Around the Chaplaincy

Transcription

1 Reading for Lent Clerical Corner Lenten Thoughts Stories All about Salt! Beyond our Borders Around the Chaplaincy & lots more of course...

2 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, MARCH 2013 (see Around the Chaplaincy for location details) FRIDAY 01 MARCH World Day of Prayer Riberac Hospital Chapel World Day of Prayer Bordeaux Eglise N.D. de Cypressat World Day of Prayer Roquefort, L&G, maison paroissale SUNDAY 03MARCH 10:30 Service of the Word Bertric Burée 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise Limeuil Service of the Word Monteton Holy Communion Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion Sainte Nathalène 16:00 Evensong Bertric Burée TUESDAY 05 MARCH Holy Communion Allez SUNDAY 10 MARCH 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Morning Prayer Monteton 11:00 Family Service Negrondes WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH Holy Communion Bertric Burée SUNDAY 17 MARCH 10:30 All Age Worship Bertric Burée 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Chancelade 10:30 Morning Worship Limeuil 10:30 Prayer and Praise Monteton 11:00 Service of the Word Sainte Nathalène Doudrac THURSDAY 21 MARCH 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil SUNDAY 24 MARCH 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil 10:30 Holy Communion Monteton TUESDAY 26 MARCH 11:00 Holy Communion Negrondes THURSDAY 28 MARCH Maundy Thursday service Limeuil Maundy Thursday service Monteton Maundy Thursday service Bordeaux FRIDAY 29 MARCH Stations of the Cross Dondas Stations of the Cross Doudrac Stations of the Cross Monteton Stations of the Cross Sainte Nathalène Stations of the Cross Bertric Burée Ecumen Liturgy of the Passion Tocane church Sainte Nathalène SUNDAY 31 MARCH Holy Communion Doudrac Holy Communion Bertric Burée Family Communion Bordeaux Holy Communion Limeuil Holy Communion Monteton Holy Communion St Médard Holy Communion Negrondes Easter Service Sainte Nathalène Holy Communion + Baptism Busserolles 2

3 Clerical Corner March 2013 Clergy Letter for March In truth, it s been a tough few months. Being a priest is always a challenge - of course it is - and when one s dearest friends get sick and die, the challenge is spiritual-emotional-energy-sapping in the extreme. One funeral after the other takes its toll, especially when one is committing a good friend to the Lord. Yes, I know there is a joyful aspect to this, too, but saying goodbye to those you have cherished is utterly draining. OK, I know that s part of the deal; one always knew that this job would have seriously hard parts, alongside the joys. But tough it has been! I shall never forget my first experience of ministering to someone who was dying. Shortly after I was ordained. I was asked to visit a woman I had never met, in a local hospital; she was not a church-goer ; she just wanted a priest to help plan her funeral. I anticipated the visit with some trepidation, and feared I wasn t up to this particular challenge. What on earth would I say? How could I even begin to offer comfort? She was a woman of (exactly) my age. She sat up in bed, despite her hair-loss looking far more chirpy than I was feeling, and she held court. Well, you know why we ve asked you to come, she said with a broad smile, and the next hour and a half passed so pleasantly I could scarcely believe it! Comfort didn t seem to be on the agenda! We put the world to rights, we talked just about life really, and did it matter that her husband had been married before, she especially wanted to know? Would God mind? And yes, she would be glad if I would pray with her, and we finally got round to talking about the funeral. It took place eventually about a fortnight later, and it was a truly joy-filled occasion! There was standing room only in the village church; flower petals were strewn liberally on the stone flags, flowers spilled from every crevice; the singing was superb. There were tears, of course, but there were smiles too, for Mary was clearly so loved, such a vibrant and lovely lady, and it was, indeed, a privilege to be part of that end of life celebration. For how could we not celebrate her life, when she had clearly given such joy to so many? And the brief time I had had to get to know her was to me a real blessing, for, she had, albeit unwittingly, ministered to me. A priest is (presumably) not expected to be afraid; I had been, and she had sorted me out! Job done... And yes, I do believe in angels! But five years on, and after an intensely sad few weeks, 3 Ian and I took ourselves off to Marrakech last week for some R&R. Only a couple of hours from Bordeaux, but we were soon steeped in a different world, a world of heavily veiled women, a noisy world of being called to prayer (quite tunefully, I admit!) at dawn; a world of brilliant colours and exotic smells, of spices, leather goods, silver and brass; the huge and exciting central square, Jemaa El Fna, where snake charmers vie for your attention with story-tellers, and shoe shiners, and orange juice sellers, and donkey carts, and (most curiously) purveyors of false teeth...and on the Friday, when a few hundred men took their prayer mats and knelt in serried ranks outside the mosque on the Square, it set me thinking about these two Great Faiths, and it may not be pc to say so, but, much as I loved our holiday, I was glad to get home to that familiar world where men and women worship freely together, where those on the edge (as Bramwell put it) can be nurtured with love and patience, where a funeral can be a joyful celebration of a life, and where forgiveness is there for the asking for all of us who fall short again and again. And no sooner were we home than it was Ash Wednesday, Lent began in earnest, and I thought of Ramadan and that seemingly unwavering commitment to fasting, and I thought, perhaps we do have things to learn from each other... With love and blessings as you journey through Lent, and may the resurrection joy of Easter be yours in abundance! Gill From your Editor Welcome to another edition of Spreading the Word, as usual with news of very varied activites going on throughout the Chaplaincy. I m hoping my mailbox will be filling up again soon as my store of articles as getting rather thin. Don t be shy! I know lots of you out there have anecdotes, interests and information to share with us all so do please send them in. In the meantime, enjoy the contents of this edition. Bob and I are off to Belgium for another classic car rally mid-month - getting back just in time to start putting April s edition together! Let s hope it goes better than last year s Spanish one! As long as we finish I shall be happy - though Bob of course wants to actually win. No chance!! Gill Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

4 Suggested for Lent reading Maundy Thursday Prayer Walk - Thursday 28th March 2013 God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Proverbs 3:34 (Gk)) If you are looking for a good book to read for Lent, can I suggest the following: Humility - True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney A very down-to-earth, practical book on this subject. Some of you might think about time he read that and I do not blame you. I know pride is an ever lurking danger. Pride comes in many forms and can manifest itself in any area of our lives. Hopefully you will find this a useful read. I would like to lead a Prayer Walk on Maundy Thursday in the Lisle area. If you would like to join me at 2pm at Le Peladis, Rte Pommier, Lisle to participate, I would be delighted. The local walk normally takes about one hour but I think in this instance we should allow one and a half hours to include stops. I will provide light refreshments at the end, so that there will be a chance to chat and discuss the prayer walk and to have a sit down! Please come sensibly attired for the weather and bring whatever you would normally carry when walking, i.e. walking sticks, small bottle of water and tissues I shall walk anyway, so you do not need to let me know necessarily but it would encourage me if I knew you were coming. Every blessing, Madeleine Prayers and blessings. Paul World Day of Prayer (Journée Mondiale de Prière) is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service. It is a movement initiated and carried out by women in more than 170 countries and regions. It is a movement symbolized by an annual day of celebration the first Friday of March to which all people are welcome. It is a movement which brings together women of various races, cultures, and traditions in closer fellowship, understanding, and action throughout the year The theme for 2013 is I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me, based on the Gospel text of Matthew 25. The sponsoring country this year is France. Several services will be planned to take place in the Chaplaincy: Riberac, Bordeaux, Roquefort (Lot et Garonne) Interesting information... We have always learned that Lent commemorates the 40 days that Jesus spent praying in the desert before his public ministry. If, however, you actually count the days from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, you ll realize there are actually 46 days! What? Yes, there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Because each Sunday of the year, however, is a grand celebration and commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus, we don t count them in the 40 days of penance. There are six Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. So, by subtraction, we are left with 40 days. 4

5 March Cooking March 2013 Frances Pengelly Jesus said to his disciples You are the salt of the earth. The rocky coasts of the Mediterranean are covered with carved shallow salt pans. I lived in Malta for three years. Often we would walk among them and watch the turbulent sea lashing against the rocks, flinging up spray into the pans. After a good baking by the hot summer sun, the pools evaporated, crusting round the edges, slowly and after many weeks finally became a bed of delicious icy salt crystals. This is how man has obtained this important mineral, and the method goes back to when time began. If you have seen all the polders, man made shallow clay pools, and salt marshes on the West Coast of France, the Camargue, Provence and Languedoc or have bought salt in the region of the Guerande, you cannot help but be amazed at how prolific the salt harvesting is. This free gift from the sea is lovingly cared for by craftsmen called paludiers, an ancient profession, often running in families and going back generations. The wild, isolated and lonely coasts of Europe and the Mediterranean are a hard place to earn a living, but a fit, strong man who seeks tranquillity, working the salt pans and polders must be a magnificent way of life. They spend their days brushing the top of the evaporating sea water and Collecting Salt in the Salt Pans, Ile De Re extracting grey salt and Fleur de Sel. The fortune of many places has been made by salt, especially the Isle de Ré. The salt was collected in panniers by donkeys, who wore long trousers to save their legs from the corrosive action of salt and mosquitos. In France there are over 200 paludiers who harvest over the year 10,000 tons of salt. It is a seasonal occupation starting in the spring. Of course over the world there are many types of salt. Peruvian Pink Sea Salt obtained from an underground ocean. Pink Himalayan Salt is mined from deep inside the mountains. Red Volcanic Salt from Hawaiian red clay, Black Sea Salt, Himalyan Rock Salt Bamboo Salt roasted inside bamboo cylinders. There is even a salt from Anglesey, deliciously flaky and smoked with Welsh oak chips. Salt mines in Russia and America, provide much of the world s salt. The list is endless, but man, animals and plants could not live or function without Sodium Chloride. It is known that thousands of Napoleon s troops died during the retreat from Moscow because there was no salt to heal their wounds. Salt is a medical necessity. In the Middle Ages, newborn babies were sprinkled with salt before baptism to keep the devil out. The Great Wall of China was financed by the salt trade. The Egyptians used salt in their mummification process. The Romans were paid with salt. The Phoenicians used salt instead of money in their enormous trading ventures, including slave 5 trading. The word Salad comes from salt, the Romans ate their greens covered with it and made sauces, garum and liquamen (fermented fish intestines and small fish in brine) which was a favourite. Before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve all types of fish, meat, duck, hams, olives and capers. We could not pickle, cure, preserve or begin to cook a decent meal without it. It is used as a tenderiser, and in South America meat is covered with salt and left to marinate with herbs before cooking. Salt cod is still used a great deal and has a special flavour. Vegetables are greener for its use, pastry and bread benefitting from a good pinch to balance the flavours. Chicken and fish are certainly improved using a salt casing to cook slowly in the oven. Try making citrus salt using 65g sea salt to 1tbs citrus zest, orange, lime or lemon. Dry out on a baking sheet at 225F and store, use on fish and meat. Put half a cup of herbs in a blender with the same amount of salt, blitz and dry out in the oven. and and store. You can have fun making different types of salt and it will be good for summer. Thank you from Caroline Gordon-Walker I would just like to say a quick thank you to everyone for everything. - for my leaving service and particularly to all who took part. - for the lunch and the opportunity to say good-bye to so many friends. - for the magnificent hanging (if that is the right word). I am looking forward to unpacking it and to studying it in detail. - for the very generous gift. Paul said I should get a new computer - I will be doing that but I would like to get something more personal to remind me of you all. - to all those who sent cards, messages and gifts. - for all your kindness, support and prayers At the moment, we hope we are in the process of buying a very suitable house in Brighton and I will let you know as soon as I have a permanent address. Meanwhile the carolinegw@wanadoo.fr seems to work and there is my daughter s address 110 Pankhurst Avenue, Brighton BN2 9YN Maggie@livestock. org.uk Love and blessings to all, Caroline Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

6 Jill Almvang We have been supporting Jill with prayer, particularly because she s been working for a disaster relief organisation in Haiti. You will probably recall her name. Here s the person behind the name: Jill was born and brought up in England, then moved to Norway in 1970, where she qualified as an accountant. After working as Chief Accountant for Norwegian Church Aid, she became involved in supporting the Norwegian Church team sent to Haiti just a few hours after the earthquake hit 10th January She went to Port-au-Prince later that spring in the role of finance manager, setting up an office system to support the Church s relief work. Jill says I could not find peace in my soul after returning to Oslo at the end of my contract in March She returned to Haiti and joined the go-ahead J/P Haitian Relief Organization. To start with she was a volunteer, but then was asked to become Finance Manager and then Head of Finance & Accountability last autumn. Jill has a brother living in the Dordogne and she appears in church at Bertric Buree from time to time when on leave. In the meantime please keep praying. Here s a condensed version of Jill s recent newsletter (Dec 2012): Time flies, particularly when there is a lot to do! What has happened this year? As far as Haiti is concerned, there have been huge strides forward. Buildings demolished, buildings repaired, new house designs (earthquake and tornado-proof) approved by the Haitian government and building started, patients treated, children vaccinated, babies delivered, children graduated from Kindergarten and sixth grade, school library established, community and livelihood events held.... The list of accomplishments is long! And we can see the changes over just short periods of time! The most symbolic demolition in 2012 was that of the National Palace the White House. It had stood there terribly cracked and with its domes at dangerous angles since January a constant reminder of the quake. Now it s down, and a lot of the rubble from it is now landfill for a new housing project. of Norway visited Haiti some weeks ago in his capacity as United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, and we received him when he came to one of our livelihoods projects (funded by the UN. He seemed somewhat surprised to be greeted in Norwegian when visiting an American NGO! USA TV news CBS also came and visited us in the JP* house (they were actually visiting Sean Penn...) and you can see footage, including a cameo with yours truly(!) on video/watch/?id= n - if you feel so inclined! I do not know what the future will bring but I do know that from January 1st I am the Head of Finance and Accountability: that s 2 departments: Finance and POD (Programme and Organisational Development) so I have the overview (hopefully) of the whole process from writing proposals to donors, accounting for grants, monitoring and evaluating the work done, to the narrative and financial reports! I know my present contract is until August 12th, and most important of all: despite missing the proximity of family and friends, I know for sure that I am in the right place at the right time, doing something I love to do. A happy New Year to you all, Jill. Ed: I can recommend viewing the CBS report - I found it very interesting. TEN WAYS TO LOVE 1. Listen without interrupting (Proverbs 18) 2. Speak without accusing (James 1:19) 3. Give without sparing (Proverbs 21:26) 4. Pray without ceasing (Colossians 1:9) 5. Answer without arguing (Proverbs 17:1) 6. Share without pretending (Ephesians 4:15) 7. Enjoy without complaint (Philippians 2:14) 8. Trust without wavering (Corinthians13:7) 9. Forgive without punishing (Colossians 3:13) 10 Promise without forgetting (Proverbs 13:12) Whatever else can be said life is not boring! It s different, but not boring! His Highness Crown Prince Haakon 6

7 As it s Mothering Sunday this month, I thought the following piece might be enjoyed by many of you! A Mother s Occupation woman named Emily renewing her driver s licence A at the Transport office was asked by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. What I mean is, explained the clerk, do you have a job, or are you just a...? Of course I have a job, snapped Emily. I m a Mum. We don t list Mum as an occupation... housewife covers it, said the clerk emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our local police station. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, Official Interrogator or Town Registrar. What is your occupation? she probed. What made me say it, I do not know... The words simply popped out. I m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations. The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire! Might I ask, said the clerk with new interest, just what you do in your field? Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, I have a continuing programme of research, (what mother doesn t), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I m working for my Masters, (the whole family), and already have four credits, (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money. There was an increasing note of respect in the girl s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 10, 7, and 3. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby), in the child-development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over bureaucracy! And I had gone on March the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than just another Mum. Motherhood...What a glorious career! Especially when there s a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations, and great grandmothers Executive Senior Research Associates??? I think so!!! I also think it makes Aunts Associate Research Assistants. Michelle Lowndes Dont forget!! The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine has a monthly prayer diary. If you would like to receive this via each month please add your name and address on the front page of the website or contact Charlotte Sullivan kevet2adsl@aol.com. You should also find a printed copy available at your church. Don t forget!! Belloc: May 2013 Speaker: Revd Paul Vrolijk Topic: Savouring the Psalms... Do you have a story to tell? Why did you move to Aquitaine? How did you become a Christian? Do you have a favourite church? Have you a famous person in your family? Are you famous? We all come from such varied backgrounds, let s share some of our experiences. Please send your stories to the Editor Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

8 I m sure some of you from the Lot et Garoone area will know Professor Wedell. He recently kindly sent me a copy of a book he has had published which I m sure will be of interest to many of you. Not being adept at writing book reviews I passed it to Jennifer Gray whose reviews you will know of from the past and who will be writing on a more regular basis in the future. Thank you to both Professor Wedell and to Jennifer. Ed. FROM MY BOOKSHELF A Post-War Half Century: Christmas Letters Eberhard George and Rosemarie Wedell Recently, I sorted my 2012 Christmas mail, changing addresses, or noting new phone numbers ready for next year s task. format of the Christmas letter was replaced by sending a copy of that service to all who would normally receive the letter. Obviously, there is just so much material here, and each letter deserves a greater perusal and discussion, that one cannot do justice in a brief survey such as this. I can only suggest and indeed, recommend, that you must buy this book. It can be obtained by contacting the publisher, Memoir Club at Arya House, Langley Park, Durham, DH17XE Tel: Jennifer Gray 2013 I also keep a collection of the letters we have sent since 1978, the year our disabled child was born. People, I think, were always too polite, or frightened to ask if she was still alive. (She is, thank God, and is now nearly 35). My letters are only of general news, chatting about mundane family things, never very long and really only of interest to ourselves as a form of diary. So when I came across this book I was most impressed. Before each letter the author has achieved continuity by beginning with comments relating to issues of British and world events mainly political, religious, or economic. One s first impact was to admire unstintingly the truly admirable feat of collecting and keeping important notes on prevailing general national interests, threaded into the fascinating story of the development of a truly gifted and giving family. (There are just two missing letters, 1963 and 1967). The overall effect is to admire how well a half a century has been documented in such an original way; from a family point of view, as well as the view of a discriminating mind revisiting important national and international events (1986: our shillyshallying about the European Community continued. 1989: the falling of the Berlin Wall; 2009: Lib.Dem and Conservative Coalition). The 1964 letter dwells on the move of the family to Manchester and the discussions held between friends in the Anglican Cathedral; little is said about the family. Later, the children s progress as well as that of their parents takes priority, but the first and more general part of the letters continues to be important. The most moving (and for us, perhaps the most relevant section) must be the account of Rosemarie s funeral in France, conducted by Revd. Dr. Paul Vrolijk in September 2010 at Tonneins. That year the usual Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother s house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away. Johnny! Please wait until we say our prayer. said his mother. I don t need to, the boy replied. Of course, you do. his mother insisted. We always say a prayer before eating at our house. That s at our house. Johnny explained. But this is Grandma s house and she knows how to cook!!. Do you know who your Ancestors were? For just 50, all of which goes to Chaplaincy Funds, Gill will research your ancestors and then provide you with a report and a family tree. Or why not make it a special gift for a relative? For more information speak to Gill Sweetman on bobgills24@aol.com 8

9 Favorite Lenten Practices From the breakfast table to the car seat, from writing to drawing, from giving something up to doing something more... Let the wisdom and spirit of these stories inspire you in your own Lenten journey. Around the breakfast table One of my best Lenten practices was begun when my children were in elementary school and I was a working parent. I decided that if we were unable to hold the dinner hour sacred due to work schedules and after school activities, I would instead hold the breakfast hour sacred. I made sure to get up each morning during Lent just a little earlier so that I could not only provide breakfast for my family but actually sit together, pray our meal prayer and begin each day on a happy note. It began in Lent and didn t end until my children went off to college many years later. I learned that Lenten habits could carry far off into the future with my family. The impact was dramatic in that each day was started with a prayer and positive attitudes. Breakfast became and remains one of our favorite rituals of the day. Roberta Drawing a prayer I took time every day to draw in a sketchbook. I called the time my God Time. I wanted to make each day of Lent special by taking time to reflect on God and my relationship to God. Barbara My Lenten jar I always have nice things that I d like to do, but never seem to make time to get to: write a letter to a friend, visit a lonely person, call a distant friend. At the beginning of Lent, I write down 40 plus tasks, one per little slip of paper, and toss them in a jar. Then, each morning of Lent, I pull one out and do the task written there. It teaches me that I like surprise and variety in my Lenten practices. For me, this is a simple way to concentrate on the disciplines of giving alms and doing good for others. Mark Dialing into God Instead of listening to music or talk radio in my car, I decided to take that time for prayer and to listen to God. At first, it was a difficult transition; the silence was deafening. But soon, I began to enjoy the quiet time. I prayed for people who I knew needed my prayers. I prayed for my family and myself. I also thanked God for my many blessings. I found that I became much more calm and peaceful during this time. This reflective time grounded and centered me to do my best. Donna Bargain Corner This month s Special Offers: * A modern desk with drawers Height 75cms, Depth 70cms, Length 168cms. Offers of 30 euros or near. * Barley-twist, Drop-leaf, Oak Table : Open 92 X 120 X 72cms; Closed Height 72cms, Length 92cms, Width 43cms. Offers of 25 euros or near. * Trolley Table in oak Height 74cms, Depth 45cms, Length 78cms. Offers of 20 euros or near. Next month s special - white tiles All proceeds to Limeuil Church s Chosen Charities... WANTED! Adult wardrobe, pillows Contact Ian Strachan ian.strachan24@gmail.com FREE TO A GOOD HOME! Protection back (clear plastic) and a pale blue folding front for an ipad 2 Madeleine Holmes Madeleine@peladis.plus.com Advertising rates per edition Full page 60 Half page 40 Quarter page 20 7cm x 5cm Long-term booking discounts available Camera-ready artwork should be sent to the Editor together with the appropriate amount made payable to The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine. March Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

10 Around the C haplaincy Ste. Nathalène (24) East of Sarlat, Parish Church, on D27 CW Kevin Sullivan NL Kay Doney PC Ian Morris March Services Sunday 3rd March 11h00 Holy Communion Rev Paul Vrolijk followed by Annual Meeting Sunday 17th March 11h00 Service of the Word Madeleine Holmes Friday 29th March 15h00 Stations of the Cross Madeleine and Valerie Sunday 31st March 11h00 Easter Service Sheila Campbell We have all really enjoyed a month of warm services in the Salle des Fetes but we will be back in a, hopefully warmer, church for our Holy Communion service and annual meeting on 3rd March. Easter Services Madeleine will be with us for our bilingual Stations of the Cross service on Good Friday and we hope that she will be joined by Valerie. On Easter Sunday Sheila will be leading our service with preblessed bread and wine for Holy Communion. Past Events Week of Prayer for Christian Unity On Tuesday 22nd January evening Ste Nathalène was involved in organising a bilingual service for Christian Unity at the Centre Notre Dame de Temniac, in Sarlat. The service was led by Abbé Philippe Demoures who joined us for our Carol Service. Although there were only 13 of us present, it was a very warm and moving experience. I really enjoyed the opportunity to worship with Christians from other churches and backgrounds. The service had been written by young Christians in India and focused on the Dalit community. The painting of Jesus calming the storm by Daniel Bonnell As part of Paul s sermon on 3rd February we had the chance to look at this wonderful painting. Artist s comment...quoted by Paul... At first glance this painting appears to be an abstract expressionist version of a bird in flight or a spirit. Yet upon closer examination the white ball in the sky becomes the moon, the ship and mast become visible and the small image of a man on the front of the boat becomes evident. The overwhelming storm is surely going to take the vessel down in seconds. The severity of the threatening storm is felt as the viewer is drowning in the waves. The symbolism here is that life is an overwhelming storm. Yet the cross, though it appears far off, even insignificantly small, brings a great calm, just as Jesus did for the disciples. If God is in our boat (life), we have nothing to fear. If the viewer fails to see themselves about to be overcome by the vast storm then the painting fails them. This had so much resonance for us: both in our personal lives where many of us feel constantly buffeted by what life is throwing at us and also in our church family where we desparately need more help! Future Events Songs of Praise Limeuil and Ste Nats are joining forces to organise a Songs of Praise service at St Nathlène Church on Thursday 11th April at 6.30 pm. Please put the date in your diary and ask your friends and neighbours to join us. We will be sending round a list of hymns and worship songs - please let us know your favourites. More details next month. 10

11 Limeuil (24) near le Bugue, Eglise de Sainte Catherine in Limeuil Haut CW David Albrecht Gill Sweetman NL Barry Borsberry PC Jeff Bottger March Services Sunday 3rd March 10.30am Prayer and Praise David Albrecht Sunday 10th March 10.30am Holy Communion Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 17th March 10.30am Morning Worship Jean Dix Thursday 21st March 10.30am Holy Communion Revd.Paul Vrolijk Sunday 24th March 10.30am Palm Sunday Holy Communion Revd. Liz Morris Thursday 28th March 6.00pm Maundy Thursday service Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 31st March 10.30am Easter Holy Communion Revd. Paul Vrolijk The Palm Sunday service on the 24th March will be followed by a Bring and Share lunch at the Salle de Mairie in Limeuil Port. These once a month informal gatherings present an excellent opportunity to get together with other members of the congregation to enjoy an abundance of good food and stimulating conversation. If you haven t been before, why not make this a part of your preparation for Easter. Come along and bring a friend. If you can bring along a little something to share that would be good but if not, don t be put off, there is always more than enough to go round. More importantly, try to remember to bring your couverts. Past Events ooooooooooo On the 25th of January people from across the Chaplaincy attended a service of Thanksgiving at St. Catherine s to mark the departure of the Reverend Caroline Gordon-Walker who, after 20 years in the Dordogne, was leaving to return to the UK to spend time with her daughter and grandchildren. This was followed by a farewell luncheon at the Auberge de La Nauze attended by over fifty well wishers. We would all wish to thank Caroline for her unceasing dedication to the work of the Chaplaincy and to wish her well in her new life with her family back in the UK. Caroline finally departed for England on the 9th of February. Dates for your diary Sunday 3rd March 50Km sponsored walk setting out from Lalinde. Some of our congregation are taking part and sponsorship will be gladly welcomed. All funds raised are going to ToiletTwinning.org, one of our chosen charities for Contact Amy Owensmith for details. Good Friday 29th March 3pm The choir will be singing Stainer s Crucifixion in the church and we hope many of you will be able to come and listen to this moving work on such a special day. If you or anyone you know would like to sing with the choir, please contact Joyce Crowest for more information. crowest@wanadoo.fr Thursday 11th April Limeuil and Ste Nats are joining forces to organise a Songs of Praise service at St Nathlène Church at 6.30 pm. Please put the date in your diary and ask your friends and neighbours to join us. We will be sending round a list of hymns and worship songs - please let us know your favourites. More details next month. Friday 24th May Car Treasure Hunt. This will be a real teaser this year but lots of fun, with a meal to complete the day. More details to follow. Saturday 6th July Our main and most important Chaplaincy fund raising event of the year will again be held at Port de Limeuil but more details to follow. March Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

12 Lot et Garonne: Allez Dondas Doudrac Envals West of Villeneuve-sur-Lot just off the D215, north east of Agen on D50 between Castillonès and Villeréal. to the north of Montflanquin. St Médard Co-ordinating organiser: Paul Mazotti (on D245 north-east of Agen) March Services Sunday 3rd March Holy Communion Doudrac Tuesday 5th March Holy Communion Allez Friday 29th march Stations of the Cross Dondas Station of the Cross Doudrac Sunday 31 March Holy Communion Doudrac Holy Communion St Médard The Local Annual Meeting of the new sector of Lot et Garonne will be held on Tuesday March 5th following a service of Holy Communion. We hope that those from Doudrac, Dondas, St Medard, Allez and Envals will also attend as we start this new phase. There is also the opportunity to come along to a restaurant for lunch afterwards but this needs to be booked with Paul and Judy Mazzotti ( ). We held one Lent lunch in February and will be holding another one before Easter. If you are interested in coming along, do phone Liz Morris ( ) Doudrac We look forward to welcoming people at Doudrac on both Good Friday and Easter Day. The sunrise service is at 7.30a.m. on Easter Day and don t forget the hour changes the night before! We look forward to holding one of the Songs of Praise services at Doudrac on Friday 12th April at 18h30. This will be the opportunity to sing some well known hymns and learn something of how they came to be written. This will be followed by refreshments in the Salle des Fetes. Allez March brings our usual quarterly Holy Communion service on the 5th commencing at a.m. and this month it will be followed by the inaugural Local Annual Meeting of the newly-formed Lot & Garonne churches of the chaplaincy. This meeting will be held in the church immediately after the service. Since the church at Allez will be in use by our local Roman Catholic hosts, we will be unable to hold our usual Good Friday service this year. We are making plans for the service on the Tuesday after Easter, with a celebration of lessons and Easter Hymns, starting at 6.30 p.m. and followed by Easter biscuits and a glass of wine. Why not come and practice for Songs of Praise ours is the following Tuesday, 9th April, again starting at 6.30 p.m. If you need any information, please get in touch either at mazzotti47@gmail.com or on Dondas We were delighted to welcome Revd David Jones to celebrate Holy Communion for us on Sunday, 17th February. Twenty-five hardy souls, including several new faces, braved an unheated church, and it was a particular pleasure to see Jennifer Lord who had made the long journey from the Perigord to be with us. We are also grateful to Michael Pennington, who had been spared from his duties as Reader at Cahors and was able to play the organ. Our next service will be Stations of the Cross at 2.00pm on Good Friday, 29th March, which this year will be led by Sue Blomley. Envals The next service at the home of Liz and David Rolfe, The Old School House, Envals, will be Holy Communion on Wednesday 29 May at The Rolfes always offer a delicious lunch for everyone after this service. It is in all, a very special occasion and one not to be missed, but they do need to know who will attend. Contact them on

13 Chancelade and Sorges (24) Chapelle de Saint Jean, opp. The Abbey NE of Périgueux Negrondes Church (Sorges Church closed for repairs) CW Liz Oaten Elizabeth Brook NL Elizabeth Brook PC Lin Tarrant March Services. Sunday 10th March 11.00am Mothering Sunday Negrondes Sunday 17th March 10.30am Holy Communion Chancelade Tuesday 26th March 11.00am Holy Communion Negrondes Sunday 31st March 11.00am Easter Communion Negrondes Spring is round the corner! Buds are begining to appear on the trees, the hazel is out, lambs tails shaking on the breeze. The anticipation of warmer days is wonderful, in the meantime the warmth of a smile and log fire will have to do. OR Come and be warm with us at our Curry and Quiz Night Thursday 7th March St.Vincent sur L Isle Salle des Fetes 12 Please book in advance Curry haters and veggies catered for with notice Liz Oaten This evening is in aid of Cancer Support France and Emmaus Both of these charities are worthy of our support, sadly each of us will know at least 1 person suffering from cancer and C.S.F. is a charity that helps individuals and families suffering from the effects of cancer. Emmaus is also worth our efforts, all of you will no doubt know of their workshops and outlets where recycled furniture etc can be purchased at reasonable cost. My friend always called recycled stuff, twice loved. a, lovely phrase I think especially when refering to clothes and toys. Our social gatherings don t end with Quizzes. After our service celebrating MOTHERING SUNDAY there is to be a bring and share lunch at the home of Liz Oaten. ALL ARE WELCOME. YOUR CENTRE NEEDS YOU! Don t forget to offer your support both in prayer and physically; an extra pair of hands are always useful at our functions. We would be especially delighted to have a few more volunteers to participate in our services, reading, saying prayers, musicians, especially keyboard, giving out books, doing coffee and so on. And so the EASTER DAY, what joy! Come and join us on this glorious day. Liz Oaten has very kindly invited us to join her after the service for a Roast Lamb Luncheon at her home. You will be asked to pay a minimum of 12 that will go towards costs but we encourage you to give more, all excess will again go to Cancer Support France. Please book in advance. What a busy month we shall be having, please join us, bring your friends and sell tickets for the various events. These events are great fun and the work if shared not taxing but a wonderful way to get to know each other. ADVANCE WARNING FOR APRIL, COME ONE COME ALL SONGS OF PRAISE THURSDAY 11th APRIL CHAPEL ST JEAN CHANCELADE 18hrs Come and join us; lets raise the roof with our voices in praise of our great God Due to the absence of Elizabeth and Philip, house group is on hold until their return BUT Don t forget it is usually every Thursday Chez Brook contact: Elizabeth Brook brook.elizabeth@orange.fr March 2013 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 13

14 Monteton (47) east of Duras, (notre Dame Parish Church) WE Paddy Atkinson CW Doris Hogarth Norma Eckett NL Vanda Walton PC Helen Raphael March Services Sunday 3 March Morning Worship TBA Sunday 10 March Morning Prayer TBA Sunday 17 March Prayer and Praise Revd Gill Strachan Palm Sunday 24 March Holy Communion The Chaplain Maundy Thursday 28 March Holy Communion Revd Liz Morris Good Friday 29 March Stations of the Cross Revd Liz Morris Easter Day 31 March Holy Communion Revd David Jones Our Monteton Annual Meeting was held on Sunday 27 January, following the service of Holy Communion and was chaired by Paul, our Chaplain. Roger Verrall, as outgoing Warden, gave the Monteton Report for He stated that 2012 had seen quite a few changes, with the introduction of a new Sunday service of Morning Worship and, especially, the formal separation of Monteton from the other Lot et Garonne congregations who are now grouped together as Lot et Garonne sector. Roger spoke of the friends from our congregation who had died during the year, Lay Reader Emeritus Brian Scrivener, June Evans and Elizabeth Vellacott, all of whom are greatly missed. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the members of the Social Group who worked tirelessly to organise memorable events during the year such as the Leeds University Union Swing Band evening, the summer Jazz in the Garden, the ever popular Quiz and many others, raising considerable funds in excess of 2000 euros for charity and for the Chaplaincy. Roger ended by wishing the new Committee well for the exciting time ahead as a separate Monteton sector within the Chaplaincy. One new Warden was duly elected, Norma Eckett. Elections for three vacancies on the Committee were then held: Leslie Eckett, Peter Walton and Linda Whitby were the successful candidates. Linda is a new member of our congregation and, as such, is most warmly welcomed to the Committee. Brian Hogarth agreed to continue as Chap- Aid Representative, as did Basil Tarr as our Treasurer. Doris Hogarth and Sue Blomley both agreed to continue as Chaplaincy Representatives, and Sally Davies also agreed to continue as Synod Representative for Monteton. In his observations, the Chaplain thanked all those who were standing down from the Committee: Roger Verrall, Lynne Staunton and Marion Evans. He thanked Roger especially for his work as Warden and for his duties as Reader. He also thanked those involved in organising and contributing to the programme of worship at Monteton: Revd David Jones, Revd Liz Morris, Lay Reader Sue Blomley, Worship Leader David Tervet and other lay members of the congregation. Liz Morris chairs the Worship Team which covers both Monteton and the new Lot et Garonne sector and she is named as the first clergy contact for those sectors. Paul gave thanks to Doris Hogarth for her continuing work as Warden and welcomed Norma Eckett in her new role as Warden for Monteton. Paul thanked the congregation for all its efforts in fundraising over the year, especially members of the Social Group. Paul also thanked Brian and Basil for their work respectively, as Chap-Aid Representative and Treasurer and was delighted that they had both agreed to help the new Lot et Garonne sector in its transition period. He also thanked Helen Raphael for her work with the Prayer Chain and for agreeing to work with both sectors in future. Future Social and Fundraising events at Monteton are as follows: The annual visit of Leeds University Union Swing Band will take place on Saturday 30 March at 7.30 pm in the Salle des Fetes at Duras. Tickets are 10 euros per person and can be obtained from the Wardens and other Committee members. As usual, you should bring your own picnic and couverts. Many people like to book a table, so hurry because this event sells out very rapidly! A Bring-and-Buy, Coffee and Cake Sale will take place again this year at L Orangerie in Duras, on Friday 3 May from am pm. Please start gathering together good quality items for this event. Both of the above events are to raise funds for Chap-Aid On Saturday 15 June from am 12.30, in the Salle des Fetes at Monteton, a new venture: The Big Breakfast! We shall be serving a hearty traditional breakfast at 10 euros per head. There will be 80 tickets for this event and more information will be available nearer the time, so watch this space! On 19 July, there will be Jazz in the Garden yet again, so note it in your diary! Further information to follow. 14

15 Bordeaux (33) Chapelle de l Assomption, 370 bd Président Wilson, (opposite the British Consulate). CW Pamela Prior Christine Rychlewski Lindsay Megraud NL Lindsay Megraud PC Rhian Foreau MARCH SERVICES Sunday 3rd March Holy Communion Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday 10th March Family Communion Revd Liz Morris Sunday 17th March Holy Communion Revd Dr Paul Vrolijk HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Sunday 24th March Palm Sunday Holy Communion Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Thurs 28th March Maundy Thursday Holy Communion RevdBramwell Bearcroft Sunday 31st March Easter Day Family Communion & Revd Bramwell Bearcroft 2 Baptism, followed by an egg hunt Sunday School and Teen Discussion Group Sunday March 3rd SS & Teen Discussion Group Sunday March 17th SS & Teen Discussion Group Saturday March 23rd Easter workshop Sunday March 24th SS & Teen involvement in the Palm Sunday service Sunday School and Teen Discussion Group For more information, feel free to contact Kit Seguin ( ) or Jennifer Bearcroft ( ). You can chat and keep up with what s happening in our Bordeaux Church by visiting our facebook page: EnglishAnglicanChurchBordeaux facebook Wine and Words group page Wine and Words Bordeaux Lent Bishop s Lent Appeal: Our Bishop (Diocese in Europe) is encouraging us to support the Christian relief organisation, Partners for Change Ethiopia, as his Lent appeal. It was set up as the St Matthew s Children s Fund in 1985 to care for 1,000 children orphaned by war and famine, in four orphanages. A retiring collection will be taken every Sunday during Lent (a basket will be available at the back of the church). Cheques to be made out to Chap-Aid please. Holy Week Palm Sunday, March 24th at This special service, where our young people will be involved, will include the Passion Play and palm crosses will be distributed. We will also have the pleasure of welcoming Richard Bromley, Mission Director of ICS (the Intercontinental Church Society, the Chaplaincy s sponsor) at this service. Maundy Thursday, March 28th at 7 p.m. Holy Communion Service with participation of the choir. Easter workshop for kids, Saturday, March 23rd at 2.30 p.m. (during the Choir practice) We are looking forward to seeing lots of little (and not so little) faces to work on fun craft projects for Easter. Why not sing in the choir this year they need you and we d love your children to join our workshop. A golden opportunity for everyone. Rendezvous at the Assomption at 2.30 p.m. Easter Sunday, March 31st at a.m. Family Communion Service with the choir, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt for the children in the garden. March Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

16 Activities & Opportunities Wine and Words Group The next rendez-vous of the Wine and Words Group will take place on Friday, March 22nd, at 6.30 p.m. We gather for a discussion on life, faith, and the world around us after work in a bar/cafe/pub in Bordeaux. Please sign up on the mailing list by writing to Jenny at hwrd_jnny@yahoo.co.uk and she will send you more information, including the venue for February. Picnic Play Reading Group This meets after certain Sunday services, to share in fellowship and in the enjoyment of the English language, in its many forms! Our next gathering: Sunday, March 17th. For more information and to please Pamela Prior at pamela.prior@orange.fr or speak to her after a service. The Choir Needs You! The Bordeaux Church choir has started learning a wonderful selection of music for the Maundy Thursday and Easter Day services. We have vacancies in the choir for people of all ages (including juniors). Practices will be held on Saturday afternoons in the Chapel from 2.30 to 4.30 p.m. Do come and join us even if you re not available every Saturday. For more information, see Richard Hunt or Nicky Marchard de Gramont. Collection for the Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand. This month we are collecting baby supplies but the Foyer is also in need of used clothes (in good condition), especially for men and babies. So start your spring sorting early. A basket is provided at the back of the church every Sunday for your donations. Their Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday, March 22nd at 6 p.m. For those with free time to help at the foyer, please contact Jennifer Bearcroft ( ) or Freda Perris ( ). Thank you for your continued support. World Day of Prayer March 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. Eglise Notre Dame du Cypressat, 327 ave. Thiers, Bordeaux Bastide (easily accessed by Tram A or Liane 10 - stop: Galin) Presentation of France ð Celebration ð Moment of Fellowship We shall have the great fortune of hearing the Revd Gillian Strachan give the short talk during the celebration. Please come and support her! Electoral Roll. It s not too late to sign up on the Electoral Roll. If you are a regular worshipper at the Bordeaux Church and would like to be a member, electoral roll forms will be available at Sunday services. Please see Linda Chanut or one of the wardens to fill out the short form. CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! (the Bordeaux Church Local Annual Meeting is approaching ). We will be most grateful if you would consider participating actively in our church so many facets, so many ideas, so many talents, and a great opportunity to grow in faith! A list of different ways you can help is currently available at all services please pick one up, take time to reflect, and then indicate where you may be able to help. The list is not exhaustive we welcome new ideas. News of Past Events Youth Service. On Sunday, January 27th, the young people presented the story of Noah complete with thunder, rain and a rainbow! Over twenty children and young people actively took part in this amusing but also moving re-telling of the well-known story. The prayers and psalms read by the children also reinforced the underlying emphasis of the morning s worship and we were left in no doubt that God loves his creation...and us too. Look out for The Story of Joshua and The Battle of Jericho in June! A Variety of Services. February is a short month but it was action-packed service-wise. On February 3rd the Holy Communion Service was extra special with Thanksgiving for the birth of Tife (Tifeoluwa Demilade Hephizibah Olatokunbo) Macaulay (below). On the second Sunday, a mountain-top experience discussion at the Morning Worship Service was inspiring. Onward to a beautiful service led by the Chaplain accompanied by guitar and flute, and finishing off with a Holy Communion service at the end of the month (anticipated at the time of newsletter writing!). 16

17 Dronne Valley Church, Bertric Burée (24): Parish Church, (D708 between Ribérac and Verteillac) CW Mike Duncan Sheila Marshall NL Keith Gunn PC Sheila Marshall March Services Sunday 3 March 10:30 Service of the Word Janis Adams Sunday 3 March 16:00 Evensong Sheila Marshall Sunday 10 March* 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Paul Vrolijk (Children s Sunday School; Annual church meeting follows the service) Wednesday 13 March 11:00 Holy Communion Revd Brian Davies Sunday 17 March 10:30 All-Age Worship Steve Long Sunday 24 March 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Brian Davies (Children s Sunday school) Holy Week Services Mon 25, Tues 26, Wed 27 March 17:00 Devotional Service, with readings, prayers and meditations Maundy Thursday 28 March 17:00 Holy Communion (without sermon) Good Friday 29 March 14:30 Stations of the Cross, with prayer and reflection Good Friday 29 March 20:00 Ecumenical service at Tocane St Apre Easter Sunday 31 March 10:30 Holy Communion * bring and share lunch following this service, at the home of Sheila and John Marshall. Everyone is welcome to stay for tea and coffee after our services CHURCH for CHILDREN There s a Sunday School every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month and all children are welcome. We spend time together having fun, learning about Jesus and the Bible. Each week the children read/act a bible story, learn a song, do something crafty, play games and we always end each session with prayer time. Usually we do a short show/sing and tell to the congregation after each session. The children and parents have established really close friendships and often meet during the week as well. Please pray for the children s work! Lenten Lunches 2013: We are offering soup, bread and cheese lunches every Wednesday during Lent - 6th, 13th and 20th March. The cost is 5, proceeds going to the Bishop s Lent Appeal. The venue will be the home of Brian and Pam in Fontaines. If you plan to attend any or all of these, please indicate on the sheet at the back of the Church. Knowing numbers in advance will help with catering. If you wish to be there, but will not able to sign up, please phone (giving Brian and Pam plenty of notice!) Prayer Meetings Our church prayer meetings are 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 5 pm for just one hour in Bertric Burée church. We would love to see as many of you there as possible: March 6th and 20th Songs of Praise The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine is planning a series of Songs of Praise events during the week 8th to 13th April. Ours at Bertric Burée Church will be Wednesday April 10th at all are welcome to come and enjoy Songs of Praise with us Women s World Day of Prayer - Journée Mondiale de Prière Friday 1st March at in the Hospital Chapel, Ribérac The theme is - I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me - this year prepared by Christian women of France. We warmly invite you (women and men) to join our friends from the Roman Catholic and Eglise Reformée congregations for this bilingual service. If you would like more details, speak to Sheila Marshall March Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

18 Past Events: A well-supported service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was held in the hospital chapel in Ribérac with leaders, Père Robert, Pasteur Munch, and Revd. Brian Davies. Sheila Marshall gave the homily (in French and English) on the theme What does God require of us? (Micah 6.8) and representatives from the respective churches also took part. The memorable service ended with the rousing gospel hymn Oh when the saints go marching in. Future Events: The Ladies Group For the months ahead we plan to offer subjects such as quilting, writing crime stories, gardening and the Queen s Watermen to name but a few! Our March meeting will be held at the home of Jane Evans, Chez Calou, Lusignac on Thursday 21st March at 2.30pm. The talk by Jane is about a Grade II Listed building: The Archdeaconry in Rochester, Medway, Kent Everyone is welcome and if you need directions please phone Valerie Wareham on or her Pies, Puddings and Puzzles with wine An evening of good food, good fellowship and good fun! Where - The Salles des Fêtes at Coutures When - On Friday 15th March Time - 7pm Price - 15 per person Bookings please - Sue Gamon at sgcoutures64@gmail.com Proceeds to go to the Diocese in Europe Lent Appeal - Partners for Change Ethiopia Craft Group Our next meeting will be Thursday 7th March at 2pm at the home of Sue Gamon in Coutures. If you wonder what we get up to and would like to find out come along, join us for tea and cake and learn more. Give Sue a call on Home Groups meet: Tuesday mornings near Verteillac at for This month 5th and 12th March, following the course GLIMPSES OF GOD: Hope for Today s World Then Fortnightly on 26th March and 9th and 23rd April - contact Mike Duncan Alternate Tuesday afternoons near Ribérac. Combining 5th and 12th March with the Verteillac group. For dates after that contact Gwyneth Marison Fortnightly on Tuesday mornings, for 10.30, usually at Susanna Isaac s home, near Ribérac For dates this month contact Brian Cook on Ann Knight organises a group at Brie sous Chalais (10 mins north of Chalais) Fortnightly on Thursdays at 2pm at Di Harris-Evan s home Contact us for dates and directions - Ann: or Di: or mailto:ann@daveandannknight.co.uk All of the groups are keen to welcome newcomers, but it s a good idea to phone, so that we know you re coming. Randonée March s ramble will be 27th March at Contact: Fred Sapsford SECOURS CATHOLIQUE is a national charity that we regularly support. Please bring one or more tins of food, dried goods or toiletries. There s a box waiting at the back of church. C S F has a drop-in centre in Ribérac 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. Our Helpline is or for further information please csfriberac@gmail.com or view our website 18

19 Beyond our Borders Sometimes it seems to be the simplest things which bring comfort and joy into the lives of others. I became fascinated with Acts 435 when I first read about it some time ago. Acts it was distributed to anyone who had need... Seeing what others do is always encouraging and if we can t do, we can pray for those who do! May we do or pray as befits our circumstances. Blessings Madeleine A DAY IN THE LIFE OF GINA RAE giving to anyone who has need. Gina Rae, advocate for St. Peter s Church in Barnsley, South Yorkshire is doing just that - running with the vision. I marvelled at her energy after spending a morning with her, meeting both people helped through Acts 435 and the key referring organisations that she has networked with. When her priest volunteered her to be the Acts 435 advocate she captured the vision but how would she find those individuals and families who could benefit? By spreading the word, God opened doors in incredible ways. For example, a chance conversation at her church toddler group connected her to the Children s Centres in the town and through them to families in deep need. Gina also received a call whilst I was with her from a senior Social Worker from another area of Barnsley wanting to know more. Gina is keen to get a slot at the next Rural Dean s Meeting to encourage more churches to get involved and share the workload. She is an advocate in the true sense of the word. I met Angela, a widow whose benefits were stopped for six months when she failed to return a form because she was in hospital. Having probably depended on her husband to manage the paperwork and now living on her own, she was suddenly left with no income whatsoever. The Romero Centre in Barnsley works closely with Gina and is delighted to have the resource of Acts 435 to assist them in their work. Angela s first request was posted on uk for emergency food. Later, money was requested to clear her garden, a requirement of the Council to rehouse her, and when I met her she was just about to go and view a flat. She told me if it wasn t for Acts 435 I don t know where I would have been. There was Jayne, single mother of three, whose cooker had been broken for two months. Through Children s Centre referral, Gina was able to get her one just in time for Christmas. Also Sarah with custody of three grandchildren, whose income could not stretch to a bed for her youngest, still in a cot bed at age 5, nor a washing machine. She couldn t believe someone would help her and that she had struggled all this time without knowing about Acts 435. But perhaps the story that touched me most was James, a man engaged to be married with a beautiful two year old daughter. His fiancée ended the relationship, not understanding James medical condition and, as his daughter s main caregiver since birth, James suddenly faced losing her too. He had somewhere to live but no bed for his little girl and no money on sickness benefits to purchase one. Acts 435 came to the rescue. A caring dad, he told me his priority was to make his daughter feel comfortable and make the transition as easy as possible - it was brilliant to receive the money to make this happen. He now spends 50% of his time with his daughter. As Caroline, Director of the Romero Centre said, Acts 435 is not about a hand-out - I always tell people today you need help, tomorrow you might be able to be a donor. Indeed, Gina has already found Acts 435 applicants wanting in turn to be able to donate items to others in need. Meanwhile, Gina keeps running - leaving me to have lunch whilst she visits a family nearby for an Acts 435 request, and after taking me back to church and my car, she s off again to a Children s Centre and more Acts 435 referrals. I hope I have her energy when I m retired! Jenny Herrera, Executive Director March Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

20 Useful Numbers Chaplain: Revd. Dr Paul Vrolijk Chemin de Garonna, Sigoules. paul.vrolijk@gmail.com Assistant Chaplains: Revd. Gillian Strachan La Gravette, Bayac gillstrachan@wanadoo.fr Revd. Elizabeth Morris Maison Neuve, Plaisance, Issigeac cookingcurate@gmail.com Revd. Bramwell Bearcroft Lotissement de la Caussade, Floirac anglican.bordeaux@gmail.com Revd. Brian Davies La Petite Maison, Le Bourg Fontaines, Champagne et Fontaines Clergy with permission to officiate: Revd. David Jones Le Bourg, Loubès-Bernac davidjjones47@yahoo.com Revd. Ann & Revd. Michael Wooderson rue des Ecoles, Trélissac Annwooderson@gmail.com Revd. Canon Tim Thompson UK: FR: timwthompson@btinternet.com Revd. Stephen Traves stephen.traves1@btinternet.com Revd. John Morgan marvol24@orange.fr Briandpam1@hotmail.co.uk Chaplaincy Wardens: David Tervet david.tervet@wanadoo.fr Jennifer Lord jenniferlord24@gmail.com Chaplaincy Administration: Amy Owensmith chapaq.office@gmail.com Prayer Chain Co-ordinator Madeleine Holmes madeleine@peladis.plus.com Newsletter Editor: Gill Sweetman bobgills24@aol.com Neighbouring Chaplaincies: Poitou-Charentes: Revd. Hazel Door rev.hazel@wanadoo.fr Midi-Pyrenées & Aude: Revd Canon Andrew Hawken chaplain.mpa@gmail.com Chaplaincy of Aquitaine: Chaplaincy website: Chap-Aid Website: aquitainechaplain@gmail.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. bobgills24@aol.com 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 address and you can receive it without charge though donations to the Chaplaincy would be most welcome. 20