Jane is enrolled as a Companion of the Society of St Francis by Brother Damian.1

The Sodbury Vale BeneficeChipping Sodbury, Old Sodbury, Horton & Little Sodbury

mag

azin

e

Jane is welcomed as aCompanion of the Society

of St FrancisSee Page 10 for a report by

David Webster

2

ContactsRector The Rev. Canon JaneKenchington, 01454 313159email jane@kenchington.plus.com

Assistant Curate The Rev. Val Bexon,01453 521417email:valeriebexon@onetel.com

Regular Weekly EventsMonday 8.45am Morning Prayer,

St John’s Chipping Sodbury7.30pm Bell Ringers’ practice

Church Tower Chipping SodburyWednesday 8.30am Morning Prayer,

St John’s Chipping SodburyThursday 8.45am Morning Prayer,

10.00am Holy CommunionSt John’s Chipping Sodbury

7.00pm Choir Practice,St John’s Chipping Sodbury

Friday 10.00am Tubbie TotsChurch Centre Chipping Sodbury

7.00pm Youth Club (age 11-18)Baptist Church Centre

ChurchwardensChipping SodburyPaul Jones-Williams1 Meadow Mead, Yate01454 324970Keith Stanley132 Harescombe, Yate01454 319467

Old SodburyVal Walker16A Melrose Avenue, Yate01454 318286Tony Dixon16 Chatterton Road, Yate, BS37 4BJ01454 321 528

Little SodburyNigel RawlinsLittle Sodbury House, Little Sodbury,BS37 6QA01454 312 269Nancy NagleWinchcombe Cottage,Little Sodbury End01454 319798

HortonTina Hildick-SmithKirrin House, King Lane, Horton01454 320380

Church OfficeOpen during term timeMonday, Tuesday & Thursday mornings9.00 - 12.00 01454 325160Emailsodburyvalebenefice@gmail.comWeb Sitewww.sodburyvalechurches.wordpress.com

AdvertisingSylvia FranklinSt. John’s Church Centre07788 111 726

April DeadlinePlease can you have all editorial to

Michelle by March 12th.

If you would like to know more aboutthe Christian faith or are thinking

about baptism or confirmation pleasespeak to Jane or Val

3

Dear Friends,

Recently, at Diocesan Synod, I saw a presentation by the Diocesan Department of Childrenand Young People. In it they featured a DVD in which a number of children spoke a bit abouttheir faith. At the end of the DVD clip, each child told us how old they would be in 10 years’time. The question we were all left with was, “What will the Church have done in nurturingthose children’s faith in the following 10 years?” When we think about the children in ourchurches and the many children who we don’t see very much (if at all) in our churches – thesame question remains: what are we planning to do in the next 10 years to help them grow intheir faith?

Across this Benefice we have recognised which churches are in a position to offer all-ageworship services and we continue to build on that. We have good relationships with the threeChurch Schools and the Open the Book Teams go into two of the schools on a regular basis.The Crib Festival drew in children. But there’s more to do.

One thing I have been powerfully reminded of is that work with children doesn’t come downto one or two people working with them every week. It is the responsibility of the whole church– the Body of Christ. Since I have been here, the failure to do this is writ large in that in StJohn’s Chipping Sodbury, for instance, we have no children’s work happening during thesermon slot.

The people who used to do it had no proper team working with them and now that they haveleft, the work has fallen into abeyance. This is catastrophic in that it doesn’t serve well thechildren who do continue to come to St John’s on Sundays when there isn’t all-age worshipAND the absence of such work will fail to attract any new families to the Church.

I invite you to ponder that question, “What will the Church have done in nurturing thosechildren’s faith in the following 10 years?” and I ask you to pray and think about this andconsider how you as part of the Body of Christ in this place could play your part in nurturingour children’s faith.With love and prayers,

Rev. Canon Jane, Kenchington, 01454 313159, email:jane@kenchington.plus.com

4

MarketCross

Baptisms: We welcomed into the Church:Benjamin Thomas Pritchard andIsaac Charles Smith on 26th Februaryat Old SodburyFunerals:We extend our sympathy to the familyand friends of:

Jeanette Grace Bush (Diana Bush) 88on 15th February at Little Sodbury withBurial.

Our Archdeacon announceshis retirementThe Archdeacon of Gloucester, TheVenerable Geoffrey Sidaway, hasannounced his retirement, but with a twist!He will leave his current role and retire as

Canon Residentiary ofthe Cathedral, but willhave no time to rest ashe takes up the post ofPriest in Charge of thebenefice of Highnam,Lassington, Rudford,Tibberton and Taynton.

Archdeacon Geoffreycame to the diocese

from Canterbury in 2000. He first served asArchdeacon to Bishop David Bentley andsince 2004 Bishop Michael.

Bishop Michael said of Geoffrey's retirement."Geoffrey has been exemplary through thelast twelve years. We have much to bethankful for in his ministry.”

Archdeacon Geoffrey will officially retire on31 May this year and will then move on tohis new post.

A special leaving service will take place atGloucester Cathedral on Friday 18 May at7.30pm. everyone is welcome.

5

Lynn Edwards MA, MCIEH, MCIH

Domestic Energy AssessorTel: 07973 166 692or 01454 323 340

Email: office@lenergy-assessor.co.uk

Energy Performance Certificates for:

Sales,

Rental & Holiday Lets,

Floor Plans

The Children’s Society AnnualBox Collection 2010/11We have raised £770.22 this year.  Thankyou all for your most generous donations.Hilary Hurley 01454 311515

The Children’s Society PrayerLoving Lord, we thank you for The Children’sSociety as it reaches out to young peopleexperiencing pain and injustice.Guide and strengthen its work alongsidechildren and young people who are home-less and on the streets, in prison or facingproblems in the community.Grant us the wisdom to listen to the voicesof the young and to respect their gifts andinsights.Help us to work with them to create a fairand just society where we may all know thefullness of your love.Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

6

Rotary 'Unsung Hero' Awardannounced - 26 January 2012For many years The Rotary Club ofChipping Sodbury has given an award to aperson who has made a significant differenceto their community over and above whatwould normally be expected.The 2012 winner of the 'Unsung Hero'Award was announced this week andpresented to Ms Sandi Hardwick, leader of1st Westerleigh Guides and 1st ChippingSodbury Rainbows.

Sandi hasbeen heavilyinvolved withthe GuidingMovementfor over 30years and weare delightedto be in aposition torecognise andreward herfor herdedicationand tirelessefforts in the

local community' commented RotaryPresident Anthony Bourne.A busy mother with four children, Sandimanages to juggle her family life and herGuiding commitments and make it look easy.She considers every girl who passes throughher Rainbows or Guide groups as anindividual and always has a smile and kindword for everyone she encounters.The people she supports and works with inthe community nominated Sandi for theaward. They commented on many aspects ofSandi's very busy life and her achievements,saying that she 'is a force for good in thecommunity' and that 'her work is the reason

why hundreds of girls in the ChippingSodbury and Yate area grow up with a strongsense of purpose and self-worth'.In addition to receiving a certificate Sandiwas awarded £250 to donate to a registeredcharity of her choice.

Mrs. E.J. GauntlettM.Ch.S.

HPC REGISTEREDCHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST

6 Beaufort Mews7 Horse Street

Chipping SodburySouth Glos.BS37 6DA

Telephone: (01454) 319083

Tuesday, Wednesday,& Saturday Mornings

7

RichMcD Photography

Jonathan Crow – Director ofMusic at St John’s Church,Chipping SodburyAt the end of March, Jon will be leavingus and moving to Munich where he'lltake up a new job with NATO. We aresad to see him go, but wish him well inhis new post.Since Jon first came to us in April 2005,he has brought with him a great skill inorgan playing and a depth of spiritualitywhich have both enhanced our worship.On behalf of St John's Church, ChippingSodbury, I'd like to say a huge "Thankyou" to him for all he has given us.We hope he and his wife, Emevie, settlesmoothly and quickly into their newhome and enjoy living in Germany!

Jane Kenchington

S

All About MiBeauty Boutique & Training School

Treat Mum This Mothers Day

To A

Champagne Pamper Package!

Prices From Just £20!

Call07881533530

Or Visit

www.allaboutmi.co.ukFor More Details!

8

MSc(Eng), CEng, MICE, ACILAMSc(Eng), CEng, MICE, ACILAChartered Civil EngineerChartered Civil Engineer

& Chartered Loss Adjuster& Chartered Loss Adjuster

DomesticDomestic StructuralStructural EngineerEngineer

�Steelwork & timber design.�Structural surveys.�Subsidence specialist.�Foundation problems.�Project management.The Vicarage, Horse Shoe Lane,

Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6ET

Telephone: 01454 324888

Richard KenchingtonRichard Kenchington Heading northCharles and Jenny Pfeil attended their lastservice at St John’s on February 5th beforeheading to Scotland to make a new home.They will soon be living in Kilkaldy, closer

to their family but avery long way fromfriends at ChippingSodbury.As Jenny wrote “wewill miss people at St.Johns as it is a veryfriendly welcomingchurch, we hope to finda new church in “SunnyFife” where we can

continue to worship God each Sunday. Ialways enjoy St. John’s Praise, it reminds meof Spring Harvest, but I also enjoyed MessyChurch, making a “John the Baptist “doll!

GIFTS

If you are looking for that unique idea for someoneswedding or maybe even your own, then look no furtherthan us here at Swagger. We offer you a wide andunique selection of beautiful wedding planners, stylishguest books, marriage decorations and carefully chosencards. Not to mention jewellery for the bridemaids. Whynot call in today or visit us online. We’ll be happy to help.

DECORATIONS JEWELLERY CARDS

You & Swagger, a perfect marriage

Email: alice@swaggerunique.co.uk

Web: www.swaggerunique.co.uk

Swagger Unique 47 High Street,

Chipping Sodbury, BS37 6BA Tel: 01454 501004

9

email:info@funerals.uk.net www.funerals.uk.net

Private Chapels of Rest at Coalpit Heath & Yate

Local Family Cremationand Funeral Directors

118-120 Station Road,YateTel: (01454) 320005 24hr Service

Tel: (01454) 778838 24hr Service192 Badminton Road. Coalpit Heath

F. WOODRUFF

The Community of theSisters of the ChurchSt Paul’s Bristol

Dear Friends,Thank you for all your generous support atChristmas. We had a wonderful, if busyChristmas, and we are all now lookingforward to the relative peace of the comingmonths.I know you are all very aware of our missionhere. However I think it is worth sharingwith you the story of a young woman whosought our help in December. This motherof four young children had cleaned up herlife in recent years by coming off the streetand off drugs. She came to us desperatefor help as her benefits had beentemporarily stopped and did not startagain until after Christmas. Our help withfood and Christmas gifts for the childrenmade life much more bearable for her andher young family.In all we had 550 people call in the fourdays before Christmas. We gave out over1,500 food bags including our specialChristmas bags. Everyone had a presentand we gave gifts to 170 children.As always it is thanks to your help thatwe can carry on our mission here. We wishyou every blessing for the New Year.

Sisters:Hilda Mary, Rosina, Margaret Sarah,Sue, and Shirley Anna

10

SODBURY VALE BENEFICE’S LENTCOURSE 2012:

A five-week course entitled“OUR LIFE OF PRAYER”

led by the Rev Pauline Green

All the meetings will be in the Church Centre,Wickwar Road, Chipping Sodbury.

They will run on Wednesday evenings at 7.30am starting onWednesday 29 February and

Thursday mornings at 11am starting on 1 March.

Wednesday 29 February & Thursday 1 March:

Session 1: Basic Essentials

Wednesday 7 March & Thursday 8 March:

Session 2: Learning to Listen

Wednesday 14 March & Thursday 15 March:

Session 3: Dealing with Difficulties

Wednesday 21 March & Thursday 22 March:

Session 4: Going Deeper

Wednesday 28 March & Thursday 29 March:

Thurlestone, South DevonMannings,The Drive, Downs Road

� Self Catering� Pet Friendly� Open All Year� Wonderful Sea Views� Parking for 2 cars� Sleeps 6-10 people� 3 Bedrooms, 2 Futons

01454 313880Call Bob Alcock

bobandsueal@gmail.com

HOLIDAY HOME

Confusion De-confusedOn Sunday 29th January 2012 ourBenefice Service included the admissionof our rector, the Revd Canon JaneKenchington, as a Companion of TheSociety of St Francis. The visitingofficiant, Brother Damian, a Franciscanmonk, read out the obligations to whichJane assented. They are:

· To pray regularly for the Societyof St Francis and its members

· To support its work in any wayshe can

· To aim at simplicity of life· To help those in need· To strive to bring others to the

knowledge and love of ChristConfusion arose in my mind because Ihad confused the “Community of StFrancis” with the “Companions of StFrancis” I wondered how Jane could take

on all the responsibilities of the membersof the “Community”. However, this wasnot the case. She assented only to theabove obligations, and remains our vicar.Thanks be to God.

As followers ofChrist, we ALLhave the privilegeto be members ofthe “Community ofChrist”, theChurch Universal,and theCompanions ofChrist. Sometimesit would be helpfulto make an openstatement of this,as the Methodists

do in their annual Covenant Service.A point to ponder?

David Webster

11

A Dangerous LoveI am a ChristianMuslim woman.    It isdifficult to describewhat it’s like.Believing Jesus isdangerous for many ofus in the Middle East.

I came to know Jesus through a radiobroadcast.  The speaker shared aboutGod, Jesus and the free gift of salvation.I tried to see how these Christians had itall wrong. But the more I tried, the harderit became.  Something was drawing me tothe story of Jesus.  Free forgiveness!  Icould not believe it.  I was taught that aprice had to be paid to earn paradise.  Butthat night I understood that Jesus had paidthe price for me.I continued to listen to these broadcastsand wrestle with questions.  Then one day,

with sudden clarity, I sensed the power ofJesus and of true freedom.  I’ll never forgetthe moment I gave my life to Jesus.  Onmy knees beside the kitchen table, Isurrendered to His incredible gift.It was painful for me not to tell anyoneabout this important moment, but it is notthe custom here for a woman to make adecision without the approval of herhusband.  It has been three years and itis hard.  I constantly pray for my husband– in fact, I love our five daily prayer timesmore than I used to because I can talk toJesus freely about my family.  My husbanddoes not understand this person of Jesusor the gift of forgiveness, yet.  This gift ofLife was free but the Relationship comesat a cost.  I am a Christian with a Muslimhome.  This is my price for following Christ.

Sunflowers Toddler GroupOld Sodbury School:Sunflowers is a small, friendly

toddler group which runs everyWednesday from 10.00am - 11.30am atOld Sodbury CE Primary School, duringterm time.The group takes place in the school hall,with a variety of toys and colouringactivities, occasional crafts and a story.Children can use the school playgroundand field during break time, when weatherpermits. On the last Wednesday of eachterm we are entertained by Sarah fromJazzy Jamboree.Entry is £1.00 for the first child and 50p forsiblings, which includes tea/coffee forparents/carers and a fruit snack with wateror squash for the children.

New mums are always welcome,so please come along;

entry for your first visit is free.

The author can not benamed for safety reasons

12

Crib Festival 20125 – 9 DecemberAt the January PCC meeting, we agreedto run the Crib Festival again this year.Last year’s was a great success – and thatwas largely down to you volunteering tobe in the Church at different times duringthe Festival. The town recognised this andthe Lions Group admitted that they hadhad the most successful Victorian Dayever and that was down to the mildweather AND the Crib festival.They all expectedit to happen again– along with thecamel and donkeyprocession. And itwill happen – thecamel has alreadybeen booked andthe Chamber ofCommerce isprepared to payfor half of the cost of hiring it.The three aims of the Crib Festival(communicating the Good news of God ina novel way; building partnerships with thetown; raising the profile of the Church)were all met and we continue to build onwhat we achieved last year.I hope you will be willing to help asvolunteers again

WE NEED YOU, please!We can spend time worrying about howwe can be a Missional church, connectingwith our local community and this Festivalis one way of being a Missional Church.

So please put the dates in your diary –even though in March, December seemsa long time away.

Jane Kenchington

Photo courtesy of Rich McD

1311

UNIT 5, HATTERS LANE,CHIPPING SODBURY,BRISTOL, BS37 6AA

TEL: 01454 311663 or 077 33 327 792MARTIN RICHINGS MOTOR REPAIRERS LTD .

For the complete service!● Specialist motor repairs ●● Engine diagnostic tuning ● Your Local● General servicing & MOT ●

...why pay big garage prices?● Quality pre-owned cars ● MOT Centre...at a budget to suit your pocket

MOTS BY APPOINTMENT

www.martinrichings-carsales.co.uk

Don’t QuitWhen things go wrong, as they sometimes willWhen the road you’re trudging seems all up hillWhen funds are low and debts are highAnd you want to smile but you have to sighWhen care is pressing you down a bitRest if you must, but do not quit!

Life is strange with its twists and turnsAs every one of us sometime learnsAnd many a failure turns aboutWhen they might have won if they’d stuck it outDon’t give up though the pace seems slowYou may succeed with another blow

Success to failure turned inside outThe silver tint in the clouds of doubtAnd you never can tell how close you areIt may be near when it seems so farSo stick to the fight when you’re hardest hitIt’s when things seem worseTHAT YOU MUST NOT QUIT!

Steve BlakeneyPlumbing and Heating

C.I.P.H.E. Registered PlumberOil Installation and Service

(OFTEC reg.)Bathrooms and TilingHeating System Power

FlushingRenewable Energy

Solar Energy and Air SourceHeat Pumps

Tel: 01454 294875Mobile: 07778 362623

14

8

W E L C O M E T O T H E M O D A H O U S EWhether you're looking for a relaxing weekend break away, celebrating that

special occasion or perhaps just visiting the area on business we canaccommodate your individual requirements.

� Bed and Breakfast� 11 individually styled rooms� Excellent breakfast using fresh local produce� FREE parking and FREE WiFi� Within easy reach of the M4 and M5� Meeting room

To make a reservation or for more details simply email enquiries@modahouse.co.ukor telephone 01454 312135

1 High Street, Chipping Sodbury, South Glos. BS37 6BA. www.modahouse.co.uk

Egg-citing news!The only Easter Egg to mention theEaster story is back for a second year.

Launched lastyear, the RealEaster Egg –proved hugelypopular withchurches,schools andthe generalpublic. Despiteits obviousappeal, onceagain

supermarkets have still not placed largeenough orders to meet the likelydemand. There’s a free Easter storybooklet which comes in each box, andwhen you open the lid, you will see

‘Happy Easter’ and, for the first time everon an Easter Egg, there is a quote fromthe bible - the resurrection text fromMark.As an added bonus, a donation from thesale of each egg goes to Traidcraft tosupport its vital overseas developmentwork with small-scale farmers andartisans. Orders have already startedcoming in and thousands of eggs havebeen sold to previous customers. Withyour help we can change the Easter eggmarket forever by making it morespiritual, more generous and morefaithful.How to orderThe eggs cost £3.99 each and you canorder them from Jane and Paul Jones-Williams by calling 07980240103 orvisiting their stall at Chipping SodburyFarmer’s Markets, Saturdays 10th and24th March.

15

Sodbury Vale Benefice Calendar March 2012Thurs 15th 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s C/S

10.45am Coffee Shop Church Centre C/S11.00am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Sun 4thSecond Sunday

of Lent

8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s C/S9.30am St John’s Praise St John’s C/S11.15am Mattins (BCP) St James’ Horton11.15am Family Communion St John’s O/S6.00pm Evensong (BCP) St Adeline’s L/S

Wed 7th 1.30pm Women’s Fellowship Church Centre C/S7.30am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Thurs 8th 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s C/S10.45am Coffee Shop Church Centre C/S11.00am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Sat 10th 9.00am Benefice Prayer Meeting Church Centre C/SSun 11th

Third Sundayof Lent

9.30am Parish Communion St John’s C/S11.15am Holy Communion St James’ Horton11.15am St John’s Praise St John’s O/S6.00pm Evensong (BCP) St Adeline’s L/S

Mon 12th 7.30pm Mothers’ Union St John’s C/STue 13th 3.00pm Meditation Meeting 10 Lark Rise, YateWed 14th 7.30am Lent Course Church Centre C/SThurs 15th 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s C/S

10.45am Coffee Shop Church Centre C/S11.00am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Sat 17th 9.00am Benefice Prayer Meeting Church Centre C/SSun 18th

Fourth SundayofLent

MotheringSunday

9.30am Family Communion St John’s C/S11.15am Morning Prayer (CW) St James’ Horton11.15am Holy Communion (BCP) St John’s O/S6.00pm Evensong (BCP) St Adeline’s L/S

Wed 21st 1.30pm Women’s Fellowship Church Centre C/S7.30am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Thur 22nd 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s C/S10.45am Coffee Shop Church Centre C/S11.00am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Sat 24th 9.00am Benefice Prayer Meeting Church Centre C/SSun 25th

Fifth Sundayof Lent

Passion Sunday

9.30am Parish Communion St John’s C/S11.15am Family Communion (CW) St James’ Horton11.15am Morning Praise St John’s O/S6.00pm Holy Communion (BCP) St Adeline’s L/S

Tue 27th 3.00pm Meditation Meeting 10 Lark Rise, YateWed 28th 7.30am Lent Course Church Centre C/SThurs 29th 10.00am Holy Communion St John’s C/S

10.45am Coffee Shop Church Centre C/S11.00am Lent Course Church Centre C/S

Sat 31st 9.00am Benefice Prayer Meeting Church Centre C/S

16

Did you know?4 million members in 84 countries, that’sMothers’Union today. A knowledgeable, upto date, Anglican charity from a Victorianbeginning in 1875 by a vicar’s wife. Biblereading, study and prayer is the basis ofeverything, combined with practical adviceand help to improve family life. From thatsmall country parish this work has spreadaround the world.

Most people know of Mothers’Union butknow nothing about what the organisationactually does so here are some of theongoing overseas support projects· Marriage and family life is supported by

parenting groups.· Literacy, numeracy and business training

is provided to enable families to earn abetter standard of living

· Home care is taught, particularlyregarding HIV/Aids (which is a majorissue as approximately 60% ofgrandparents are sole carers of theirorphaned grandchildren)

· Prison ministry providing food andsupport for prisoners.

· Providing specialist tuition on growingcrops and animal care also providing theanimals themselves (a chicken forexample could then go on to provideeggs for the family)

Nearly all these projects are run by locallytrained Mothers’Union members and willbenefit the whole community in the long run.

What else do we do? - MU has arepresentative on the committee forWomen’s Rights at the United Nations. Itcampaigns against the trafficking and abuseof women and girls. The ‘Bailey Review’ anofficial independent document

commissioned by the government regardingthe commercialisation and sexualisation ofchildren was chaired by Reg Bailey, the chiefexecutive of Mothers’Union.

What do we do at home? - In this dioceseMothers’Union is involved with crèchefacilities in prisons, a free money adviceservice, AFIA (away from it all holidays) forfamilies that need a break, literacy andparenting classes, plus much much more.Retreats and quiet days are organised, a‘Wave of prayer’ is going around the worldand our slot is in April. Prayer is the mostimportant part of everything we do.

Most members in our branch are not asactive now as they were, but we have all heldvarious offices in Mothers’Union in yearspast: leaders, deanery leaders, trustees anddiocesan positions, as well as alwayssupporting church activities and beinginvolved in various roles in the church. In2010 this branch celebrated 100 years of MUin Chipping Sodbury; to commemorate thiswe funded parenting classes in the WestIndies, literary classes in Burundi and theMothers’Union in Uganda, also the openingand continuation of a nursery facility forchildren in Madagascar.

We continue to support St John’s with ourpresence and financially, by providing theoranges for the Christingle services, thepolyanthus for Mothering Sunday and morerecently a donation towards the chairs forthe church centre. I would ask you all to prayfor the ability of the Mothers’Union to carryout this important work supporting familiesat home and abroad. If you would like toknow more about this amazing organisationplease contact Audrey Fasey through theChurch Office on 01454 325160