Stepping out in Faith - Making Christ Visible

Fourteen people from our benefice stepped forward in faith yesterday evening at St Mary's Church, Winterborne Whitechurch. Bishop Graham led the service in which they confirmed their commitment to their baptismal vows. With over a hundred people filling the church, there was a very special atmosphere. The singing in church was tremendous and the chatter in the school hall afterwards was animated and happy. Thank you to everyone for making this such a joyful occasion.

Making Christ Visible

Our Benefice mission statement has been summarised in these three words. The  churchwardens  worked to make our mission statement shorter and achievable for our six parishes. With ‘Making Christ visible’ as our mission statement, we need to think beyond the beautiful church buildings and ensure that Christ is present in our communities through our actions and behaviour. Is this achievable? I believe so, and I was particularly encouraged by the fourteen people who made the decision to be confirmed by Bishop Graham last Wednesday at St Mary’s, Whitechurch.

Thomas Roberts

Su Roberts

George Townsend

Amanda Valentine

Jessica Valentine

Molly Gardiner

Grace Ritchie

Michael Trevett

Alison Trevett

John Close

Sue Close

Samuel Mullen

John Gregory

Katherine Gregory

Please pray for them as they step forward in faith!

Alan

Church Services at a church near you this Sunday

Church Services in the Benefice

Sunday 26^th January

W. Whitechurch   9.00 Holy Communion (said)

                             Book of Common Prayer - traditional

                             Rev’d Alan

                              17.00 Lovely Cake 

                             especially for parents and children 

                              Rev’d Sue                         

 

Milton Abbas       10.30 Holy Communion

                            Common Worship

                            Rev’d Alan

W.Stickland        10.30 All Age Morning Worship

                            Informal service for all (without Holy Communion)

                            Rev’d Sue

 

 

Turnworth           18.00 Evening Prayer

                            Book of Common Prayer

                            Rev’d Marion

Church Services at a church near you this Sunday.

Church Services in the Benefice

Sunday 19^th January        
          

W.Stickland        10.30 Holy Communion

                            Rev’d Alan

 

W. Whitechurch  10.30 All Age

                             An informal service for all, with old and new
                             hymns and songs

                            Jenny G

Milton Abbas       18.00 Evening Prayer

                              Book of Common Prayer - Traditional

                            

                              Rev’d Marion

Our flooded valley

Photograph taken by John Close

So you are thinking of standing for synod?

SO YOU’RE THINKING OF STANDING FOR SYNOD?

Saturday 1 February 10 am – 1 pm at

Church House, Salisbury SP1 2QB

With Robert Key, Chris Corteen and Jane Charman

As well as being ‘episcopally led’ the Church of England is also ‘synodically governed’. The PCCs and Deanery, Diocesan and General Synods of the Church of England have significant powers as well as responsibilities in guiding and shaping the Church of the future. At a time when a number of controversial issues are being hotly debated, the Church urgently needs wise, informed, representative and committed Christians participating in synodical government at every level. And as church members we all have a part to play by supporting, praying for and working with those we have elected.

The morning is open to all, whether you are thinking of standing for Synod yourself or just want to play a fuller and more influential part in the Church’s decision making processes. It will cover the following areas:

What theological principles should underpin Christian decision making?

How does synodical government work and what powers do synods have?

What do I need to do if I’m thinking of standing for election?

What’s involved in standing for and serving on General Synod?

What will be the main issues facing the Church in the next 5 – 7 years?

How can I make my views known eg by getting items onto synod agendas and influencing debates?

We will aim to send you away with resources which you can share with your PCC, Deanery Synod or other interested group. Remember, it’s YOUR Church!

Robert has served on General Synod since 2005. As Diocesan Chair of the House of Laity he is an ex officio member of all Deanery Synods in the Diocese. Chris has served on General Synod since 2010. She is a member of Purbeck Deanery Synod and an ex officio member of Diocesan Synod and of Wool and East Stoke PCC. Jane has served on General Synod since 2010 and is an ex officio member of Diocesan Synod.

Please let us know you are coming by contacting

Tina Draycott at Church House on 01722 411944

or tina.draycott@salisbury.anglican.org

by Friday 17 January