Outlook 7 Aug Sept 2018

Outlook
News from St. Mary’s Church 7 - Aug/Sept 2018

Is your faith an adventure?

by Revd Graham Bowkett, Vicar of St. Mary’s Charlton Kings

Recently I attended a wonderful service at Winchester Cathedral.
By a sort of accident however, I ended up taking my new son-in-
law along with me. It’s a long story, so I will not explain. At the
end of the service, which was quite long, he told me that he had
never actually heard a Cathedral choir before and found the
music amazing; and the spectacle thought-provoking. He then
went on to ask ‘who was the fellow with the big stick’? He was referring to the
Bishop of Winchester, his description only mildly less dubious than enquiring
about the fellow in the pointy hat.

The guy with the big stick

I have been thinking a great deal recently about something this rather tellingly

illustrates. My new son-in-law is not ill disposed towards the church. In fact, he

rather thought it all very compelling. He was not dismissive of the theological,

ethical and cultural significance of Christianity – but he just didn’t know

anything about it. However, he is fully conversant in the language of football,

and cricket. ‘Who’s the guy with the big stick’, is nearly as The
glib as was reported a little while ago – but might not be

accurate - that David Beckham (the ex-footballer) had said message of
that he wanted his children baptised but hadn’t yet
God’s love
decided what religion.

A universal message is a

Anyway, the point clearly being made is that the message universal
of God’s love is a universal one. Many people understand one
their existence in relation to God – they are spiritually

hungry and inquisitive - but the church has not for some unfathomable reason

engaged them. Church has passed them by, yet their lives are full of need and

desire, continued overleaf….

2

looking for meaning and answers. They have somehow missed the
incarnational, inspirational empowering message of Christ. Why? I cry out -
WHY!

Not just Sunday mornings

Now that might need a little bit of unpacking – and in reality, I do not have

the answers - but here’s what I think. Christianity is not just a Sunday

morning expedition in the realm of God, it is not something we leave behind

when we step out into the world on Monday morning. It is the spring-board

into the market places, the work places, the homes

We should see and shopping centres where prayer and Christian

our faith as an presence can and will make a difference. A disciple

adventure that is that is a true follower of Christ, who is confident that
God loves them, and the world, has the answers to all

liberating and the questions and anxieties and despair anyone could

fulfilling. possibly have – Christ is the answer to all our hungers,
all our fears, all our anxieties.

Tell everyone
We should see our faith as an adventure that is liberating and fulfilling. We
need to encourage - especially the young - and nurture the tradition we have
inherited. We need to tell those that have not heard the Gospel and invite
them into the family of Christ, invite them into our church – this is really
important, all of you must tell someone, anyone, everyone about your faith,
and tell them that Jesus sent you.

3

News from St. Mary’s

Re-painted Church Railings

Over the last few weeks you may haven noticed that
an industrious team of volunteers has been busy re-
painting the railings around the churchyard. Thirty
people have been sanding down and painting 19
sections of railings and 5 gates—sustained by people
who have kindly supplied refreshments and cake!
Others have generously donated money for paint
and materials. Work started on 11th May and, if the
weather stays fair, the job should be finished by the time you read this.

Our Verger has retired

At the end of June, Margaret Eccles retired as Verger of St.
Mary’s - a role she had carried out for nearly 30 years. Her
faithful service at the church is greatly appreciated and she
will be sorely missed. Before her retirement, Margaret was
honoured by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend
Rachel Treweek, who admitted Margaret into the Company
of St. Kyneburga in recognition of her long service to the
church in Gloucestershire.

Our new altar has arrived

Our beautiful new moveable altar has now been
delivered and it truly is a lovely piece of art. It will be
used from time to time to make Communion services
more intimate. If you haven’t seen it, do pop into the
church and have a look (the church is usually open
from 9am until 6pm every day). The altar was
dedicated by the Revd Michael Garland at a special
service on 8th July. Many thanks to the Friends of St.
Mary’s Church who commissioned and paid for the
altar.

4

Summer Events in Charlton Kings

Open Gardens to Visit

We have a series of Open Gardens for you to visit and enjoy during August.

Sunday 5 August 2.30-5pm: The Beeches
An interesting Beeches garden to enjoy, along with good company. Cream
teas will be available at a nearby home from 3pm onwards.

Sunday 26 August 2.30-5pm: Highland Road
A tranquil Highland Road garden with a cream tea (served inside if wet).
Maximum of 20.

Thursday 30 August 4-8pm: Ham
Have you ever contemplated chopping down trees, clearing out all your
existing plants and moving 48 tons of soil? Come and visit a garden in Ham
where this was done. Bubbles & nibbles will be served alongside soft drinks.

If you’d like to come along to see any of the gardens, please sign up in
church and then you will be given details of the precise locations. Or
contact the Parish Office (details on the back page). Donations to support
church funds will be welcome.

Afternoon Tea

Sunday 19th August from 3-5pm, St. Mary’s Parish Centre, New Street

Come along and enjoy a full afternoon tea on a summer’s afternoon. The
tea is being organised to raise funds to improve the heating within the
church - suggested donation of £8 per person. To book your place, sign up
at the back of church or contact Brenda Davitt (T: 230951) or Sylvia Fry (T:
239903).

Walking Together: Brimpsfield

Wednesday 1st August at 10:30am
Our walking group will be undertaking a 5 mile circular walk starting from
Brimpsfield Village Hall parking area. There are a few stiles and some steep,
but short, ascents. New faces are very welcome.

35

Sunday Evening Reflections

During the summer we’re holding a series of evening
services which are a little different to our normal
service. They are taken by a variety of different people
and they have a quieter, more contemplative feel.

Summer Reflections: Sundays at 6.30pm

29th July: Celebrating Friendship
with Mrs Jean Huckett

5th August: Evening Prayer
with Revd Graham Bowkett

12th August: Evening Prayer from New Zealand
with Mrs Alison Talbot

19th August: Evening Prayer
with Revd Graham Bowkett

26th August: Worship - Taizé style
with Mrs Margaret Gilder

Holiday at Home

6th & 7th August, 10am-4pm
St. Mary’s Parish Centre, New Street.

A two-day holiday at home for senior citizens. Our
“travel” destination will be India. Costs are £10 per day (payable on arrival) - includes
2 course lunch, snacks, activities & any travel that we provide.

To find out more or to book:
Contact Alison Talbot on 01242 520294 or Brenda Simpson on 01242 521961.

6 Church Calendar

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

1 August Time to be confirmed: Walking Together - Great Rissington
5 August see page 4 St Mary’s Church

6 & 7 August 8am Holy Communion Register for details
with Revd Graham Bowkett St. Mary’s Church
10am Parish Communion Parish Centre
with Revd Graham Bowkett
2.30pm Open Garden - see page 4
6.30pm Summer Reflections - see page 5

10am Holiday at Home - see page 5

12 August 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s Church
19 August with Revd Graham Bowkett
26 August 10am Parish Communion St Mary’s Church
with Revd Graham Bowkett
6.30pm Summer Reflections - see page 5 Parish Centre
St. Mary’s Church
8am Holy Communion St Mary’s Church
with Revd Graham Bowkett
10am Parish Communion Register for details
with Revd Graham Bowkett St. Mary’s Church
3pm Afternoon Tea - see page 4
6.30pm Summer Reflections - see page 5

8am Holy Communion
with Revd Revd Graham Bowkett
10am Parish Communion
with Revd Graham Bowkett
2.30pm Open Garden - see page 4
6.30pm Summer Reflections - see page 5

30 August 4pm Open Garden - see page 4 Register for details
1 September Miserden
Time to be confirmed: Walking Together -
see page 4

2 September 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s Church

with Revd Daniel Papworth

10am Parish Communion with Revd

Pauline Smith; Bishop Bob Evens preaching

6.30pm Choral Evensong

with Revd Canon David Nye

9 September 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s Church
with Revd Rosanne Roberts
10am Parish Communion
with Revd Canon David Nye
6.30pm Choral Evensong
with Revd Pauline Smith

16 September 8am Holy Communion St Mary’s Church
with Revd Jackie Gardner
10am Parish Communion with Revd
Graham Bowkett; Revd Rosanne Roberts
preaching
6.30pm Choral Evensong
with Revd Graham Bowkett

23 September 8am Holy Communion St. Mary’s Church
with Revd Graham Bowkett
10am Harvest Festival Parish Centre
with Revd Graham Bowkett - see page 11 St. Mary’s Church
followed by
1pm Harvest Lunch - see page 11
6.30pm Choral Evensong
with Revd Graham Bowkett

30 September 8am Holy Communion St. Mary’s Church
with Revd Graham Bowkett
10am Parish Communion
with Revd Graham Bowkett
6.30pm Shortened Evensong
7.00pm Autumn Lecture with Revd Canon
Dr Mike Parsons - see page 10

8

How many people does it take to
make a church service?

When you think about who takes part in a Sunday morning
church service who do you think of? You no doubt picture the
Vicar and maybe the organist. Perhaps you remember that
someone does the Bible reading and maybe you recall the
person who welcomed you as you came in the door.

But did you know that over 50 people are involved in every

one of our main Sunday morning services! And almost all
volunteer their time. Here’s just some of the people who
make 10am on a Sunday morning happen...

Flower Arrangers
A group of flower arrangers are responsible for decorating the
church with fresh flowers. Under the guidance of our own
expert florist, they also arrange wedding flowers and decorate
the church for other special occasions.

Cleaners
The church is kept looking its best by a team of volunteers
who dust and polish every other week so that everything is
spic and span on a Sunday morning.

Welcomers
We aim to give a warm welcome to everyone who comes

How could you help?

Getting involved in a Sunday service is a lovely way to feel more involved and
part of your church family. None of the roles involve a weekly commitment -

they are all done on a rota basis. Full training is also given, if needed.

If you’d like to get involved, or want to find out more, speak to the Church
Wardens or contact the Parish Office (details on back page).

through the doors on a Sunday and we have a team of 9
Welcomers to do this—they greet people, hand out
All the people involved
the news sheet and direct people to the altar for in Sundays
communion.

Servers Church Cleaners x 4+
The Servers play an important part in a Parish Flower Arrangers x 4+
Communion. There are different types of servers:
the Crucifer (lights candles, sets up the Altar, and Verger
processes in and out with the cross); Altar Vicar
Servers (assist the Celebrant, clear the altar and Assistant Clergy
wash vessels); Gospel Servers (lead the procession Church Wardens x 2
with candles, light the gospel procession and Welcomers x 6
assist in the chapel).

Elementers Bell Ringers x 8
Two people always present the bread and wine at Audio/Visual Desk x 2
the altar during a Communion service.
Organist
Chalice Assistants Choir x 12+
People who assist the Vicar at Communion by Elementers x 2
administering the wine to communicants. Servers x 3
Chalice Assistants x 4
Bible Readers Bible Readers x 2
Two people read from the Bible - one from the Junior Church Leader x 2
Old Testament and one from the New Testament. Refreshments x 2
An ordained member of the clergy or a Reader will The list could go on -
also read the Gospel. who have we forgotten?
Let us know at
Choir [email protected]
Our flourishing choir lead the congregation in
singing hymns and they also add to our worship
through anthems and sung psalms. Choristers can
be any age, from 8yrs old upwards, and they receive
expert musical tuition from our Director of Music.

10

Coming up in the Autumn

Science and Religion

From the end of September, we’ll be holding a
series of Autumn Lectures which will be given by
the Revd Canon Dr Mike Parsons on the subject of
Science and Religion. Now retired, Dr Parsons is a
former Director of Ordinands for the Diocese of
Gloucester.

The talks are open to all and will be held in church on Sundays - each

talk will begin at 7pm after a shortened Evensong Image from Gloucester
service. Review. No copyright

30 September infringement intended.

Science and religion – from conflict to co-operation

14 October

Cosmology and human significance – and might there be life on other

planets? And if so, would they need an atonement?

21 October

Adam and the Ape: evolution and creation

28 October

The impossibility of not believing: where Richard Dawkins gets it

wrong. Why there is something and not nothing.

Sundays at 7pm
St. Mary’s Church, New Street, Charlton Kings
A Shortened Evensong before each talk will start at 6.30pm.
Come to both, or just the talk.

11

Harvest Festival & Lunch

Sunday 23 September, 10am and 1pm

At 10am we’ll be holding our Harvest Festival service in Church. We
invite you to bring non-perishable food-stuffs which we will be
donating to Cheltenham Foodbank.

Last year, Harvest donations throughout Cheltenham brought in over
three tonnes of much needed food, helping the Foodbank to provide
emergency food for local people in crisis.

At 1pm, you’re invited to lunch in the Parish Centre. There’ll be a two
-course Ploughman’s Lunch to enjoy, alongside companionship and
friends. Sign up for the lunch at the back of church (or contact the
Parish Office - details on the back page). Suggested donation of £10
each.

Dedication Festival

Sunday 7th October, 10am
Come and enjoy the church’s birthday celebration. A Dedication Festival
celebrates the anniversary of the church building - we know that St Mary’s
was first dedicated as a Chapel of Ease in 1190, however, as we don’t know
the exact date we mark the occasion on the first Sunday in October.

From the Bible

“Ah Lord God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power
and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”

Jeremiah 32: 17

Christenings, Marriages & Funerals

during June and July

We were delighted to welcome the families of Alexandra Blackburn,
Saskia Warner, James Wood, Oscar Wickens, William Purvey and
Joshua Weyman whose christenings were held at St. Mary’s.

Congratulations to Mark Cowley & Rebecca Brookes who were
married at St. Mary’s, and to Kitson Symes & Rachel Burns whose
Marriage Blessing was held in the church.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Mike Palmer,
Peggy Stokes, Philip Hawkins, David Fardon, Anthony Taylor, Joyce
Marriott and Doreen Aylott whose funeral services have taken
place.

Did you know that the church St. Mary’s Church is located in
doors are open from 9am until 6pm the centre of Charlton Kings

every day? You are welcome to within the triangle formed by
pop in to look around, to pray or Horsefair Street, Church Street
just to spend a quiet moment.
and New Street.

The parish office is located
within the Parish Centre on
New Street and is usually open

to visitors on Mondays to
Thursdays from 2-5pm.

Contacting St. Mary’s Church
Parish Office

01242 224883
[email protected]

stmarysck.org.uk