Inside your April issue: Easter Messages All about Vanilla! 20th century Evangelism Sector news plus lots more including information on: Belloc...

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1 Inside your April issue: Easter Messages All about Vanilla! 20th century Evangelism Sector news plus lots more including information on: Belloc... Songs of Praise... AGM at Monteton

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, APRIL 2013 (see Around the Chaplaincy for location details) TUESDAY 02 APRIL Lessons & Carols for Easter Allez SUNDAY 07 APRIL 10:30 Service of the Word Bertric Burée 10:30 Morning Prayer Bordeaux 10:30 Prayer & Praise Limeuil Service of the Word Monteton Holy Communion Doudrac 11:00 Holy Communion Sainte Nathalène 18:00 Evensong Bertric Burée TUESDAY 09 APRIL Songs of Praise Allez WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL Holy Communion Bertric Burée Songs of Praise Bertric Burée THURSDAY 11 APRIL Songs of Praise Chancelade Songs of Praise Dondas Songs of Praise Limeuil Songs of Praise Monteton Bordeaux FRIDAY 12 APRIL Songs of Praise Doudrac SUNDAY 14 APRIL 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 THURSDAY 18 APRIL 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil SUNDAY 21 APRIL 10:30 All Age Worship Bertric Burée 10:30 Holy Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Chancelade Holy Communion Dondas 10:30 Morning Worship Limeuil 10:30 Prayer and Praise Monteton 11:00 Service of the Word Sainte Nathalène TUESDAY 23 APRIL 11:00 Holy Communion Negrondes SATURDAY 27 APRIL Holy Communion Monteton SUNDAY 28 APRIL 10:30 Holy Communion Bertric Burée 10:30 Family Communion Bordeaux 10:30 Holy Communion Limeuil Limeuil 2

3 Clerical Corner April 2013 The Meeting Season? With snow and cold behind us, everything in nature is bursting to go! As I am writing this, we are coming to the end of Lent and are nearly in Holy Week, journeying towards Easter. Having been part of 5 (of 7) Local Annual Meetings I have been struck again by the life and vitality of our various congregations, both in terms of activities and people involved. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are involved in organising worship, pastoral care, practical help, socials etc. etc. I want to highlight two growth related items we recently discussed in Chaplaincy Council and I would like to ask you to keep this in your prayers: Organisational Changes In view of the opportunities around us and in line with team developments that have taken place over the last months, Chaplaincy Council on 28 February assigned greater responsibility to the following clergy with immediate effect: South: Priest-in-charge: Revd Liz Morris. Responsible for the Monteton and Lot & Garonne sectors East: Priest-in-charge: Revd Gill Strachan. Responsible for the Limeuil and Ste Nathalene sectors North: Priest-in-charge: Revd Brian Davies. Responsible for the Bertric Buree and Sorges & Chancelade sectors West: Priest-in-charge: Revd Bramwell Bearcroft. Responsible for the Bordeaux sector This makes them the lead clergy contact in all matters local, if that was not the case already. We will still operate as a team ministry, so our extensive team of clergy, readers and congregational worship leaders (licensed or with permission to officiate) remains fully engaged in facilitating our many services across the Chaplaincy. As leaders we will focus our energies in 2 areas: 1) GROWTH (foster growth in all good things... realising that all growth comes from God: love, discipleship, maturity, fellowship, community, life, involvement, commitment, joy, fun, service etc.). 2) EMPOWERING and EQUIPPING others If we focus on these 2 things together, I am convinced the Chaplaincy, by God s grace and with his empowering presence, will go from strength to strength considering the MANY opportunities that are all around us. 3 This means that in all situations we ask ourselves the questions: what are opportunities for growth? what must be changed to foster growth? which obstacles must be removed that hinder growth? who can be given greater responsibility? who else can be involved to grow this ministry...congregation... group etc etc? Obviously we will need to fine-tune this from person to person, from sector to sector. This will be more process than event. Implications for me: I will also concentrate on these 2 things...especially on new ventures (outreach of all sorts; finding and developing new centres, new opportunities etc)...and on empowering and supporting the ministry team. Some things will not change: I will still make the weekly round taking services around the Chaplaincy; Chaplaincy oversight; personal pastoral care and outreach; chairing Council; work with wardens, treasurer etc...but with the help of my colleagues and other local leaders I will be able to focus on the bigger picture, strategy etc. Please do not hesitate to contact me or the Chaplaincy Wardens if you have any questions. Future Bordeaux In November 2013 Bramwell and Jennifer Bearcroft will have completed 3 (!!) years of ministry in Bordeaux. We do not know when their ministry there will come to an end (and we hope they will be there for much longer!), but we must be prepared for when that day comes...and it will come. Many exciting things are happening in Bordeaux, just look at the growth in people we are in contact with; vitality of worship on a Sunday; new contacts with young people and young families. Just look at the Bordeaux Facebook page. Momentum which is credit to the whole congregation!! This is the time to seriously pray and think about the future of ministry in Bordeaux. This is the time to explore ways to build on the momentum that is there. E.g find a full-time (stipendary) minister for Bordeaux? First, the Bordeaux congregation needs to pray and think about its future under God, but also the Chaplaincy as a whole needs to be involved in that process, because such a project will come with its own (financial) challenges. To set the ball rolling, we have invited Richard Bromley, ICS s newly appointed Mission Director, to visit Bordeaux/us March to have a look at Bordeaux Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

4 for himself. We would like to ask you to keep the above in your prayers. Chaplaincy and ChapAid AGMs These are exciting times...and I hope many of you will be there on Saturday 27 April 2013 at Monteton. Further details on agendas etc. elsewhere in this newsletter. We plan to send out all relevant paperwork well in advance. By the time you read this, I hope you will be filled with resurrection joy: He is Risen!!! Love, prayers & blessings, From your Editor Here we are back home after an eventful trip to Belgium. Our three night stay with friends in Ghent was reduced to one night after we got trapped at Senlis with roads closed because of the snow. We then went to Ypres for the classic car rally which was very challenging and very tiring. 76 cars started, 59 finished and we were placed 47th in our Sunbeam Alpine so not covered in glory but at least we did finish! Off to the Just to prove we UK immediately after Easter really did the rally! - and when we get back we re staying put at home!! Apologies by the way, to those of you who received your printed copy a little late last month. The printer s machine broke down, hence the slight delay in posting out. Many thanks though, to those of you who have answered my plea for more articles - just keep them coming! Happy Easter to everyone. Gill Paul Eat this... - digesting Scripture prayerfully Belloc 2013 Psalm 1: but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. Our spiritual focus as a Chaplaincy this year is on Lectio Divina, that age old discipline of reading through the Scriptures prayerfully, or to put it in another way: to pray through the Scriptures. The Belloc retreat for this year is planned for Thursday 23 May - Sunday 26 May The Belloc experience is a a very special, joyful, mix of being together, teaching, prayer, fun mealtimes, dipping into monastic life, being blessed by our beautiful surroundings in the foothills of the Pyrenees near Urt (Abbaye Notre Dame de Belloc, Urt). In the teaching sessions, we will be looking at how God s word feeds us, how Lectio Divina can help...with a special focus on the Psalms and the Gospels. We try to keep it light...so that whatever your experience with the Bible or prayer, there will be something in there for you. The community at the monastery is always extremely welcoming...and the costs to participate are always kept as low as possible. You will not be able to go away for a few days like this anywhere else! The only thing you need to bring (besides some basics like sheets and a toothbrush) is a Bible and a notebook. If you have never been before...and are not sure this is for you, why not check with people who have been before...or have a word with me? This newsletter comes with a sign-up form...and you can also find more details on our website, or through Amy Owensmith chapaq.office@gmail.com Looking forward to seeing many of you there. Prayers and blessings, Paul 4

5 Extract from the BISHOP S EASTER MESSAGE, 2013 At the very heart of our Christian lives, at the very heart of the life of the Church, is what we call the Paschal Mystery, The word paschal comes from the Greek word pascha, referring to the Jewish Passover which celebrated God s deliverance of his chosen people from slavery in Egypt and their exodus journey to the Promised Land. The Christian Passover which we celebrate every Holy Week and Easter is a celebration of an even greater liberation and faithfulness. This is not just a celebration of deliverance from slavery in Egypt, but of deliverance from the enslaving power of sin and death. It is a victory won by the God who in Jesus freely chooses to know from the inside our human condition, to bear the crushing burden of human sin, to enter into our dying. Matthew s Gospel ends with the Risen Jesus appearing to his disciples in Galilee and sending them out to proclaim the good news, Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always to the close of the age. That is our life - your life and mine, That is the Church s mission, That is the Easter message running like wildfire in our lives and hearts - a new creation energised by the Holy Spirit, the living breath of God breathed out by the Risen Lord on his disciples on the evening of the first Easter Day. For Easter is not something shut up in the past, in a single life, but is your life and mine, for, as St Augustine proclaimed long ago, We are Easter people and Alleluia (Praise be to God) is our song! May God bless you in the singing of that song and the living of that life. And may you over and over again meet and know the Risen Lord of life as did the disciples in the breaking of bread at the supper at Emmaus. April GEOFFREY GIBRALTAR Note: you can find the full text on the Chaplaincy website The capital of heaven is the heart in which Jesus Christ is enthroned as King. 5 The Revds Michael & Ann Wooderson write... The west coast of Ireland has a magic all of its own, even in winter. And Sligo with its twin mountains, Knocknarea and Benbulben, immortalised by one of Ireland s greatest poets, W.B.Yeats, its beautiful beaches at Rosses Point and Strandhill, is no exception. The fierce Atlantic gales, the magnificent rollers which attract surfers all year round, the ever-changing light and dramatic landscapes so beloved of artists are a daily reminder of the amazing creativity and awesome power of our God. We have been privileged to spend a third winter here, helping out in the Cathedral Group of parishes. As many of you know, we have been here to support the Dean, whose wife, Carol, was struck down with Multiple Systems Atrophy, a rare neurological condition, nearly 7 years ago and has been in a slow but inexorable decline for all that time. She finally succumbed in January this year, and there were many wonderful tributes paid to her at the funeral in a packed cathedral. She was cremated in Belfast, where her mother still lives, and her ashes were then buried in North Wales in the grave of their first daughter, Helen, who died at the age of 7 from meningitis while they were in their first parish. Carol was just 57 years old. Our cottage here in Ireland is on the water s edge with mountains behind As you can imagine, the last few years have not been easy for the people of the parishes, as Arfon has been preoccupied with the care of his wife, but they have been amazingly supportive and faithful. Please continue to pray for Arfon as he adjusts to a more normal life after such a long time. We look forward to being with you all once again. Grace and peace. Michael & Ann Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

6 CHAPLAINCY OF AQUITAINE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2013 This year s AGM is taking place at Monteton on April 27th The meeting will start at (coffee available from 10 am), and will be followed by the ChapAid AGM. The agenda for both meetings are printed in this newsletter. It will be a bring-and-share lunch, so please remember your couverts as well. Bread and drinks will be provided. Sally Davies will be co-ordinating the food for the lunch, so please contact her to tell her what kind of item you plan to bring. She can be reached on , or newsvende@wanadoo.fr There will be a service of Holy Communion at 2.30 pm.. Please try to come. If you need directions, Doris Hogarth (doriswarden47@gmail.com) will be able to help. There are also instructions on the website, on the Monteton page. La Fargue Paleyrac, Friday May Following on from our 2012 PRAYER Study day, there will be a BIBLE in PRAYER Study Day at La Fargue, Paleyrac, on Friday May from We will explore different ways of praying with and in our Bible reading, including times of meditation, music and quiet, along with a shared lunch, and a discussion of what we have learned, plus impetus for further learning, at the end of the day. Please bring a Bible and a notebook, and something to share for lunch. Drinks will be provided, and directions if needed. Book in with the Olbys on olbyfrance@aol.com and from 21 April tel: I look forward to what new things God will be teaching us from his Word on that day together. Madge Olby. Prayer Ministry Training Workshops (8-13 May 2013) by Revd Bob Payne Several of our centres have been involved with prayer ministry for many years. For other centers this is something fairly or entirely new. Early May, we hope to have Revd Bob Payne with us, who has much experience in this area. Between 8-13 May we hope to organize various training sessions with Bob across the Chaplaincy. Dates/times/places will appear on the website soon. We hope Bob will preach at Limeuil on Sunday 12 May. To find out more about Bob s church: If you are interested to have a training session in your area, please get in touch with me. Paul Vrolijk WANTED: ChapAid Secretary Having taken on new responsibilities elsewhere in the Chaplaincy, Gill Strachan will step down as ChapAid Secretary at the AGM on 27 April. We are looking for someone to take up this responsibility. We do not meet many times. All decisions in the last 12 months have been taken by means of or telephone discussions. However, we do need someone to keep our house in good secretarial order. Ability to communicate in French (the occasional letter to the Prefecture) is desirable. If you are interested, please contact Gill Strachan or myself for more details. Paul Vrolijk 6

7 The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine is planning a series of Songs of Praise services in April: Tuesday April 9th: Allez (Lot et Garonne), 18:30, village church Wednesday April 10th: Bertric Burée (northern Dordogne), 18:30, village church Thursday April 11th: Chancelade (near Périgueux), 18:00, chapel in Chancelade Dondas (Lot et Garonne), 18:30, village church Limeuil, 18:30, Ste Catherine s church, upper Limeuil (Limeuil haut) Monteton (Lot et Garonne), 18:30, village church Friday April 12th: Doudrac, 18:30, village church Sunday, April 28th: Bordeaux, 10:30am, Chapelle de l Assomption Calling all pastoral carers! A Pastoral Care ROUND TABLE will be held on Tuesday 23rd April 2013 at the Eglise Evangelique Libre, Bergerac from 10h00 to 15h00 Share experience and anxieties, pool ideas, and support each other! Bring a picnic lunch drinks will be provided Annual General Meeting of the Association Cultuelle, The Chaplaincy of Aquitaine (Paroisse d Aquitaine) Monteton 27 April 2013 at 10:30am AGENDA Opening devotions 1 Apologies 2 Minute of the 2012 AGM at Négrondes a) Accuracy b) Matters arising (not covered by the rest of the agenda) 3 Minute of the EGM of 30 November Reports on the life of the Chaplaincy - Chaplaincy Wardens report - Local sector highlights - Archdeaconry Synod report - Keeping in touch (Newsletter, website, advertising ) - Where do we go from here? 5 Chaplaincy finances - Treasurer s report - Approval of the accounts for Christian stewardship 6 Elections - Two Chaplaincy Wardens - Members of Chaplaincy Council - Auditor 7 Amendments to rules regarding local sector committees 8 Any other business (notified to the Chaplain before 22 April 2013) Closing prayer CHAPAID AGM 2013 You are invited to the 2013 ChapAid AGM on Saturday 27 April 2013 at Monteton (directly following the Chaplaincy AGM, which starts at 10.30h) AGENDA Apologies Minutes of AGM 2012 Matters Arising Treasurer s Report for 2012 Approval of Signatories for ChapAid account 2013/4 Chairman s Report Choice of Chaplaincy-wide Charities Election of Conseil d Administration Any Other Business Please notify the Chaplain before Wednesday 24 April 2013 April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

8 FROM MY BOOKSHELF APRIL 2013 The Radical Bible by Michael Melvin SVD (1976 edition) Yesterday evening, white smoke billowed from the Vatican chimney. Crowds cheered as We have a Pope! was announced to the world; and then came the unexpected but much welcomed discovery that this time the Third World had been truly recognized by the election of the Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Buenos Aires. As Pope Francis, he is said to be intending to continue the simple life style that he lives, and which it is why he adopted the name. a church that lost many followers, by failing to openly challenge Argentina s murderous dictatorship. But now, in 2013, having elected a South American Cardinal as Pope, the Catholic church has made a way forward to highlight the plight of the many souls who live outside the affluence of Europe and the USA. The church s mission to save souls and ease spiritual pain had always also included the recognition of the need for justice and the provision of the daily needs for all people. Mother Theresa was iconic. Michel Quoist was perhaps our voice. Amazon has some of the original copies of this book left, and I can only suggest that you use it as a compendium of how God would have His people cared for in this Age of Affluence. Jennifer Gray 2013 Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images The simple life style I was reminded of the time when, in the 1970 s, many of us used to meet in house groups and discuss the needs of the world. Through prayer and discussion we longed for a time when the prophecies of Amos and Micah and others, would be fulfilled, and our governments would share our dream that the ever increasing affluence in the west could be curbed (this was in 1979, just about the time of the elections of Robert Reagan and of Margaret Thatcher). Searching my bookshelf after we had all stopped clapping and laughing with joy, I found a group of books bought in the 1970 s squashed together in a corner, and unopened for years. Living more Simply ; Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (both edited or written by Ronald Sider); Bias to the Poor by David Sheppard - and then the book I had been searching for, for years, (which had slipped down inside another book) The Radical Bible. My 1976 edition is tattered but complete, and I am so glad it has finally been found. At that time, and again today, it spoke to us and informed us of the huge difference between the anger and anguish of those old Testament prophets, as they supported and demanded care of the poor and needy in Israel, and the present apparently unashamed life-style of luxury enjoyed by many in the world now. In 1976, perhaps the greater number of television news reports gave us more insight into the problems that many millions suffered. At that same time, Bergoglio s work as Cardinal included his efforts to repair the reputation of Informative advice! 1. Someone broke into a car in the long-term parking and using the information on the car s registration in the glove compartment, they drove to the people s home and robbed it. If we are going to leave the car in long-term parking, we should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor the remote garage door opener if entry to the house can be gained from the garage. 2. Something to consider if you have a GPS - don t put your home address in it... Put a nearby address (like a store or petrol station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else will know where you live if your GPS is stolen. 3. CELL PHONES a. Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mum, etc... b. And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. c. Also, when you re being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet family and friends who text you. 8

9 Evangelists of the 20th Century In the March 2012 issue of the newsletter the names of Billy Graham and Brian Green were mentioned. I was interested as both these people played an important part in my development as a Christian. I was a student nurse in the Western Infirmary Glasgow, adjacent to the University and opposite The Kelvin Hall. It was here in 1954 that Billy Graham launched his evangelical campaign for Scotland. Therefore it was easy to attend the meetings and I went to about three and found them invigorating. I had been brought up by Christian parents and although I considered myself to be a Christian I was very young and had a great deal to learn. I remember one evening attending a session in what was called The Upper Room where people could have a chat with a minister and I spoke with a lovely C of E vicar. He asked me if I had ever invited Jesus into my heart and my reply was in the affirmative. He then said Well believe He is there. Another exciting event took place when the Nurses Christian Fellowship invited a member of Billy Graham s team to come to address the meeting. I was not a member of the NCF but went along. I was absolutely stunned by the appearance of this young American woman. She looked like a film star, perhaps Doris Day - blond, slim, pretty immaculate in a navy suit, pink fluffy jersey with pearls and wearing high heels - so glamorous. What she had to say about living the Christian life was dynamic and influenced me for the rest of my life. I hope it does not upset anyone reading this but at that time many evangelical Christian women were very drab - no make up, little jewellery, dancing and going to the cinema were frowned upon. Quite a few nurses behaved in this way and it bothered me. I thought how wonderful to be a committed follower of Jesus and at the same time to look attractive. Canon Brian Green had a column in one of the weekly magazines for women and Rev.David Shepherd, long before becoming Bishop of Liverpool, wrote in a rival magazine. I read both of these frequently and it was amazing how often their messages were pertinent to my situation. Also, David Shepherd came as visiting preacher to the church I attended - Christchurch in High Barnet, North London. In his address he included a comparison between cricket and being a Christian. He said If your stumps are knocked down or you are caught out -You are out - either it is in or it is out. So it is in the Christian life, one is either for or against Christ, there is no inbetween. Many of you may recall David Shepherd was a Test cricketer. Billy Graham said something similar at one of the Kelvin Hall meetings When the time comes for me to return to The States and I go to the port of departure I see the ship and know that ship is going to The States. I believe it is going but if I do not walk up the gang plank and board it, I will not get to America. Liz Faulkner Former Chaplain, Michael Selman and his wife Jo retired from their ministry in Bristol at the end of However, official retirement doesn t mean lack of activity, as Michael quickly accepted a 3 month position as locum priest at St Michael s Church in Paris. He and Jo will be there until mid-april so if you happen to be visiting the capital, do pop in! Their new address in England is: Stembridge House 1 Millwey Court Axminster EX15 8GD, U.K. revmichael.selman@gmail.com and maryjoselman@ googl .com Why not drop them a line? Or take a look at St Michael s website ( org) where you can download one of Michael s sermons. Let God Choose As for God, His way is perfect! Psalm 18:30 Let God choose for you, it will be the right decision. Let God guide you, it will be the right direction. Let God plan for you, it will be in the right timing. Let God measure for you, it will be the right portion. Let God help you, it will be the right care. Let God instruct you, it will be the right teaching. Let God prepare you, it will be the right training. Let God counsel you, it will be the right perspective. Let God fight for you, it will be the right outcome. Let God work in you, it will be the right result. -Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

10 Anne Warne has been part of Limeuil s congregation since it s earliest days and here Ian Strachan writes about her 90th birthday celebration. On Reaching a Tale of Nine Decades. God grant me the memory loss To forget the people I never liked anyway, The good fortune to run into the ones I do, And the eyesight to tell the difference. So the celebration of Anne s Special Birthday was bubbling with champagne, close family and friends at Moulin de la Ville on Friday 1st March. After prayers, it was questions for the Oldie Anne, Do you feel wiser with age? I feel less certain about anything. At what age do you think are we old? Old age is whatever s older than you by five years. Now Anne, how would you complete the phrase life is..?.. idiotically short. Anne, we normally find ourselves next to each other on occasions like this.. Chris dear, do you have any idea of what is happening? The Meet the Author session was reversed, with our elder statesman, Chris Crowest, taking up a fireside seat with Anne, to reflect and reminisce across the nine decades of her life, allowing himself one question or prompt per decade. We learn that Anne was born in Singapore, and with her older sister, came to England whilst her parents remained abroad; a French speaking nanny took care of Anne before she went off to Malvern Girls School in 1930; holidays were spent in Devon with Aunt Lottie, a maiden lady whose life s work was to care for children whose parents were abroad; sister Jean joined their parents in China in the summer of 1939 under the Japanese occupation, until a hurried repatriation due to the approach of war in Europe. During the war years Anne became a nurse at the Middlesex Hospital, much to the chagrin of her family. It was in London that she met and married Denis Townsend in 1950; Alison was born in the following year and sadly two years later Denis died, forcing Anne to change her career path, now a medical secretary, skills which enabled her to become Executive Secretary to the Society of Industrial Artists. By the 1970 s she had met Stuart Warne, and a few years later they retired to Cornwall, with Anne a director of the family printing company. However the attraction of early retirement to rural France was just too much, and so in 1973, Stuart and Anne bought a small holding, Le Bordial Haut, just outside Cadouin, where they were virtually selfsufficient, keeping sheep and chickens, growing their own vegetables, and having a well dug to secure a water supply. Anne knew most of the local community and traders, entertained countless friends and family over the years, until Stuart s health necessitated a quieter life, and so in 1990 they moved to Le Placial, Molieres. Then sadly Stuart died in 1999 after a long fight with leukemia. Once a socialite, always a socialite, and Anne continued supporting the social side of Molieres and St. Catherine s Church, Limeuil; gardening and bridge were two of her passions. It was at St. Catherines that Anne first met Chris. He advised her that services were more formal, usually BCP, none of this happy, clappy stuff, so she sat behind Chris and at The Peace, he greeted her with a kiss on the back of the hand. We were reminded of the show line Keep your hands off me, I m Cof E. Maintaining an independent lifestyle was becoming more challenging for Anne, and so many weekends were spent at La Gravette; by 2010 Anne had given up her Moliereois citizenship in favour of Bayac, and a ménage a trois!! Chris dear, do you have any idea of what is going on? We wish you once again, Anne, a very happy birthday, from friends and all our readers. Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world; Those who wake up in the morning and say, Good morning, Lord, and those who wake up and say, Good Lord, it s morning. 10

11 April Cooking Frances Pengelly Back from our week s holiday in Morocco, I see that Mrs. Gray is looking beautiful. Her feathers thick and generously shaped and marked, her eyes deep, shiny brown, her comb luscious lipstick red. She is at last laying her purple egg and she is a new hen. After the annual moult it is joyful to see the chickens back in good health. During the winter I have boosted their feed by giving oats mixed with cod liver oil each day, and it has made such a difference to their lives. Eggs are popping out every day. I have taken some to my French neighbour, she eats them hard boiled with red jam or marmalade. Sweet puddings, cakes and chocolate, to name but a few things would not be the same without vanilla. The word Vanilla means little pod in Spanish. This orchid is a native of Mexico, it s beans are called black flower or pods. On the Gulf Coast of Mexico, in the Mazaantla Valley lived the Totonaco Indians who were the only people in the world to grow and know the secret of the orchid vine. In the fifteenth c e n t u r y Aztecs from the central highlands of Mexico fought with, and conquered the Totonaco and fell for the sweet vanilla bean. Alas for the Aztecs the Spaniard Conquistador, Hernando Cortez arrived in Mexico in the early sixteenth century, plundered the gold and took the vanilla bean back to Spain, where it was drunk with cacao by the rich, and for 80 years was treated as a luxury item by the Spanish. Vanilla had stepped into European society. Attempts to grow Vanilla outside Mexico failed because the plant has a special relationship with its natural pollinator the Melipona bee. It was not until 1841 that Edward Albius, a 12 year old slave from Réunion Island, found a way to pollinate the flowers quickly by hand, that the vanilla vine flourished. By 1898 the plant was grown by the French on islands in the Indian Ocean. After saffron, vanilla is the most expensive spice in the world. There are four basic steps before the vanilla pods containing seeds are ready for use. These are the steps that make it such a task and so expensive. The vegetative tissue must be killed. This is done by alternate freezing and boiling the plant matter stopping any further growth. Sweating involves raising the temperature of the beans to ensure a first April rapid drying to prevent harmful fermentation. Drying entails wrapping the beans in cloths and leaving them at a moderate temperature until they have reached one third their original weight. Finally, conditioning the beans by storing them in closed boxes for three months to develop flavour. Today vanilla comes from Réunion Island (was Bourbon Island) off the East Coast of Africa, the Comoros Islands and most important Madagascar which produces more than 60% of the world s vanilla and where the finest beans, known as Bourbon are grown. Specific recipes really don t exist. Who can make a custard tart, a crème brulé, a chocolate cake or soufflé without the seeds of this orchid? It is often used in vegetable purées, especially celeriac and very often eaten with fish. Make it work for you. Enhance your cooking. We are addicted to the taste. Like black pepper it is deep in our psyche. Put one root of chopped celeriac in a pan with 500ml skimmed milk and one vanilla pod. Simmer until cooked. Blitz, add 100ml double cream and 4tbs maple syrup. Season. Serve with duck breast or fish. Infuse a vanilla pod in 150ml milk. Using 15g each of butter and flour make a roux using infused milk, add 1 tsp vanilla extract. Separate eggs, add yolks to roux, beat up egg whites, fold into mixture. Spoon into 4 ramekins and cook for 10-15mins until brown. Serve with coulis made from raspberries and passion fruit. Hereafter The minister came to see me the other day. He said that at my age I should be thinking of the hereafter. I told him, Oh, I do it all the time! No matter where I am, in the bedroom, upstairs, in the kitchen, or down in the basement. I ask myself, Now what am I here after? Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

12 Meditation recently looked up a definition for I Meditation. Of course there were hundreds of them. I would like to explain why some of my writing I call Meditation. It is not written to help people reach another level of consciousness. It is usually short, no more than about 50 words but it is written in a simple style that is neither poetry nor lyrical prose. It is given simply, to help reflection. I try to end each thought in one line. I suggest then some moments to reflect that line. Then another line is written that may or may not be connected with what went before. The gap between each line may be momentary or infinite, depending on one s feeling for time. This style began one Good Friday in Beatrice Buree, when Madeleine was leading a prayer group. The Stations of the Cross are an excellent example for group Meditation WHAT IS GOD? God brings order from disorder in our minds and our lives. All past wrongs, active or passively suffered, evaporate into the single crystal, the final tonic chord, the wide spectrum of colour, the moment of ecstasy. Certainty, stillness. The still point in a turning world. Perfect peace. HOLDING ON AND LETTING GO The great traditions of history are a secure foothold in an uncertain world. The ancient Jewish nation was always looking back to the stories of Abraham and Moses. In troubled times they were something to hold on to. What do you hold on to in life? And are you sure that it is worth holding on to or is your clenched fist holding you back? This is the question Noelle asked her congregation the Sunday before Palm Sunday. The ancient Assyrians had a word for unclenching your fist, and it was the same word they used for prayer. Isaiah quotes God as saying Behold, I am doing a new thing! Later God says Behold, I make all things new! There are those, myself included, who often find change unsettling. I like things in the supermarket to stay in the same aisle. If I return to somewhere I knew as a child, I don t like it if it isn t as I remember it. But change is a major and vital aspect of the universe. In fact it is often a sign that something is alive rather than inanimate. Things do change, the thing to do is to get in there and steer the change if you can. Remember the old prayer, God give me the strength to change what I can, the patience to accept what I can t, and the wisdom to know the difference. Again, one of my wise daughters said It is difficult to change other people. You can only change yourself. In this late Lenten time, what do you need to change in yourself? Do you need to let go of something? Why don t we unclench our fists and pray about it? Laurie John Love overcomes all evil. Jennifer Gray 2013 A Sunday School teacher began her lesson with a question, Boys and girls, what do we know about God? A hand shot up in the air. He is an artist! said the kindergarten boy. Really? How do you know? the teacher asked. You know - Our Father, who does art in Heaven... 12

13 given by Les Vocalies choristes en Dordogne CONCERT in aid of Bergerac Rowing club Sunday 21st April at 16h30 St Catherine s church, Limeuil haut WILL YOU CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE CHAPLAINCY IN THE FUTURE? Leaving a legacy to the Chaplaincy in your Will would make a big difference to our future. There is information on the website see donations and legacies. WE ASK YOU TO CONSIDER DOING SO no fixed entry price, all donations gratefully received This friendly club, currently ranked 6th in France, includes an Olympian - Stany Delayre and national and world champions among it s members. Beginners and enthusiasts of all ages and abilities meet throughout the year and in all weathers! Visit for more information 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 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine St.Catherine s Church Limeuil Meet the President of Diabetes UK Living with Diabetes & the Work of Diabetes UK Friday 10 May 2013 La Gravette Bayac. An opportunity to learn more about diabetes and live well with it. Aperitifs will be followed with a light meal; all proceeds will go to Diabetes UK to support research. Places are limited. Tickets 10 euros. To reserve a place phone Ian Strachan 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? Advertising rates per edition Full page 60 Half page 40 Quarter page 20 7cm x 5cm 15 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. Are you famous? We all come from such varied backgrounds, let s share some of our experiences. Please send your stories to the Editor April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

14 Around the C haplaincy Limeuil (24) near le Bugue, Eglise de Sainte Catherine in Limeuil Haut CW David Albrecht Gill Sweetman NL Barry Borsberry PC Jeff Bottger April services Sunday 7th April Prayer and Praise David Albrecht Thursday 11th April Songs of Praise Sunday 14th April Holy Communion Revd. Paul Vrolijk Thursday 18th April Holy Communion Revd. Gill Strachan Sunday 21st April Morning Worship Sheila Marshal Sunday 28th April Holy Communion Revd. Liz Morris Our Bring and Share lunch this month will be held in the Salle de Marie at Port Limeuil following the service on the 28th. All are welcome and we would particularly like to welcome any recent newcomers to St. Catherine s. This is the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with other members of the congregation in a friendly and informal atmosphere and to enjoy some good food and a glass of wine. Just bring along a little something either sweet or savoury, but most importantly remember to bring knife, fork, plate and a glass. ooooooooooooo Our Annual Meeting chaired by the Chaplain was well attended and thanks to those volunteering themselves for the various vacant offices a full and enthusiastic team was (re)elected for a further twelve month period. Details of those serving the various offices can be found either on your weekly pew sheets or on the notice boards at the back of the church. Past events A Puzzling Evening. On Friday 22nd February a good many intrepid souls braved the cold evening and ventured out to the new Salle des Fêtes in Berbiguières for a fun evening of puzzles, very cunningly put together by our wily Warden and her husband (Gill & Bob Sweetman) and pasties, very tastingly cooked by one of our regular caterers (Karen & Andrew Calvert). As always, there was also a super raffle with excellent prizes. In spite of several power outages, due to an overload of the electrical system, the evening was enjoyed by all, the new venue declared easy to find with good parking facilities, the catering as delicious as ever, the puzzles as mystifying and over 500 was raised for Mercy Ships. Many thanks to everyone who suppoted this event. 50km sponsored walk for Toilet Twinning: Sunday March 3rd Amy Owensmith writes: I am thrilled to report that I indeed did finish the 50km, praise be to God!! On the day of the event, we were blessed with beautiful sunshine, and the itinerary featured scenic trails through the woods with spectacular views. I was impressed with the supportive atmosphere and friendly walkers, and delicious garlic soup at the finish...overall, it was an excellent Lenten challenge, and I hope to participate again next year. Thanks to generous pledges, I m pleased to let you know that I surpassed my goal and raised 1,085 for the Toilet Twinning charity! More than enough to build blocks of toilets for 3 schools. On behalf of the communities who will benefit from our donations, I d like to thank all who gave pledges, as well as much encouraging support leading up to the event. Cafe church Sunday. On Sunday March 3rd, David Albrecht surprised us with a Cafe Church style service. Coffee was available at the front of the church throughout the service and although the service followed the general pattern for our Prayer & Praise services, after each reading people got into groups to talk about particular passages David had highlighted. It was a different experience for our congregation and the feedback has been mostly positive so we shall certainly give it a try again in the future. 14

15 On Mothering Sunday, as well as a great service, Revd Gill Strachan kindly provided pots of primulas and pansies. While in Sunday School, Sophie, Ziggy and Christopher wrapped these up with pretty paper and then at the end of the service, one was given to each lady present. Many thanks for the thought, Gill, it was much appreciated. Future events Don t forget our Songs of Praise on Thursday April 11th at 6.30pm. Come and join in favourite hymns and do BRING A FRIEND! Robin Jones from St Nats has kindly agreed to lead and we are all looking forward to the evening. There will be a glass of wine to enjoy too! The next fund-raising social event will be the ever-popular Car Treasure Hunt on 31st May, look out for the details about booking your place. Ste. Nathalène (24) East of Sarlat, Parish Church, on D27 CW Sheila Campbell CW Judith Thomason NL Kay Doney PC Sheila Campbell April Services Sunday 7th April 11h00 Holy Communion Rev Elizabeth Morris Sunday 21st April 11h00 Service of the Word Jean Dix This past year has been a difficult time for all in the family at Ste Nathalenes Church, with us all feeling we are in a battle for many different reasons. We are so fortunate that God brought us together, to give love and support to one another, and the Holy Spirit has been so present in our Worship. We would love to share with you this special, and wonderful blessing, which Ian and Shirley have shared with us. A new gift from God Hi folks, As we often share suffering and tragedy I thought we could share our happy moment with you. Our Grand daughter Shaunni had a baby girl last night ( ) - 7lbs 4oz. Both doing well. So we are Great Grand parents for the second time. Baby s name is Amyah : our daughter says both Mum and Baby doing fine. X Ian and Shirley Last Sunday, despite it being very cold, in fact it was warmer outside, a group of 17 friends and family, met to worship together at St Nathalenes Church. We were blessed by the leadership of Madeleine, who gave us much to think about, and take home with us. We had some wonderful musicians who stepped in to support us all, and I think that we sang our hearts out to God. We finished our service with coffee and cake, before making our journeys home. We continue to thank God for his continued love for us all. April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

16 Lot et Garonne: Allez Dondas Doudrac Co-ordinating organiser: Paul Mazotti West of Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Judy & Paul Mazzotti just off the D215, north east of Agen. Sara James St Médard Envals to the north of Montflanquin. Liz Rolfe on D50 between Castillonès and Villeréal. (on D245 north-east of Agen) June Taylor & Richard Morris Alexandra Orliac & Carol Spires April services Tuesday 2nd April Hymns & Readings for Easter Allez Sunday 7th April Holy Communion Doudrac Tuesday 9th April Songs of Praise Allez Thursday 11th April Songs of Praise Dondas Friday 12th April Songs of Praise Envals Sunday 21st April Holy Communion Dondas The Inaugural Local Annual Meeting was held after the Holy Communion service at Allez on March 5th. This meeting was chaired by Jennifer Lord, one of the two Chaplaincy Wardens, who has been guiding us during the last few months, since the creation of the new sector. The sector can now move ahead with the planning & actions needed to fully establish the sector in its own right. Each of the churches will continue to operate as a separate entity but with the benefit of being able to ask for support from the other churches; much as we have already been doing! The way is now clear for the sector to flourish. Each of the sector s churches has at least one, some two, elected Centre organisers. At Doudrac especially, the sector church with the highest level of activity, the organisers are supported by a local team who undertake a lot of the work that is required for a successful service. Some of the other churches are looking to follow this lead and set up their own support teams. The Centre organisers have been invited by the Monteton Wardens to join their session on Safeguarding which is being presented by Janis Adams. During the meeting the elections were held for the key local personnel and the appointment of the necessary officers. The names of the Centre organisers are shown above and the following officers were appointed: Basil Tarr Treasurer; Brian Hogarth Chap Aid representative; Helen Raphael - both Electoral Roll Officer and Prayer Chain representative (Helen is also undertaking this role for Monteton); Paul Mazzotti Chaplaincy Council representative for the sector. Dondas Several members of our congregation attended the first Annual Meeting of the new Lot-et-Garonne sector which was held at Allez on 5 March, chaired by Jennifer Lord. We are now looking forward to working with our fellow members at Allez, Doudrac, Envals and St Médard to take the sector forward, ably co-ordinated by our Sector Representative, Paul Mazzotti. We were very sorry to learn in mid-march of the death of Dora Fordy who, with Don her husband, had been a member of our congregation more or less from the beginning until the effects of the stroke she suffered a few years ago meant that they could no longer get to church. Until her stroke they had been regular worshippers at Cahors (whose Prayer Chain Don still runs) and once they could no longer get to church Revd June Hutchinson ensured that they regularly received communion at home. Our next service of Holy Communion will be at 10.30am on Sunday, 21 April taken by the Chaplain. At the time of writing this, it is still very cold in the church, so we can only hope that by then more clement weather, and the warmth of our welcome for Paul, Janine and the children, will more than make up for any residual chill inside. 16

17 Doudrac There will be two services held at Doudrac Church during April. On Sunday 7th we look forward to welcoming Revd Gill Strachan to our monthly service of Holy Communion at 11a.m. On Friday 12th we will be holding our service of Songs of Praise at 18h30. This is a chance to sing well known and well loved hymns and to learn something about how they came to be written. The service will be followed by refreshments in the Salle de Fetes. Bring your friends along! Envals The next service of Holy Communion at The Old School House, home of Liz and David Rolfe in Envals, will be held on Wednesday 29 May at 11h30, followed as usual by lunch. Liz and David do need to know if you plan to come, so please contact them on Monteton (47) east of Duras, (notre Dame Parish Church) WE Paddy Atkinson CW Doris Hogarth Norma Eckett NL Vanda Walton PC Helen Raphael April Services Sunday 7 April Morning Worship TBA Thursday 11 April Songs of Praise Benediction given by Roger Verrall Sunday 14 April Morning Prayer TBA Sunday 21 April Prayer and Praise David Albrecht Saturday 27 April AGM followed by Holy Communion at The Chaplain and Revd Liz Morris Sunday 28 April Holy Communion Revd Gill Strachan Our service for Mothering Sunday on 10 March at Monteton, was a most joyful occasion, cheering us all after what has seemed to be a long and dreary winter. It was conducted by our good friend the Revd David Jones, whose return to us here in France always heralds the coming of Spring and whose wise words signalled the hope that Easter brings. The choir moved us all with their rendering of J.S. Bach s Jesus priceless Treasure, and at the close of the service two of our newest young members of the congregation, Daniel and Luke, presented each of the mothers in the congregation with a bouquet of spring flowers, kindly prepared by Norma Eckett. The service of Morning Prayer was followed by a shortened service of Holy Communion, also celebrated by David. An important note for your diary! The Monteton service of Songs of Praise will take place in the church on Thursday 11 April at 18h30. Please come along and bring a friend to join in the singing of favourite hymns, both old and new. It would be wonderful to fill the beautiful parish church of Notre Dame with our singing! Future social events at Monteton: There is a change of date for one of the two events in May, so please note: The Bring-and-Buy Coffee and Cake Morning at L Orangerie, Duras, will now take place on Friday 10 May, from Please start gathering together suitable good quality items for the bring-and-buy! Proceeds to go to ChapAid. The Big Breakfast will take place on Wednesday 8 May from We shall be serving a hearty, traditional, British breakfast up until in the Salle des Fetes at Monteton, at 10 euros per head. There will be 80 tickets available for this event; more information about this from the Wardens and members of the Social group. Jazz in the Garden will be taking place again this year, on Friday 19 July, at L Orangerie in Duras. More information nearer the time. April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

18 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 APRIL SERVICES Sunday April 7th Morning Prayer Paul Dixon Sunday April 14th Holy Communion & Local Annual Meeting Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday April 21st Holy Communion Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday April 28th Songs of Praise Revd Bramwell Bearcroft Sunday School and Youth Group Sunday April 14th SS & Youth Group Sunday April 21st SS & Youth Group Sunday April 28th Participation in Songs of Praise with a special collection of children s songs (Dates for May: 12th and 26th) Sunday School and Youth Group: For more information, feel free to contact Rhian Foreau ( ), Anne Sharp ( ), 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 Bordeaux Church Local Annual Meeting (LAM): On Sunday, April 14th immediately following the Holy Communion Service, the Bordeaux Church Local Annual Meeting will be held, followed by a Bring-and-Share Lunch for those who can stay. We are pleased that Chaplaincy Warden Jennifer Lord will be attending. Take time to hear what s gone on over the past year and express your views on ideas for the future! As always, elections for officers will be held. Please pray about your own gifts and talents and how you might commit yourself to our Church life. Be part of the challenge and the fun because working with others is actually fulfilling. You will be receiving an invitation plus the agenda soon by or by post. Songs of Praise: Sunday, April 28th at a.m. We will be holding a special Songs of Praise Service at l Assomption featuring... Guest Soloist TRACY BOUNDEN (formerly of the English National Opera) and our own ANGLICAN CHURCH CHOIR OF BORDEAUX. We will sing many of our most well-known and loved hymns and YOU have the chance to help choose. If you would like your special hymn included in the service please send a quick by April 21st at the latest, with your request and perhaps a brief explanation for your choice to Bramwell Bearcroft at anglican.bordeaux@ gmail.com. There will be a special collection of children s songs too. We wish to include as many of your favourites as possible. This is also a great opportunity to invite your friends who may not normally go to church but would enjoy a good sing, or maybe would enjoy just listening to some great hymns. 18

19 The Choir and you! As you have seen, the choir has been very busy over the past month(s), preparing beautiful music for various services. And there s more in store! Surely you ve been to a Songs of Praise where you wished that it would go on longer. Well, here s your chance to get a head start and sing beloved hymns both before and at the Songs of Praise. 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 (choir.anglican.bordeaux@gmail.com). Car sharing. Since several people travel quite a distance to get to Bordeaux, the idea of car-pooling was proposed. If you are interested in this idea, why not contact people who live close to you (or on the way) to save petrol and enjoy each other s company on the way to church, choir practice or other get-togethers? Looking ahead! Please mark these dates. Classical Concert in Carcans: Sunday, May 5th (more info in next month s newsletter) 12 noon Open air Service of Holy Communion 1 pm Picnic 2 pm Concert Guest soloist... Tracy Bounden Sponsored Walk: Sunday, May 19th Youth Service: Sunday, June 30th (Theme: Joshua and the battle of Jericho) Activities & Opportunities Wine and Words Group The next rendez-vous of the Wine and Words Group will take place on Friday, April 19th, 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 hwrdjnny@gmail.com and she will send you more information, including the venue for February. As always, information is available on our facebook group Wine and Words - Bordeaux. Picnic Play Reading Group The Play Reading Group meets after certain Sunday services, to share in fellowship and in the enjoyment of the English language, in its many forms! Our next gathering will be on Sunday, April 21st. At the service on March 10 taken by the Revd Liz Morris, at her request the group did a dramatized reading of the Gospel which was the parable of the Prodigal Son. For more information and to be added to the list for information about the next play, etc. please Pamela Prior at pamela.prior@orange.fr or speak to her after a service. Take a look at the Bordeaux Church website and facebook pages too. Collection for the Foyer Fraternel Gouffrand. We will continue to collect baby supplies (baby milk, food, nappies) for the local charity association we support. The Foyer is also in need of used clothes (in good condition), especially for men and babies. A basket is provided at the back of the church every Sunday for your donations. For those with free time to help at the foyer, please contact Jennifer Bearcroft ( ) or Freda Perris ( ). Thank you for your continued support. News of Past Events Farewell to our Canadian friends. Peter and Maggie, who were regular worshippers with us during their sabbatical stay in Bordeaux, gave a moving testimony of their faith and their impressions of the Bordeaux Church at their last service in early March. We wish them well in their new environment in Vienna. News from the Sunday School. The Sunday School has been reading the story of Palm Sunday and on March 17th we prepared the donkeys with promises for Jesus. The donkeys were made of straws and decorated the chocolate cake. There were 15 altogether and many thanks go to the three kind helpers. An Easter Workshop was also held on March 23. The artistic talents of our young people are wonderful. April 2013 Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter 19

20 News from the Youth Group. In March the young people were busy preparing for Easter, as well as being involved in the Palm Sunday and Easter services. On March 22nd they got together for a bowling and pizza evening. A very good time was had by all! ICS Mission Director, Richard Bromley s visit. Palm Sunday weekend was busy for many reasons, including the visit of the Intercontinental Church Society s mission director and his wife. ICS has been the Chaplaincy s moral (and often financial) sponsor over the years and we re talking about more than 100 years, not just a few. They are also the ones who help the Chaplaincy fill the Chaplain s position when there is a vacancy. Over the weekend he was able to meet many people and hear about the Chaplaincy s ministry in Bordeaux, all of which is good for future planning and new challenges. World Day of Prayer in March. Many thanks to the Revd Gillian Strachan for having journeyed to Bordeaux to give a much appreciated talk (in the language of Molière to boot!) at this ecumenical evening of information, celebration and prayer. Freda Perris was also part of the theatrical reading group (look for the orange colour). 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 April Services Thursday 11th April 18.00hrs Songs of Praise Chancelade Sunday 14th April 11.00hrs Family Worship Negrondes Sunday 21st April 10.30hrs Holy Communion Chancelade Tuesday 23rd April 11.00hrs Holy Communion Negrondes Sunday 12th May 11.00hrs Family Worship Negrondes This may be a little late but never the less... A VERY HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL. March, far from being in like a lion and out like a lamb, was quite hectic in the Sorges/Chancelade area. On the 7th was a very successful Curry and Quiz night, a difficult quiz that set everyone s brains spinning and ultimately raised the excellent sum of 425. Very many thanks to ALL, those that prepared the food, came and ate it and took part in the quiz. Well done one and all. Things didn t stop there! Liz Oaten was busy as ever putting posies together for our Mothering Sunday service on the 10th to distribute to the ladies that attended church on that special day. Patrick Sturges led 20

21 our service and Annora Tiley spoke to us about Cancer Support France one of our charities this year. This is a day always enjoyed by the Mothers and others in the middle of Lent. We were able to welcome a new family that morning and bid them a very warm welcome. Dear Liz, ever with an open house, welcomed a dozen or so to her home for a bring and share lunch: many thanks Liz. A particular note please that Patrick has been accepted for reader training, we wish him well and hold him in our prayers as he begins his studies. Palm Sunday service was on Tuesday 26th at Negrondes after which our local committee had their meeting chez Brook. We haven t finished yet! Easter Day, Joy to All. After our extra and special service of Easter Morning Holy Communion at Negrondes Lunch was at the home of...you ve guessed it, Liz Oaten. This time a superb Roast Lamb luncheon, contributions were given to cover costs and any monies over go towards Cancer Support France. A reminder to everyone that there is to be a special SONGS OF PRAISE THURSDAY 11th APRIL CHAPEL DE ST JEAN CHANCELADE 18.00hrs Come one, come all and raise your voices singing well known hymns BRING A FRIEND. Let s raise the roof together in praise of our great God Advanced warning Book for our amazing Strawberry Tea 8th June 12 a delicious afternoon tea in beautiful surroundings ring or UNANSWERED PRAYER The preacher s 5 year-old daughter noticed that her father always paused and bowed his head for a moment before starting his sermon. One day, she asked him why. Well, Honey, he began, proud that his daughter was so observant of his messages. I m asking the Lord to help me preach a good sermon. How come He doesn t answer it? she asked. April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

22 Dronne Valley Church, Bertric Burée (24): Parish Church, (D708 between Ribérac and Verteillac) CW Mike Duncan Sheila Marshall NL Keith Gunn PC Sheila Marshall Sunday 7 April 10:30 Service of the Word Janis Adams and Madeleine Holmes Sunday 7 April 18:00 Evensong Sheila Marshall Wednesday 10 April 11:00 Holy Communion Service Revd Brian Davies Wednesday 10 April 18:30 Songs of Praise Sheila Marshall and Revd Brian Davies Sunday 14 April* 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Brian Davies Children s Sunday school Sunday 21 April 10:30 All-Age Worship Janis Adams Sunday 28 April 10:30 Holy Communion Revd Paul Vrolijk and Madeleine Holmes Children s Sunday school * bring and share lunch following this service, at the home of Helen and James Gray, Auriac de Bourzac. Don t forget your own plate, cutlery and glass. Please bring your contribution of food ready-to-serve with serving spoon or slice. Thanks 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 our children s work! Prayer Meetings Our church prayer meetings are 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 5pm for just one hour in Bertric Burée church. We would love to see as many of you there as possible: April 3rd and 17th Past events Women s World Day of Prayer - Journée Mondiale de Prière Thirty-five members (men and women) from the congregation of Bertric Burée, the Roman Catholic and Eglise Réformée churches gathered on Friday 1st March to celebrate a bilingual service, held in the hospital chapel in Ribérac. This year s time of prayer was prepared by Christian women from France, based on the theme, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, J etais étranger et vous m avez accueilli. A particularly beautiful service with guitar and flute accompaniment, which was very well supported by our own congregation, many of whom played an active part. Pies, Puddings and Puzzles - attracted 20 puzzlers to the home of Sue and Lionel Gamon on the 15th March. Teams of 4 worked their way diligently through 5 rounds of different puzzles and the champions were Les Canards, - the Duncans and the Stephens. We expect nothing less from Mike Duncan our Warden!! Well done and many thanks to all who contributed food enabling us to give 215 to the Partners for Change in Ethiopia, the Diocese of Europe s Lent Appeal. Futue events Book Fair and Coffee Morning Chez Gamon in Coutures on Thursday 25th April at for coffee and cake and your first book. What could be better than that? Bring your friends and stock up on books for those long lazy days of Summer!! The Ladies Group For the months ahead we plan to offer subjects such as quilting, writing crime stories, gardening and the Queen s 22

23 Watermen to name but a few! Everyone is welcome and for more information about meetings please phone Valerie Wareham on or valeriewareham@me.com. Craft Group Our next meeting will be Wednesday 3rd April 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 are a key part of Dronne Valley Church s life Tuesday mornings near Verteillac at for The meetings this month are 9th and 23rd April - for more info contact Mike Duncan Alternate Tuesday afternoons near Ribérac For dates please 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 Fortnightly on Thursdays at 2pm at Di Harris-Evan s home at Brie sous Chalais (10 mins north of Chalais) Contact us for dates and directions Ann Knight: 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 In February, ten of us (and two dogs) enjoyed a beautiful walk in the countryside surrounding Villetoureix. It was a warm, sunny day, with stunning views and spring flowers beginning to peep through what more could we ask for? April s ramble will follow the Orchid Trail Wednesday 24 April meeting at at the church in St Victor. Please bring a picnic lunch. Further details: contact Sheila Marshall A Moral Tale! Jesus and Satan were having an on-going argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days, and frankly God was tired of hearing all the bickering. Finally fed up, God said, THAT S IT! I have had enough. I am going to set up a test that will run for two hours, and from those results, I will judge who does the better job. So Satan and Jesus sat down at the keyboards and typed away. They moused. They faxed. They ed. They ed with attachments. They downloaded. They did spreadsheets! They wrote reports. They created labels and cards. They created charts and graphs. They did some genealogy reports. They did every job known to man. Jesus worked with heavenly efficiency and Satan was faster than hell. Then, ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, rain poured, and, of course, the power went off... Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld. Jesus just sighed... Finally, the electricity came back on, and each of them restarted their computers. Satan started searching frantically, screaming: It s gone! It s all GONE! I lost everything when the power went out! Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing out all of his files from the past two hours of work. Satan observed this and became irate. Wait! he screamed, That s not fair! He cheated! How come he has all his work and I don t have any? God just shrugged and said, JESUS SAVES... April Chaplaincy of Aquitaine Newsletter

24 Useful Numbers Chaplain of Aquitaine: Revd. Dr Paul Vrolijk Chemin de Garonna, Sigoules. paul.vrolijk@gmail.com Priests-in-Charge: Revd. Gillian Strachan responsible for the Limeuil and Ste Nathalene sectors La Gravette, Bayac gillstrachan@wanadoo.fr Revd. Elizabeth Morris responsible for the Monteton and Lot & Garonne sectors Maison Neuve, Plaisance, Issigeac cookingcurate@gmail.com Revd. Bramwell Bearcroft responsible for Bordeaux Lotissement de la Caussade, Floirac anglican.bordeaux@gmail.com Revd. Brian Davies responsible for the Bertric Buree and Sorges/Chancelade sectors La Petite Maison, Le Bourg Fontaines, Champagne et Fontaines Briandpam1@hotmail.co.uk 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 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. 24