Readings for December and January The monthly Anglican/Methodist Newsletter to help you as you prepare for services ‘Christian Love in Action’
Sunday 2nd December (P) Sunday 30th December (W) Advent Sunday 1st Sunday of Christmas Jeremiah 33: 14-16 1 Samuel 2: 18-20, 26 CONNECTED 1 Thessalonians 3: 9-13 Colossians 3: 12-17 Luke 21: 25-36 Luke 2: 41-52
Sunday 9th December (P) Sunday 6th January (W) 2nd Sunday of Advent Epiphany Malachi 3: 1-4 Isaiah 60: 1-6 Philippians 1: 3-11 Ephesians 3: 1-12 Luke 3: 1-6 Matthew 2: 1-12
Sunday 16th December (P) Sunday 13th January (W) 3rd Sunday of Advent 2nd Sunday of Epiphany Zephaniah 3: 14-20 Baptism of Christ Philippians 4: 4-7 Isaiah 43: 1-7 Luke 3: 7-18 Acts 8: 14-17 Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22 Sunday 23rd December (P) 4th Sunday of Advent Sunday 20th January (W) Micah 5: 2-5a 3rd Sunday of Epiphany Hebrews 10: 5-10 Isaiah 62: 105 Luke 1: 39-45 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 John 2: 1-11 Monday 24th December (W) Christmas Eve Sunday 27th January (W) Hebrews 1: 1-4 4th Sunday of Epiphany John 1: 1-14 Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31a Tuesday 25th December (W) Luke 4: 14-21 Christmas Day Isaiah 9: 2-7 Luke 2: 15-20
DECEMBER 2018
Note: readings may vary at some services, according to the theme JANUARY 2019 44
Contacts KEY DATES
Church Chapel Monday—each week Rector Revd Lynne Burgon Bookworms, Black Torrington Chapel 2.00 pm—4.00 pm Revd Preb Kathy Roberts 01805 624392 The Rectory [email protected] Black Torrington Beaworthy Rural Worker: Wednesday—each week Andy Jerrard 07801 755732 EX21 5PU Items for weekly pew sheet to [email protected] 01409 231279 [email protected] [email protected]
Reader/Ordinand: th Mark Neave 01409 231556 Chapel Stewards: 4 Thursday—each month Thursday 29th November [email protected] Time Out, Black Torrington Village Hall. 12.30 pm Black Torrington Don Harkness 01409 231825
Churchwardens:
Black Torrington, St Mary’s st Bradford 1 Friday—each month Friday 2nd November Sheila Grabham 01409 231581 Cake and Coffee, Black Torrington Chapel, 10.00 am—12.00 noon Val Letheren 01409 231430 (chapel now closed for worship)
Bradford, All Saints, with Cookbury, St John Shebbear/Lake nd Martin Taylor (PCC Secretary) Graeme Quance 01409 281248 2 Saturday—each month Saturday 10th November 01409 281327 Benefice Saturday Church, Bradford Village Hall, 10.00 am Sheepwash Highampton, Holy Cross Helen Orr 01409 231199 Jackie Ody 01409 231459 Woodacott Bob Luckhurst 01409 231555 Last Saturday—each month Saturday 24th November (chapel now closed for worship) Black Torrington Village Hall Table Top Sale, St Mary’s Table
Thornbury, St Peter’s 10.00 am—12.00 noon David Whitehead 01409 261777
th Benefice Website Circuit Website 18 —each month Sunday 18th November www.black-torrington-benefice.org.uk www.torridgecircuit.co.uk Items for Connected and Mission Community News to [email protected]
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Hatherleigh Rotary Club Contents
Christmas Auction to raise funds to take those who Church and Chapel Contacts 2 don’t get out much across the whole district, Contents 3 to the Pantomine in Holsworthy Benefice Services 4 Hope Chapel Services 7 Saturday 8th Decenber Musings from Meadowbank 8 The George Hotel, Hatherleigh Advent Course, Prayers 10 7.30 pm approx. start Candles in the Dark 11 Eco-Tips, Harvest Heroes 12 Food Bank 13 Reverse Advent Calendar 14 Any gifts for the auction would be gratefully appreciated. Holy Cross, Highampton 15 Table Top Sale 16 Volunteers 17 Remembrance Sunday 18 Highampton School Remembrance Service 19 Please note change of co-ordinator House of Rachel 20 until the New Year Christmas Funnies 21 A group of people who pray privately December Calendar 22 (and in strict confidence) January Calendar 24 for specific situations. Benefice News 26 Sewing for Life 27 If you, or anyone you know, is in need of prayer Christmas Carol Services 28 for any reason, please contact: Cake & Coffee, Time Out, Bookworms 29 Co-ordinator Safeguarding 30 Sheila Grabham—01409 231581 December Saturday Church 32 [email protected] Pastoral Group, Lift list 33 Advent Carol Service 34 Prayer requests can also be sent to: Margaret Taylor and Maureen Christingle Service 35 Ellis and these will be forwarded to Sheila for distribution. Crib Service 36 Midnight Communion Service 37
Maureen Ellis - 01409 231309 [email protected] Christmas Day 38 Wordsearch 39 Margaret Taylor - 01409 281327 [email protected] January Saturday Church 40
Quiz Night 41 ...and if you would like to be part of this unseen but Rotary Auction for pantomime, Prayer Chain 42 essential ministry, please contact Kathy Roberts Key dates 43 or Maureen Ellis Readings for December and January 44
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Black Torrington Benefice Services in December and January Services at parish church unless otherwise indicated
Saturday 1st December 6.30 pm Black Torrington Holy Communion 7.00 pm Black Torrington Compline
Sunday 2nd December 10.30 am Bradford Holy Communion 6.30 pm Thornbury Advent Carols
Thursday 6th December 8.15 am Black Torrington Morning Prayer 8.30 am Black Torrington Silent Prayer 9.00 am Black Torrington Holy Communion
Saturday 8th December 10.00 am Bradford Village Hall Benefice Christmas Saturday Church followed by Holy Communion 7.00 pm Thornbury Compline
Sunday 9th December 10.30 am Black Torrington Holy Communion 3.30 pm Highampton Informal Service
Tuesday 11th December 9.30 am Bradford School Carol Service
Thursday 13th December 8.15 am Black Torrington Morning Prayer 8.30 am Black Torrington Silent Prayer 9.00 am Black Torrington Holy Communion
Saturday 15th December 3.30 pm Bradford Christingle Service
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Sunday 16th December 10.30 am Black Torrington Holy Communion 4.30 pm Bradford Carol Service
Monday 17th December 9.30 am Black Torrington School Carol Service
Tuesday 18th December 2.30 pm Highampton School Carol Service
Thursday 20th December 2.30 pm Burdon Grange Carol Service 7.00 pm Black Torrington Carol Service
Friday 21st December 7.00 pm Thornbury Carol Service
Sunday 23rd December 10.30 am Thornbury Holy Communion 6.30 pm Highampton Carol Service
Monday 24th December CHRISTMAS EVE 4.30 pm Black Torrington Crib Service 11.30 pm Bradford Midnight Communion
Tuesday 25th December CHRISTMAS DAY 10.30 am Highampton Holy Communion
Sunday 30th December 10.30 am Black Torrington Holy Communion
Wishing you a Blessed Happy New Year
Sunday 6th January 10.30 am Thornbury Holy Communion
Saturday 12th January 10.00 am Bradford Village Hall Benefice Saturday Church followed by Holy Communion
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Sunday 13th January Jesus is Born Wordsearch 10.30 am Black Torrington Holy Communion (Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with Chapel) 3.30 pm Highampton Informal Service
Thursday 17th January 8.15 am Black Torrington Morning Prayer 8.30 am Black Torrington Silent Prayer 9.00 am Black Torrington Holy Communion
Saturday 19th January 6.30 pm Black Torrington Holy Communion 7.00 pm Black Torrington Compline
Sunday 20th January 10.30 am Bradford Holy Communion 11.00 am Black Torrington Chapel (Week of Prayer for Christian Unity) 6.30 pm Black Torrington Café Church
Thursday 24th January 8.15 am Black Torrington Morning Prayer 8.30 am Black Torrington Silent Prayer 9.00 am Black Torrington Holy Communion
Sunday 27th January 10.30 am Thornbury Holy Communion 3.30 pm Highampton Holy Communion
Every Week Monday and Wednesday—Morning Prayer 8.00 am St Mary’s, Black Torrington Tuesday—Prayer Breakfast 8.00 am The Rectory, Black Torrington PLEASE NOTE there will be no Morning Prayer Or Prayer Breakfast from Monday 24th December until Monday 14th January
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Torridge Circuit Circuit Administrator: Mrs Sheila Babb 01805 622949 December and January Services at Hope Chapel, Black Torrington
Sunday 2nd December 11.00 am Circuit Service in Bideford (Coach leaving about 9.45 am)
Sunday 9th December 11.00 am Revd Sue Macbeth
Sunday 16th December 11.00 am Revd Lynne Burgon (S)
Sunday 23rd December Carol Service 11.00 am Mr Roy Harris
Sunday 30th December 11.00 am Informal Service
Sunday 6th January 11.00 am Dr David Hudson
Sunday 13th January 10.30 am United Service at St Mary’s, for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Sunday 20th January United Covenant Service 11.00 am Revd Lynne Burgon (S)
Sunday 27th January 11.00 am Revd Chris Bourne
Lake Chapel, Shebbear
9.00pm on the last Wednesday of every month Compline -
a short service for the end of the day, a particular blessing
at the day’s end when there is nothing to rush off to afterwards!
Contact Helen Orr 01409 231199 for further details.
Our Circuit has a Superintendent Minister, Revd Robert (Rob) Blackhall, who can be contacted on 01804 628041 (Day off Friday) or [email protected]
Our Chapel is supported by Revd Lynne Burgon (from C of E) as our Minister. She can be contacted on 01805 624392 (Day off Friday and Saturday) or [email protected]
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More Musings from Meadowbank …
As Kathy and Peter are now enjoying some well-earned R&R, swapping our blustery British autumn for the spring of South Africa, the pen (or should I say, mouse) has been passed to me for another of my irregular ‘guest appearances’ in Connected.
The seasons of spring and autumn are quite similar in a way – they both cover transitional periods in the year, when the weather is either warming up, or cooling down, and this is reflected in the changes we see in the countryside around us. But while the changes in spring seem to occur at a measured pace, those at this time of the year can be more sudden and unpredictable.
Green leaves are transformed into unbelievable hues of red and gold almost overnight – and then, with the first storms of November, they are gone. Blink, and you will miss it. It seems such a waste – all of that beauty, reduced in a matter of days to a leafy carpet, and then a sludgy mass, blocking our drains and gutters. But then, that is what God’s generosity is like – outrageously abundant, but like the manna in the desert, you have to grasp it while it is there – you cannot store it up.
When we go on a journey, we usually plan the route beforehand. So we may look at a map, or use our sat-nav, to plot the shortest or quickest route. But quickest isn’t always best. And the same is true of our journey through life. As we approach Christmas, there can be a temptation to fill every hour of every day, in a hectic whirl of shopping, preparing food, visiting family and friends, going to parties.
But as we enter the season of Advent, with its chocolate-filled calendars and barrage of television advertising for this year’s ‘must have’ presents, it is important for us to take time out – time for waiting and reflection; time to be aware of God’s presence, of paying attention, and listening out for his promptings. But a word of warning – following these may not always lead where you expected! 8 37
When Moses first encountered God, it wasn’t what he had expected to happen that day. He had been tending his father-in-law’s sheep, and had led them close to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. And an angel of God appeared to Moses in a burning bush. But the bush wasn’t right in front of Moses – the passage in Exodus tells us that Moses had to ‘turn aside and look at this great sight’.
Moses could have just glanced at the bush, and carried on his way. He could have decided to come back the next day, to see if the bush was still burning. But instead, he stopped. He took time out to go and look at the bush, and in doing so, he encountered the living God.
Like Moses, we should always be on the look-out for what God is showing us, and listening for what he is saying to us – and be ready to take time out, to change direction, so that we too can experience a closer encounter with him. And we need to take those opportunities when they are presented to us. If we put it off to another day, the opportunity may have passed.
We may not come across a burning bush, but the signs of God’s presence are all around us. Next time you see a beech hedge, stop and take a closer look. There among the crinkled copper leaves, clinging on against the autumn winds, you will find the slender new buds containing next year’s growth – the promise of new life amid the old. So this Advent, take some time out, and allow yourself to be distracted by God – even waste time with God – and be ready to be surprised at what he may show you.
Mark Neave
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Advent Course 2018:
Just a thought – if you are free on a Monday evening, why not come along to this year’s Advent course, entitled ‘Candles in the Dark’. Each session uses a mixture of scripture readings, music, candle-light, prayers and reflections, to help us prepare for the coming of Christ, the light of the world. The course will be held on Monday evenings at the Methodist Chapel in Black Torrington, starting at 7.00pm (doors open 6.45pm), and lasting for around one hour. The four sessions will take place on 26th November and the three following Mondays. Each session is ‘self-contained’, so you do not have to commit to coming to all four – just come along when you can – you will be most welcome.
Mark Neave
Holsworthy Mission Community Prayer
Loving God, receive our love, refresh our vision, renew our lives, so that together our Mission Community may witness to the truth of your gospel, build up our fellowship and deepen our commitment to grow in prayer. May our lives of discipleship draw others to follow Jesus Christ. Lead us into creative ways to service the people of Devon with joy, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Prayer for Christmas Joy
Loving, generous Father, This Christmas, please help us to keep you at the centre of our preparations and celebrations. May our thankfulness for the gift of your precious son, Jesus, motivate all that we think and say and do. May the joy of His coming shine from us and attract those who don’t know what Christmas really means, so that they want to find out! In Jesus’ name and for His glory, Amen. by Daphne Kitching
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Pastoral Group ECO-TIPS
Do your food shopping online The following persons may be contacted to arrange a home visit for you, a friend or relative. Shopping from the comfort of your own home might feel lazy but it’s Visits can include Holy Communion if desired. actually doing wonders for the environment. Be assured that any contact is confidential.
It eliminates car trips and associated carbon emissions by using one Revd Preb Kathy Roberts 01409 231279 delivery van, while the majority of major supermarkets also offer Peter Roberts 01409 231799 customers the option of requesting “no bags” when ordering in a bid Mark & Rose Neave 01409 231556 Sandra Holland 01409 281128 to be more eco-friendly. David & Sue Whitehead 01409 261777 Do you have any eco-tips to share? Please send them to Sheila Wendy Stratton 01409 231426 Grabham for future editions of Connected - Need a lift?
The following persons may be contacted if you HARVEST HEROES need transport. This may perhaps be to an event/church service, or a medical appointment.
Black Torrington Benefice We are always happy to organise car sharing – Thank you for supporting our Harvest Heroes Appeal! don’t be shy – just ask!
We are saying a big ‘thank you’ for your kind donation of 130.22kg of food to our Appeal (this is the equivalent to 310 meals). Your support this autumn means that we are able to continue to provide Peter Roberts 01409 231799 vital food and supplies to people in crisis over the coming months. Margaret & Martin Taylor 01409 281327
David & Sue Whitehead 01409 261777 Thank you once again for your support, and we hope that you will Sandra Holland 01409 281128 consider supporting us again in the future.
Kind regards If you can offer transport please let Sheila Grabham know, so that Duncan Withall (Trustee) Northern Devon Foodbank she may update this list. [email protected] 01409 231581
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The Northern Devon Foodbank is a local charity supported by local organisations and churches as a service to the community. We work in partnership with frontline care professionals to identify needy people of any age or disposition.
We are affiliated to the national network of foodbanks and provide a minimum of three days non-perishable emergency food to local people in crisis. All food is donated by the local community. Between April 2017 and March 2018 we supplied food to 6135 people (3966 Adults, 2169 Children).
Food parcels typically contain Breakfast Cereals, Soups, Baked Beans, Tomatoes, Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Fruit, Puddings, Biscuits, Pasta or Rice, Tea or Coffee, Fruit Juice, Milk and Sugar. Where possible we also include some ‘Treats’ (chocolate, snack bars, etc.), toiletries and household items.
Our Current Shopping List
We are pleased to receive any of our food parcels items but at the moment we especially need:
Tea Pasta Sauce Milk (dried) Soup Fruit Juice (not refrigerated) Tinned Tomatoes Instant Mash Potato Vegetables (tinned) Sponge Pudding (tinned) Instant Coffee (small) Tinned Fruit Toiletries Toilet Rolls Volunteers from all sectors of the community help collect, warehouse and distribute food. Please help us now by donating food, your time and funds to meet our expenses.
Thank you!
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WORRIED ABOUT A CHILD OR VULNERABLE ADULT?
Please speak to your Parish Safeguarding Representative if you have any concerns for the well-being of a child or adult, or about the behaviour of someone towards a child or adult.
Your Parish Safeguarding Representative is: Name: Gina Finch Contact: [email protected] or 07821478337
If you cannot reach your Parish Safeguarding Representative, please contact your parish clergy or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team:
Charlie Pitman, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - 01392 345909 Charles.Pitman@exeter.anglican.org
Stephen Edgeley, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer - 01392 345910 - [email protected]
Phill Parker, Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser - 01392 294969 - [email protected]
For general enquiries - [email protected]
IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM?
If you believe somebody is at immediate risk of harm or that a crime has been committed, dial 999
If you have serious concerns about an individual’s well-being, you should contact the relevant agencies:
Concerns about children Devon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): 0345 155 1071
Please notify your Parish Safeguarding Representative and/or the Diocesan Safeguarding Team after contacting any of these agencies.
Concerns about adults Devon - Care Direct: 0345 155 1007
Domestic Abuse Devon helpline for professionals and individuals: 0345 155 1074
Rape Crisis National: 0808 802 9999 Devon & Torbay: 01392 20417
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Volunteering and safeguarding. Church of the Holy Cross, Highampton
A sincere and huge thank you to everyone who came to our Harvest Our benefice of churches relies on volunteers coming forward to get Luncheon on 30 September and a special thanks to all the helpers. involved and support the running of the churches, and we are immensely grateful to all who have volunteered, to be Church It was a wonderful meal (or maybe we should say feast) and a very Wardens, members of PCC, ministry team, servers, readers, enjoyable occasion, which raised well over £650 for the church funds. intercessors, organists, flower arrangers and cleaners to name but a JackieOdy and Bob Luckhurst, on behalf of Highampton PCC. few. Without these volunteer roles how ever big or small the churches, the body of Christ, would struggle to offer the services it Highampton School Harvest Festival – 10 October does to the church and local community. So if you have some time to From arrival onwards, we were treated to expressions of welcome spare and would like to get involved please contact your nearest and joy by the children. Here was a display of participation in all Church Warden or member of the Parochial Church Council and you aspects of the school’s Harvest celebration. will be most warmly welcomed. The service started promptly at 2.30 pm, with readings by class 2 of As with all organisations that support vulnerable children and adults “what is Harvest? – Harvest celebrations”. Class 1 then continued we do follow an informal recruitment process for those roles that with their contributions of “What I know about Harvest”, followed have more contact with these groups. This would mean filling out a by their own poems and dance. It was then the turn of Class 2 again short application followed by a criminal records checks. We have a to read Autumn leaf poems and to display their own drawing of an duty of care to protect the most vulnerable in our communities Autumn leaf. which is why all volunteers that work with children or vulnerable The whole school combined to sing a couple of songs with “catchy” adults should complete this process. There are many roles that do tunes: “Under the Harvest Moon” and “Big Red Combine not require this recruitment process so that everyone, from what Harvester” (one of those tunes that lingers in the mind afterwards). ever background, can be involved. Such enthusiasm, joyful singing and rhythmic action! Encores necessary, of course! Safeguarding is everyones responsibility so if you have a worry or a The pre-school children also took part and added to the joy of the concern please contact a Church Warden, member of Clergy or afternoon. myself - Gina Finch - you will find my contact details on the safeguarding notice on the opposite page of this magazine. Finally, there was a reading and prayer from “the church”, represented by Kathy, Morag, Mark and Rose.
In the meantime- get volunteering! There was a sizeable audience of Mums, Dads, Grandparents and supporters, the church being represented by Jackie, Bob and Jan. Gina Finch The afternoon’s celebrations finished with expression of thanks by the Headteacher.
Bob Luckhurst
Apologies to Highampton for omitting these in the November copy of Connected. Sheila Grabham
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Cake and Coffee Black Torrington Chapel Friday 7th December 10.00 am—12.00 noon
This popular fund-raising event takes place on the first Friday of every month.
We have passed over £250 to Rachel House, an orphanage in Bulgaria, that Don Harkness visited in October to put his building skills to good use. And should shortly be handing over £250 for the youth work in Holsworthy
Time Out Lunch The next Time Out is on Thursday 24th January
It is open to anyone who would like to come. There is no set charge but donations are appreciated. It would be helpful to know numbers a day or two beforehand.
Please let Maureen know on 01409 231309
Bookworms
Usually open on Monday afternoons at Hope Chapel, Black Torrington from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, Do stop for a chat and a cuppa even if you don’t want to borrow a book or change your book. Please note: Bookworms will not be open in December
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Christmas Carol Services Black Torrington Table Top Sale
School Carol Services 10am—12.00 noon at The Village Hall To be held in the Parish Churches On the last Saturday of each month (except July and December) Bradford
Tuesday 11th December 9.30 am
Black Torrington
Monday 17th December 9.30 am
Highampton
Tuesday 18th December 2.30 pm Help is required each month at this Benefice event
All Saints Church, Bradford As well as manning the stalls, Sunday 16th December 4.30 pm we require produce, cakes, jams, pickles, chutneys etc St Mary’s Church, Black Torrington for the Benefice Stall Thursday 20th December 7.00 pm and Raffle Prizes Burdon Grange
Thursday 20th December 2.30 pm Help is also needed at approx. 8.30 am for putting up the St Peter’s Church, Thornbury tables and then putting them away at 12.00 noon. Friday 21st December 7.00 pm It would be good to get a list of volunteers to call upon so if our Hope Chapel, Black Torrington regular people are unavailable to have others that could stand in. Sunday 23rd December 11.00 am
Holy Cross Church, Highampton This event supports all of the Churches in the Benefice. Sunday 23rd December 6.30 pm Black Torrington, Bradford with Cookbury, Thornbury and Highampton
This is a good social event each month with the benefit of yummy bacon and eggs rolls with tea and coffee
If you could spare a couple of hours, please contact Mark Neave 01409 231556 [email protected]
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Remembrance Sunday Sewing for Hope
It was a joy to see so many people at the Black Torrington War I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who kindly Memorial on Remembrance Day. Thank you to the riders for bringing donated to the Sewing For Hope appeal. their horses. The story of 'War Horse' reminds us of the many thousands of horses killed in the First World War. On arrival in a very hot and sandy Iraq we immediately set about
setting up two new sewing centres in two refugee camps Back at the church Remembrance Service Mark gave a very moving in Darashakran and Debaga. address and showed us a piece of barbed wire. This with the constant bombardment of gunfire caused untold injuries and death to so many We then spent the rest of the week teaching some ladies from the soldiers. Mark then wove the wire into a crown of 'thorns' - camp how to sew. We then focused on teaching the women how to reminding us of another who paid the ultimate sac- make the Jajim bags which will be sold around the world rifice.
The women will continue to work in the sewing centres and sew the We will remember them. bags. The money raised from selling the Jajim bags will go back to the Jackie Nutt ex WRNS women so they can earn a stable income and begin to rebuild their lives.
Before the events of 11th November recede from our memory until Thank you all again next year, it seems to me that there is confusion about what the day actually means. It is a day of National Remembrance to remember all Jo Lawrence those who gave their lives for our freedom. The red poppy is a symbol of that loss. It is not a glorification of war at all, but a chance to say thank you and remember those who died so that we might have our freedom, a freedom that is not truly appreciated until it is threatened. Everyone is remembered, of all colours, creeds and race. The names that are read out in our churches on that day are of those who gave their lives for us and that freedom. It is not a day to make a political point by wearing a different coloured poppy. Of course all of us want peace, but sometimes that peace has to be fought for and it is the sacrifice made by ordinary men and women who make it possible to be able to have the freedom to think and say different things. But on Remembrance Sunday please wear a red poppy and do not disrespect the memory of all those who died for us.
Janet Fisher
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Some Benefice News Highampton School Remembrance Service 13th November 2018
On a bright and sunny day, the children from Highampton school Happy Birthday to all who celebrated a Birthday in processed into the church, accompanied by teachers and helpers. November including: After a few minutes, they were settled and eagerly awaiting the start Mike Welch of this special remembrance service. They were joined by a few George Bell children from the Highampton pre-school. In addition, there were Cyd Churchill some parents and other adults there to swell the congregation.
Roger Lawes One of the reasons for the service being so special was that much of Barbara Pett the content and preparatory work was down to the children Margaret Grabham themselves, as well as the presentation. Geoff Pitt William Priest It started with an introduction and prayer, followed by a special poem “We will remember them”. Then came a tribute to those from Happy Birthday to all who will be Highampton who lost their lives in war service, each individual name celebrating a birthday in December being read by a different pupil. A poignant moment followed as a including: special wreath from the school was laid on the altar; and this led into a period of silent prayer and remembrance. Mark Neave Maureen Ellis Next came information about the war by the children and a talk by Peter Ellis—celebrating his 80th birthday. Congratulations!! Morag on the background and significance of the different coloured Jackie Ody poppies, which led into a sharing of the peace and singing of the hymn Chris Stratton “Lord of the future, Lord of the past”.
John Plummer The final treat was a wonderful solo performance by one of the Peter Roberts talented pupils, who sang “Tipperary” and “Keep the home fires Elizabeth Plenty burning”, leading to the closing prayer. Chris Lock Our thanks to the Headteacher, staff and children of Highampton Congratulations to all who will be celebrating a Wedding school for the hard work that produced this moving service. Anniversary in December includ- ing: Jackie and Dudley Ody Vera and Roger Bryant
Bob Luckhurst
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BT Village Hall & Fete Committee St Mary’s Church Hope Chapel Newton St Petrock & Male Voice Chor Residents of Black Torrington Calendar & Surrounding Areas January 2019
Dear all
It is with aMon sense of overwhelming gratitudeTue that I write this letterWed to thank you all Thu Fri Sat Sun for such amazing generosity. A total of £1187 was raised by your groups in order to support Don and The House of Rachel on our mission in Krivnya, Bulgaria. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Our ‘Krivnya’ project currently supports an orphanage and school for children with special needs. We have been working on this project for five years ever since learning that the facility was going to be closed due to the poor condition of the building. If the facility was allowed to close many of the children would have ended up on the streets or in the hands of the criminal gangs which prey on vulnerable children. There was no way we could let this happen and so the project was born.
Thanks7 Bookworms to our wonderful supporters8 Thornbury and the PCC willingness 9 of volunteers like Don we10 Lunch Club 11 12 Saturday Church 13 haveBT Chapelbeen able 2 -to4pm save the school10am andat Sarahome Lawes and change a dark, soulless building Black Torrington into a thriving, lively community full of colour and joy. The director and staff of the home have been so encouraged by the compassion and generosity of our supporters they have played a very important role in developing the education and wellbeing of the children to a level where their work has been recognised by the Education Authorities so that more children now attend the school and have the opportunity of an education that was previously unavailable. 14 Bookworms 15 16 17 18 19 20 For us, this is the perfect way of working for the children; our charity and the BulgarianBT Chapel staff 2working-4pm in partnership with a common aim – to improve the lives of the children and offer them futures full of hope.
Thanks to your generosity, Don and the rest of the team were able to spend a week in Krivnya. Don was on our building team who were responsible for demolishing an old ceiling and replacing it with a new one. The room in question was21 previouslyBookworms closed and unusable22 because of the risk 23of falling debris. It was not 24 Time Out Lunch 25 26 Table Top Sale 27 an easy project as the room was 16m x 8m and the ceiling was 6m high. Despite havingBT Chapel only very 2- 4pmbasic scaffolding towers which had to be moved for every ceiling Black Torrington Black Torrington board the team worked tirelessly to ensure the job was finished. The room is now 10am—12noon completely safe and can be used again. Additionally, our other team spent the week organising activities for the children (art, craft, games, music, sport etc) using the Quiz Night Bradford theme of ‘Creation’ and after seven days made a beautiful college of the seven days 7pm of creation. The children had a wonderful week and for many our visits are the highlight28 Bookworms of their year, they are29 already asking when we30 will be going back. 31
PleaseBT Chapel accept 2the-4pm thanks of all of us at The House Of Rachel and I hope that this little glimpse into our work will help you to understand what a difference you have made in the lives of these precious children. Yours Faithfully A K Morgan Andrew Morgan
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Desert Island Vicar Calendar January 2019
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 Bookworms 8 Thornbury PCC 9 10 Lunch Club 11 12 Saturday Church 13 BT Chapel 2-4pm 10am at Sara Lawes Black Torrington
Christmas Dilemma
14 Bookworms 15 16 17 18 What a19 dilemma for a slimmer20 BT Chapel 2-4pm Eating all that Christmas fare, Getting fatter, what’s it matter? It’s only once a year.
Now the party has begun, Crackers and cheese and party hats 21 Bookworms 22 23 24 Time Out Lunch 25 Turkey with trimmings,26 Table presentsTop Sale with27 ribbons, Figgy pudding – do we still eat that? BT Chapel 2-4pm Black Torrington Black Torrington Food a-10amplenty,— 12noonplates all empty WaistbandsQuiz bursting, Night Bradford no room left, Soon we’ll reach for the Alka Seltzer 7pm That’s the truth, I do not jest.
28 Bookworms 29 30 31 Celebrations, assignations, party frocks with lots of bling, BT Chapel 2-4pm But the reason for the season Is the Baby in the manger, came to earth as a stranger Peace on earth and joy to bring.
by Megan Carter
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Calendar December 2018
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1 2 Advent Sunday
World Aids Day
3 4 5 Ladies Christmas Lunch 6 7 Cake & Coffee 10am— 8 Saturday Church 9 12 noon BT Chapel
10 11 12 13 BT Lunch Club 14 15 16 Bradford Carol Service 4.30 pm
UN Human Rights Day
17 18 19 20 Black Torrington 21 Thornbury Carol 22 23 Highampton Carol Carol Service 7pm? Service 7pm Service 6.30 pm
24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day 27 28 29 30
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