Outlook Issue 2

Outlook
News from St. Mary’s Church 2 – Oct/Nov 2017

Birthday Celebrations

A church’s Dedication Festival

celebrates the birthday of the

church building. We know that

St Mary’s was first dedicated as a

Chapel of Ease in 1190, however,

we do not know the exact date and

so we mark the occasion on the Image:Daniel Simpson

first Sunday in October. church and people in this parish.
We take the opportunity to
The Festival is an remember that a parish church is
“a parish church is opportunity to give there for everyone living in the
parish, regardless of their faith, and
there for everyone thanks for our we re-dedicate ourselves to serving
them and the Gospel.
living in the parish, church building
regardless of their which has been at Everyone is welcome to join us in
the heart of St. Mary’s Church at 10:00am on
faith” Charlton Kings Sunday 1st October when, in the
tradition of all birthday parties,
village for 827 years. It’s also a there will be cake!

chance to remember all those

generations who have gone before

us and who have known, loved and

cared for St. Mary’s Church and

from whom we have inherited the

responsibility for caring for the

Remembrance Sunday

Sunday 12th November, 9.50am, Charlton Kings War Memorial, Horsefair St
The people of Charlton Kings will join together in an act of remembrance for all
those who have lost their lives fighting for our country. Please join us.
Afterwards there will be church services in all three Charlton Kings’ churches.

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The story of the poppy

During the First World War the countryside of Western Europe was
devastated by the fighting. Despite the destruction, Flanders poppies
flourished amidst the carnage, turning the mud of no-man’s land a
poignant red.

The startling sight of fields of bright red flowers inspired Lieutenant Colonel

John McCrae (a Canadian) to write a poem called In Flanders Fields. This in

turn led an American lady called Moina Michael to make red silk poppies.

These were then brought to England by a French woman, Anna Guérin.

Nine million of these poppies were ordered by the newly formed British

Legion and sold on 11th November 1921. This was, effectively, the first

ever “Poppy Appeal” and the money raised was used to help World War I

veterans with employment and

In Flanders Fields housing.
In Flanders’ fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row, A Poppy Factory was set up the
That mark our place: and in the sky next year and employed disabled
The larks, still bravely singing, fly ex-Servicemen. Today, the
Scarce heard amid the guns below. factory and the Legion’s
warehouse in Aylesford produces
We are the dead. Short days ago millions of poppies each year.
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie More information about the
Poppy Appeal and Remembrance
In Flanders’ fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe; Sunday can be found at
To you from failing hands we throw www.britishlegion.org.uk.
The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders’ fields.

Image: Dan at freedigitalphotos.com

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Can you plan ahead for a funeral?

Yes you can! Of course, this isn’t something that everyone wants to think
about every day, but a funeral is about a special person, and the family
and friends of that special person want a special ceremony which is
meaningful to them. St Mary’s Church is a beautiful and sacred building,

full of centuries of prayer, in which we are honoured to
hold funeral services for any and all who wish it -
whether or not they attended church.

A Christian service provides a structure in which we can
move through our emotions, interwoven with the story
of a person’s life and achievements. It allows us to
acknowledge we are in the presence of God, held in his
love and supported by prayer. It provides a strong
message of hope as God promises that when we die we
will be with him in a wonderful place where death and
pain are gone forever.

Sometimes a funeral is planned when someone has already died, but it
may be done at any time. You can make suggestions for your own funeral,
and then if you wish you can leave your suggestions with us, as well as tell
your closest family your thoughts. A priest will always be willing to lead
the service and he or she will be happy to explain the format of ceremony,
music and prayer. If you would like to know more about holding a funeral
at St Mary’s, do ask us; it is our privilege to help.
Contact the Parish Office on T: 224883.

A time to remember a loved one

If you’ve recently lost someone close to you, you may want to
come along to our Journey On service. It’s a special time to
formally remember our loved ones who have died, to offer
thanksgiving for their lives, and to light candles in their
memory. You don’t need to be a regular church-goer and you
can come to remember someone however long ago they died.
Sunday 12th November, 6.30pm, St. Mary’s Church

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Events in October

Life’s Four Great Questions

George Harrison of the Dr Nigel Scotland.
Beatles once said there are
three great questions we all If you’d like to find out
have to face, Who am I?, more, come along to
Why am I here? And Where St. Mary’s Church at 7pm
am I going? This October on Sundays 8th, 15th,
we’ll be exploring life’s 22nd and 29th October.
major issues and the
answers Jesus sought to give Before-hand, there will
to them through a 4-week be a short Evensong service, starting at
series of talks given by Revd 6.30pm - you are welcome to come to both
or just the talk.

Walking Together

Did you know that St. Mary’s has a walking group which
usually meets on the 1st day of each month? It’s a
lovely way to enjoy the local countryside, get some
fresh air and make new friends. New faces are always
welcome.
In October, the group will be undertaking a 2 hour flat walk around
Sherborne Estate. Meet on Sunday 1st October at 1.45pm at the War
memorial in Sherborne village. Contact the Parish Office on 01242 224883.

Games Afternoon

Saturday 21st October, 2.30pm
St. Mary’s Parish Centre, New Street
Come along and enjoy an afternoon of good old-
fashioned games! There’ll be board games, beetle
drives, cards and games for children. Organised by
the Friends of St. Mary’s Church. Tickets £3 incl. tea
& cake (12yrs & under, £1), available from the
Parish Office.

5

Business as usual at St. Mary’s

Since the retirement of Revd Canon Michael Garland in September,
we are now what is officially called a church “in vacancy”. During
this period, though, life at St Mary’s is continuing as usual. The
Churchwardens, together with Beth in the Parish Office, are working
to ensure that our regular pattern of services, apart from the
7:30am Holy Communion on Friday mornings, are covered. We are
especially grateful to all our retired clergy who have very generously
agreed to provide much of the help we need. The Parish Office is
now the first point of contact for anyone wishing to arrange a
baptism, wedding or funeral or for more information on services.

So, what’s happened so far in the search for a new vicar?
 In August, the Churchwardens met with the Archdeacon of

Cheltenham, the Venerable Philip Andrew to discuss the vacancy
and to underline the responsibilities which fall to Churchwardens
at this time.
 In October, the Archdeacon, together with the Area Dean, the
Revd Nick Davies, will meet the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to
brief them about their role during the vacancy and to answer any
questions.
 The diocese has confirmed that is has no plans to change the
status of St Mary’s as a single church benefice and that the
vacancy will be advertised early in the new year.

… and our Grand Autumn Event Image: heavypong at freedigitalphotos.com

Saturday 14th October, 2.30pm, St. Mary’s Church
See page 9 for more information.

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Church Calendar

New faces are always welcome at any of our services and events - we
would be delighted to see you. Updates at stmarysck.org.uk/calendar

1 October 8am Holy Communion St. Mary’s
Revd Felicity Bayne Church
8 October 10am Dedication Festival (& Junior Church)
Revd Pauline Smith - see front page Sherborne
14 October 1.45pm Walking Together Estate
15 October see page 4 St. Mary’s
6.30pm Full Choral Evensong Church
21 October with Revd Canon David Nye
22 October
8am Holy Communion St. Mary’s

Revd Canon David Nye (preacher: Revd Church

Jackie Gardner)

10am Parish Communion (& Junior Church)

Revd Jackie Gardner

6.30pm Shortened Evensong

7.00pm Jesus & Life’s Four Great Questions

Revd Dr Nigel Scotland - see page4

2.30pm Grand Autumn Event St. Mary’s
see page 9 Church

8am Holy Communion St Mary’s

Revd Canon David Nye Church

10am Parish Communion (& Junior Church)

Bishop Bob Evens

6.30pm Shortened Evensong

7.00pm Jesus & Life’s Four Great Questions

Revd Dr Nigel Scotland - see page 4

2.30pm Games Afternoon Parish Centre
see page 4

8am Holy Communion St Mary’s

Revd Jackie Gardner Church

10am Parish Communion (no Junior Church)

Revd Pauline Smith (preacher: Revd Jackie

Gardner)

6.30pm Shortened Evensong

7.00pm Jesus & Life’s Four Great Questions

Revd Dr Nigel Scotland - see page 4

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29 October 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s
Revd Joanne Wetherall Church

10am Parish Communion (no Junior Church)
Revd Rosanne Roberts
6.30pm Shortened Evensong
7.00pm Jesus & Life’s Four Great Questions
Revd Dr Nigel Scotland - see page 4

4 November 2.30pm Christmas Crafting Parish Centre
see page 9

5 November 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s

The Venerable Phil Andrew, Archdeacon of Church

Cheltenham

10am All Saints Parish Communion (& Junior

Church) Revd Pauline Smith (preacher: Revd

Ashley Collishaw)

6.30pm Full Choral Evensong

Revd Canon David Nye

12 November 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s
Revd Jackie Gardner Church
9.50am Act of Remembrance War Memorial
see front page
10am Remembrance Sunday Service (& St. Mary’s
Junior Church) Revd Rosanne Roberts Church
6.30pm Journey On
see page 3

19 November 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s

Revd Felicity Bayne Church

10am Parish Communion (& Junior Church)

Revd Pauline Smith (preacher: Jean Huckett)

6.30pm Choral Evensong

Revd Canon David Nye

26 November 8am Holy Communion St. Mary’s
Revd Jackie Gardner Church
10am Parish Communion (& Junior Church)
Revd Canon David Nye (preacher: Revd
Jackie Gardner)
6.30pm Choral Evensong
Jean Huckett

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Changing lives in Gloucestershire

For the rest of this year, St. Mary’s are raising money to support the work
of Church Urban Fund (CUF). Over the past 30 years, CUF has
been working with local parishes to bring positive change in
communities. Recently, and with backing from Archbishop
Justin Welby, it has launched a scheme called
LifeSavers. Mounting debt and a lack of financial awareness
is a source of great unhappiness and often leads to family
breakdown. LifeSavers is a financial education programme
for primary schools, helping children and their families to
manage money wisely. It provides training and resources for teachers,
offers support for school savings clubs and encourages parents and the
wider community to get involved, helping to break the cycle of debt. This
autumn it comes to five schools in Gloucestershire, including one in
Cheltenham.

CUF also provides funds for afterschool and lunch clubs, initiatives that
encourage people of different races and religions to come together as
well as schemes that provide shelter and employment training for the
homeless. All are run by local churches so that they are geared towards
meeting the needs of the community.

Give our fish eyes to see!

A team of knitters has been busy making fish to decorate the chapel
when our Little Fishes toddler group meets every Thursday. However,
they have forgotten just one thing - they haven’t given the fish any eyes
to see with! Could you help our fish to see? Come along to the Grand
Autumn Event (see opposite), choose your favourite

little fish, sponsor it (all donations are for
the Church Urban Fund), and we’ll give
your fish eyes to see!

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Grand Autumn Event

Saturday 14th October, 2.30pm, St. Mary’s Church, Free entry
Join the fun and support Church Urban Fund at the same time:
 Save old £1 coins (and others) & add them to our giant coin trail
 Adopt a fish on behalf of our Little Fishes toddler group
 Enjoy tea and cakes
 Buy crafts and jams/preserves

Crafting for Christmas

Saturday 4th November, 2.00pm, St. Mary’s Parish Centre
Have fun creating beautiful boxes to fill with chocolates or gifts.
Make cards and gifts using a variety of craft techniques including

stamping, embossing, decoupage and more.
Suggested donation £8, to include tea and cake.
Sign up at the back of the church or contact the Parish Office
on 01242 224883.

Advent Sleepout Challenge 2017

1st to 2nd December, Kings’ Hall, Church Piece, Charlton Kings

The Advent Sleepout Challenge is a national, DID YOU KNOW?
sponsored event to help marginalised people in

England transform their lives and communities In 2016 there were
through the work of Church Urban Fund. During 4,134 people
Advent, people all over England will take the
Christmas story as inspiration to create their own sleeping rough in
Advent ‘stable’ and give up a night of comfort; England

sleeping out with friends, families, church groups,

clubs and community groups. If your community group is interested

in joining the Charlton Kings event, email [email protected].

10

Stories in Glass

Visitors and regular worshippers at St Mary’s will often comment on
the beauty of the Stained-glass windows which fill almost every

available window space. It is worth spending a little
time taking in the details of these windows which
often yield interesting features and facts. I happened
to be admiring the window in St David’s chapel
recently which depicts the visit of the Wise Men to
the infant Jesus. According to the Gloucestershire
guide in ‘The Buildings of England’ series, the
window is believed to be the work of James Eadie
Reid who was an Art Teacher at Cheltenham Ladies’
College. The window is in memory of Lt General Sir Henry Radford
Norman KGB who died in 1899. The brightly coloured window is eye-
catching but my attention was drawn to the biblical text from
Matthew ‘And when they were come into the house, they saw the
young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped
him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented
unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.’ After reading this
well-known verse I spotted a mistake in the reference - St Matthew
3rd verse 11. In fact it should read St Matthew 2nd verse 11. A
minor error which of course does nothing to detract from a fine and
impressive window!

from The Revd Canon Michael Garland, recently retired vicar of
St. Mary’s Charlton Kings

From the Bible

"I have come that they may have LIFE,
and have it to the full."

The words of Jesus in John 10: 10

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Improvements to the church

Those of you who have assisted radiators and
attended services at the church
on very cold days will have conventional radiators. The
realised that the current
heating system has reached the church will be divided into three
end of its useful life. The boiler
is 30+ years old, has to be individually controlled heating
repaired regularly, and is not as
efficient as modern boilers. You zones which are fully “a warmer,
will be glad to hear that plans programmable. The aim will more
are afoot to replace the system. be to keep a steady base
The Estates Committee has temperature which can be comfortable
been looking at different boosted when different church”
options for a new central
heating system and plans are zones are in use.
currently being consulted upon.
All of this will result in a much
It is proposed to move to a
system which will heat the warmer, more comfortable
church using a combination of
fan-assisted trench heaters, fan- environment for us all to enjoy

worshipping in. Information will

be on display in the church on

Sundays 1st and 8th October,

and people will be on-hand to

answer questions. If you have

any queries please contact

[email protected].

Prepare for Christmas

Advent (the 4 week period directly before Christmas) is a
time to prepare our hearts and minds for the upcoming
celebration of Jesus’ birth. Please join us for:

Advent Carols: 3rd December, 6.30pm
A traditional and dramatic service with specially composed
advent music.

Christingle: 10th December, 4pm
A fun service for the whole family where we light the
Christingle oranges.

Christenings, Marriages & Funerals

Congratulations to all the couples who were married at St. Mary’s
during August and September:
Alastair Cupper and Charlotte Hartley
Carl Woodland and Hayley Pargeter
Andrew McCoy and Michelle Galloway
Joseph AlMalah and Helen Mourton
Michael Hiscock and Marlene Phillips
Thomas Wright and Sarah de Courcy

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Hazel Morgan,
Maurice Havard, Josephine Woods, Elizabeth Wadsworth, Mary
Orchard, Patricia Staite and Margaret Smith whose funeral services
were conducted recently.

Did you know that the church St. Mary’s Church is located in
doors are open from 9am until the centre of Charlton Kings

6pm every day? within the triangle formed by
Horsefair Street, Church Street
You are welcome to pop in to
have a look around, to pray or to and New Street.

spend a quiet moment. The parish office is located
within the Parish Centre on
New Street and is usually open

to visitors on Tuesdays to
Fridays from 8.30-11.30am.

Contacting St. Mary’s Church
Parish Office

01242 224883
[email protected]

stmarysck.org.uk