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Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine is part of the Church of England Diocese in Europe, working in partnership with The Intercontinental Church Society, in ministry to people who speak English. It covers Gironde, Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne.
CHURCH SERVICES, AUGUST 2012 (see Around the Chaplaincy for location details)
SUNDAY 05 AUGUST 10:30 Service of the Word Bertric Burée 10:30 Morning Prayer Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise Limeuil 10:30 Service of the Word Monteton 11:00 Holy Communion + Baptism Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion Sainte Nathalène 18:00 Evensong Bertric Burée
WEDNESDAY, 8 AUGUST 11:00 Holy Communion Bertric Burée
SUNDAY 12 AUGUST 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée Negrondes 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Morning Prayer Monteton 11:00 Family Service Negrondes SUNDAY 19 AUGUST 11:00 Holy Communion Sainte Nathalène 10:30 All Age Worship Bertric Burée 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Chancelade THURSDAY, 16 AUGUST 10:30 Morning Worship Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Prayer and Praise Monteton 10:30 Holy Communion Dondas 11:00 Service of the Word Sainte Nathalène 17:00 Evensong Limeuil
TUESDAY, 21 AUGUST 11:30 Holy Communion Envals
SUNDAY 26 AUGUST 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée 10:30 Morning Prayer Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion Monteton 11:00 Service of the Word Sainte Nathalène
TUESDAY, 28 AUGUST Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion Negrondes
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 2 CHURCH SERVICES, SEPTEMBER 2012 (see Around the Chaplaincy for location details)
SUNDAY 02 SEPTEMBER 10:30 Service of the Word Bertric Burée 10:30 Morning Prayer Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise Limeuil 10:30 Service of the Word Monteton 11:00 Holy Communion Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion Sainte Nathalène 17:00 Evensong Limeuil 18:00 Evensong Bertric Burée Sainte Nathalène
TUESDAY, 04 SEPTEMBER 11:00 Holy Communion Allez SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER 10:30 All Age Worship Bertric Burée 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux SUNDAY 09 SEPTEMBER 10:30 Holy Communion Chancelade 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée 10:30 Morning Worship Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer and Praise Monteton 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion Saint Médard, 10:30 Morning Prayer Monteton Lot et Garonne 11:00 Family Service Negrondes 11:00 Harvest Service of the Word Sainte Nathalène
WEDNESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 11:00 Holy Communion Bertric Burée THURSDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil
SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Harvest Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion Monteton
TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 11:00 Holy Communion Negrondes
SUNDAY 30 SEPTEMBER 10:30 Harvest Festival Bertric Burée Allez 10:30 Youth Service Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 16:00 Evening Prayer Monteton
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 3 Assistant Chaplain’s I know that I feel closest to God in silence, and that’s Clerical Letter when I can more easily immerse myself in prayer. But, of course, silence is a luxury, that fleeting mountain-top Corner idyll where I cannot remain. A prayerful life has to be August 2012 rooted in reality. And so, with that in mind, there will Cfew weeks ago we had dinner with friends at a be a ‘Quiet Day’ at our home in Bayac (hopefully in A restaurant perched high above the town of Bergerac. the garden!) on Tuesday 14th August. The day will start It has splendid views all around, we were sitting outside, with coffee at10h00 , we will begin as gathered people and it happened to be the place where we celebrated my together, but then we will disperse to different locations priesting some five years ago. On that evening in 2007, in the garden where various prayer-focussed activities two aircraft high above us synchronised their flight paths will be laid on. Or you might choose to spend the time – well that’s what it looked like! - to create a huge and in restful silence, just enjoying the birdsong...... Look dramatic cross with their vapour trails, and although I at the publicity elsewhere in the Newsletter and do get have seen that phenomenon a number of times since in touch if the idea appeals to you. then, on that evening it felt like a sign, and I remember Blessings and love, Gill thinking, this is what it’s all about; once a priest always a priest, and whatever the Holy Spirit sends my way, I’m VVVVVVV ready for it!
And then, of course, the priestly life began in earnest – From your Editor individuals came with real problems, people complained about the hymns, or the service book, or how cold the Welcome to your summer double church was, and the absence of a loo. And so we fixed the issue of ‘Spreading the Word’. heating, installed the best church loo in Aquitaine...but, of course, people still complained about the hymns!!! Amongst all the other goodies, we It’s par for the course in a priest’s life, and although the have (what I hope!) will be the start memory remains of a perfect summer’s evening, at Peter- of a new occasional series, ’My tide in 2007, that was just a fleeting idyll, and since then, Favourite Church’. Many thanks to I’ve hit the ground running! For it’s not possible always Kate Giles for sending in her appreciation of St. John’s to live life ‘on the mountain top’! We must come down Church, Hong Kong. I’m sure many more of you also and root ourselves in reality. have a favourite church whether it be here in France, just across the Channel or in more far-flung places. Do Which is what Jesus and his three disciples had to do write and tell us about it - plus anything else of interest pretty smartly after coming down from the mountain you might like to send, of course! where that extraordinary and mysterious event, which we know as the Transfiguration, had just taken place. Bob & I are looking forward to a few days in Cornwall in (Mark 8) August joining with family holidaying there and then it’s back here to other family visiting us here in Aquitaine. Mystery characterises our faith – ‘Great is the mystery of A busy month! faith’ we say at the Eucharist – and prayer itself is surely one of life’s great mysteries. Our Chaplaincy website Don’t forget there will, of course, be the usual mini- proclaims ‘Prayer is part and parcel of what we do’, but version of the magazine at the beginning of September it does go on to admit that while for some people prayer for those of you who receive the e-mail edition. This seems to come easily, for others it is a struggle. Most will be just to remind you of September services and to people pray at least sometimes; some people, in many up-date you on Chaplaincy events. very different religious traditions pray a great deal. At its lowest, prayer is shouting into a void on the off- In the meantime, have an enjoyable summer. chance that there may be someone out there listening. At its highest, prayer merges into love, as the presence Gill of God becomes so real that we pass beyond words and into a sense of his reality, generosity, delight and grace. For most Christians it takes place somewhere in between Front cover: Photos of St. Catherine’s Church, those two extremes! To be honest, for many people it is Limeuil, courtesy of Olivia Albrecht. not just a mystery but a puzzle. They know they ought to do it but they aren’t quite sure how.
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 4 FROM MY God and stand in an attitude of reverent adoration as BOOKSHELF our prayer. Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in PRAYING THE ‘ Heaven. PATTERN’ Hands are put together in the traditional position of prayer, fingers pointing upwards. As we do this we think The Lord’s Prayer as framework for prayer and of those things that concern us and in our hearts present life by Andii Bowsher them to God. Give us today our daily bread. ne of the advantages of going to the Summer School Hands held in a similar position as when receiving Oat St John’s College Nottingham in 2006, was the communion, open, waiting, Ready to receive all the opportunity of meeting this rather extraordinary priest, things that we need, physical, mental, and spiritual. who was one of the tutors that year (he has since moved Forgive us our sins. on to be the new co-ordinating Chaplain and Anglican Here the action is of beating the breast: with one hand Chaplain at Northumbria University, Newcastle upon made into a fist and placed over the heart. One beat for Tyne). each sin – but not too vigorously! As we forgive those who sin against us I bought this book whilst on the course and have recently Openness for others, so arms wide open as if ready to re-read it. I thought it would be a good idea to share it receive a welcome or to give one, or to enfold someone. with you, not least because on a second reading I find I This is the moment to think of anyone we feel have hurt have more understanding and sympathy with his style or mistreated us and to respond accordingly. and his original ideas. Save us from the time of trial Body language for self-preservation: arms crossed The summary on the back cover gives a good précis of across the chest and hands open. the purpose of the book: And deliver us from evil ‘The ‘Our Father’ is often repeated As if breaking away bonds our arms are held out, bent at verbatim but rarely prayed as a the elbows. , consider ways in which we are most likely pattern. However, using it as a to be tempted in the next few hours. framework can let it blossom into our For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, whole life. This book takes a holistic now and forever, amen approach to praying, encouraging And to close we can raise our arms in the air in a gesture us to take seriously that Christ gave of exultation as we give God the glory. us this prayer and is challenging us *** to weave it into our lives more fully. This is only one chapter in a book which is full of Find here creative ideas for prayer groups, retreats and suggestions about how we renew our minds, hearts worship as well as for devotional use by individuals.’ and senses to the true meaning of the most important prayer that we know. I can only suggest that you borrow The most striking chapter (out of several thought- this book from me, or buy it yourselves. It should be provoking ones) is for me, the one called ‘Praying available to all home groups or prayer groups. the Lord’s Prayer Bodily’. Syrian Monks are known to ©Jennifer Gray use prostrations and other bodily movements in their VVVVVVV praying – indeed it was possibly this which inspired the prayer postures of Muslim Salat prayer. The theory is that by associating a phrase of the Prayer with a particular body posture (nearly all just a different position of the hands) it is more possible to concentrate on the meaning of the phrase more specifically than just saying the words. Bowsher believes that in such cases the prayer of the body can feel very powerful and make connections with deep parts of our souls and spirits. So, for example: Our Father, in Heaven, hallowed be your name. To start with just stand and recognize that we are in the presence of God and as we feel ready to begin raise hands ‘The Exodus – from Pen to palms upwards. In this position we can simply ‘name’ Pasture, the Belloc Way.’ August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 5 th On Tuesday 14 August Calling all leaders of small groups! there will be The second of our occasional round-table A Quiet Day conferences for all those involved in leading small groups throughout the Chaplaincy, or interested at our home in Bayac in doing so.
It will start at 10h00 with coffee and, weather DATE: Saturday 3rd November permitting, we shall disperse to different locations LOCATION: Eglise Evangelique Libre, Bergerac in the garden, where a variety of prayer-focussed TIME: 10.30 am - 3.30 pm activities will be laid on. Sharing good practice / encouraging and Peace and quiet, rest and prayerful reflection, are supporting each other / praying for each other / the order of the day. envisioning for the future Lunch will be bring and share, and the day will end PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY by 4pm. If you think you might be interested in taking TELL OTHERS WHO MAY BE part, please ring me on 05 53 58 12 58 or email INTERESTED [email protected] Gill Strachan More details later
Is drinking costing more than money? Prayer for Dummies: Alcoholics Anonymous Saturday, September 1st, Bergerac If you or someone you know has a drinking problem, there are now a number of English- Do you enjoy praying, on your speaking meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous own and/or with other people? in the South West of France. If you do, you probably have the spiritual gift of prayer. If you fall Alcoholics Anonymous is a Fellowship of into that category - and no false men and women who share their experience, humility, please - then the day on strength and hope with each other, that they prayer that Ann and I will be leading later this year may solve their common problem and help is not for you. Spend the time praying instead! others to recover from alcoholism. The only This day is for the majority who know they have a requirement for membership is a desire to duty to pray, but aren’t necessarily very good at it. It stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for is really Prayer for Dummies. All of us as christians A.A. membership and A.A. is not allied with need prayer as part of our spiritual diet if we are to any sect, denomination, politics, organization develop healthy christian lives, yet as with any diet or institution. Our primary purpose is to stay we do not always find it easy to stick to. sober and help other alcoholics to achieve Ann and I hope to provide some encouragement and practical help by sharing with you discoveries sobriety. we have made and found helpful. We can’t hope to cover everything, of course, and there will be Contact – Ewen 05 53 05 76 62 or plenty of opportunity to share practical tips with Roger 05 55 76 22 65 one another. We look forward to a stimulating time E-mail [email protected] or together. check our website at www.aafrancesud-ouest.com - Rev’ds Michael and Ann Wooderson for details of English-speaking meetings in the To register, please contact Ann Wooderson: 05 53 South West of France. 06 39 76, [email protected]
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 6 Bertric Buree (Part 2) member of the congregation, found Chapdeuil church, the Salle de Fete, with toilets next door, and we were Petites Côtes and Chapdeuil welcomed to the tiny village and our relationship with the Mayor was a cordial one. The first service n 1994 Tony and Audrey Pinkney felt God calling at Chapdeuil was held on Sunday 7th January 2001. Ithem to use their home, Petites Côtes near Verteillac, Before services, coffee was available – as it was after, as a ‘church’ for the English speaking people in the and group prayer for the worship was held in the Foyer, area. They wanted to complement the work of the whilst the church was prepared for the service. Chaplaincy by drawing in people who wouldn’t be Bertric Burée attracted to a conventional churchy setting. They had previously started a scheme for Christian clergy to take In 2005, under the Chaplain, Rev Michael Selman, sabbaticals at Petites Côtes, the Priscilla Trust. Their it became obvious that to have three churches - idea was that they would lead the services in the large Chancelade, Chapdeuil and Ribérac within close living room of their converted barn. Using a list of proximity of each other was not wise – and so the friends and they invited them to a simple service with communities of Chapdeuil and Ribérac combined with hospitality before and afterwards. They in turn invited the understanding that neither should lose what each their friends and at our first meeting there were about had to offer to members of the community in Christ twenty-five people coming from up to forty kilometres and to this end a joint service was held at Bertric Burée away. led by the Chaplain and Madeleine Holmes, followed by shared food. The Pinkneys arranged for various courses led by visiting people coming from the UK. The Bishop of This was the birth of Bertric Burée from the Chapdeuil Lichfield, Rt Rev Keith Sutton. By inviting the clergy side. All was down to the love of Christ and his work ‘to preach for their supper’ at a Home Church service in through the Pinkneys’, who continued to give help, the main house, the Pinkneys initiated a home church support and to share their love both at Petites Côtes and for the unchurched at Petites Côtes, (The Fellowship) at Chapdeuil. under the auspices of the Bishop of Lichfield and thereby covered under law here in France. Services In July 2006 the congregations first met at Bertric Burée were held every second Sunday and in those days – not without some angst and we continue to meet there, were laid out by a vicar in London, very similar to grow in Christ and change. Clergy with permission to Service of the Word today (based on the Anglican officiate arrived at the same time, so relieving the pressure Alternative Service Book 1980, in an informal style) on the Chaplain - as did two Readers, who were later and the visiting clergy would preach, and a member licensed here; organists and other musicians have come of the congregation (training as Lay Assistant) led the service. At the first Alpha held at Petites Cotes the Holy Spirit weekend was especially memorable, when many gave their lives to Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit was evident in scripture, pictures, speaking in tongues and falling in the Spirit. NIV Bibles were made available and it became a wonderful pleasure to read! This was 1995 and those who had attended every week for Alpha did not want to stop meeting together and so the Home Groups were born.
With increased numbers and concerns regarding insurance, combined with The Pinkney’s wish to have their home back, the Fellowship moved Petites Côtes Madeleine Holmes, Jo and Rev Michael Selman and came under the umbrella of The Chaplaincy and Janis Adams at the Selmans’ last service at of Aquitaine and was renamed ‘The Fellowship at Bertric Burée in 2008 Chapdeuil’. The agreement was that Leader of the Fellowship would lead worship and visiting clergy on to enhance our worship. We are able to hold services sabbatical at Petites Côtes would continue to preach every Sunday maintaining the second Wednesday BCP at the services, when they were available, and that and fourth Sunday communion at 4.00 pm. However the Chaplain would visit once a month to administer all our Sunday services now begin at 10.30 and there Communion. After much searching Andre Merlaud, a is also a sung Evensong on the first Sunday: at 6.00 pm August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 7 in summer and 4.00 pm in winter. Two new Readers both raised money for us as well as the charities we have been admitted and licensed, plus Worship Leaders support and been great fun amongst other events, and we now have a resident Assistant Chaplain in Brian including a summer fete. Each month there is a walk, Davies. Three home groups still run, two on alternate ‘Jeudi rendez-vous’ and a craft group to all which we weeks, one each week and we are grateful to those who are pleased to be able to welcome church members, facilitate them and provide hospitality. In summer all their friends and others. are welcome to join in with prayer in the church at 5.00 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Thanks to Rhona Mote, Madeleine Holmes and Sheila Marshall for their input. Janis Adams VVVVVVV
IN THE BEGINNING
He smiled his incomparable smile. “How would you like to begin?” he asked. “I’ve thought about that,” I said. “Given that I’ve nothing to start with, I’ve invented this trick called the quantum event Christingle service 18th December 2011 Brought into being by a self fulfilling probability wave. All you’ll see is a Big Bang Winters proved cold in the church so we were pleased And everything will come from that.” when, in 2010, Maire Poupard and his conseil agreed “Sounds clever,” he said, to install radiant electric heaters as they are a great “Not sure I understand it.” improvement on the gas heaters! At Easter we used to “But you understand everything,” I said. join with Chancelade at Montagrier church but for the “OK, you have this amazing cast list past three years have held that service at Bertric Burée But unfortunately no stage.” each year with some having to stand! Services styles “No stage?” “That’s right, vary as we work to accommodate the preferences of Since space hasn’t been created those who worship with us. Our friendship with Notre There is nowhere for all this to take place.” Dame de la Paix at Ribérac continues as our Christmas “Oh. Damn!” “Never mind, carol service is still held there and ecumenical services I’ll observe it in retrospect. for Women’s World Day of Prayer and the Week of That will make it all appear to happen.” Christian Unity are shared with them and our Eglise “Thanks!” Reformé friends in the hospital chapel in Ribérac. We have also shared Good Friday services with the Roman “Er,” he said, “this shining cosmos of yours. Catholic congregations from Ribérac and Tocane Saint It’s just about entirely empty space.” Apré since 2003 in the church at Tocane. “Well there are all these atoms.” “Yes, but they are also mostly empty space.” Socially we enjoy a ‘Bring and Share’ lunch on the second “But…” “And to make it all hang together Sunday of most months in the homes of different church You’ve got all this dark matter members; there’s also ‘Come dine with me’ which has And you haven’t a clue what that is! And it’s all flying apart…” “Look, stop picking holes. Lend me your futuroscope. Look over there at that tiny planet. Blue. Green. Sunlit. Thinking people on there Rather like you and me.” “Poor little buggers!” “Why? What’s wrong?” “Can’t you see what’s missing?” “I…” “Stand clear a minute. LET THERE BE LIGHT!” Palm Sunday procession April 2012 Laurie John Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 8 Reader Conference Cologne June 15-18 The Barber Shop man went to a barbershop to have his hair A cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation and talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: “I don’t believe that God exists.” “Why do you say that?” asked the customer. “Well, you just have to go out in the street to realise that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor orty nine Readers and Reader-in-Training pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all Fhelped to make history in the Diocese in Europe of these things.” by sharing in their first ever conference, aimed at The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond sharing experiences and building their skills and because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber understanding of their unique ministry. finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after Although the other 43 English based dioceses of he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with the Church of England could arrange a similar non long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He residential event, because the Diocese in Europe looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back spreads from Iceland to Casablanca and Madeira and entered the barber shop again and he said to the to Moscow participants travelled many miles to the barber: “You know what? Barbers do not exist.” Conference Centre in Cologne, Germany. It was an enjoyable few days, though very busy and “How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I inspirational. A big thank you to all involved. am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!” “No!” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist Can you spot Sheila Marshall and Sue Blomley? because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.” VVVVVVV “Ah, but barbers DO exist! That’s what happens when people do not come to me.” “Exactly!” affirmed the customer. “That’s the point! God, too, DOES exist! Because people do not look to God for Do you have a story to tell? help is why there’s so much pain and suffering in the w or l d .” Why did you move to Aquitaine? Unknown
How did you become a Christian? VVVVVVV
Do you have a favourite church?
Have you a famous person in your family? Interesting information...…
Are you famous? Have you seen Revd Caroline Gordon- We all come from such varied backgrounds, Walker’s article in the July edition of let’s share some of our experiences. ICSNews? It’s well worth reading!
Please send your stories to the Editor If you don’t already have a copy you should find one in church. VVVVVVV
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 9 Cooking in August Frances Pengelly Tomatoes are dramatic – the sun on your plate. Round, plum and cherry shaped, furrowed, large, small, yellow, ecause of the extraordinary weather my tomato green, brown and striped. What a joy they are and plants are totally useless, and only five tomatoes B what wonder to eat. They are best as a simple salad have appeared reluctantly among all the triffid-like with plenty of basil, good oil and black pepper, a little foliage. Cool nights and exceedingly hot days do not sugar and salt. A good tomato sandwich with a little suit tomatoes, they like it warm all the time. We had sheep’s cheese perhaps, or cooked to a soft red mass some space against a fence and decided to be clever and on a crisp pizza, sharing the surface with small black grow a few plants, it has been a disaster. Fortunately olives from Provence, wild thyme, anchovies and masses we have room for mistakes like this, but I guess some of mozzarella. Later I will look for large Marmande people must be frustrated with their vegetable gardens tomatoes and roast them with garlic, oil and thyme until this year. they are black on the edges and blitz them with stock for winter soup. Summer eaten in winter! The plant has a colourful history and originated Try a simple terrine of tomatoes. Deseed and peel in South America, in the large tomatoes and cut into thin slices. Line and butter northern part of the Andes a bread tin with brown bread cut thinly and layer up in Peru, Ecuador and Chile. tomatoes alternately with buttered bread, making sure The small yellow fruits you season well, finish with bread. Weight the top and were eaten by the natives refrigerate for at least a night, eat with salad. without much fuss, but they were well aware that this Roast Tomato Tart. plant belonged to the deadly nightshade (solanaceae) Using shortcrust pastry family. It was called lycopersicon esculentum (edible line a 22cm flan tin wolf’s peach). By the time Cortez had conquered and bake blind. Skin Mexico in 1523 the tomato was well and truly on the and halve 1.35kg plum move up the west coast of America, being eaten with tomatoes, place in a caution and cultivated, but it was only yellow and cherry roasting tin adding 6 sized at this stage. It is always difficult to trace a fruit cloves of wafer thin and vegetable down the ages, research is all very well, garlic, 4tbs olive oil and 2tbs balsamic vinegar, inserted but it is usually the simpler ways of spreading things that into the tomato halves. Roast in a hot oven until soft. is interesting. Seeds in pockets of travellers, on horses’ Cool and place in pastry case adding 3 egg yolks beaten hooves, migrating birds, in ships holds, numerous ways. with 150ml crème fraiche and a handful of basil. Bake It is unclear when the tomato came to Europe from the 30-35min until browned. New World, but it is known that the Spanish introduced the plant to the Italians, probably via Morocco where it VVVVVVV acquired the name ‘pomi de Mori’, apples of the Moors. Even our friend, the herbalist Gerard gets a look in, and LIMEUIL SUMMER FETE - RAFFLE DRAW in his 1663 Herbal describes the tomato as ‘Apples of Saturday 30 June 2012. Love’, but it is of ‘ranke and stinking savour’. Thought by the French to be an aphrodisiac, it became known First prize – The Colour Television. as pom d’oro and in Italy pomodoro, in England at first - Ticket No. 596 Rev.Liz Morris. tomata then tomato. Second Prize – The Dinner for Two Persons - Ticket No. 927 Club Peinture. Lycopene is a powerful anti-oxidant, and tomatoes are Third Prize - The Case of Wine. full of it. This substance helps combat the harmful - Ticket No. 470 Anne Penfold. effect of free radicals which can cause cancer and heart Fourth Prize - The Food Hamper. disease. Those who eat lots of tomatoes, especially - Ticket No. 598 David Giles. cooked and processed, might be more protected against Fifth Prize - The Big Cheese. the growth of tumours. It is recommended that men - Ticket No. 116 Gill Sweetman. eat tomatoes ten times a week. This can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, and also halves the risk of ‘Thank you very much for your support. You will heart disease in both men and women. 40g of tomato be pleased to know that the raffle made paste is equivalent to 400g whole cooked tomatoes. 2000 euros for Chaplaincy funds.’
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 10 Extracts from a Report on how the routinely ignore church growth. The growth of new church is growing! churches and ethnic minority church going has been By David Goodhew happening for years – but it flies beneath the radar of most academics, most of the media and not a few in the it down, breathe deeply – I have some shocking news Anglican Church. Sto give you. Secondly, evidence of church growth and decline needs The church in Britain is growing. Yes, I know this sounds to be looked at together. The contemporary British mad. The TV and the newspapers routinely depict church is both declining and growing. Where you look churches as half-empty and populated by geriatrics. affects what you find. The real picture for the last 30 Not a few church leaders and congregation members years looks something like this: walk around like Fraser from Dad’s Army, declaring ‘You’re all Doomed!!’ But there is something else going • Roughly the same number of churches have closed as on. An international team of leading researchers, have opened. based at Cranmer Hall, Durham, have just published • Some denominations have seen serious decline – a study entitled “Church Growth in Britain from 1980 notably the ‘mainline’ denominations – Anglican, to the Present”. Here are just a few of the extraordinary Methodist, URC, Catholic statistics that have been unearthed: • Some churches have seen major growth; especially churches rooted in ethnic minority communities and • There are 500,000 Christians in black majority churches newer denominations in Britain. Sixty years ago there were hardly any. • Some parts of the mainline churches are seeing growth • At least 5,000 new churches have been started in – Anglican growth centres on the Diocese of London Britain since 1980 – and this is an undercount. The true (the one Anglican diocese which has consistently grown figure is probably higher. over the last 20 years) and new Anglican churches/fresh • There are one million Christians in Britain from black, expressions. Asian and other minority ethnic communities. • The adult membership of the Anglican Diocese of Six Lessons for the Church of England* London has risen by over 70 per cent since 1990. 1) there is hope. We are bombarded by media (and not a few church leaders and members) who assume *Research Endorsed by Bishops and Leading Academics* that society is inexorably getting more secular, that This research has been endorsed by a range of senior there is nothing much we can do. A glance at nations academics and church leaders. It is commonly supposed such as China, where there has been massive church that the Christian church in Britain is moribund, but growth despite very difficult conditions, ought to the essays in this volume all demonstrate, from different inoculate us from such fatalism. And the evidence from angles, that in the recent past there are signs of vitality Britain shows there is large-scale, long-lasting church and growth. growth happening in Britain. Despair is both wrong “Nor is the vigour confined to new churches, for theologically and flies in the face of the evidence. mainstream bodies have also participated in the upward 2) church growth often involves people from ethnic trend here depicted with scholarly care.” Durham Bishop minorities. And it is striking that the churches that most Justin Welby responded to the research in this way: effectively harness such people come from outside the “Church decline is neither inevitable in prospect nor mainstream churches. The Church of England may have accurate in retrospect. This book reviews the reality of a black archbishop, but black Christians are much more what is happening in Christian religious practice in the frequently found outside, rather than inside the Church UK. As such it comes at a crucial time, when the Church of England. How can the CofE change to release the gifts of England appears to be gathering the will to change, of non-white Anglicans ? Perhaps we need to import and when an accurate and reasoned understanding of some leaders and humbly learn from those parts of the what is really happening, and has done so since 1980, is wider Anglican Communion that have seen serious essential”. church growth? 3) church planting is the most effective single strategy ‘How can these things be?’ you may be saying. ‘Isn’t for growing the church. Every diocese needs a church there lots of church decline going on?’ The media tell planting strategy. me of thousands of churches are closing. Many church 4) church growth happens most often along the ‘trade leaders bemoan shrinking congregations. routes’ of Britain – places where there is population The reason for the tension between this research and the growth, immigration and economic dynamism. We picture often painted is twofold. need growing churches everywhere. But leaders in areas Firstly, media, academia and many church leaders suffering population loss and economic decline shouldn’t
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 11 beat themselves up when they find the ground resistant My Favourite Church to growth. Conversely, we need to identify the ‘trade- routes’ as seedbeds for church growth, just as St Paul St John’s Cathedral, worked along the trade-routes of the Mediterranean to Hong Kong - a survivor reach the ancient world. through history. 5) Diocese of London is the centre of Anglican church growth. This is not comfortable news for other dioceses ight years after Hong Kong – and no cause for pride in London. Nonetheless, the was ceded to the British crown wider Anglican family needs to ask why London has E at the end of the Opium Wars, St bucked the trend and others have not. In particular, it John’s Cathedral was built in the is striking that it was under Archbishop David Hope Gothic manner and consecrated that London changed from decline to growth – what is it in 1849. The government in London felt that the cost about what he did that we all can learn from ? at £8,736 was very high for an ex-pat population of 6) we need a theology of church growth. We need to 3,000 and a military garrison which required 250 seats articulate plainly why growing the church is what God of the 640 available. But the cathedral was beautifully wants – and let go of the fatalism that wider Western furnished, including William Morris windows and a culture has insinuated into the hearts of both individual splendid organ. Christians, congregations and church structures. Of course services were not then for the Chinese This is a bracing, but hugely exciting challenge for the indigenous population, and the right to use pews could Church of England. We can stop moping around like be bought. During the Japanese occupation in the Private Fraser. Instead of an eschatology of despair, we Second World War the cathedral was used as a social should grasp an eschatology of hope, which leads into a club and the windows removed. Although later found, theology of church growth. Jesus remains as magnetic they were much damaged. Today there are some lovely as he was 2,000 years ago. The Holy Spirit is just as replacement windows. widely at work – if we have eyes to see him. Research into church growth in contemporary Britain shows that The front pew on the right bears the Royal Arms, and we when people step out in faith God uses that faith to grow remember the last Governor, Chris Patten, sitting there churches and bless communities. with his family; although a Roman Catholic, this was his place as the representative of the crown. Of course, “Church Growth in Britain from 1980 to the Present”, the staffing of the Cathedral is largely Chinese now with has just been published by Ashgate and is available from a Chinese Bishop, and with the hand-over in 1997 by bookshops and online booksellers. Prince Charles on behalf of the Queen, the crown colony came to an end. This is made up of extracts from the report in Church of England Newspaper, June 7th 2012. St John’s stands on the only piece of freehold land in Please Note!! Hong Kong, and is a wonderful oasis above the traffic Madeleine Holmes and frenetic activity of the contemporary city. If you are breaking your journey to Australia or on a shopping trip, do go to St John’s. It is a strong missionary centre and offers social care to many nationalities. I can recommend a long browse in the Book Shop and there are often musical events and lunches in the Hall.
If you can stay for a service, there is a splendid choir of many nationalities – I think the Philippina sopranos are particularly wonderful. The place has a great sense of peace and history. We took our eldest grandson, Oliver, on Christmas Day when he was three months old; now he is eighteen and at Edinburgh Universirty, and I have always felt that he was especially blessed as we offered him at the altar rail in his baby carrier.
Kate Giles “I can’t stop going to church growth seminars”.
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 12 10 Ways to Be Generous on Any Budget Here’s a good opportunity to get your Bible out! Try our summer crossword. Is generosity a spiritual quality? When one thinks of spiritual qualities, we think of words such as peace, faith, and joy – and those are spiritual qualities. But generosity is a key factor in all expressions of faith.
Generosity is part of the character and nature of God. He is generous in His love for us. He is generous in His compassion and His grace and mercy.
For us to be forgiving of others requires generosity. For us to be accepting of others requires generosity. To build honest, intimate, and long-term relationships requires generosity. To give help to the poor requires Across: 8 Laban complained he had not been allowed generosity. For us to fulfill Gods’ purpose for our lives – to kiss them when Jacon fled with his family (Genesis it will require generosity of our souls. 31:28) (13); 9 In favour of (3); 10 ‘The child’s father and mother – at what was said about him’ (Luke 2:33) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes (9); 11 Swagger (Psalm 12:8) (5); 13 ‘Terrors – him others will be refreshed Proverbs 11.25 on every side and dog his every step’ (Job 18:11) (7); 16 Bay bits (anag) (7); 19 Preach, address an audience, 10 Ways to Be Generous speak in public (5); 22 Holy Communion (9); 24 ‘On their way to – out the land, Joshua instructed them, “Go 1. Volunteer time to serve your community or and make a survey of the land”’ (Joshua 18:8) (3); 25 your Church’s community. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint these to administer 2. Give a few euros to a homeless person. This his grain storage plan (Genesis 41:34) (13). could be as important for you as it is for them. Down: 1 ‘Assyria’s pride will be brought down and – 3. Donate your good old clothes to Emmaus or sceptre will pass away’ (Zecharaiah 10:11) (6); 2 ‘A n d the Red Cross. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in – with God 4. Call someone just to say ’Thanks’. and men’ (Luke 2:52) (6); 3 The descendents of Esau 5. Ask someone ‘Is there anything I can pray for (Genesis 36:9) (8); 4 The components of the crown that you about?’ Jesus was made to wear before his crucifixion (John 19:2 6. Pay a bill for someone who could use help. (6); 5 Colour of cloth which was to cover holy objects 7. When someone compliments you about in the tabernacle when moving camp (Numbers 4:6- something you have, give it to them. 12) (4) 6 One of the gold articles plundered from the 8. Save small coins for a month or two and then Midianites offered to the Lord by the Israelite army ‘to put them in the charity jar at church. make atonement’ (Numbers 31:50) (6) 7 ‘The fathers 9. Purchase an extra can or other non-perishable have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set item for the Secour Catholique or Resto du - - ‘ (Jeremiah 31:29) (2,4) 12 Ate (anag) (3); 14 ‘We Coeur. ourselves…groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our – 10. Give a bible to someone. as sons’ (Romans 8:23) (8); 15 Abram’s nephew (Genesis 14:12) (3); 16 Rupture (Job 30:14) (6); 17 ‘Yet to all who The more you practice generosity, the more it will received him… he gave the right to – children of God’ become natural. Hopefully, you will eventually love it. (John 1:12) (6); 18 ‘I....asked him the true meaning of all -. – he told me and gave me the interpretation of these But since you excel in everything in faith, in speech, in things’ (Daniel 7:16) (4,2); 20 Military units (Exodus knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we 14:20) (6); 21 ‘Joseph her husband was a righteous man have kindled in you, see that you also excel in this grace and did not want to – her to public disgrace’ (Matthew of giving. 2 Corinthians 8;7 1:19) (6); 23 Diva (anag) (4) Solution on page 18 Ideas taken from an article by Philip Wagner, www. (with thanks to Morpeth Methodist and United Reformed churchleaders.com Church magazine in which this crossword first appeared.)
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 13 Experiments in gluten-reduced cooking and blanch sections of leek about 3cm long, cool, stand Mike Kelly upright on top of the goat’s cheese, tightly packed, bake (half-hour at 180°). The chick pea pastry tastes OK, but IMPORTANT : I have neither experience nor knowledge has no structural qualities. Adding some egg helps, but of coeliac disease, but a quick search showed me that I couldn’t get the pie out of the dish so took it along to absence of gluten must most definitely NOT be accepted bring-and-share in the dish. If you can’t eat pastry, this on hear-say. Some people like a gluten-reduced diet, and might do. Like us you might find the goat cheese and may like what follows. leek filling rather tame.
ouse-restoring being over, I have time to trespass So, regular flour is best, sorry about that, keep the chick Hoccasionally in the kitchen, and cook the odd peas for the couscous and the Durrum wheat for the pie. One such was taken to the Limueil Bring-and- home-made spaghetti, the stuffed cabbage was really the Share lunch (4th Sundays, visitors welcome), where I only winner. may modestly say it was popular (a domed game pie: quails, foie gras, chanterelle mushrooms etc), but regrets were expressed that the pastry was ordinary short crust VVVVVVV pastry, gluten-rich. This set me to thinking, so the next visit to Grand Frais saw me coming home with semoule (Durrum flour, NOTE : not gluten-free, just low gluten), Great selection of books.... Chick-pea flour (gluten-free), and a nice big green cabbage (yes, even a chemist knows that cabbage is not olin Pratt’s family kindly donated to the chaplaincy pastry: think laterally!) Cmany of the books from his library. I do my pies, about 1kg each, in a collander, upside-down, These books are currently stored at the chaplain’s home, lining the collander with pastry, filling in the goodies, I and have been catalogued and recorded under the have no recipe, suitable things just go in until it’s filled to following general categories: the brim, cover the top, cook at the temperature Sylvia - Bibles says is OK, until the pastry is strong enough to tolerate - Commentaries and Studies turning upside down, remove collander and return to - Hymns and Music oven until nice and brown. Now, I was doing cabbage, - Theology yes. Take off the outside leaves, then excavate the inside, - History of the Church leaving enough leaves to make a strong shell (sorry, can’t - Notable Christians, Stories, Autobiographies be more precise). Blanch, tip into cold water. Reduce - Modern Christians and Questioning excessive stalk, without compromising the structural Christianity integrity, and arrange it in the collander. A lot of leaf - Worship Resources needs to hang over the outside. Then pretend it’s a pastry - Prayer, Spiritual Guidance case, pile in the ingredients, already cooked, to the very - Liturgies and Lectionaries brim. Fold over the leaves, bake in the oven, turn upside down and lift off the collander. A little glaze helps the This collection is open to all to enjoy and the list will appearance, return to finish cooking. I suppose this is be featured under the Resources of the admin section really a stuffed cabbage, but gluten-free game pie sounds of the website (accessible from the Home page). If you good to me. It kept its shape well, looked good, sliced would like a password to access this section, please nicely and it all got eaten: qui dit mieux? contact Charlotte ([email protected]) who will be pleased to issue a password. I used the standard pastry recipe for the two flours, adding some egg to reduce the crumble-tendency. Paul will be responsible for distributing and collecting Semoule makes a passible pastry, but very crumbly – in books, as he takes services and travels throughout the fact, crumble wouldn’t be a bad name. As it isn’t gluten- chaplaincy. If you wish to borrow a book, please contact free either, I gave up at that point! the chaplain directly.
For the chick pea flour, I adapted a TV recipe: goat’s We give thanks for the life of Colin, all that he shared cheese and leek pie (Laurent Mariotte, TF1, lunch-time). with us, and for this generous gift which we hope will Line a 15cm pie dish with pastry, add a blend of fresh be of much use to the chaplaincy. goat cheese (chèvre frais), an egg, a little fluid cream, piment d’espelette and chives, about 2cm deep. Peel Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 14 The Garden in Summer Liz Oaten is the same for spireas like ‘Anthony Waterer’. Wisterias fter all the sowing and planting, mowing and pruning should have their long whippy side shoots cut back to Aand worrying about the weather and whether to about 20cms. This can encourage a few extra flowers. water, everything is now in full swing. Especially the Hedges can be clipped, but make sure that the birds weeds! Groundsel have left their nests. Summer bedding displays can last grows from seed to longer if the flowers are deadheaded. Perennials can flower in only five be dead headed too, but I leave top growth for winter weeks! Bindweed protection. Some I cut right back, like oriental poppies. roots can grow over They die right down in summer anyway and look a mess 2 metres long in one so I cut them and season. Everyone then plant a few has their own way of annuals, like blue dealing with weeds. salvia farinacea, I’m always amazed around them. by French vegetable gardens with everything in neat Some perennial rows and not a weed in sight. Someone must have spent geraniums look many happy hours with a hoe. I’m not very good with a very messy after hoe, I tend to hoe up wanted plants by mistake, perhaps flowering so they one needs a good sense of rhythm. I kneel on a mat and can be cut back to pull up everything within reach – except the wanted a few inches and they will re-grow. plants, of course. I try to dig up bindweed in the winter. In the summer the roots have lots of thin roots growing Watch out for pests and diseases, like powdery mildew. off them which tend to break off and re-grow. In the This can spoil Michelmas daisies of the Belgii variety. summer I just try to pull it up when I see it, but then There are sprays to treat it, but if the plants are not allowed you come back from holiday and there it is – twined all to dry out it should be less of a problem. However, if around the flowers! My other main hate is couch grass. tomatoes start getting brown patches on their stems this One year it grew right through the iris rhizomes. is worse when they are overwatered from above. Tomato blight can be a real nuisance in a cold wet summer. Although this year There are sprays for this too. Watch out for cabbage has been wetter white butterflies on cabbages and broccoli. I pick off than usual and the caterpillars. I don’t like to use insecticides as they not so warm it has are bad for good insects like bees and ladybirds. Aphids been better for can be sprayed with water with liquid soap added to it. the garden. Last I don’t think I’ll start on slugs and snails here, this is year was really too already long enough! hot and dry. The flowers are lasting When we go to England we like to look at other gardens. longer too. The Last year we saw some lovely ones in Cornwall and this runner beans (Scarlet Emperor) have started producing June we went to Devon. I especially liked ‘The Garden and are covered in pretty red flowers. The broad beans House’ and the RHS garden, ‘Rosemoor’. Many gardens were juicy and tender. Last year they were rather tough have plant sales and I like to and didn’t give a very good crop. The lettuces have been bring back a few plants to crisp and plump. The peas (Kelvedon Wonder) were remember the holiday by. sweet and plentiful. Above all, take a little time to You could just sit back and enjoy the summer, the flowers look at and smell the flowers, and the fresh veg. That was what I did when the children enjoy the fruit and vegetables were young. There just wasn’t time for everything. It can from your garden and listen always be cleared up in the autumn – so long as the veg. to the birds. are picked and eaten or frozen. But if you would like to carry on gardening through the summer there are still a lot of things to do. Many thanks, Liz, for some wonderful photos of your Deadheading is one of them. If repeat-flowering roses garden. are deadheaded it will encourage them to flower again. It August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 15 Subject: Caption Competition! Mobile vs Bible Many thanks to all those who sent entries for the Caption Competition. Suggestions included: Donny & Marie Osmond?? I never thought of it this way, but it’s an eye opener. Final place contestants in the Nina and Frederick Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible look-alike competition! like we treat our cell phone? Our Belloc Olympians – Torches to lighten our Darkness. • What if we carried it around in our purses or Nice teeth, but strange toothbrushes! pockets? With these brushes we guarantee fewer cavities! • What if we flipped through it several times a day? • What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? The winning entry though, selected by Rev Andy • What if we used it to receive messages from the text? Horlock, was: • What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it? “For an extra large smile.... try an extra large • What if we gave it to Kids as gifts? toothbrush” • What if we used it when we travelled? Congratulations to Charlotte Sullivan who will be awarded a small prize. • What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible? Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our mobile phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think ‘Where are my priorities? And no dropped calls! When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!
Unknown
A thought for our holidays:
Once Abba Anthony was conversing with some brethren, and a hunter who was after game in the wilderness came upon them. He saw Abba Anthony and the brothers enjoying themselves and Advertising rates disapproved. Abba Anthony said: ‘Put an arrow per edition in your bow and shoot it.’ This he did. ‘Now shoot another,’ said the elder. ‘And another, and another.’ Full page 60€ The hunter said: if I bend my bow all the time it will Half page 40€ break.’ Abba Anthony replied: ‘So it is in the work Quarter page 20€ of God. If we push ourselves beyond measure, the 7cm x 5cm 15€ brethren will soon collapse. It is right, therefore, from time to time, to relax their efforts. Long-term booking discounts available ‘The Wisdom of the Desert’ Camera-ready artwork should be sent to the Editor together with the appropriate Ed. I found the above in Revd Andy Horlock’s newsletter amount made payable to ‘The Chaplaincy of @ www.stedwards.ch and thought it would fit in this little Aquitaine’. space I had to fill just perfectly! You may recall that Gill Strachan and Andy did a Ministry Swap in July with Andy coming to Limeuil and Gill going to Lugano.
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 16 round the Though we are many, we are one body AChaplaincy
Limeuil (24) near le Bugue, Eglise de CW David Albrecht 05 53 36 55 97 Sainte Catherine in Limeuil Haut Gill Sweetman 05 53 73 13 59 NL Barry Borsberry 05 53 74 95 67 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61
August Services Sunday 5th August 10.30 Prayer and Praise Jean Dix Sunday 12thAugust 10.30 Holy Communion Revd. Gill Strachan Thursday 16th August 10.30 Holy Communion Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 19th August 10.30 Morning Worship Roger Cheale 17.00 Evensong Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 26thAugust 10.30 Holy Communion Revd. Liz Morris The service on the 26th will be followed by our regular monthly “Bring and Share” picnic lunch down at the Port in Limeuil. Don’t forget to bring your couvert and perhaps a little something to share among friends.
September Services Sunday 2nd September 10.30 Prayer and Praise Sheila Marshal 17.00 Evensong Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 9th September 10.30 Holy Communion Revd. Paul Vrolijk Sunday 16th September 10.30 Morning Worship David Albrecht Thursday 20th September 10.30 Holy Communion Revd. Liz Morris Sunday 23rd September 10.30 Harvest Holy Communion Revd. Paul Vrolijk Sunday 30th September 10.30 Holy Communion BCP Revd. Gill Strachan
23rd September is a Special Sunday! eing the fourth Sunday in the month, the 23rd will again be the day of the monthly picnic. BIt is also the day on which we will be celebrating Harvest Festival, the special day on which we give thanks for all of those things which we enjoy in abundance. One of our adopted charities is Resto de Coeur whose aim is to provide help and support for local families in need of even the basic essentials. Please help by helping to decorate our church with as many of these essentials as we can for donation to Resto de Coeur. All manner of non-perishable goods are needed such as dried, canned and bottled foods as well as baby foods, toiletries etc. and other household essentials. If you are unable to donate specific items, perhaps you might like to consider making a monetary donation. To do so please contact Jean Dix who is our contact with the local branch and will be pleased to advise as to the best way to go about this. The 23rd of September is also the date of our Back to Church Sunday, the day on which we are urged to bring someone back to church, or indeed, to bring someone to church for the first time. We probably all know of someone out there who, with a little encouragement, could be persuaded back into the family of Mother Church. What better opportunity could there be than this special day of thanksgiving in the church calendar.
News of recent events After the service on June 24th, a ribbon-cutting celebration was held by the mayor of Limeuil, Monsieur Guy Thomasset, in honour of the building project at Ste Catherine’s. At 12:03, just as the mayor was beginning his speech of introduction, he was interrupted by the bells of the Angelus...a reminder of another wonderful recent improvement in Limeuil: the repair of the church bells... After the Angelus, he continued with a speech which made us feel very welcome and appreciated indeed, and afterwards Jennifer Lord, who was Warden throughout the project, also had the opportunity to say a few words in French, which expressed our joy in the collaborative project, and the continuing friendship between our congregation, the parish of Le Bugue, and the commune of Limeuil. August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 17 The mayor commissioned a plaque to be placed on the wall inside the church, marking the collaboration between the Chaplaincy of Aquitaine and the commune of Limeuil. This is the first time such a collaboration has taken place in the area, and we are very proud to have been a part of such an endeavor.
The “vin d’honneur” was followed by a Bring and Share lunch down by the river, and several stayed for the Boules competition, which was great fun!
Our annual Summer Fete held in the beautiful setting of Limeuil Port on the last day of June was again a great success. This was made possible thanks to a combination of some much hoped for fine weather, and the army of helpers and volunteers, who turned up on the day to help with setting up and dismantling . Also, a huge vote of thanks must go to those behind the scenes who worked so hard to provide items for the various stalls, and to those who turned up to help with manning the stalls. Thanks also to the Limeuil commune for affording us this beautiful location and all the essential facilities. The event raised a little over €3000 for Chaplaincy funds and you find the results of the raffle on page 10. (If Ian Strachan didn’t sell you a ticket I’m amazed!!)
On the 11th of July we were again treated to an afternoon of the beautiful sounds of the classical and baroque guitars at a recital given by Dan Jones – this being his second visit to St. Catherine’s. Dan played pieces by Bach, Scarlatti, Tarrega and Malats among others, and for his final piece was joined by Keith Lowe on keyboard for a captivating rendition of Rodrigo’s Adagio from his Concierto de Aranjuez. Over a hundred people made up a delighted audience and the event raised €560 for charity. Many thanks to Jennifer for organising the afternoon and to all those who provided the delicious array of tea and cakes during the interval.
Finally, a quiz sheet has been compiled by Christine Scott and this is available at a cost of €2 with proceeds for Chaplaincy funds. This is sure to tax all of those little grey cells out there and the prize for the sheet submitted with most correct answers is Champagne and Chocolates. Quiz sheets are available after every service or can be obtained by contacting any committee member and the closing date for entries is September 2nd.
VVVVVVV
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, and Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here”, she said, “He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’ Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, ‘Ryan, you be Jesus.’
Crossword solution Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 18 Lot et Garonne: (47) Allez West of Villeneuve-sur-Lot WE Paddy Atkinson 05 53 94 76 37 CW Doris Hogarth 05 53 20 21 76 Dondas just off the D215, north east of Agen Roger Verrall 05 53 64 08 14 NL Vanda Walton 05 53 89 63 03 on D50 between Castillonès and Villeréal. Doudrac PC Chris Train 05 53 64 31 76 Envals to the north of Montflanquin. Monteton east of Duras, (notre Dame Parish Church) St Médard (on D245 north-east of Agen)
August Services Sunday 5th 11.00 Holy Communion and Baptism Doudrac Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday 5th 10.30 Morning Worship Monteton TBA Sunday 12th 10.30 Morning Prayer Monteton TBA Sunday 19th 10.30 Prayer and Praise Monteton Revd David Jones Sunday 19th 10.30 Holy Communion Dondas The Chaplain Tuesday 21st 11.30 Holy Communion Envals Revd Liz Morris Sunday 26th 10.30 Holy Communion Monteton Revd Gill Strachan September Services Sunday 2nd 10.30 Holy Communion Doudrac Revd Liz Morris Sunday 2nd 10.30 Morning Worship Monteton TBA Tuesday 4th 11.00 Holy Communion Allez The Chaplain Sunday 9th 10.30 Morning Prayer Monteton TBA Sunday 16th 10.30 Prayer and Praise Monteton The Chaplain Sunday 16th 10.30 Holy Communion St Medard TBA Sunday 23rd 10.30 Holy Communion Monteton Revd Liz Morris Sunday 30th 16.00 Evensong Monteton TBA
Monteton n Sunday 1st July, at a service of Holy Communion celebrated by Revd David Jones, we joined Monteton Choir Omembers, Terry and Pauline Cordery, in special and very joyful commemoration of their 40 years of marriage, and the Renewal of their Wedding Vows. The choir, naturally, was in top form with a beautiful rendering of the Anthem chosen by Terry and Pauline, ‘How lovely is Thy dwelling-place, O Lord of Hosts’, from Brahm’s A German Requiem. After the service, we all enjoyed coffee and cakes provided by the happy couple who now, we believe, are spending a long-planned holiday in China.
Future Events at Monteton There will be a Concert given by the Monteton Choir and visiting musicians, on Sunday 2 September at 17.00h in the Church of Notre Dame, Monteton A concert of choice pieces of classical music including Negro Spirituals, Purcell, Bach, Faure, Brahms and Rutter sung by the choir and soloists of Monteton Church, Director Marjorie Etschmann. Guest soloists: Jane Pollard - oboe Peter Fowler – baritone Richard Errington- piano Jonathan Smalley – piano The programme also includes the first performance in France of Richard Errington’s Bacherama Suite – piano duet Tickets 8 euros, to include a verre d’amitie after the concert Proceeds to be shared between the Choir fund, Chaplaincy funds and Chapaid
The traditional Monteton harvest supper is to be renamed Autumn Supper. This year it will take the form of a musical cabaret, organised by Marjorie Etschmann and performed by the multi-talented members of the Monteton Choir; a ‘Cottage Pie’ meal will also be provided. We can promise a great evening of music and fun! The date is Friday 5 October and the venue is the Salle des Fetes at Monteton. More information about tickets for this event will be given at church services and will be posted also on the Chaplaincy Website.
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 19 Our annual Quiz Evening will take place as usual in November, in the Monteton Salle des Fetes. More details will be available soon. A Descending Staircase: Phillipa Tillyer is planning an evening of Christmas music to take place at L’Orangerie, the Winsers home in Duras. More information later.
Allez We have no services scheduled for the two high summer months of July and August but on Tuesday 4th September we will hold our quarterly Holy Communion at 11.00, which will include a celebration of harvest. We would welcome any contributions of non-perishable items for donation to Restos du Coeur, which has local distribution centres. Everyone, regular churchgoers or not, of whatever denomination, will be welcome at the service and to stay for coffee and a chat afterwards. For those who wish, there will be a group of us going to L’Allezienne on the Villeneuve road, quite close to the church, where you can be sure of a reasonably priced lunch and some good company.
Dondas Our next service of Holy Communion will be on Sunday, 19th August at 10.30 am, when our celebrant will be the Chaplain. We hope that he, Janine and the children will be feeling refreshed after their holiday. We are delighted that our organist that day will be Michael Pennington who, although he lives in Dondas, has for some years been a member of the Cahors congregation at Terre Rouge where he was recently licensed as a Reader. There are several members of our congregation who live in the area, but because there was no local worship centre within the Chaplaincy when they came to live here, gravitated to Cahors or to Valence d’Agen for services in English and still attend regularly there. We value the cross-Chaplaincy relationship which this affords us.
Doudrac Our next service at Doudrac will be our monthly Holy Communion on Sunday 5th August at 11h00, when we shall be delighted to welcome back Revd Bramwell Bearcroft as our celebrant. During the service, Bramwell will also be conducting a Baptism. There will be another service of Holy Communion here on Sunday nd2 September at 11h00 as usual, with Revd Liz Morris as our celebrant.
Himalayas and Curry! In Monteton, on Friday 31st August we will be treated to an exotic evening in India! There is to be a lecture accompanied by a slide show on a journey into the Indian Himalayas to be followed by an Indian supper including a chicken curry and all the trimmings. Further information about this event will be given on church service pew sheets and on the Website
Our Own Harvest Festival A bit ahead of time but we want you all to find a way to be there! After service of Holy Communion on 7th October, to be led by Revd Bramwell Bearcroft, we plan a Bring and Share Harvest Festival meal. Table coverings, water and a box or two of wine will be provided plus coffee afterwards. You need to bring plates, knives and forks plus a glass or two and, of course, a delicious dish perhaps featuring the season’s finest produce! And of course we need volunteers; please let Marion know if you can help and then turn up an hour before the service!
Ecumenical Service. The service held in the parish church at Masquieres was a considerable success and was very well attended especially by our Catholic friends from right across the departement plus many from the Midi Pyrenees Chaplaincy. We were led by Père Jean Poujade, Père José Tentelier, our Chaplain and Rodney Bridges from Midi Pyrène with Ken Meyer from the Baptist Church playing the organ. The service was made up of a series of readings and hymns in both languages with addresses by Père Poujade and Paul Vrolijk on the theme of Babel; it was appropriate that we all said the Lord’s Prayer altogether in our own languages! Afterwards we shared a delicious meal in the Salle des Fetes. Next year’s service will, we hope, migrate a little further west to make it more accessible to people from across the Lot et Garonne.
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 20 St Médard The good news is that this new congregation now seems to be coming together well. There are to be services every three months which will include Carols and Lessons at Christmas, a celebration of Easter Day, a Mid Summer Holy Communion and a Harvest Festival. This year the latter is to be followed by a Bring and Share Meal at the Orliac family farm just outside this beautiful village. Why not join in? The views across the Garonne valley from the road leading there and the nearby church and village of Clermont Dessous are worth the trip on their own. Write Sunday 16th September at 11h00 into your diaries now! Envals The next service at ‘The Old School House ’ in Envals, home of Liz and David Rolfe, will take place on Tuesday 21 August, led by Revd Liz Morris. You are very welcome to attend this service and to come to the delicious lunch always served afterwards by Liz and David, but you do need to contact them if you plan to come, on 05 53 01 78 76.
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CW Mike Duncan 05 53 91 30 64 Dronne Valley Church, Sheila Marshall 05 53 90 95 69 Bertric Burée (24): Parish Church, (D708 between NL Di Harris-Evans 05 45 98 05 31 Ribérac and Verteillac) PC Sheila Marshall 05 53 90 95 69
August Services Sunday 05 August 10:30 Service of the Word Richard Shreeve Sunday 05 August 18:00 Evensong Sheila Marshall Wednesday, 8 August 11:00 BCP Holy Communion Service Revd John Morgan Sunday 12 August 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Paul Vrolijk Sunday 19 August 10:30 All Age Worship Janis Adams and Richard Shreeve Sunday 26 August 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Brian Davies
September Services Sunday 02 Sept 10:30 Service of the Word Richard Shreeve/Janis Adams Sunday 02 Sept 18:00 Evensong Sheila Marshall Sunday 09 Sept 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Canon Tim Thompson Wednesday, 12 Sept 11:00 BCP Holy Communion Service Revd Brian Davies Sunday 16 Sept 10:30 All Age Worship Revds. Ann & Michael Wooderson Sunday 22rd Sept 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Brian Davies Sunday 30th Sept 10.30 Harvest Festival Revd Paul Vroljk
raining and Refreshment for Intercessors: Brian proposes to hold a Training Session for existing and new TIntercessors. Would anyone who feels drawn to this important ministry in the life of the church, speak to him asap please? You can contact him at Revd. Brian Davies [email protected] or phone 05 53 91 19 90.
Prayer - the church prayer meetings have started again and will be held as usual on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 5.00 p.m. We meet for just one hour and it is turning out to be a very special time for those of us who are there. We would love to see as many of you there as possible; this month on 1st and 15th August.
UCB - For anyone who would like to receive daily notes on Bible readings by email check out ucb.co.uk for more information.
Our Family Fun Day at Chez Noury, home of David and Julie-Ann Jackson, Le Fouilloux, has been postponed. This will now be held on Saturday 22nd September. Tickets 10€ for adults, Children 5-15 3€ and under 5’s free, available from David, call 05 46 86 49 66 to make your reservation. Look for full details in our next Newsletter.
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 21
On 1st September in the Salles des Fetes in Coutures there is to be a talk and slide show given by Ian Strachan and Dave Shires relating their latest trip to Northern India travelling by motor bike. Some of you will remember the very enjoyable evening we had three years ago after they had visited Southern India. There will be aperitifs at 7pm, the talk followed by questions and then a Chicken Masala with wine , dessert and coffee, 15 € per head with proceeds going to Fields of Life and Church funds. Tickets available from Sue Gamon [email protected]
FORTHCOMING SOCIAL AND FUND RAISING EVENTS - in order to meet the deficit in our budget for meeting the day to day running costs of our church, the following events will be arranged and the money raised shared equally with one of our chosen charities (Fields of Life, Cancer Support France, Emmaus and Shelter Box).
Vanishing Coffee Mornings- these events, raising funds for Cancer Support France and the church, will begin during July. I hope many of you will host a coffee morning be it for 3 or 7 people, the important thing is that you do not break the chain. Do not worry if you are not invited to the first event; there could be 800 or more coffee mornings, so your chance will come!!! End of September - Harvest Supper with Barn Dancing October - an Evening with Dan Jones We need to raise 5,000€ so look forward to your support at these events with the opportunity to invite our friends from outside church too.
Randonnée –Wednesday 22 August 10.00 a.m. For more details contact Fred Sapsford (05 53 91 52 19).
Ladies Club / Jeudi Rendezvous - There will be no meetings in July or August.
HOME GROUPS: There are several 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 Ribérac, contact Brian Cook on 05 45 98 43 00. Tuesday evenings near Ribérac contact Gwyneth Marison 05 45 24 06 89. Ann Knight will be starting another group at Brie sous Chalais – please contact her for more details on 05 45 98 22 17 or ann@ daveandannknight.co.uk
CANCER SUPPORT FRANCE RIBERAC, DROP-IN CENTRE - has two main aims: to reassure English-speaking people affected by cancer that there is help available and also to publicise opportunities for involvement as a volunteer.
The Drop-in centre is open on the fourth Friday of each month from 0930 to midday in the Palais de Justice, Room No.1 in the market square in Ribérac. Entry is through the door to the right of the building. We offer a friendly smile with a cup of tea or coffee to anyone who wants to come along to talk about cancer or find out more about the services we offer. A trained ‘Active Listener’ will be available to talk with cancer patients and their carers confidentially. We also sell hand-made cards and second hand English books and CSF bookmarks for a donation. CSF Ribérac supports English speaking people with cancer and their carers living in the South Charente and North Dordogne and is run by English speaking volunteers. Our Helpline is 06 43 67 86 11 or for further information please email [email protected] or view our website www.cancersupportfrance.org
For Sale for church funds Handmade cards for all occasions, in aid of Church funds, will be available following all services. Orders are welcome for special occasions: Pam Davies. VVVVVVV
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 22 (24) Chapelle de Saint Jean, opp. The Abbey Chancelade CW Liz Oaten 05 53 05 42 76 NE of Périgueux Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 Negrondes Church (until May 2012 as and Sorges NL Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 Sorges Church closed for repairs) PC Lin Tarrant 05 53 91 26 38 August Services Sunday 12th August 11.00 Negrondes Family Service with Baptism followed by bring and share lunch Chez Brook Sunday 19th August 10.30 Chancelade Holy Communion Tuesday 28th August 11.00 Negrondes Holy Communion September Services Sunday 9th September 11.00 Negrondes Family Service Sunday 16th September 10.30 Chancelade Holy Communion Picnic lunch after the service Tuesday 25th September 11.00 Negrondes Holy Communion
s I sit in my salon writing this contribution to the newsletter the sun is shining down on my washing, drying it to Aa crisp, lovely! Perhaps the pool after lunch if the weeding can wait a bit longer. The picnic after our service at Negrondes on the 8th of July was a very happy afternoon on so many counts, although the sun was a little absent and we ate indoors, 17 adults and 5 children. Everyone brought a contribution to share and I can assure you we ate very well ! These occasions are great to get to know each other a little better, there is never enough time during church coffee. As the day moved on we had the delight of watching Andrew Murray play in the final at Wimbledon, and what a match to be proud of.
It was especially nice to welcome a new family, Lillian and John Kimani and their adventurous toddler, Stella, into our midst. Stella is to be baptised at Negrondes on the 12th August. Please come and support the family. There will be a bring and share lunch after the service at the home of Elizabeth and Philip Brook to welcome all their family to our fellowship.
The very next day was our local committee meeting where we all agreed to have a publicity campaign. We each took some of our surrounding communes and sent out letters to the British sounding names telling them of the Church in Aquitaine, plus times of our services. We pray that this will open the door to new people both Christian and those looking for ‘something’. So far, folks in 47 communes will be receiving our letters of invitation. Now we need to be ready to welcome newcomers with a smile and true friendship. All of those letters need to be followed up with prayer. Our house group is centering on this as indeed is the whole chaplaincy and we move forward in faith trusting in our Lord Jesus to move hearts where we can’t.
Events PICNIC Sunday 16th September after the Chancelade service. Bring your picnic and maybe just a little extra to share with any who did not know or forgot. BBQ 22nd September 12.30 pm at the home of Elizabeth Oaten Book Now. 15euros incl 1st drink. (Pray for a sunny day, we would like better weather than we had for the strawberry tea!) THE SCRATCH MESSIAH 28th October at The Abbey Chancelade 5pm. Please contact Veronica Dare Bryan for more information. DAN JONES AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT WITH DINNER. 10th November at Salle Polyvalent, Sorges. 15 euros. This concert is always well attended so be sure of your tickets early, they will be on sale at the BBQ. Social events are more than fun; they are a time when we can get to know each other better and are an excellent time to invite those outside the church to join us. So bring a friend! Happy holidays to all. EHB
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August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 23 CW Pamela Prior 05 56 59 67 34 (33) Chapelle de l’Assomption, Bordeaux Christine Rychlewski 05 56 48 18 77 370 bd Président Wilson, (opposite Lindsay Megraud 05 56 96 44 17 the British Consulate). NL Lindsay Megraud 05 56 96 44 17 PC Rhian Foreau 05 56 36 99 63
AUGUST SERVICES Sunday August 5th 10.30 Morning Prayer Christine Rychlewski Sunday August 12th 10.30 Holy Communion Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday August 19th 10.30 Holy Communion Revds Ann and Michael Wooderson Sunday August 26th 10.30 Morning Prayer Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk
SEPTEMBER SERVICES Sunday Sept. 2nd 10.30 Morning Prayer Paul Dixon Sunday Sept. 9th 10.30 Holy Communion Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday Sept. 16th 10.30 Holy Communion Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday Sept. 23rd 10.30 Back to Church Sunday Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Holy Communion followed by a Picnic Sunday Sept. 30th 10.30 Youth Service Revd Bramwell Bearcroft & the Youth
Sunday School and Teen Discussion Group Sunday Sept. 9th 10.30 Sunday School Anne Sharp & Rhian Foreau Sunday Sept. 9th 10.30 Teen Discussion Group Kit Seguin & Jennifer Bearcroft
Sunday School and Teen Discussion Group dates always coincide with Holy Communion services. In this way, children can attend Sunday School or the Teen Group leaving their parents to continue with the service. The youngsters return before the Eucharist so that the children and young people join back in the service. Communion Services and All Age Worship Services are also designed to include the children as much as possible. Our children are the church’s future! For more information, feel free to contact Kit Seguin (05 57 64 82 41) or Jennifer Bearcroft (05 56 40 05 12).
You can chat and keep up with what’s happening in our Bordeaux Church by visiting our facebook page EnglishAnglicanChurchBordeaux
Back to Church Sunday September is always an exciting month, especially for our children and teachers who are starting a new academic year. We are pleased to do something special at church too – this year on Sunday, September 23rd. Please make a special effort to be present – and why not bring a friend? - to this shortened Holy Communion Service which will be followed by a picnic outside in the spacious Assomption gardens. The more, the merrier, and many will remember the wonderful time we had last year. Full details will be available early September. Youth Service More details will follow concerning this service on Back to Church Sunday in 2011 September 30th led by the young people.
Talents Your talents are worth their weight in gold and with the price of gold these days ... that’s saying something! Music is a priority in our services. We have an impressive new organ, several instrumentalists and soloists - and more musicians are actively being sought! If you have a musical talent which you would like to share, please don’t be bashful and contact Richard Hunt or Lindsay Megraud. Choir practice will be beginning after la rentree. We’re hoping to do something special for Harvest in early October. And, of course, enjoyable Saturday practices will be starting mid-October.for the Advent and Christmas Carol Services.
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 24 Wine and Words Group For the younger crowd - University students, language students, young people working in the area (and if you don’t quite fit into this category any more you are also very welcome) - we gather to discuss topics concerning life, faith, and the world around us after work on the second and fourth Friday of each month in a bar/cafe/pub in Bordeaux. We have a good discussion over a nice drink and then most, if not all, adjourn to eat in one of Bordeaux’s numerous restaurants. Sign up on our mailing list by writing to Jenny at [email protected] or check out our facebook page ‘WineWordsBordeaux’. ‘Wine and Words’ began to take shape a few months ago during the course of conversations after church. (The original idea came from a weekly student ‘Beer and Bible’ event in a Yorkshire pub and ‘Wine and Words’ is the perfect Bordelais equivalent.) Each week we have a general theme and take turns to gently lead the discussions - posing questions, summing up ideas, and bringing back on track if necessary. One of the key ideas behind wine and words is openness. Being open to share your thoughts and philosophies. Being open to hear the potentially challenging ideas of others. Being open to welcome people of all faiths and none to join in and contribute. So far we have covered ‘The Holy Spirit’ and ‘Sin’. (We thought we’d start with the easy ones!) In discussions on the Holy Spirit it was interesting and encouraging to hear people’s experiences of God at work. On the very wet evening spent discussing sin we talked about what we thought sin was, about the differences (or not) between the old and new testaments and finally about the cross, forgiveness and the importance of forgiving oneself. We did not come to any definition of sin, but found much food for thought in the sharing of ideas. Our next topic will be ‘Finding the way’. It is important to note that wine and words is not just about high intellectual debate (!) it is also about fellowship and friendship. Most weeks we spend a good part chatting away and enjoy each other’s company. It is also about outreach. A group of English speakers debating life, the universe and everything in bars, cafes and restaurants all over town is a very non-threatening, non-‘churchy’ thing to invite interested friends to come along too. So come along! Bring friends. Share ideas. All are most welcome. The upcoming dates: (All commence at 18:30) (Venues to be decided) 27th July – Finding the Way 10th August 24th August 7th September 21st September
Picnic Play Reading Group normally meets on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month after the 10:30 a.m. service. We are currently enjoying the warm weather in the gardens of the Chapelle where we picnic and chat. Egg sandwiches are popular picnic fare! Then we have fun play reading a varied selection from Oscar Wilde to Shakespeare with each group member taking it in turns to select a favourite play. Yu from China is battling with intricate English innuendo and still manages to be expressive in her reading – bravo, Yu! Even if you cannot make the service, bring your picnic, read or just sit and soak in the atmosphere. Great fun is had by all! Here are the dates for your diary: August 5th and 19th and September 2nd and 16th. Pamela Prior can be contacted for more information or just turn up and see what it’s all about.
Collection for the Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand Each month something special is collected to help those less fortunate than we. Back-to-school items (copy books, pens and pencils, glue sticks, scissors, etc.) will be welcome until mid-August. Then through September we are asking for milk powder for babies (1ere, 2eme or 3eme age) or instant coffee. Please bring your donations to church and we’ll make sure that they are taken to the Foyer Fraternel and distributed in good time. Also, the next clothing sale will take place on October 10th. All clothes in good condition will be gratefully accepted. Thank you.
Prayer Workshop in Aquitaine@Prayer 2012 Reverends Ann and Michael Wooderson will be leading a prayer workshop at the Eglise Evangélique Libre in Bergerac on Saturday, September 1st, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. More information in the main section of the newsletter.
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 25 News of Past Events
‘For better or for worse, in sunshine......
...... or in showers’. No spirits could be dampened at the wedding blessing of Louise and Cathal at Chateau Laligne near Bordeaux in July, officiated by the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft.
The promised land: In lieu of attending the Chaplaincy AGM in the spring, here’s Worship Leader Paul Dixon that very day on Mount Nebo, looking across the Jordan to the promised land! Very impressive landscape and food for thought for a future talk.
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Ste. Nathalène (24) East of Sarlat, Parish Church, on D27 CW Kevin Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61 NL Kay Doney 05 53 50 65 14 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61
August Services Sunday 05 August 11:00 Holy Communion Rev’ds Ann and Michael Wooderson Sunday 12 August 11:00 Holy Communion Rev’d Brian Davies Sunday 19 August 11:00 Service of the Word Madeleine Holmes Sunday 26 August 11:00 Service of the Word Cameron Watts
September Services Sunday 02 September 11:00 Holy Communion Rev’d Paul Vrolijk Sunday 16 September 11:00 Service of the Word “Creationtide” Madeleine Holmes
ummer church has well and truly started at Ste Nathalène. SWe are looking forward to welcoming many visitors, as well as all our regular congregation. Our services are now every week, please keep us in your prayers during this busy time for our church family. We have a picnic after each of our summer services, so we are praying that the sunny weather continues! We are excited to be welcoming several worship leaders for the first time. On July 29th Derek Cook, from the Cafè Church in Bergerac, will be leading a prayer and praise service. On 5th August, Ann and Michael Wooderson will be leading their first service at Ste Nathalène as will Cameron Watts. Cameron and his family have a second home here, and we always look forward to their visits. We hope to have two fundraising events in September, a car treasure hunt and a BBQ. Please check the website for further details.
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Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 26 Beyond our Borders
A Personal Note from Diocesan Synod
Prayer and action…. e are called to pray and to act, something we have learned in our Christian walk. A fact that was highlighted at Wthe Readers’ Conference last week. My Chaplain reminded me that Bill Hybels said ‘the easiest part is to write the cheque.’ Living and singing our song in what is a foreign land, it is easier to sign the cheque than to get a hands- on experience where help is needed. Though I know some of you certainly do take action just as Bordeaux church is ‘hands on’ with The Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand.
Working in the diocese we get to know many people around the world, reminding us that we are all connected through our faith and love of God. In this instance I am referring to Greece and the tragedy being enacted there. The Reverend Canon Malcolm Bradshaw I have known for a few years because of my work on Synod and Bishop’s Council, and he has the most amazing other title – the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Apocrisiarios to His Beatitude Ieronymus, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.
Malcolm is Senior Chaplain for Greater Athens. St Paul’s Church, Athens and Holy Trinity Church, Corfu act as the ‘hub’ churches for a total of eleven Anglican congregations. You will receive a very warm welcome within all of them. They are largely international in make-up with members from a variety of Christian backgrounds. You could take a look at their website on www.anglicanchurch.gr. You will have heard and perhaps read about St Paul’s church in the centre of Athens and the work they do daily in conjunction with the Orthodox Church in the city. Social welfare is part of the programme of the Anglican Church in Athens. It provides accommodation for the English branch of Narcotics Anonymous, helps with the ‘Church in the Street’ ecumenical project whereby 1500 meals are daily distributed to homeless people and immigrants, and is associated with a Residence caring for those with Down Syndrome and a Senior Citizen’s home. At the moment of course 10,000 meals are served at soup kitchens in Athens daily because of the present situation. You will recall that last year one of their Readers died tragically and a fund was set up, the Ephraim Boms Fund. Already some of our brothers and sisters in Paris and Germany have sent funding to enable the needy to be fed. When we read the papers we can see that it is just one more tragedy among many in the world, and it is.
Those of us at Synod were moved to tears as we realised what the total collapse of a country means to its people, here are just some of the effects:
Shop closures; empty shelves; no NHS as pharmacies have not been paid by the government, so no free medicines; pensions cut by 30-50%; high unemployment and so many workers have had no work contracts, so no dole, no help whatsoever; rapid increase of emigration where those who can, get out; Debt, no debt counselling, high increase in gambling and pyramid schemes; increase in domestic violence and verbal abuse towards migrants and foreigners; rapidly increasing crime rate; 30% of the population in the black markets; children and grandchildren dependant on Grandparents’ pension and a rise in suicide and depression.
When you actually speak to people who are there and who know exactly what it is like, the whole picture becomes so real. They minister to people on a daily basis, helping those in their church with such problems as trying to downsize accommodation in order to pay rent and provide for a new baby, how to keep their children fed and safe and so on. The flip chart in the conference room at Synod was for people to write their own experiences and these gave light to situations in Spain, in Portugal and in Ireland….. personal experiences of what is happening and how churches are trying to stand in the gap.
We can always blame governments of course, we can talk, but at the end of the day God’s people are suffering extreme hardships, and our brothers and sisters in Christ need constant prayer to support them in the work that they are doing. And…. of course if we felt like contributing towards the food to feed God’s people then all well and good.
Madeleine Holmes June 2012
August/September 2012 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 27 Useful Numbers Chaplain: Revd. Dr Paul Vrolijk 05 53 23 40 73 8 Chemin de Garonna, 24240 Sigoules. [email protected]
Assistant Chaplains: Revd. Caroline Gordon-Walker, 05 53 29 36 03 La Veille Ferme, 24170 St Germain de Belvès [email protected] Revd. Gillian Strachan 05 53 58 12 58 La Gravette, 24150 Bayac [email protected] Revd. Elizabeth Morris 05 53 58 71 90 Maison Neuve, Plaisance, 24560 Issigeac [email protected] Revd. Bramwell Bearcroft 05 56 40 05 12 1 Lotissement de la Caussade, 33270 Floirac [email protected] Revd. Brian Davies 05 53 91 19 90 La Petite Maison, Le Bourg Fontaines, 24320 Champagne et Fontaines [email protected]
Clergy with permission to officiate: Revd. David Jones 05 53 94 71 81 Le Bourg, 47120 Loubès-Bernac [email protected] Revd. Ann & Revd. Michael Wooderson 05 53 06 39 76 15 rue des Ecoles, 24750 Trélissac [email protected] Revd. Canon Tim Thompson UK: 01526 320 171 FR: 05 53 91 47 21 [email protected] Revd. Stephen Traves [email protected] Revd. John Morgan 05 53 54 18 90 [email protected]
Chaplaincy Wardens: David Tervet 05 53 20 86 69 [email protected] Jennifer Lord 05 53 31 18 04 [email protected] Chaplaincy Administration: Amy Owensmith 06 07 04 07 77 [email protected]
Prayer Chain Co-ordinator Madeleine Holmes 05 53 04 85 44 [email protected]
Newsletter Editor: Gill Sweetman 05 53 73 13 59 [email protected]
Neighbouring Chaplaincies: Poitou-Charentes: Revd. Hazel Door [email protected] Midi-Pyrenées & Aude: Revd Canon Andrew Hawken 05 63 81 87 44 [email protected]
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine: [email protected] Chaplaincy website: www.churchinaquitaine.org Chap-Aid Website: www.chap-aid.com
Contributions to the Newsletter are always very welcome and should be received no later than the 20th of the month. Please send to: Gill Sweetman, Champ de Riviere, 24480, Bouillac. e-mail: [email protected]
If you wish to subscribe to the Newsletter, you may do it in two ways: Either: send your name and address, with a cheque for 24 Euros made payable to: ‘The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine’ to the above address, OR: send me your e-mail address and you can receive it without charge though donations to the Chaplaincy would be most welcome.
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter August/September 2012 28