St Mary's Newsletter

St. Mary's Newsletter 18th October
Blog readers, For many years we have been fortunate to have two Readers, Steve Chandler and Trevor Chamberlain, assisting with worship in St Mary's and the other two churches of our benefice. Over this summer David Frith has been exploring a vocation to Reader ministry with the full support of the PCC. David had his final interview for selection this past week. I am delighted to report that David was recommended wholeheartedly and has begun his three-year training course (part-time!). David is involved in Sunday worship already, in Bible reading and leading intercessions. In the New Year he will start to extend his experience with occasional preaching, alongside his weekly studies. If you'd like to find out more about what David is undertaking, do talk to him.   Richard   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
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	From the Calendar Benefice   All Saints' St. Mary's St. Michael's   Sunday, 18 October 09:30 Harvest for All-Ages 09:30 Parish Communion 11:00 Informal Worship 11:00 Parish Communion 18:00 BCP Communion Tuesday, 20 October 08:30 Morning Prayer Wednesday, 21 October 09:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Bell Ringing Practice Thursday, 22 October 08:30 Morning Prayer 19:30 Hill PCC Friday, 23 October 08:30 Morning Prayer 09:00 Morning Prayer 10:00 Little Fishes 19:00 Choir Practice 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 09:00 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 09:00 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
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
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
Dates for your Diary Tuesday 20th October Magazine deadline Sunday 1st November 2.30-5.30pm  Cream Teas in Hill Village Hall
Healing Ministry in Worship This Sunday evening we are focussing on God's work of healing in the evening Communion service. Being St Luke's Day gives us a natural link to the theme, as Luke was a doctor himself and his Gospel takes a particular interest in the healing ministry of Jesus. But how does this engage with our meeting for worship? Here's a helpful summary reflection on healing in the context of worship by a vicar in Surrey:   "It is worth recalling that the words healing, wholeness and holiness are all derived from the same root. Healing ministry is neither an alternative to seeking the help of the medical profession nor are we talking of miracle cures. Of course some people are healed of their earthly ailment, but for many healing is that strengthening of faith, that greater closeness to God, which is the preparation for true wholeness and healing which we only attain when we meet our Lord in heaven. But it also gives us the strength to cope day by day. In our earthly life none of us are whole but we are all on that journey to true wholeness.   Christian healing is done in the name of the Risen Lord. It is Christ who heals, when we lay on hands we are just a channel of that healing love. We are not healers, we have no personal power, it is Christ alone who heals, through his sacrifice for us on the Cross.   A Healing Service is for anyone. It is not to deny the healing power of prayer or of Communion ; it certainly doesn't mean we should not pray for the sick in the intercessions. But it offers the opportunity for personal prayer for oneself or someone else through words and the laying on of hands, which if you don't quite understand, is hands being laid gently on the head and shoulders while prayers are being said. It is also possible to receive anointing with oil. You may ask for special prayer or not, but it doesn't make any difference for God knows us better than we know ourselves, he knows our illnesses, our worries better than we do."   This Sunday evening we'll use a Communion service booklet that has been used in St Mary's before. It includes the opportunity to receive personal prayer in the side chapel area after coming to the Communion rails. Do come and join us.	Readings for this Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion 2 Timothy 4:5-17 Luke 10:1-9 11.00am Eleven - Informal Worship 6.00pm St Luke's Day Healing Service A service of Holy Communion, with  readings on the theme of healing and  opportunity to receive prayer for healing. Acts 3:1-16 Luke 10:1-9
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

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