St. Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 13th December

Blog readers, Eleven goes walkabout today! Starting from the Church. Please join us for an interactive retelling of the nativity story as we seek out the principal characters hidden around the town. The route is pushchair friendly - come prepared for all weathers. Duration approx one hour followed by a soup and bread lunch back at the church.   EVENING OF HOMESPUN ENTERTAINMENT AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS The Vicarage Wednesday 16th December at 8 pm Everyone welcome and we encourage you to bring something to share eg a short story, a poem, a song, a dance or a favourite short piece of recorded music – anything silly, serious or just seasonal! Please speak to Beth Ansell (810380) or Jenny Avery (810294) if you'd like to come.

The Churches of Berkeley invite you to Christmas Carols Saturday 19th December 10.30am Mariners Arms Car Park Supported by Woodford Silver Band Come and visit the stable, see Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Talk to the animals. Mince Pies and Mulled wine. Sing your favourite carols. Free

Online Advent Calendar at www.whywearewaiting.com.

PARISH CHRISTMAS CARDS A big thank you to all who took the parish Christmas cards  and delivered them during this last week.

Dates for your Diary Sunday 20th December 9.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Eleven - Informal Worship 6.00pm Christmas Carol Service: A service of nine lessons, carols and music for Christmas.    Thursday 24th December Christmas Eve 3.00pm Crib Service 11.30pm Holy Communion Friday 25th December Christmas Day 10.30am Holy Communion Sunday 27th December 9.30am  Benefice Communion at All Saints', Stone 6.00pm  Evensong at St Mary's, Berkeley

Readings for this Sunday 9.30 am Choral Communion Zephaniah 3:14-20 Luke 3:7-18 11.00am  Eleven - Nativity Trail Meet at the Church 6.00pm Evening Prayer Zephaniah 3:14-20 Luke 3:7-18

Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

 

St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 6th December
Blog readers,   St Mary's Nativity Trail Sunday 13th December 11.00am Eleven goes walkabout! Starting from the Church. Please join us for an interactive retelling of the nativity story as we seek out the principal characters hidden around the town. The route is pushchair friendly - come prepared for all weathers. Duration approx one hour followed by a soup and bread lunch back at the church. Please let us know if you intend to come, it will help with catering preparations. (Contact: Debbie Page 01453 511168).   EVENING OF HOMESPUN ENTERTAINMENT AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS The Vicarage Wednesday 16th December at 8 pm Everyone welcome and we encourage you to bring something to share eg a short story, a poem, a song, a dance or a favourite short piece of recorded music – anything silly, serious or just seasonal! Please speak to Beth Ansell (810380) or Jenny Avery (810294) if you'd like to come.
What about the end of the world? Wednesday 9th December  "The New Beginning" 8 pm at The Vicarage	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 6 December 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Christingle 18:00 Advent Carol Service Tuesday, 8 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 9 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 13:30 Primary school bringing staging into St Mary's Church 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The New Beginning Thursday, 10 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Primary School Concert Rehearsal at St Mary's Church 18:30 Christmas Concert for Berkeley Primary at St Mary's Church Friday, 11 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 12 December 19:00 Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Sunday, 13 December 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evening Prayer Tuesday, 15 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 16 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 17 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 18 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 19 December 10:30 Outdoor Carols & Nativity at Mariners, Salter St Berkeley Sunday, 20 December 09:30 All-Age Worship 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 16:00 Christingle 18:00 BCP Communion 18:30 Christmas Carol Service Tuesday, 22 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 23 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 24 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 15:00 Crib Service 23:30 Midnight Christmas Communion 23:30 Midnight Christmas Communion Friday, 25 December 08:30 Christmas Communion 09:30 Christmas Communion 10:30 Christmas Communion Sunday, 27 December 09:30 Joint Communion for Berkeley Benefice 18:00 Evening Prayer Tuesday, 29 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 30 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 31 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 1 January 2010 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice
Youth Makes Music At Berkeley Saturday 12th December 7.00pm start at St Mary's Church A concert celebrating local children's musical talents Some of the musicians appearing will be:- The Award Winning Berkeley Primary School Choir Vivace String Quartet 5 Valleys Senior Wind Band Ben King – Piano George Setterfield – Clarinet James Barnes – Singer Chris Barnes – Organist Tickets Adults £3, Children 50p Price to include a glass of mulled wine (soft drink) and a mince pie Proceeds towards St Mary's Refurbishment Fund Tickets available from Angela Barnes ANGELABARNES3@aol.com The Perfect Blend Coffee Shop Berkeley Stroud and Swindon Building Society Berkeley or on the door.
Dates for your Diary Sunday 6th December 6.00pm St Mary's Advent Carol Service Wednesday 9th December 8pm Bible Study at The Vicarage Thursday 10th December 6.30pm Berkeley Primary School Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church Friday 11th December Magazine deadline Saturday 12th December 7.00pm Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Sunday 13th December 11.00am St Mary's Nativity Trail Christmsa Carols Saturday 19th Dec 10.30am Mariners Arms Car Park
Charities for 2010 Each year St Mary's gives a proportion of its income to charities – local, national and international. The PCC has begun to think about this for 2010 and would like to receive suggestions from the congregation. If you have a charity that you would like to be considered, please put the details on the list at the back of the church over the next few weeks.  Thank you. Keeper of Church Linen Required We would welcome a person who could take on the task of checking the linen covers on the altars are in good order and changed when necessary. The main task is to collect and clean the communion purificators every week or so, these are the small chalice wiping cloths that are used at communion (usually only 2 or 3 a week).   Please contact; David Bainbridge, 01453 810049
PARISH CHRISTMAS CARDs – CAN YOU HELP? Once again we have produced a 'Christmas card' listing the services at all the Berkeley churches over Christmas. The cards have been bundled into streets and are at the back of the church, on the table by the door.  They need to be delivered to all the houses in the parish as soon as possible.  Please take some and help to deliver them if you can.	Readings for this Sunday 9.30am  Holy Communion Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 3:1-6 11.00am  Eleven - Informal Worship 6.00pm  Advent Carol Service
Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk   If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. More stuff on the website: www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

---

St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 29th November
Blog readers,   Christingle Service today at 11.00am   St Mary's Nativity Trail Sunday 13th December 11.00am Eleven goes walkabout! Please join us for an interactive retelling of the nativity story as we seek out the principal characters hidden around the town. The route is pushchair friendly - come prepared for all weathers. Duration approx one hour followed by a soup and bread lunch back at the church. Please let us know if you intend to come, it will help with catering preparations. (Contact: Debbie Page 01453 511168).   EVENING OF HOMESPUN ENTERTAINMENT AND LIGHT REFRESHMENTS The Vicarage Wednesday 16th December at 8 pm Everyone welcome and we encourage you to bring something to share eg a short story, a poem, a song, a dance or a favourite short piece of recorded music – anything silly, serious or just seasonal! Please speak to Beth Ansell (810380) or Jenny Avery (810294) if you'd like to come.
What about the end of the world? Two Advent Studies Wednesday 2nd December  "Judgment Day" Wednesday 9th December  "The New Beginning" 8 pm at The Vicarage  Online Advent Calendar   Take five minutes to change the world this Advent by following the 'tread gently' challenges and video stories behind each door on the Church of England's online calendar launched with a special message from Archbishop Desmond Tutu at www.whywearewaiting.com.	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 29 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Christingle 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 United Berkeley Service at Union Church Tuesday, 1 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 2 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - Judgment Day Thursday, 3 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 4 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 6 December 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Christingle 18:00 Advent Carol Service Tuesday, 8 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 9 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 13:30 Primary school bringing staging into St Mary's Church 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The New Beginning Thursday, 10 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Primary School Concert Rehearsal at St Mary's Church 18:30 Christmas Concert for Berkeley Primary at St Mary's Church Friday, 11 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 12 December 19:00 Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Sunday, 13 December 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evening Prayer Tuesday, 15 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 16 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 17 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 18 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 19 December 10:30 Outdoor Carols & Nativity at Mariners, Salter St Berkeley Sunday, 20 December 09:30 All-Age Worship 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 16:00 Christingle 18:00 BCP Communion 18:30 Christmas Carol Service Tuesday, 22 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 23 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 24 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 15:00 Crib Service 23:30 Midnight Christmas Communion 23:30 Midnight Christmas Communion Friday, 25 December 08:30 Christmas Communion 09:30 Christmas Communion 10:30 Christmas Communion Sunday, 27 December 09:30 Joint Communion for Berkeley Benefice 18:00 Evening Prayer Tuesday, 29 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 30 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 31 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 1 January 2010 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 2 January 2010 09:30 Christmas Peal in Bell Tower Sunday, 3 January 2010 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Epiphany Carol Service Tuesday, 5 January 2010 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 6 January 2010 09:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Epiphany Communion at All Saints Stone 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 7 January 2010 08:30 Morning Prayer 20:00 Berkeley Standing Committee Friday, 8 January 2010 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 10 January 2010 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evening Prayer
Beth Ansell is singing in Handel's Messiah Saturday 5th December at 7.30pm Gloucester Cathedral Gloucester Choral Society Soloists:             Rebecca Rudge             Hannah Pedley             Peter Wilman              Owen Web Conductor:             Adrian Partington For further details see Beth Ansell, or www.gloucesterchoral.com Tickets are available from Beth Ansell price £5 (side aisles), £10 (nave back) or £20 (nave front).   Youth Makes Music At Berkeley Saturday 12th December 7.00pm start at St Mary's Church A concert celebrating local children's musical talents Some of the musicians appearing will be:- The Award Winning Berkeley Primary School Choir Vivace String Quartet 5 Valleys Senior Wind Band Ben King – Piano George Setterfield – Clarinet James Barnes – Singer Chris Barnes – Organist Tickets Adults £3, Children 50p Price to include a glass of mulled wine (soft drink) and a mince pie Proceeds towards St Mary's Refurbishment Fund Tickets available from Angela Barnes The Perfect Blend Coffee Shop Berkeley Stroud and Swindon Building Society Berkeley pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk or on the door.
Dates for your Diary Wednesday 2nd December 8.00pm Bible Study at The Vicarage Saturday 5th December 10.00am-noon Children's Society Coffee Morning in Hill Village Hall Saturday 5th December Stone Christmas Bazaar in Stone Village Hall Sunday 6th December 6.00pm St Mary's Advent Carol Service Wednesday 9th December 8pm Bible Study at The Vicarage Thursday 10th December 6.30pm Berkeley Primary School Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church Friday 11th December Magazine deadline Saturday 12th December 7.00pm Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Sunday 13th December 11.00am St Mary's Nativity Trail
Charities for 2010 Each year St Mary's gives a proportion of its income to charities – local, national and international. The PCC has begun to think about this for 2010 and would like to receive suggestions from the congregation. If you have a charity that you would like to be considered, please put the details on the list at the back of the church over the next few weeks.  Thank you.
Diversity  – Berkeley and district Church Youth Fellowship Our Youth group for Year 6 upwards was formed in May to help young people build relationships with each other and with God. We have had lots of fun meeting once a month on Friday evenings since May and the group is proving to be a great success. We shall be meeting twice in December; on Friday 11th for a Christmas Party and on Thursday 17th for fireside carols and mince pies. We are also planning an Adventure Camp in the forest for the end of April. If you are interested in joining us please contact Christine Birkett on 01454 260398 or  E-mail christine.birkett@virgin.net.	Readings for this Sunday 9.30 am Holy Communion 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 11.00am Christingle 6.00pm United Berkeley Service at The Union Church
Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk   If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. More stuff on the website: www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

---

St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 22nd November
Blog readers, 11.00am Next Sunday (29th November) - Christingle Service    What about the end of the world? Two Advent Studies Wednesday 2nd December  "Judgment Day" Wednesday 9th December  "The New Beginning" 8 pm at The Vicarage   Youth Makes Music At Berkeley Saturday 12th December 7.00pm start at St Mary's Church A concert celebrating local children's musical talents Some of the musicians appearing will be:- The Award Winning Berkeley Primary School Choir Vivace String Quartet 5 Valleys Senior Wind Band Ben King – Piano George Setterfield – Clarinet James Barnes – Singer Chris Barnes – Organist Tickets Adults £3, Children 50p Price to include a glass of mulled wine (soft drink) and a mince pie Proceeds towards St Mary's Refurbishment Fund Tickets available from Angela Barnes The Perfect Blend Coffee Shop Berkeley Stroud and Swindon Building Society Berkeley pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk or on the door.
Beth Ansell is singing in Handel's Messiah Saturday 5th December at 7.30pm Gloucester Cathedral Gloucester Choral Society Soloists:             Rebecca Rudge             Hannah Pedley             Peter Wilman              Owen Web Conductor:             Adrian Partington For further details see Beth Ansell, or www.gloucesterchoral.com Tickets are available from Beth Ansell price £5 (side aisles), £10 (nave back) or £20 (nave front).   Thornbury Choral Society Concert Saturday 28th November 2009 at 7.30pm The Castle School, Thornbury Handel's Messiah   Conductor: Steven Kings Soloists: Sian Winstanley (Soprano) Pamela Rudge (Alto) Rupert Charlesworth (Tenor) Niall Hoskin (Bass) Tickets: £10 can be obtained from any choir member or you can contact either the Chairman Alison Makepeace on 01454 415019 or the Secretary Jos Gregson on 01454 411652. For more information please visit the website: www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 22 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Communion 11:00 Parish Communion and Baptism 18:00 Evensong Tuesday, 24 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 25 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The Cross: How Thursday, 26 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 20:00 Joint Council Friday, 27 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 29 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Christingle 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 United Berkeley Service at Union Church Tuesday, 1 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 2 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - Judgment Day Thursday, 3 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 4 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 6 December 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Christingle 18:00 Advent Carol Service Tuesday, 8 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 9 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 13:30 Primary school bringing staging into St Mary's Church 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The New Beginning Thursday, 10 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Primary School Concert Rehearsal at St Mary's Church 18:30 Christmas Concert for Berkeley Primary at St Mary's Church Friday, 11 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 12 December 19:00 Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Sunday, 13 December 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evening Prayer Tuesday, 15 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 16 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 17 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 18 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 19 December 10:30 Outdoor Carols & Nativity at Mariners, Salter St Berkeley Sunday, 20 December 09:30 All-Age Worship 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 16:00 Christingle 18:00 BCP Communion 18:30 Christmas Carol Service Tuesday, 22 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 23 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 24 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 15:00 Crib Service 23:30 Midnight Christmas Communion 23:30 Midnight Christmas Communion
St Mary's Nativity Trail Sunday 13th December 11.00am Eleven goes walkabout! Please join us for an interactive retelling of the nativity story as we seek out the principal characters hidden around the town. The route is pushchair friendly - come prepared for all weathers. Duration approx one hour followed by a soup and bread lunch back at the church. Please let us know if you intend to come, it will help with catering preparations. (Contact: Debbie Page 01453 511168).
Advent Carol Service at St Mary's Berkeley Sunday 6th December 6.00pm The Community of the Sisters of the Church We have received a letter of thanks from The Community of the Sisters of the Church based in the centre of Bristol.  We donate our Harvest Service gifts to them for the food parcels that they give out to people of their local community which they call their "Loaves & Fishes Project".  At least 150 people attend their regular Sunday distribution sessions.  Further details of their work will be detailed in a forthcoming edition of The Herald.  In the meantime if you are interested to read more about the work of the Sisters their website is www.sistersofchurch.org/uk Pam Curtis   Wotton-under-Edge Branch of The Gloucester & Bristol Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers Ringing and Advent Carol Service Saturday 5th December 4.30pm Ringing at Dursley from 3.00pm. The  service, soon after 4.00pm, will be followed by refreshments. Ringing at Coaley at 6.30pm. (On the first Saturday of the month our local ringers meet for ringing, a service and tea; and then ring at a second tower.)
Keeper of Church Linen Required   It is with great sadness that after 25 years of keeping the church linen in good order Hazel Robinson has decided to retire. We would welcome a person who could take on this most worthy task. It is not too onerous a task, requiring the linen covers on the altars to be kept in good order, and changed when necessary, the main task being to collect and clean the communion purificators every week or so, these are the small chalice wiping cloths that are used at communion (usually only 2 or 3 a week). If you could spare just a little time to help in this most important needy cause, we would be most grateful. Please contact; David Bainbridge, 01453 810049   Charities for 2010 Each year St Mary's gives a proportion of its income to charities – local, national and international. The PCC has begun to think about this for 2010 and would like to receive suggestions from the congregation. If you have a charity that you would like to be considered, please put the details on the list at the back of the church over the next few weeks.  Thank you.
Dates for your Diary Wednesday 25th November 8pm Bible Study at The Vicarage Sunday 29th November 11.00am St Mary's Christingle Service Wednesday 2nd December 8pm Bible Study at The Vicarage Saturday 5th December Stone Christmas Bazaar in Stone Village Hall Wednesday 9th December 8pm Bible Study at The Vicarage Sunday 6th December 6.00pm St Mary's Advent Carol Service Saturday 12th December 7.00pm Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Note NOT at 7.30pm as in last week's pew sheet. Sunday 13th December 11.00am St Mary's Nativity Trail	Readings for this Sunday 9.30am  Holy Communion Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37 11.00am  Eleven - Informal Communion 6.00pm  Evensong Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Revelation 1:4b-8
Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk   If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. More stuff on the website: www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

---

St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 15th November
Blog readers, If you have filled a shoebox for 'Operation Christmas Child' today is the day to bring it.   The God I Don't Understand From this Wednesday, there will be a short series of study evenings, continuing to look at difficult questions about the Bible. All will start at 8.00pm at The Vicarage. Wednesday 18th November "The Cross - Why" Wednesday 25th November "The Cross - How" Wednesday 2nd December "Judgment Day" Wednesday 9th December  "The New Beginning"
Christmas Bazaar Next Saturday, 21st November  9.30-11.30am Berkeley Town Hall Raffle - Cake Stall - Tombola Christmas Craft & Produce Stall and more Refreshments will be served throughout the morning. There will also be a separate prize draw for a Christmas Hamper. We require donations of raffle and tombola prizes, produce, crafts, cakes and goodies etc. We also need to fill the Christmas Hamper so if anyone  has any Buy One Get One Free offers that they don't want the free one of, please donate it to the Christmas Hamper. Please could you get your donations/offers of fresh goods on the day to any member of the Social Committee in advance of the Bazaar or to Debbie Page 01453 511168. We can arrange collection if that would help.	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 15 November 09:30 All-Age Worship 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 BCP Communion Tuesday, 17 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 12:00 Funeral of Jennifer Price at St Mary's Church 19:30 Stone PCC Wednesday, 18 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The Cross: Why Thursday, 19 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 20 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 21 November 09:30 Peal attempt by Southampton Ringers 09:30 Christmas Bazaar Sunday, 22 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Communion 11:00 Parish Communion and Baptism 18:00 Evensong Tuesday, 24 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 25 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The Cross: How Thursday, 26 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 20:00 Joint Council Friday, 27 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 29 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Christingle 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 United Berkeley Service at Union Church Tuesday, 1 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 2 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - Judgment Day Thursday, 3 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 4 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 6 December 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Christingle 18:00 Advent Carol Service Tuesday, 8 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 9 December 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice 20:00 Bible Study - The New Beginning Thursday, 10 December 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 11 December 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 12 December 19:30 Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church Sunday, 13 December 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evening Prayer
Thornbury Choral Society Concert Saturday 28th November 2009 at 7.30pm The Castle School, Thornbury Handel's Messiah Conductor: Steven Kings Soloists: Sian Winstanley (Soprano) Pamela Rudge (Alto) Rupert Charlesworth (Tenor) Niall Hoskin (Bass) Tickets: £10 can be obtained from any choir member or you can contact either the Chairman Alison Makepeace on 01454 415019 or the Secretary Jos Gregson on 01454 411652. For more information please visit the website: www.thornburychoralsociety.org.uk
Coffee Rota If you could spare a little time on a Sunday morning to share the job of serving tea and coffee please contact me on 01454 261036. Any offers of help would be greatly appreciated.   Liz Chamberlain
Dates for your Diary Saturday 21st November, 9.30-11.30am Christmas Bazaar in The Town Hall Sunday 29th November 11.00am St Mary's Christingle Service Saturday 5th December Stone Christmas Bazaar in Stone Village Hall Sunday 6th December 6.00pm St Mary's Advent Carol Service Saturday 12th December 7.30pm Young Musicians Concert at St Mary's Church
Pew Sheet—Review Coming to the end of my first year of compiling the pew sheet I thought it might be a good time to have a review. The Pew Sheet gives week-by-week information about services, has reminders about events and short topical items. 'The Herald' is the main source of information for us; and this is where you will find much more about church activities. I tend to compile most of the pew sheet early in the week knowing certain items will arrive towards the end of the week. On Friday evening I send out electronic copies. Firstly to Ray so that he can add prayers from the prayer cross and has time to print the Pew Sheet. Secondly to Jared so that he is able to produce the electronic 'St Mary's Newsletter'. This contains information in the Pew Sheet to which he often adds the text of the Sunday bible readings and links to internet sites that you might find interesting, often relevant to the 'Eleven' service. If you subscribe it will arrive on Saturday evening. When you send me an item for the Pew Sheet it is useful to have it in an electronic form that looks roughly how you would like it to appear. Sometimes I need to remove all formatting but if I can get away with cut-and-paste that is what I do.   My consumer surveys  have elicited the fact that once someone has read an item they  do not read it again in following weeks, changes are not noticed. People like to know what is happening or has happened. Feedback from events is appreciated  by those unable to take part. Please keep the material coming in. Peter	Readings for this Sunday 9.30am  Holy Communion Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25 Mark 13:1-8 11.00am  Eleven - Informal Worship Mark 13:1-8 6.00pm  Holy Communion BCP Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25 Mark 13:1-8
Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk   If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. More stuff on the website: www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

---

St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 8th November
Blog readers, The Eleven service will include a 2 minutes silence at the 11.00 hour. So the service itself will begin at 10.55am and people attending the 9.30am service are welcome to stay in church for the silence and leave for home afterwards   Darwin & God - The Sequel! Thursday 12 November 2009 7.30 pm at the Jenner Museum Old Cyder House Since 'Walking on Dinosaurs: Trampling on God?' in late September, various people have expressed interest in an opportunity to ask more questions and discuss the issues raised during the presentations by Richard Avery and Tim Walsh. So that is the purpose of this follow-up evening. You're also welcome if you didn't make it to the last talk but would like an opportunity to come to an evening on this subject. This sequel will be more informal, discussion orientated and centred on the issues of concern to participants, but Richard will bring some short snippets on Intelligent Design and the Dawkins Delusion in case they are of interest. Coffee and tea refreshments will be included. There's no formal entry cost, but donations toward the expenses would be appreciated. It is fine to turn up on the night. If you can let us know you are coming, do phone/email the Jenner Museum  (education@edwardjenner.co.uk 01453 810631) or Richard Avery (averys@rjavery.co.uk 01453 810294)
Civic Remembrance Service At today's service we welcome members of Local Councils, representatives of the Royal British Legion, the RAOB, the Merchant Navy and the Coastguard. We also welcome Berkeley Scouts, Cubs and Beavers; Sharpness Guides, Brownies and Rainbows; and Berkeley Brownies and Rainbows. They will all join with local residents for our annual civic service of remembrance.	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 8 November 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 15:00 Civic Remembrance Service Tuesday, 10 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Berkeley PCC Meeting Wednesday, 11 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 12 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Darwin & God - The Sequel Friday, 13 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 14:15 Funeral of Gerry Brown 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 15 November 09:30 All-Age Worship 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 BCP Communion Tuesday, 17 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Stone PCC Wednesday, 18 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 19 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 20 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 21 November 09:30 Peal attempt by Southampton Ringers Sunday, 22 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Communion 11:00 Parish Communion and Baptism 18:00 Evensong Tuesday, 24 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 25 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 26 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 20:00 Joint Council Friday, 27 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 29 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Christingle 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 United Berkeley Service at Union Church
Christmas Bazaar Saturday 21st November  9.30-11.30am Berkeley Town Hall Raffle - Cake Stall - Tombola Christmas Craft & Produce Stall and more Refreshments will be served throughout the morning. There will also be a separate prize draw for a Christmas Hamper. We require donations of raffle and tombola prizes, produce, crafts, cakes and goodies etc. We also need to fill the Christmas Hamper so if anyone  has any Buy One Get One Free offers that they don't want the free one of, please donate it to the Christmas Hamper. Please could you get your donations/offers of fresh goods on the day to any member of the Social Committee in advance of the Bazaar or to Debbie Page 01453 511168. We can arrange collection if that would help.
Coffee Rota If you could spare a little time on a Sunday morning to share the job of serving tea and coffee please contact me on 01454 261036. Any offers of help would be greatly appreciated.   Liz Chamberlain
Dates for your Diary Thursday 12th November 7.30 pm Darwin & God - The Sequel! at the Jenner Museum Old Cyder House Saturday 14th November 10.30am Coffee Morning in Hill Village Hall Saturday 14th  November 2009, 7.30pm Bach Mass in B Minor, Tyndale Choral Society with Amadeus Orchestra St. James' Church, Dursley Sunday 15th  November St Mary's Christmas Shoe Box Collection Saturday 21st November, 9.30-11.30am Christmas Bazaar in The Town Hall
BACH MASS IN B MINOR Tyndale Choral Society with Amadeus Orchestra St. James' Church, Dursley Saturday 14th  November 2009, 7.30pm Tickets £9 in advance from Fiona Chandler 01453 811598 or £10 on the door (Under 16s £2) Fiona and Steve may also be able to offer a lift from Berkeley if transport is needed.	Readings for this Sunday Remembrance Sunday 9.30 am  Choral Communion Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 1:14-20 10.55am  Eleven - Informal Worship 3.00pm  Civic Remembrance Service
Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk   If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. More stuff on the website: www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

---

St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 25th October
Blog readers, This Sunday is 'Bible Sunday' Watch the Migrants Video The God I Don't Understand After Bible Sunday, here are two evenings to look at difficult questions about the God of the Bible. 28 October:  The Mystery of Evil 4 November:  The Slaughter of the Caananites Wednesdays   8.00pm  The Vicarage
Saturday 7th November   2pm - 5.15pm followed by bring & share tea   St. Mary's Church Thornbury   An afternoon of fun activities for children followed by a family service  led by Rev'd Sandra Miller – Diocesan Children's Officer   For more information contact:    Mr Martin Gregg: 01453 890139    e.mail: greggeardley@yahoo.co.uk	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 25 October 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Communion 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evensong Tuesday, 27 October 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 28 October 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 29 October 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 30 October 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 1 November 09:30 Parish Communion 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evensong Tuesday, 3 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 4 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 5 November 08:30 Morning Prayer Friday, 6 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 17:00 Wedding Rehearsal 19:00 Choir Practice Saturday, 7 November 14:00 Wedding - Sean Brickell & Sally Hotchkin Sunday, 8 November 09:30 Parish communion 09:30 Choral Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 Evening Prayer Tuesday, 10 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Berkeley PCC Meeting Wednesday, 11 November 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 12 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Darwin & God - The Sequel Friday, 13 November 08:30 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice Sunday, 15 November 09:30 All-Age Worship 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 BCP Communion
Children, church and change!!   Saturday 7th November 2009 9.30am – 1.30pm At Wotton-under-Edge Church Rooms Led by Revd Dr Sandra Millar   Cost £7 to include coffee Booking essential   What is happening with children in your church? Whether you have a few, lots or none, this session will bring fresh ideas and energy to your vision. A chance to look at changing lives and fresh ideas,  new resources, all-age worship and age-group activities.   9.30am for coffee, 10.00am start Bring lunch and network [aka chat] from 1.30 – 2.15pm   To book contact CYP Admin 01452 835539 or lknowles@glosdioc.org.uk
Coffee Rota If you could spare a little time on a Sunday morning to share the job of serving tea and coffee please contact me on 01454 261036. Any offers of help would be greatly appreciated.   Liz Chamberlain
Dates for your Diary Sunday 1st November 2.30-5.30pm  Cream Teas in Hill Village Hall   Children's Society Coffee Morning & Bring and Buy at The Berkeley Arms Hotel Ground Floor Coffee Lounge Wednesday, November 4th 10am till noon All Welcome
John 5:36-47 I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.I  have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?	Readings for this Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion  Isaiah 55:1-9 John 5:36b-47 11.00am Eleven - Informal Communion 6.00pm Evensong  Isaiah 55:1-9 John 5:36b-47
Vicar- Rev'd Richard Avery Phone 01453 810294 E-mail averys@rjavery.co.uk Not available on Mondays except in emergency Curate- Rev'd Christine Birkett Phone 01454 260398  E-mail  christine.birkett@virgin.net Not available on Mondays except in emergency   To have items included in next week's Pew Sheet contact Peter Yardley Phone 01454 319749 or email pewsheet@stmarys-berkeley.co.uk   If you send items to Peter Yardley for the printed Pew Sheet, they should make it into this newsletter. More stuff on the website: www.stmarys-berkeley.co.uk Stop receiving the newsletter

---