JANUARY 2022 B E N E F I C E M A G A Z I N E 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
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 You can scan this code bar to take you to the donate site *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
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 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 Revd Lizzie Kesteven Tel: 0117 965 0856 Tel: 0117 307 9117
New Year – How Exciting is that! When I was a child I was always desperate to stay up late to “see in the New Year”. I always had an inkling that the adults were up to something really exciting (and maybe they were!) so exciting that children needed to be packed off to bed. As an adult I have become less concerned about seeing in the “New Year”. If I am still awake as Big Ben strikes and Jules Holland celebrates on the TV, then I am more likely to be engrossed in a conversation with another person only to look up and find out that it all happened 10 minutes ago. I have crossed the threshold of one year to another without noticing! Thresholds. The New Year is a chance to step from one moment and into another. In the great scheme of time and atoms and moments then the seconds of time of that crossing are no different than perhaps those that were 60 minutes before or after – but in terms of my connection to it I have been propelled to somewhere different. Somewhere New. And it is not just on the 1st of January that these thresholds are crossed. For some September often feels much more like the New Year. For the church the beginning of Advent heralds a “New Year”. And it is not as if the “New” bit is something that needs to be completely unexpected. A first of January in 2022 may look very similar to that of 2021. So it is not completely unknown, as we can predict (perhaps) what might be ahead of us. It is also not that all the “old” things of the previous year are shed from us and gone and forgotten. We bring a lot of ourselves, our experiences and our traditions with us into the New Year. Christmas is not forgotten and discarded on January 1st – in fact the Christmas season spans across the secular seasonal 4
threshold, holding both what has been together with what might be. And perhaps that is what is so EXCITING about New Year – maybe that is why as a child I sensed something that was really worth waiting up for and skipping sleep. New Year brings with it the possibility of both what was and what can be. In the bible the Prophet Isaiah says of God “Behold – Look – I am doing a new thing. Do not cling to the events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing that I am going to do.” (Chapter 43) Last year 2021 will have changed us. We will as God’s people have learnt a many number of things. We take those things with us into 2022 but in crossing that threshold we are encouraged to look at them again with fresh eyes and forward with the knowledge that God comes with us. Urging us on, encouraging us to not cling to what has been but to step towards what has already been prepared for us. The Christmas story spans New Year. We are propelled forward into the beautiful season of Epiphany. And in hope we are changed. How Exciting. Revd Lizzie The New Year by Megan Carter (Parish Pump) If we put our hand in God’s hand As we enter this New Year Not knowing what the future holds But that our Friend is near We shall not fear what lies ahead If He is by our side, Nor wander from the pathway If He will be our guide. The Sinless One from heaven came To dwell with us on earth, He sought and bought us with His blood And offered us new birth. Now as we travel through this year He knows the things He’s planned, So let us trust and know just this – Our times are in His hands. 5
JANUARY READINGS for ALL SAINTS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH 2nd Epiphany (White) Isaiah 60:1- 6; Ephesians 3:1 - 12; Matthew 2:1 -12 9th Baptism of Christ (White) Isaiah 43: 1 - 7; Acts 8: 14 - 17; Luke 3: 15 - 17, 21 - 22. 16th Second Sunday of Epiphany (White) Isaiah 62: 1 - 5; 1 Corinthians 12: 1 - 11; John 2: 1 - 11. 23rd Third Sunday of Epiphany (White) Nehemiah 8: 1 - 3, 5 - 6, 8 - 10; 1 Corinthians 12: 12 - 31a; Luke 4: 14 - 21. 30th Presentation of Christ in the Temple (White) Candlemas Malachi 3:1 - 5; Hebrews 2:14 - end; Luke 2: 22 - 40. 6th February Fourth Sunday before Lent (Green) Isaiah 6: 1 - 8; 1 Corinthians 15: 1 - 11; Luke 5: 1 - 11. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Wednesdays - 10.00am Holy Communion St. Marys Refreshments after the service Sunday 2nd 10.00am, Open Church At St. Marys Topic New Year Sunday 9th 10.30am All Saints Church Sunday 31st Sunday 23rd 10.30am All Saints 6 10.00am Holy Communion Benefice Service at St. Marys
January Prayer Page ✤We pray that in 2022, we may defeat Covid, worldwide. We thank you for the scientists and NHS staff in their unstinting efforts. We pray too for vaccine distribution worldwide, so that all can be protected. We ask that wise decisions can be made about health resources, so that other people with non-Covid conditions may receive the treatment they need. ✤We pray for all in care homes that they may be able to receive life enhancing visits. ✤We pray for those, who since Covid first struck, have not been so easily able to join us for worship with any regularity. Help us to keep in touch with and to encourage them, and to enable them to feel loved and supported. ✤We remember all the safeguarding work especially to train members of our congregations in leadership roles, so that everybody is fully aware of how they might support all in their care. ✤We pray for all who live in the Parishes of All Saints Church and St, Marys Church. Help us to support those who are ill prayer, love and in practical ways too, as is appropriate. ✤Whatever 2022 holds, help all to have a good, blessed and positive year. New Year Prayer 2022 by Daphne Kitching Lord of all creation, Lord of all the years, Thank you for steering us through the fragmented landscape of two pandemic-riddled years. Here we stand at the beginning of a new year, not knowing what lies ahead. Our only security lies in you, Lord. Please take our hands and guide us, day by day, into January and beyond. We will not be afraid, Lord because you have promised never to leave us, never to forsake us. And you keep your promises. We are safe. 2022, here we come… expectantly, In Jesus’ name, Amen. 7 in
TREEFEST 2021 This took place at St. Mary Redcliffe during the weekend of 4th/5th December 2021. There were over 47 entries of Christmas trees, and they were not all just normal trees, but some where s constructed from different materials. One of the entries in this Treefest was from 176th Fishponds Methodist (Bristol) Guides, who now meet at St. Marys Church in Fishponds. Seen here on the right. The Christmas tree has been made from wood and completely covered with merit badges and awards. Very well done to the Guides on their entry. You maybe able to see all the other entries if you go to this web page www.stmaryredcliffe.co.uk !""# %& #'" (&) *+&),- %. #'" !%&#' /01234 5%6 -%+&7 3"%38" .6%4 -",6 / ,&) +39,6):; #% 4""#; #,8<; 8",6&; 36,,&) ',=" .+& #%7"#'"60 5%6 >&.%64,#>%& ?%&#,?# @>7"8 %& A11/ BC2 (DBE %6 F"=)0 G>HH>" 8 “That’s two t’s in Matthew”, said Osric
ADMISSIONS POLICY CONSULTATION Every few years the Admissions Policy for our school needs to be consulted upon to ensure that we take into account the views of all of our stakeholders. Our Trust are now consulting on our Admissions Policy which contains our criteria for over-subscribed places. Fishponds Church of England Academy operates under the Diocesan Board Academy Trust. The trust is consulting the wider community about the admissions policy for the school for 2023/4 at this time. The consultation takes 6 weeks and will finish on the 20th January 2022. If you would like to comment on the admissions policy then please visit the school website www.fishpondschurchacademy.bristol.sch.uk where the proposed policy for 2023/4 is available to view and email [email protected] for the Attention of the Principal (Debbie Coker) who will share the email responses with the Trust for consideration It is also available to read in hard copy at the back of both All Saints and St Marys Church. The consultation period finishes on Friday 20th January 2022. Any responses received will be shared with the Trust after Friday 20th January 2022. 9
A New Year’s Resolution from Micah David Pickup, a solicitor, considers the year ahead. Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression…? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you: To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:7-8) I quite like olive oil; not the Popeye character but the cooking ingredient. Although I am not sure what I would do with even one river of oil, and I have nowhere to put a ram. Still, this is one of my favourite Bible passages, and it is an ideal one for lawyers. It sums up in a very simple but helpful way what true religion should be. That makes it a good verse to start the year. The message is simple: God does not want empty promises or lip service, but our real devotion, from our heart. What does it mean for us? Do justly – Be honest and open in our dealings with others this year. Be dependable. We should say when things are going wrong and be appreciative when they go well. Be fair in our dealings, whether at home or at work or in church. Keep confidences and never pass on gossip. Love mercy – Give people the benefit of doubt, do not take advantage of others and do not always criticise or complain. Accept apologies and explanations where we can, and be generous. Walk humbly – Quietly get on with things. Do not make a big show of what we do. Lastly, we are required to do these things. They are not options or choices but requirements. Like many requirements in the Bible, they are simple to understand, but not always simple to do. Happy New Year. (Taken from Parish Pump, website for Church Magazines). 10
REMINDER All Saints Church & St. Marys Church SAFEGUARDING TRAINING COURSE Saturday 19th March 2022 The Diocese require DBS to be updated every 3 years instead of 5 years, so a training course has been arranged at All Saints, Link Room, Community Hall, to run a C1Safeguarding course . This is for all who work with children and vulnerable adults and PCC members. If you attended this course in 2019 or anyone who has done DBS since, needs to attend to this course to update their training. I will contact you all individually early in the new year, please make every effort to attend this mandatory training. Many thanks for all you do, to support Safeguarding in your activities. Best wishes Helen Whitehead (Parish Safeguarding Officer, All Saints) 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 11 Reasonable rates. Telephone Frank FitzGibbon 0117 932 9321
COFFEE BREAK TIME (Answers on page 26) Acros 8. How the Abyss (NIV) is described in the Authorized Version (Revelation 9:1) (10,3) 9. Frozen water (Ezekiel 1:22) (3) 10. The Ten Commandments (9) 11. In Roman Catholic theology, neither heaven nor hell (5) 13. Des cons (anag.) (7) 16. ‘Though [your sins] are red as — , they shall be like wool’ (Isaiah 1:18) (7) 19. Keen (Romans 1:15) (5) 22. Repugnant, loathsome (Jeremiah 24:9) (9) 24. Drink like an animal (Judges 7:5) (3) 25. First and last (Revelation 22:13) (5,3,5) Down 1. Father of Ahi, a Gadite (1 Chronicles 5:15) (6) 2. Where David found the stone with which he killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40) (6) 12
3. ‘Hour by hour fresh lips are making thy — doings heard on high’ (8) 4. ‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their — at night’ (Luke 2:8) (6) 5. United Society for Christian Literature (1,1,1,1) 6. ‘If he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would — — or a tax collector’ (Matthew 18:17) (1,5) 7. Where Paul was taken when things became difficult for him in Berea (Acts 17:15) (6) 12. Istituto per le Opere di Religione (Vatican Bank) (1,1,1) 14. ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new — ; the old has gone, the new has come!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17) (8) 15. Used to colour ram skins red for use in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:5) (3) 16. Vat car (anag.) (6) 17. ‘Be joyful — — , patient in affliction, faithful in prayer’ (Romans 12:12) (6) 18. ‘The parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts — — special treatment’ (1 Corinthians 12:23) (4,2) 20. Ancient rowing boat (Isaiah 33:21) (6) 21. Say again (2 Corinthians 11:16) (6) 23. What Jesus did in the synagogue in Nazareth after he stood up (Luke 4:16) (4) 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 Friday 7th, & 21st January, 11am - 12noon For information please contact Revd. Lizzie 0117 9650 856 13
DUTY TIME All Saints Services and 2nd Epiphany 8.00am Services 10.30am Wardens Sidesperson Readers 8.00am 10.30am 10.30am 1st lesson 10.30am 2nd lesson Prayers Parish Street Holy Communion Revd Lizzie - N. Heath C. Powell E. Williams A. Lavis Revd Lizzie Blackberry Avenue DUTY TIME St Mary’s Services 2nd Epiphany 10.00am Services 6.30pm Wednesdays - 9.00am Celtic Morning Prayer at All Saints Open Church Revd Diane New Year Fellowship Said Holy Communion Revd Janey & Mark ALL SAINTS Not meeting in January 14 Meet 30th January - 9th Baptism of Christ Holy Communion Revd Janey & Mark Messy/Muddy Church Revd Janey, Elisa & Dave M. Lavis E. Seretny / G. Smith B. Pearce T.B.A. T.B.A. T.B.A. Blackberry Hill 9th Baptism of Christ Holy Communion Revd Lizzie - ST MARYS
Duty Rota for January 16th 23rd TIME 8.00am 10.30am 8.00am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 2nd Sunday of Epiphany - Holy Communion Revd Janey - A. Lavis 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Holy Communion Revd Janey Café Church Revd Lizzie & Mark M. Lavis 10.30am N. Heath / D. Williams E. Serenty / D. Williams C. Edward-Mlangwa D. Williams C. Powell C. Whitehead Brentry Road 16th TIME 10.00am 6.30pm T.B.A. T.B.A. C. Doyle Channons Hill for January 23rd 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Creative Church Revd Lizzie Epiphany Carols Revd Janey 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Holy Communion Revd Janey - For children aged 7+ and upwards. Meet on a Friday in All Saints Church from 6.30pm till 7.15pm 15 31st Presentation of Christ in the Temple Holy Communion Revd Lizzie 10.00am Benefice Service St. Marys M. Lavis - - - - - Clay Bottom 31st Presentation of Christ in the Temple Benefice Service Holy Communion Revd Lizzie & Revd Diane - St. Mary’s Church Friday’s 7pm New members are welcomed
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
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18th to 25th January We Saw His Star in the East… The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is traditionally observed from the 18th to 25th January – the octave of St Peter and St Paul. This year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity has been prepared by the churches of the Middle East. The Christians of the Middle East say that they offer these resources “conscious that the world shares many of the travails and much of the difficulties that it experiences”, and that it also “yearns for a light to lead the way to the Saviour who is the light that overcomes darkness.” More at: https://ctbi.org.uk/week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2022/ We are open on New Years Day! for our monthly COFFEE MORNING Saturday 1st January 10am - 12noon All Saints Church, Grove Road Lunchtime Concerts Having to cancel there concert in December, we welcome them again on Friday 14th January Concert begins at 1pm - 2pm So come and listen to the ‘The Concorde Clarinets’ St Mary’s Church Manor Road Cup of tea/coffee served from 12.30pm: 50p Second hand fiction books for adults and children 17 Admission free / retiring collection ALL WELCOME
Meet Monday’s during term time from 10.30am til 12noon Children from birth to 4years of age welcome along with their parents, grandparents or carers. A morning listen to a story, singing, craft time then refreshments and play time. For more information contact Cynthia on 0117 965 1849 Would you be willing to Would you be wil l ing to suppor t someone to change their life? If you are prepared to listen, be patient, and have your faith put to work then there are people with criminal convictions who need a mentor like you to support them to reach their goals and change their life. We offer training to enable individuals from churches to do this. Training Sessions (All sessions must be attended if you wish to be considered as a mentor) Saturday 22nd January - 9.30am to 3.30pm Thursday 27th January - 7.00pm to 9.00pm Saturday 5th February - 9.30am to 3.30pm Thursday 10th February - 7.00pm to 9.00pm Thursday 17th February - 7.00pm to 9.00pm (Above date ONLY for those planning to apply) Venue: The Meeting House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol BS1 2NN To book a place email [email protected] or call 0117 403 7905 MentorMe a project of SixtyOne www.sixtyone.org If mentoring an ex-offender is something you’d like to find out more about, you’d be very welcome to have an informal chat to me (Revd Janey), or feel free to contact MentorMe. 18
Christian Basics No 1: God the Creator For many today the universe began with a big bang, in which a lump of matter, smaller than a pinhead, exploded 15 billion years ago. It’s a story that defines who we are and where we come from. However, the Bible gives us another perspective on this event, revealing God as Creator: ‘By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible’ (Hebrews 11:3). What does Genesis 1 say about God as Creator? ‘In the beginning, God’ Whereas science can offer answers about the how of creation, the Bible tells us about the why i.e. the purpose of the Creator! Creation reflects the character and glory of God, inviting a response of dependence and praise! ‘God created the heavens and the earth’ God shaped the universe, as expressed in the ‘6 days’ of creation. They speak of an ordered and purposeful universe that expresses God’s will: He spoke and it was done! An alternative translation is ‘God began creating’, reminding us that creation is also an ongoing process, where the Holy Spirit is still at work in our lives and world. ‘God created man in His own image’ In the account, human beings are presented as the climax and crown of creation. We share the sixth day of creation with other creatures, as well as 95% of the same DNA. However, we are distinctively made in the image of God, created for relationship with God, with a responsibility to care for the created order. ‘And God saw that it was good’ Like an artist, God described His work as good. We should always approach this story with wonder, enjoying God’s world and affirming creativity in ourselves and others. (Paul Hardingham begins this year-long series on the very foundations of our Christian faith.) (Material taken from Parish Pump, web site for Church Magazines). 19
CHRISTMAS FAYRES / FAIRS All Saints Church Christmas Fayre This took place on Saturday 27th November, last year! The day went very well, with stalls ranging cakes, books, toys, games etc. There were also craft stalls, selling jewellery, cards, wood crafts and glass ware. We would like to thank everyone who helped to make this day go well and to everyone who came along and bought. A total of £943 was raised and this has gone to our Church Fabric Fund. THANK YOU A church pewsheet reported that Mr and Mrs Brown had left for a ten-day motor trip, and that their two young daughters were starving with relations during their absence. St. Marys Christmas Fayre Saturday 5th December, last month, was the day that St. Marys Fair had their fair. This was also very successful and raised a total of £1000, which included donations. This money is being spilt between 2 charities that have been chosen, they are ‘Incredible Kids’ and ‘Helping Homeless Believe’. The church would like to thank everyone for helping out and to all those who came along and supported this event. 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 20
EASY SUDOKU PUZZLES (Answers on page 26) MEDIUM ALL IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY 150 years ago, on 14th Jan 1872 that Greyfriars Bobby, a Scottish Skye terrier dog died. He was famous for having guarded his master’s grave in Edinburgh for 14 years. 100 years ago, on 5th Jan 1922 that Sir Ernest Shackleton, the Irish-born British Antarctic explorer, died of a heart attack in South Georgia. He had led three British expeditions to the Antarctic. 80 years ago, on 8th Jan 1942 that Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist and cosmologist was born. Author 21 of A Brief History of Time, he suffered from motor neurone disease for more than 50 years and communicated from his wheelchair via a speech synthesizer. (Died 2018.) Also, on 29th Jan 1942 that the BBC Radio Show Desert Island Discs was first broadcast. It is Britain’s longest running radio show, and the world’s longest running weekly factual radio programme. 75 years ago, on 8th Jan 1947 that David Bowie, pop/ glam rock singer, songwriter, and actor, was born. He became one of the most
influential musicians of the 20th century. (Died 2016.) 70 years ago, on 1st Jan 1952 that the nuclear reactors at Windscale (now Sellafield) in Cumbria began producing enriched plutonium for use in Britain’s first atomic bomb. 50 years ago, from 9th Jan to 28th Feb 1972 that British miners staged a major strike over pay. This led to power shortages, and a state of emergency was declared on 9th Feb. The miners returned to work when the National Union of Mineworkers accepted an improved pay offer. 40 years ago, on 14th Jan 1982 that Mark Thatcher, son of the British Prime Minister, was found safe and well after going missing in the Sahara Desert for six days while competing in the Paris-Dakar rally. 25 years ago, on 15th Jan 1997 that Princess Diana walked through a minefield in Angola, visited victims, and called for an international ban on landmines. 20 years ago, on 11th Jan 2002 that the first prisoners arrived at the USA’s military detention camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They were members of al-Qaeda who were captured in Afghanistan during the War on Terror. Also, on 31st Jan 2002, that the Larsen B Ice Shelf in Antarctica began to collapse. The whole 3,265 sq. km structure disintegrated over the next 35 days. SATURDAY LUNCHES @ St. Marys Church Every Saturday from 12noon - 2pm Free light lunches of soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee, and biscuits. All are welcome. Spotted on a church notice board: When you were born, your mother brought you here. When you were married, your partner brought you here. When you die, your family will bring you here. In the meantime, why not try coming on your own sometimes? 22
Doing Time – a spiritual survival guide by Jonathan Aitken and Edward Smyth, Lion Books, £6.99 Jonathan Aitken and Edward Smyth both experienced a dramatic fall from grace. Each of them found themselves removed from their homes and loved ones, locked up in prison and having to deal with the fallout of their actions. However, in the middle of their lowest point they discovered something life-changing. God hadn’t forgotten about them. ‘Doing Time’ offers encouragement and advice on how to survive and even make the most of life inside prison. Offering the sort of practical and spiritual wisdom that only comes from personal experience, it shows that it is never too late for God to help us find a new way forward in our lives. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness – the path to true Christian joy by Timothy Keller, 10Publishing, £2.99 In an age where pleasing people, puffing up your ego and building your résumé are seen as the methods to ‘make it’, the Apostle Paul calls us to find true rest in blessed self– forgetfulness. This short and punchy book shows that gospel–humility means we can stop connecting every experience, every conversation with ourselves and can thus be free from self–condemnation. A truly gospel-humble person is not a self-hating person or a self-loving person, but a self-forgetful person. So Loved – 26 words that can change your life by Martin Salter, IVP £5.99 Here’s an astonishing claim. John 3:16 appears on everything from fridge magnets to sports stars’ faces. But what does it actually mean? And how does it relate to you and me? With warmth, personal stories and humour, the author explains God’s love, His Son, His sacrifice, and the all-important connection with us today. This is an invitation for anyone to dive straight in and take the first step in an exciting, lifetransforming journey of faith. 23
‘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 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 come and join them. Tea & biscuits provided You are never more than 166 metres from a stray cat Britain is not short of stray cats. An estimated quarter of a million of them live in our towns and cities, according to recent research by Cats Protection and researchers at the University of Bristol. In some urban areas of Britain, there are even up to 57 stray cats per square kilometre. It is these cats who are of particular concern to Cats Protection, because “they receive limited or no direct human support.” Often these cats are un-neutered, and populations can expand rapidly, spreading disease and harming wildlife. For this reason, Cats Protection continues to urge owners to microchip and neuter their pets. Chocolate When I look at chocolate, I hear two voices in my head. The first one says, ‘You need to eat the chocolate.’ The second one says, ‘You heard. Eat the chocolate.’ 24
WORD SEARCH Where did the Wise Men come from? Magi from the East – it isn’t a lot to go on. The Magi were a religious caste devoted to astrology, divination and the interpretation of dreams. Some scholars believe these magi came from southern Arabia, where the Queen of Sheba had lived. She would have learned about the coming Messiah from Solomon. In Matthew’s gospel the Magi ask Herod: ‘Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ So it is possible that Queen of Sheba’s story of Messiah for Israel had survived. One thing that supports the theory that the magi came from southern Arabia is this: if you study any map of Palestine as it was during biblical times, you will find that the old Arabian caravan routes all entered Palestine ‘from the East’. Magi East Religious Caste Astrology Divination Dreams Scholars Southern Arabia Queen Sheba Messiah Solomon Herod King Star Worship Palestine Caravan 25
MAGAZINE PRICE If you wish to place an order to receive the Benefice Magazine then the cost is….. 70p per copy each month or subscribe for a year at £7.00 and get 12 copies for the price of 10. Contact Anita (Editor) for All Saints or the Wardens for St. Marys FROM THE EDITOR HAPPY NEW YEAR Seems strange wishing you this as we haven’t got to Christmas yet! But getting magazines out has to be done in advance of the month, no wonder I get confused or is it may age!!! I hope you all have or had a good time over the Christmas period. Now to let you know about the deadline for the February Magazine It will be SUNDAY 9th JANUARY. Articles can be emailed to [email protected] or handed to me in Church at a 10.30am service. Take care and stay safe ANSWERS TO THIS MONTHS CROSSWORD & SUDOKU’S 26 E A S Y M E D I U M ACROSS: 8 Bottomless pit; 9 Ice; 10 Decalogue; 11 Limbo; 13 Seconds; 16 Crimson; 19 Eager; 22 Abhorrent; 24 Lap; 25 Alpha and Omega. DOWN: 1 Abdiel; 2 Stream; 3 Wondrous; 4 Flocks; 5 USCL; 6 A pagan; 7 Athens; 12 IOR; 14 Creation; 15 Dye; 16 Cravat; 17 In hope; 18 Need no; 20 Galley; 21 Repeat; 23 Read.
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 Tel: 0117 307 9117 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 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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