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Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 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, JUNE 2011 (see Around the Chaplaincy for location details)
SUNDAY 05 JUNE 10.30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10.30 Morning Worship Limeuil 10.30 Service of the Word Bertric Bureé 11.00 Holy Communion Ste. Nathalène 11.00 Holy Communion Doudrac 11.00 All age worship Sorges 17.00 Evensong Limeuil 18.00 Evensong Bertric Bureé
TUESDAY 07 JUNE 11.30 Holy Communion Allez Chancelade WEDNESDAY 08 JUNE 11.00 Holy Communion Bertric Buree
SUNDAY 12 JUNE 10.30 Holy Communion Monteton 10.30 Holy Communion Bordeaux THURSDAY 16 JUNE 10.30 Holy Commun ion Limeuil 10.30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10.30 Holy Communion Bertric Bureé 11.00 Holy Communion Ste. Nathalène SUNDAY 19 JUNE 10.30 Holy Communion Dondas 10.30 Prayer & Praise Monteton 10.30 Family Communion Bordeaux 10.30 Morning Worship Limeuil 10.30 Holy Communion Chancelade 10.30 All Age Worship Bertric Bureé 11.00 Morning Worship Ste. Nathalène
SUNDAY 26 JUNE 10.30 Holy Communion Monteton 10.30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10.30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10.30 Holy Communion Bertric Bureé 11.00 Informal Worship Ste. Nathalène Allez TUESDAY 28 JUNE 11.00 Holy Communion Sorges
Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 miss the news items afterwards. At the end of the month we are looking forward to our annual Belloc retreat on Clerical Resurrection Joy!! ‘Heart’s Desire’ (30 June – 3 July 2011) with Revd Steve Corner Smith. Belloc will very much focus on the practicalities of resurrection life flowing into the various parts of our lives. I know Steve has been working very hard on the CBefore turning to Easter, I want to go back to programme....and knowing him quite well, I am certain Maundy Thursday. This year, the Diocese in Europe had you will not be disappointed. I hope that many will be the privilege to propose names for receiving the ‘Maundy able to join us at Belloc for a few days of ‘bliss’. It is not too money’. I am delighted that Paddy Atkinson, Warden late to sign up. Emerita in our Lot & Garonne sector represented our Chaplaincy for this memorable service. I hope that you In the meantime, may the Risen Lord bless you had an opportunity to watch it on BBC television. It and keep you! Paul certainly looked like a magnificent service. It was great to hear from Paddy how it all was. Quite special to be in PS: If you are part of a Chaplaincy event, why not Westminster Abbey just 1 week before the royal wedding! take some photos and write a small article and send it to your sector communication officer, or to Charlotte and I hope you all had a great Easter. Alleluia. Christ Amy ([email protected])? They are all very is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!! It was wonderful to committed to keep the website fresh and to get your news hear about joyful services and full churches around the item on there quickly. Chaplaincy. Please have a look at the Chaplaincy News page of our new website (www.churchinaquitaine.org) to read the article about the Easter Ecumenical service in VVVVVVV Bordeaux. It is so important that we all connect deeply and regularly with the message of resurrection life and hope. To meet again with the Risen Lord Jesus, so to Chaplain’s Seminar speak. In this period from Easter to Pentecost we focus in during “Les Voix de la our services on readings from Acts and 1 Peter, which tell Bible” us how this message of life and hope spread (inward and outward)....often in difficult circumstances. As Eugene Peterson puts it (1 Peter 1:3 - the Message): The annual continuous Bible reading at the Périgueux Cathedral will take place in the What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to days leading up to Pentecost! All are invited to attend the have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus opening ceremony at the cathedral on Wednesday June 8th was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new at 7:00pm. The event will conclude with a celebration at life and have everything to live for, including a future in 8:00pm on Saturday, June 11th. heaven—and the future starts now! The chaplain will give a seminar in English entitled “The Gospel according to Exodus” on Thursday, This message has lost nothing of its power. These June 9th from 15:00 – 16:45. This talk will feature the book words burst with resurrection FAITH....and JOY (see also of Exodus and its relevance to the rest of the Bible, and is verses 8-9!!). This joy is something much deeper than open to all. The venue is in the same location as last year: being jolly or happy. From such faith and joy our lives 8 rue de la Constitution, located just across the street and activities spring forth. All that we do should not be from the cathedral. marked by ‘cold duty’ or ‘heavy burden’....but should flow Also at the cathedral, an exhibition entitled “La from ‘love, and joy....and peace,’ ...because He loved us Bible : Arbre de Vie” will present various cultural aspects first! of the Bible, and how they affect our daily lives. The French film “Catholique Anonyme” will be shown at Cap Looking ahead, I hope that the 5 Michael Harvey Cinéma at 8:00pm on Thurs, June 9th. Tickets are 5€, seminars, which took place when this newsletter was in reservations required. Come to Périgueux to listen and/ print, will have generated fresh inspiration and ideas to or read… night or day, with your family, your friends, in look at the way we invite, welcome and bless people within groups… For more information, phone: 06 07 04 07 77. our churches. June will bring us the Graham Kendrick concert (already 300 tickets issued as I am writing this) and the Bible Reading event in Perigueux. Please see this newsletter or our website for details....and do not
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 3 From your new Editor Prayer Corner
elcome to the June Chaplaincy Newsletter and A prayer of St Benedict Wmy first as your editor. I’d like to begin by thanking Chris Scott for her dedication and hard work O gracious and holy Father, over the past ten years and I definitely have a hard act to give us wisdom to perceive thee, follow. diligence to seek thee, patience to wait for thee, For those of you who don’t know me, let me give a eyes to behold thee, little bit of info! My husband, Bob, and I moved here in a heart to meditate upon thee, 2005 and we live about 7km west of Belves, just south of and a life to proclaim thee; the Dordogne river. We took early retirement from the through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ motor trade and have never regretted it for a minute. We our Lord. attend the church at Limeuil and have made many friends Amen there. For the past two years I have been Treasurer and I feel I’ve taken on this additional job by default really because as no-one else volunteered and I had ‘shown Do you have a favourite prayer? Please send them an interest’, it ended up becoming a fact rather than a to the Editor so we can all share them. possibility!
You will see a few changes have already been made to the newsletter, the main one being that those of you VVVVVVV receiving the printed copy will find it in A4 format rather than A5. This has been done so only one version has to be produced and not two as was done previously. I’ve also given the publication a new title which I hope you’ll Pentecost feel is appropriate. Extract from an address given to the World Council of Churches in 1968 by Metropolitan Ignatius of Latakia: I would also like to include various articles from some of you! Maybe your church has an interesting ithout the Holy Spirit, God is far away. Christ stays history or perhaps someone would like to produce a Win the past, the Gospel is simply gardening article; in fact any article that you think would an organization, authority a matter of be appreciated by others and would fit into this type of propaganda, the liturgy is no more than publication would be most welcome; your ideas and an evolution, Christian loving a slave feedback will also be much appreciated. Remember, morality. But in the Holy Spirit the you can send me articles anytime - you don’t have to wait cosmos is resurrected and grows with the until the 20th of the month! [email protected]. I look birth pangs of the Kingdom, the Risen forward to hearing from you! Christ is there, the Gospel is the power of life, the Church shows forth the life of the Trinity, authority is a liberating Gill Sweetman science, mission is a Pentecost, the liturgy is both renewal and anticipation, human action is deified.
Interesting Information! O Holy Spirit descend upon us this Pentecost and fill us with the Spirit as you o what indeed is a «Reader»? For those not brought poured out upon the apostles. Just as you Sup in the Church of England, a Reader is a layperson turned them from frightened and timid who is authorized by the bishop of the Anglican Church men into men of boldness and fearlessness to conduct services other than the Eucharist. make us also. Let the quality of our lives Initially they would «read» some parts of a service of preach the gospel to all. We ask this worship, hence the name. through Jesus Christ ... Amen. Today their theological training enables them to preach, teach and lead worship, and they are also able to assist in pastoral and liturgical work. VVVVVVV Licensed Readers are entitled to wear a blue tippet with a choir dress.
4 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 MONEY MATTERS ‘ Swan Song ‘ Can you make a regular commitment? Would you like to make a donation? The ACFAA Choir will be giving a Concert Have you considered joining our Christian Stewardship on Saturday 11th June at 8.30 pm scheme? in the Church in Eymet, opposite the Cafe de Paris. e rely on the generosity and commitment of those Wwho share in its life to raise around 120,000€ in The Choir will present a varied programme of 2011. This is needed to cover running costs including our favourite music and songs in French, English, full-time salaried Chaplain, communication costs and Russian, Latin and Italian! This will be a special expenses claimed by volunteer helpers of which a number occasion as it marks the departure of Richard are Priests who often give their services unpaid but may Errington, who has been our Choir Leader claim travel and other expenses. for more than twelve years. We hope that the members of the Association and community will We do not receive income from the Church of fill the Church as an appreciation of his work. England (in fact we contribute to support our Bishop and his staff) and we do not have any endowments. Sophie Clavel, harpist and Robert Greene, organist, will be amongst other artists invited to If you are reading this article you probably already participate in this concert. support us. Can you enter into a commitment to give regularly? It helps us to plan our activities to know how Admission is free but a collection will be taken much income we can expect. At the moment much of our as you leave. income is in the form of cash given in the collection plate during services. We are grateful for and reliant on this Make a note in your diary please ! giving but would like you to support us in a committed regular way. Our Christian Stewardship scheme is tax efficient. If VVVVVVV you pay income tax in France or the UK or both and join either scheme your giving’s value will increase.
UK tax payers can Gift Aid donations through the Chaplaincy Retreat and Intercontinental Church Society . The relief is smaller Weekend than under the French system and given to the chaplaincy. At the Abbaye de Belloc, 64240 Urt, Higher rate tax payers will get extra relief when they 30th June /1st July to 3rd July 2011. declare their donations on their UK tax return. One off donations can also be made in this way. Programme: Thursday-Friday, Silent Retreat If you pay French tax on your income and are happy Friday-Sunday Parish Weekend to give to the church by cheque or standing order, every Theme: ‘Heart’s Desire’ led by Revd. Steve Euro you give will entitle you to 66 centimes of tax relief. Smith In your tax assessment 66% of all donations up to 20% of your gross income will be deducted from the final tax For more information and a reservation form due. A regular donation of 10 € a week could cost only please contact: 176.80 € a year instead of 520 €. Amy Owensmith, Combe de Besse, 24220 Coux et Bigaroque, tel 06 07 04 07 77 e-mail chapaq. If you would like to support us in either of these ways [email protected] please speak to your local treasurer or stewardship officer Before 23rd June, please! or ask me [email protected]. A wonderful weekend of fellowship, prayer, laughter, And a very big “thank you” to the one in four of you quiet times, worship and joy. Not to be missed! who already give regularly! William Parker
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 5 Thought for the Month Easter Day where over 100 people had gathered in light rain to celebrate the risen Lord. Michael Wooderson writes about the winter he and Ann have just When we left to return to Perigueux it was with a spent in Ireland: certain sadness in our hearts as Carol, who had held her own for most of the time we were there, seemed to decline ead mile failte (a hundred further. She and Arfon have a hard road to travel in the Cthousand welcomes) is a typically days ahead and we commend them to your prayers. Irish greeting. And that is certainly what we experienced in our time in the parish of Sligo where we spent the winter. VVVVVVV
Our connections with Sligo go back to the time when Ann and I were both Rectors in the Church of Ireland. Charles Darwin, a luminary? We spent a number of holidays in the church cottage (contributed by Royston Edge) in Rosses Point, taking services in the little church just 50 yards along the road. Sligo is just south of County do not like to hear or read a phrase “Darwinian Donegal, on the north-west coast of Ireland and is blessed I evolution”, for there is only one kind, and it is part of with stunningly beautiful scenery (at the slightest excuse, Creation. To judge by the following quotation from his Ann will show you her photos!), an 18 hole championship autobiography, he would have refused having his name golf course with breathtaking views and some very tricky used like that. holes, especially when a strong south-westerly comes in from the Atlantic, and was the inspiration for much of “Up to the age of thirty, or beyond it,” wrote the poetry of W.B.Yeats who is buried in the churchyard Charles Darwin in his autobiography, at Drumcliff only 10 minutes from Rosses Point. “poetry of many kinds….. gave me great pleasure, and even as a schoolboy I took Two years ago when Ann and I celebrated our 65th intense delight in Shakespeare, especially and 70th birthdays, we made a nostalgic return to Rosses in the historical plays. I have also said that Point and made the acquaintance of the Dean, Arfon formerly pictures gave me considerable, Williams, and his wife Carol who was then becoming and music very great, delight. But now increasingly disabled with a rare degenerative condition for many years I cannot endure to read a at the age of 48. So, when we heard from a parishioner line of poetry: I have tried lately to read last autumn that Carol had deteriorated considerably, we Shakespeare, and found it so intolerably were prompted to offer to spend the winter helping in dull that it nauseated me. I have also the parish. The arrival of Brian and Pam Davies in the lost almost any taste for pictures and chaplaincy made that decision much easier. Little did we music…….My mind seems to have become know that it would be one of the hardest winters in living a kind of machine for grinding general laws memory in the west of Ireland! Because the church in out of large collections of fact, but why this Rosses Point is within walking distance of where we were should have caused the atrophy of that part living, it meant that one of us could take the service there of the brain alone, on which the higher while the other one drove to Strandhill to the little church tastes depend, I cannot conceive…..The there, leaving the Dean to take care of the cathedral. loss of these tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the The Church of Ireland community in the rural west intellect, and more probably to the moral is small, but we were impressed by their commitment and character, by enfeebling the emotional part enthusiasm, and there are a number of energetic younger of our nature.” clergy bringing new life into the parishes. There have (quotation from E.F.Schumacher’s book, been some memorable occasions with the visits of the Small is beautiful, a Study of Economics as bishop, Ken Clarke, an inspiring spiritual leader, but two if People Mattered.) worship services in particular stay in my mind: Midnight Communion on Christmas Eve in Rosses Point with a From the time of Emperor Constantine until now, the congregation of 20 or so, when the lights went out and we Church in all its forms has only taught us to conform. had to do everything by the light of the few candles that But things are changing now and it is beginning to teach were lit. What a wonderful atmosphere it created! And an us to think. This is far more important, for it points us to early morning Communion Service on Lissadell beach on one who did not conform.
6 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 round the Though we are many, we are one body AChaplaincy
CW Pamela Prior 05 56 59 67 34 (33) Chapelle de l’Assomption, Bordeaux Christopher 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 Jerome Rychlewski 05 56 92 54 69
June Services Sunday 5th 10.30* Holy Communion led by the Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk Sunday 12th 10.30 Pentecost Sunday Family Communion led by the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday 19th 10.30* Holy Communion led by the Revd Roger Watts Sunday 26th 10.30 Holy Communion & Baptism led by the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft
*Sunday School and Discussion Group for collégiens at 10.30 a.m. For more information, please contact Kit Seguin (05 57 64 82 41).
Events Music for a Summer’s Evening: An extraordinary musical event in a beautiful setting – reserve the evening of June 13th when there will be a classical concert in the garden of Chris and Deirdre Rankin in Carcans at 5 p.m. Bramwell Bearcroft’s very talented sister-in-law, Tracy Bounden, who was formerly with English National Opera will be singing for us, accompanied by husband Mark. The programme will include all styles of music. During the evening Bramwell will be playing the trumpet accompanied by his brother Mark. Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection in aid of the Bordeaux Anglican Church Music Fund. Please bring a picnic and make an evening of it. All comers welcome so please spread the word; it should be a wonderful evening. For more details and directions please contact Bramwell at [email protected] or Deirdre at [email protected]. Things are moving on well on the musical side in Bordeaux, enhancing our services and praise to the Lord. With the arrival of organist and musician, Richard Hunt, plus our Assistant Chaplain and musician, Bramwell Bearcroft, exciting plans for music are in the making. The Bordeaux Music Fund will enable us to purchase music for a choir which will hopefully meet on a more regular basis. We are also blessed with several young (and less young) people who play instruments. So why not pull together an orchestra at the same time! Thanks to Emma Sharp who did a beautiful job playing the Postlude at a service in May.
Ecumenical gathering on Pentecost Sunday, June 12th at 6 p.m. at the Temple du Hâ (rue du Hâ, Bordeaux).Christians of all denominations will be uniting at this ecumenical gathering. It will be most appropriate for a large number of Anglicans to be present – to increase the number «speaking in tongues» and to greet and be filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.
Baptisms planned this summer. It is with great joy that we announce future baptisms which will be taking place this summer on June 26th, July 3rd, and August 21st. Please mark your diairies and make every effort to be at these important services where we affirm our own faith, renew our vows and promise to accompany these little ones as they grow up in the love of Christ.
The Bordeaux Church is sponsoring theFoyer Fraternel Gouffrand as their local charity again in 2011 and part of our contribution is practical items. In June we shall continue collecting ground coffee, tea bags and instant hot chocolate which you may leave in the basket labelled as such at the back of the church. With the financial crisis, needs are even greater now at the Foyer where they provide meals as well as food packages. Spring cleaning? New or used summer clothing in good condition can be brought to church services during the month of May please for the sale at the Foyer on June 11th.
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 7 Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give us the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever. Amen.
A Cancer Support France (CSF) group is currently being formed to help English-speaking cancer patients and their families in Bordeaux and its surrounding area. Heather Cléda, our Hospital Visitor Coordinator, will be following the development of this Bordeaux antenna. For more information on how you might help, please contact Teresa Rekowska (CSF Ribérac Secretary) directly: e-mail: [email protected], Tel. 06 82 72 68 58 (message service available). For more information about CSF please view their website: www.cancersupportfrance.info
News of past events Our sincere condoleances to Linda Chanut and her family as they mourn the death of Linda’s mother. We give grateful thanks for the latest member of our church family, 5 year old Anna Leveille, baptized in the presence of family and friends on Sunday, May 8th. Thanks to Chaplaincy Reader Colin Pratt. The dynamic ministerial team of Bearcroft & Pratt led a beautiful Holy Communion Service on May 15th. Colin Pratt, one of the Chaplaincy’s many Readers, gave the sermon and was server for the Eucharist. Following the service, Colin gave a training course on being a server at Eucharist Services. Many thanks for your stimulating session, Colin.
Sponsored Walk in aid of the Chaplaincy and Chap-Aid in Quinsac on May 8th. Nineteen energetic souls and several accompanying persons hooked up in the center of Quinsac (right bank town where the famous Clairet is made) for a picnic lunch. That was followed by 10 km+ of walking through the beautiful countryside on a splendid warm and sunny day. Our doyenne walker, Madame Barrau, celebrated her 85th birthday on the very day and walked 4 km with no trouble! Many thanks to Christine & Jerome Rychlewski, and to Pamela Prior and her cohorts for preparing the walk. Hats off too to our voiture balai driven by Jennifer Bearcroft, offering refreshments at various stops. Proceeds will be going to both the Chaplaincy and to Bordeaux’s Chap-Aid charities, Emmaüs and the Foyer Fraternel. Thanks to our many generous sponsors.
Easter Service(s) – beginning at 7.08 am! This year’s ecumencial sunrise service for Easter Day (Le Christ est Ressuscité!) was held in Le Parc Bordelais and Bramwell Bearcroft represented the Anglican Church. The service began with the lighting of a fire and the commencement of ethereal dancing by a group of skilled dancers. Over 1,000 people gathered together and sang as the sun began to send shafts of light into the trees and avenues of the park. Perhaps the most remarkable thing was the sense of unity between the representatives of the wide range of churches.
Following that early morning eye-opener, parishioners of the Bordeaux Church walked back to the Assomption for a shared breakfast with the Sisters. «How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!» (Psalm 133:1)
The Holy Communion Service led by the Revd Bearcroft, with the participation of the Bordeaux Choir and a large congregation, was joyful and full of praise to the Risen Lord. The children had the added treat of searching for Easter eggs in the garden afterwards. We were thankful for clement weather.
All this information and more can be found on the newly renovated Chaplaincy website: www.churchinaquitaine. org. We encourage you to take a look and then MORE IMPORTANTLY send the address to your friends and acquaintances. Communicate your faith in the Living Lord – by putting others in touch with your own church family and what it’s up to! Then invite them to join us. Newsletter contributions. If you have any ideas, thoughts, projects or events that you would like to share, please send your contribution to Lindsay Mégraud [email protected] before the 18th of the month.
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8 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 Ste. Nathalène (24) East of Sarlat, Parish Church, on D27 CW Kevin Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61 NL Robert Topp 05 55 29 22 39 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61
Sunday Services Sunday 5th June Holy Communion conducted by Rev. Gill Strachan Sunday 12th June Holy Communion conducted by Rev. Paul Vrolijk Sunday 19th June Morning Worship conducted by Roger Henthorne Sunday 26th June Informal Worship All services start at 11.00 hrs. and all are welcome.
Events
he Music and Fish and Chips evening in the Salle at Ste. Nathalene on Friday 13th May was well attended and Tthoroughly enjoyed by all. We were delighted at the response from people in the local community and we hope that the contacts established will contribute to the continuing growth of our small church family. Funds were raised for our charities and for the chaplaincy through profit on the meal, a sale of books (thanks to young Adam Sullivan for being in charge of this for the whole evening) and a raffle. Thanks also to the musicians for their customary professional contribution and to Robin and Victoria and Kevin and Charlotte for organising the evening.
A date for your diary:- Thursday 9th. June. We are holding a car treasure hunt starting from the Thé Vert at Daglan at 2pm. The route has been devised by Robin and Victoria and for those who do not get lost the return is to the Thé Vert for a barbeque evening. This is not to be a Safari Rally but a gentle drive with clues and questions, through what we hope will be, lesser known parts of the area. Please bring your friends along and make this as an enjoyable event as it was last year.
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(24) Chapelle de Saint Jean, opp. The Abbey Chancelade CW Liz Oaten 05 53 05 42 76 NE of Périgueux Eglise de Saint Germain, Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 (in Le Bourg, on N21) and Sorges NL Elizabeth Brook 05 53 52 50 91 PC Alexandra Billing 05 53 62 86 11
June Services
June 5th 11am All age worship Sorges June 19th 10.30 Holy communion Chancelade, Chapel St Jean June 28th 11am Holy communion Sorges July 3rd 11am All age worship Sorges
Refreshments are served after all services, giving us a time to exchange news and views, do join us, you will be most welcome.
here does the time go ? How time flies. We get so busy with doing, all else goes out of our minds. After a reminder Wfrom Gill I was off up to the computer to quickly pen this month’s epistle. Must try harder ! Time is a funny thing, we all have the same length of day but how do we fill it ? Do we rush into it planning the daily grind or do we see it as God's chance to do great things through us...... if only we let Him. Don't miss the opportunity to see God in all you do, let Him plan your day and make Him the centre of each action and conversation whether overtly or not. It brings joy and glory to Him and we will reflect that joy. Have a great month and join us to praise God at our services. Elizabeth
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 9 Lot et Garonne: (47) Allez West of Villeneuve-sur-Lot WE Paddy Atkinson 05 53 94 76 37 CW Peter Walton 05 53 89 63 03 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)
June services Sunday 5th Holy Communion Doudrac 11.00 Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Tuesday 7th Holy Communion Allez 11.30 Revd. Liz Morris Sunday 12th Holy Communion for Pentecost Monteton 10.30 Revd Liz Morris Sunday 19th Holy Communion for Trinity Dondas 10.30 The Chaplain Sunday 19th Prayer and Praise Monteton 10.30 Sue Blomley Sunday 26th Holy Communion Monteton 10.30 The Chaplain Early July services Sunday 3rd Holy Communion Doudrac 11.00 Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday 10th Morning Prayer Monteton 10.30 Roger Verrall
Monteton he Flower Festival held in the Church of Notre Dame at Monteton on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May, was a Tspectacular event. The ingenuity and beauty of over 40 different floral arrangements, based on the theme ‘Hats off to Monteton’, was breath-taking and delighted the many hundreds of people who came, including the Maire and a large number of French visitors, (for whom it was an entirely new experience, particularly with an English Afternoon Tea also provided!) Donations during the two-day event amounted to 465 euros which will go to Emmaus, Lot et Garonne. Our thanks particularly to Doris Hogarth, whose brilliant idea it was to hold the event and who organised it all, to Miriam Hammond, whose expertise in flower-arranging inspired and guided the individual participants, and to Norma Eckett, who provided exquisite patchwork hangings to complement the displays and who led a children’s Hat and Flowers Workshop during one of the days. Finally, not to forget all the cake and scone makers, those who served the teas and who welcomed visitors, then, last and not least, the heroic team who prepared the church and cleared up afterwards. Truly, a weekend to remember! You will find some photographs on our webpages.
Make a note in your diary, please for the ACFAA Choir’s concert on 11th June. (see page 5 for full details)
On Friday 22nd July there will be a Summer Luncheon Party at the home of Jan and Barry Winser in Duras. Tickets at 12.50 euros are now on sale in church after services, and numbers are limited to 100.
Allez The next service at Allez will be Holy Communion on Tuesday 7th June at 11.30, celebrated by Revd Liz Morris and followed as usual by lunch chez Meryl.
Dondas Our next service will be on Sunday, 19 June at 10.30 am when we much look forward to welcoming the Chaplain back to celebrate Holy Communion.
Doudrac On Sunday 5th June at 11h30 at Doudrac, we will be delighted to welcome back the Revd Bramwell Bearcroft who will lead us in our monthly service of Holy Communion.
Spreading our Wings! We were a bit worried that our temporary move to Rives on 1st May would reduce our numbers. We had images of cars heading in every direction! But, big notices on the Doudrac church door and bright dayglow arrows along the route meant that no one seemed to get lost. In fact, we managed to fill the church, a turnout aided no
10 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 doubt by the glorious weather. Many friends came down from the Dordogne and from the west of the department to be with us, and Bramwell was there to lead us. Everyone commented on the wonderful ambiance; it was a truly uplifting experience. Sunshine, fellowship and the countryside filled with the hopes that come with Spring; we were truly blessed!
Envals Unfortunately, the service of Holy Communion planned for Tuesday 10th May at The Old School House had to be cancelled because of illness. The next service there is scheduled for Tuesday 23rd August at 11h30, followed by lunch as usual. Please let the Rolfes know beforehand if you wish to attend, on 05 53 01 78 76.
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CW Janis Adams 05 53 91 32 89 Dronne Valley Church, Steve Long 05 53 91 96 48 Bertric Burée (24): Parish Church, (D708 between NL Di Harris-Evans 05 45 98 05 31 Ribérac and Verteillac) PC Karla Flambert 05 53 90 99 52
June services Sun 5 June 10:30 Service of the Word Jan Adams and Steve Long Sun 5 June 18:00 Evensong Peter Robinson Wed 8 June 11:00 Holy Communion Revs. Mike and Ann Wooderson Sun 12 June 10:30 Holy Communion Revs. Mike and Ann Wooderson Sun 19 June 10:30 All Age Worship Richard Shreeve and Peter Robinson Sun 26 June 10:30 Holy Communion Rev. Brian Davies
After the service on 12 June there will be a Bring & Share Lunch at Jeff & Jayne Warin - Barauden, 24340 Leguillac des Cercles. Please call 05 53 60 50 13 for further details or directions. Please bring food to Share and your own cutlery, glasses and plates.
Events aturday 11th June - Come Sculpt with Roger Adams at his studio in Champagne et Fontaines from 2.30 – 5.00 p.m. SThe cost is 10 euros and 5 euros for under 12s which includes all materials and a light afternoon tea. Please bring gardening type gloves.
Wednesday June 15th - Randonnée. Fred will be leading the June walk and it will start at 10.00 am from the Salles de Fete at Festalemps (just off the D5 from Riberac to Saint Aulaye). The walk will take about 2 hours and bring a picnic if you wish. For any more details please contact Fred Sapsford (05 53 91 52 19)
Wednesday 22nd June - GARDEN PARTY Beth Dyer & Jenny Overfield, [email protected] & [email protected], are organising a Garden Party in the church grounds at Bertric Burée. They are looking for volunteers and ideas for stalls and games so please contact them with your suggestions.
Saturday 9th July Come, Dine with me – in the country! How do you fancy an afternoon on a small holding in the Charente Maritime, walking, feeding animals, fishing, swimming in the pool or the lake (although you may upset the fishermen), or just chilling out with a good book in peaceful surroundings before settling down to a good bar-b-cue by the pool, with dancing and a jolly good time. From about 13:00 (if you come at 13:00 bring a sandwich or two for your lunch), animal-feeding will be later in the afternoon and the bar-b-cue will start at about 19:00 . Cost €15 Adults, €10 children (over 5) and toddlers free. Talk to David and Julie on 05 46 86 49 66 for more details and please let them know ASAP if you intend to come so they can organise the catering.
Prayer and Praise – Please join Karla and Roger Flambert at their home in Riberac on the 3rd Friday each month (this month is 17th June) for a Bring and Share Lunch starting about 1.00pm followed by singing, reflection and prayer. Tel 05 53 90 99 52 for more details.
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 11 Home Groups: There are a number of existing Groups meeting in the Dronne Valley: Fortnightly on a Tuesday morning near Verteillac, contact Mike Duncan 05 53 91 30 64. On the other Tuesday at Susanna Isaac’s home, near Riberac, contact Brian Cook on 05 45 98 43 00. Tuesday evenings near Riberac contact Karla Flambert 05 53 90 99 52. Thursday evenings in St Aulaye contact Steve Long on 05 53 91 96 48
WEDNESDAY PRAYER GROUP has started again at Bertric - always on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 5–6pm.
Confirmation Service Oct/Nov 2011 Last year’s confirmation preparation and Confirmation Service were very special. Currently, we are looking into the possibility of having another Confirmation Service in Oct/Nov 2011. If you are interested in being confirmed in the Church of England, or would like to find out what is involved, please contact Paul and discuss it with him. Maybe this has been on your mind for some time! Paul Vrolijk (05 53 23 40 73 or [email protected])
Secours Catholique – this is a charity we support annually with our Harvest Gifts. They are based in Riberac and run by the Catholic Church to help those in need. The committee agreed that it would be a good idea if we could make a regular donation to them. This is an excellent way to support the local people. Jill Stephens has volunteered to be responsible for ‘the box’ and delivery to the Secours Catholique and is providing a collecting box at the back of church for your donations of tinned, dried goods, toiletries etc. Please remember to bring a packet or tin – in date please – to fill the box! Try leaving something in your car – somewhere obvious - after the weekly shop as an ‘aide memoire’!
Jeudi Rendezvous –The last Jeudi Rendezvous of the season will be held on June 23rd at 12.30 at La Grande Vigne, St Martin de Riberac. It will take the form of a bring and share lunch and husbands/partners are welcome. Please contact Jane Macpherson on 0553 91 49 95 or Valerie Wareham on 0553 90 62 03 to say what type of food you will be bringing so we can get the balance right, and please will everyone bring their own plates, cutlery and glasses. Also, if you have a posh garden party hat, why not wear it?! The group will restart after the summer holiday time, in September, so look out for our new programme. VVVVVVV
Limeuil (24) near le Bugue, Eglise de CW Jennifer Lord 05 53 31 18 04 Sainte Catherine in Limeuil Haut David Albrecht 05 53 36 55 97 NL Barry Borsberry 05 53 74 95 67 PC Charlotte Sullivan 05 53 61 81 61
June Services Sunday 5th 10.30 Morning Worship Roger Cheale 17.00 Evensong T B A. Sunday 12th 10.30 Holy Communion Roger Henthorn Thursday 16th 10.30 Holy Communion Caroline Gordon-Walker Sunday 19th 10.30 Morning Worship Jean Dix Sunday 26th 10.30 Holy Communion Gill Strachan
Catching up on past events we are pleased to report that these have gone extremely well. On Easter Monday our stall at the vide grenier held at Limeuil Port organised by Sandy Berkley and Roger Doidge realised €260. This was followed by not one, but two Come Dine With Us Royal Wedding lunches, one hosted by David Albrecht and his family and the other by Christine and Colin Scott at their homes. Many of us were therefore able to follow the events of this historic occasion in the company of friends with the added benefit of some really wonderful food (and a glass of wine or two with which to toast the happy couple). These two events raised a combined total of €550 and our thanks go to David, Christine and Colin, and to Steve and Judie Burman for all of their hard work in making this such an enjoyable experience. And finally, on the th6 May we had the Ribs and Riddles evening organised by Anne Penfold and Gill and Bob Sweetman.
12 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 The ribs were absolutely delicious and the riddles really were a challenge for the “old grey matter”. We are delighted to report that the sum of €435 was raised in support of Emmaus, one of our very deserving charities. Dates for your diary 5th June: we are taking a stall at the Brocante being held at Limeuil Port. Our organisers will again be Sandy and Roger and they would love to hear from anyone with any quality items that could be donated to the sale such as items of furniture etc. They can be contacted on 05 53 73 85 14 [email protected] 18th June: a Summer Fair will be held Chez Sweetman at Bouillac. We would be delighted to receive items to put on sale such as books, good quality bric a brac, bottles (of wine etc.) plants for a plant stall etc. There will be a refreshments stall and raffle, the first prize for which will be a brand new TV with built in DVD. Anne Penfold is the contact on 05 53 30 46 01 and she would like to hear from anyone who can volunteer to help in any way. She would also like to hear from anyone who has a gazebo (abri) which could be loaned for the day. This will be our number one fund raising event of the year and we really need to see the best possible turnout. So please come along and bring friends and neighbours. Wednesday 6th July 3.00 p.m. recital of classical guitar music taking place in St. Catherine’s church to be performed by Dan Jones. Dan is an accomplished classical guitarist who studied at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. He has undertaken master classes with John Williams, and is a Silver Medallist from the Worshipful Company of Musicians. Dan and his family settled here in the Dordogne in August of last year and he is currently in the process of recording a CD here in France for general release. More information on Dan can be obtained by visiting his website at danjonesguitarist.com Entrance fee to the recital is €5.00 in aid of Chaplaincy funds. 29th July Car Treasure Hunt. More details next month but book the date now! Contact [email protected]
Finally, the Maire has indicated he does not like so much parking around the war memorial by the church, and it also causes congestion on busy Sundays. He has suggested we confine parking in this area specifically to clergy and to those with mobility problems. Clearly it is in everyone’s best interest to maintain the best possible “accord” with our local hosts and it is with this in mind that we ask everyone to park either at the lower levels of parking spaces or along the roadway above the church and through the arch.
VVVVVVV
Radio Liberte
think, due to the new website, we are reaching more people through the recorded broadcast Ithat ever before, which is good news. The recording for May was very much about our Diocesan news and British National News!! We had a link up with the Revd Ricky Yates, Chaplain of St Clement’s Anglican Episcopal Church in Prague. Ricky and his wife, Sybil, have been ministering in Prague for around three years now and know and love the city well. One of the most amazing things about the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton was the fact that the whole world wanted to watch and be involved. As you will hear, Ricky was invited by Czech TV to give his help and advice on aspects of the Anglican Church and the marriage service and to answer questions live on Czech TV!!! His account is very informative and lively, so do go and listen on www.churchinaquitaine.org where you will find a picture of Ricky and you can also access his blog for further information of what went on that day. If you also access the church website www.anglican.cz you will be able to listen to the Service on Boxing Day, ‘The Feast of Stephen’ which the BBC recorded from St Clement’s. I hope you enjoyed the recording and that it helps you to understand the variety and breadth of our Diocese as well as the challenges for Chaplains!! June is bound to be something interesting, perhaps something from our Archdeaconry Synod for France...... tune in and see! Madeleine Holmes
VVVVVVV
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 13 Beyond our Borders June 2011
Church Commissioners
Keep reading please………..!!!!!!!!!! K , so you think I have gone mad writing about something so boring! Well, I tend to write about what I discover , Oor the Lord puts in my path and I recently received the Annual Review of the Church Commissioners and I thought OK, so what do they do and where does the money come from and where does it go…
Obviously although we are living in Europe, some clergy pensions and our bishops’ stipends and housing do come under the Church Commissioners. Sometimes we tend to forget we are the 44th Diocese in Church of England. I think also we have always been of the opinion that the church has a great deal of money that it is sitting on and not using. I hope this helps us to understand how the money is being used and for us to note that ‘more than three-quarters of the Church’s income, comes from parishes and dioceses, largely from parishioners’ giving.
Till next month when perhaps we will be able to look at and address questions regarding ‘Women in the Episcopate’? Madeleine
The Church Commissioners in 2010: supporting the Church’s ministry
The Church Commissioners manage £5.3 billion of investments held in UK and global company shares and property. They contribute around 17p in the pound – more than £200 million in 2010 - towards the Church’s running costs of £1.2 billion per year. More than three-quarters of the Church’s income comes from parishes and dioceses, largely from parishioners’ giving.
Supporting the Church’s mission The Commissioners’ mission is ‘to support the Church of England’s ministry, particularly in areas of need and opportunity’. Their spending in 2010 includes:
• all clergy pensions earned before 1998: £114.0 million in 2010
• supporting ministry in areas of need and opportunity: £46.8 million in 2010, mostly targeted on the neediest dioceses and representing a steady real-terms increase in the last 10 years
• this includes £39 million since 2002 specifically to support parishes’ imaginative mission work and tying in with the church’s fresh expression agenda.
• serving the church’s leaders in mission by funding bishops’ stipends, working costs and (for diocesan bishops) houses: £27.5 million.
• supporting the work and ministry of cathedrals: £7.7 million, targeted on those most in need.
• handling the legal side of pastoral re-organisation: reshaping parish boundaries, and settling the future of closed churches with a view to returning them to other community use.
• administrative costs including support for church buildings and other church bodies: £6.5 million. The Commissioners have allocated the rest of the £7.25 million fund for planned investment in areas of new housing and business development. This money is shared between 15 dioceses facing significant challenges and opportunities in these areas.
14 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011 Asset performance 2010 saw some recovery in most markets. The Commissioners’ fund returned 15.2%, well ahead of the industry average of 12.7%. Over the past ten years the average total return on the Commissioners’ assets has been 6.3% per year, compared with the 4.5% average for other funds, thanks largely to the above-average share of the fund held in property and to the good performance of this sector over the decade.
Relative returns (%) 16
12 Commissioners
8 Average fund 4
0 2001-2010 2006-2010 2010
In today’s terms this performance has produced £26 million more for the Church each year than if it had been only at the industry average. This has helped their funding of clergy pensions and has allowed other distributions to rise in line with average earnings.
Economic prospects worldwide are still uncertain and, for a fund with responsibilities to both present and future generations, care is vital. The Commissioners are looking to extend the range of assets in which they might invest. within their ethical guidelines and with a view to a good long-term ratio of risk to reward. They are also building up their cash reserves to guard against the risk of income reduction in difficult market conditions. For more information contact: Church Commissioners, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ tel 020-7898 1135/1619/1623; fax 020-7898 1131 e-mail [email protected] website: www.churchofengland.org/about-us/structure/churchcommissioners/ VVVVVVV ‘If God should go on Strike’
How good it is that God has never gone on strike Because he was not treated fair in things he didn’t like. If only once he had sat down and said, ‘That’s it! I’m through, I’ve had enough of those on earth, so this is what I’ll do; I’ll give my orders to the sun – cut off the heat supply, And to the moon give no more light, and run the oceans dry. Then just to make things really tough, and put the pressure on, Turn off the vital oxygen till every breath is gone.”
You know he would be justified, if fairness was the game, For no-one has been more abused and met with such disdain than God, and yet he carries on supplying you and me With all the favours of his grace, and everything for free. Men say they want a better deal. And so ‘on strike’ they go, But what a deal we’ve given God, to whom all things we owe. We don’t care who we hurt or harm to gain the things WE like But – what a mess we’d all be in if GOD should go on strike!
June 2011 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 15 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 90 25 85 Petites Cotes, Nanteuil Auriac de Bourzac, 24320 [email protected]
Clergy with permission to officiate: Revd. David Jones 05 53 94 71 81 Le Bourg, 47120 Loubès-Bernac [email protected] Revd. Roger Watts 05 53 81 82 16 Vedelle, 24610 Villefranche de Lonchat [email protected] Revd. Ann & Revd. Michael Wooderson 05 53 06 39 76 15 rue des Ecoles, 24750 Trélissac [email protected] [email protected] Revd. Canon Tim Thompson UK: 01526 320 171 FR: 05 53 91 47 21 [email protected] Revd. Stephen Traves [email protected]
Chaplaincy Wardens: John Ralph 05 53 57 59 67 [email protected] David Tervet 05 53 20 86 69 [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. Michael Hepper, 05 49 97 04 21 [email protected] Midi-Pyrenées & Aude: Revd Canon Andrew Hawken 05 63 95 78 24 [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 22 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.
16 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter June 2011