Jubilate September 2016 - Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd
Transcription
Jubilate September 2016 - Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd
Jubilate The magazine of the Chaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd Poitou-Charentes September 2016 2 euros Our mission: Commitment – Communion – Community 1 WELCOME Services for September 04 Sept 10.30 am 10.30 am 10.30 am 6.30 pm Holy Communion St Leger (79) Holy Communion Courcelles (17) Holy Communion Villejésus (16) Come and Worship Civray Parish Church (86) 11 Sept 10.30 am 10.30 am 11.00 am Holy Communion Ambernac (16) Holy Communion Jarnac, Foyer Protestant (16) Home Service, Ann White’s home Jassay (79) 18 Sept 10.30 am 10.30 am 10.30 am 10.30 am Holy Communion, Magné Parish Church (86) Morning Worship , Courcelles (17) Holy Communion, Barbezieux,Temple Protestant(16) Morning Worship, Champgne Mouton, (86) 25 Sept 10.30 am 10.30 am 11.00 am 6.30 pm Morning Worship , Foyer Protestant, Jarnac (16) Holy Communion , La Rochefoucauld (16) Holy Communion , Pompaire (79) BCP EP , Civray Parish Church (86) 2 Pastoral Letter. Dear ……… Over fifty years ago I was a curate in South Wales. The Vicar of the parish had left for a new appointment so I was in charge. I had to write a letter for then Parish Magazine and full of confidence I started to type on the skin for the rotary printer, such was the technology then, and the magazine duly appeared. I was so proud. That is until I saw the introduction to the letter ‘Dear Fiends’. Since then I have had a hang up about writing such letters but nevertheless here goes. This month is not a good one for this Scottish family….too many birthdays, including my own. There is however one positive aspect to a birthday it provides us with a special personal Saint; and for me this happens to be Saint Jerome. The Scottish Prayer Book has a collect for All Saints Day which states that the Saints ‘encourage us by their example, support us by their fellowship, and aid us by their prayers’. Saint Jerome has given me all three during my ministry. Jerome was born in Aquileia a Roman city near Venice. It is not very large today but in the fourth century it was a major Roman town. After study in Rome, he made his way to the Syrian desert where he lived a solitary life of prayer and study. Eventually he settled in Bethlehem where he studied the Scriptures in their original languages of Hebrew and Greek. His scholarship was unsurpassed in the early Church. Today Jerome is remembered for his efforts to make the Scriptures accessible to ordinary Christians through translation into the vernacular language of the day, Latin. My relationship with Jerome is covered by the Prayer Book collect quoted above. Jerome had a great love for the Bible, and that has been a great encouragement to me over the years. All Christians must know their Bibles, if they are to know God and understand his message for us today.We must be steeped in the words of Scriptures, the stories, the poetry and the meaning of it all. It’s hard work, no easy task, and can be quite daunting and yet unless we do, we will miss so much that is essential to our faith. It is necessary to read the Bible. And it does not matter how we do it. We can start at Genesis 3 and work through until we reach The Apocalypse in the book of Revelation, or we can use a scheme such as those provided by the Salvation Army or the Bible Society. What is necessary is to read with prayer and understanding. Jerome has provided fellowship over the years I have tried to walk in his footsteps and to learn from his life, constant in study and open to new ideas. He left home and security to follow his vocation and despite hardship devoted himself to the calling of his Lord. Jerome, is not the most comfortable of the Saints, he can be a bit grumpy at times, a little hard and unrelenting. Somewhat like an old Grandfather who finds children irritating and modern life too difficult (a bit like me I suppose): but the sort of person who is faithful and sure and true; a solid dependable rock in life and in faith. I love him. I am often surprised by Christians who have no consideration for the Saints. It seems to me that death should be welcomed with joy and that it is not a great departure but a great advancing. If we are in heaven we don’t stop existing, we enter a more abundant state, which I hope does not mean that we stop saying our prayers. So, as we ask each other to pray for us, why not ask the Saints as well? Well that’s Saint Jerome, my birthday saint. He means a lot to me and has walked with me for many years. My friend, my guide and my help. Who is your Saint? What do you gain from your relationship? Try talking to him/her. “If Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, then he who is ignorant of the scriptures is ignorant of the power of God and his wisdom: ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” St. Jerome Commentary on the prophet Isaiah. Chaplaincy prayer meetings Prayer Meeting, Monday 19th September, 2.30 pm, Chez Richard and Rhiannon Beech, La Serpouillère, 16450 Beaulieu sur Sonnette 4 Together in Prayer September 2016. 1st Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and learn not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. 2nd We bring before you O Lord, all those in the chaplaincy, who have requested us, to intercede for them. 3rd We give thanks and praise to you our Father, for all the graces and blessings you bestow upon us. 4th Today O Lord, we pray for ourselves, give us a right spirit, an open heart and a listening ear. 5th Lord in your mercy, uphold all those who struggle to believe in you, who do not know you or do and don’t acknowledge you, as the Saviour of our world, our redeemer and friend. 6th See that ye be at peace among yourselves, my children, love one another. Follow the example of good men of old, and God will comfort you and help you, both in this world and the world which is to come. St Columbia’s blessing 7th Today we pray for those who live on the margins of our society, who are vulnerable, for those who are in trouble and need. We pray Lord, that you are with them always. 8th Thank you Father God, for our families, friends and neighbours, keep them safe from harm, surround them wherever they are, with your tender,loving arms. 9th Be assured, that God, is with us always. 5 10th We thank you Father, for the beauty of all you have made, there is so much for our enjoyment. You have made us the guardians of your precious world. Forgive us, that we so often forget that resources are not infinite, make us willing and eager to share the many good things you have provided for us. 11th God of all wisdom, help us to realise, to understand and share your word. 12th We pray that, day by day we have opportunities to share our blessings with others. 13th Thank you Lord for always being with us. We are most grateful for your loving care and concern, even when we are not close to you. Give us strength to do the things that please you. 14th We pray for our brother’s and sister’s throughout the world, who cannot openly express their faith and belief in you, who are persecuted, imprisoned, threatened and are in fear for their lives and the lives of their families. 14th Feast of the Holy Cross 15th We bring this day before you Lord; we thank you for waking and rising, for all the ups and downs we may encounter. We hope and pray that the opportunities presented to us today, will enable us to shine as beacons in furthering your kingdom. 6 16th O God you created us in so many different ways, help us to see and appreciate our different talents, give us wisdom and understanding of each other. 17th We bring before you, all who today, celebrate and rejoice in their lives in this marvellous world, you have given us. We give you thanks and praise to you, for birth, baptism and marriage. 18th We have an absolute need for quiet, for the heart’s wordless resting on God. Sister Wendy Beckett 19th God is in everything. 20th Father God, we ask you, for forgiveness for our sins, make us ready and willing to forgive others. 21st Healing Lord we bring before you, all those who are heavy laden, who are ill, in mind, body and soul. We ask that you bring them peace and healing of their frailties. 22nd Thank you God, for all the people, you have brought into our lives. Thank you for their influence, for the ways they have shaped our being. 23rd Heavenly Father, we ask you, to give us strength and courage to witness to your word, in our homes and communities. 24th Thank you Lord for the beautiful countryside we live in. Give us good health and wellbeing to enjoy and receive the pleasure of being in it. We pray for farmers and fishermen, who work hard to provide food for our nourishment. 25th O bounteous Father, We give thanks and praise for the many many volunteers throughout the world, who work through charities and organisations to improve the lives of your vulnerable people. 7 26th Heavenly Father, we thank you for loving us unconditionally, even when we are far from you. Thank you for your constant care and concern for us this day. We thank you, that through our weaknesses you give us strength. 27th Lord God, we ask you to make us content with our lives. May we have peace in our hearts and lives. 28th Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever, Amen. 29th Gracious Lord, you always keep your word and do everything you say. When someone stumbles or falls you always give them a helping hand. 30th We pray for all those who are in positions of government and leadership in our earthly world. Inspire them Lord; give them a right heart, to govern wisely and justly, to do all they can to relieve oppression, to promote peace and harmony. CHAPLAINCY RANDONNEE CLUB Friday 9 September Savigné Dave and Marilyn Trigger have invited us to meet at Savigné village, which is off the main D 148 (Civray - Charroux Road), near the Church. A part of the walk will follow the old railway track between Savigné and Charroux. If you would like food beforehand the Relais is on the main road, coming from Charroux, just before Savigné. (05 49 87 75 75). We meet at 2:00 pm for a 2:15 pm start John/Kay Ward 05 45 30 68 81 (kay_john_ward@yahoo.co.uk) Marilyn/David Trigger 05 49 87 29 67 (marandave86@gmail.com ) 8 GARDENING NOTES Month of August Well we certainly had a taste of summer in July, it was too hot for me to attempt to garden! Things to do: Fruit this is a good time to finish planting out new strawberry plants, water well. Last month you should have removed all the canes that have fruited from summer raspberries Trees and shrubs look out for mummified fruit, brown rot can result in mummified fruit. Remove these to limit the spread of this disease. Vegetables Start harvesting main crop potatoes, dig them up now rather than leaving them in the ground, to prevent the tubers being attached by slugs and soil dwelling pests. Once the potatoes are out of the ground leave them on the soil surface for the skins to dry. After cleaning store the healthy undamaged tubers either in sacks, not polythene, or paper sacks in a cool dark place. 9 Flowers plant freesia corm into pots of free draining compost for perfume in the summer. Cut out old flowering stems of rambling roses. Cut down spent perennial flowers that don't have seed heads you want to keep. Lawns mend turf edges, cut out a square of turf that includes a damaged section and turn the whole piece around 180 degress to form a new straight edge. Fill the gap with sieved soil and sow grass seed. Water the whole area well Pots. You need check the weather forecast to protect against the frost, this could keep you pots giving you pleasure for a few more weeks. Pests look out for weevil grubs, these C-shaped larvae up to 1cm long can kill plants by eating the roots. I have found these in pots that I intend to use when I have emptied out the compost. Check your pots, remove the plant gently to check for grubs. The books suggest controlling them biologically with nematoded. Jane CAN’T SLEEP ? DON’T COUNT SHEEP, TALK TO THE SHEPHERD! 10 PRAYER SHAWL GROUP Would you please thank the knitting circle once again for the great blanket they sent me many years ago. I use it every night and it is a delightful companion for my rapidly advancing years. Thank you all. Geoffrey Colman *************************** During the month of August 2016 we are very happy to announce that there will be 2 Wedding Blessings. Please hold them in your prayers. Jenny & Colin in Passirac Reverend Nikki Marshall Keith & Irina in Ambernac Reverend Paul Knight 11 John Ingram's cancer finally got the better of him in the early hours of Saturday 20th August. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. The following tribute was posted the day after his death: JOHN INGRAM 24 July 1951 – 20 August 2016 Husband, father, grandfather. Policeman, motorcyclist, instructor, fast but safe driver. Singer (tenor voice), member of several choirs. History scholar, quizzer, avid reader. Traveller on canals. Lover of films, sport, Chelsea FC, music, Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. Creator of curries, pineau and cassis, aficionado of wines. Member of “Gentlemen Wot Lunch” and “Clueless”. Loved his animals, especially Cassie, Tara and Tiger. Member of Chaplaincy Council. A man of deep faith who appreciated the prayers offered on his behalf. Friend ***************************************** Combined Church Services Barbezieux 17 people and one dog enjoyed the picnic in the church garden, after the combined churches service, at Barbezieux, led by Sandy and Nicky. Photo Keith Haynes This is definitely something to develop, one can always find shelter to share a meal and companionship over the colder months. 12 The Travellers Home Group summer outing took place on 12th August. As you can see, it was a beautiful morning for our trip down the Charente from the village of St Simon, which is halfway between Angouleme and Cognac. The village has a long history and was the main centre for the manufacturing of the barges, called gabarres, which were used for transporting goods, including cognac, down the river to the sea. 13 The gabarre which took us on the hour and a half round trip was a reproduction of a 17th century vessel. We arrived back in the village in time for lunch at the restaurant in the square by the church. A great day out, enjoyed by all. D Foster µµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµµ SUPER TROOPERS Dickensian Concert 5th November 2016 Tickets will be on sale soon at 6 €. Music, Monologues , Dickensian cameos and a Victorian Melodrama are planned for your delectation. Market Stall with Christmas gifts, Bring and share Supper, bring your own drinks and couverts. Information from Carolyn or Roy Carter: 05 45 84 19 03 carolyncarter462@gmail.com It is going to be a Corker!! 14 CHAPLAINCY OF CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD POITOU-CHARENTES Assistant Chaplain: The Revd. Paul Knight Office: 2, Place Gambetta, 86400 Civray. Tel: 05 49 97 04 21 e-mail: revknight@orange.fr Admin. Assistant Valérie Pétry e-mail : office.goodshepherd@orange.fr The office is open Monday, Tuesday & Friday mornings. Readers Elisabeth Barnett Catherine Chambers Richard Beech Duncan Paige 05 46 94 99 25 05 49 87 07 56 05 45 85 75 03 05 45 21 91 10 Geoff Cornwall Linda Shepherd Carolyn Carter John Matthews 05 49 63 06 31 05 45 29 08 93 05 45 84 19 03 05 49 75 29 71 Chaplaincy Wardens : Ann White 05 49 60 48 56 Ted Hands 09 62 62 05 04 Deux-Sèvres Geoff Cornwall 05 49 63 06 31 Vienne Dave Trigger 05 49 87 29 67 Charente East Linda Shepherd 05 45 29 08 93 Charente-Maritime Charles Wilcock 05 46 91 07 71 Charente Ouest +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Contact addresses To submit anything to Jubilate or for any enquiry, please use the following Phone number: 05 49 97 04 21 Email office.goodshepherd@orange.fr For further details of all Chaplaincy services, venues and activities, you can consult the Web Site at www.church-in-france.com 15 Annual subscription form for Jubilate 30€ (35€ to UK) including postage for 11 monthly editions (Dec /Jan is a combined edition) Cheques payable to The Chaplaincy of Poitou-Charentes. Please fill in the form below, cut or copy and send to the Chaplaincy Office, 2 Place Gambetta, 86400 Civray. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name --- ________________________________ Address __________________________________ ________________________________________ Tel : __________________________ September 2016 16