In Partnership, February 2012
Lent.
Lent is on its way. A question for you is Lent simply about giving things up e.g. chocolate, Pork pies last thing at night (my big weakness) or is this time something more?
Certainly the spiritual disciplines of fasting and simplicity do help to focus our hearts bodies and minds back on to God. Jesus said in the Gospels “When you fast”, suggesting therefore that fasting will at some point be part of our walk with God. So a simple answer is Yes, giving up things can be part of a good Lent discipline. Books like Richard Foster’s “Celebration of Discipline” looking at the spiritual disciplines e.g. Prayer, fasting, simplicity, submission and service, are well worth a careful read over the 5 weeks of Lent.
Abbot Christopher Jamieson’s book “Finding Sanctuary” which followed the TV series “The Monastery” is also a very good read and has helpful stuff about silence and, contemplation and obedience. It is sad that people seem to only turn to the New Age and Far Eastern religions, for advice on how to be quiet. Simply taking a psalm a day through Lent could be a very helpful exercise.
The Partnership Lent Course this year is on Welcome, and how we welcome people into our churches. In one sense this is a very “practical” course, and my heart yearns at the same time to have something that will enable people to draw closer to god and each other. Well, maybe this Lent let’s use the time to think how can we “welcome” God more readily into our lives.
Lent is not just about giving things up, it’s also about proactively taking something up that maybe we have let drop. Paul says in 2 Timothy that the Christian life is like training to be an athlete, one who “competes according to the rules” (2 Tim 2:5). One of the books I am reading now, and that I am commending to people for Lent is; “Respectable Sins: confronting the sins we tolerate” by Jerry Bridges. In this book Bridges invites the reader to look at sins like ungodliness and pride. It is sins like these that deaden our Christian lives, and part of training in the Christian life, is to use Lent to do an MOT on yourself. The Good news is that we do this heading towards Easter and it is the crucified and resurrected Lord who cheers us on so that each of us can win the race.
So yes, if it’s right for you do give up chocolate but do get back to me on how Lent has also been a time of proactive training, equipping us for all that He wants to do through us.
PS I hope as many of us as possible can do the Welcome course it should be great fun and useful for all.
Tudor Roberts
Confirmation.
The Partnership Confirmation Service this year is at St Mary's Purton at 6.30 pm on Sunday 20th May. Would children and young people of secondary school age, and adults who would like to consider being confirmed please contact Tudor. Revd. Clive Deverell and Claire Camm are scheduled to do the main preparation course for Confirmation candidates.
Confirmation is a great opportunity for ALL to grasp the opportunity of growing in discipleship. Please do use this way of making a major step, young or old, in your commitment to following Christ.
The boss
My boss was complaining in a staff meeting the other day that he wasn't getting any respect. Later that morning he went out and got a small sign that read, “I'm the Boss”.
He then taped it to his office door. Later that day when he returned from lunch, he found that someone had taped a note to the sign that said. “Your wife called, she wants her sign back!”.
Regular activities.
Every Tuesday
1:30pm-3:00pm @Shaw, Coffee stop
Every Tuesday
7-9pm St Marys Bell Tower, Bell Ringing
Every Thursday
10-11:30am @ Toothill Toothill Tinies
1st Saturday of each month 4th Feb
8:00am @ Toothill Mens’ breakfast
2nd Sunday each month 12th Feb
4:00-5:30pm @ Shaw Messy Church
2nd & 4th Sunday
9:00am @ All Saints Lydiard Millicent Puppets Alive
What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury.
David’s Triumph was heard throughout the land.
Honda … because the apostles were all in one Accord.
Volkswagen Beetle: 2 Cor. 4:8 “We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement.”
“On Your Marks” Easter Holiday Club.
From Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th April, All Saints Church, Lydiard Millicent are running an Easter Holiday Club for primary aged children at Lydiard Millicent School Hall. The club times are from 9.45am until 12.15pm and the cost is £2 per child per day (concessions available).
On Your Marks includes Drama, Craft, Games, Songs and Bible Stories with a Global Sports theme based on events from the life of Jesus found in Mark's Gospel. The holiday club starts at "The Games Opening Ceremony" during the 10.30am service at All Saints Church on Sunday 1st April and closes in style at "The Games Closing Ceremony" held at the school hall on Good Friday 6th April at 10am. Everyone is warmly invited to attend these ceremonies!
In addition there will be a social event for friends and families of children attending the holiday club during the week on the Wednesday afternoon at Lydiard Millicent School.
To book a place contact Lesley Green for a registration/consent form. Forms are also available to collect at the church and school.
Saturday February 25th, Lydiard Millicent Parish Hall at 6.00 pm.
An All Saints Church event open to all 5 churches in the West Swindon Partnership and the wider Community.
Time 6.00 pm start. Should finish by 8.00 pm.
Cost £3.00 p.p. (£1.50 per child) to cover cost of refreshments and Hall hire.
If you have a skit, musical act, song of something similar please contact Tudor Roberts.
Maybe you have a talent for eating cake on stage? or singing? or stand-up comedy? or playing the violin?
Whatever it is, we need to hear from you asap
Email: tudorandtricia (at) btinternet (dot) com.
Intercessions workshop.
Sat 17th March - Toothill Church
9.45 (for Bacon Butties) till 12.30
(or come for a prompt 10am start if you don't want refreshments)
This workshop is primarily for those at Toothill and HTS, who are, or would like to lead intercessions in church. We will explore a variety of both formal and creative ways to pray, look at some ancient and more modern prayers and also attempt to write some of our own. And most of all we will spend some time actually praying together.
However this course is also open to folk from other churches who would like some help in praying in their own churches and also to those who would like to add some new ideas to their personal prayer times.
Please book by ringing or e-mailing Anne Carter – 692620, annec (at) rter (dot) biz
Baptist Quiz Champions.
A team from Holy Trinity entered the annual Swindon Baptist Churches Quiz night and much to our surprise came out of the evening with cup. It’s amazing what you learn about other people from your church, as well as increasing your general knowledge by attending such functions! Which is longest, the Panama or the Suez Canal? In which country is Cape Horn? Just how many songs and musicals does Val Hemmens know?! Great fun. Now we just have to work out what to get inscribed in a very tiny space on the cup!
Bell Ringing, St Mary’s.
St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze are recruiting new bell ringers to join the team. We ring on Sunday mornings from 9.20-10am and practice on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm. The bell ringers are part of a wider community in the Swindon area and join with ringers from other Churches to enjoy the art of ringing and have some fun at the social events.
Bell ringers come from all walks of life and learn to ring for all sorts of reasons. Some ringers are regular Church goers and some less so although we all recognise the importance of calling people to worship. The only requirement is you are 11 and over and physically able to manage the tower stairs and bells. You don’t have to be super strong, fit or musical just be willing to have some fun and set aside some time to learn. The learning will take place outside of the Tuesday night practice and will be 1-2-1 teaching.
If you are interested in learning or would like to find out more pop along one of our ‘open tower’ sessions on the following dates or email Julie at lydiardtregozebells (at) hotmail (dot) co (dot) uk.
Open Tower Sessions
Saturday 11th February 10am - 2pm
Sunday 12th February 12pm - 3pm
Wednesday 15th February 7pm - 9pm
Friday 17th February 7pm - 9pm
Saturday 18th February 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 22nd February 7pm - 9pm
Friday 24th February 7pm - 9pm
Saturday 25th February 10am - 2pm
Sunday 26th February 12pm - 3pm
Lent Course “Everybody Welcome”.
Feb 28th to March 28th
At Toothill Church, Toothill Village, every Tuesday at 7.30 pm and
at Lydiard Millicent Church of England Primary School Hall SN5 3LR # every Wednesday at 8.00pm
# Parking at the school is limited and The Butts is a narrow road; please car share if possible.
Tuesday February 28th 7.30 pm at Toothill Church.
Wednesday February 29th 8.00pm at Lydiard Millicent School.
Tuesday March 6th 7.30 pm at Toothill Church.
Wednesday March 7th 8.00pm at Lydiard Millicent School.
Tuesday March 13th 7.30 pm at Toothill Church.
Wednesday March 14th 8.00pm
NB at Lydiard Millicent Church. (School not available this evening)
Tuesday March 20th 7.30 pm at Toothill Church.
Wednesday March 21st 8.00pm Lydiard Millicent School.
Tuesday March 27th 7.30 pm at Toothill Church.
Wednesday March 28th 8.00pm at Lydiard Millicent School.
The welcome course was put together by Bob Jackson. It’s really great; every participant has a work book. There are 4 main sessions and the fifth is a celebration of all we have done and also details how you can set up a welcome team.
The Welcome Course:
- Helps every individual to have a welcoming approach to newcomers
- Encourages you to see Church worship, activities, and the building from a fresh perspective
- ProvidesM an opportunity to see practical change
Rev Nigel Carter of St John’s Walsall West Midlands said this about the “Everybody Welcome” course:
This course is a must for any church which takes seriously its vocation to reach out to its neighbours with Gods all-embracing love.
It’s also great fun, I heartily recommend it.
Dick Gray is running Tuesday nights at Toothill and Tudor Roberts is running Wednesday nights at Lydiard Millicent. Please note each session involves You, this is very much a course where all coming will get involved, as it’s you that will be doing 99% of the welcoming.
It would help if you can register your interest. Each participant book cost £3.99 and it’s well worth getting as an individual resource.
There is an optional session five on setting up a welcoming team which would be best done in each individual Church.
Contact Dick Gray (Tuesdays) on dick643 (at) btinternet (dot) com
Contact Tudor Roberts (Wednesdays) on tudorandtricia (at) btinternet (dot) com
Church Services in the Partnership.
All Saints’, Lydiard Millicent.
| Date | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| Every weekday (except Tuesday) | 9:00 am | Morning prayers |
| 5 Feb | 8:00 am | Communion |
| 10:30 am | Morning Service | |
| 12 Feb | 8:00 am | Communion |
| 10:30 am | Communion | |
| 19 Feb | 8:00 am | Communion |
| 10:30 am | All age worship | |
| 6:30 pm | Communion | |
| 22 Feb | 7:30 pm | Ash Wednesday @ St Mary’s |
| 26 Feb | 8:00 am | Communion |
| 10:30 am | Communion |
St Mary’s, Lydiard Tregoze.
| Date | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | 10:00 am | Morning service |
| 12 Feb | 10:00 am | Communion |
| 19 Feb | 10:00 am | Family Service |
| 22 Feb | 7:30 pm | Ash Wednesday @ St Mary’s |
| 26 Feb | 10:30 am | Communion |
The self-sufficient do not pray, the self-satisfied will not pray, the self-righteous cannot pray. L Ravenhill
All history is incomprehensible without Christ. Ernest Renan
The yearning of man's heart is homesickness for God. Anon
Our prayers must mean something to us if they are to mean anything to God. M D Babcock
Holy Trinity Shaw.
| Date | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | 10:30 am | Joint service with Tooothill |
| 12 Feb | 10:30 am | Communion |
| 19 Feb | 10:30 am | Morning worship |
| 22 Feb | 7:30 pm | Ash Wednesday @ St Mary’s |
| 26 Feb | 10:30 am | All age worship |
Toothill.
| Date | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | 10:30 am | Joint service with Shaw |
| 12 Feb | 10:30 am | Communion |
| 19 Feb | 10:30 am | Morning service |
| 22 Feb | 7:30 pm | Ash Wednesday @ St Mary’s |
| 26 Feb | 10:30 am | Morning service |
Westlea.
| Date | Time | Form |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb | 10:00 am | Communion |
| 12 Feb | 10:00 am | Morning service |
| 19 Feb | 10:00 am | Morning service |
| 22 Feb | 7:30 pm | Ash Wednesday @ St Mary’s |
| 26 Feb | 10:00 am | Swap service |
Forgiveness.
A Sunday school teacher had just concluded her lesson and wanted to make sure she had made her point. She said, “Can anyone tell me what you must do before you can obtain forgiveness of sin?”
There was a short pause and then, from the back of the room, a small boy spoke up. “Sin,” he said.
Further Education Colleges Chaplaincy invite you to the Swindon launch of ‘Free Spirit’ DVD
Colleges from the South West Area have just released a new DVD. The aim is to help build understanding and support for Chaplaincy in Further Education Colleges around the UK. Here in Swindon we have two large and thriving colleges - and both New College and Swindon College have busy Chaplaincy teams.
We invite you to come to a launch celebration, where the DVD will be shown (22mins), with an opportunity to meat others informally.
- at: New College (room BF05) Queens Drive, Swindon SN3 1AH
- on: Thursday 15 March 2012
- time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Further information from Derek or Ed on the Chaplaincy team at New College
and also
New Year New Opportunity
The Chaplaincy Team at New College is looking for volunteers …
to join our small multi-faith team of ordained and lay people, part of Student Services. We’re committed to offering pastoral and spiritual care and support to Students and Staff, of all faiths and none. The College annexe just opened has given us a brand new dedicated Sacred Space, for use by the team and different faith groups.
Volunteers normally offer to be in College one day each week during term time, from around mid morning onwards. It’s flexible, very varied and always interesting.
If you think you may be interested, please contact Derek Ormston or Ed Poole at New College. Maybe then call in at New College for an informal chat?
Evening Celebration
Hungry for Justice? Come to Christian Aid West’s evening celebration, designed to empower us in the fight to end poverty. Explore why and how our hristian faith equips us to end global inequality.
With:
- keynote speaker Joel Edwards, International Director of Micah Challenge
- music from Renewal Gospel Choir
- first-hand stories from Christian Aid partners and local supporters
- rersources and information about Christian Aid Week in May 2012
- exhibition and refreshments
Venue: Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath BA1 1JW
Date: Wednesday 14 March 2012
Time: Doors open at 6:15 pm. Event 7:30 pm to 9:15 pm
Booking: The event is free but a collection will be taken. For more information or to book a place visit hungerforjustice.eventbrite.com. If you do not have internet access call 01454 415923.
Are you an older person who spends more than 10% of your income on fuel. Do you need additional support to heat your home and eat properly in the cold weather?
A Surviving Winter grant may help. You must live in Wiltshire or Swindon borough to apply.
A grant of £125 could asist you with:
- Paying your fuel bill
- Purchasing oil
- Purchasing an oil heater
- Purchase of coal
- Topping up your electricity
- Purchasing a pair of warm slippers and a blanket
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to apply for additional support and we may also consider applications from other individuals in need who are disabled or suffering extreme hardship.
Ash Wednesday.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. But why ‘Ash’ Wednesday? The reason has to do with getting things right between you and God, and the tradition goes right back to the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites often sinned. When they finally came to their senses, and saw their evil ways as God saw them, they could do nothing but repent in sorrow. They mourned for the damage and evil they had done. As part of this repentance, they covered their heads with ashes. For the Israelites, putting ashes on your head, and even rending your clothes, was an outward sign of their heart-felt repentance and acknowledgement of sin. (See Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 13:19; Job 2:8, 30:19; Isaiah 58:5; Jeremiah 6:26; Jonah 3:6)
In the very early Christian Church, the yearly ‘class’ of penitents had ashes sprinkled over them at the beginning of Lent. They were turning to God for the first time, and mourning their sins. But soon many other Christians wanted to take part in the custom, and to do so at the very start of Lent. They heeded Joel’s call to ‘rend your hearts and not your garments’ (Joel 2:12-19). Ash Wednesday became known as either the ‘beginning of the fast’ or ‘the day of the ashes’.
The collect for today goes back to the Prayer Book, and stresses the penitential character of the day. It encourages us with the reminder of the readiness of God to forgive us and to renew us.
The Bible readings for today are often Joel 2:1-2, 12 - 18, Matthew 6: 1-6, 16 - 21 and Paul’s moving catalogue of suffering, “as having nothing and yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:10).
The actual custom of ‘ashing’ was abolished at the Reformation, though the old name for the day remained. Today, throughout the Church of England, receiving the mark of ashes on one’s forehead is optional. Certainly the mark of ashes on the forehead reminds people of their mortality: “Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return …” (Genesis 3:19)
The late medieval custom was to burn the branches used on Palm Sunday in the previous year in order to create the ashes for today.
Ash Wednesday: a good time to admit you are sorry.
Have you done something which haunts you? Which makes you feel restless and defensive, every time you think of it? Why not deal with it this month, and put it behind you? Whatever your mistake has been, consider what the Bible has to say to you:
‘I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance’ (said Jesus). (Luke 5.32)
‘Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.’ (Isaiah 55.7)
‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.’ (Joel 2:12-13)
God is inviting you to come to him this Ash Wednesday. What a wonderful offer! Make the most of it, and remember how the prodigal son was welcomed back by his compassionate father.
Signs & Symbols: the timing of Lent.
Ever wondered why we start Lent on a Wednesday? It’s not really a very convenient day is it if, like most of us, like to eat pancakes the day before, and it’s a working day. It would be so much more convenient to have Pancake Tuesday on the Saturday then we could start Lent on the Sunday. Sounds so much more practical, doesn’t it? So why didn’t the church take up the idea decades ago?
There is, of course, a catch with this suggestion. How can we hold ‘Lent’ - a time of reflection on Jesus and our relationship with God and others - at the same time as we’re rejoicing on the resurrection of Jesus on a Sunday? Now that would be a stretch too far.
If Lent is intended to be a period of reflection how long does it need to be? Long enough for us to actually connect with the purpose, and not just skirt over it with a token gesture. Short enough so that we can see the hope within it, that there will be an ending and we shall see the glory of God revealed through the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ. If something goes on too long then we feel there’s no end in sight so we don’t engage, but if it’s too short then there’s not enough time to consider, test and try, and then actually commit.
It’s like a family meal. Too long and the children start to get restless and the whole thing breaks down into chaos or shouting; too short and there’s not enough time to enjoy each other’s company, for each to have enough time to share their thoughts and news and to relax together.
This month: How long do you think Lent needs to be for you? Do you jump in from the very start or does it take you until the last week to make the connections? Then count how many days are in ‘Lent’ and work out why we start on a Wednesday.
Love is the master key to a happy home.
If you work at love, you will find love at work. - Peter Jackson
’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. - Tennyson
Deciphering the language of love.
You're on a date, and you wonder if your date likes you. What body language should you look for? Bearing in mind that, according to psychologists, women can give off 50 different signals while men can manage only 10, here are some tips:
She likes you if: she pulls up her sleeves (the wrist is a soft part, she wants to show you how gentle and tender she is); she pushes her wine glass towards you (she is keen to close the distance between you); she plays with her necklace and flicks her hair.
He likes you if: he looks at each of your eyes, then mouth, then back to your eyes (known as the flirting triangle); he breathes in and pushes his shoulders back (think strutting peacock); he adopts a cowboy pose - hands on hips and thumbs in belt hoops.
On the other hand, she may have pushed her sleeves up because the room is stifling hot; she may push the wine glass towards you because you've been there two hours and haven't offered a refill; she may play with her necklace because you are boring her to death and she is thinking of using it to strangle you.
One thing for sure, if his only response is to gape at her wordlessly, puff out his chest, and then get his thumbs stuck in his belt, the evening will not be a success.
Seven habits of a happy couple.
- Low expectations. You are marrying a fallible human being who is of the opposite sex, so you already have a lot of odds stacked against you when it comes to immediate, transparent understanding of how the other guy works …
- Same values and direction in life. You may fall in love with someone who has come from another direction, but make sure you are now both headed in the same direction.
- Meaningful conversation and sex. Men are visually cued, women are emotionally cued. Men need sex in order to feel closer to their wives. Wives need meaningful conversation in order to enjoy sex.
- Winning the argument at all costs is not as attractive as saying ‘sorry’ when you need to.
- Encourage each other’s spiritual life. Give each other time and space to read the Bible and to pray.
- Recognise what your spouse can do better than you. Money management, for instance. Pool your talents, respect the person you married, and you will be stronger for it.
- Remember that there are two dates to engrave on your heart: your spouse’s birthday and your wedding anniversary. You can forget what your own face looks like, but don’t forget these!
Prayer points.
- For the churches of the Partnership
- All Saints church
- Its ministers, Tudor and Tricia
- The leadership team
- The Junior Church team
- Anne’s ministry review
Contact information.
The Partnership office is open Monday through Friday mornings or afternoons, please call to confirm. The office number is 01793 874221.
The office e-mail is: partnershipoffice@btopenworld.com
The address for correspondence is:
The Partnership Office, Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre, SWINDON, SN5 5PY.
For items for the next edition of Partnership News please send them to the office or to Dick Gray no later than 22nd February.
The editor’s email address is dick643 (at) yahoo.co.uk
The Partnership web site is WSwinLyd.org.uk
Who did it?
A solicitor, doctor, and minister went hunting red deer together in the Highlands. When a deer ran past them, they all fired at the exact same moment, and the deer dropped. However, when they went to look, there was only one bullet hole. They didn’t know which of them shot it, and asked one of the stalkers what they should do.
The stalker said: “Let me look at the deer. Sometimes I can figure it out.” He asked a few questions, examined the deer carefully, and declared, “The minister shot this buck!” Amazed, they all asked how he knew. Stooping down, he pointed out the wound. “See here. It went in one ear and out the other.”
This page last modified 00:55:52 GMT on Wed 1 Feb, 2012
