MAY 2022 70p 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
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: 0117 956 1544 Church Wardens PCC Secretary PCC Treasurer Baptisms Weddings/Funerals Contacts for All Saints Church Elaine Seretny Dave Williams Chris Whitehead Tam Pearce Anita Lavis Safeguarding Officer Helen Whitehead - Tel: 0775 2389 995 Email: [email protected] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 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 958 4164 Tel: 0117 965 4697 Tel: 078 0098 7672 Revd Lizzie Kesteven Tel: 0117 965 0856 Tel: 0117 307 9117
Saturday 21st May 12noon - 3.00pm All Saints Church Community Hall Grove Road Fishponds Entrance Adults 50p REFRESHMENTS RAFFLE 4 TOYS TOMBOLA PLANTS BOOKS GAMES CRAFTS
Canon Paul Hardingham from Parish Pump considers where Jesus is now. The Ascension This month at Ascension Day, we remember Jesus ascending to ‘God’s right hand’ (1 Peter 3:22). It’s a somewhat neglected Christian festival, taking place on a Thursday, 40 days after Easter. However, this phrase is used in three different contexts in the New Testament. Sitting at God’s right hand Jesus occupies a position of power and authority at the centre of the universe, ‘exalted to the right hand of God’ (Acts 2:33). This position was secured by His death and resurrection, enabling us to experience the life of heaven, including eternal life, forgiveness, healing and the power to transform lives and communities. Is this our expectation and experience? Standing at God’s right hand Our experience of heaven is only partial because of the presence of suffering and disappointment in our lives. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, saw Jesus ‘standing at the right hand of God’ (Acts 7:56), when being stoned to death. Do we see that Jesus is on the throne and has a purpose for our lives, even when we are going through setbacks and difficulties? As a result of Stephen’s death, the church grew and the apostle Paul was impacted. Where do we see the fruit of the suffering in our lives? Praying at God’s right hand Finally, we are told that Jesus is ‘interceding for us’ at God’s right hand (Romans 8:34 & Hebrews 7:25). Jesus is on our side at the heart of the universe and fully knows our needs when praying for us. He is for us, even when we feel defeated by the wrong things in our lives. How does this help us now? So where has Jesus gone? Because He is in heaven, the Ascension opens up the possibility that we can experience the life of heaven, both now and in eternity. 5
MAY READINGS for ALL SAINTS CHURCH & ST. MARY’S CHURCH 1st - Third Sunday of Easter (White) Acts 9: 1 - 6; Revelation 5: 11 - end; John 21: 1 - 19. 8th Fourth Sunday of Easter (White) Acts 9: 36 - end; Revelations 7: 9 - end; John 10: 22 - 30. 15th Fifth Sunday of Easter (White) Acts 11: 1 - 18; Revelations 21: 1 - 6; John13: 31 - 35. St. Marys Evensong Pslam 98; Daniel 6: 6 - 23; Mark 15: 46 - 16: 8. 22nd Sixth Sunday of Easter (White) Acts 16: 9 - 15; Revelations 21: 22 - 22: 5; John 5:1 - 9. 29th Seventh Sunday of Easter (White) (Sunday after Ascension Day) Acts 16: 16 - 34; Revelations 22: 12 - 14, 16 - 17; John 17: 20 - end. St. Marys Evensong Pslam 68: Isaiah 44: 1 - 8; Ephesians 4: 7 - 16. Sunday 5th June Pentecost (Red) Acts 2: 1 - 21; Romans 8: 14 - 17; John 14: 8 - 17. Every Thursday Holy Communion St. Marys Church Creative Church Sunday 15th May 10.00am St. Marys ‘Jubilee Bunting” OPEN CHURCH Sunday 1st May 10.00am St. Marys ‘Growing Older’ Sunday 22nd May 10.30am All Saints Service with hymns, prayers and discussions while sat around tables 6 Sunday 8th May 10.30am All Saints Fun for all the family! Holy Communion Service for the Benefice Sunday 29th May 10.30am at All Saints
MAY PRAYER PAGE ✤ We pray that Christ’s Resurrection blessing will be with us all in this Easter season. ✤ We pray for all areas of conflict in the world. We pray for all those whose family members have been killed in the Ukraine war, who have been displaced by that war or wounded or had their lives broken. Help those across the world to offer real assistance and healing hands. ✤ We pray for the All Saints Family Café, serving our community and serving food to that community, to those who really need it. Help us to serve people’s bodies and souls. ✤ We pray for the Fishponds C of E Academy as it searches for a new Head, and we thank you for that school in this place. ✤ We pray for all who work so hard to support others to be maximally independent in their own homes, or in care homes. Bless all the home care staff who work here in Fishponds, who often minister to the lonely, isolated and forgotten. ✤ Keep us safe from Covid, and help us to keep ourselves protected and to help each other. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Prayer for May by Daphne Kitching Dear Father in Heaven, As we thank you for May, this most beautiful of months, we are aware that not everything in your world is beautiful; not every attitude or action is beautiful, or kind, or just. There is so much pain and suffering in the world that we can sometimes feel overwhelmed. Help us, Lord to remember that Jesus came to bring all this brokenness together, to bring reconciliation and wholeness. Thank you that by His life, death and resurrection Jesus overcame death for ever. Thank you that He ascended into heaven so that the Holy Spirit could come to live in believers, to give strength and power and resilience, so that Your work goes on. Thank you that nothing in all creation – no evil attacks, no illness, no human powers, no circumstances at all – can ever separate us from Your love. We will not be overwhelmed as we keep our eyes on You. We may not always understand, but we acknowledge You to be the Lord, who reigns over all – and we are thankful. In Jesus name. Amen. 7
St. Marys Church OPEN CHURCH PARISH MEETING Saturday 7th May 10am - 12noon Come along and discuss new service patterns VERY IMPORTANT DATE Sunday 8th May - Annual Parochial Church Meeting Taking place after the 10am service. Time to hear what has happened during 2021 and to nominate, vote for church wardens and PCC members. So very important if you could please stay after the service. All Saints Annual Parochial Church Meeting - Elections This took place after the 10.30am morning service on Sunday 3rd April, we had the minutes from 2020 and heard the Wardens report on events from 2021. From that we went on to nominate and vote for new wardens. Elaine Seretny and Dave Williams were duly elected and voted in as our Wardens for 2022/23. We went on to elect a Deanery Synod Representative, Claire Doyle expressed an interest in this role for one year, so she was nominated and voted to join Chris Whitehead in this role. The last votes of the meeting was for new members for Parochial Church Council. Elisa Williams was re-elected and two new members Helen Whitehead and Sarah Wrann were elected and voted to join the PCC. LIVING AFTER LOSS Have you had to face a loss? Bereavement / Retirement / Health Problems / Redundancy etc. Do you need to talk? You are very welcome to come and talk to friendly people over refreshments at St. Mary’s Church Parish Rooms Friday 6th & 20th May, 11am - 12noon For information please contact Revd. Lizzie 0117 9650 856 8
Reflected Faith Series: The Meaning of Colours – part 1 In March, April and May this year the coloured frontal of the altar will have been changed many times – as will the colour of the priest’s vestments. Each colour – and there can be as many as six in a church’s store – has a different meaning. They reflect the significance of that day or the season. In March purple was used as a symbol of penitence, as we were in Lent and trying to prepare ourselves for Christ’s final act of love for each of us. Holy Week – the time of Christ’s final journey – was denoted by the colour red. Red, the colour of blood, is used for feasts of martyrs as well as those for the Holy Spirit – when it more likely represents his flames of ‘fire’ which rested on those in the Upper Room. Maundy Thursday, we switched to white for any Communion service, as this celebrates the remembrance of the first Communion with His apostles which He commanded us to continue. Good Friday, and we were back to red. Then on Easter Sunday, the day of the greatest Christian Celebration, we entered to an altar bedecked in gold or the ‘whitest’ with the most elaborate decoration the church possesses. ‘Plain’ White will be used for the Easter Season signifying purity and Christ’s triumph over death until Ascension Day on 26th May. This, being a special and more significant day in the life, death and resurrection of Christ, goes to gold again: then immediately back to white for the next ten days. On the day of Pentecost itself, Whit Sunday, 5th June, the colour will be? Yes, you got it, red for flames of fire. 9
Out and about on the roads? Remember the NEW Highway Code When did you last read the Highway Code? Various ‘fundamental’ changes were recently made which will surely affect you. For example, there is a new hierarchy of road users, where drivers now have new responsibilities to watch out for people who are walking, cycling, or riding a horse. Another example is that cyclists are now advised to cycle in the centre of lanes in slower-moving traffic. Finally, do you even know how best to open your car door? According to the Highway Code, you should use your hand on the opposite side to the door you are opening; for example, use your left hand to open a door on your right-hand side. This will make you turn your head to look over your shoulder. You are then more likely to avoid causing injury to cyclists or motorcyclists passing you on the road, or to people on the pavement. Read all about the new rules at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code All Saints Monthly COFFEE MORNING Saturday 2nd May 10am - 12noon All Saints Church, Grove Road Second hand fiction books for adults and children to buy. We also have some DVD’s . All proceeds go to the Church Fabric Fund 10 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
11
COFFEE BREAK TIME (Answers on page 26) Across 1. 9. Overpowered (Deuteronomy 11:4) (11) ‘The — are mantled with corn’ (Psalm 65:13) (7) 10. ‘Each man—a sword to his side’(Exodus32:27)(5) 11. On the death of Jesus the curtain in the temple was torn from — to bottom (Matthew 27:51) (3) 13. Stagger(Isaiah 28:7)(4) 16. ‘Anyone,then,who knows the good he ought——and doesn’t do it, sins’ (James 4:17) (2,2) 17. Stir up or provoke(Acts13:50)(6) 18. Burden(Luke11:46)(4) 20. ‘As far as the east is from the—,so far has he removed our transgressions from us’ (Psalm 103:12) (4) 21. Sign(Luke23:38)(6) 22. ‘After that,Jesus poured water into a basin and began to—his disciples’ feet’ (John 13:5) (4) 12
23. The nature of the seven ears of corn which swallowed up the good ears in Pharaoh’s dream (Genesis 41:23) (4) 25. Has(anag.)(3) 28. ‘This is the account of Shem,Ham and Japheth,— sons’ (Genesis 10:1) (5) 29. ‘I will...make them drunk,so that they...sleep for—and— awake’ (Jeremiah 51:39) (4,3) 30. Paul said of him,‘he often refreshes me and is not ashamed of my chains’ (2 Timothy 1:16) (11) Down 2. Worth (Matthew 13:46) (5) 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ‘A bruised — he will not break’ (Matthew 12:20) (4) ‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly — appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2:13) (4) Slip (anag.) (4) ‘Take an awl and push it through his — — into the door, and he will become your servant for life’ (Deuteronomy 15:17) (3,4) Bountiful (2 Corinthians 8:2) (11) ‘Therefore, as we have — , let us do good to all people’ (Galatians 6:10) (11) 12. Acquire(2Timothy2:10)(6) 14. Container cover(Numbers19:15)(3) 15. ‘He...became obedient to death,even death on ——!’ (Philippians 2:8) (1,5) 19. Refrain(1Peter2:11)(7) 20. ‘She began to—his feet with her tears’(Luke7:38)(3) 24. One who worships Brahma,Vishnu or Shiva(5) 25. ‘Give to everyone who—you’(Luke6:30)(4) 26. ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills;where does my—come from?’ (Psalm 121:1) (4) 27. One of those whom the Lord said would be taken from Jerusalem and Judah as judgment on them (Isaiah 3:2) (4) SMILE LINES A Cheshire vicar has two cats. Their names are Ancient and Modern – because they are both hims. 13
All Saints Services and 1st DUTY TIME 8.00am Services 10.30am Wardens Sidesperson Readers 8.00am 10.30am Holy Communion Revd Lizzie - C. Whitehead 10.30am C. Edwards-Mlangwa 1st lesson A. Lavis 10.30am 2nd lesson Prayers Parish Street E. Williams M. Simms Fishponds Road DUTY TIME 10.00am Services 6.30pm Wednesdays - 9.00am Celtic Morning Prayer at All Saints Third Sunday of Easter Open Church ‘Growing Older’ Holy Communion Revd Lizzie & Revd Diane ALL SAINTS 1st May- 10.30am 14 St. Marys - 22nd May 10.00am Third Sunday of Easter - 8th Fourth Sunday of Easter Holy Communion Revd Janey Messy/Muddy Church Revd Lizzie & Elisa M. Lavis D. Williams Team Messy / Muddy Team Messy/ Muddy Team Foxglove Close St Mary’s Services 1st 8th Fourth Sunday of Easter Holy Communion Revd Janey
15th TIME 8.00am 10.30am 8.00am Duty Rota for May 22nd Fifth Sunday of Easter - Holy Communion Revd Janey - C. Powell C. Doyle Sixth Sunday of Easter Holy Communion Revd Janey Café Church Revd Diane & Mark C. Whitehead T.B.A. T.B.A. C. Whitehead Revd Diane Glenside Park 15th TIME 10.00am 6.30pm Fifth Sunday of Easter Creative Church Revd Lizzie ‘Jubilee Bunting” Evensong Revd Lizzie For children aged 7+ and upwards. Meet on a Friday in All Saints Church from 6.30pm till 7.15pm 15 T.B.A. C. Doyle Greens Hill for May 22nd Sixth Sunday of Easter Holy Communion Reve Lizzie - Revd Janey St. Mary’s Church Friday’s 7pm New members are welcomed 29th Seventh Sunday of Easter / Ascension 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion Evensong 29th Seventh Sunday of Easter / Ascension Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion Revd Lizzie Benefice Holy Communion Revd Lizzie M. Lavis 10.30am D. Williams / G. Smith E. Seretny / D. Williams E. Seretny / D. Williams 10.30am 10.30am Volunteers J. Badman 10.30am A. Wren C. Whitehead Grove Avenue
‘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 Tel: 0117 939 1316 Mob: 07792 097 234 [email protected] www.jblandscapesbristol.co.uk A family run business. J. B. LANDSCAPES General Build and Maintenance 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
THE DASH by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speak At the funeral of a friend He referred to the dates on the tombstones From the beginning … to the end. He noted that the first came the date of birth And spoke the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time That they spent alive on earth And now only those who loved them Know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, The cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. So, think about this long and hard, Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left That can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough To consider what’s true and real And always try to understand The way other people feel. And be less quick to anger And to show appreciation more And love the people in our lives Like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect And more often wear a smile Remembering this special dash Might only last a little while So, when your eulogy is being read With your life’s actions to rehash… Would you be proud of the things they say About how you spent YOUR dash? 17 COFFEE MORNING Saturday 14th May From 10am until 12noon All welcome to pop into St. Marys Church to help support Christian Aid while having a cuppa! HOPE TO SEE YOU Talking about supporting WELL DONE to the Marie Curie Cancer Nurses Event This took place last month. It was a joyous morning which began with a beautiful introduction from Revd Lizzie which set the scene. There was a short time of reflection and a chance to light a candle in memory of loved ones. This was followed by refreshments and a table top sale. £203 was raised which has now been sent to Marie Curie. Big thanks to Kate, Maggie and helpers from the ‘Living with Loss’ group and to everyone who supported this charity.
Christian Basics No 5: Understanding the Bible (Paul Hardingham continues this year-long series on the very foundations of our Christian faith.) (Material taken from Parish Pump, web site for Church Magazines) The Bible is a popular book, with five billion copies sold worldwide every year, as well as a uniquely precious book. At her coronation the Queen was given a Bible, ‘the most precious thing this world affords’. The Bible isn’t simply one book, but a library of 66 books, composed by some 44 writers over a period of 1500 years in a range of styles including history, poetry, prophecy, letters and apocalyptic (looking at the end times). Despite having a number of different writers, the Bible claims one author – God Himself! As the Word of God, it is the primary way by which God speaks to us. ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is inspired (‘the word of God in the words of men’) and is a manual for life, equipping us to live for God in every aspect of our lives. We also have the promise of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to apply its words to our lives: ‘But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth’ John 16:13. The Bible can also be described as a love letter from God, as it deepens our relationship with Him. Jesus said: ‘You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life’ (John 5:39,40). Christians follow a person not a book, and the Scriptures are intended to help us to know Jesus better. Like a signpost, the Bible points us to the person of Jesus. SMILES LINES Church members were discussing the vicar’s and the curate’s sermons. The church warden said: “The vicar, now, when she says ‘in conclusion’, she concludes. But the curate, when he says ‘lastly’ – my! How he do last!” 18
Packed lunches are back in style With food prices soaring, who needs a bought sandwich or salad? They can cost nearly £8 a day from LEON or Pret or other food outlets. Instead, it seems we are investing in plastic food containers (John Lewis reports sales are up 64 per cent on last year) and taking our own lunches to work. As one cookery blogger explains, “You can’t reduce your council tax, but you can make little savings on everyday meals, which add up to a significant difference.” “It’s ‘cool’ these days to take a packed lunch to the office,” says Suzanne Mulholland, author of The Batch Lady: Shop Once. Cook Once. Eat Well All Week. “Being organised and prepared is seen as a good thing.” As for coffee, consider this: buying a £3 cappuccino every day adds up to £1,095 a year. Far cheaper to fill a flask at home. Meet on the 2nd Sunday of the Month 7.15pm For young people from year 7 upwards, to meet, talk, learn, pray and have fun together. Contact Revd. Lizzie for details Easy SUDOKU PUZZLES (Answers on page 26) Medium 19
ALL IN THE MONTH OF MAY 150 years ago, on 18th May 1872 that Bertrand Russell, Welsh philosopher, mathematician, historian, and writer was born. He won the 1950 Nobel Prize in Literature. 125 years ago, on 26th May 1897 that Bram Stoker’s horror novel Dracula was published. 100 years ago, on 27th May 1922 that Christopher Lee, British film actor was born. Best known for his many Hammer Horror films, especially his role as Dracula. He also played a leading role in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. (Died 2015) 90 years ago, on 9th May 1932 that London’s Piccadilly Circus was lit with electrical lighting for the first time. The road junction later became famous for its neon lighting and video advertising displays. 60 years ago, on 25th May 1962 that the new Coventry Cathedral was consecrated. The previous one had been destroyed by German bombing during WWII. 50 years ago, on 28th May 1972 that Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, died. He was 20 formerly Edward VIII, until his abdication in December 1936. 40 years ago, 27th-28th May 1982 that the Battle of Goose Green took place during the Falklands War. British victory. 25 years ago, 1st May 1997 that the Labour Party won a landslide victory, ending 18 years of Conservative Rule. Tony Blair became Prime Minister. 15 years ago, on 3rd May 2007 that three-year-old Madeleine McCann went missing while on holiday with her parents in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Despite long-running investigations costing millions of pounds, she has never been found. Her disappearance is the most-reported missing person case in history. 10 years ago, on 18th May 2012 that social media network Facebook went public. Its initial public offering raised $16 billion – the third-largest amount in US history.
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 listening to a story, singing, craft time followed by refreshments and play time. Free entrance / voluntary donations. For more information contact Cynthia on 0117 965 1849 SATURDAY LUNCHES @ St. Marys Church Every Saturday from 12noon - 2pm Free light lunches of soup, sandwiches, tea/coffee, and biscuits. All are welcome. Contact your local Slimming World Consultant and join a warm friendly group today! Groups now fully open Mondays 6.30pm & Tuesdays 9.30pm The Beechwood Club, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3TR Contact Claire on 07791 574 353 Tuesdays 6pm & 7.30pm Argyle Morley Church Whitefield Road, Speedwell Caroline 07988 692 202 Wednesdays 5.15pm & 6.45pm The Salvation Army, Staple Hill Anna-Marie 0785 417 7308 www.slimmingworld.co.uk 21
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 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 Reasonable rates. Telephone Frank FitzGibbon 0117 932 9321 LUNCH TIME CONCERT With the Bromley Duo Friday 20th May -1pm to 2pm St Mary’s Church, Manor Road Tea/coffee served from 12.30pm - 50p No admission charge but a retiring collection to cover expenses. 22
WORD SEARCH A prayer for Ukraine Lord, we pray for Ukraine, a nation in which 70% of the population call themselves Christian. You, Lord, make wars cease to the end of the earth; you break bows, shatter spears, and burn shields with fire [Psalm 46:9]. And so, we ask you now to save the lives of many people in Ukraine. De-escalate this crisis. We hear of wars and rumours of wars (Matt. 24:6], but you Lord are our rock, our fortress and our deliverer. Our hope is in you. And so we address the nations now. In the name of Jesus we say: “Be still and know God! He is exalted among the nations; He shall be exalted in the earth [Psalm 46:10]. Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy. Ukraine War Cease Earth Break Bows Shatter Spears Burn Shields Fire Save many Lives Crisis 23 Lord Our Rock Fortress Deliverer Hope In You Be Still
End of the Road? By Michael Pfundner, Bible Society, £1.20 This handy booklet will reach people with the Christian message in just a few pages. It goes behind the scenes of Jesus’ death and resurrection to look at the world-changing events leading up to Easter Day – and beyond. It points its readers towards the archaeological and documentary evidence of the real political and religious figures behind the Easter story in the Bible. This short book is perfect for those who would like to know more about the history behind the Easter story, and can be used as a handout in Churches or during outreach. 101 Great Big Questions about God and Science By Lizzie Henderson and Steph Bryant, Lion Children’s Books, £9.99 Have you ever wondered how the universe began, what the point of life might be, or whether God likes science? Then this is the book for you! 101 Great Big Questions asked by children with fascinating responses from leading experts in the areas of science, theology, philosophy and beyond! Explore questions about the universe from the Big Bang and beginnings to what might happen in the future. Discover what the experts think about: could humans ever become mermaids? do other animals have religions? why the Bible doesn’t mention dinosaurs? could Jesus get out of a black hole? and does God like aliens?Read personal stories from world class scientists and theologians about their experiences of exploring their own big questions about God, life, and the amazing universe we live in. Perfect for budding scientists, theologians, and all those curious about the really big questions of life. This exciting question and answer-based book for 7+ year olds to explore key questions asked by children about sciencefaith interactions. 24
Celtic Prayer – Caught Up in Love Edited by David Cole (Brother Cassian), BRF, £12.99 This rich collection of essays, conversations and reflections from 30 members of the Community of Aidan and Hilda distils the ancient wisdom of the Celtic Christians and applies it to the lived reality of contemporary readers. It can be helpful for anyone drawn to explore teachings about prayer from a Celtic perspective. It offers deep spiritual truths woven beautifully with usable prayers, ‘like a piece of Celtic knotwork flowing around the page of an illuminated scripture.’As David Cole writes in his introduction: “Celtic Christian spirituality is about embodying the Divine in every aspect of your life, and prayer is a significant part of that.” Take a walk on the wild side! How neat do we like our gardens to be? Full of manicured lawns, with immaculate flower beds? Well, yes and no. A recent survey by BBC’s Gardener’s World magazine has found that more than half (54 per cent) of gardeners now include ‘uncultivated areas’ in their garden. And some 44 per cent of gardeners have also set up a wildflower area. Certainly, Nature could use a helping hand just now. In 2019 32 per cent of us saw a butterfly in our garden. By 2020 that was down to 21 percent. By 2021, that was down again, to just 16 per cent. Simple tips to rewild your garden: • Avoid chemical pesticides and herbicides, which also kill ‘good bugs’, butterflies and bees. • Tolerate as much mess as you can. Leave wood and leaf piles for hedgehogs and invertebrates. • Set aside some room where grass can grow longer, and wildflowers can bloom. • Don’t pull up all your weeds – they can be a critical source of pollen for bees. 25
FROM THE EDITOR Hope you all had a good Easter, did you eat too many Eggs and how did you do during Lent? Me, I made it to the end of Lent and on Easter Sunday I had my first cup of tea, did I enjoy it? Not quite as I was hoping, its taken a couple of days to enjoy the flavour again. So here we are into May, time is rolling by once again, why does it seem to go so quickly? This month we are having our Spring Fayre, so please we are asking for volunteers to help out in various ways. Can you help set up, help out on a stall, clear away after the event, donate home baked cakes, nearly new toys, books, raffle and tombola prizes and if you have potting plants that you can spare we would welcome them as well as other items. Plants can be brought along on the day of the Fayre. So hope you can help, please speak to one of the wardens or Lizzie. Deadline for the June issue will be Sunday 8th May. Email articles to [email protected] or give me a call 0117 3079117 Anita ANSWERS TO THIS MONTHS CROSSWORD & SUDOKU’S 26 E A S Y M E D I U M ACROSS: 1 Overwhelmed; 9 Valleys; 10 Strap; 11 Top;13 Reel; 16 To do; 17 Incite; 18 Load; 20 West; 21 Notice; 22 Wash; 23 Thin; 25 Ash; 28 Noah’s; 29 Ever not; 30 Onesiphorus. DOWN: 2 Value; 3 Reed; 4 Host; 5 Lisp; 6 Ear lobe; 7 Overflowing; 8 Opportunity; 12 Obtain; 14 Lid; 15 A cross; 19 Abstain; 20 Wet; 24 Hindu; 25 Asks; 26 Help; 27 Hero.
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 Dave Williams Helen Whitehead Sara Wrann Chris Whitehead 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 Claire Doyle 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
1 Publizr