bible Sunday go to the Bible Society web site:https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/get-involved/bible-sunday/ SATURDAY LUNCHES @ St. Marys Church This is now taking place every Saturday from 12noon - 2pm Serving free light lunches of soup, sandwiches, tea, coffee, and biscuits All welcome 22
Christ, the Cross and the Concrete Jungle By John Caldwell, 10Publishing, £4.99 Many communities are ravaged by problems associated with poverty, crime and drug and alcohol abuse. Substantial answers to the urban crisis are all but non–existent. This is the story of a young man’s deliverance from a lifestyle of desperation and delinquency to a new life of freedom and hope. This is the story of a young man’s deliverance from a lifestyle of desperation and delinquency to a new life of freedom and hope. It is a remarkable journey of transformation and redemption, only made possible through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ultimate Grace – a true story of frisbee and faith in Japan By Levi Booth, 10Publishing, £2.99 “It was an odd feeling, lining up against Great Britain. I used to dream that I might one day play for them; I had never thought that I would end up playing against them. But I had no time to dwell on the unexpected journey that had led me here, their puller raised the disc: the next point was about to start.” If you thought being a missionary meant wearing socks and sandals, living in the jungle, and having no phone or Internet, then think again. Levi Booth is not a stereotypical missionary. Not long out of uni, Levi headed to Japan with his two essentials: his Bible and Frisbee. He was just a normal bloke with a passion for Ultimate Frisbee who stepped out boldly to tell people about Jesus. This is his journey to Asia: the ups, the downs, the adventures and playing for the Japanese national Ultimate Frisbee team. Stories Jesus Told By Tim Dowley, Candle Books, £15 (for a pack of five) Here is a book that young children will love. Parents will find it very useful on long car drives, in Sunday school, for awards, and even just on a rainy afternoon at home. The puzzles and activities are based around the stories Jesus told. They include dot-to-dot, ‘spot the difference’, colouring, ‘match the pairs’, ‘put the story in the right order’, mazes, ‘complete the drawing’, and ‘spot the deliberate mistakes.’ At the bottom of each page the Bible story that the activity is from is explained. 23
HARVEST WORD SEARCH October brings us Harvest Thanksgiving, when we thank God for all the bounty of Creation. If you ever doubt God’s generosity towards us, just stroll down the aisles of your local supermarket: they are groaning with food of a vast variety, of every colour, texture and taste that you can imagine. Our God is a hedonist when it comes to food - He could have provided just a few basic edible things for us to eat; instead, the choice seems endless. But in the midst of all this bounty, take time to remember all the millions of people worldwide who are starving this month, desperate for any kind of food. Before God in prayer, decide how much you can give this month to one of the many charities who are trying to help people in need, and be generous. Supermarket Generosity Thanksgiving October Harvest bounty God creation charities desperate food vast variety edible choice pray give eat help endless millions starving 24
Children’s Society Collection Boxes - 2021 Dear collectors from St. Mary’s, please can you return the collection boxes to church in October so that they can be counted and the monies paid into the Children's Society account in November. Many thanks, Sue and Bob Bartlett The following was seen by one of our readers while queuing for coffee in a Garden Centre, they thought it said everything about the strange situation we’ve all been in, these past 18 months. “When the dust settles, We will realise how very little we need, How very much we actually have, And the true value of human connection”. The all meet on a Tuesday evening at St. Mary’s Church, Manor Road For times and other information please visit the following website https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter/ For the Guides look for ‘176th Fishponds Methodist (Bristol) And Rainbows and Brownies look for 1st Fromeside Rainbows & 176th (Fishponds) Bristol Brownies COFFEE MORNING Saturday 2nd October For adults and children. PARAPROSDOKIANS… Buses stop in bus stations. Trains stop in train stations. On my desk is a work station. If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong. 25 10am - 12noon All Saints Church, Grove Road MUSIC FOR TODDLERS Are back!! Meet on a Tuesdays during term time 10.30am St. Mary’s Church Parish Rooms
FROM THE EDITOR This months magazine has been printed earlier than usual, so apologises that the rota’s are not all in place. People will be notified when they are on duty. I hope all is well with everyone, and that you are all still taking care and staying safe as we all go about our daily lives with less restrictions in place. It’s good to see that our young Choir+ is restarting, so if you know of any children over the age of 7, and they like to sing, then get them to pop along to the church to see if they would like to join. They do have a fun time. The deadline for the November issue will be Sunday 10th October. If you know of any Christmas (sorry) events taking place that our readers would like to see, just email me the information to [email protected] or give me a call on 0117 3079117. Take care and stay safe. ANSWERS TO THIS MONTHS CROSSWORD & SUDOKU’S 26 E A S Y M E D I U M ACROSS 1 dare; 3 cherubim; 9 son Tohu; 10 yield; 11 ranch; 12 enlist; 14 Baalah of Judah; 17 Edward; 19 Sheol; 22 media; 23 open air; 24 apostasy; 25 Eton DOWN1 describe; 2 run in; 4 household gods; 5 royal; 6 blessed; 7 MIDI; 8 Joshua; 13 children; 15 added to; 16 Jasper; 18 await; 20 exalt; 21 YMCA
Roles & Contacts for All Saints Church Parochial Church Council Members Luci Heath Anita Lavis Tam Pearce Mark Simms Diane Simms John Waldren Alison Wren Elisa Williams Chris Whitehead Dave Williams Deanery Synod Representatives Chris Whitehead Tel: 0117 965 4697 Tiny Tots John Waldren Tel: 0117 956 3208 Gift Aid Chris Whitehead Anita Lavis Mike Lavis Vacant Junior Church Lizzie Kesteven Tel: 0117 965 0856 Electoral Roll Helen Whitehead Tel: 0117 965 4697 Tel: 0117 307 9117 Tel: 0117 965 4697 Magazine Editor / Adverts Tel: 0117 307 9117 Hall Booking Secretary Elisa Williams Tel: 079 7395 3445 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Roles & Contacts for St. Marys Church Matt Timms Parochial Church Council Members John Ewing Edward Gleed Sam Toogood John Anson General Enquiries Matt Timms [email protected] 27 Hannah Gazeley Deanery Synod Representatives Leigh Cooper Director of Music / Choir Tel: 0117 962 2093 Notes / News / Weekly Sheet Sam Toogood [email protected] Bob Bartlett Andrew Cooper
Do you need somewhere to hold a celebration or meeting? ALL SAINTS COMMUNITY HALL Part of the Parish of All Saints Church Could be your answer It can cater for small or medium size function. Has kitchen facilities, plus adequate on site parking Our rates are very competitive. For details please contact Elisa Tel: 0117 9584164 / 07973 953445 Or visit our web site: www.allsaintsfishponds.co.uk You are very welcome to view before booking. 28
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