September Parish Newsletter
A message from the Rector
Thoughts on Parish care and building community
Community life in the Parish has many facets. Pat and I are learning about these and, as I have written before, we have loved the welcome we have received as we have settled here over the last year. We are both community people, and a lifetime of working in the NHS – work that totally depends on teamwork and respect – has reinforced this. It is good to live and work together, and realise how interconnected we are.
We need each other, and such relationships are built up with civility, respect and gentleness. I believe this in turn brings out the best in all of us – we all have interests and skills that contribute to the flourishing of this community. As in any worthwhile relationship, there will be things to work at, and things on which we think differently.
One of the big challenges for the Christian church is how to live well with difference. Too often we have seen particular groups (especially those who are feeling vulnerable or under threat) gather together, and then claim that their point of view is right and everyone else is wrong. This behaviour in the Church of England has been likened by one recent university academic to ‘tribal’ behaviour.1 This can lead to a breakdown in trust, and then division.
I believe that living in community, when (if we are honest) people see our true selves, should make tribal behaviour less possible. Communities go on developing all the time. One of Covey’s coaching habits2 for effective working is called ‘win win’. This habit says that we should avoid an “either / or mentality”, but rather look for mutual benefit. We deal with our differences with integrity and maturity, working on the belief that there is plenty for everyone. It’s important to keep the conversation about difference on track and truthful. If the facts become distorted by chit chat, then this can lead to misunderstanding. This must be resolved.
As a Parish Church, St Mary’s is watching with close interest the proposal about the Pear Tree Community Farm. If this does go ahead, we would be neighbours. The Church’s Parochial Church Council discussed the farm proposal some weeks ago. We had heard rumours about ‘what the Rector was saying’, or ‘that the church was telling people how to vote’. Neither were true. In our discussion, there were individual differences of opinion, but we agreed that, if the farm did get the go-ahead, we as the neighbouring church community, would support its aims, and work together for its development. The consultation period is now closed. And so, we wait.
Last Sunday we held a celebration service at St Mary’s church looking at Luke, and the objective evidence he gives in his Gospel for the faith we believe. One aspect of faith is prayer, and one way of wondering how things might develop in the future is to pray. So, after the service and a picnic lunch, we had an afternoon devoted to asking God for his guidance on the developing life of St Mary’s church. This can give comfort in our waiting and an optimism for the future.
Revd Prebendary Nigel Rawlinson
News from St Peter’s
Things have been moving on at St Peter’s since my last report. The pile of stones at the back of the churchyard has been removed and the ground levelled. It looks much tidier. Repairs to the roof are in hand. We are also waiting for a recommendation from the diocese for a Heritage Window Restorer as our windows need some repairs.
During our service on the 23rd of August, we were pleased to celebrate the work of the flower arrangers and in particular Pip Campbell and Joyce Huitson who are retiring from the flower rota after 40 years of service!
We remembered Mike White who passed away recently. His funeral was held on the 18th August, and was attended by many people in the village. As the hearse drove down the High Street the church bells, that Mike knew so well, were rung by Hugh Warren and his team, many of whom had been taught to ring by him.
News from St John’s
August has been a quiet month. We had our usual first Sunday of the month Communion service and the weekly service of Evening Prayer has continued each Tuesday. This is appreciated by those who attend.
The kitchen ceiling repair is now finished, and we will be pleased to have easy access to the kitchen area again once the scaffolding is removed.
Harvest Festival at St John’s will be at 6.00pm, followed by a meal. Liz
News from the school
The term is getting underway as I write. There is sense a of fresh excitement, as the school looks forward to welcoming new pupils.
And welcome to Grant Swarbrooke, the new head, who is starting this term. The St Peter’s team is looking forward to supporting the school curriculum.
Services
September 6th 10.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Holy Communion
September 6th 12.30 St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke BCP communion
8th at 5.30 St John’s Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
13th at 10.30 St Peter’s, Freshford Holy Communion
15th at 5.30 St John’s Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
20th at 10.30 St Mary’s Limpley Stoke Harvest festival and Communion
22nd at 5.30 St John’s Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
27th at 10.30 St Peter’s, Freshford Harvest Festival
29th at 5.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
Ladies Wednesday walking group
Our next walk is on September the 9th, followed by October 14th, November 11th and December 9th.
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.
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. Penny
Need a lift? Think LINK
A reminder that the Limpley Stoke and Freshford LINK service is available to residents in both villages who lack the means to get from A to B. Volunteer drivers will transport you to a doctor’s appointment or local hospital, as well as to shopping or social visits. The service includes the delivery of prescriptions from the Galleries for those unable to collect them. If you have a car and some free time, why not consider becoming a LINK driver. Details at freshford.org.uk or you can contact the LINK co-ordinator on 07714 169216.
List of contacts
Rector
Nigel Rawlinson rector@flshc.co.uk or Tel: 07304 498491
Churchwardens St Peter’s, Freshford
Roland Birchby birchbyr@gmail.com or Tel: 01225 723432
Debbie Ashcroft debbieashcroft@live.co.uk
Churchwarden St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse
Liz Wordsworth hintonwords@icloud.com
Churchwardens St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke
Trevor Quartermaine redadmiral7965@gmail.com
David Sibley dssibley38@gmail.com
Parish Administrator
Debs Jones contact.parishoffice@gmail.com 01225 720347
Safeguarding Officer
Lesley MacKenzie lesleyjmackenzie@gmail.com
Pastoral coordinator
Rachel Moore rachelfreshford@gmail.com
School coordinator
Penny Murray pennylanemurray@aol.com