Chaplaincy of Aquitaine
News Letter
May 2011
THE CHAPLAINCY OF AQUITAINE Assistant Chaplain’s Letter is part of the Church of England Diocese Bramwell Bearcroft in Europe, working in partnership with The Intercontinental Church Society, Just over twenty years ago I was in training to be ordained as a priest. As part of that training in ministry to people who speak English. I was ordered to spend the best part of a week It covers Gironde, Dordogne and Lot-et- at Cambridge Crematorium. My responsibility Garonne. was to conduct the funerals for those who did not know a priest or minister or those who had no contact with a church. Services are held at the following venues, please Every half an hour a service would take place and I would be see inside for details. called upon several times a day to lead the service. On one particularly miserable East Anglian day I found myself BORDEAUX (33) conducting a funeral where there was just one mourner; an old Chapelle de l’Assomption, lady who was hard of hearing. Resisting the temptation to ask her 370 bd Président Wilson, to ‘sing up’ during the two hymns we got to the end of the (opposite the British Consulate). service and she left quietly.
Wondering why I had ever signed up for all this I decided to go CHA CELADE (24) and sit in my car and eat my sandwiches. As I sat there I became Chapelle de Saint Jean, (opp. The Abbey) aware of some road markings just outside the crematorium but could not read the writing because of the rain. As the time neared SORGES (24) NE of Périgueux, for the next service, I left my car and wandered to the edge of the Eglise de Saint Germain, (in Le Bourg, on N21). road to read the road sign. There were yellow markings on the road and the sign read ‘Do Not Enter Box Unless Exit Is Clear’. Just a few days ago I found myself sitting in a meeting in a LIMEUIL(24) Catholic school building in the middle of Bordeaux. It was about Near Le Bugue, Eglise de Sainte Catherine; the fourth such meeting I had attended and the purpose of the gatherings was to hammer out the details for the large STE ATHALÈ E (24), East of Sarlat, ecumenical gathering planned for Bordeaux on Easter Sunday Parish Church, on D47 morning. I have to confess that I was beginning to get drowsy when suddenly the conversation became very animated. The ALLEZ (47): West of Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Armenians, The Russian Orthodox, The Catholics and all the others started waving their arms around and gesticulating. As the DO DAS (47): just off the D215, north only (very) Englishman there I struggled for a moment to gather east of Agen. what was going on until suddenly there seemed to be accord. « Le Christ est Resussité !, oui, Le Christ est Resussité ! » There was much back slapping and shaking of hands…….. they DOUDRAC (47): on D50 between had been trying to decide what was to be the headline on the Castillonès and Villeréal. poster. They all agreed on this one point. St Paul wrote ‘If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are E VALS (47): to the north of of all people most to be pitied.’(1 Cor 15,19) . If there is no Monflanquin. resurrection then Paul is right…all our services, meetings, councils, rotas, newsletters etc etc mean nothing and we are MO TETO (47): east of Duras, (Notre indeed to be pitied for wasting so much time and so much effort. Dame Parish Church). If however we believe that Christ is indeed raised from the dead then we do have much to shout about. The road markings and sign at the crematorium reminded me that our way has been BERTRIC BURÉE (24): Parish made clear by Jesus .We can live our lives to the full in His love Church, (D708 between Ribérac and Verteillac). and know that death does not separate us from that love. We can say in all confidence, ‘Le Christ est Resussité !’ Useful Numbers: 2 Chaplain: Revd. Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 73 , Our new website has become 8 Chemin du Garonna, 24240 Sigoules. [email protected] operational! It looks great! The address is: www. Assistant Chaplains: Revd. Caroline Gordon-Walker, churchinaquitaine.org The old website will be 05 53 29 36 03 La Vieille Ferme, 24170, in the air for a short while, and for those who St Germain de Belvès. [email protected] surf to the old address, arrangements have been made for them to arrive on the new site. I would like to thank Revd. Gillian Strachan , 05 53 58 12 58 Peter Robinson for being our webmaster over the last years. La Gravette, 24150 Bayac. [email protected] And I would like to thank Charlotte Sullivan and Amy Owensmith for working so hard on the new website. Please Revd. Elizabeth Morris, 05 53 58 71 90 use this address for sending updates, new articles etc: Maison Neuve, Plaisance, 24560, Issigeac. [email protected] [email protected] So do take the time to visit the new Chaplaincy website, you can keep up with all the latest news, and up and coming Revd. Bramwell Bearcroft, 05 56 40 05 12 1, Lotissement de la Caussade, 33270 Floirac events. Please also update your bookmarks. [email protected]
Revd. Brian Davies, 05 53 90 25 85 “Les Voix de la Bible” (Voices of the Petites Cotes, Nanteuil Auriac de Bourzac, 24320 Bible) [email protected] The annual continuous Bible reading Clergy with permission to officiate: at the Périgueux Cathedral will take place Revd. David Jones , 05 53 94 71 81 Le Bourg, in the days leading up to Pentecost! All are 47120 Loubès-Bernac. [email protected] invited to attend the opening ceremony at the cathedral on Wednesday June 8th at 7:00pm . The event will conclude with Revd. Roger Watts , 05 53 81 82 16 a celebration at 8:00pm on Saturday, June 11th . Readers can Vedelle, 24610 Villefranche de Lonchat. [email protected] sign up at: [email protected] The chaplain will give a seminar in English entitled Revd. Ann and Revd. Michael Wooderson, “The Gospel according to Exodus” on Thursday, June 9th 05 53 06 39 76 15 rue des Ecoles, 24750 Trélissac. from 15:00 – 16:45 . This talk will feature the book of Exo- [email protected] dus and its relevance to the rest of the Bible, and is open to [email protected] all. The venue is in the same location as last year: 8 rue de la
Revd. Canon Tim Thompson Constitution, located just across the street from the cathedral. UK: 01526 320 171 FR: 05 53 91 47 21 Also at the cathedral, an exhibition entitled “La Bible : [email protected] Arbre de Vie” will present various cultural aspects of the Bible, and how they affect our daily lives. The French film Revd. Stephen Traves, “Catholique Anonyme” will be shown at Cap Cinéma at [email protected] 8:00pm on Thurs, June 9th. Tickets are 5€, reservations required. Come to Périgueux to listen and/or read… night or Chaplaincy Wardens: John Ralph 05 53 57 59 67 [email protected] day, with your family, your friends, in groups… For more information, phone Amy Owensmith on: 06 07 04 07 77. David Tervet 05 53 20 86 69 [email protected]
Chaplaincy Administration : Amy Owensmith, 06 07 04 07 77, [email protected] Graham Kendrick Concert Prayer Chain Co ordinator: Madeleine Holmes 05 53 04 85 44 In partnership with Cafe-Church Bergerac our [email protected] Chaplaincy is organizing a Graham Kendrick concert on Friday 3 June in Bergerac. We have been kindly offered the ewsletter Editor: Christine Scott Tel/fax 05 53 29 39 40 use of St Jacques Church in Bergerac . The concert will [email protected] start at 20.00h . Church to open at 19.15h. Tickets are free of charge, but there will be a retiring eighbouring Chaplaincies: Poitou Charentes: collection to cover the costs of this great concert. We hope Revd. Michael Hepper, 05 49 97 04 21 that many of you will be able to attend...and please think [email protected] about inviting those who might not normally come to Midi Pyrenées & Aude: Revd Canon Andrew Hawken 05 63 95 78 24 [email protected] church...this is a wonderful outreach opportunity to share with others! Chaplaincy of Aquitaine: Tickets are still available; if you would like to come [email protected] please contact your sector rep as soon as possible with the Chaplaincy Website: www.chapaq.org number of tickets you would like to order: PTO Chap Aid Website: www.chap aid.com 3 Bordeaux: Jennifer Bearcroft - [email protected] Bertric Buree: Karla Flambert - [email protected] Sorges/Chancelade: Elizabeth Brook - [email protected] Limeuil: Amy Owensmith - [email protected] Ste athalene: Charlotte Sullivan - [email protected] Lot & Garonne: Tony & Chris Mullen - [email protected] Tickets will be issued early May by email. IMPORTA T: As places are limited, please make your booking soon....and please let us know if, having ordered tickets, you are not able to come. We need to know, in order that we can enable other people to come in your place. Looking forward to seeing many of you on the night! Blessings, Paul.
Chaplaincy & Chap-Aid AGMs
A very big thank you to all the team at Bordeaux who helped to provide a fantastic venue for this year’s AGM. Paul, our Chaplain, led us in prayer and opened the meeting with the words of Psalm 127 (vv1-2)
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved
It was good to be given a small insight into the vibrant lives of our different sectors, with spoken reports and power point presentations from Bordeaux and Ste Nathalène. Thanks and appreciation were given to Christine Scott for her work as newsletter editor and also to Peter Robinson for his work in maintaining and updating the Chaplaincy website. And there was positive news and feedback from our treasurer, Bill Fisher on the Chaplaincy’s finances. Bill has now stepped down as Chaplaincy Treasurer after 20 years’ fantastic service, much through difficult times where we were supported by ICS in order to keep going. Bill deserves a huge vote of thanks for his tremendous efforts – and managing to keep everything on track, no matter where he was in the world. Australia, USA, India, Cambodia, France – it made no difference! Thank you too that Bill will keep us going until the end of June, so that we can find a new treasurer. Roger Cheale reported back on all the worthwhile work and the many different charities supported by Chap-Aid throughout the year and Brian Hogarth gave the financial report. A fine bring-and-share lunch was enjoyed by all, and the day was rounded of beautifully by a Holy Communion service in the Chapelle. Again great thanks to all involved for making the day so special.
Charlotte Sullivan and David Tervet
Chaplaincy Retreat and Weekend At the Abbaye be Belloc, 64240 Urt, 30th June /1st July to 3rd July 2011.
Programme: Thursday-Friday, Silent Retreat Friday-Sunday Parish Weekend; Theme: ‘Change of Heart’ led by Revd. Steve Smith.
For more information and a reservation form please contact: Amy Owensmith, Combe de Besse, 24220 Coux et Bigaroque, tel 06 07 04 07 77 e-mail [email protected] before 23rd June, please. A wonderful weekend of fellowship, prayer, laughter, quiet times, worship and joy. Not to be missed! 4 Around the Chaplaincy Though we are many, we are one body.
No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck us from his hand; Till he returns or calls us home, Here in the power of Christ we’ll stand. Townsend and Getty.
CW Liz Oaten 05 53 05 42 76 Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 Chancelade/Sorges NL Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 PC Alexandra Billing 05 53 62 86 11 May Services Sunday 1st 11.00 All Age Worship Sorges - Patrick Sturges Sunday 15th 10.30 Holy Communion Chancelade - Paul Vrolijk Tuesday 24th 11.00 Holy Communion Sorges - Revds. Michael and Ann Wooderson
As I write this all the joy of Easter is yet to come, but you are now reading in the light of that glorious resurrec- tion morning. He is alive. Joy to the world. And yet we are told fewer and fewer people are experiencing that joy. They don't know about it because we, the people of the church don't tell them. Not just in church services and meetings, but at work, school and play we must 'show and tell ' Jesus to whoever we meet in life. We are to be salt, yeast and light in a broken world. It is our promise to Him who died for us, that we would follow Him whatever the cost. A few words and deeds do not usually cost us much in the free West, so let us all be determined to 'do our bit ' for Jesus every day, however humbly. Think how the world would change if we all did our mission work where we live and work and play. All joy to you all, and a filling of the Holy Spirit. Our Palm Sunday communion service at Chancelade was led by Fr Stephen Traves with music provided by Anthea Traves. A dramatized reading of St Mathews Passion brought it to life and gave all members of the congregation the opportunity to participate (even though we did have a female Judas and Centurion soldier!).
House Group During Lent the Sorges house group has been studying a selection of passages from the Bible Gateway Lent De- votions, which have been enjoyable and challenging. All are welcome to join this group (usually between 6-12 folks) as a one off or regularly. We have Bible study, sacred and secular discussions, prayer, socials and things in-between in varying doses!
Fundraising Events The Curry and Quiz evening held at Fleur de Jasmin in Thiviers courtesy of Donna & Ian Oxley was a great success and raised around 260 euros for Paralyses de France and Emmaus. The quiz taxed our brains and left some of us wanting...... the answers!
On the 25th May our Strawberry Tea will be held at the home of Elizabeth Oaten. Plants and books will also be on sale. Bring the family and their friends. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce someone to the Christian family and they will be sure of a very warm welcome.
Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer driveth away trouble and perplexity. Philip Melanchthon
If a thousand plans fail, be not disheartened. As long as your purposes are His, you have not failed. Thomas Davidson 5
Bertric Burée CW Janis Adams 05 53 91 32 89 Steve Long 05 53 31 36 48 NL Di Harris-Evans 05 45 98 05 31 May Services PC Karla Flambert 05 53 90 99 52 Sunday 1st 10.30am Service of the Word, Sheila Marshall Sunday 1st 6.00pm Evensong, Sheila Marshall Sunday 8th 10.30am Holy Communion, Rev Paul Vrolijk Wednesday 11th 11.00am Holy Communion, Rev Brian Davies Sunday 15th May 10.30am All Age Worship, Revds.Mike and Ann Wooderson Sunday 22nd 10.30am Holy Communion, Revds Mike and Ann Wooderson Sunday 29th May 10.30am Special Worship Service, Revd. Paul Vrolijk Everyone is welcome to stay for hospitality after the services
Prayer and Praise – Please join Karla and Roger Flambert at their home in Riberac on the 3rd Friday each month (this month is 20th May) for a Bring and Share Lunch starting about 1.00pm followed by singing, reflection and prayer. Tel 05 53 90 99 52 for more details.
HOME GROUPS : There are a number of existing Groups meeting in the Dronne Valley: Fortnightly on a Tuesday morning near Verteillac, contact Mike Duncan: 05 53 91 30 64. On the other Tuesday at Susanna Isaac’s home, near Riberac, contact Brian Cook on 05 45 98 43 00. Tuesday evenings near Riberac contact Karla Flambert 05 53 90 99 52. Thursday evenings in St Aulaye contact Steve Long on 05 53 91 96 48
WED ESDAY PRAYER GROUP is starting again on 4th May at Bertric always on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 5.00pm – 6.00pm.
More fundraising news... We enjoyed a Fish & Chip Supper with wine, PUZZLES AND RIDDLES - a fun evening was had by all on the 8th April. Fred and Steve bravely cooked for 50 people while Carole and Sue got out the bread and butter and wrapped the fish and chips in newspaper ready to serve. The evening raised 100€ for Fields of Life and 209€ for the Church. A very big thank you to Fred, Carole and Steve and not forgetting our lovely Jan for hosting the evening and marking the papers with Lionel. Thanks also to all who came along and supported us. How about 'Pies, puddings and Puzzles' next time?
Dan Jones and Friends in Concert The church was packed on 10th April in anticipation of enjoying a concert by Dan Jones and friends, and they were not disappointed. Dan played with gentleness and great musicality, while Stu McMurrough (guitar) and Cecile Lencement (harp) entertained us to a mixture from Irish jigs to a Pachebel canon. Dan started with classical guitar music by Vivaldi, Bach and “Cinq Morceaux Espagnol”. He then switched to his smaller 9 stringed Guitare du 17ème siècle and played a “Pavane & Canarios” by Gaspar Sanz. Dan showed his versatility with improvisations on pieces by Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington. The concert was given in aid of The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine and our charity Fields of Life with over 500 euros being shared between them. Many thanks to Dan and friends, the refreshment team and the many who helped in other ways.
A Prayer for Absolution The delete button on the keyboard before me erases every imperfection immediately. Just so, Lord, I trust you and ask you to obliterate my errors and faults speedily. Then I can begin a new day, a better way. A new page, in fact. Jennifer Gray 2010
Pastoral Care We can provide company, hospital visits, a phone call, a shoulder to cry on and hopefully much more. We really would appreciate being informed of perceived needs so that where possible we can be of help. If you know of anyone who would welcome a visit or call, please ring me (Karla Flambert) on 05 53 90 99 52 so we can arrange for a member of the team to help out. Caring for our church family and our friends and neighbours outside the church is an important discipleship role for us as Christians. Karla Flambert, as our Pastoral Care coordinator, recently attended a Workshop to exchange ideas with others from around the Chaplaincy working in this area. As a result Karla believes it would be good to organise our Pastoral Care into two types, people who like to 'do'; help in the garden, drive someone to an appointment or take them shopping; and people who 'listen', visit at home or hospital. Please gives this some thought and prayer and decide how your gifts fit into the Pastoral Care for our community. Then let Karla know what you can offer.
If you need help from Cancer Support France (by English speakers for English speakers) your contacts are 06 43 67 86 11 or [email protected] (Cancer Support France).
Dates for your diary Christian Aid Week is 15-21 May and Pam and Mike Duncan will be holding a coffee morning at their home (Les Siguenies 24320 Verteillac)
Thursday 19th May between 10.00 and 12.00. There will be Coffee/tea , cake and a raffle ticket for a simple draw (three prizes only) all for 2€. Les Siguenies is just north of Verteillac on the Angouleme road. For those with SatNav the co-ordinates are N 45022’ E 0023’
Randonnée The next walk is on Wednesday 18th May at 10.00 from the church in St Laurent des Combes, 16480. Further details from Fred Sapsford 05 53 91 52 19. Please note that walks in June and July will also start at 10.00am.
Jeudi Rendezvous –The next meeting will be on the 3rd Thursday as usual La Grande Vigne, St Martin de Riberac, at 2.30pm: Parking can be a bit tight at the house so it is advisable to come with a friend, or park at the Mairie car park in St Martin and share cars up to the house. If you need directions, phone 05 53 91 49 95. Looking forward to seeing you on the 19th. Everyone is welcome to discover more about gardening in the Dordogne!
Michael Harvey from Back to Church Sunday, will be visiting the Chaplaincy from 21-25 May and Dronne Valley Church is lucky enough to be able to host his 2 hour seminar at Steve Long’s home at La Gare, St Aulaye, 24410 to which YOU are invited. This will be on Monday 23rd May starting at 10.30 and followed by a bring and share lunch – please bring your own plates, cutlery etc. as well as food to share. All welcome.
Come Sculpt with Roger Adams at his studio in Champagne et Fontaines on Saturday 11th June from 2.30 – 5.00 p.m. Cost is15 euros which includes materials and a light afternoon tea. Please bring gardening type gloves.
Garden Party Wednesday 22nd June . Beth Dyer and Jenny Overfield, [email protected] and [email protected], are organising a Garden Party in the church grounds at Bertric Burée this year. They are looking for volunteers and ideas for stalls and games so please contact them with your suggestions. In particular we need someone to ‘man’ a select early ew Clothes Stall and someone else to organise a Handicraft stall. This needs some thought now in order to get everyone making items to fill their table. Carole Sapsford is running a Plant Stall. Remember when you are dividing and thinning out plants this Spring to put some bits in a pot to bring on for the stall. Also, there will be a “Home Produce” stall so donations of vegetable seedlings would be very welcome. Any questions please speak to Carole. She will also be giving demonstrations in the art of flower arranging. From Carole Sapsford: Thanks to everyone who has given me pots - I now need plants etc. to put in them! When you're dividing up your perennials etc. could you put one aside for the Plant Stall and bring it along to church.
Quick Quotes The most important questions we ask of God are the ones that have no answers. This leads to the deepest trust. Larry Crabbe
Christ went to hell for you because he didn’t want to go to heaven without you. General Booth Lot et Garonne WE Paddy Atkinson 05 53 94 76 37 Allez, Dondas, Doudrac CW Leslie Eckett 05 53 93 53 86 Envals and Monteton Peter Walton 05 53 89 63 03 NL Vanda Walton 05 53 89 63 03
PC Chris Train 05 53 64 31 76
May services Sunday 1st Holy Communion, Rives 11.00 Revd. Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday 8th Morning Prayer, Monteton 10.30 Roger Verrall Tuesday 10th Holy Communion, Envals 11.30 The Chaplain Sunday 15th Prayer and Praise, Monteton 10.30 Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 22nd Holy Communion, Monteton 10.30 Revd. Caroline Gordon-Walker Sunday 29th Evensong, Monteton 16.00 Roger Verrall
Early June services Sunday 5th Holy Communion, Doudrac 11.00 Revd. Bramwell Bearcroft Tuesday 7th Holy Communion, Allez 11.30 Revd Liz Morris Sunday 12th Holy Communion for Pentecost, Monteton 10.30 Revd Liz Morris
Monteton Please note the change of venue for the Doudrac congregation’s service of Holy Communion on Sunday 1st May at 11.00 , which now will be held in the church in Rives. There is more information about this, under the Doudrac heading. The Flower Festival to take place at Monteton, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May in the lovely Church of Notre Dame, promises to be the event of the year in our sector! It coincides with the highly popular annual Hat Fair at Monteton on the Sunday, and with the theme of the floral displays being Bouquets et Bonnets or Hats off to Monteton, should prove to be un veritable spectacle! The organisers are still looking for people to help with the event, with the preparation of the church, with the receiving of guests and with the serving of refreshments on the day. Financial donations towards the purchase of flowers to be used in the displays will also be very welcome. If you can help with any of this, please contact Doris Hogarth on 05 53 20 21 76 or [email protected] A Summer Luncheon Party is planned for Friday 22 July at L’Orangerie in Duras, home of Jan and Barry Winser. Tickets at 12.50 euros per person, to include a bottle of wine between two, will be on sale from 15th May, with numbers limited to 100.
Allez The next service at Allez will be Holy Communion on Tuesday 7th June at 11.30, celebrated by Revd. Liz Morris.
Dondas We were blessed with lovely weather for our Palm Sunday Procession and Holy Communion Service. Most of the 26-strong congregation processed from the Salle de Fetes to the church, ably led in our singing by our celebrant, Revd David Jones, and pausing in the centre of the village to read the Palm Gospel. We also had a dramatised reading of the Passion Gospel later in the service in which several members of the congregation took part. As in previous years, we marked Good Friday with Prayers at the Cross led by Colin Pratt.
Doudrac Our service on Sunday 1st May at 11h00 will not actually be held at Doudrac but at the very fine church at Rives. This is not very far away and is on the D207 going north from Villereal towards Issigeac and Bergerac. This is because there will be a Roman Catholic mass that day at Doudrac.
Envals There will be a service of Holy Communion at David and Liz Rolfe’s home, The Old School House in Envals, on Tuesday 10th May at 11h30, to be celebrated by the Chaplain. If you wish to attend, (and a splendid lunch is always served afterwards), please contact them on 05 53 01 78 76.
CW Pamela Prior 05 56 59 67 34 Bordeaux Christine Rychlewski 05 56 48 18 77 Lindsay Mégraud 05 56 96 44 17 NL Lindsay Mégraud 05 56 96 44 17 PC Jerome Rychlewski 05 56 92 54 69 May Services Sunday 1st 10.30* Holy Communion led by the Revd Roger Watts Sunday 8th 10.30 Family Communion & Baptism led by the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Picnic lunch at 1.00 p.m. & Sponsored Walk at 2.00 p.m.
Sunday 15th 10.30* Holy Communion led by the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday 22nd 10.30 Morning Prayer led by Christine Rychlewski Sunday 29th 10.30 Holy Communion led by the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft *Sunday School and Discussion Group for collégiens at 10.30 a.m. For more information, please contact Kit Seguin (05 57 64 82 41).
May 7th & 8th . An action packed weekend! Saturday, May 7th at 4.00 p.m. The Sisters of the Assomption have invited our congregation to join them in a Holy Communion celebration in the Chapel where Sœur Hélène de Jésus-Christ will take her perpetual vows. Sunday, May 8th. A Family Communion Service & Baptism will take place at 10.30 a.m. Let's ensure that our church family is numerous and welcoming. Following the service we will drive to Quinsac for a picnic at 1.00 p.m. followed by a Sponsored Walk for charity (see more below). We encourage you not to miss out on the action!
Sponsored Wa lk for the Chaplaincy of Aquitaine and its charity association Chap-Aid on Sunday, May 8th . Please join us for a 10 km sponsored walk, in aid of our Chaplaincy and two associations caring for the needy, in the beautiful Quinsac (rive droite) area amidst the vineyards and beautiful nature set up high above the Garonne River. And if you can't be a walker then please be a sponsor! The timetable will be the following: 1.00 p.m. – picnic lunch (optional) 2.00 p.m. – departure time for the walk (not optional!) For more information and sponsor sheets, please contact Christine Rychlewski on 05 56 52 98 28, e-mail [email protected], or Pamela Prior on 05 56 59 67 34, e-mail [email protected]
Calling all amateur photographers . Please send any photos which you may have taken at the Easter Ecumenical Service at the Parc Bordelais or the Easter Holy Communion Service at the Assomption to your communications officer, Lindsay Mégraud ([email protected]).
May Collection for the Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand. The Bordeaux Church is sponsoring the Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand as their local charity again in 2011 and part of our contribution is practical items. In May we'll be collecting ground coffee, tea bags and instant hot chocolate which you may leave in the basket labelled as such at the back of the church. With the financial crisis, needs are even greater now at the Foyer where they provide meals as well as food packages.
Spring cleaning? New or used summer clothing in good condition can be brought to church services during the month of May please for the sale at the Foyer on June 11th. If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:7,11
Any ideas/suggestions/com ments for the Chap-Aid charity association Board Meeting on May 27th? Please contact your Chap-Aid representative, Lindsay Mégraud (tel. 05 56 96 44 17).
Graham Kendrick Concert on Friday evening, June 3rd , in Bergerac. Jennifer Bearcroft is taking reservations for free tickets to this unique and special concert with Christian songwriter, Graham Kendrick (Shine, Jesus, Shine is a brilliant example!). You may contact her at a church service or by calling: 05 56 40 05 12. We will try to organize carpooling.
A Cancer Support France (CSF) group is currently being formed to help English-speaking cancer patients and their families in Bordeaux and its surrounding area. CSF groups are already running in the Poitou Charentes and Dordogne areas. Heather Cléda, our Hospital Visitor Coordinator, will be following the development of this Bordeaux antenna. For more information on how you might help, please contact Teresa Rekowska (CSF Ribérac Secretary) directly: e-mail: [email protected], Tel. 06 82 72 68 58 (message service available). For more information about CSF please view their website: www. cancersupportfrance.info
ews from last month Our sincere condoleances to Rhian & Xavier Foreau and their family following the death of Rhian's father, Glen Morgan, in April. We give thanks to the Lord for his long life and the opportunity we had to get to know him during his holiday visits with Mrs. Morgan to our church services.
Many thanks to Marion Lapadu, Richard Hunt and the Choir for making the Easter Day Service all the more beautiful.
The Lent Discussion Group based on Rich Inheritance – Jesus' legacy of love, began on Ash Wednesday and finished on Maundy Thursday, with a total of 5 gatherings. This was indeed a special time for those who participated. Interesting material and … like our congregation … so many different accents! Many thanks to those who hosted sessions – to Jennifer Bearcroft who got things off the ground and to Christine Rychlewski and Pamela Prior for keeping up the momentum during a very busy month of April.
Officers (short list) elected at the Bordeaux Church AGM for the year 2011. Wardens: Pamela Prior, Christine Rychlewski, Lindsay Mégraud. Treasurer: Paul Dixon. Secretary: Rhian Foreau. Chaplaincy Council representatives: Paul Dixon, Bill Fisher. Pastoral Care: Freda Perris. Hospital visiting: Heather Cléda. Electoral Roll Officer: Linda Chanut. Sunday School Coordinator & Child Protection Officer: Anne Sharp.
Chaplaincy & Chap-Aid AGMs held on Saturday, April 9th. There's no doubt about it – the Lycée de l'Assomption is ideal for meetings, lunches and services. We counted on your manpower and the Lord provided! Many thanks to all who were involved in any way, shape or form.
Charity at home. At the Chap-Aid (Chaplaincy charity association) AGM, the Bordeaux Church confirmed its intention to raise funds or collect practical items for the Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand in Bordeaux and also Emmaüs which is the Chaplaincy-wide charity for 2011.
All of this information and more can be found on the newly renovated Chaplaincy website: www. churchinaquitaine.org . We encourage you to take a look and then MORE IMPORTANTLY send the address to your friends and acquaintances. Communicate your faith in the Living Lord – by putting others in touch with your own church family and what it's up to! Then invite them to join us.
Newsletter contributions. If you have any ideas, thoughts, projects or events that you would like to share, please send your contribution to Lindsay Mégraud ([email protected]) before the 18th of the month.
CW Kevin Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61 Ste Nathalène NL Robert Topp 05 55 29 22 39 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61 May Services
Sunday 1st 11 am Holy Communion The Chaplain Sunday 8th May 11 am Informal Worship Sunday 15th May 11 am Service of the Word Madeleine Holmes Sunday 22nd May 11 am Informal Worship Sunday 29th May 11 am Informal Worship
Informal Worship Sundays On “Informal worship Sunday” we have worship, prayer and bible study. For these services we meet in the small salle, which can be found inside the school playground just behind the salle des fêtes.
Barn Dance
Friday 1st April it was time to dust of f your Stetson and your cowboy boots for the annual Ste Nats Barn dance ! Great fun and much hysteria was had by all. We had live music thanks to Kevin, Kate, Roger and Henri. Colin and Sheila did a fantastic job in calling the steps and then patiently disentangled those who went astray.... Thanks also go to Judith, who served a delicious chili for supper, and all her willing helpers who waited on the tables, and also to Bob and Avril who ran the bar and the raffle....Thank you to all those who came along and supported us.
Stations of the Cross Friday 22nd April A bilingual Stations of the Cross at Ste Nathalène on Good Friday 22nd April, was well attended and beautifully led in English by Judith and in French by Valerie. Robin accompanied us at each station with a very moving rendition of the worship song "When I see the blood".
Easter Service of Light Sunday 24th April We are very grateful to Revd Caro- line Gordon-Walker and Robin Jones who led us in an Easter day “Service of Light”. The Children beautifully decorated the alter and a crown of thorns with flowers before taking part in an Easter Egg decorating competi- tion. After the service many stayed behind and enjoyed a bring and share lunch, fellowship and a feast of choco- late together.
Up and Coming events
Friday 13th May Its ..... a ...Fish n Chips n Music Evening. We will be in the Salle des Fêtes just opposite the Church at Sainte Nathalène. Monsieur Frites will be serving piping hot chips and all your battered delights from 7 pm. Kevin and his merry band of assorted music makers will be on hand to provide entertainment ,making this an evening not to be missed. For all our news, up and coming events and photos please visit our web page
Limeuil CW Jennifer Lord 05 53 31 18 04 David Albrecht 05 53 36 55 97 May Services NL Barry Borsberry 05 53 74 95 67 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61 Sunday 1st 10.30 Morning Worship David Albrecht 17.00 Evensong Revd Gill Strachan Sunday 8th 10.30 Morning Worship Revds. M &A Wooderson Thursday 15th Morning Prayer Christine Scott Sunday 22nd 10.30 Holy Communion Revd. Paul Vrolijk Sunday 29th Holy Communion Revd. Liz Morris
The performance of Stainer’s Crufixion on Good Friday was attended by a congregation of around 100. Thanks are due to those singers from Monteton who joined us at St.Catherine’s and contributed towards the success of the performance. As on previous occasions the congregation was most appreciative of the beauty of Stainer’s moving composition. The retiring collection realized a sum approaching €300 towards the music fund On Easter Day a congregation of 120 attended the service of Holy Communion led by Gill Strachan. This wonderful turnout helped to make this particularly moving service even more uplifting. Following the service many members of the congregation enjoyed an Easter Day lunch at the Restaurant du Chateau at Campagne.
There is still time to book tickets for the Ribs and Riddles Evening being held at L’Escale (by the bridge) at Siorac on Friday the 6th May at 7.00p.m. Judging from the success of past similar events, this promises to be a fun evening as well as an opportunity to enjoy some good food in the company of friends. So why not come along and bring your friends? Tickets are €18 and can be booked through Anne Penfold ([email protected]) Gill Sweetman ( ([email protected] ) or Jennifer Lord ([email protected] ) This event is being held in aid of Emmaus, a very worthy French charity so we look forward to your support. The service of Holy Communion on the 22nd of May is to be led by the Chaplain assisted by Michael Harvey who, as many of you may know, was the moving force behind Back to Church Sunday initiative. It will be a joint Holy Communion with the congregation of Ste Nathalène. The service will be followed with our monthly bring and share lunch.
Music for a Summer’s Evening!
Featuring TRACY BOUNDEN (soprano, formerly with English National Opera) with Mark Bearcroft (Piano) and Bramwell Bearcroft (Trumpet) Including selections from opera, Gilbert and Sullivan, folk songs, jazz etc in the gardens of Deirdre and Chris Rankin (details on Chaplaincy website) Monday June 13th at 5pm Bring a picnic. Admission Free (retiring collection in aid of Bordeaux Music Fund) And also at: DEVILLAC CHURCH (nr Villereal) 8:30 p.m. (Please look on website for date, or contacr Bramwell: [email protected] Admission Free
Chaplaincy Council - 24 March 2011
Council met before the AGM. Some of the highlights of what was discussed included: • Graham Kendrick concert in Bergerac on Friday 3rd June • ‘Unlocking the growth’ seminars with Michael Harvey • Child protection policy • Our new website – it’s FANTASTIC. Go to www.churchinaquitaine.org and see for yourselves • Our ecumenical activities • The Newsletter and that Chris Scott is standing down after an outstanding 10 years of service as editor, with Gill Sweetman replacing her. • Our 2010 accounts and how the Chaplaincy was able to run at a breakeven cash position, even allowing for exceptional capital expenditure • The environment film ‘The Age of Stupid’ and opportunities to see it locally
The full Action Points and Information from the meeting is on your notice board locally and on the website. David Tervet, 20 April 2011
May Cooking Frances Pengelly
After a long cold winter, I want to spend as much time just breathing glorious blossomy fresh scented air, and working in the garden. I am prepared to spend all day weeding and taking root cuttings, picking daffodils and talking to my radiant and thickly feathered chickens. Once again the herb garden is shooting strong tasting herbs that have over wintered well and are ready, when needed for the kitchen. I really don’t feel like spending masses of time indoors preparing meals. Everyone feels like this in the spring. The last thing we want is to be chained to a cooker and washing up bowl. The answer of course is why didn’t you cook all winter for spring, and I expect most people did, however the ingredients are not so attractive in the winter and there is less variety. What I aim to do is to have as few cooking sessions as possible during the week, and hopefully use some leftovers. To many, a basic store cupboard is the answer to quick and uncomplicated meals. I check through what I’ve squirreled away. Rice of all types, pasta, flour for cakes and bread. Different kinds of sugar, dark muscavado to icing. Masses of dried fruit, especially apricots and prunes for pork dishes. Nuts and olives, dried chillies, spices and root ginger in the freezer for easy grating. Lentils and split peas for soups and stews, lots of tinned tomatoes. I don’t want to spend my time cleaning vegetables and peeling onions and leeks, so at this time of year I buy them frozen (I’m ashamed to say). All go into the pot, and who knows? Only me. My beans and chick peas will always be tinned, my spinach mostly frozen. I remember a couple of years ago Delia Smith had a series about cutting corners in cooking. I couldn’t believe that she would do such a thing, but today, when time is short I absolutely agree with her, however tinned onions, never! Sardines, baked beans and corned beef, yes. Of course I buy fresh vegetables, fish, meat and chicken. Using a rich mince/tomato sauce I can get many dishes out of the same batch. Stuffed pancakes is a favourite. My best cooking cheeses are comté and parmesan. I am lucky to have a yellow/yolky non stop store of eggs which are used for tians, soufflés and pipérade, tarts and cakes. My first energiser is Beef en Daube, which hopefully will last for two, maybe three meals. 1½k beef shin, fat removed and cut into bite-sized pieces: 3tbs olive oil: 450g sliced onion: 2 garlic cloves: 1 celery stick: 1 carrot: bouquet garni: 2 strips orange peel: 2 cloves: 1tbs tomato purée: red wine: a handful black olives. Brown meat in a casserole, add vegetables, soften then add all other ingredients except olives. Add wine, enough to cover ¾ contents of casserole. Cook in a low oven for 3 to 4 hours, or until tender. Add olives 30 minutes before serving. For a bit of a treat make a Fried Mozzarella Sandwich. You will need for 4 people 400g mozzarella: 8 slices of good bread: seasoning. Make sandwiches of the bread and cheese: in a flat dish whip a mixture of 225ml milk and 2 eggs, have a little flour on a plate on the side. Dip sandwich into egg mixture then flour and the egg again, shallow fry until the sandwiches are gold and crisp, serve with green salad. Potato Scones for Tired Gardeners. Seive 225g mashed potato into a bowl and add 55g plain flour. Mix with your hands into a ball and roll to a depth of 20cms. Cut into triangles and place in a heavy thick frying pan. Cook for 10 minutes each side. Using salty butter spread scones, adding a little black pepper, and eat at once.
A Palindrome! Please read this through and then read it in reverse, line by line (not word by word!) to get the true meaning.
Reverse Thinking by Jonathon Reed
I realize this may be a shock “Happiness comes from within” Is a lie, and that “Money will make me happy” So in 30 years’ I will tell my children They are not the most important thing in my life My employer will know that I have my priorities straight because work Is more important than Family I tell you this Once upon a time Families stayed together But this will not be true in my era This is a quick fix society Experts tell me 30 years from now I’ll be celebrating the 10th anniversary of my divorce I do not concede that I will live in a country of my own making In the future Environmental destruction will be the norm No longer can it be said that My peers and I care about this earth It will be evident that My generation is apathetic and lethargic It is foolish to presume that There is hope all of this will come true Unless we choose to reverse it.
Sent in by Elizabeth Brook Radio Liberté Radio Liberte's April recording went out on Sunday 17th April (Palm Sunday) at the usual time of 8am and 12 noon with further repeats on Tuesday 19th at 1.30 and Friday 22nd at 1230 on 96.1 MHz or you can listen on Radio Liberte's blog on www.radioliberte.fr or www. churchinaquitaine.org (easy to find). Last month as you know, we had guests reading the Passion according to St John and Radio Liberte recorded some 73 hits to the Blog - so we are assured that people are listening. The medium of radio and especially recordings for those people outside the radius of the broadcast, is an excellent tool for outreach. Could I please encourage you all to listen and then recommend to your friends - they may well have some sub- jects they want discussed - there are many matters which the church is involved in, i.e. women bishops, yes or no, environment - what is the church doing; the Anglican Covenant and more... The people outside the church want to know about us and what we are doing and how we play our part in society. After the very moving reading of the Passion I did not want to leave the listeners without a vision of hope and the rest of the story! This month we read from Matthew and Luke of the Resurrection...... plus more music from Nick and Anita Haigh of Northumbria Community- this time from their CD called 'Heartcry'. If you would like more details, just email me [email protected] Happy listening and Easter blessings - Madeleine
AQUITAI E CHURCH SERVICES – MAY 2011
SU DAY 01 MAY 10.30 Service of the Word - Bertric Burée 10.30 Holy Communion - Bordeaux 10:30 Morning Worship – Limeuil 11.00 Holy Communion - Doudrac 11.00 Holy Communion - Ste Nathalène 11.00 All Age Worship - Sorges 17.00 Evensong - Limeuil 18.00 Evensong – Bertric Burée SU DAY 08 MAY 10.30 Holy Communion - Bertric Burée 10.30 Family Communion - Bordeaux 10.30 Holy Communion - Limeuil 10.30 Morning Prayer - Monteton
Tuesday 10 May 11.30 Holy Communion - Envals
Wednesday 11 May 11.00 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée
SU DAY 15 MAY 10.30 All Age Worship - Bertric Burée 10.30 Holy Communion - Bordeaux 10.30 Holy Communion - Chancelade 10.30 Morning Worship - Limeuil 10.30 Prayer and Praise - Monteton 11.00 Service of the Word - Ste Nathalène
Thursday, 19 May 10.30 Holy Communion - Limeuil
SU DAY 22 MAY 10.30 Holy Communion – Bertric Burée 10.30 Morning Prayer - Bordeaux 10.30 Holy Communion – Limeuil 10.30 Holy Communion – Monteton
Tuesday, 24 May 11.00 Holy Communion - Sorges
SU DAY 29 MAY 10.30 Special Worship Service – Bertric Burée 10.30 Holy Communion - Bordeaux 10.30 Holy Communion - Limeuil 16.00 Evening Worship - Monteton
And finally…
Every day a fresh beginning, Newness, come what may! In the most unlikely places Jesus reigns today; From the past to new horizons Christ our Saviour leads the way. Edwin George Monk.
Thank you and a fond farewell , I have truly enjoyed being editor. The loyalty and hard work of all the contribu- tors have been amazing and the mistakes and typo's all mine! I will also enjoy seeing the growth and development of the Newsletter into pastures new and exciting. Gill Sweetman is kindly picking up the reins and we will be in safe and expert hands. Contact her on: 05 53 73 13 59 and / or [email protected] and also the website.
God bless, Chris.
CW Kevin Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61 NL Robert Topp 05 55 29 22 39 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61
CW Liz Oaten 05 53 05 42 76 Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 NL Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 PC Alexandra Billing 05 53 62 86 11 WE Paddy Atkinson 05 53 94 76 37 CW Leslie Eckett 05 53 93 53 86 Peter Walton 05 53 89 63 03 NL Vanda Walton 05 53 89 63 03 PC Chris Train 05 53 64 31 76
CW Pamela Prior 05 56 59 67 34 Christine Rychlewski 05 56 48 18 77 Lindsay Mégraud 05 56 96 44 17 NL Lindsay Mégraud 05 56 96 44 17 PC CW Janis Adams 05 53 91 32 89 Steve Long 05 53 31 36 48 NL Di Harris-Evans 05 45 98 05 31 PC Karla Flambert 05 53 90 99 52
CW Liz Oaten 05 53 05 42 76 Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 NL Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 PC Alexandra Billing 05 53 62 86 11