Living in Love and Faith

2021-09-11T13:33:05+01:00

On 9th November the Church of England published the “Living in Love and Faith” (L.L.F.) resources. This began a new process of discernment and decision-making on questions of identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage. The resources have been designed to help all God’s people to learn about and discuss matters of human identity and sexuality, an arena the Church of England has found very difficult.

It also seeks to help all members of the Church of England engage with these issues and hear God’s voice speaking into society today. The feedback from engagement across the church, this year, will inform discussions next year on whether or not to change the Church of England’s stance on marriage and human sexuality. We are running the 6 week Living in Love and Faith course in Swindon at various dates and times this Autumn. Please visit https://bit.ly/SwinLLF for more details of what you can expect if you take part in a course and how to sign up. This is an important time for the Church of England’s mission, please consider taking part.

 

Living in Love and Faith2021-09-11T13:33:05+01:00

Our Gardens

2021-09-04T14:28:06+01:00

Garden of Reflection

Remembrance Garden

The old rubbish area

Over the past few years we have worked hard to improve the garden areas around the church. This work is almost exclusively carried out by volunteers from the community and from our church family.

In 2013, a former rubbish area was turned into the Gaden of Reflection. This garden is in a sunny spot with seating and a beautiful view of the church. It was designed by Rachel Titcombe who won our competition to create a peaceful and reflective new garden

Following the closure of our former Rose Garden for ashes burial, we established a peaceful new lawned area at the South West corner of the church. This Garden of Remembrance is now used for ashes burial.

The former ashes garden

The former rose garden was closed to new ashes burial in 2020 and a major renovation project was launched managed by Ian Handy and a team of volunteers. The old Rose garden had become difficult to manage and many of the roses were diseased and unproductive. Following a detailed planning period, permission was granted by the Diocese of Bristol to install a new design which carefully respected the more than 1,500 burials whilst providing the opportunity to refresh the planting and install new raised beds, irrigation and weed suppression. If you would like to know more or contact us about the former rose garden, you can read about it here.

The planting is a design by Sue Spielberg and aims to provide colour and interest throughout the year. Watch a short film explaining the planting

Our Gardens2021-09-04T14:28:06+01:00

Our Beer Festival

2021-09-04T12:45:31+01:00

Once again, despite much uncertainty and difficulty, the 8th (or perhaps really the 7th and a half) Old Town Beer Festival went ahead.

The event always brings together a diverse and friendly section of our community and many conversations were had, along with a beer or two from local brewers.

Thanks must go to the Chris Smith and Jenny our Community Centre managers and to the team of volunteers who spent many hours putting together detailed plans ( as well as a lot of racking for the beers and ciders!).

The festival plays an important part in our fundraising  efforts and this year, despite restrictions on numbers, we were able to raise mor than £7,000 for the mission and ministry of the church.

Our Beer Festival2021-09-04T12:45:31+01:00

Ride & Stride

2021-09-04T12:48:07+01:00

11th September 10.am – 6pm

Many of Wiltshire’s historic churches, chapels and meeting houses will be open for you to visit as part of Ride + Stride 2021.
You can be sponsored to walk, cycle, ride a horse or use a mobility scooter to as many places of worship as possible. You choose your own route, travel at your own pace and can make it a memorable outing.

After being shut away and locked down in recent months, what a lovely way to enjoy a day out in the open air and raise funds for Christ Church and the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust.

Sponsor forms, instructions and details of places of worship that are open can be downloaded from the following link or from our local contact, Arline Stovell 01793 520691.

Ride & Stride2021-09-04T12:48:07+01:00

Summary of July 26th PCC Meeting

2021-08-27T14:24:43+01:00

The Parochial Church council is made up of members of our congregation and meets regularly to decide on strategy and day to day management of Christ Church with St Mary’s.

The latest meeting covered topics concerning, COVID management, the former Rose garden project. Eco church progress and financial reports.

Read a full summary of the meeting by clicking the button below

Summary of July 26th PCC Meeting2021-08-27T14:24:43+01:00

8th Old Town Festival

2021-08-21T13:46:15+01:00

Last year, Covid drank our Beer festival so we are delighted to be able to pick up again this year, albeit with a slightly scaled down version.

The festival is an important part of our connection with our local community as well as providing us with a valuable contribution towards the cost of running the church and our services to those who need us.

If Beer festivals aren’t your thing then why not join us on Sunday 22nd – 4pm – 5pm for Beer & Hymns.A chance to sing again; a joyous musical gathering led by the Old Town Partnership of Churches and musicians at Christ Church, Old Town, Swindon.

There is a grand tradition within the Christian church of bringing together hymn-singing and pub culture. In the nineteenth century William Booth’s Salvation Army put Christian words to popular music sung in pubs and taverns, but you don’t need to be tee total or Christian to come. (Non-drinkers also welcome!)

We are an open, non-judgmental community where everyone (and we mean everyone) is invited.

8th Old Town Festival2021-08-21T13:46:15+01:00

Watch a recording of Robert & Katy’s Wedding

2021-08-07T18:29:30+01:00

In common with many other couples in the past 18 months Rob and Katy have had a lot of planning and re-thinking to do as they organised their wedding.

Today finally, it all came together under the watchful eye of Rob’s dad. Simon Stevenette.

Watch a recording of Robert & Katy’s Wedding2021-08-07T18:29:30+01:00

Community Centre News

2021-08-07T12:18:22+01:00

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all past and present hirers for choosing the Community Centre at Christ Church without all the support we have had in years gone by the last 18 months would have been even more of a struggle. We are grateful for every class, event and celebration which has happened at the centre and hope we can continue to provide a suitable venue for any occasion.

The Community Centre is a vital part of our mission to connect with our local community and, as things start to return to something like normality, we are keen for everyone to know what we are up to.

Click below for our newsletter

Chris & Jenny

Community Centre News2021-08-07T12:18:22+01:00

Christ Church Eco Award

2021-08-07T11:43:08+01:00

We heard this week that we have definitely been awarded a bronze award for our eco-awareness in managing the Christ Church site.

We had to complete around 100 questions in a survey about our worship, land, lifestyle, buildings and community engagement that proved we were becoming more eco-aware and were committed to this for the long term.

Click to view our certificate

What does it mean?

The A Rocha scheme allows churches to assess their policies and approach to caring for God’s world. The process enables us to take a close look at how we operate the church, our grounds and other buildings. It also helps us identify new ways or working that will further improve our stewardship of God’s earth. We have our sights set on the Silver award next. If you have any ideas on how we might manaage our resources or environment then please let us know. Our Eco Champion is Phil Mansfield

Christ Church Eco Award2021-08-07T11:43:08+01:00

Margaret’s New Book

2021-07-30T16:46:19+01:00

The Leprosy Bell is an imaginary story inspired by the Gospel set in Capernaum on the Sea of Galilee. It suggests what people might have thought of Jesus when He began His ministry and offers insight into the everyday life of his followers.

Leprosy was a dreaded illness which had devastating consequences when social distancing was more than keeping two metres apart.

The profit from the sale of The Leprosy Bell will be split between The Friends of Christ Church Swindon and The Leprosy Mission, England, and Wales.

A signed copy of The Leprosy Bell is available at a cost of £5:

Leprosy Today

2000 years after Jesus ministered to people affected by leprosy, the disease continues to affect men, women, and children.

Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria. With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured.

Every two minutes, someone is diagnosed with leprosy. That’s more than 200,000 new cases a year. Although it is curable, millions of people worldwide are living with the effects of the disease, from physical disability to mental health problems, poverty, and discrimination.

https://www.leprosymission.org.uk/

Margaret Williams

Margaret

Author of Bridging the Gap MBE recipient Margaret Williams was recognised for services to the Bristol Diocese and the community of Swindon in 2015.

She is a gifted storyteller particularly in all-age worship where her empathy with both young and old is obvious. Margaret loves travel, Welsh culture and entertaining. She is a co-ordinator for residential care home visits and a supporter of the healing prayer ministry.

Margaret’s New Book2021-07-30T16:46:19+01:00

Rewilding

2021-07-28T14:39:21+01:00

What do you know about rewilding Britain’s National Parks?

Nature is badly depleted in our national parks. In England’s national parks for example, three-quarters of Sites of Special Scientific Interest are in a poor condition. Wilder national parks can lead the way for a healthier, more nature-rich Britain, with opportunities for communities and local economies.

10% CORE REWILDING AREAS in national parks will help us lead the way to a wilder Britain. Despite some superb conservation initiatives, our national parks are nature-depleted and ecological shadows of what they could be – with decades old laws hobbling their ability to lead the way in tackling the extinction crisis and climate emergency. Rewilding Britian is calling on the UK Government and devolved administrations to make Britain’s national parks wilder — including 10% core rewilding areas – so that these precious places can set the pace and lead the way in turning the page on nature-depleted Britain.

What can I do?

Encourage the UK Government and devolved administrations by taking action [https://act.rewildingbritain.org.uk/demand-wilder-national-parks]

Rewilding2021-07-28T14:39:21+01:00

Kevins eco record

2021-07-23T20:28:50+01:00

An Eco Milestone

At Christ Church, we like a record-breaker – particularly one who Kevin Bookerdoes something to prove a great point.

Margaret William’s nephew Kevin Brooker, recently visited her to say hello and show off his new car. As you can see from the picture it’s quite a special one.

Kevin was part of a team that has just completed a world record journey of 840 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End in 27 hours, using only 45 mins of charging time in total, with an efficiency of 6.5 miles per Kilowatts hour. He said the cost of the journey would have been about £6-50. The car is a Ford Mustang Mach E.

Margaret was delighted to see Kevin who had driven up from Swansea that afternoon ( and was returning the same day) – All on one charge.

Kevins eco record2021-07-23T20:28:50+01:00
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