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Bemerton Outreach St Andrew’s St John’s St Michael’s

Advent Thoughts (page 4 for details)

January 2018 25p

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L.R. Weedon Joinery

Carpentry & Joinery

Specialising in all aspects

of bespoke

carpentry & joinery work

from kitchen installation to

hand crafted woodwork

102 The Hollows

Wilton

SP2 0JE 01722 743939

07970407384

leonweedon@hotmail.com

Bemerton St John School

Lower Rd

Large school hall

available for hire

Weekends and evenings

With chairs, tables,

access to kitchen

£12 per hour

slight extra cost for use of

Cooking facilities

To book a one off party or regular

activity contact the school on

322848.

Salisbury Medical Practice Bemerton Heath branch surgery Pembroke Road, Bemerton Heath 01722 334402

A friendly surgery in the heart of the community it serves

New patients welcome Drop in for your new patient pack and to find out more about us

Parking

Wheelchair friendly

No stairs

Pharmacy right next door

Male and female doctors

Health visitor on site

Midwife on site

Asthma, diabetes, COPD and heart clinics, health checks

No Worries - Sexual health support to young people – even if not our patients

Carer friendly – if you are a carer let us know when you register

Wiltshire Investors in Carers silver award

You’re Welcome award

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BEMERTON

January 2018

I remember my mother telling me that as you get older, the years go by more quickly! I don’t know if this is exactly true or it’s just because I fill each day with lots of interesting and challenging things. I would like to take this time however, to wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful New Year, one that’s full of hope and promise.

The run up to Christmas is always a busy time with preparations, sending gifts and cards and carolling as many times as we can manage, to celebrate the amazing, earth changing birthday of our Lord Jesus but, when all the tinsel has been put away, the cards and real Christmas trees recycled, then we face 2018 the year to come. Of course, there will be sad times, times of mourning, of moving house for some, of making important choices. For others it will be a time of looking forward, planning trips and celebrations, looking forward to new birth and surprises.

There were so many tragedies in 2017, tornados, hurricanes, bombings in Baghdad and Pakistan and also at the concert in Manchester, wildfires in California, earthquake in Mexico, Mosque attack in Egypt, Westminster attack, Grenfell Tower disaster and so much more. All of these are covered by the media in intricate detail so that no a day goes by without immediate headline news. It’s always been said that good news is no news and I suspect that to some extent that’s right. I wonder what your good news list would be for last year?

As Christians we have the promise of hope in our lives; that grace that comes from God to go on into the future no matter what we have to face. We have that healing power that Jesus offers us when we bring to him anything that’s ailing us in body, mind or spirit. We are gifted the opportunity of free speech to say anything to him that’s on our mind or is getting in the way of living a life that reflects the goodness and generosity of God. Perhaps the New Year is a time to increase our prayer time, our waiting on God, the God of surprises. In our Parish of Bemerton, God is moving and interacting with his people and no, you haven’t read about in the paper or seen it on television but if you ask the questions and open your eyes, you will really and truly be amazed at what is happening. Even more astounding is the promise that is gathering momentum in which God is revealing his plan for this place. We’re all invited to join in, to find out more and to be part of the future of Good News. Susan

OUTREACH

Issue No: 1616

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‘Haven' Every Thursday from 11 - 12.30, at St Michaels Lower Chapel We will aim to provide a space where people can safely explore issues around faith, spirituality and mental well-being, a space where any story can be told and any question asked without fear of judgement or rejection. A place we will call our “‘Haven’ on the Heath”. For more information: Ruth Main 01722 334995 mob 077513 54669 or parish office 01722 328031

Tuesday to Friday 11am to 2pm St Michael’s

Community Centre Meeting for Prayers 10.30 to 10.45 each day

Featuring - Tea & Coffee, Cakes & Biscuits, Soup & a Roll and of course space to relax, chat and meet your friends. Home to The Listening Place every Tuesday Re-opening on Tuesday 9th January.

Do you have a Café Calling? Are you able to help out occasionally or

more regularly. If you can, or want to know more contact Brenda on

01722 501262 or email brendaemilydavies@hotmail.co.uk

Do you have a Cake Calling? The excellent cakes sold in the Café

are all made by volunteer bakers. If you can bake the occasional Cake

for the Café please contact Terri on 501214

Cover Story The cover photo this month is the display put together by Haven who have been talking about Advent and what it means to them. There are poems and pictures and Bible verses. Next time you are in St Michael’s do find the time to read and reflect on it yourself.

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What’s On in St Michael’s Community Centre

Coffee & Craft - In the Coffee & Chat Café every Thursday

evening 7.30 –9.00 for anyone to drop in for a coffee and relaxed

fellowship – or to join in with making greetings cards.

St Michael’s Senior Lunch Club

Every second Tuesday of the month

11.45am—1.30pm Lunch served at 12.15.

Freshly cooked on the premises £4 per person

(Community Centre Hall behind St Michael’s Church)

Tuesday 9th January

Liver and bacon in onion gravy with mash, carrots and cabbage

followed by crumble and custard.

Art Group with Alan Winstanley

Alan Winstanley will guide you through some basic techniques at the

Community Centre Poppy Room on Thursdays from 2.30pm-5pm.

Contact Alan or Maureen for more details 333847

KNIT and SEW and NATTER On the 1st Friday of each month 10.30am - 12.30

in the Coffee & Chat Café. Bring your own knitting

or sewing or knit for charities. Some wool,

patterns and needles can be provided. Beginners

or experienced welcome.

Contact: Susan Drewett 01980 652751 for further information

Men's Tuesday Coffee Mornings

Second & Last Tuesdays of the month 9th & 30th January. Join us in Coffee & Chat St Michael’s Community Centre from 11am

More details from Alan Winstanley 333847

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BSL Bible Group The Bible and BSL Group meet on Monday evenings from 7.30 to 8.30 in St Michael’s Church so you can learn more about the language alongside the Bible. You don’t need to know BSL, come along, join in and learn. The next meeting is on Monday 15th January Contact Neil for more details. coolie66smiley@gmail.com or Text to 07717 055219

SJP Fellowship

A group which meets on Thursday evenings at St John's Place 7-9pm. They start with a simple meal together then a time to explore the Bible and Christian faith together. If you want to come along let Andrew & Susie (01722 326518) or Simon Woodley know.

Flower Power We all enjoy the flowers that decorate our churches, although how often do we really stop and look at them?

If you would like to join the rota for St Andrew’s Flowers please let Susan know.

St Michael's Angels

Meetings First Friday of the Month 7.30 pm

Contact Linda Carley for more details 326747

Phenomenal Ph(f)undraising As well as enjoying a three course meal, a good chat with friends, a

sing song of Carols and lots of Raffle prizes … The event on

December 16th raised £171.50.

As well as tasting great and brightening the garden, the Cake & Plant

sales on the first and third Sundays in 2017 have raised £741.96.

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Morning Star Christmas Gift Appeal - Thanks Bev and Dave were overwhelmed by everyone’s thoughtfulness and

generosity – and their support for their ministry – when they came to

collect all the items we had collected for Morning Star to give to the

homeless people they work with.

They would like to send a big thank you to everyone who contributed.

Bemerton Townswomen’s Guild

Meetings 7.15pm

2nd Thursday of the month

Roman Rd Methodist Church Hall

further details from the Secretary

Mrs Chris Walley 331275

Bemerton Flower Arrangers

Chairman Doreen Till 501538

Meetings 7.30 pm

2nd Wednesday of every month.

St Gregory’s Church Hall,

St Gregory’s Ave

More News from Morning Star…. The Banquet Run has continued to run this year and we have always loved working on the streets with those who are homeless and vulnerable and will be spending more time with people to see how we can offer more help via the Hope Project. The Hope Project sees the winding down of the residential unit (The New Life Centre) and a move to supporting people when they move out of rehab . This is so important and can be a major factor as to whether they stay clean/dry or not, especially living in the community, but using the skills and experience we have gained over the last fifteen years we believe we can make a difference. We will also be spending more quality time with people who are homeless, outside of the Banquet Run sessions. Some days a homeless person go many hours without having much communication with others, leaving them feeling alone and worthless, and less able to cope with the issues that come with being homeless. This new work will be known as “The Hope Project”. As we have made a gentle start setting up the Hope Project, we are already beginning to see some great results. This is a transition period as we are still winding down the centre, and gently birthing the Hope Project at the same time. We are really excited about the “Hope Project” and the potential to reach out to more people and provide specialised help and hope for those in need during the

coming months. Dave, Bev and team

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St Andrew’s

&

St Michael’s

Sunday by Sunday

Sunday 7th January Epiphany 8 am St Andrew’s Communion (BCP)

10.30 am St Michael’s Fun Church !!

4 pm St Andrew’s Evensong with Hymns

Sunday 14th January 2nd of Epiphany

8 am St Andrew’s Communion (BCP)

10.30 am Roman Road Methodist Covenant Communion

No Service at St Michael’s

Sunday 21st January 3rd of Epiphany 8 am St Andrew’s Communion (BCP)

10.30 am St Michael’s Informal Service

Sunday 28th January 4th of Epiphany

8 am St Andrew’s Communion (BCP)

10.30 am St Michael’s Family Communion

Sunday 4th February 2nd before Lent 8 am St Andrew’s Communion (BCP)

10.30 am St Michael’s Fun Church !!

4 pm St Andrew’s Evensong with Hymns

From 8th January to about the 19th February St Michael’s Services will

be in the Community Centre while the Church is redecorated.

***Magazine Articles***

There is a coloured wallet on the Notice Board in St Michael’s which I check

each month or send me items by email: hilaryabird@btinternet.com

February Magazine - 18th January

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Prayer & Praise - with the Music group Every Thursday from 7.30 - 9pm in St Michaels Half an hour to practice ready for Sunday followed by an hour of prophetic prayer and praise. All are welcome to prepare for Sunday and join the worship.

Weekday Services

Monday to Thursday 9.00 - 9.15 am Morning Prayer St Michael’s

Every Friday 10 am St Andrew’s Communion (BCP)

Tuesday 2nd January

10.45am Jo Benson Day Centre Communion

11.40am Bemerton Lodge Care Home Communion

1.30pm Hedley Davis Court Communion

Visitors are Welcome at the Hedley Davis Court Communion

Tuesday 16th January 7.30pm St Michael’s Prayers for the Parish

Bemerton Parish transport Scheme If you need a lift to Church or other events, either every week or occasionally please ring Ruth Main and she will do her best to find a volunteer driver to provide transport.

Call Ruth on 01722 679334 / Mobile 07751354667

House Groups

Shirley’s - every Monday in term time at 7.30pm. Meeting on 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th January Contact Shirley 320355.

Laurence’s - alternate Tuesdays at 2 Woodside Rd at 7.30 pm. Meeting on 23rd January Contact Laurence 556530.

Susan’s - Wednesdays 2.30 - 4.30pm at 96 Heath Rd. Meeting on 10th & 24th January Contact Susan 01980 652751

Maureen’s - Meets monthly on a Thursday 7.30pm. Meeting on 11th January Contact Maureen 333847

Advance Notice

Weekend Away - At Home

16th - 18th March 2018

Time to spend together to seek God and Explore the Vision for our Parish

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Thought for the Month

Mark Chapter 13 - The Little Apocalypse

Just stop and read Chapter 13 - it will only take 5 minutes. Notice how it sticks out like a sore thumb in the gospel. All the rest is narrative, dialogue, but this is like something from a

horror movie! In fact, all the language about the end times, and desolating sacrifices identifies it as a special type of writing. Its not poetry, or history, or prophecy - like most of the Bible. This is “apocalyptic” writing. Only found in parts of Ezekiel, the Book of Revelation, and here, in Chapter 13. In fact it begins and ends

in such a way that you could lift the whole chapter out and it wouldn’t change the story or meaning one bit. Some experts think that’s what happened - it just got copied from somewhere else and put in, some say its not even written by Mark but

someone else.

Can I say that wherever it comes from, I believe its God’s will that its in the gospel, that God worked through the church in putting the Bible together, and that He wants to use it to speak to us in these days.

So this little apocalypse is almost certainly referring to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which happened under Emperor Nero in AD 70. Scholars agree on that! Of course they disagree about whether Mark was being prophetic, or Jesus was,

and they date it to AD 66 - or that Mark wrote it to tie it to real events that had just happened - so they date it to AD 70.

What we need to grasp is that it is at most 37 years since Jesus was crucified and rose again. 37 years since the angel said - “this

Jesus whom you have seen ascend into heaven, will come back in the same way..”

Imagine seeing Jesus do miracles? Seeing him heal the sick? Teaching such profound wisdom.

And then seeing him die, or hearing about that Passover in

Jerusalem. And seeing him alive again the bible says there were 3000 who saw him after the resurrection. And of course

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everyone knew that he said he would return. So when would it

be? This week? Next year at the Passover?

Paul is writing letters saying - don’t bother getting married, the Lord will be back before long.

The early church are obsessed with watching for Jesus return.

They were constantly looking at old testament signs of the end of the world. Looking for him. Many people had missed Jesus the first time round, even the scribes and Pharisees (headline - vicars can get it wrong!). So they’re not sure - they don’t want to miss it again.

This is the audience that Mark is writing to. And, the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem is one of the clearest old Testament signs of the Day of the Lord - the day of Judgement (which gradually moves from being thought of as a good thing - hurray

God’s coming, to a bad thing - oh no God’s coming). So the church might be led astray into thinking that this means Jesus has returned.

And Mark says - yes, Jesus is near, but keep watching, keep vigilant. And its a good job he did. For the destruction in AD 70

was not the mark of Jesus return. And since then Mark’s apocalypse becomes a warning to expect persecution, dramatic signs in earth and heaven - but not to be distracted by them, but focus on waiting for Jesus.

And we’ll know it when he comes, oh yes, we’ll know it. Like lightning that lights the sky from one end to the

other. And until then, we should keep watching and waiting, staying awake.

Simon

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The Listening Place

The Listening Place has been serving the community in and around Salisbury for 12 years and its trained Listeners offer a free and confidential drop-in service. Sometimes we all just need someone to talk to.

What do we Offer? • A free confidential service. • A safe and private place to talk about whatever is on your mind. • A trained listener who will not interrupt, advise or judge you. • Opportunities to find your own way forward.

Who are the Listeners? We are ordinary people who have volunteered to help provide this service. We have all undertaken training courses developed by Acorn Healing Foundation. We all hold current clearances to ensure confidentiality and safety.

Who do we Help? You can share anything that is on your mind. Nothing is too trivial or too serious. A skilled listener can help you explore the dilemmas you may be facing and help you find a way to deal with them.

Is all this In Confidence? In the vast majority of cases our service is absolutely confidential. However, there are some circumstances where we are required by law to pass information on to a third party. In this unlikely event, we would always discuss it with you first.

What people say about our service "It's so good to know there are really wise trained people here" "The Listening Place helped me to feel more in control of my own life" "I felt strengthened, calmed and encouraged after my Listening Place appointment" "I don’t know what I would have done if there hadn’t been someone there to listen to me" "Being with someone willing to listen was crucial. It was such a relief just to feel heard" "Having someone listen to me for as long as I needed, just when I needed it was such a support”

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Useful Numbers

Emergency Gas number 0800 111999

Fire & Rescue (non emergency) 01380 732601

Police (non emergency) 101

NHS Health Enquiries 111

Samaritans 01722 323555

Citizens Advice Bureau 08443752775

Neighbourhood Policing team salisburynpt@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Salisbury Medical Practice would like to take this

opportunity to keep the parish residents informed.

Parkinson’s Café: 2nd Monday of every

month 2pm-3pm The Wylye Room of Salisbury Medical

Practice

Carer’s Café: 1st Tuesday of every month 10:30am - 11:30am

Fountain Café - Salisbury Medical Practice

For details about the full range of

support groups, please contact Katy on 01722 333034 or email

katy.gillingham@nhs.net.

Knit and Natter 1pm – 3pm

2nd & 4th Friday of every month The Wylye Room at Fisherton

House

Come along to have a chat with others and enjoy a cup of tea or

coffee.

Anyone who loves knitting or would love to learn how to knit

can attend! Needles and wool can be provided.

Annie’s out of house wool shop in Wilton facilitates the group.

Contact Katy for further details.

We are at Coffee and Chat, St Michaels Community Centre, Tuesday - From 11.00am - 1:30pm.

Also at Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmunds Church St Mondays - 5.30pm-7.30pm Wednesdays - 10.00am-12noon Saturdays - 10.00am-12noon 01722 325294 An answerphone operates outside these hours

http://www.thelisteningplace.org.uk/index.html

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Rector Revd Simon Woodley (Day off Saturday)

revwoodley@me.com 01722 333750

Associate Priest Revd Susan Drewett (Day off Thursday)

rev.susandrewett@btinternet.com 01980 652751

Assistant Curate & Minister with Deaf & Hard of Hearing People Revd Neil Robinson (Day off Wednesday)

coolie66smiley@gmail.com 07717 055219 (text only)

Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) Mrs Gillian Newton

gillian.newton@ntlworld.com 01722 505692

Parish Administrator

Keren Mercer bemerton.parish@yahoo.co.uk 01722 328031

Lay Pastoral Assistants

Revd Susan Drewett (Team Leader) 01980 652751

Geoffrey Herbert 324466 Jenny Thomas 320294

Denise Wells 322783 Helen Pessell 333604

Debbie Ford 332457

Church Wardens

St Michael’s St Andrew’s & St John’s

Laurence Newton 07969816999 Hilary Bird 333839

Treasurer

Gillian Newton 505692

St Michael’s Community Centre ccm.st.mikes@gmail.com

To arrange Baptisms, weddings etc contact the Rector.

Answerphone messages will get a reply.

St. Michael's Rectory, St. Michael's Rd, Salisbury, SP2 9LE

We Love Bemerton www.bemertonparish.org.uk

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EVOLUTION

MOTOR COMPANY

36 Middleton Rd,

Salisbury SP2 7AY

Simon Kerley

servicing and repairs

all makes of cars,

diagnostics, welding, MOT,

Air Conditioning

tel 01722 325313

A TRADITIONAL VILLAGE PUB WITH

A WARM WELCOME, GREAT REAL

ALES & HOME COOKED FOOD

WHITEHORSEQUIDHAMPTON.CO.UK

LOWER ROAD QUIDHAMPTON SP2 9AS

01722 744448

THE WHITE HORSE AT

QUIDHAMPTON

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Need a Venue?

Meetings, Parties etc

Quidhampton

Village Hall

£6 per hr Summer, £10 per hr Winter

Bookings: Sabine Dawson 556890

Gardening? Maintenance? General DIY Help?

Do you need help with your garden

or someone to do it for you?

call Paul on 07840 564 973