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Contact Information:

The Partnership office is open:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday 9:00 – 1:00pm Wednesday 1.00 – 4.00pm Thursday Closed

There will always be an up to date message on the Partnership Office telephone giving any changes. The office number is 01793 874221. The office e-mail is: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com

To publicise any News or Events in the next edition of In Partnership covering June, please send them to the office no later than 18 May.

The address for correspondence is: The Partnership Office, Holy Trinity Church, Shaw Village Centre, SWINDON, SN5 5PY.

The editor’s e-mail address is: wspartnershipoffice@gmail.com The Partnership web site is http://www.wswinlyd.org.uk

Partnership Team Minister: Revd Capt Clive Deverell Email: clive.deverell@btinternet.com Tel: 01793 877111 (Anglican Priest and Authorised to Serve in the Methodist Church and URC Church)

Partnership Associate Minister: Revd Trevor Day Email: Trevor.Day@btinternet.com Tel: 01793 875373 or Mobile: 07918 125826 (Anglican Priest) Partnership Youth Worker: Claire Camm Email: clairecamm1@gmail.com Tel: 07981 951381 Partnership Primary Age Schools Worker: Gayle Bryon Email: gayleschoolswork@gmail.com

IInn PPaarrttnneerrsshhiipp MMaayy 22001177

Looking outwards and growing together

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Road to Pentecost Throughout Lent; we’ve been preparing for Easter … each in our own way. Some of us gave up things or activities [eg eating chocolate] … some started doing new things for others. Above all; it was an opportunity to reflect on our lives and the extent, to which we use our gifts … gifts given to us by God … for the work of God … wisely.

For those, who have heard me preach over the last few months [actually, I suspect that I’ve actually been saying this for several years now], you may have felt I’ve been going on and on and on about the most important commandment given to us by Jesus: namely … “to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and to love our neighbours as ourselves” [Matthew 22:37-39] … and we achieve some of the first part of this commandment, but carrying out the second … we show our love for God; by loving each other … by showing love to whom-ever we may meet in our lives [and where-ever we may encounter them]. So, I’m not talking about those neighbours, who live next door, but really … anyone we might meet.

That’s the difficult bit … specially, when it’s someone we don’t really like very much … or worse still; who doesn’t like us much … Ref: one of my favourite parables [“The Good Samaritan” Luke 10:25-37].

I have to ask myself all the time, … “How do I use those gifts given to me, for the good of others?”. I reckon I’m not nearly as good at it, as I’d like to be and I certainly, waste much of that gifting … particularly when it comes to “time”; … I waste so much of my time, just doing nothing much at all.

We are soon to arrive at the time of Pentecost … indeed, by the time you get to reading this, it may be upon you already. Pentecost … 50 days after Easter [broadly speaking] … a time when the Holy Spirit was sent to Jesus’ disciples [and to all of us today] in order to give us the power to do God’s will [ie Jesus’ commandment of “loving one another, with a pure heart fervently” ~ cf 1 Peter 1:22 … Peter was re-iterating it and giving it a bit more oomph … “pure and fervently”]. I know, I digress … I do it all the time.

Pentecost, is a time, when we can start to put into practice those things, about which we’ve been thinking [during Lent and just after Easter], which will enable our gifts/giftings to be put to good use. We’ll have no excuse not to, since we will be re-reminded, that the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus for that very purpose. The question I ask myself … and I guess, I’m asking all of you too, … is to what extent are we offering, what we have, for the good of our joint ministry and mission.

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FROM THE REGISTERS

PRAYERS

Please pray for:

Help for those displaced by violence in Syria and Iraq.

The Partnership Steward Campaign

Thank you

Thank you ALL for such a wonderful send off, and lovely presents at the Partnership Service on 09 April. Wendy says thank-you too, and we are working on what to spend your cheque on. I've opened the super printer, but not going to fill it up and use it till the garage has finished being turned into a man-cave (study).

Mike Dilly

Katikama Sebamale School Link The collection at the Palm Sunday service on 09 April raised £248.15 this will be added to the £457.50 already collected for Uganda link.

Baptism

02 April 2017 James Martin Glover

09 April 2017 Polly Lynda Kathleen Norman

16 April 2017 Matylda Sally Sawicka

30 April 2017 Kimani Duncan Papa Nii Bruce-Tagoe

Weddings

29 April 2017 Ashley James Moore and Amanda Louise Barnett

Funerals

12 April 2017 Albert James Munday

St Johns Haydon Wick Week commencing 07.05.17

West Swindon Local Ecumenical Partnership Week Commencing 14.05.17

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URC Joint Synod Big Day Out 2017 Saturday 1st July 2017 Burgate School, Fordingbridge, Hants. SP6 1EZ

Joint Synod Big Day Out 2017 – a fun, celebration day out for all members, friends, and families of all ages in the Wessex and South-Western Synods. There will be lots of fun and interesting activities for everyone – no matter what your age!

1. Adult ticket including a coach seat for the journeys to and from the venue, and entry to it. Price: £18.00 2. Young Person’s (Aged 5 – 16 Years) ticket including a coach seat to and from the venue, and entry to it. Price: £12.00 3. Adult ticket for entry only to the venue (making their own travel arrangements). Price: £8.00 4. Young Person’s ticket for entry only to the venue. Price: £4.00

Bookings are low and if they are still low by Wednesday 10th May the event will have to be cancelled. If you have any queries or suggestions about the arrangements, activities, bookings process, or location of Synod Day, then please make contact by email at wessexswbigdayout@outlook.com

New Wine

United 2017: Week 1- £150

Saturday 22 July 2017 9:00 to Friday 28 July 2017 23:00 Royal Bath a & West Showground, Shepton Mallet

United 2017: Week 2 - £150

Sunday 30 July 2017 9:00 to Saturday 05 August 2017 23:00 Royal Bath a & West Showground, Shepton Mallet

Day tickets are available, for more information please visit www.new-wine.org/united17 A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 07 – 16 November 2017 10 Days based in Jerusalem and Galilee For further details please call Revd Debbie Hodgson on 01793 829335 or email Debbie.hodgson@methodist.org.uk

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In the early 1980’s, when we first arrived in Swindon from Richmond [Surrey], our vicar at Christ Church [Old Town] used to talk endlessly about Time, Talents and Money. Without the money, he would say … the “time and talents” are often less usable. So … what is it that we are able to offer. Funnily enough, … most people will say, that the thing they find most difficult to give, is not the “money” but their “time” … and it’s people’s time, that is often most sought after. However … there’s always a “however” … a bit like an “ in conclusion” at the end of a sermon … indicating, that there are at least another 10mins to go before the end! However … and it’s a positive “however” … we will shortly be encountering [if not already] “partnership stewardship”, which will centre round “the cost of a cup of coffee” [or other similar refreshment]. I reckon I get through approx 100-120 cups of coffee a month; most of which are brewed at home … but, when I travel to Bristol by train [approx 3 times a month], on Platform-4 at Swindon station, I feast on a bacon butty and cup of Pumpkin coffee … [other coffee brands are available] … £4.50. Others may travel to Harrods or Fortum & Mason’s in London, and avail themselves of a rather more expensive refreshment, whilst others may spend a lot less at their local coffee morning. Our regular giving to the partnership [it has been suggested] might be increased by just the cost of a cup of coffee. The point of “the coffee” is that those, who spend more on their coffee [eg moi] would be able to offer more and those, who spend less, would give less … but it’s still the price of a “cup of coffee”. I’m not going to say anymore about that now, I think this is really a warm-up for “Stewardship” to come soon … except, I might suggest, that the “Widow’s Mites” does spring to mind [Luke 21:1-4].

Now, before I put my pen aside, you may be wondering, for what on earth the [three Dots] “…” throughout this essay are?! It’s very simple. Back in the 60’s … I took four-attempts to pass my English Language O-Level and I was never quite sure what punctuation to use each circumstance. Therefore, in my laziness, and whilst typing at break-neck speed [30+ wpm] on my computer, I find it a lot easier just to go with the flow and insert “…” if I’m not sure. This has absolutely nothing to do with our partnership, nor with theology … but it is an explanation for my “…”. Blessings to you all and just allow the Holy Spirit to give you the wherewithal to do God’s work, with joy, with much fervour and to love one another with a pure heart.

Trevor

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Regular activities

Saturday 6th May 2017

Toothill Church 2.00 – 4.00pm There will be a Coffee/Cake Afternoon to celebrate 40 years of Toothill Church organist Mrs Nicola Hoar's Contribution to the church. Please come and celebrate this occasion.

There will be music contributions from the Toothill Music Group as well

2nd Sunday each month

Messy Church 14 May

4 - 5:30pm @ Shaw

Every Monday

After School Youth Group Contact Claire Camm 07981951381

3:30 – 6:00pm @ Holy Trinity Shaw

Every Tuesday

Bell Ringing 7-9pm St Mary’s Bell Tower

2nd Wednesday of each month

Mothers Union Contact Doreen Henderson 07434377587

10 May

2pm @ St Mary’s Stable Room

Every Thursday

Toothill Tinies 10 -11:30am @ Toothill

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Christian Aid Week 14 – 20 May 2017

It’s better to die in a refugee camp than to die in a war. To risk your children’s lives in a plastic dinghy. And to leave everything you know behind. When the alternative is terror, bombs and bullets, almost anything is better.

This is the terrible choice facing tens of millions of people worldwide - fleeing conflict and disaster, making dangerous journeys in search of safety.

Christian Aid Week was set up 60 years ago to support our work with refugees in Europe following the Second World War. Let's act again now, to help relieve suffering and build a world where everyone has a safe place to call home.

Christianaid.org.uk

Braydon Methodist Church invites you to an evening of musical entertainment with Geoff Walters and his 5 piece singing ensemble on Wednesday 17th May at 7.30pm at Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church. Tickets are £6 each and available from Anna Miles (01666 860794 or 07890929514). All proceeds are for the Braydon Methodist Church refurbishment fund.

Saturday 20th May

Rev Graham Horsley is coming to Highworth Methodist Church to lead a day looking at ‘Fresh Expressions’ of the church.

We would be delighted if friends from across the circuit would like to join us. Details including timescale will be sent out soon.

For further details from Lou Ashford at louashford231@gmail.com

Christian Vision For Men The Gathering 2017 Lynt Farm SN6 7QZ From £86 per person 23rd – 25th June 2017 Bookings are now being taken for The Gathering (Christian Vision for Men) to be held 23rd – 25th June 2017. The comedian, Tim Vine, will be in attendance this year alongside Graham Kendrick and many other well-known names.

To Book call 01246 452483

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Thy Kingdom Come The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are calling Christians of every denomination to join in with Thy Kingdom Come, a prayer initiative between Ascension and Pentecost (25th May to 4th June), to pray for the nation to know Jesus Christ. It is a time to seek the empowering of the Holy Spirit, that we may be effective witnesses to Jesus Christ.

Praying for others to know Jesus is one of the most powerful things we can do. Persistent prayer for others brings transformation to their lives. As Paul writes: ‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.’ (Colossians 4: 2-4).

As Paul says, consistent praying for others involves discipline (‘be devoted’) and responding to what God is already doing in people’s lives (‘being watchful and thankful’). We can pray for ‘open doors’ to point people to Jesus and what He can mean in their lives. We all have opportunities to do this, as even Paul prayed as a prisoner in chains!!

The Archbishops are encouraging us to choose five people who we can pray for regularly. Why not ask God to guide you, as you settle on five names and commit to praying for them daily, perhaps by using the following prayer:

‘Loving Father, in the face of Jesus Christ your light and glory have blazed forth. Send your Holy Spirit that I may share with my friends the life of your Son and your love for all. Strengthen me as a witness to that love as I pledge to pray for them, for your name’s sake. Amen.’

Who’s been good? A father of five young children won a toy at a raffle. Back home, he called his children together to let them determine which one should have the present. ‘Who is the most obedient?’ he asked. ‘Who never talks back to Mother? Who does everything she says?’ Five small voices answered in unison: ‘You do, Daddy!’

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Will you coffee with us?

This month we have a major stewardship campaign across the Partnership relating to coffee/tea.

Have you ever thought about the word legacy? I wonder if it is something you have ever considered to be evocative? After all it is not just about gifts we might make in our wills after death, it is also relates to a lasting effect that a person leaves to influence this world. As Christians we try to live our lives in a way that follows Jesus and Christian beliefs, we also try to influence the world for better as we see it. Once we are dead, resources that we gathered in this life don’t go with us but are passed on and used by somebody or something else.

For a lasting memorial some people may have a work of art created in their name, or a bench placed under a tree in a park. Naturally there is nothing wrong with this, however, why not, instead, help God’s work in this world continue to move forward. Leaving a legacy to the Church and/or one of its wider organisations is about as permanent an epitaph as you can get. It allows us as Christians to make a final thank you to God for all that He has given us during this life above all in Jesus Christ.

So if I leave a legacy what exactly should I leave it to?

Well that’s entirely up to you. There are many areas of Christian life that would benefit through a legacy payment. If you decide to leave a legacy then it is important to consider all aspects of church life, there are so many important areas. As an example, it could be to help the development of children and young people’s ministry. Imagine…

We all hear about problems with young people, problems of crime, drug abuse, broken young lives and lost dreams. We have all heard of children whose lives are scarred by abuse and difficult home circumstances. Perhaps even worse is the silent loss of hope and meaning in many young lives. We reflected on this during the Lent Course Dethroning Mammon.

But, just for a moment…Imagine….

Imagine a church that is full, a church where the different age ranges abundantly cover all the generations including the under twenty-fives. Imagine older people who are enthusiastic and committed in their Christian faith, committed to living out what they believe and sharing it with the other generations that they live amongst. Imagine a church where young people come not just to receive but also to help run the church. A church where every aspect of ministry is shared across a range of ages from the

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A Strange Farewell One of the most extraordinary passages in the Bible tells the story of Christ’s goodbye, which we call the Ascension:

“While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshipping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God.”

It was the last time the apostles would see Jesus. They had experienced the utter catastrophe of His death, followed within days by the triumph of His resurrection. Later, He left them. Instead of the sadness we might expect after His final farewell, they were exuberant and went back to Jerusalem. What an extraordinary reaction. Jesus had gone, Jerusalem was fraught with danger, yet they seemed brimful with confidence.

Ringing in their ears was His repeated teaching about the Kingdom of God and the commission to preach forgiveness of sins throughout the world, beginning at Jerusalem. They were to wait there until they were “clothed with power from on high.” Far from feeling abandoned, they were full of hope and eager to be equipped for their vocation. They and the Christian community would represent Christ on earth, as He represented them in heaven, “seated at the right hand of the Father”, in the words of the Creed.

All this is temporary. God has not planned the world to remain in its present state in perpetuity. Our particular era may seem to be particularly grim, but it is but one strand in human history and we are no more distinctive than any other generation. Although the world as it is seems to be lasting a long time, we are living in what the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews calls ‘the final age’. We are to anticipate a finale, when Christ’s rule will be apparent to all. There’s an Old Testament proverb which is particularly apt: “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Isn’t that exactly what we hope for every time we pray for God’s will to be done on earth, as in heaven?

The Archbishop of Canterbury and others are prompting us to join in a global ‘wave of prayer’ between Ascension and Pentecost (25 May to 4 June), concentrating on “Your Kingdom Come”. That will make us usurpers, praying for God’s Kingdom to displace all others! It will also make us one with Christ.

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youngest to the oldest. Imagine a church that meets in a school, where hundreds of children come from a tough local estate – because they want to!

This isn’t a dream, ministry like this is happening across the Partnership – but it could happen more. Many mature folk long to see the church they love preserved for the next generation. You can help do this even if you know nothing about ministry, simply by; leaving some money, for what Jesus called the ‘living stones’! Make the best investment you could in the future of the church – its next generation of believers, indeed many of whom are believers now! Within the Partnership, there is a wide variety of ministry that works well but it does cost – both in terms of time and money.

£1,000 could send a group of young people to a life changing Christian summer camp

£10,000 Could pay for a part time older people's missioner to really transform our church and community work

£50,000 Could pay for a fully professional, trained worker for

a two year period, making a real impact on the lives of many people.

Of course, there are other important initiatives that you may wish to consider, other needs of our local church, like the building itself or the many various mission and development agencies.

We would encourage all Church members to leave legacies for the general purposes of the Partnership as it allows the Churches (with a knowledge of your interests) to fund work appropriately. For example we know of many Churches who have been constrained by legacies locally to the extent that they could not for instance redevelop their hall for improved community use, even though they had enough money, because the legacies were too specific.

To leave a legacy you must make a Will, and that is something we should all do to ensure our wishes are carried out, and to avoid leaving complications and complex issues for our loved ones to sort out. Making a will is simpler and cheaper than you might think. For more information on wills and leaving a gift to the Church, visit www.churchlegacy.org.uk, or request a pack by e-mailing info@churchlegacy.org.uk or ringing the Church of Englands's national legacy helpline on 08445 870875, or any of the other Denominations main offices. Some resources are available in the churches with the other leaflets etc.

Clive

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The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, on why everything matters

I have just returned from a teaching trip which has been fascinating - not least because, in each case, the churches were growing churches that seemed to be connecting well at every level.

I was keen to pick the brains of the churches’ leaders about what factors were catalysts to the growth they were experiencing:

1) A concern for those who are not Christians by being confident about the Good News we have to share and intentional about engaging our imagination about how this might be done. These churches understand from the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin that effort is required to seek for that which is lost.

2) Such churches understand that the creation of authentic relationships is key, both within and beyond the church. A unified local church is one which shows the world that “by this…all shall know that you are my disciples; if you have love one for another.” Many Christians confess they have no friends beyond their church; if that’s your situation, “Get out more!”

3) The churches I visited all want their worship services to be as good as they could be. Time and effort is invested in the detail and material is adequately rehearsed. They have the idea that “excellence honours God and inspires people.”

4) We don’t just have a mission (things to do) but we also have a message (things to say). These churches confront the communication challenge with imagination and a greater use of the new technology. Above all, they are clear about the message they want to communicate. This means that they work hard at effective communication to make disciples and to reach those of no faith. We have to take this seriously - preaching is really important.

5) They broadly know the people they are seeking to reach. They know their likes, their aspirations, what is helpful and what is not helpful. Most suburban churches exist in a smorgasbord of sub cultures. Some get that “facts are friends”; data informs their understanding and therefore their planning.

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The joy of Easter – (continued) community that was pouring out love, kindness and friendship. It was an overwhelming experience to receive and observe so many loving acts in just two short days. The experience of sharing the Easter Story through storytelling, song, dance, prayer, listening, feeling, food, creative activities, laughter and quiet was simply amazing.

Our Last Supper story time was powerful in a way words cannot adequately describe. An open circle of friends around the table, humble foot washing, sharing bread and silent encounter whilst listening to the

words of Jesus was profoundly moving to witness. I felt that Jesus was there at the centre, sharing his friendship with each one of us, reminding us to make the circle bigger so that there is room for all round the table.

Another moving session was learning about Jesus’s crucifixion where the children nailed crimson hearts to a wooden cross, this was done quietly and with great respect. We learned to sing and dance my favourite Easter song the ‘Lord of the dance’ to reflect on how Jesus showed God’s love for all people in the way he lived and died. The amazing mystery of the resurrection, that Jesus is with us still, was illustrated by children walking a string labyrinth as a journey stepped with a loving friend’s help and guidance.

The Easter story is all about God stepping towards us in love and friendship, as Christian’s we share the happiness and joy of meeting the Risen Christ in our lives on a daily basis. It has been an immense

privilege, and at times an overwhelming experience to be able to share the story of

Jesus with so many children and teachers this Easter. I hope and pray that we can continue to make the circle bigger, so that there is

room for our whole community round the table. The Schools work team invite you all to join with

us, to experience the joy of sharing the stories of Jesus in our community in an ever-increasing circle of love. Gayle and the Easter Schools Work Team

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In a book about Starbucks there is a chapter entitled ‘Everything Matters’; this means that everything you do in your organisation communicates something. We communicate as much when we are not thinking as when we are. Churches which proudly proclaim their own friendliness, but then leave visitors standing awkwardly on their own over coffee, really don’t stack up. It’s clear to me that if we are to connect with each other and the world around us, these things may be important. Read Bishop Mike’s full article at www.bristol.anglican.org

25th May: Ascension Day 40 Days with the Risen Christ 40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day. These are the 40 days during which the Risen Christ appeared again and again to His disciples, following His death and resurrection. The Gospels give us little of Christ’s teachings and deeds during those 40 days. Jesus was seen by numerous of his disciples: on the road to Emmaus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc. He strengthened and encouraged His disciples, and at last opened their eyes to all that the Scriptures had promised about the Messiah. Jesus also told them that as the Father had sent Him, He was now going to send them - to all corners of the earth, as His witnesses.

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Partnership Youth Work - Summer term

After our Easter break we plunged straight into our first Saturday workshop on 22nd April. With Easter fresh in our minds, we watched the final part of the ‘Lion King’ DVD (our current theme) with a follow up discussion on sacrifice, responsibility and faith. It’s amazing how much the Lion King echoes with the story of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection!

I expect some people may wonder why we have chosen to reach out to young people with special needs as part of our partnership youth work. I have certainly been asked this question on occasions. One answer is that legally all children have an equal human right to the same opportunities so we cannot discriminate (fortunately). I think that the main reason, however, is that we, as Christ’s body on earth, want to provide hope to families and children who are struggling with a diagnosis. We want to give encouragement to children and young people and build up their confidence and self-esteem which has very often taken a huge bashing. Thirdly we want to help equip them with life and social skills which are often not well developed. In summary we want to show love and support to those who are marginalised, offering them a warm welcome to our church community – the community of Jesus Christ. I was pleased to note at our recent AGM that one of our partnership policies is ‘to ensure access to our church activities for those with special needs’.

As well as welcoming children and young people to our regular Monday and Saturday groups, we interact with their parents and families, offering support if needed. We hold regular events where families are welcomed to take part alongside their children and these are great opportunities for church members to attend and extend friendship and support. Our recent event at Lydiard Park to raise money for Comic Relief was a wonderful example of this, where young people and their families joined together to run a café and stalls, raising £275.00. It was great to welcome church members from across the partnership as well as many members of the public who were passing by. A good witness too for the church in the community!

Our next event will be an end of term performance and café afternoon at Shaw Church on Sat June 10th, 4pm. You will be very welcome to join us.

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‘Thank you so much for all the wonderful activities that both you and your team put on last week, so that the children could really absorb the true messages of the Easter story. I was pleased that the children behaved so respectfully and they were very inspired by all the activities.’ Mrs Sumner Deputy Head Teacher

The Cross was shared with KS1 children in Oliver Tomkins and KS1 Westlea. This trail enabled the children to explore six parts of the Easter story through a different type of cross.

The joy of the Palm Sunday story was explored through the Ugandan Cross, and by learning a song in Swahili. The friendship of the Last Supper was explored through the Mennonite cross, by sharing the peace and a Hot Cross Bun. I have led the Palm Sunday session 34 times but can honestly say each time was different

and special, it was wonderful to observe the children enjoying the story, singing and dancing.

‘We always look forward to having you in school children really value all you do. The children were fabulous because they were enjoying the time and learning with all of you.’ Rhian Cockwell Head Teacher

Pupils from Brook Field, Peatmoor and Shaw Ridge came to the Easter Reflection at Holy Trinity Church and we had three wonderful mornings of learning and sharing. Shaw Ridge were a group of inquisitive

reflective thinkers who had lots of questions. Brook Field were an engaging buzzy group with two wonderful male helpers who enthusiastically joined in the stories. Peatmoor were a lively curious group who loved sharing their

knowledge and joining in the Easter Story.

‘The children and adults walked back to Brook Field with a spring in their step as they reflected on the amazing morning they had. It really is a very special activity morning that you and your really welcoming and lovely volunteers provide’. Mrs Batcup Brook Field Primary School.

The Easter Tree It was beautiful and inspirational to spend time with children, teenagers, and adults of all ages during our Easter Tree activities days, and to feel enfolded by a

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The joy of Easter Schools Work….

The Easter season 2017 was extremely busy and joyous for all those involved in school’s work and my grateful thanks go to everyone who helped. I have been personally blessed to find friendship in unexpected places as God has chosen people to help me experience his unconditional cross shaped love this Easter. We have received lots of great feedback from the

schools and here is a wonderful quote about Sue that really made me smile “what an amazing clock keeper bell woman (who is amazing at holding TWO nails in place while Two children hammer away simultaneously, Incredible!)”.

Approximately 870 children took part in one of our Easter activities, and we shared Collective Worship with another 1000 children.

The Reception children in Oliver Tomkins, Brook Field and Westlea Primary school all enjoyed making Easter Gardens.

Eggciting Easter was enjoyed by Year 1/Year 2 children in Peatmoor, Tregoze, Brook Field and Hazlewood Academy. We were given a beautiful gift of a class full of angels for our final session on the last day of term, a truly inspirational session for everyone involved.

‘Thank you and your lovely friends so much for a really enjoyable afternoon. The children were still talking about it at home time! I thought the activities, resources and delivery were excellent. The children were so engaged and focused throughout the session.’ Mrs Woolrich Yr 1 Teacher Brook Field

In Westlea School all their KS2 children took part in the One Friday Trail, each group of children had 1 hour to learn about the events of

Good Friday. We started the session together in the Garden of Gethsemane using a song to set the scene and think about how Jesus was feeling as he began his Easter Journey. The children then journeyed round 6 stations learning about betrayal, power,

mercy, forgiveness, hope, and death. The children all behaved fantastically and engaged fully in all the activities and reflections. It was touching to be able to find moments of true reflection, peace and encounter amidst the busyness of the day.

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Monday Club continues weekly this term and we are pleased to have a new lad starting with us from Crowdy’s Hill School; he will also attend Saturday club. We will be starting a new charity project this term for Guide dogs for the Blind as one of our Volunteers is a trainer. The young people are very excited to meet her latest dog, Hilly, who will be coming to visit soon! We will be helping to prepare two of our young people for college in September and hopefully training them for leadership of the group in September.

Chaplaincy work at New College continues and I have now started an online course and will be attending another day course shortly organised by Bristol Diocese. I am exploring further work at Lydiard Park Academy alongside Swindon Youth for Christ and in the process of developing joint work with Gayle.

Please remember our young people, the volunteer team and myself in your prayers.

Blessings

Claire

The Nation’s Favourite Bible Stories Bible Society, £7.99

So many Bible stories are part of our culture, education and literature and now, following a nationwide poll, the favourite best-loved stories, passages and verses are brought together in this unique collection.

The story of Noah, the nativity, the last supper, Samson and Delilah and other favourite Bible stories can be enjoyed as they were originally intended in the words of the Bible. Accompanying the passages are interesting facts and statistics as well as contributions from The Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Read an old favourite or discover a new gem in The Nation’s Favourite Bible Stories.

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Church Services in the Partnership St Mary’s Lydiard Tregoze

Date Time Form

07 May 10:00am Morning Service

14 May 10:00am Communion followed by Baptism

21 May 10:00am Communion

28 May 10:00am Communion followed by Baptism

28 May 5:00pm Partnership Prayer and Praise

Holy Trinity Shaw

Date Time Form

07 May 10:30am Communion

14 May 10:00am Morning Service

14 May 4:00pm Messy Church

21 May 10:30am Communion

28 May 10:30am Communion

8.45am Morning Prayer on Fridays during term time.

Toothill

Date Time Form

Weds 03 May 11:30am Midweek Worship

07 May 10:30am All Age Service

Weds 10 May 11:30am Midweek Communion

14 May 10:30am All Age Communion

Weds 17 May 11:30am Midweek Worship

21 May 10:30am Morning Service

Weds 24 May 11:30am Midweek Communion

28 May 10:30am Morning Service

Weds 31 May 11:30am Midweek Worship

Page 13 of 24

Westlea

Date Time Form

07 May 10:00am Morning Service

14 May 10:00am Family service

21 May 10:00am Communion

28 May 10:00am All Age Service

Partnership Prayer and Praise

Sunday 28 May 2017 2.00pm Lydiard Park

“Thy Kingdom Come”

A Special afternoon with prayer activities and stations in the Walled Garden at Lydiard Park starting at 2pm and culminating in an open air service of Prayer and Praise with Keith Osborn.

Will be held in Church if raining.

Ecumenical Joint Confirmation

Thursday 15 June 2017

Ecumenical Confirmation and Public Affirmation of Faith Service

will take place at

7.00pm at Toothill Church

Preparation Course starts Sunday 30 April 2017 3.00pm in St Mary’s stable room.

Please call Clive on 01793 877111 if you are interested