Dear Christian friends,

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1 APRILNo4 Dear Christian friends, After a gap of a few years, it's great to have a weekly Lent Course in the programme at Gratot. This very informal series is based around a booklet called 'Living the Trinity', but Donna is enlarging the scope using material on the Holy Spirit drawn from her current study unit for Reader training. The aim is to look at ourselves and our church, to see whether the Father, the Son or the Holy Spirit are central to our spiritual attention, or whether we have what is apparently a rare thing! - a balanced Trinitarian faith. Here let me apologise for making what is actually a lively and interesting meeting sound as dull as ditchwater but those who are following the course already know how good it is! Thinking of balance in the elements of our belief, somebody asked me recently about the difference between Anglican and Roman Catholic expressions of our faith. I made the standard joke about religious authority (RC clergy obey the Pope, but Anglicans live in fear of the Vicar's wife!), but later I was reminded of a comment I once heard that, although we say the same Creed, Anglicans place much more emphasis on the Incarnation (the Birth of Christ) than on Christ's death and resurrection. There is a germ of truth here, isn't there? The average Anglican Church has services galore, usually well attended, up to and around Christmas. Holy Week (Palm Sunday to Good Friday) on the other hand tends only to attract the keenest members of the congregation. There has been a trend in recent years to make Palm Sunday a jolly service about riding donkeys, downplaying or even removing the traditional joint theme this day of the passion and death of Christ. 'Oh, we do that on Good Friday' is the reply maybe, but that means only the leisured devout (it's a working day!) spend time at worship watching with Jesus at the Cross. And Maundy Thursday, with its focus on sacrificial love in action? some churches don't even have a service because attendances have become so thin. Easter, of course, is still strong and joyful in our tradition, though even here numbers are slowly sinking from year to year. But a balanced healthy faith in Jesus is impossible if we play down and neglect the significance of a Saviour who died for us, because this was the only way that we might find forgiveness and new life. Why do we do this? Because it is 'upsetting' for our generation of 'spiritual snowflakes', who we judge will reject Jesus if they think following Him looks like being be too challenging? Because our dull modern consciences think that while we're are all sinners in theory, in practice we don't feel we are real sinners, not bad enough to require the radical spiritual surgery of accepting that Jesus needed to die in order that we might live. Easter does fall in April, and I'm sure it will be marked by wonderful services, but before then a solid meaty chunk of the most serious part of Lent demands our attention. Worship, scripture, individual and shared study, private prayer and the public witness of our lives: all of these familiar things are here to help to focus our attention on Jesus as we look towards Passiontide. Let's make good use of them, shall we? Yours in His Service, Chris.

2 Westminster Cathedral, London Cover of the book we gave Ben Page 2

3 Thank you, Ben! For the past few years, our festive worship at Gratot has been enriched by the talented playing of Benjamin Woodley, home from his training for the priesthood to visit his parents Peter and Wendy, members of our congregation. Last year Ben was ordained deacon, reaching the final stage of his Formation at the English College in Rome, so this summer will see him ordained as priest at Westminster Cathedral. From then on he will be serving a parish in London, so his chances of having 'the odd Sunday off' to play at our services will be seriously diminished! When it comes to thank-you presents, it's too easy to give people either something that has to be dusted, or else to be eaten. Fortunately Ben is reaching the end of his studies with his thirst for learning unquenched, so in the name of our church we sent him a book one which I have found fascinating, and I think he will find the same. It's a book called 'When God spoke Greek' a very readable study of the way the early Christians used the Greek version of the Old Testament instead of the Hebrew, and how that Greek version came about. Trust me it's compellingly interesting (you've had bits from it already in sermons from me!!), and it will be far better for his figure than an enormous box of chocolates! Ben is up to his neck in a final study project, but has found time to write and thank us for '.the touchingly kind letter and wonderful gift. I do look forward to reading the book once the heat of this last semester has begun to die down. It has been a great joy and a truly invaluable pastoral experience to have been involved with the worshipping community at Gratot over these past ten years or so. I look forward to returning when possible in the future.' We certainly look forward to seeing him again when he has time to visit, and in the meantime we do hold him in our prayers as he approaches the momentous event of his ordination as a priest. Fr Chris Page 3

4 Gratot-Hommëel AM 7th April Lent 5 Eucharist (Changed) (P) 14th Palm Sunday (Holy Week) Eucharist (R) 18th Maundy Thursday Eucharist (W) 19th Good Friday SS/l (R) 21st Easter Day (Easter Week) Eucharist (W) 28th Easter 2 Eucharist (W) 5th MAY Easter 3 Morning Prayer (W ) Virey CHURCH 5.00pm 7th April Lent 5 Eucharist (P) 14th Palm Sunday (Holy Week) EP (R) 19th Good Friday Meditations (R) 21st Easter Day (Easter Week) Eucharist (W) 28th Easter 2 EP (W) 5th MAY Easter 3 Eucharist ( W) Page 4

5 Readings for APRIL Date Psalm 1st Reading 2nd Reading Gospel 7th 126 Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 14th 31:9-16 Palm Sunday Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 23: th 116:1-2, Maundy Thursday Exodus 12:1-4, Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 32b-35 19th Good Friday TBA 21st 118:1-2, EASTER DAY Acts 10: Corinthians 15:19-26 John 20: th 150 Acts 5:27-32 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-end 5th May 50 Acts 9:1-6 Revelation 5:11-end John 21:1-19 ST BART'S NEWS We have been made aware that there will be a meeting of the G7 ( of which France holds the Presidency) in Dinard on Friday,5 & Saturday,6 April. For security reasons the town will be on extreme alert and thus access very limited. The planned service for Father Gareth will be seriously impacted and restrictions are bound to reduce numbers attending.. We feel compelled to postpone the Service until Saturday, 27th April at 15h. Les Randall - Gareth's brother completely understands and will be here on the 27th. We apologise for the great inconvenience this will create for some and hope that the service on the 27th will be well attended. Page 5

6 Day Please pray for 1 st (Mon) F D Maurice, P & T May we learn to apply Christ's values to our society 2 nd (Tue) Diocese in Europe: Robert & David our Bishops 3 rd (Wed) Archdeaconry of France: Adn Meurig Williams; Debbie Flach (Area Dean) 4 th (Thu) Our Lead Ministers Donna & Chris (Gratot); Mary & David (Virey) 5 th (Fri) Our Worship Leaders and other assisting ministers 6 th (Sat) Those preparing to lead oour worship tomorrow 7 th (Sun) Our Chaplaincy May we be made truly one through following Christ 8 th (Mon) The penitent, those struggling to conquer sins, or find forgiveness and peace 9 th (Tue) The sick, the dying: that they find healing and hope in the the cross of Christ 10 th (Wed) Wm Law, P & T That Anglicans may treasure our distinctive tradition of faith 11 th (Thu) The mentally ill and distressed, those who struggle to find life's meaning 12 th (Fri) All facing difficult decisions or challenges for their future 13 th (Sat) Those who struggle with poverty, and all who help them 14 th Palm Sunday Do we risk being seen as His friends? 15 th (Mon) Does Jesus need to cleanse the temple of our souls? 16 th (Tue) Can we stay awake to watch with Jesus? 17 th (Wed) Do we weep for our sins, like Mary Magdalene? 18 th Maundy Thursday Do we come to His table in the spirit of an invited guest? 19 th Good Friday Does His love for all flood our hearts today? 20 th Easter Eve Does our hope abide, even in the face of suffering? 21 st EASTER DAY Tell the Good News to all the earth! 22 nd (Mon) The newly baptised/confirmed, new converts, all taking new steps in their faith 23 rd (Tue) George of England M That England may return to passionate Christian believing 24 th (Wed) All who worship with us this holiday season 25 th (Thu) Mark, Ap & Ev that we may love Mark's Gospel, and be inspired by its message 26 th (Fri) Deepening of our Stewardship, our giving of money, time and talents to God 27 th (Sat) Our outreach to the Anglophone community in the Manche 28 th (Sun) Our Chaplaincy Annual Meeting: for all willing to serve & lead this coming year 29 th (Mon) Catherine of Sienna, mystic That we may all glimpse God's true glory 30 th (Tue) Those coming forward or training for new ministries among us Abbreviations a reminder of why a saint is remembered: Ab =Abbot/ess Ap = Apostle B= Bishop P = Priest D = Deacon M = Martyr Miss = Missionary Sch = scholar Tr = (Bible) Translator T = Teacher Ev = Gospel writer Page 6

7 Extract from Bishop David's blog. Friday, 1 March 2019 Congratulations to Deacon Frances Yesterday, 28 February, was the feast of a saint not often celebrated across the Christian world, Pope St Hilary. (He is not to be confused with St Hilary of Poitiers, who is more widely commemorated). Pope St Hilary succeeded St Leo the Great as Bishop of Rome. He died in 468. Pope St Hilary Among Hilary's accomplishments were the build- ing up and strengthening of churches and communities in what is modern day Spain. He is also known for enforcing discipline among bishops. What a splendid occasion, therefore, for the re-licensing of Deacon Frances Hiller. She is attached officially to the Archdeaconry of Gibraltar which includes Spain, of course, and her day job is being a bishop's chaplain! In the presence of staff at Tufton Street yesterday, I was pleased to license Frances for the next term of 5 years. World Women's Day of Prayer, Saint-Lô evening of Ecumenical Prayer International Walk for Peace Saturday 25th of May Check with Donna for more information Was held on Friday 1st March - Gratot members attended with many others Cancel Brexit Petition At the point of publishing this issue, there are now 5.8 million signatures and rising. However the chance of any notice being taken is unlikely. Latest : The Government have said in a long winded reply but put simply No! they will not consider it. Now changed their minds and will be in debate on the 1st April - who can you believe any more? Page 7

8 ADVANCE NOTICE 2019 TO ALL CHAPLAINCY MEMBERS ON THE ELECTORAL ROLL AGM / ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE of THE CHAPLAINCY of CHRIST CHURCH in the MANCHE, ASSOCIATION SUNDAY 28 th April 2019 Anglican centre Le Hommëel Gratot 11.00am 4.00pm Holy Communion Service Bring & Share Lunch Agenda will include: Election of Churchwardens Annual reports Financial statements and accounts Election of members of Chaplaincy Council Agendas and reports will be sent electronically to all members in advance REMINDER Only members on the Electoral Roll are entitled to Vote. Page 8

9 ADVANCE NOTICE 2019 AGM / ASSEMBLÉE GÉNÉRALE of THE CHAPLAINCY of CHRIST CHURCH in the MANCHE, ASSOCIATION SUNDAY 28 th April To all Officers of the church All reports and the Agenda will be sent electronically to all members in advance Can you have your reports completed and ed to our secretary Agnes Crompton-Roberts by return please! At *Eglise anglicane de la Manche earn50200@orange.fr Many thanks. May we wish you all a very Happy Easter Praise our Lord as he has risen Page 9

10 I'm sure you will be pleased to know that we had a successful, fun, Beetle Drive/ Pancake Day. Thirty people attended and we sent a cheque for 165 to Adrian for Gratot Church Salle funds. Donna enjoying the Artistry of the Beetles Pancake (Shove) Tuesday Beetle drive On Mardi Gras, the Gratot church held a Beetle Drive and Pancake afternoon. As usual on these events, a great time was had by all with much hilarity regarding the various takes on the entomological nature of a beetle, from the minimalist via the cubist to the frankly, well, the craziest in design. Thanks to the efforts of a number of members, among whom we must mention Wendy W, Kath and Bronwen, the Drive was followed by an eagerly-awaited array of delicious crèpes with a truly stupendous choice of fillings, ranging from the tropical to the subarctic, i.e. lemon, jam, chocolate, sugar, maple syrup and several others. The winners were announced.??? won a bottle of sparkling wine and François won a box of chocolates, which he wryly commented would have to wait, since Lent would begin a mere eight hours after he got home The most eagerly-awaited prize however was the one for the best beetle drawing, which was won by Peter, because of the angelic look on his beetle s face SPRING FAIR 11th MAY Salle des Fetes Gratot Contact Wendy Farnsworth if you have any plants available. Café will be open Fish & Chips will be available Lunch Time Page 10

11 Your UK Driving Licence (If you still use one) Officials at the centre responsible for the exchange of driving licences in France have clarified which applications from holders of British driving licences will now be processed and which will not. In view of the imminence of Brexit, and a decision on whether or not it will be a no-deal Brexit, which comes on top of existing delays related to the volume of applications from foreign drivers generally, the CERT de Nantes states it will not now process applications received after December 15, However, applications which have started to be processed will be completed. This will only be the case if you have had a request for extra documents or have received attestation de dépôt. The clarification comes after Connexion asked formoreinformation following an announcement that dossiers were to be returned. France s Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau last week said there was to be a grace period during which residents of France could continue to drive on a British licence after Brexit. The length of this grace period was not specified. The CERT centre, based at the Nantes prefecture, states it will also continue to process all British licences for which the licence validity date has expired or was set to expire in 2019 as well as licences which must be exchanged by law due to a driving offence involving a loss of points or licence suspension, requests for replacement due to loss or theft, those related to the renewal of a driving category (eg. HGVs, after a medical check) or because you have obtained the right to a new category. However voluntary applications to swap to a French licence are now being returned if received by the CERT after mid-december, while awaiting clarifications about post-brexit procedures. The return letter also allows CERT to explain the situation and pass on a contact address for drivers to stay informed, a CERT spokeswoman said. This decision comes in the face of previous announcements from CERT. Connexion was told by CERT in November that all exchange applications would be dealt with as soon as possible. on what the end of January CERT said applications received but not dealt with by Brexit day would be taken into account based at whatever is decided between the two states. The UK government is still advising Britons in the EU to exchange their licences before March 29. The CERT spokeswoman added: The volume of dossiers received and being processed does not allow us to keep these dossiers while waiting. We will keep a record of the dossiers we have sent back, which will allow us, if necessary, to find the initial date when the request was received. It remains to be seen if, in the case of a no-deal, a British licence would immediately be treated as an ordinary non-eu one with regard to licence exchange rules or if the expected grace period to exchange the licence would include a temporary continuation of EU rules. In the case of a Brexit deal the rules for exchange would remain the same until the end of The usual rules for processing non-eu licences include extra requirements compared to applications from EU licence holders: the licence must have been issued by a state on a list of countries with which France exchanges licences, you must provide a translation into French that has been legalised if done abroad or by a sworn translator if done in France, a residency card as proof of legal residency in France, and an attestation from the country that issued the licence that your right to drive has not expired with an official translation of the attestation. Sworn translators typically charge about per page or document. The British Embassy told Connexion it is in contact with the French government over the driving licence issue and is advises Britons to check its Living in France Guide pages and social media for any future updates. It also notes that there is also an online form for the Nantes prefecture (Loire-Atlantique) at this link. Connexion will also continue to monitor the situation. Page 11

12 Message from: Major (Retd.) J.K.T.Harris Vice President Web Site Manager Web Site. This is a very useful job, placing information on to our site monthly. Not difficult to do and can be uploaded anytime If you are interested. Contact Alan or Roger Churchwardens Visitors to the Chateau and our church 3rd April 2019 François and Agnès will be giving a guided tour of the church and the visitors hope to hold a picnic by the salle Southern Bible Study Group The Barenton Bible study continues on the last Friday of each month at 14h30. Details from David or Mary Jackson. For directions contact David or Mary Page 12

13 Next film on the 11th April At 2.30pm Usual Tea/Coffee available after the film All for 4 Euros For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 He has saved us and called us to a holy life not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, Timothy 1: 9 Page 13

14 Great fun when it caught fire What was your first car? We still do this on a good day Before Health & Safety, the best toy, a scrap car on a bomb site

15 Ministry Contacts Editor: Alan Wellstead Priest in Charge Vacant Tel: Gratot Reader in Training Safeguarding Officer Virey LEAD MINISTERS Revd Chris Probert Donna Derrick Revd David Jackson Classified Ads Vacant * WEBSITE: Licensed Lay Minister President & Churchwarden Mary Jackson Alan V Wellstead Web Manager Position available Churchwarden Roger Burge Worship Leaders Deputy Churchwarden Gratot-Hommëel CCC Secretary Deputy Churchwarden Gratot-Hommëel Deputy Churchwarden Virey Environmental Officer Deputy Churchwarden Virey Congregational Churchwarden Wendy Farnsworth. Humphrey Farnsworth Michaela Winterman Paul Evans Scott... Agnes Crompton- Roberts Wendy Farnsworth Penny Feather Joan Peagam Pat Laws st March 3rd Apr 11th Apr Postings for the nominations of Churchwardens and Chaplaincy Church Council. Visitors to Church & Chateau - Picnic Lunch British Cinema Film Mary Queen of Scots Gratot & Virey 2.30pm 14th Apr Palm Sunday - Soup Lunch Gratot 11am 18th Apr Maundy Thursday Gratot 11am 19th Apr Good Friday Gratot 11am 21st Apr Easter Sunday - Soup Lunch Gratot 11am 28th Apr AGM - Bring & Share Lunch Gratot 11am 11th May Spring Fair Gratot May Synod at Domaine Lyon St Joseph in Lyon 20th May Gratot Church Meeting Gratot 10am Electoral Roll Officer Sacristan-Gratot- Hommëel Sacristan - Virey CCC Treasurer Alan V Wellstead Adrian Feather Page 15 25th May International Walk for Peace TBA 30th June SS Service TBA Gratot 11am TBA Virey Church Meeting Virey

16 THE ENGLISH LIBRARY 5&7 rue du Moulin du Vesque Gratot EVERY THURSDAY 10.30am 12.30pm Ample Car Parking, Toilets, Wheelchair Access Refreshments For further information contact Bronwen Underwood PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE BOOKS OUTSIDE WHEN THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED. THEY DO GET DAMAGED AND USELESS THANK YOU! Received under the heading: Couldn t resist it! Well, I couldn t resist it either, hope you enjoy Hear O Israel The Lord our God the Lord in One, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your strength Deuteronomy Page 16

17 Christ Church in the Manche - Adverts Meet & Greet Team YOUR HELP is still needed. The few Meet & Greet members are working hard and could do with a break, so we need more people to volunteer to increase the members of the Meet & Greet Team. This is a very worth while part of our ministry and if you feel you can help occasionally, Approximately once every 8-10 weeks please contact Alan, Agnès, Pat or Wendy who will be delighted to hear from you and be able to give you the details. Please come and help. Jane Joan Audry François Wellstead Peagam Burford Revd David Jackson Sue Tim Crompton-Roberts Russell Peagam Happy Birthday to everyone not on our listing but will be celebrating a Birthday this month If you would prefer your name not to appear, please notify the Editor 7th 14th 21st 28th Bronwen Peter & Wendy Helen & Rob Peter Central Manche: First Tuesday of the Month 2pm to 4pm La Lique s offices, 19 rue Maréchal Leclerc, St Lo Southern Manche: 10am to 2pm Wednesdays Salle Polyvallente, Les Buronnais, Notre Dame du Touchet. Coffee & Tea available etc. Trained volunteer s always available to have a private chat. nord@cancersupportfrance.ord Correct at time of going to print - Editor Or check the website: Page 17

18 Christ Church in the Manche - Adverts As a visitor you may be pleased to know, that we are able and happy to receive sterling cheques as part of our/your offerings. If you would like to do this please make your gift cheque payable to: The Diocese in Europe which will then be transferred to our sterling account. Thank You, and bless you for your very kind support of our churches in the Manche and your generosity. From a dripping tap to a full heating installation. Oil, Gas & Air source instillation, servicing & maintenance specialists. Including Drain & Pipe cleaning. We are here to serve, 24/7 Contact us for information on how you can save up to 41% on your heating bill this winter. Duncan Hollands Normandy Plumbing & Heating Services. +33 (0) normandyplumbing@yahoo.com Website: normandyplumber.com Ref: 190/01 Siret No ENGLISH - SPEAKING ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 1 place de collegial, Mortain (above the tourist office) Mondays 10h30-11h30 Fridays 18h00-19h00 Tel: deodar@aol.com Ref: 106/13 Page 18

19 Christ Church in the Manche - Adverts TELEVISION & COMPUTER SERVICES Chris Hutt Installation and Repair of English and European T.V. and Broadband Internet. All work guaranteed Telephone chrishutt@wanadoo.fr WATTS Christopher PLOMBERIE CHAUFFAGE ELECTRICITE L Odinière MONTAIGU LES BOIS Contact Chris at the above, for a visit and estimate and receive a quick and friendly service Tel chris@cwatts.fr Siret No: Ref 101/13 (101/17) Siret No Ref: 103/17 Sure Sweeps BUYING OR SELLING A PROPERTY IN NORMANDIE. We are an internet-based estate agent, Advertising in The U.K., Europe and World Wide We have clients waiting to buy, and urgently need more properties to sell. There are no charges to sellers, and we pride ourselves on our friendly service. For more details phone Sheelagh Gorham Tel Or Sheelagh@agencenewton.com Qualified English Sweep (formerly HETAS; ICS and NACS registered) Fully Insured Guaranteed No Mess Competitive Rates Small Repairs to Woodburning Stoves undertaken For a professional job call SURE SWEEPS Tel: suresweeps@legrandcamelia.com Ref: 104/17 No SIREN: Ref: 109/17 Siret Number Page 19

20 5-7 rue du Moulin de Vesque, Gratot, France Contributions for the MAY 2019 Issue will be accepted up to 22nd April (or earlier please). If you have any Photographs or Posters, please send as a jpeg, its easier to include. Many Thanks.