The Parish of Freshford, Limpley Stoke and Hinton Charterhouse
How was Easter for you? Did you make it to some or many of our services? Maybe you joined us at the Agape on Maundy Thursday, or the walk on Good Friday, or even the sunrise service on Easter morning? I must admit as much as I love the sunrise service and its meaning, remembering the women coming to the tomb at the first light of day, this year with the hour going forward was particularly challenging and I have to say I fell asleep in the afternoon!
Even more strange to me was to think that this is another milestone toward retirement, my last Easter as an Incumbent of a parish! Someone asked me on the walk between Freshford and Hinton would it be strange to retire and I have thought about this a lot! Most of you were able to get your accommodation sorted at some point during your working life, we, however, having always lived in tied accommodation (beneficed property) have to start from scratch. I must say selling a house and buying another, more suitable to all our needs in an area we left some 30 years ago is unsettling. I know moving is one of those stressful moments in life but for the first time we are moving into our own place, with all the responsibilities of that, on top of which is getting to know a whole new community of people.
I love the way that God has always led his people and Lindy and I are trusting for this leading again. I know I will not give up preaching, as long as there is a congregation to hear. I will not stop ministry but will seek to serve wherever we go.
Our family moto has always been from Joshua 24:15 ‘as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’ and we will endeavour to continue to do this when able, but as for going into a new community I take heart from another promise of God ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ I know this was not written for us but for Joshua as he had the unenviable task of leading the Jewish nation into their inheritance. Moses had found them a real challenge and a trip that should have taken them just 22 days took 40 years because the people refused to trust in God’s word. ‘I do not know what lies ahead…… but I know who holds the future’ From a hymn by Alfred Smith!
We have not gone yet and we look forward to continuing our ministry with you.
Mike
So what is the pattern of our services in April 2024?
7th April 10.30am Morning communion in St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse
14th 10.30am Morning service in St Peter’s, Freshford
21st 10.30am Morning service and Baptism in St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke
28th 10.30am Morning communion in St Peter’s, Freshford
5th May 10.30am Morning communion in St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse
Morning prayer
Wednesday Mornings 8.30am at the Old Bakery.
Please join us as we pray for the parish. Pam Southam
Midweek Holy Communion service *
At St Peter’s Church, Freshford on Wednesday 24th April
at 2.15pm
* This is an informal service using more traditional language and pre-consecrated bread and wine. The service will last for approximately 30 minutes.
Wednesday afternoons – Tea, cake & chat
Please do come and join us in the Old Bakery on Wednesday afternoons from 2.30 – 4.00 for tea, coffee, cake and chat. Everyone is very welcome.
Ladies Wednesday walking group
The next walk will be on the 10th of April, 1st of May, 5th of June, 10th of July, 7th of August, 4th of September, 9th of October and the 6th of November. December date to be decided nearer the time. Debbie Ashcroft
Monday Zoom sessions
If you don’t get out much and feel like a chat, a small group of us
zoom together for 45 minutes on a Monday morning. To give it a try,
please contact Penny Jones on jonespennyg@gmail.com.
List of contacts
Rector
Rectorymike@gmail.com Tel 01225 723570 (Day off Friday!)
Churchwardens St Peter’s, Freshford
Roland Birchby birchbyr@gmail.com Tel: 01225 723432
Debbie Ashcroft debbieashcroft@live.co.uk
Steve Ashcroft steveashcroft@hotmail.co.uk
Churchwarden St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse
Karen Roberts-Wray (Grattage) kgrattage@me.com Tel: 01225 729364
Churchwardens St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke
Kathy Tucker Kathltucker.cleevefarm@gmail.com Not available
Richard Hutchinson Richardloshhutch@aol.com
Administrator
Debs Jones contact.parishoffice@gmail.com Tel: 01225 720347