the parish magazine of the bridgnorth and morville …...extension to the church to house a toilet,...

www.bridgnorthteamministry.org.uk 1 July/August 2020

CROSS+LINK Linking Parish Churches around Bridgnorth

SS Peter + Paul St Mary Magdalene

CROSS+LINK Linking Parish Churches around Bridgnorth

Astley Abbotts Oldbury Quatford Bridgnorth

St Calixtus St Nicholas St Mary Magdalene

Tasley

Acton Round Bridgn Aston Eyre Monkhopton Upton Cressett

St James’ Hall St Mary the Virgin Aston Eyre

Morville

St Gregory the Great St Michael’s

St Leonards Hall

Bridgnorth

The Parish Magazine of the Bridgnorth and Morville Parishes Team Ministry July/August 2020

St Peter’s


CLERGY THOUGHTS

Dear Friends

Welcome to this double issue of Crosslink. As I sit down to write and

look back over the recent weeks, I find that some memories burst into

my mind as explosions of colour like a firework in the night sky, while

others arrive quietly waiting their turn to be noticed and revisited. We

sadly said our goodbyes to Diana Bufton in June, it was a privilege

and very moving to stand with others and say goodbye as the hearse

drove slowly down East Castle Street after first stopping outside St

Mary’s. The way we pay our respects and bid farewell to old friends

and loved ones is just one of the many changes we have experienced

during these difficult days. I have often heard it described as a series

of highs and lows, like being cast adrift in a small boat during a storm.

I marvel at the fact that what starts out as so strange can become the

norm, and by God’s grace and mercy we do learn to adapt and cope.

There have been many new experiences for me during this time of

lockdown, not all of them bad. If I had been told a few short months

ago I would be posting videos and voice recordings on the internet I

would have laughed at the ridiculousness of the idea. Well again by

God’s grace, I have indeed laughed but not in the way I expected; and

a good source of amusement has been the many ways in which our

relationship with technology developed as we took our first tentative

steps into the world of virtual church. There were the repeated

explanations about how to connect with and ‘unmute’ Zoom (other

software is also available). Once during a meeting a friend joined from

their bed as they had over slept, fortunately they didn’t sleep naked.

On another occasion during a zoom house group meeting one of our

number needed to pop off to wash their smalls because they’d been

allocated a set time to use the laundry. Having left their camera on,

when they re-joined the conversation, washing liquid in hand, all

thought of things spiritual went out of the window in the face of

questioning, about why they were not using an eco- friendly brand!

Such fun and teasing followed. Some people have been kind enough

to compliment the team on the Sunday services and how professional


they look, but as you will see from the picture below for some of us

it’s more Heath Robinson than Songs of Praise.

During all this time whether the waves were high or low, I

believed it was God’s presence, His grace keeping me calm

and giving me the confidence to do and even enjoy things I

knew in my own strength I could not. In the early weeks of

lockdown I found that the more I was told to stay at home

and social distance the more I wanted to go out and be

close to people. Then just when you have a sort of routine

established and your little boat is on an even keel the day

comes that you are told you can go out, funny thing is, you

are not sure you want to. All of those images from the

television news crowd in, so many opinions making one feel

as vulnerable and as exposed as if we were indeed adrift on

the open sea. But God provides for us in a storm tossed sea

an anchor that will hold us safe. We need to trust and have faith in

Him. Hebrews 11:1 explains faith this way: “Now faith is confidence

in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”


Hebrews 11:6 continues thus: “And without faith it is impossible to

please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he

exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

We don’t know what new challenges await us, but we do know God.

We can have faith and trust in Him, I have lost count of the number of

times I have thanked God that He is with me, always ready to listen,

to lift me up. I have repeated over and over the promises of His

faithfulness that we find in the Bible. They remind us of the truth that

we are loved with an everlasting love. How is your faith in God? Is it

strong like the anchor the hymn writer describes that is fastened to an

immovable rock grounded firm and deep in the saviour’s love? I pray

that it is and that you will be encouraged and prompted by the Holy

Spirit to get out your Bibles, spend time in His word and in His

presence as you read about the promises of God for His people. May

you know and experience His love afresh and be reassured that the

guiding light of His presence is enough no matter how big the waves

may get.

As always love and hugs (virtual ones of course)

Jane

ST NICOLAS OLDBURY, WITH EARDINGTON

Lockdown church, locked church. As church warden the

inventory should have been checked and signed off before

our (cancelled) annual meeting in April, but the pandemic

intervened. This week I opened up and took in the familiar

sight, but with fresh eyes: unused books with curled covers

on a bookcase donated who knows when, spider strands

linking pew to pew to pew, a scattering of dead woodlice,

windows hung with lace webs and every surface dotted with

evidence of insect life. In contrast, tucked away are some

beautifully crafted items, once no doubt essential for the

ministry, but not used now in living memory. It made me


wonder what would we deem essential for our regular

worship if we were starting from scratch today?

People still show their care despite the building itself being locked.

Thank you to Joan and Steven Thomas for funding the replacement

marble chancel step that has been breaking up in recent years and to

stonemason Thomas Corley for carrying out the work. Thanks are

due to groundsman Tony Norgrove who continues in his care of the

churchyard and to neighbour Christine Stockdale who tends the

triangular flower bed by the porch.

Lockdown church, lockdown worship. Not being able to gather

together, to worship, sing, pray, listen, chat together has been hard. I

have found Marjorie's “virtual vicar” a blessing as I like to sit quietly to

read the readings and her reflection on them. Others enjoy joining in

with virtual worship on Facebook, You tube or the TV. Valuable

though they all are they are but a pale reflection of face to face

contact.

Lockdown church, limited contact. This in many ways is the hardest

aspect of the pandemic. Not being able to see friends, nor visit those

who are ill or on their own; the silence when someone goes off the

radar and there is no-one to contact for news. It must be like that for

parents whose son or daughter goes traveling to the Amazon and

there is no news for weeks.

Lockdown: time to focus, to get things done, no excuses to

procrastinate till one has more time. Still, I get to the end of each day

with the “to do” list incomplete, but that is ok as there is always

tomorrow – I hope! St Nicholas church has reached the stage of

consulting the Diocesan Advisory Committee on our ideas for an

extension to the church to house a toilet, small kitchen and storage,

to make the building more welcoming and convenient. Whilst we

await their response we are considering how else to make the church

more welcoming: thinking about first impressions when visitors open

the porch door; more convenient: investigating sound systems so that

everyone can take part in services, talks and musical events.


This past week has seen a relaxing of lockdown and the wildflower

patch has seen picknickers taking advantage of the sunshine and

shade offered by the two beech trees. One, a young family half way

through a long walk taking a break for refreshment, another couple

meeting a friend at social distance at a place mutually convenient.

When Covid 19 is a distant memory and the volunteer group can

return to tending the wildflower patch I hope many more people, both

local and those passing through, will enjoy this space.

I am off now to tackle those cobwebs and apply a little tlc whilst Q

wields polish and duster in readiness for the church reopening for

private prayer.

Lord Jesus,

Though we are separated from each other, walk alongside each of us;

may we hear your voice in the silence and know we are not alone;

Comfort us in our loss and loneliness;

Be our advocate when we can not express ourselves, when we

struggle with prayer and the world seems grey;

You are the way, the truth and the life. Your way is the path of love.

May our lives be guided by that love.

Amen

Dorothy Leiper


ECO ERIC’S UNDER 8’S

COLOURING COMPETITION

Calling all budding Picassos. Colour in the

picture and send your entries marked Eco

Eric Under 8’s Competition to: The Rectory

East Castle Street Bridgnorth, Shropshire. Please include your

name age and contact details on the reverse of the picture. There

are 2 prizes of Fairtrade chocolate for under 4’s and 5-8 year olds.

Entries close on August 10th. Winners will be contacted and

announced in September’s edition of Crosslink.

Happy Colouring !!


CROSS+LINK Colouring Competition

Under 8’s

Name………………………………………………

Age………………………………………………………

Contact details:………………………..

…………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………….

Please send entries to: -

The Rectory

East Castle Street

Bridgnorth,

Shropshire

WV16 4AL


ECO ERIC’S DESIGN

COMPETION 8-13 YEAR

OLDS.

Calling all budding designers out there. We would love you to design for

us a poster promoting ways in which we can help to take care of our

planet. It can promote sustainability in a variety of areas e.g recycling,

shopping, transport to name just a few. Your poster should be no larger

than A4 size and should have your age and contact details on the

reverse. All entries to be marked:

Eco Eric Poster Competition and sent to - The Rectory, East Castle

Street. Bridgnorth. Shropshire. There are 2 prizes of Fairtrade chocolate,

one for under 10’s and another for 10-13 year olds. Entries close on

August 10th. Winners will be announced in September’s edition of

Crosslink.

Good luck!!

Eco Eric needs you! Competition open to

all ages.

In fact we all do.

We are certain there is a lot of untapped wisdom out there to do with

ways in which we can all make a difference as we care for our planet.

Can you come up with and share with us any really practical and useful

tips to add to Eco Eric’s growing collection. To sweeten the invitation we

thought we would make it into a competition with Fairtrade Chocolate as

the reward. Please send your entries included your contact details to –

The Rectory, East Castle Street. Bridgnorth. Shropshire. WV16 4AL


I’ve lost count of the number of times politicians have told bishops to keep their noses out of politics. We are meant to be concerned about spiritual matters, but we should leave the business of government and politics to trained professionals. I’m not sure what they would have said to Jesus. He often spoke about matters to do with money and justice that would appear to be firmly in the political realm. In fact, all of the Bible writers, particularly the prophets, saw our spiritual lives as integral to our political and economic ones.

In Isaiah’s day there was a spiritual revival with very intense worship and fasting going on in the Temple. Unfortunately, it seemed to have had no effect on the way people behaved, leading him to make the pronouncement, “Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free.”

Someone once said worship without justice is self-indulgence. If worship doesn’t make us more concerned about the unjust structures of society or determined to exercise better stewardship of the earth, its probably not the sort of worship the bible envisages.

To truly worship is to tune our hearts to God’s heart. If our hearts are tuned to his, they will beat to the same rhythm. God doesn’t measure people’s worth by the colour of their skin, the size of their bank balance, their educational attainment or their social status. The basis for justice is that we are all created in the image of God, and that creative diversity of colour and culture is a crucial part of the way God reveals himself to us. The basis for humility is that we have all fallen short and all alike need God’s forgiving love.

Our problem is we get so used to being beneficiaries in the dynamics

of power that we can’t even see there’s a problem. Its hardly

surprising that our BAME brothers and sisters call our commitment to

representative leadership into question when frankly, most of our

senior church leaders look like me. There is a long way to go in

achieving genuine justice in our society, and we need to be part of

both the conversation and by our actions the solution as well.

FROM + RICHARD


Changing back? Or changing forward?

As we come to a time when lockdown is easing there will be choices to make.

For the last three months we have been asked to live life very differently from anything we have known before.

Some of the changes we have had to make have been for the better.

Some we will be very glad to leave behind with lockdown.

It is probably worth while taking a moment or two to think, and maybe even write down, what good things you would like to keep from this time.

We could so easily rush back into old unhelpful habits.

One of the benefits of lockdown has been less pollution in the atmosphere. As we start driving, flying and shopping again what one choice for the environment would you make?

What one thing that you did before will you not go back to?

How do you see the world now, compared to how you saw it three or four months ago?

Are you more anxious? Or more frustrated?

We have lost so much time with other people

And gained so much time with ourselves.

Some of the loss will make us sad, and it may be the best thing is to find a way to be sad, and to acknowledge our losses.

In St Mary’s Bridgnorth we have been trying as a congregation to think about how to behave in a way that is more respectful of the environment. Sandie has drawn, and Sarah has knitted a little mouse called Eco Eric to help people to be reminded of ‘greener’ options for living.

Maybe you would like to make an Eco Eric to have in the house, and remind you to think green!


Sarah found this pattern on line, created by Jo Creates as Freddie Fieldmouse.

For best results you would use double knitting wool and size 3.5mm needles. (size 10 in old money)

BODY

Cast On 10 stitches

Row 1: P all stitches(10 sts) Row2: KfBx10 (20 sts)

Row3: P all stitches (20 sts) Row 4: [KfB, K1] x 10 (30 sts)

Row 5: P all stitches (30 sts) Row 6: [Kfb, K2]x10 (40 sts)

Row 7: P all stitches (40 sts) Row 8: K all stitches (40 sts)

Row 9: P all stitches (40 sts)

Row 10-13: repeat row 8 and 9 twice more

Row 14: K4, K2tog, K8, SSK, K8, K2tog, K8, SSK, K4 (36 sts)

Row 15: P all stitches (36sts) Row 16: K3, K2tog, K8, SSK, K6,

K2tog, k8, ssk, k3 (32sts)

Row 17: P all stitches (32 sts) Row 18: K2, K2tog, K8, SSK, K4,

K2tog, K8, SSK, K2 (28 sts)

Row 19: P all stitches (28 sts) Row 20: K1, K2tog, K8, SSK, K2,

K2tog, K8, SSK K1 (24 sts)

Row 21: P all stitches (24 sts) Row 22: K2tog, K8, SSK, K2tog, K8,

SSK (20 sts)

Row 23: P all stitches (20 sts) Row 24: K2tog x10 (10 sts)



HEAD

Row 1 P all stitches Row 2: KfB x 10 (20 sts)

Row 3: P all stitches (20 sts) Row 4:[K1, KfB]x10 (30 sts)


Row 7-12: Repeat row 5 & 6 three more times (30 sts)

Row 13: P all stitches (30 sts) Row 14: K2tog x 15 (15 sts)

Row 15: P all stitches (15 sts) Row 16: [K1, K2tog]x5 (10 sts)


EARS (make 2)

Cast on 8 stitches

Row 1: P all stitches (8 sts) Row 2: K2tog, K4, K2tog (6 sts)

Row 3: P all stitches(6 sts) Row 4: K2tog, K2, K2tog (4 sts)

Row 5: P all stiches (4 sts) Row 6: Kfb, K2, Kfb (6 sts)

Row 7: P all stitches (6 sts) Row 8: Kfb, K4, Kfb (8 sts)

Row 9: P all stitchesCast off all stitches(Don’t use pull-through

method for this one)

ARMS (make 2)

Cast on 5 stitches

Row 1: P all stitches (5 sts) Row 2: Kfb x5 (10 sts)


Row 5 - 10: Repeat Rows 3 and 4 three more times

Row 11: P all stitches (10 sts) Row 12: [K2tog, K1] x 3, K1 (7 sts)


Row 13: P all stitches (7 sts) Row 14: K2tog x 3, K1 (4 sts)

FEET (make 2)

Cast on 6 stitches

Row 1: P all stitches (6 sts) Row2: Kfb x6 (12 sts)


Row 5: P all stitches (12 sts) Row 6: K2togx 6 (6 sts)

Row 7: P all stitches (6 sts) Row8:K2togx3(3sts)Pull through to

cast off (see pictures above)

TAIL You need double ended needles for this, or a circular

needle

Cast on 2 stitches Push them to the other end of the needle and knit,

then repeat so that all the time you are knitting a row, and then

pushing the knitting along the needles to the other end and knitting,

without turning the needle round.

You can make it as long as you like.

Then you have to put Eco Eric together.

The cast off edge is the top of the body. Sew him up the middle of the

back. Stuff him before you sew the last bit.

With the head – you sew under the chin as it were, so that the seam

is underneath. Again, stuff the head before you sew the last few

stitches.

The arms and legs need very little stuffing. I roll a little into a sausage

and sew up the limbs round the stuffing and then sew them to the

body.


I use black wool to make the eyes and mouth, and pink for his nose.

Some mice have black noses. It depends what wool you have to

hand

TASLEY NEWS

We begin this edition of Tasley News with sadness. We have this morning heard that Kathleen Tobitt our Churchwarden and a much loved member of our congregation has sadly passed away following a long illness. Our thoughts and Prayers are with all her family and friends. As Lockdown starts to ease we still remain in very challenging times and we remember all who are affected. Here at Tasley we should have been celebrating our Patronal Service in June. Last year’s Songs of Praise was a great success and we hoped to repeat it again this year. As this will not be possible, we hope that later in the year when our Church doors are fully open and our services return to normal we can celebrate with a Songs of Praise Service of Thanksgiving.

One of the activities Jo Walker had hoped to include in this year’s AAW services was a wildlife survey of the old and new churchyards. She thought that this would be valuable in terms of celebrating and learning about God's creation and would enable us to create a list of all the amazing wildlife to be found in the churchyards. This would also fulfill one of the criteria for becoming an Eco Church.

She realised that we could still do this, despite Covid-19 and that it might be a good way of keeping in touch with our families. She invited all our AAW families to participate in the survey if they wish. She has sent them information about what to do, and they will e-mail her their findings. She will then compile an exhaustive list of the wildlife present in each churchyard.

Thinking of you all and remember we are here for each other and only a phone call away. Margaret

As this edition was going to print we were saddened to hear the news of the death of Churchwarden Kathleen Tobitt after a long illness. She was a profoundly faithful and positive presence to all around her even to the moment of her death. She will be much missed here and in her former parish of Ettington in Warwickshire where she had also been churchwarden.


ASTLEY ABBOTTS NEWS

Once again I am sitting in the garden where I have spent so much

time since March. By the time you read this the organ will have been

reserviced and look forward to hearing the wonderful notes resound

through the church.

Next week our church should be open for private prayer – Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Sundays. There will be notices around the church

indicating a one way system.

Our thanks to Clive and Nagisa for all their hard work in co-ordinating

the online services, prayers etc which is much appreciated.

Let us hope that the gradual opening of some establishments will

bring some normality to our lives.

Stay Safe

Shelah

ST. JAMES HALL CHURCH

Over the next few months plans are afoot to establish a new church congregation at St. James’ Hall, Lodge Lane, Bridgnorth. The plans are being led by the Revd Tom King, who is now living in Low Town, the Intergenerational Missioner Kate King and others. We are grateful for the efforts of so many people over the last few years, keeping an ongoing connection to the local community, that have prepared for this. We are also inviting all those who wold pray for us now to do so over the summer. Discerning what God is intending for us in the future of the community, how we might best help and also best faithfully preach the Gospel, is crucial.

As far as we are able, with lockdown restrictions now easing, we aim to begin hosting people and then, come September, begin an Alpha course and other family get-togethers. We look forward to what God will do, and the blessings that are in store for those that love him.

Tom King


MATCHSTICK SOLUTIONS

FROM LAST MONTH’S PUZZLES


News from the Deanery —1924 In our present strange unreal situation, our churches have been eerily silent for three months. None of us could have foreseen such an enforced lack of worship and fellowship, but CrossLink, our present Parish Magazine, has valiantly reminded us that we are ready, when allowed, to renew opportunities to congregate, to share news and stories and to once more make our churches living organisms in the community. Recent explorations of the Parish Magazine for the Rural Deanery of Bridgnorth for February 1924 have revealed interesting and amusing facets of church life seventy five years ago. St. Leonard’s collection for Advent 1V 1923 totalled £3.8.0 but St Mary’s managed £4.18.17. St Leonard’s won the next round with £3.6.6 for Epiphany against St Mary’s £2.17.11. St Mary’s boasted a St Mary’s Working Men's Club which annually distributed prizes to its members, while the Mothers’ Union had “a good attendance, with a pleasing number of babies, which showed that keen members should not make an excuse of staying away to look after little ones which they could bring along with them.” One speculates on the connection between the Working Men's Club prizes and the welcoming of babies to the Mothers’ Union…….but best to move on! Claverley church was “ a whirl of of parochial activities” post Christmas with their Mothers’ Union having an annual tea and social evening. “ In the hilarious excitement of the evening all cares were forgotten and for once pleasure reigned supreme.” One can only imagine what they got up to!


Not to be outdone the Choir held their Annual Dinner in the school. “ the decorations were on a superb scale and the walls scintillated under shimmering silver tinsel and many coloured lights which peeped from beneath a wealth of evergreens. The lordly tables groaned under a goodly supply of turkeys, pheasants and chickens, plum puddings, apple tarts, jellies and trifles to which some fifty or sixty guests did ample justice. Following the dinner the company adjourned to an improvised drawing room where the rest of the evening went as merry as a marriage bell. Abundant supplies of chocolates, oranges and crackers contributed to the zest of the evening which was devoted to indoor games, interspersed with vocal and instrumental items by members of the company. The fun was fast and furious and maintained with much spirit until 3 o’clock in the morning.” Claverley certainly knew how to enjoy themselves “in view of the Agricultural Depression and ominous look to the future.” On a more serious note……. Oldbury’s Church Warden writes, “There were 88 communicants on Christmas Day, which is the largest number on that day during the 40 years that the present Rector has been at Oldbury,” Unfortunately the Vicar at Tuck Hill felt the need to remind his parishioners of their duties. “The Christmas communicants numbered only 77 - a very small proportion of the confirmed people in this parish -and it seems strange that any Christian would keep their Lord’s birthday in home enjoyments and pleasure without first coming to God’s house to offer Him worship and thanksgiving. Home pleasures are doubled when worship comes first.” Seventy five years ago each church had a full programme of services and social events which served the various ages and interests of the community. Astley Abbotts enjoyed an interesting and instructive lecture by Revd Blackshaw of London on “Escapes from Prisons”, Quatford and Eardington had both a Brownie Pack and a Girl Guide Company and Tasley were instructed to adopt as their 1924 motto “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusted in Thee.”


Perhaps the most appropriate extract from the magazine is from the article by the Bishop of Winchester who writes, “In these days of spiritual torpor we need ways which will bring the challenge of Faith home to those who have never brought themselves to make any real decision on the deeper issues of life. With the encouragement of community life the Church must remember that she stands for things that look towards eternity and community life thereafter.” Heather Walters

QUATFORD NEWS

Another month has gone by and lockdown is at last easing slightly

with some shops, country parks, churches etc. allowed to open with

conditions. Our church has been closed up and is unlikely to be open

for some time yet and thanks must go to Rachel and ,her friend Bob

(not me) for their work in keeping an eye on the church and

churchyard. Two very large branches were blown down recently and

they have logged them up, and Rachel discovered that while the

church has been empty there has been an infestation of clothes

moths so she has had to disinfect all of the woolen kneelers etc.and

she has asked me to warn other churches of this problem.

The powers that be in London say they have not recieved all of the

drawings to do with the faculty application although they were posted

months ago so these have had to be re-sent which will delay things.

Thanks to Marjorie for her Virtual Vicar and keepiing us informed with

useful information, let us hope that things will continue to improve in

the future.

Bob Curtis


Partnering with schools – now is the time…

What is God calling us to?

I think most of us in this strange time of lockdown are asking ‘what is God calling us to?’. He has certainly been working hard with me to develop a much better spiritual and prayer life and to really discern what our collective Intergenerational Mission might look like in our ‘new normal’.

The Church of England (CofE) vision for schools

The amazing history of the Sunday School movement that placed education at the heart of church life and commitment is generally quite well known. In recent years the CofE has been driving a vision for churches partnering even more powerfully with schools – they are, after all, the most complete expression of intergenerational communities within our towns and villages. In 2016 the CofE produced a ‘Vision for Education’ entitled ‘Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good’.

What are the opportunities?

In 2010 Ofsted reported that RE was poorly taught in schools with Christianity being the worst taught Religion! In response, organisations such as RE today have developed incredible – and challenging – resources. They are aimed at developing faith, as teachers engage with it, as well as understanding! “Understanding Christianity” (UC) is such a rich and powerful resource that churches are asking to use it!

The new 2018 Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) was written to achieve a culture shift. It expects that every church school will have their own ‘vision and values’ based on scripture. There is an expectation that the ‘local’ church will partner with the school to ensure that the vision enables the whole school community to flourish and for this to ripple out into wider community and church impact.

As a qualified teacher and experienced governor, I have completed both UC and SIAMS training.

In January St Mary’s PCC voted unanimously to partner with Transforming Lives for Good (TLG). Emma and I will use their model to


facilitate significant mentoring of children through our church schools (for which I have completed the training). Perhaps more excitingly however, it offers us the opportunity to engage with families and walk alongside them, blessing them, growing community and sharing our faith in a very practical way.

TLG have been really inspirational in how they have adapted their engagement in supporting children and families during lockdown. They will be a great example to us as we feel our way into our ‘new normal’. Now is the time.

Joining in with God

Before lockdown I had the opportunity to lead sessions in six of our local primary schools. In each I posed the question ‘where are you with faith?’ The conversations that ensued were incredible. Life giving and full of Holy Spirit, real God conversations. There is a spiritual thirst and a tangible openness – ever more so with 25% of adults accessing worship online during lockdown!

In discerning where God is moving in these strange and worrying times, it is hard not to ‘notice’ that while we have been called physically, temporarily, out of our buildings, schools have been among the first to be called back.

Becki Bunger in her ministry with Bridgnorth Youth and Schools Project (BYSP) has developed a significant presence sharing the gospel in our secondary schools with huge impact. In our relationship with her there is a real opportunity to develop partnering that really supports our young people in transitioning from primary to secondary with continuing relationships founded in faith.

As a ministry team we have been exploring Setting God’s People Free or #everydayfaith – helping one another to be confidently Christian in the whole of life. TLG offers us an opportunity to enter in to the world of our children, teens, parents, carers, grandparents, teachers and staff to immerse ourselves in their reality. In relationship we can bless them and express our faith in ways that are comfortable whilst growing in confidence to share the Gospel. Jesus ministered to people ‘where they were’ (geographically and in faith). We can follow his example.


Growing the Kingdom

The CofE is a peculiarity in that, as the national church, we have significant demands and responsibilities – but with them comes great privilege and opportunity. We have a duty to support our church schools. SIAMS makes it clear it is incumbent upon us to meaningfully partner with them. In so doing, we can generously engage and equip our congregations and other denominations as the whole body of Christ to join us in this Kingdom ministry. Right at the heart of our communities, sharing the gospel with all ages. We are already seeing the wonderful impact of the ecumenical work of the ‘Open The Book’ team. More Lord we pray!

We read in Acts that after Pentecost, thousands of believers were added to the number in just a few days. We should be expectant of a move like this in Bridgnorth. The anointment of the Holy Spirit is as real for us as it was the apostles. Come Lord Jesus and show us the way!

As we pray and discern a vision and path for establishing a new worshipping community around St James Hall Church (SJCH), it seems God has given us multiple avenues to meaningfully do this through the, already established, school communities (especially at St Mary Bluecoat, on the Grove). Thank you God.

What is your part?

Why not join the movement of prayer? We have been praying 24 hours a day five days a week since Ascension. God is providing amazing words and pictures – real inspiration. Do you have visions and words you can share with us? What vision of church ‘post Covid’ is God giving you?

Could you provide time each week (when safe) to mentor a child for an hour a week for an academic year? All they need is someone to consistently show up and listen. We will equip you.

Can you help us to pray into and grow our ministry through our newly established Diddy Disciples (currently online) and develop expressions of church to receive these families?


Could you consider volunteering (when safe) at The Bridge (with BYSP) to continue growing relationships with our young people and to support their ministry as we partner more closely?

We have taken the decision to bless 108 Year 6 pupils in our four primary schools with a copy of “It’s Your Move”. This is a wonderful resource helping teachers and parents to support children in preparing to transition to secondary school. We felt that this was even more vitally important given the interruption to their school life this year. Each book costs £1.60. Are you in the position to support this specific ministry by making a small contribution?

Feedback and questions

If you feel stirred by any of this and wish to encourage / challenge / pray about any of it, please do not hesitate to contact me – I am very happy on zoom / skype / house party / whatsapp / messenger … and nowadays I especially enjoy the good old fashioned phone! Do please reach out – I am grateful to hear everything that God is speaking into the life of our shared Intergenerational Mission. I hope you have found encouragement here.

Blessings to each of you, stay safe,

Kate x

Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07563 382 755 Home: 01743 718 558

Bible Book Club, 7.30pm Tuesdays, led by Rev. Simon suitable for everyone

Are you a Book Club type of person and would you like to explore more of the bible and share this journey with others? Simon is leading a weekly book club on zoom (we can also facilitate joining by phone). We meet (virtually) at 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Each week we take a look at a different book of the bible. This has initiated some great discussions and helps get a really good feel for the breadth and richness of the bible! It has the added bonus that if you can’t make every week you are not at a disadvantage. If you would like to know more, please contact Kate who is facilitating the group. (She has a good track record for getting people up and running on zoom!) Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07563 382 755 Home: 01743 718 558

mailto:[email protected]



NUMBER PUZZLES SOLUTIONS FROM LAST MONTH’S CROSS+LINK

How many legs?

At a four legged table there is 1 grandma, 2 mums, 2 daughters and a granddaughter. How many legs are under the table?

The grandma is also a mum. One of the daughters is also a mum. There are three people which is six legs, plus four table legs, so that there are 10 legs under the table.

() + () + () = 30 () = 30 divided by 3 which is10

!+ ! + () = 20 two times ! +10 = 20 so two times ! = 10 so ! = 5

@ + @ + != 13 2 times @ plus 5 = 13. 13 take away 5 = 8 so @ = 4

So () +! x @ = ? 10 + 5 = 15. 15 times 4 = 60.

The answer is 60

a + a + a = 30 so as above a = 30 divided by 3 which is 10 a + b + b = 18 take away 10 from 18 you are left with 8. b+b = 8 so b + 4 b+c=2 This bit is sneaky. 4 + -2 = 2 so c is -2 a+b+c=? 10 + 4 + -2 = 12. The answer is 12.


As this is our first time in the magazine

we thought we would encourage

you to come and see us.

This entitles you to an introductory *10%

off any of our products at Roobarb.

Including our new Italian designed

women’s clothing range, handbags,

scarves, hats and homeware.

Come and discover what we have on

Waterloo Terrace, Bridgnorth.

Telephone 01746 761061

*Terms and Conditions Apply. Please bring this magazine with you.

Winners of the British Independent Retailers

Award

For Charitable champion and Team of the

Year 2017 & 2018. Come and help us to

celebrate.

This entitles you to *10% off any of our

products at Roobarb. Including our Italian

designed women’s clothing range, handbags,

scarves, hats and homeware. Come and

discover what we have on Waterloo Terrace,

Bridgnorth

Telephone 01746 761061

*Terms and Conditions apply. Please bring

this magazine with you.


If you wish to advertise

in our monthly edition

please contact

Kathy James -

[email protected]

Advertising co-ordinator



St James’ Hall Church For Hire

Lodge Lane, The Grove. Available to hire.

Following extensive renovation provides a

comfortable, welcome venue, at a very reasonable

cost.

Bookings: Liz Fisher

01746 764059 or

email: [email protected]

Bridgnorth Handy People

Property maintenance and pest control

UPVC fascia, soffit and guttering

Roof and chimney repairs Gutter cleaning and repairs

Re-felting sheds Interior and exterior painting/decorating

Hanging pictures, mirrors and so much more... No job too small

We also do pest control Rats, Mice, Wasps, Fleas and all the nas-

ties

www.bridgnorthpestcontrol.com

Competitive rates. Friendly and reliable.

Contact Jackie:

01746 218487 or 07891168961

ROB’S MAINTENANCE

SERVICES Over 25 years experience

BRICK AND STONEWORK

GARDEN MAINTENACNE

TREE REMOVAL/EDGE TRIMMING

CHANGING LOCKS/PAINTING & GLAZING

FLOOR/WALL TILING

CARPENTRY/FENCING

CLEANING GUTTERS / BLOCKED DRAINS

LAYING PATIOS/DECKING

HOUSE/GARAGE CLEARANCES

LIGHT REMOVALS

OWN TOOLS/SENSIBLE RATES

HELP IS ONLY A CALL AWAY

SO CALL NOW!!

t: 01746 762779

M. 07814 104407

E: maintenance. [email protected]

http://www.bridgnorthpestcontrol.com


PLEASE SUPPORT THE BRIDGNORTH FOOD BANK

WITH DONATIONS OF FOOD OR MONEY

Opening hours Mondays

10.30am – 12.30pm

Number Seven,

West Castle Street, Bridgnorth

07960285520

[email protected]

Certified Chimney Sweep £45



Revd Prebendary Simon Cawdell - Rector 16 East Castle Street, WV16 4AL 01746 761573 [email protected] Revd Sarah Cawdell - Team Vicar 01746 761573 [email protected] Revd Marjorie Brooks - Associate Vicar 01746 761942 [email protected] Revd Clive Munday - Team Curate 41 Innage Lane, WV16 4HS 01746 766197 [email protected] Revd Tom King –Team Curate 01746 552101 [email protected] Reader Mrs Jane Peeler 767043

Mrs Emma Bristow - Children, Families and Education Co-ordinator - 07531910180 email [email protected]. Mrs Kate King— Intergenerational Missioner 07563 382 755 [email protected] Honorary Assistant Ministers Revd Hugh Patterson 765298 Revd John Webb 01384 295856 Revd Clive Parr 767023 Reader PTO Sheila Hodgkins 763854 Local Ministry Development Group Mrs Sandie Phillips 769271 Mrs Kay Prior 768259 Miss Sheila Royle 766577

Bridgnorth and Morville Parishes

Team Ministry

Team Office: St Leonard’s Hall Church, Racecourse Drive, Tasley, Bridgnorth WV16 4NR Tel: 01746 767174 Team Administrator: Mrs Avril Bridges

Open to personal callers: Mon - 11.00am - 12.30pm Tues - Thurs 8.30am - 11.30am Fri - 8.30am - 10.30am Email : [email protected] Website : www.bridgnorthteamministry.org.uk

Princess Royal Hospital 01952 641222 NHS Direct 0845 4647 Shropdoc 0333 222 6655 Bridgnorth Hospital 762641 Bridgnorth Medical Practice 767121 Police non-emergency calls 101 Gas emergency 0800 111999 Electricity emergency 0800 056 8090 Shropshire Council 0845 678 9000

Bridgnorth Library 763358 Traveline (Buses) 0870 6082608 Bridgnorth Endowed School 762103 Oldbury Wells School 765454 St John’s Primary School 762061 St Leonard’s Primary School 762781 St Mary’s Primary School 763455 Castlefields Primary School 764072 St Leonard’s Church Custodian 769720

Royal Shrewsbury Hospital 01743 261000 Shropshire Fire and Rescue 01743 260260






St Mary Magdalene, Bridgnorth Churchwardens Mr David Oxtoby…766053 Mrs Jane Parr...766984 Secretary Miss Catherine Wilson...761786 Treasurer Mr Martin Blackburn...766529 Verger Mr Roger Taylor...767345 Organists Dr John Turnock...716282 Mr Oliver Clarke...07545756869

St Nicholas, Oldbury Churchwardens Mrs Dorothy Leiper... 764559 Mrs Elaine Jones...766245 Secretary Mrs Joan Thomas...763209 Treasurer Mr Ken Biggs...01384 243372 Organist Mrs Carol Wall...764365

St Calixtus, Astley Abbotts Churchwardens Mrs Idonea Pickering...763065 Mrs Shelah Westley...762871 Secretary Mrs Juanita Gennard...768674 Treasurer Miss Mary Tipton...763171 Organist Mr Stephen Lomas...768648

St Gregory the Great, Morville Churchwardens Mr Tim Morris...789271 Treasurer Mrs Kathy Renshaw...789271

Aston Eyre Churchwardens Will Winton... Dafydd Jenkins….07703 457839 Treasurer Mrs Shelley Caine...714362 St Mary Magdalene, Quatford Churchwardens Miss Rachel Edwards...766146 Mrs Ann Wenlock… 762022 Verger Mr Bob Curtis….766126 Secretary Miss Rachel Edwards...766146 Treasurer Mrs Phyllis Taylor...762318 Organist Mrs Carol Wall...764365

St Peter and St Paul, Tasley Churchwardens Mr Robert Turner...764881 Secretary Ms Lesley Edwards...761847 Treasurer Mrs Irene Rogers...765926 Organist Mr Stephen Lomas...768648

St Mary the Virgin, Acton Round Churchwardens Mrs Bridget Chappuis...714035 Mr Thomas Kennedy...714360 Secretary Mrs Jayne Madeley...785571 Treasurer Mrs Susan Kennedy...714203

Upton Cressett Monkhopton Churchwardens Mr Terry Fellows...01902 564748 Mr Ed Pugh….01746 789685 Treasurer Mr Roger Wilson ..07785 996630

St James’ Hall Church Booking Secretary Mrs Liz Fisher...764059 [email protected]

St Leonards Hall Church Booking Secretary Rachel Connelly...767660

Tasley Village Hall Booking Secretary Rachel Connelly...767660 Astley Abbots Village Hall Booking Secretary Charles Morris…..762029

If you would like to contribute to the magazine, please send to Avril at the Office on

[email protected]. Or to receive a copy of the magazine via email,

please send your name and email address to Kathy James -

[email protected] Advertising co-ordinator

Deadline for Cross+Link articles for 2020

(Which means we go to PRINT on this date at 1pm!)

July/August issue

Wednesday August 19th

at 1.00pm



the parish magazine of the bridgnorth and morville …...extension to the church to house a toilet,...

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