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Changes to Communion

2022-09-03T15:50:47+01:00

The Chalice – Communion Cup

As is happening increasingly across our Bristol Diocese, the chalice will once again be distributed at every Holy Communion service at Christ Church and St Mary’s from this weekend.

This is good news as we know that many have missed this opportunity. We are part of one body, made up of many different parts. The Common Cup has been central to the Church of England’s sacramental liturgy and worship for centuries.

However, there is never any requirement or expectation that communicants will receive under both forms. We recognise that we are in different situations in life, so we ask you to make a personal decision whether to receive the Chalice, according to your own circumstances.

Intinction, was only brought in for extreme situations. It was never meant to be part of normal Church of England practice. As such, having taken advice from Archdeacon Christopher Bryan, we will not now be offering Intinction as a choice at Communion. As always, we would be happy to explain more about this on a one-to-one basis and to answer any questions.

It is wonderful to know the grace of God and the sacrament of Holy Communion is still wholly efficacious in one kind. This means that when we receive, either the host or chalice, we receive,in whole – the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord. Jesus, having conquered death, can never be divided, or separated. So please feel free either to receive under both forms or one – it is a matter of personal choice and devotion.

Please pray that we will rejoice in this new development, while being sensitive to those who remain anxious; above all that each of us will continue to meet with Christ in Word and in Sacrament and his Holy Spirit will be very present in all our worship.

Revd Canon Simon Stevenette Vicar, Jim d’Avila and Nitin Shinde, Church Wardens

Changes to Communion2022-09-03T15:50:47+01:00

Fellowship of Faith

2022-09-03T15:50:18+01:00

Who are we?
We are a small group, providing a safe space for growth in Christianity, deeper community connections, an exploration of The Bible’s teachings on love, faith, mercy and grace.

We will do this through meeting together using prayer, devotionals, talking to each other, by using multimedia resources, guest speakers and other methods that we, as a group find useful, as we walk with Jesus at our sides.

Like Jesus, we aim to extend a hand of friendship to all, acting with kindness, forgiveness, and honesty whilst persevering, even when times are tough. We will show respect to all and, guided by our faith, we believe we have a responsibility to follow the example for life that Jesus gave us.

What inspires us?

We are inspired by this Bible verse from Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds.
But let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and, all the more, as you see the Day approaching.”

Who can join us?

Everyone is welcome. We aim to meet in person for around 90 minutes. We start on Wednesday 3rd August at 7 pm -8.30 pm and intend to meet in Christ Church every 1st and 3rd Wednesday thereafter.

How to pray

Praying may sound like the simplest of tasks, but people may not know how to, or may not have the confidence to pray, feeling quite anxious, especially around others. Together, we will explore the power and usage of prayer in our everyday lives.

How to read/understand the Bible.

Just like praying, what’s so difficult about reading the bible, simple right? No! To start with, some language used in the Bible, not just on a multi-cultural level, is not familiar to modern ears, so even if English is your first language, it can still be tough to read and understand.

From doing our own readings of the Bible, and hearing people reading during services, we know it’s open to people’s own interpretations, and that we can use it to relate to our own lives and the world around us.

When it comes to the Old and New Testament, we’ve found some difference, and people’s preference towards one or the other, will vary.

As well as language and differences, it’s important to understand the significance of certain pivotal moments, as well as what led to them and what followed. As the group evolves, we will gain a far greater understanding of the Bible, which will lead to people asking more questions, looking to it for help in times of need, also for guidance in their lives.

Devotionals

We will learn together, the power of worshipping as a group. We will investigate the different styles and forms of worship and how the act of devotion, regardless of its format, can bring people together and deepen connections between them.

Discussion of everyday subjects

All well and good learning how to pray, interpret the Bible, and worship together. But what about everyday situations in life? How they can be faced from a Christian perspective? As well guest speakers, we will discuss together subjects that the group might choose to look at

For example, some of the subjects that we might cover together;

  • Addiction
  • Family life.
  • Relationships in everyday life, beyond family.
  • How you’re God’s gift.
  • Temptation
  • Loss
  • Armour of God.
  • Fellowship
  • Loneliness

So much is covered throughout the Bible, if you have questions, we’ll look for answers together. The journey to explore the Christian Life, together is as important to us as the questions themselves.

Why not come along to one of our sessions and have a chat? We can’t wait to share the discoveries that we make together.

For more details contact James jamesaspratt1976@yahoo.com or Simon sjgiles822@hotmail.com or follow our Facebook page

Fellowship of Faith2022-09-03T15:50:18+01:00

Sunday Club Shoe box Appeal

2022-08-23T15:31:19+01:00

We are collecting items for the children to pack into shoeboxes later in October on behalf of the charity Linktohope. This is a small charity who will be delivering the shoeboxes to families and the elderly in Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria. We would be grateful of any donations, from an empty shoebox, a single item, or a completed box. Last date for donations will be Sunday 30 October. Please leave at the parish office Mon-Friday 10am-1pm or pass on to Sue. For further details please visit https://linktohope.co.uk/ or see Sue at coffee on Sundays. You can also email Sue@christchurchswindon.co.uk.

You can see a list of the kind of things that we would like below.

Sunday Club Shoe box Appeal2022-08-23T15:31:19+01:00

Creation Restored

2022-08-05T18:43:10+01:00

9.30am-4pm Saturday, 17 September, Pattern Church, Swindon

The Rt Revd. Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, invites you to an inspiring ‘Creation Restored: Ministry in a time of Climate Crisis’ Diocesan day conference at the Pattern Church.

The aim of the day is to share in fellowship and explore the challenges, sensitivities, and opportunities of leading church life during a climate emergency.

There will be a diverse range of guest speakers and workshop leaders, including keynote speaker Dr Ruth Valerio, Global Advocacy Director at Tearfund, as well as sessions from friends from Green Christian, Operation Noah, the Youth Christian Climate Network among others, as well as some familiar faces from across the Diocese.

 

Please register via Eventbrite and do share this invitation. For further information, please contact Simon Taylor at simon.taylor@bristoldiocese.org

Creation Restored2022-08-05T18:43:10+01:00

Bottom to Top – Bishop Lee’s Cycling Challenge

2022-07-22T18:17:11+01:00

Chris Stanley & Bishop Lee Rayfield

Being ill with Covid recently, has not stopped Bishop of Swindon, Dr Lee Rayfield, from getting on his bike once again to take on a huge fundraising challenge, cycling some 881 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in just 13 days.

Bishop Lee will be cycling to raise as much money as possible to support local families in most need with a special Christmas gift. This is the second time that Bishop Lee has taken on such a massive quest.

Back in 2014, following chemotherapy and radiotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma, he rode from John O’Groats to Land’s End and raised £16,000 to equip and train church leaders from across Uganda to help them better serve their communities.

His plan was to cycle the other way round two years ago, but his quest was scuppered as he hit a patch of black ice breaking his femur and he also needed to have a replacement of his replacement hip.

After surgery, Bishop Lee is now able to fulfil his second challenge, but this time helping people in his hometown of Swindon in a challenge he has named ‘From the Bottom to the Top’.

To support this cause, members of the public can visit Bishop Lee’s JustGiving page at https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/from-the-bottom-to-the-top?utm

You can also follow his journey on his daily blog From the Bottom to the Top at https://bishopswindon.wixsite.com/my-site/blog

Watch an update from the Bishop below

Bottom to Top – Bishop Lee’s Cycling Challenge2022-07-22T18:17:11+01:00

Wedding of the Year (so far!)

2022-07-16T10:51:14+01:00

It’s a busy year for the Stevenette family.

Last weekend saw the wedding of Thomas Stevenette and Rachel (Rae)Cordon at St Mary’s Attenborough near Nottingham. All the Nottingham church family, choir, bellringers and flower arrangers were there and supported in every way. The Vicar also kindly allowed Simon to officiate so it was a very special time for them all.

Tom and Rae first met at Durham University. Rae is a primary School teacher. The Reception was held at Woolaton Hall and Park in Nottingham.

Their marriage adds a 3rd lovely Mrs Stevenette to the family with Elise, the 4th,future Mrs S, waiting in the wings. She and William are to be married this August.

You can see the family pictured below

From left to right Katy, Robert, Edward, Simon, Tom, Rae, Hugo,Nicola,William and Elise

Cutting the cake

Tom and Nicola

Rae and Tom

The brothers with Rae

Wedding of the Year (so far!)2022-07-16T10:51:14+01:00

EXPLORE MINDFULNESS WITH TRAINED, EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

2022-07-09T10:24:47+01:00

Join our On-line course, beginning Wednesday October 8th between 10am-12.15pm for 8 weeks until 30th November (no session 25th Oct) to include a half day
on Sat 19th November.

COST: Sliding Scale of £120 to £220
(further reductions available) With funding to subsidise costs for Swindon people and in collaboration with Christ Church Community Centre

Try before you sign up with our – FREE TASTER SESSIONS

Wednesday 13th July: 10am to 11am
Wednesday 7th September: 10am to 11am

We are also looking to support other people and groups. If you are involved in a particular group who you think would benefit from mindfulness sessions (one off or more than one), please do get in touch. Again, these will be subsidised to suit the group or individual.

To express your interest and for further information, please contact: Chris Smith, Christ Church Community Centre Manager
Mob: 07582 305760. Email: chris@christchurchswindon.co.uk

EXPLORE MINDFULNESS WITH TRAINED, EXPERIENCED TEACHERS2022-07-09T10:24:47+01:00

Draft Design ideas for the Jubilee Garden

2022-07-09T10:25:22+01:00

We have now received further advice from our Garden advisor on ideas for the East-West Section of the Jubilee Memorial Garden. This section presents a number of more complex challenges than the completed one.

The proposals seek to address a number of issues to enable us to create a more beautiful, manageable, and accessible garden.

  • The ground is very stony and full of roots.
  • There are many self seeded weeds and small bushes which, over the years, present a challenge to stop them overwhelming the plaques.
  • As a result, access to the garden has been very difficult, both for visitors and maintenance.
  • The Lime trees cast a lot of shade during the Summer months making the selection of year round planting for colour and interest a challenge.

The two draft ideas below, set out to provide safe, level access to all the areas of the garden, unite the north-south garden with the east -west and provide a place to sit and remember. All plans will  minimise any impact on the plaques which will be restored, as close as possible, to their original positions. As with the north-south section, it will be necessary to temporarily remove them to complete the work. This will be done carefully and methodically.

It is important that all families affected by any of the proposals, understand and accept them so we will be entering a period of consultation and discussion. During this time we welcome all comments , ideas or questions about the project. We currently lack sufficient funds to complete the works and all final ideas must be submitted to Bristol Diocese for permission, so work is unlikley to be agreed or undertaken until late this year at the earliest.

In the meantime, it would be very helpful if everyone takes a look at the draft plans and gives their comments as soon as possible.

You can do this by completing a simple on-line survey

or contacting us Stephen@christchurchswindon.co.uk  (07885 217077)

Draft Idea 1

Give us your view ( opens a short survey)

Total Views: 980Daily Views: 1

Draft Idea 2

Give us your views ( opens a short survey)

Draft Design ideas for the Jubilee Garden2022-07-09T10:25:22+01:00

Platinum Jubilee Celebration and Service

2022-06-10T15:33:06+01:00

Grateful thanks to all those who helped with our Platinum Jubilee Tea Party last Sunday and for those who help to serve refreshments Sunday by Sunday. It was great to get together to celebrate the day in style.

We had a wonderful Old Town Partnership of Churches Jubilee celebration service later, attended, among others, by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Troughton, our Mayor Councillor Abdul Amin and Sir Robert Buckland MP. We are very grateful to Rev’d Geoff Gleed for leading our music and to the joint choirs of the Partnership churches for their inspriring singing. You can catch up with the service on our You Tube Channel if you missed it.

We are planning to expand our catering as we prioritise having fun together over the next few months. It’s a great way to get to know everyone and offers of help are always appreciated. Please pray with us for growth in friendship and support in these challenging days.

Please also make a note of our Parish Weekend at home 16th -18th September. where we hope to deepen our social relationships by meeting together and having fun.

Simon and Nicola Stevenette Tel; 01793 529166 for more information..

Platinum Jubilee Celebration and Service2022-06-10T15:33:06+01:00

A Letter from the Stevenette Family

2022-06-10T15:01:09+01:00

John’s funeral and Simon’s compassionate leave

We are enormously grateful for all the love and prayers we have received since John/ Dad’s death on 7th May. We had a wonderful funeral service with Holy Communion at St Leonard’s Sunningwell last Monday. All the family were directly involved in various ways. The only sadness being that Nicola was absent due to having Covid. We are especially grateful to Margaret, Ailsa and Geoff and those behind the scenes who organised such a moving parallel service at Christ Church at the same time. We are deeply touched by your prayers and support which were answered as we were overwhelmed with God’s love, presence, and Resurrection hope.

Bishop Viv has encouraged me to take a fortnight’s compassionate leave, to reflect on all that has happened for us as a family this year. This will be from Friday 17th June- Saturday 2nd July.

Thank you for your understanding. Please continue to remember us in your prayers and to support the Staff Team in all they are doing to cover my absence.

Every blessing

Simon

A Letter from the Stevenette Family2022-06-10T15:01:09+01:00

The Revd John Stevenette

2022-05-13T15:15:13+01:00

 A letter from Simon

My father John died peacefully at Princess Lodge Nursing Home, Swindon on Saturday 7th May at 8.20pm aged 91 years old. Thank you for your support, kindness and prayers especially over the last two and half years whilst my dad was living with us at the Vicarage and after his fall, at the Nursing Home, where he received excellent care.

John was ordained 22nd December 1961. We celebrated his 40th and 50th Ordination anniversaries at Christ Church with friends coming from all the six parishes in which he served during his Stipendiary Ministry.

Mum and Dad retired to Abingdon in 1999 and John was given permission to officiate in the Bristol Diocese. He joined the staff team at Christ Church and regularly led worship across the Swindon Deanery until 2012 when he finally retired. He loved his time ministering here and getting to know you.

His funeral service, with Holy Communion, will take place at St Leonard’s Church, Sunningwell near  Abingdon, where Angela is buried, on Monday 6th June at 12 noon. As with Mum, there will be a parallel service at Christ Church at 12 noon, led by members of the Christ Church staff team for Swindon friends to which all are welcome

Please pass the word around and remember us in your prayers on that day.

The words on John and Angela’s headstone sum up their legacy.

‘Their generosity of spirit knew no bounds’.

As John rests in peace may he rise in glory.

Every blessing and thanks again

Simon

The Revd John Stevenette2022-05-13T15:15:13+01:00
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