weekly PARTNERS newsletter

8 July 2018— Trinity 6 St Mary’s

My grace is sufficient… SP6 1BB Thank you, Avon Valley Partnership, for the warmest of welcomes

last Sunday. Being ordained on my birthday was one of the most precious moments, and I am so thankful to God… St Mary’s As you are reading this, I have undergone a small hip operation SP6 2DF (on Friday 6th). Reflecting on this week’s reading from 2 Corinthians, I have been really challenged by how God often uses perceived weaknesses as a source of strength and blessing. Holy Ascension

I was hoping to start my curacy ‘all fired up’ but I have been Hyde reminded that a mountaintop experience can quickly be replaced SP6 2QJ with a limp through a valley…

Paul wrote about his contentment when faced with weaknesses, St Giles insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities (verse 10). I doubt Godshill that any of us are lining up to pray that prayer! SP6 2JJ

The incomparable goodness of Christ that strengthens us in the midst of difficulty is one of the more quizzical components of St Boniface discipleship – something that is awfully hard to experience – but Woodgreen with hindsight we can see the Lord’s protection and how we SP6 2AJ were sustained by his loving strength.

In what ways have you experienced the grace of God in times of St Mary’s weakness? Has it been sufficient for you? How? Hale

To close with a prayer that has been on my lips… SP6 2RF As a child reaches out to the security of a parent’s arms, so I reach out to you, my Father God. Wrap me in your loving strength, I pray. Amen. Uniting Church Mike Trotman SP6 1PT (‘Hopping’ to be back with you all soon!) We welcome all, especially visitors and those attending for the first time. If you need gluten free wafers at Communion, please speak to someone at the door before the service. Please take this newsletter home with you for the week ahead. Please stay after the morning service for tea and coffee, to meet folk and ask any questions. God Bless READINGS - for you to use today and during the week

8 July 2018 — Trinity 6

COLLECT:

Creator God, you made us all in your image: may we discern you in all that we see, and serve you in all that we do; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

PSALM 48 (For Morning Prayer)

1. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised, in the city of our God.

2. His holy mountain is fair and lifted high, the joy of all the earth.

3. On Mount Zion, the divine dwelling place, stands the city of the great king.

4. In her palaces God has shown himself to be a sure refuge.

5. For behold, the kings of the earth assembled and swept forward together.

6. They saw, and were dumbfounded; dismayed, they fled in terror.

7. Trembling seized them there; they writhed like a woman in labour, as when the east wind shatters the ships of Tarshish.

8. As we had heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, the city of our God: God has established her for ever.

9. We have waited on your loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of your temple.

10. As with your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is full of justice.

11. Let Mount Zion rejoice and the daughters of Judah be glad, because of your judgements, O Lord.

12. Walk about Zion and go round about her; count all her towers; consider well her bulwarks; pass through her citadels,

13. That you may tell those who come after that such is our God for ever and ever. It is he that shall be our guide for evermore.

A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians

II Corinthians 12:2-10

Paul writes of an experience which convinced him that God's grace is sufficient for his needs.

2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3 And I know that such a person - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows – 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

At the end, the Reader says: For the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. THE GOSPEL READING Please stand and turn to face the Gospel Reader

When the Gospel is announced, the Reader says: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark. Glory to you, O Lord. (Glory be to thee, O Lord.)

Mark 6:1-13

The reaction of people in his own village prevents Jesus from working among them. The disciples are sent on a practice mission.

1 Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10 He said to them, ‘Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as 12 13 a testimony against them.’ So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

At the end, the Reader says: (At the end, the Reader says: This is the Gospel of the Lord. This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Praise be to thee, O Christ.)

(c) New Revised Standard Version of the Holy Bible. POST COMMUNION PRAYER:

God of our pilgrimage, you have led us to the living water: refresh and sustain us as we go forward on our journey, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

GARY OUT AND ABOUT :

Monday, Wedding at Breamore in the afternoon, followed by Breamore School Performance, and a joint Breamore and Hale & Woodgreen PCC Meeting. Tuesday, Rural Ministry course in all day, New Parents' Evening at Hale School, and leading Padre's Hour at the Air Training Cadets in the evening. Wednesday, Assembly at Hyde School at lunchtime, and working with year 6 at Breamore to prepare the End-of-Year Service, and the Music & Arts Festival Washup Meeting in the evening. Thursday, Governors' Meeting at Hale School in the afternoon, and Staff Meal in the evening. Friday, St Swithun's Day Service for the College of Canon's at Winchester Cathedral. Saturday, The Madding Crowd Concert at the Hulse Hall, Breamore.

HOLIDAY AT HOME : Could you help? Holiday at home is a Churches Together initiative that provides a meal & food parcel for families in need in our area. This Summer will mark our 1 year anniversary. We have seen more families benefiting from the provision of a cooked meal once a week during the School holiday period. This provision is only possible with the help of volunteers, if you feel that you could help in any way please contact Jo Williams on 07909711886 or at [email protected] The session dates are 31st July, 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th August & we run from 9.30am to 2pm (allows for set up & pack down time)

GODSHILL COFFEE MORNING : Wednesday 11 July, starting at 10am with a short 15 minute service, or come along after for coffee and cake. All welcome. Traidcraft stall and computer/phone advice.

HYDE MOTHER’S UNION : We shall be holding our Summer Supper Party at 6.30pm on Tuesday 10th July at "Gorley Firs", by kind permission of John and Kathleen Lyon. This is a bring and share event and we look forward to a most happy evening together.

HYDE TENT SERVICE : There will be a “Songs of Praise” style service in the Frogham Fair Tea Tent on Sunday 29th July at 10am. Hyde Band will be accompanying the singing. All welcome to attend.

ONE VOICE SUMMER CONCERT : William Shering’s mixed choir is holding a summer concert at the United Reform Church, Fordingbridge on Monday 16th July at 7.30pm. For tickets ring Viv 01725 512267. Limited sales on the door!

EMERGENCY PRAYER CHAIN : Please send all requests for prayer to [email protected]. If you feel able to commit to regular prayer for those on the list and wish to become a prayer partner, please make contact via the above e-mail address.

THE MADDING CROWD : The Madding Crowd are coming to the Hulse Hall, Breamore on Saturday 14th July at 7.30p.m. Enjoy the opportunity to hear the music that was played and sung throughout in Georgian times, when village bands and choirs played for entertainment and dancing as well as in church every Sunday. Tickets £10, including light refreshments; available at the Woodgreen Shop, The Fordingbridge Book Shop, Edna Dymott 01725 512343 and Lynette 01425 657650. Proceeds to St Mary’s Church, Breamore

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOURED—Wimborne 14th July : One of the writers and presenters of ‘The Bible Course’, Dr Andrew Ollerton, together with Christian comedian, Paul Kerensa and singers ‘Sound of Wales’ will be at The Lantern Church, Wimborne on Saturday, 14th July. Their show of music, laughter and learning follows the theme of ‘The Bible Course’ and explains how key events, books and characters in the Bible fit together. If you are part of the group attending The Bible Course at Hyde or would like to get a glimpse of its theme to consider joining us on a later course, this should be an entertaining evening. As of today, they are almost sold out but I have some tickets (cost £6) for anyone who would like to join us – first come first served! I am sure we can arrange shared transport as well. Julian Sims (07887 637047)

FORDINGBRIDGE FESTIVAL : 21st July is the Fordingbridge Festival from 10.30-5pm at the recreation ground. A full day of fun with a kids’ area, horses, dogs, crafts, food, drink, music and FREE parking on-site and in town. Discounted tickets on sale now from shops around the town. If you are interested in helping us with marshalling, please email [email protected] ASAP. If you give us some time, you get a wristband for free entry.

TOFSS (Too Old For Sunday School): 10.45-12.30pm Thursday 12 and 26 July at 15 Provost Street. Come and join us to look at J I Packer’s study guide “Meeting God”. Open to all. Bring your bibles, or you can borrow one when you come. Refreshments. We look forward to seeing you. Further details John and Pat Bloomfield 837735.

FLORAL DEDICATIONS: If you would like to dedicate one of the floral arrangements in St Mary’s, Fordingbridge to a special birthday, anniversary, occasion, in memory of your loved one(s) or simply for pleasure, please select an available date on the new Flower Planner displayed. During Advent we have permission for dedicated flowers to be placed appropriately. Please write your name and contact details in the space provided and place your donation in a named envelope labelled ‘Dedication for flowers’ and hand it to Helen Tague or Judith Dowsett. Alternatively your named and labelled envelope may be placed in the wall safe. The suggested donation for 2018 is £20. Thank you. FRIENDS OF FORDINGBRIDGE MUSEUM : Evening BBQ in aid of the Friends of Fordingbridge Museum on Saturday 14th July from 6.30pm at 25 Bridge Street with kind permission of John and Ann Pye. All are welcome. Tickets are £8 and can be bought in advance from the Museum, by phoning 01425 656109 or from Ann. Soft drinks available but please bring your own wine and, if you are able, picnic chairs. Parking in the car park opposite the Recreation Ground.

JULY OPEN DOORS free magazine is here! Please pick up a copy. News of our Christian family from around the world, and suggestions for prayer. Prayer makes a difference: think of what has been happening in North and South Korea! Many believe that the Berlin Wall came down as a result of prayer. Show God that you care for your Christian brothers and sisters by praying for them.

ENTRIES FOR PARTNERS: Please note that the deadline for entries is 12noon on the Thursday before each Sunday. Space may be limited so please keep articles as brief as possible, whilst including the essential information! Priority will be given in this order:- to AVP events, to events associated with AVP church groups, to charitable events in the AVP area, then to other events in the AVP area, and finally to events out of the area. We try to include as much as possible, but can't guarantee inclusion. Thank you for your understanding. Please use the various AVP magazines

REFLECTION :

Tuesday was St. Thomas Day, known as ‘Doubting Thomas’ because he refused to acknowledge the resurrection until he met Jesus himself and put his hand in his side. Yet Thomas was a very loyal disciple, The Gospel for His Day was the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The disciples did not want him to go to Lazarus because it meant him being in danger of people who wanted him arrested; only Thomas rather gloomily encouraged him. Jesus however is fearless knowing That God alone dictates ‘his time’

Having doubts is common to all; doubts abound in the on –going story of the twelve boys found in a cave in Thailand by two of the most experience divers. Doubts are now being raised about how they are to be got out before the Monsoons arrive. This seems to be a time when the force of nature is too strong for all the science, technology and human expertise. We pray that God will be present with the experts to dream up the impossible. We hold them all in the Light of God’s love.

Daphne Himmel This Week 8 July 2018- Trinity 6

Sunday 8 8.00am Holy Communion Fordingbridge July 9.30am Sung Eucharist Fordingbridge 9.30am Holy Communion Hyde 10.00am Morning Service Woodgreen 10.45am C of E Morning Service Sandleheath 11.00am Morning Prayer Breamore

Monday 9 9.00am Morning prayer Fordingbridge 3.00pm Wedding—Denis Vaughan and Stephanie Maul Breamore Tuesday 10 10.00am Coffee Morning Godshill 6.30pm Hyde Mother’s Union Garden Party Gorley Firs Wednesday 11 9.00am Morning Prayer Fordingbridge 10.00am Prayer Meeting Frogham Chapel 10.00am Holy Communion Fordingbridge 7.45pm Meditation Drop-In Fordingbridge Thursday 12 7.30pm Bell Ringing Fordingbridge Friday 13 10.30am Fairtrade Coffee Morning Woodgreen 6.20pm Choir Practice Fordingbridge

Sunday 15 8.00am Holy Communion Fordingbridge July 8.30am Holy Communion (and breakfast) Hyde 9.00am Morning Service Godshill 9.30am Sung Eucharist Fordingbridge 10.00am Worship for all Hyde 10.00am Holy Communion Hale 10.45am Morning Service Sandleheath 11.00am Holy Communion Breamore 12.15pm Baptism Breamore 4.00pm Baptism meeting in church Fordingbridge 6.30pm Evensong Fordingbridge

Contact : Gail Newell, Church Office, The Rainbow Centre, 39 Salisbury Street, Fordingbridge SP6 1AB Tel. 01425 653163 e-mail:[email protected] www.avp-benefice.org.uk CHURCH OFFICE OPEN - MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10.30am to 12 noon