Dronne Valley Church News

Transcription

1 Dronne Valley Church News Part of the worldwide Anglican church, meeting at the landmark Church of St Peter and St Paul, Bertric Burée November 2016 The News can be printed out in whole or in part, or read on your computer in which case the underlined links will take you to further content. For the clearest result, download and read in Adobe Reader, rather than viewing in your browser Harvest Sunday morning in a generously decorated church. and Tony Stephens finds a long-lost chum 1

2 Sunday 6 November Sunday 6 November please note earlier time Wednesday 9 November Sunday 13 November * 10:30 Service of the Word, with Trevor Hodgkiss 16:00 Evensong, with Sheila Marshall 11:00 Book of Common Prayer Holy Communion, with Revd Tony Lomas 10:30 Holy Communion, with Revd Tony Lomas Sunday 20 November 10:30 Family Service, with Janis Adams Sunday 27 November 10:30 Holy Communion, with Revd Brian Davies Please join us for tea and coffee across the road in the Upper Room after each of the Sunday services *There will be a Bring-and-Share lunch following this service. Please bring a dish to share and your own cutlery, plate and glass. We invite a donation of 1 50 towards the cost of bread and wine which will be supplied. Diary Dates Christmas Fete Advent Carol Service Saturday 26 th November 10:30 16:00 Bertric Burée Sunday 4 th December 18:00 Bertric Burée Christmas Carol Service Friday 9 th December 18:00 Ribérac Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ecumenical Service Saturday 14 th January 15:00 Hospital Chapel, Ribérac 2

3 Mellow Fruitfulness - a thought for the month from Janis Adams A utumn is such a beautiful time of year. The colours of the trees are breath taking, views over the valleys in the morning with mist hanging have been known to bring a tear to my eye. I have to praise God, to say thank you for this beautiful part of His world. As John Keats wrote nearly 200 years ago we are in, A season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, and judging by the walnuts and hazel nuts we re gathering there is a lot of fruitfulness. Earlier this year I gave a hazel nut to each member of the congregation; I suggested it could be a prayer aid. I expect that the nut was later found in a bag or pocket and perhaps eaten or put in the compost. One member of our congregation, though, has used it and the nut has become a prayer nut. It s kept in the pocket with small change so each time that s needed the nut is felt and prayers sent up for family, friends and anyone specially in need. It s also become a very well-travelled nut, literally going round the world, and being offered to people so they can join the prayer nut. It s now well polished and a very mellow fruit. How do we pray? In our home group, I hear of couples reading their Bibles and praying together each morning and other people who know their day will go wrong if they haven t had their time with God before the day starts in earnest. One vicar I know (not in our Chaplaincy) is brought a cup of tea in the morning and goes through the daily office in that way. There isn t one right way to pray, but there is a need for us all to pray. The Lord s Prayer is a good model praising God, thanking Him, making requests, confession and care. Why should we pray? I ll answer that with a question: Did you get to know someone without talking and listening to them? I doubt it; and that is why we should pray but it is a two-way thing. Yes, it s talking to God but also allowing time to listen to or for a response. God isn t limited to our 24-hour clock so there may be a longish wait but try to connect later, or tomorrow, and don t give up. God doesn t! But then for what should we pray? So many terrible events in the world or people who are ill or need our help in some way and we should keep praying for them. Closer to home there s our Chaplaincy and our church. People work hard to provide the services, offer pastoral care, keep the business side going. I know the committee meeting minutes are attached to this newsletter by an HTML have you ever checked up on what goes on? Another local warden is needed and I know people have been approached and have had good reasons to decline but it is a lot of work for one person for example a local warden has to be at church for each service, a Church of England requirement so, more important than the person leading the service? There is also a need for someone to coordinate the pastoral care which helps quite a few people. Yes, both roles require some time and effort but are very rewarding. We need to pray about these things, perhaps you could ask a church member if they could take on either of those roles or even volunteer. Pray about it. 3

4 Does prayer make a difference? Yes! But we have no idea how prayer helps but our prayer chain shows we do though it can be in unexpected ways and even ways we don t really notice. Things could be a lot worse without prayer but we are warned in the Bible of the terrible things that will happen before Jesus return. Unless w e put in some time and effort regularly to pray, and read the Bible, we won t get to have a relationship with God, however many Sundays we come to church, if that s the only time we give to talk to Him. T he church year is ending; the new year begins on November 27 th and so it s a good time to think about building a better prayer life before we celebrate Christmas. I wonder how many will have read to the end of this? If you have got this far, me with the date of the church new year and an estimate as to how many responses I ll receive; a bottle of red wine to nearest number next time I see you in church! Happy New Year! Janis Bring and Share Lunches It s good to remember our monthly Bring and Share Lunch after the Sunday Service on the 2 nd Sunday of the month. Do come if you wish to always plenty for everyone - even if you forgot to bring something to share! If you do not want to stay after coffee that is OK too! Come and have coffee and you will NOT be quizzed as to why you are not staying! Helen and James Gray sent us this shot of inquisitive deer peering into their living room window 4

5 Please make a note of the date and bring your friends and neighbours 5

6 Tony Stephens writes- J ill and I were lucky enough to spend the last month on a long trip, during which we visited family and friends. In Wooroloo, (yes... that s it's real name!) about 45 minutes from Perth, and in the semi 'outback', we met Diana Walne, the 88-year-old guardian of the small, but beautiful, stone built church. She keeps the church in a wonderful condition, inside and out, dusting, polishing and gardening. There is a Sunday service once a month, sadly not whilst we were there, for a congregation of about 12 regular worshippers. I visited with Diana, while Jill cared for our dear sick friend, Mary, to give Eric, her husband a small break. I took the opportunity of praying in their church for our friends of nearly 50 years, and for Mary's severe diabetes and Eric's fortitude. photo: Tony with Diane Walne Our friend Mary is wheelchair bound, and lives in a chair. Eric cares for her with a deep love and devotion and amazing inner strength and resolve. How did we become friends?...a strange coincidence or fate... but God works in mysterious ways I n 1957, I was a young aircraft electrical engineer, working on the first Scimitars to come into Naval service in Lossiemouth, in the North of Scotland. I worked with a senior Electrical engineer, a kind, patient and understanding, much respected man called Bruce Dyer, who helped me in my training, and brought me to understand the finer points of heavy jet maintenance. We were together for maybe a year when, in 1958, I was posted to anti-submarine warfare service on 'Small Ship's Flights' helicopters. The new Nuclear submarines could move faster than our surface vessels, so these helicopters, stationed on Frigates, were designed to find, track, and destroy enemy Nuclear submarines. 6

7 Bruce stayed on the Heavy jet program, with Scimitars, Vixens and Buccaneers. We never met again. I left the service in 1970, and moved back to my birthplace and family home on the Isle of Wight, so far removed from Lossiemouth. In 1981, I was a member of the local Lions Club. I had become great friends with my neighbours, Eric Dyer and his wife Mary. We were the main protagonists in the construction of the 120,000 Sandown & Lake Day Centre for the Elderly. Eric organised the acquisition of a mini bus and a caravan, painted in the Lions colours. W e were having such fun times with Steel Bands, Funtasia Weekends, and Community Service, when he said that he was going to Australia to see his brother. On his return, he showed me some photographs, and I immediately recognised Bruce, his brother, as that great guy from Eric emigrated in 1983 to be near Bruce, and we have remained friends for something approaching 50 years. Mary and Eric had twice visited Jill and me here in France, and we went to his home in Wooroloo for his 80th birthday. His Party on September 18 th was a BBQ at his home for about 36 people...including Bruce and his lovely wife Pam. Bruce - now 87 - and I spoke together for the first time in 59 years, and we both felt the years roll away...we were back on those aircraft, young men, fit and healthy, full of the joy of living, with the wonderful world that God has given us, at our feet. Friends still. Bruce Dyer (87) Tony Eric Dyer (80th Birthday) Jill and I send Blessings to ALL our friends - But we know that it is we who are Blessed Tony Stephens. 7

8 Harvest at Bertric Burée Bringing in the Sheaves We had a joyful harvest celebration on October 9 th with Rev Brian Davies and Sheila Marshall leading the congregation with familiar and new harvest hymns. The church was beautifully decorated by our flower ladies. And the congregation added their gifts - which have been donated to Secours Catholic. 8

9 Our specially baked sheaf-of-corn loaf After the service we met for coffee in the Upper Room and many stayed on to enjoy our harvest bring-and-share lunch. The Upper Room is open on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:00 to 14:00 for coffee, a light lunch, browse around the Book Barn and fellowship. That s 9 th November and 14 th December. 9

10 Have you heard of International Anglican Family Network? They may not have appeared on your radar yet, but they say their target is to celebrate the God-given potential of the family as a source of thriving relationships, identity, belonging, discipleship and reconciliation. Here s one of their newsletters - It s full of good news of flourishing children s work around the world Fields of Life Sponsored Children Bertric-Burée church has been sponsoring two children through Fields of Life - Vangeliss Kanyesige and Joel Gumula in Western Uganda. In September I received a very sad letter from Fields of Life Co-ordinator, Naomi Campbell, who wrote the following: It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that we have just received the news that Vangeliss Kanyesige has died of malaria. It was on the 31 st July 2016 that Vangeliss died. She was in her second term of Senior One at Alpha and Omega Vocation and Secondary School, suffered a suspected malaria attack and did not recover. She fell sick on Sunday 24 th July and received first aid at school. The next day she was taken home and thereafter to a nearby village clinic for treatment as an out patient, where she was scheduled to return for a check up after five days. Vangeliss did not make it back. She died on Saturday morning at about 11.00am. She has been laid to rest at her father s home in Kamwenge district on Sunday 31 st July This is terribly sad news, and left us needing to make a practical decision about what to do with the outstanding surplus of from our contributions this year. FOL wanted to return this but the I and the Church Committee decided that they should keep this and suggested that 120 from that amount should pay for 20 mosquito nets, which are so vital for protection from this awful disease in that area. The remainder will be put towards our other sponsored child Joel Gumula. The FOL Jar is at the back of the Church and all loose change is much appreciated to go towards the education of Joel. With many thanks to you all for your kind generosity. Ian L Jameson Chap Aid Representative Bertric-Bure e 10

11 Supper & Barn Dance Ingrid Lowe writes 'The Supper with Barn Dance', 7 th October at the Salle des Fêtes at Bertric Burée, was a very enjoyable event on many levels for dancers and spectators alike. We were treated to delicious Hotpot with tasty extras and Apple Crumble expertly prepared from scratch and served by Ann and Dave Knight. Mary Eldon with husband Dave set up chairs and tables decorated beautifully to create a very cosy atmosphere. David organised the bar, so the wine kept flowing! And then there was the dancing! I was gratified to see so many enthusiastic dancers, eager not only to dance but to learn! Dances ranged from the very simple ' Dorset Reel' through to the excitement of The Bridge of Athlone' and 'The Oxo Reel'. More sedate dances such as 'The Country Waltz' and 'The Man in the Middle' (or The Man in the Muddle as my telephone once suggested, - and this sometimes was the case) were also very satisfying not only to dance but to watch! The Waltz for its gentle charm and 'The Man in the Middle ' for the hilarity produced by all the kissing and passing on the men to the next pair of girls - a hoot! And to Keith, my husband: 'Thank you for the Music': for the technicalities of setting up the equipment, operating it and for selecting incidental music which contributed to the great atmosphere of the evening. We look forward to holding more Barn Dances next year, one in the Spring and one in the Autumn, so look out for dates! See you all next time! Ed: and thanks to our enthusiastic and able dance caller, Ingrid! Ingrid 11

12 The Randonée group - began this month's walk with a welcome cup of coffee at the home of Sam and Annie Key. A big thank you to them for their hospitality and to Annie who very ably led an attractive walk around the byways of Petit Bersac: a 7km amble enjoyed by sixteen adults and seven dogs. A certain chestnut Labrador was not quite so sure about the enjoyment of going into the fast flowing river and then not being able to get out... The BB rescue squad quickly responded and Conker was hauled to safety with no serious after effects, only the 'parents' were traumatised! Twenty-one of us enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Vin Doux restaurant in the centre of the village of Petit Bersac and everyone was very complementary about the meal. We were joined this month by several new friends and that was a real pleasure. Hopefully they enjoyed the experience we can look forward to having their company on future walks. The next walk will sadly be our last for this year, Thursday 24th November is the date and I will be sending details out by soon, the area will most likely be around Tocane, after which we will hibernating until March. Do come and enjoy this finale. jakimoorhouse@aol.com Best wishes, Jaki 12

13 God-incidences!! Madeleine Holmes I recently visited Sweden to attend the Anglican-Lutheran Conference It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all around the world and I first met people belonging to the Society when I was asked to speak about Diakonia in Hungary a couple of years ago and then I was hooked!! In fact, one of my quilts Who is my Neighbour to illustrate my talk, went to a Church in Canada and hangs there! What I want to tell you, though, is about a wonderful coincidence. I met a man called David Brown and we were sharing our past history when to my amazement I discovered David was the Lay Chaplain and long-time confidant and friend to the Rt Reverend Keith Sutton, Bishop of Lichfield!! To some of you this will mean a great deal, for when Keith was Bishop of Lichfield he came and stayed many times at Petite Cotes - when owned by Tony and Audrey Pinkney - and he impacted not a few lives in our time of worshipping there and forming The Fellowship, which then went on to become The Church at Chapdeuil. Keith lost his wife to severe dementia and whilst Bishop nursed her and spent as much time as possible with her at home. When she died he was devastated. They have four children and when he retired he saw much of them and their families. Sadly, he also developed dementia. David was able to tell me about Keith and how he kept in touch. David told me that when he last visited Keith he was bedridden and did not recognise David, but nevertheless he said the love of God just shone from him. Keith is being very lovingly and well cared for and nursed daily and recently David wrote the following: Just to say I had a phone call from Keith s daughter, Jacqui, a couple of hours ago. Amazingly, he s still holding on valiantly and peacefully when it looked we were losing him two or three years ago. An extraordinarily robust constitution. I will continue to keep in touch with David and will pass on any news I receive... in the meantime I thought that many of you, especially Kate and Howard Day, Gwyneth and Rob and many others will be glad to hear how much he is loved and to pray for him and his family. With love Madeleine PS. Anyone can join the Anglican-Lutheran Society. Contact me if you are interested. 13

14 When we walk with the Lord in the Light of His Word - Brian Davies writes I n the Bible Sunday service, 23 rd October, the Epistle was from the Second Letter of Paul to Timothy, where, in Chapter 3 verse 16, he affirms the All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for. Scripture is a Living Word, which can speak to us in the circumstances of our lives. On Sunday Ann Knight, Trevor Hodgkiss, Suzanne Reason and James Gray bore eloquent and inspirational testimony, describing how particular verses of Scripture had spoken to their need in situations of challenge in each of their lives. As we listened, Scripture did indeed become a Living Word. I know that for many, the daily discipline of setting time aside for reading, reflecting and praying through the Living Word is an essential part of their walk with the Lord. As you read this, if you have yet to cultivate this discipline, may I urge you to consider doing so? When? - Most folk find that setting aside say fifteen minutes early in the day is the most productive because what is received can be carried through the day as a means of nourishment. How? - Here are two websites which will offer you, each day, a passage of Scripture, some reflections and some prayers related to them. They each publish quarterly booklets which can be received by post, you can access each day on their website, or have sent as a daily . The particular value of the quarterly booklet is that you can return to it as frequently as you wish and, over a period of time, build up a library: Bible Reading Fellowship: God s Word day by day: Scripture Union s Daily Bread Bible Reading Notes: The Collect for Bible Sunday reads as follows; Blessed Lord, who caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; help us so to hear them, to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and forever hold fast the hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ Why not? With encouragement, love and blessings, Brian 14

15 A Good Read - Elizabeth Faulkner writes about The Story of St Paul s Life and Letters I found this book on the shelf in the Upper Room. To look at it is not enticing - dull, shabby cover and inside no glossy pictures or maps. Yet for me, this is a must have book. Years ago the Professor of Nursing Studies at Edinburgh University said only buy a book when you feel you cannot do without it. The author J. Paterson Smyth ( ) was a high-ranking clergyman, an academic and a prolific writer. He became Archdeacon of Toronto cathedral. He writes passionately about St. Paul, giving a vivid picture of a real firebrand of a man but at the same time a warm emotional person with great sensitivity and insights. The book describes Paul s life as an apostle, travelling as he did to places others never reached, enduring great hardships and antagonism but without losing enthusiasm for his mission -to proclaim redemption from sin and death through Jesus Christ. - Elizabeth continues to travel with St Paul HERE 15

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17 THE SYCAMORE TREE Meditating with a pen Jennifer Gray I recently read Trevor Hodgkiss's article about 'A Rock or An Island' [Ed: October issue, page 3] with great interest, as I have just been exploring a similar idea, or 'state of mind' (call it what you will). We are in the middle of a six-week retreat arranged by a community within St Philip's Cathedral in Birmingham, called 'Chaplaincy Plus'. I have been involved with this organisation for over a year now, and find it most stimulating and helpful. The Retreat is, I believe, unusual, as it exists for people who need to carry on with their working life whilst taking some time out to think, read and pray. We are now in the third week. Each week the same text is given to each person, who is then to read it daily, and, (for as long as it is possible during a working day) meditate on the words, try and add significance by imagining oneself in the situation described, and pray about it. We have just read Luke 19: just a few verses but so much to think about! Follow Jennifer up the tree HERE Prayer Ministry Prayer ministry is offered at Bertric Burée by members of the team at the services on Sundays in the side chapel. Please take advantage of this for anything for which you would like prayer support. On the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays this is available after the service and on the 2 nd and 4 th Sundays during the serving of communion. Prayer ministry is available after each service in the Upper Room. To help you to identify members of the team, we will be wearing these white dove badges. If you have any questions about prayer ministry or any ideas or suggestions, please contact Cathy and Brian, or speak to another member of the team. Cathy and Brian Wheatcroft chezmillefleurs@aol.com 17

18 Home Groups are a key part of Dronne Valley church life There are five to choose from: Tuesday mornings near Verteillac for 10.30am. All are welcome. For more information contact Mike Duncan Alternate Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm near Ribérac For dates and location please contact Gwyneth Marison Fortnightly on Tuesday mornings, for 10.30am For dates and venue this month please contact Brian Cook on Fortnightly on Thursdays at 2.00pm at Ann Knight s home, Chez Foucaud, Montboyer, between Chalais and Montmoreau Contact Ann for dates and directions Ann Knight Wednesday afternoons in the Charente Maritime. For further information contact David Jackson dj.homemanager@yahoo.com The groups are made up of friendly people who get together to talk over a small part of the Bible or another Christian book and enjoy a cup of coffee and cake. All of the groups are keen to welcome newcomers, but it s a good idea to phone, so that we know you re coming. 18

19 Bertric Burée Contacts: Priest with permission to officiate Licensed Lay Minister, Safeguarding, Chaplaincy Warden Licensed Lay Minister, Synod Rep, Chaplaincy Rep Local Warden & Chaplaincy Rep Local Warden Licensed Lay Minister, Diocesan and General Synod Rep for Europe Licensed Lay Minister Brian Davies Janis Adams Sheila Marshall Mike Duncan vacancy Madeleine Holmes Patrick Sturges Worship Leader Steve Long Worship Leader Trevor Hodgkiss Organisers Sunday School Kirsty Jones Welcome Team Helen Gray Sunday Morning Coffee Team Suzanne Reason Reading Rota Pam Davies Intercessions and Prayer Chain Prayer Ministry Sheila Marshall Cathy & Brian Wheatcroft Chalice Rota Brian Cook Music Organiser Keith Lowe Pastoral Care Coordinator, Church Committee Elizabeth Faulkner

20 Elected Representatives and Volunteers Church Committee, Environmental Officer Stewardship, Church Committee Geoff Cogger David Jackson Treasurer, Church Committee Communications, Church Committee Margaret Keane Pauline Hansler Committee Minutes Secretary Mary Eldon Electoral Roll Jean Stocks Church Committee, Chap Aid Church Committee and Upper Room Manager, Bring-andshare lunches Church Committee, Church Flowers Ian Jameson Ann Knight Glenys Bogardis Newsletter Editor Keith Gunn Previous editions of DV Church News can be found HERE The minutes of October s Church Committee meeting are HERE The people in our church come from a wide range of church backgrounds and our worship reflects this diversity We warmly welcome you, wherever you are on your journey of faith 20

21 C L A S S I F I E D A D V E R T S C L A S S I F I E D A D V E R T S Saint Laurent des Hommes Cattery Pension pour Chats Small, rural, family-run cattery Plenty of personal attention for your cats Four double units with heating and outdoor space No dogs En route to Bordeaux and Bergerac airports (24400 ) LOOF registered Excellent rates Please contact Dan or Kirsty Jones on: kirstyflos@gmail.com Siret:

22 Greetings Cards Pam s handmade cards for all occasions, in aid of Church funds, are available following all services. Orders are welcome for special occasions: Pam Davies briandpam1@hotmail.co.uk I am a registered, fully insured, cleaner Available for temporary or permanent work and can do one-off 'preopening' cleans for holiday rentals, clean up after your party or just a few hours as and when required. Commercial or domestic premises. I am based in the Charras / Montbron area, but I am 'cleaner can travel. For a several hours in a day I would be willing to travel as far as Bertric Burrée. I can be contacted initially at radloulou@yahoo.co.uk Laura Connor Siret no under the Auto Entrepreneur scheme 22

23 W ould you like to use a qualified & registered builder from your own congregation? ENTREPRISE SIMON GEGG - Laudibertie FESTALEMPS Restoration & conversion of old stone buildings. Project management Carpentry: wide board oak flooring; chestnut & pine floors; balconies; windows, doors & stairs supplied & fitted Drylining; plastering; tiling; terracing Roofing & General building All masonry work including Pierre de taille, moellon, rendering & pierre apparante Tel: (7pm to 9pm) or Simongegg@outlook.com SIRET: DECENNALE Insurance Registered for TVA ANN KNIGHT Soft furnishings, curtains, upholstery Do you have an old but comfy chair or sofa that needs sprucing up? Need some new curtains? Why not ask Ann for a professional quotation? Call Siret Number