July Parish Newsletter
A holiday refection from the Rector
Pat and I have just been away on leave. I write to share some thoughts…
We go to NW Scotland. I find inspiration in the hills. With faith, I find God is there. We also see first-hand the geology of creation – rocks, millions of years old, and equatorial fossils. It is awe-inspiring.
I find that such times of rest and prayer have three parts – just like our services. There is, first, a time of worship – when we seek and find God, and find we cannot help but praise him, declaring our love for him. Second, we are (metaphorically if not actually) on our knees asking to be forgiven for those things we have thought, said and done wrong. Often it is only when we stop that we realise this need. Then, third, there is time of learning and inspiration – seeking his guidance for the next things to do.
This is what happened this year:
Worship: Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm; he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Confession: I found myself focussing on this mantra – said slowly and reflectively, pausing between each line:
Come, my Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God my saviour; have mercy on me a sinner
Come, my Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God my saviour; have mercy on me
Come, my Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God my saviour; have mercy
Come, my Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God my saviour;
Come, my Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God
Come, my Lord Jesus Christ,
Come, my Lord
Come.
And third, inspiration. Another psalm seemed to point the way. I try and remember that the psalms were known to Jesus – they were his prayer book. So, we can read them, and by adding “In Jesus name” they can become our prayer…
My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old – things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob, and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds, but would keep his commands. (Psalm 78: 1-7)
So, as we begin the next era of worship, restoration and teaching, we will try and reach all generations – thinking of our forefathers, their children, our children and the children yet unborn – telling of the hope in the good news of Jesus Christ. Amen
Revd Prebendary Nigel Rawlinson
News from St Peter’s
We were proud to host the wedding of Horatio and Louisa at St Peter’s in early June. Despite heavy rain their wedding was a wonderful event and thanks to Selina and Bill who provided umbrellas at the last minute everyone remained relatively dry.
The discovery of a blocked toilet in the church after this happy event highlighted the everchanging role of a warden. The plumber duly arrived on Monday and immediately questioned me about my role in the church, he asked me about my faith and explained that he was interested in Christianity. Not one to miss out on an opportunity I explained while we hovered over the inspection chamber together! Joyce reminded me as she passed me weeding outside the Old Bakery that it’s ‘all in the life of a Churchwarden’ and she’s right!
Services after this at St Peter’s are on the 12th and 26th July. Debbie
News from St Mary’s
We had two services in June. The monthly, traditional service of BCP Holy Communion service is now held on the 2nd Sunday at 12.30. Revd Ken Madden held this on the 14th. Numbers were low this month, possibly because of the change of date. The congregation asked for more BCP services when Nigel was appointed. Please spread the word. It would be a shame if BCP services become a thing of the past.
There was a joyful baptism service at our usual 10.30 on the third Sunday, led by Revd Simon Winchcombe. Delilah Dibble, Hattie and Jake’s daughter was welcomed into the church family.
The first concert in our mini-series was very well supported on Sunday 28th. An audience of over 50 enjoyed an informal hour of pieces played by the Quercus Quintet. Prosecco and cakes also went down well. We look forward to the next one, a harp recital given by Morgan Williams, on Sunday 12th July at 3.00pm. Do come and support the concert once again. In the recent hot weather St Mary’s has been a cool oasis in which to escape the heat!
David
News from St John’s
We had our usual first Sunday of the month Parish Communion service on 7th June taken by Nigel before his holiday. Since then, we have had two small, but worthwhile Evening Prayer services. We are dealing with the Loss Adjuster over the insurance payment for the ceiling repair at present. I checked the church after our monsoon rainfall recently and was relieved to see no additional problems.
Hinton Fete is on 4th July and will be opened by Nigel while celebrating his birthday. Part of the proceeds go to St John’s so do come and support it. Liz
School news
It has been great to see the school rehearsing Shakespeare in the pew-free space in St Peter’s this term. Thanks to the churchwardens, and everyone, who helped clear the chairs after our services. Pupils, staff and parents are looking forward to the performance. Nigel
Fete news
Once again, the sun came out on cue… perfect weather. The final amount raised will be shared between the two village halls. Our tea tent was very popular indeed and we raised a record amount… about £550. The delicious cakes on offer were a very big draw, as well as the huge tent provided by the hall committee, which allowed fete goers to find a shady spot to take a break. Our new banner, obtained by Nigel, ensured that everyone knew who we were!
Huge thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways… our wonderful bakers and all those who helped on the day. Penny and Rachel
Services for July
5th July 10.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Common Worship Holy Communion
7th July 5.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
12th July 10.30 St Peter’s, Freshford Common Worship Holy Communion
12th July 12.30 St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke BCP Holy Communion service (New time)
12th July 3.00 St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke Harp Recital
14th July 5.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
19th July 10.30 St Mary’s, Limpley Stoke Common Worship Holy Communion
21st July 5.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
26th July 10.30 St Peter’s, Freshford Morning prayer, led by the team
28th July 5.30 St John’s, Hinton Charterhouse Evening prayer
Ladies Wednesday walking group
The next date for the walking group is the 8th of July. There won’t be a walk in August. Dates commence from September the 9th, 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