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12 November 2017— 3 Before Advent St Mary’s (Remembrance Day) SP6 1BB

On this Remembrance Sunday we gather together in our churches to remember. We remember all those who fought and St Mary’s those who died in our two world wars and in many other bloody conflicts. We also bring to mind all those who go on fighting in wars today. SP6 2DF For some people, the pain and suffering they experience is so great that any talk of commemoration is tinged with bitterness. Holy Ascension Talk of reconciliation and forgiveness can provoke anger, and a Hyde feeling that no-one understands the horror and brutality of war. SP6 2QJ For others the commemoration is the opportunity to acknowledge the horror of war and we can express gratitude for St Giles the measure of cooperation that has been achieved between some nations. Godshill Others find themselves close to despair, because we seemed to SP6 2JJ have learned so little. We see history repeating itself and conflicts going on endlessly. Christian poet Malcolm Guite writes St Boniface this of Remembrance Sunday. I offer it to you for reflection: November pierces with its bleak remembrance of all the SP6 2AJ bitterness and waste of war;

Our silence tries but fails to make a semblance of that lost peace they thought worth fighting for, St Mary’s Our silence seethes instead with wraiths and whispers and all Hale the restless rumour of new wars, SP6 2RF For shells are falling all around our vespers, no moment is unscarred, there is no pause. In every instant bloodied innocence falls to the weary earth, Uniting Church and whilst we stand SP6 1PT Quiescence ends with acquiescence and Abel’s blood still cries from every land. One silence only might redeem that blood; only the silence of a dying God. Rev Nicky Davies READINGS - for you to use today and during the week

12 November 2017— 3 Before Advent (Remembrance Day)

COLLECT:

God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.

WISDOM 6:17-20 (For Morning Prayer)

17. The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction, And concern for instruction is love of her,

18. And love of her is the keeping of her laws, And giving heed to her laws is assurance of immortality,

19. And immortality brings one near to God;

20. So the desire for wisdom leads to a kingdom.

A Reading from the First Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians

I Thessalonians 4:13-18

Christians in Thessalonica were worried that people who had already died might miss out on the possibility of resurrection at Jesus’ second coming.

13We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. 15For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. 16For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call and with the sound of God’s trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord for ever. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words.

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 Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. (Glory be to thee, O Lord.)

Matthew 25:1-13

The first of three parables about Judgement, this one emphasizing the need to be on the watch

Jesus spoke this parable to the disciples: 1‘The kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; 4but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. 6But at midnight there was a shout, “Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” 7Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.”

9But the wise replied, “No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.” 10And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. 11Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” 12But he replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.” 13Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’

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 peace, whose Son Jesus Christ proclaimed the kingdom and restored the broken to wholeness of life: look with compassion on the anguish of the world, and by your healing power make whole both people and nations; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN.

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 also make contact with the above e-mail address.

Contact: Fiona Gover or 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 TO CALLERS MONDAY TO FRIDAY 10.30am to 12 noon GARY OUT AND ABOUT : Monday, Gary has a Governors Training Day at Hyde School, on SIAMS, the Church School Inspection System, followed by Evensong at the Cathedral, and PCC at Fordingbridge. Wednesday, Ministers' Breakfast at Alderholt, Communion at Frogham Chapel, a visit from a class at Breamore School to the Church, and Men's Group at Hyde in the evening. Thursday, meetings in the morning, 'Story and Song' at Fordingbridge Nursery in afternoon, and a meeting of the Southern Area Team of Area Deans, Bishop and Archdeacon in the evening. Friday, Staff Team Morning for discussion and planning, joining Rachel for the Toilet Twinning Celebrations at Fordingbridge Schools, and ATC in the evening.

‘A SPOTLESS ROSE’ : Sunday 26th November at 4.00pm at St Mary’s Church, Hale. A concert of Advent Music and Christmas Music. Church and paths to be lit for a festival concert by candlelight. The Hale Ensemble (directed by Canon Gary Philbrick), along with Hale's Angels will perform a varied programme including Howells, Macmillan, Tavener Warlock and Praetorius, and congregational carols. In aid of Church Funds and Trussell Trust. Tickets £8.50 (Concessions £5, Children £3) - including seasonal refreshments — from Church Office 01425 653163, Woodgreen Village Shop or Revd Nicky Davies 07931 413629.

ST ANDREW’S EVENT : You are warmly invited to support our next fundraising event which is a celebration of St Andrew to be held in St Mary's Church Hall on Saturday 25th November 2017. Doors open at 7pm, dinner at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 and include a Scottish cocktail, three-course dinner and amusements. There will be a raffle and a bar. To book please call me on 0145 656189 or email [email protected]. We look forward to your company, och aye! Jane Calver.

MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL, 2018 - November 27th, 7.30p.m., the first meeting to plan the 2018 Festival in June. Anyone interested is welcome to come.

ADVENT LUNCHES AND COMMUNION : Communion will be at 11.30am on the following dates—Wednesday 29th November, 6th and 13th December, followed by Advent Lunch in the Church Hall at 11.45am. Enjoy fellowship with a simple lunch of soup, bread and cheese. No charge but donations welcome!

FORTHCOMING SERVICES : 3rd December - Advent Service at 6.30pm at Fordingbridge and Christingle Service (Café Church) : at 4.30pm at Hyde

BEING CURIOUS ABOUT GOD : Tuesday 21st November and Tuesday 12th December. John Towler and Daphne Himmel will be doing two sessions at Slate Cottage, 27 Bridge Street, Fordingbridge

HYDE MESSY CHURCH : Please note that Messy Church will be on 20th November (not the 13th as previously advertised)

ADENT QUIET MORNING : Saturday 2 December from 9.30am to 12.30pm at St Mark’s Church, Highcliffe, BH23 5AA. All welcome to join as we being the Advent season with quiet reflection around some of the characters who were waiting for something to happen.

ON WAITING : Monday 20th November, at Sarum College. An Evening of Poetry and Reflection with Malcolm Guite and Dr. Paula Gooder

BEREAVMENT SUPPORT - Help Needed : As part of the ongoing bereavement support throughout the Benefice, we are now working in partnership with the GP surgery (meaning that SP6 Friendship Group and Hyde Fellowship Group will be have referrals from the GP surgery). There are three main areas that we need help: 1. Befriending bereaved people who need companionship; 2. Offering telephone support to people who are bereaved; and 2. Making tea and coffee at the Miscarriage Support Group in the Avonway Community Centre. If you feel that you can offer help in any of these areas please contact Kate Wilson on 01425 540669

MICHAELMAS : we are helping to pack Christmas Shoeboxes for Trussell Trust on Tuesday 21st November at Wiltshire College, 7-8.30pm. If you would like come, either give your name to Helen (655462) or Viv (01725 512267) and we can then sort out lifts. You can bring your shoeboxes, preferably filled, with you.

HYDE MOTHERS’ UNION : Tuesday 14th November at 7.30pm in FROGHAM CHAPEL when our speaker will be Revd Kate Wilson, who will talk to us about her work as a Hospital Chaplin. Please note that, due to darker nights, we shall meet at Frogham Chapel and not at the Church Centre.

CHILDREN’S SOCIETY BOXES : It is that time of year again and I need to count all of those lovely boxes that you have been filling. If you have a box please can you drop it into the Church office, or telephone me to arrange collection from you. I would like to get them counted before the beginning of December so please can I have them as soon as possible. Thank you. Sarah Farr 01425 655319

SP6 FRIENDSHIP GROUP : This month’s SP6 Friendship Group Meeting for people who have been bereaved, is being held on Tuesday 14th November from 10.00am -12.00pm at 16 Waverley Road, Fordingbridge, SP6 1EX. If you would like to attend or would like more information, please phone Kate Wilson on 01425 540669. A very warm welcome is assured.

PRAYERS FOR HEALING : We have been discussing at our Pastoral Visitors meeting a desire to re-introduce Prayers for Healing and the end of one of our morning services at St Mary’s Fordingbridge. If you would like to participate in this ministry, we are holding a two hour exploration session at 16 Waverley Road. The dates are 9th December at 10.00am or the 11th December at 10.00am. (you only need to come to one.) If you would like more information please speak to Gary on any of the ministry team. Please let Kate Wilson know if you would like to attend by phoning 01425 540669. SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE DEPARTED : Sunday 26th November at Holy Ascension, Hyde. If you would like a loved one to be remembered as part of the service, please contact Heather Clark (01425 656820)

SOUP AND PUD LUNCH : Friends of Fordingbridge Museum Soup and Pud Lunch, Saturday 18th November in St Mary’s Church Hall, noon till 2pm. All welcome to this friendly, social occasion: home-made soups, delicious puddings and tea/coffee all for £6.50. Tickets at Fordingbridge Bookshop or on the door.

FORDINGBRIDGE ROTARY CLUB QUIZ : Friday 17 November at 7pm (for prompt 7.30 start) at Avonway. Maximum of 6 per team, tickets £10 per person including cold supper. Licensed pay bar. Call Iain Savage on 01425 655269

TOFSS (Too Old For Sunday School) : plan to meet at 15 Provost Street at 10.45am on Thursdays 16 November & 14 December. Refreshments. All welcome. Phone John and Pat Bloomfield for further details, 837735.

LAUDAMUS WINTER CONCERT : will take place on Sunday 3 December at 2.30pm at Village Hall (SP6 3NR). A variety of music will be sung including works by Durufle, Faure, Elgar, Britten, Rutter and Chilcott. Tickets are £10 on the door or £8 in advance, obtainable either by contacting Jenny Davis on 07779 629780 or through the website: [email protected]. Coffee/tea and mince pies will be served at the end of the concert.

FORDINGBRIDGE PLAYERS present: Curtain Up ! a comedy by Peter Quilter : 23rd-25th November in the Victoria Rooms. A very funny play about five women who inherit a theatre and decide to fund raise to get it back to it's former glory, there even promises to be a special appearance by a very super star! Tickets are just £8 and are available from Jessicas, or on-line via the box office at www.fordingbridgeplayers.org.uk Come and join us! Sarah Farr

REFLECTION : “It is good to talk” A popular slogan years ago when telephone numbers were being changed and when mobile phones were introduced. Nowadays we complain that no one talks except on their phones. Two teenagers gave up their phones for a week to prove they were not addicted. By the end of the week they were desperate; one said she felt lost when walking to school - she did not know how to say ‘hello’ to people! At the Eye Clinic there are long waiting periods so no shortage of chat, but then the people are mostly elderly - a useful reflection. On Saturday Nicky told us how the Big Issue Street Vendors not only want to sell papers, they love to chat, to tell their story. To live in a truly inclusive community is very necessary especially at this time of remembering our loved ones and those lost in wars. We need the comfort of being free to talk or just be with people in quietness. May we know the love of God and find peace in His Presence in our daily life. Daphne Himmel This Week — 12 November 2017 3 Before Advent (Remembrance Day)

Sunday 12 Nov 8.00am Holy Communion Fordingbridge 10.45am C of E Morning Service Sandleheath 10.50am Remembrance Service Fordingbridge 10.50am Remembrance Service Hyde 10.50am Remembrance Service Hale 10.50am Remembrance Service Breamore Monday 13 9.00am Morning Prayer Fordingbridge 7.00pm Fordingbridge PCC Church Hall Tuesday 14 10.00am SP6 Friendship Group Fordingbridge 7.30pm Hyde Mother’s Union Frogham Chapel Wednesday 15 9.00am Morning Prayer Fordingbridge 10.00am Holy Communion Fordingbridge 10.00am Joint Communion Frogham Chapel 7.45pm Meditation Group—Church Fordingbridge 7.00pm Hyde Men’s Group, Royal Oak North Gorley Thursday 16 7.30pm Bell ringing Fordingbridge Friday 17 2.30pm Hyde Friendship Group Hyde 6.45pm Choir Practice Fordingbridge Sunday 19 Nov 8.00am Holy Communion Fordingbridge 8.30am Holy Communion Hyde 9.00am Morning Service Godshill 9.30am Sung Eucharist Fordingbridge 10.00am Morning Service Woodgreen 10.00am Worship for All Hyde 10.45am Morning Service Sandleheath 11.00am Holy Communion Breamore 11.30am Baptism Fordingbridge 4.00pm Baptism meeting Fordingbridge 6.30pm Pre-Advent Compline and Fordingbridge Address