bath & wells: the bath & wells 'grapevine'
april 2008
_________________________________________________________________
Got a light? Yes, it’s
The Light of Christ
Easter message from Rt Revd Peter Price, Bishop of Bath and Wells
ON THE Saturday night before Easter Day the Church is in darkness. There is silence before the service begins. A match is struck. A fire is lit. Candles are passed from hand to hand until the Church is filled with light.
“The Light of Christ” says the minister.
Throughout the service the candles remain until carried from the Church into the darkness of the evening as folk make their way home.
Last year a man seeking to be faithful carried his light from the Cathedral through the market towards his home. On the way he was accosted by a young man who asked: “Got a light?” as he proffered his cigarette to be lit. The man obliged, wondering at the same time whether his action to light a cigarette was in keeping with carrying the Light of Christ.
How easy it is to mistake and misunderstand signs.
A New World
The lighting of the cigarette offered satisfaction for a few moments. Easter speaks to us of a God who seeks to offer us the satisfaction of peace, of forgiveness, of new life.
The candle symbolises God’s light of satisfaction shining in the world.
Good Friday marks the place of darkness.
In the person of Jesus God gives His life for the world.
Jesus is put to death by people who believe that His good news of peace, forgiveness - including forgiving enemies - and the making of a new world is just too much of a good thing.
Easter tells us that God will not be defeated. By bringing Jesus back to life, God says, in effect, The Light of Christ will not be extinguished.
Where people take the truth of Jesus to heart and practice it there is hope for a new way of being human, and of being divine.
Good News
Carrying the Light of Christ in our lives may mean that all people ever ask for from us is something like a light for a cigarette, some temporary satisfaction.
Christian people are nevertheless invited to carry the Light of Christ out from the Church into the world in a spirit of hope, love and compassion.
Sometimes the sign will be received for what it is, good news from God. And that is something for which Easter inspires us to work and pray.
**********
Think again on family life
Bishop urges Tory leader
BISHOP PETER Price has written to Tory Party leader David Cameron warning him not to downgrade the Government’s Sure Start programme or “play politics with schemes that are well thought out, effective and providing support to some of the most vulnerable communities in the country.”
The Bishop added he welcomed efforts to nurture and strengthen family life but was surprised at the manner in which the Tory leader was approaching the task.
He was concerned, he said, at the plan to increase Health Visitor provision by cutting the Sure Start budget.
The Queen had recently opened a Healthy Living Centre in Weston-super-Mare where family breakdown, lack of community cohesion and crime had been significantly reduced because of the work of Churches, Sure Start and other programmes.
“It is hard to underestimate the impact of such groups upon both local community and family life,” he writes. “It appears doctrinaire that you should seek to dismantle and underfund the Sure Start programme by using the resources, limited as they are, to support your new initiative. Effectively this will mean that some of the poorest and most marginalised communities will once again be the target and, far from nurturing family life, you will be undermining it. I sincerely hope you will think again on this issue.”
**********
MORE PARISHES PAY FULL PARISH SHARE
Parish share collection rates from the 25,609 Church members in Bath and Wells increased again in 2007 to 99.25 per cent, the 2006 figures being 99.2 per cent.
This means just £59,290 was not collected, spread over 21 parishes, out of a total of £7,909,260 requested from all 501 parishes.
The Parish Shares form the Common Fund, which pays for clergy stipends, pension contributions, housing costs, on going training and helps support ordinands preparing to serve in future.
“Without the Parish share there would be no Common Fund and without the Common Fund, no stipendiary clergy,” said Parish Resources Advisor, Lesley Strutt. “Our regular contributions to Parish Share enable the front line ministry in our Diocese to continue, week in, week out.”
And Diocesan Secret-ary, Nick Denison, said: “I am especially pleased to see that Sedgemoor, Tone and Midsomer Norton deaneries have come from contributing around 98 per cent in 2006, and have joined Cary, Frome, Shepton Mallet and Chew Magna deaneries in achieving 100 per cent contributions for 2007. Well done to all those parishes in other deaneries who achieved 100 per cent, often in difficult circumstances.”
**********
Diocese of Bath and Wells School of Formation
Changing Lives, Changing Churches for Changing Communities
UP BEAT IN LENT
By Brian Pearson
WAS I alone in catching on late to the schools’ Easter - spring? - holiday now including Easter weekend? Well it did throw me and I was not helped by being told it was because of a six term academic year - whatever happened to half terms?
Anyway, I had just sorted out a non Easter school holiday when I heard that in Worle the arrival of Easter coincided with the start of Lent. No, sorry, I cannot get my mind round that one.
“But it’s brilliant”, the lady told me when I rang for clarification. “There’s no room to sit down.” I was now getting one of my headaches. Then I began to piece together what had been going on. You can put some of the blame at the feet of Dodds, Cole and Annandale, who were fronting a brand new Lent experience under the School Of Formation flag. Whatever it was, it had well and truly grabbed Church members in Worle.
Easter People
So why the fuss? Firstly: the theme: Easter People - A Resurrection People. It may have been St. Augustine who was first to say: “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song”, but he certainly was not the last. Echoing that timeless truth has been vital to all Christians and, in the period of faithful anticipation leading towards Easter, there can be no better time to let those echoes resonate around His people.
Secondly, the School of Formation delivered a stimulating and captivating series of interactive events. Formal input was measured, it was enlivened with well chosen visual material. Some ideas were portrayed in poetry, thinking was stirred for the following week with relevant ‘homework’, feedback was encouraged using post it notes and summary notes provided memory joggers a week later. Sounds good? Well, it gets better.
The Buzz
Thirdly: a cross section of ages was attracted by this format causing the numbers attending to grow, hence the shortage of chairs. And, interestingly, the buzz overflowed all the way to Sunday.
Some may wince at the thought of an up beat Lent, but, given the impetus of New Expressions of being Church, the Worle experience may well be worth a closer look by other Churches.
And the School of Formation has the resource material available for delivery to a Church near you.
THE SCHOOL of Formation offers over 80 short courses for Church communities and four leadership courses for clergy, Readers and lay leaders. Brian Pearson is its Publicity Officer. For details contact Dawn Hickman at The Old Deanery on 01749 685106.
**********
EXCITING – A PARTNERSHIP FOR MISSION
A GROUND breaking partnership forged between an Anglican parish and independent evangelical Church is already opening exciting spiritual opportunities less than a month after its launch.
St. John’s, Peasedown St. John, where the congregation has more than doubled in two years, and Bath City Church with over 750 worshippers are convinced the partnership will bring many opportunities to make a spiritual impact on the village.
Archdeacon Andy Piggott of Bath, who has encouraged the venture from the start said:“This partnership is ground breaking for the Church of England. For an Anglican Parish Church to be working in close alliance with Bath’s biggest independent evangelical Church is going to be a journey full of potential growth and development.
“In the Church of England we are always looking for new ways to reach out to people, to provide a ‘fresh expression’ of Church, and to meet the needs of the people in the parishes we serve.”
The two will work together to develop and support many already successful activities carried out by St. John’s and other Churches in Peasedown including after-school clubs, breakfast events with speakers, pastoral visiting, lunch clubs and Kidzone.”
Leader of Bath City Church, Stewart Keiller, is excited about the many opportunities this partnership will bring and said: “One of our key beliefs is about making a spiritual impact in our local communities. Many of our members live in Peasedown and we are very excited about working with St John’s and the other Churches.”
As well as more clubs, activities and family events, one of the first initiatives of the partnership is to provide a part-time youth worker to begin work in April 2008.
**********
Take a (Cathedral) break
SHOPPERS - AND anyone else wandering around Wells - are invited to take a break with a difference and relish the Cathedral’s jewels of stained glass.
Free talks lasting from 10 to 15 minutes will help visitors look at the windows with help from a specialist guide.
“Colour, light and design are so important and the symbolism means so much more when it has been explained,” said Jill Wrightson, one of the guides.
There will be the chance to look at windows from different centuries and styles, some not studied before in the talks but also some old favourites
There are handouts. Binoculars are useful but not essentials.There is no need to book. People should gather at the Crossing or ask at the information desk.
The programme is: April: Jesse window, 14th century; May: Ruth and Naomi - 1905; June: Coronation Of The Virgin: 15th century; July: St. Matthew and St.Mark - 1906; August: Lady Chapel, east window - mediaeval and 19th century; September:River Of Water Of Life - 1905; October: St. Blaise, St. George and St.Leo - 14th century.
The sessions are: Wednesday 10.40am and 11.10am (except 15 Oct.Saturdays 11.15am (except 3,24 May and 11 Oct.) 
**********
COVENANT SIGNED
TWO VILLAGE Churches at Combe St. Nicholas have signed a Covenant Of Partnership with the local Methodist Church.
Bishop Peter Maurice and Chairman of the Methodist District, Revd John Carne, attended a signing by eight representatives of the Churches in St. Nicholas’s and the Methodist Church.
Methodist steward, Stanley Hopkins, St. Nicholas churchwarden, Greg Hoare, Vicar, Revd. Philip Regan, Bp. Peter, John Carne, Chard Methodist Minister, Revd Marilyn Tricker, Methodist steward, Bill Hodge and St. Nicholas churchwarden, Celia Liney.
Picture: D.J.Wheadon
**********
CHEERS, YOUR GRACE
LOCAL TREATS in store for the Duke of Kent when he attended the opening of a £400,000 Church Centre at St.John’s, Weston super Mare were a Somerset blue cheese and bottle of Somerset apple brandy.
Bishop Peter Price dedicated a project opening up the Church for wider community use and the recasting of the Church’s eight bells.
The Duke met Church and town officials and unveiled a plaque.
The picture shows, the Duke with Rector, Revd Richard Taylor, PCC lay chairman,Philip Summers - and his gifts. photo: Alain Lockyer.
**********
YOUTH FORUM UP AND RUNNING
THE LAUNCH of a Youth Forum is enabling Sedgemoor Deanery’s young people to make their voices heard, while also giving them a chance to encourage other youngsters.
The Deanery’s Youth Project has received funding from Gcap Media plc - V Project and, says, Deanery Youth Development Worker, Sarah Blake, this means young people from the different Churches can raise their profile with the forum.
“It represents their voice, raising their views, enabling them to work together, encouraging others and carrying out training.”
Events will include a team building day, celebratory event and monthly activities.
Funding will also help establish Liquid Faith, a non alcoholic cocktail bar, which will be available for hire for any youth groups, event or school clubs.
For details contact Sarah on 01823 690042 or 07783305835, email: sarah@blaketraining.co.uk
Picture shows young people aged 12 to 18
**********
VET PETER GOES WORLD WIDE
A CHURCHWARDEN who has combined a busy working life involved in the welfare of animals with support for overseas aid charities, is Bath and Wells’ new World Development Representative.
Peter Merson of St. Giles, Thurloxton, says first he will meet people with links in world development, or who are planning events highlighting the issues.
“I see the role as raising awareness of development issues from a Christian perspective and acting as a resource for Churches, schools and the community,” he said.
Peter worked as a vet before moving to the Milk Marketing Board, becoming the first Chief Executive of the Milk Development Council funding research and development in the dairy industry. He is also an accredited mediator with the Centre For Effective Dispute Resolution, is training in family mediation and is a non executive director with Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation.
Peter, a long term supporter of Oxfam, and his wife Rowena went on a sponsored 184 mile walk along the Thames Path for Christian Aid in 2005 raising £1,250. The couple returned to his roots at North Petherton in 2006 and have a family farm there. He can be contacted on: 01278 662240,email: peter.merson3@btinternet.com
Picture shows Peter
**********
PURSUING A VISION
READER AT Holy Trinity, Nailsea, Peter Nott, recently retired from the police service, and his wife, Jane, a nurse and counsellor for young people, are to travel to the Middle East to work as Mission Partners with the Church Mission Society.
The couple, who have previously served as CMS volunteers in Bethlehem, and the West Bank and say: “We are looking forward to sharing God’s love by engaging with oppressed, poor and forgotten communities.
“Our vision is to use our skills and experience to assist local Christian communities and reach out into the surrounding population.”
They will work with local populations on projects serving the community.
For details of their mission and possible support for them contact Julie Whitefield on 01865 787524.
The picture shows Peter and Jane Nott.
**********
A hard slog for the adults but fun for the children
IT WAS the turn of the adults to put in the effort for the school when the Parents And Friends Association of Combe St. Nicholas Church of England Primary organised the annual 10K run around the paris..
Last year’s event took place in driving rain, but competitors were luckier this time.
Winner was Tim Hughes with a record 37 minutes 7 seconds.
An earlier Fun Run was won by Aaron Stayner from Shepton Beauchamp.
Organisers are hoping the event will raise nearly £2,000.
The picture shows the adult runners.
photo: D. J. WHEADON.
**********
WILLOW CROSS TELLS ITS STORY TO PASSERS BY
A WILLOW cross created over Lent beside a village Church gave a powerful message of God’s presence to drivers passing by on a busy main road.
St. Lawrence’s, Rode is cut off from its village by the busy A361, with hundreds of cars each day having to slow down at a bend there when they meet one of the many articulated lorries also using it.
Curate, Revd Philip Hawthorn, whose idea the cross was, did about ten minutes’ work on the cross most days until Good Friday so drivers could see it changing and growing.
“It showed there is life in the Church,” he said.“It represented the work of the community the cars were passing through, with willow coming from people in the village.”
Congregations, the school, bell ringers, women’s group, scouts, cubs and the village generally added their weavings, symbolic of being woven together as a community.
“As we made our weavings we prayed for the people passing, he added.
“It also has a theological undercurrent as work in progress showed we believe God is working in each of us to bring us to completion.
“God wants the very best for us and those we love, both individually and as families and communities.
“A notice next to the cross told anyone stopping to see that it is a sign that we wish them God’s richest blessings at Easter and beyond.”
Picture shows Philip Hawthorn and the Cross
**********
FACE UP TO IT, VICAR, THIS IS WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE
SHHHH. DON’T tell your Vicar but the brains behind the children’s art competition Paint Your Vicar this year are toying with the idea of something even more dramatic next year - actually painting the Vicar.
Wouldn’t it be mind boggling to see clergy blowing in the wind on a washing line, they thought - but, no, probably your clergy are safe from that.
Meanwhile children from First and Primary schools throughout the Diocese responded enthusiastically to this year’s contest and the winning entries from each school were displayed in The Old Dea-nery.
They were finally judged by a panel including Bishop Peter Price’s wife, Dee, and the seven finalists have been asked to paint a portrait of the Bishop.
Winners were: Kyle Savage, St. Peter’s First School, Jennifer Wade, Lympsham First, Hannah Elliot, High Littleton Primary, Viola Nelson, Batheaston Primary, Imogen McDermott, Saltford Primary, Jacob Bell, High Littleton Primary, Lucy Emanual, St. John’s Primary.
 
**********
|
