Come and join the fun. 3 course Christmas meal, Christmas Carols, Queen’s Speech, fun and laughter
Where: Christ Church Community Centre
When 12.00 – 3.30 Christmas Day
To reserve your place by donation please contact
Chris Smith 01793 617237 or email Chris.Smith@ccccswindon.co.uk
The Dorcan Church, East Swindon
Initially 20 hours per week to include some evening and weekend working.
Salary based on hours offered would be £11,440
Applications are invited for the post of Community Centre Development Manager (CCDM).
The role of the CCDM will be to manage the operations and administration of St Paul’s Church Centre as well as the supplementary resource of St Timothy’s church.
There will be an expectation to identify and develop volunteers to take an active role within the running of the Community/ Church Centres.
The CCDM will need to have had experience of working within and managing a community facility.
The person will need to be friendly, customer focused and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
This role will be critical in supporting the existing staff team and volunteers involved with the Dorcan church.
The successful applicant should have excellent communication and organisational skills and be able to demonstrate/ have a proven record in dealing with complex community relationships.
Please contact Chris Smith for an application pack:
Chris Smith, Centre Manager, St Paul’s Church Centre, Covingham, Swindon, SN3 5BY.
Telephone number 07582 305760 or
e-mail: hall.bookings@dorcanchurch.org.uk
Closing Date for applications is: Friday 25th October 2019
Interview to be held: W/C Monday 11th November 2019
Start date planned of: 1st January 2020
Daniel and Caroline Pitt visited Holywell Glass in Wells on 4 October to see progress on the refurbishment of the South Transept Window from Christ Church. ( see article here) Holywell Glass occupy a medieval mill in the City of Wells – the mill stream still rushes past the window. We met four delightful people who obviously enjoy their work.
Two of the Christ Church panes were being worked on during our visit. All procedures are carefully photographed. Before disassembly, a rubbing is taken that the glass then rests on as it is carried round the workshop. The first process is to remove the lead which holds the pieces together – wearing gloves and masks as lead is poisonous; the old lead is sent away for recycling. Then the glass is placed on a light box and each piece of the pattern is carefully cleaned to remove 160 years of smoke from coal fires and candles, dust and condensation. One person will take most of a week to clean all the pieces in each of our four lights. Then any glass pieces that are broken will be repaired with either epoxy resin, copper strips or new lead.
Eventually the panes will be reassembled and releaded and then returned to the church to be reinstalled in the window. We hope that this process will be finished in good time for Christmas. Caroline & Daniel Pitt
In their centenary year, the Swindon Male Voice choir will be in concert at 7.30pm in Christ Church on November 23rd. They will be supported by special guests, the Romsey Male Voice choir. All proceeds go to the Samaritans.
Tickets £10.00 adult : Under 16s free
Available from: Choir members or Swindon Male Voice Choir ticket Point: 01793 822495
Email: swindonmalevoicechoir@msn.com
Swindon and District Samaritans: 07484 611993
Since taking on my role as treasurer nearly 18 months ago, there have been very visible signs of major expenditure we have incurred to keep the fabric of our church going. With the roof and organ works now complete, and work on the transept window well under way, this major investment phase in the long life of Christ Church with St Mary’s is now coming to an end. I don’t want to dwell on this aspect of our finances, save to say it has largely been made possible by the generosity of those who have gone before us through legacies.Whilst I think that the excellent work that has been carried out in both churches will stand us in good stead for many years to come, we should perhaps remember that we ourselves, subject to our means, can continue to contribute to the well-being of the church and parish after we have gone, through legacies.
With the fabric of the churches settled, I wanted to focus today on the true purpose of our being here, and what the funds we may be fortunate enough to possess can do.
I mean of course our mission to do God’s work within and beyond the parish. Without a reasonably sound financial operating basis we cannot do this.
We need to keep the ‘business’ of the church going – paying our excellent staff, the usual running costs, and keeping our mission and community work going. Of particular significance is the support we give to the diocese for the employment of clergy. This includes our own, as well as for churches outside our own parish, who may have an even greater struggle than us to keep their missions going. In 2019, the financial commitment to do this amounted to £107,600, and next year the diocese is keen for us to commit a higher sum of up to £119,000.
Where does this money for these things come from? Well, we have the generosity of the Friends of Christ Church, investments, fundraising activities, legacies and our reserves, but the most important is the generosity of yourselves, and I wanted to speak a little more about this.
You may have heard, or you may already be part, of the Parish Giving Scheme which was launched last year. This is a direct-debit based way of giving that is our preferred alternative to having a standing order, and is well-established in parishes across the country. Thank you for all those who give generously through the scheme. We are beginning to reap the huge benefits of this scheme with over 50 us giving in this tax-efficient way. Not least is the weight being taken off the shoulders of our gift-aid manager Stephen Grosvenor, who has cheerfully carried out the task of claiming gift-aid tax back for us for the last 20 years. With no disadvantages, and with the great benefit of this reduction in Stephen’s administration effort, I would urge all those who do not already do so to take part and to give generously in this new way.
It involves completing a simple form, and I have some with me, and (10am: Stephen and) I will be available after the service if anyone would like to discuss this further, or would like helping completing the form.
If you are not able to commit to regular giving in these ways, then whatever you can give is still greatly valued and appreciated. If you are a taxpayer, the Gift Aid Scheme increases the value of your gift by 20% if you make your donations via a Gift Aid Envelope. These can be found at the back of the church or by contacting the Parish Office.
Just to mention in a little more detail our current finances for those interested. This year we have a total income budget of £200,595, which we have to find from somewhere and an operating expenditure budget of £205,886, ie an ‘unbalanced budget’ in which we plan to draw on some of our reserves. Naturaly costs rise every year, and the more observant amongst you will note this is a significant rise on last year. One particular item is the cost of energy – heating this place for instance – which has risen considerably.
For the year up to the end of July however, we are doing a little better than the budget – by about £3,500 – which is good news but largely due to not having appointed a children’s and young families worker. Our finances are finely-balanced and we must not let up in our efforts to maintain our income, which comes largely through giving and the efforts of our volunteers to fundraise. I should also mention our community centre, which continues to be very successful under tha capable management of Chris Smith and Jenny Hatter, and can help with our finances
So, in conclusion, our operating finances are finely-balanced. We do have major commitments coming up to deliver our mission and one of the most helpful ways in which you can help us is to sign up for the Parish Giving Scheme. You can find out how by contacting Stephen Grosvenor, our Gift Aid Secretary who will explain the process and help you sign up. Stephen can be contacted on 07885 217077 or giftaid@christchurchswindon.co.uk
Our vision is to be Christ’s Church in the community.
Our recent investment, both in the Church and Community Centre, reflect our desire to develop our services to local people and become a valued meeting place, both for worship and a wide variety of community activities.
This investment has been made possible by many legacies and gifts from faithful friends and supporters over the years and has given us a great opportunity to build our mission from a solid base of buildings and facilities.
Whilst we are asset rich, as explained in our recent stewardship information, we still need to maintain and increase our income each year to fund the day to day mission and services we provide to our local community. As a result, we are asking our congregation and friends to consider signing up for the Parish Giving Scheme (P.G.S.) as a more effective way to make regular gifts to the church. Thank you to those of you who have already joined the scheme or give by other regular means.
The P.G.S. has several big advantages for Christ Church and its supporters:
With this is in mind, we ask all of our supporters to review their own personal circumstances and level of giving to the church and if possible consider increasing their gifts or better still, if they are not already members, to commit to regular donations via the Parish Giving Scheme. If you are currently giving via a direct debit or standing order then please consider converting to giving via this method. Contact Stephen Grosvenor our Gift Aid Secretary (07885 217077 giftaid@christchurchswindon.co.uk)to find out how.
If you are not able to commit to regular giving using the Parish Giving Scheme, then whatever you can give is still greatly valued and appreciated. If you are a tax payer, the Gift Aid Scheme increases the value of your gift by 20% if you make your donations via a Gift Aid Envelope. These can be found at the back of the church or by contacting the Parish Office.
Much of our recent renewal work at Christ Church has been made possible by generous legacies left to us by departed friends. Please consider leaving a legacy in favour of the church to help to secure its future for the next 100 years.
Come along to our Autumn Fayre and enjoy the atmosphere of a tradional church fete with attractions, refreshments, stalls and games for the children and while you are here why not visit our Heritage Open Day at the same time.
Local Studies, Swindon share some smashing history.
NEW! The Albert Beaney Collection & more from the Swindon Society
Meet local author John Stooke who will introduce his new book “Last Orders”, with an attractive discounted price for visitors who pre-order.
Church bell talk in the Tower. Climb the 46-steps of Christ Church’s tower (unsuitable for the very young or those with medical conditions).
Have a go at ringing our historic church bells. You will be amazed what a buzz it is! Talk at 12noon; 12:30; 13:00 and 13:30. Please call Helen tel. 522832 to reserve your place
Historic England – find out what they do in Swindon and nationwide
NEW! Hand bell ringing: 12:15-13:15 and 14:30-15:30
Church Tour 13:30-14:30 Discover the fascinating local history of Christ Church and its people.
Lace making demonstration and patchwork on display
Wiltshire Family History Society Swindon – explore your family using
ancestry.com, findmypast & the National Newspaper Archive
Friends’ of Christ Church stall – join us to help to protect our cherished Grade II* building for later generations.
What, in the majority of towns and villages, is the most impressive building? You’ve guessed it: the church! And Wiltshire, as much as any county, has a rich variety of styles of architecture and historical features to explore. Ride & Stride is an annual event that invites particpants to visit as many churches as possible in a day. Sponsorship can be per church visited or a fixed amount. It’s an ideal family day out – many of the churches have welcomers who offer refreshments and fascinating information about their church.
Participants can take part on a bike, on foot or on horseback.
Half of the money raised goes to Christ Church with St Mary’s, the other half to the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, enabling it to give grants for the upkeep and enhancement of churches and chapels around the county.
There is no enrollment fee – just get a sponsorship form and instructions from Arline tel. 520691 royandarline@gmail.com or the parish office and then plan your own route. Whether you simply walk from one local church to another or more ambitiously aim to cycle to fifty churches, you are welcome. There are also prizes for the most successful individuals and parishes.
Take a look at this Google map of some of the county’s churches for some inspiration https://drive.google.com/open?id=11mt133atEOdvmIOZCmpAybBVFrU&usp=sharing
Not all of these churches may be paticipating this year – contact Arline or the office, as above, for the 2019 list. Don’t fancy the challenge – You can still take part. We are looking for volunteers to man Christ Church or St Mary’s to welcome our visitors on the day. Contact Arline royandarline@gmail.com if you could spare some time and a smile for our, often weary, visitors.
We held a special service on July 28th to celebrate the work done on our new roof.
The project to replace the roof is the culmination of a major renewal programme which began back in 2013 with the new community centre building. This was followed in 2017 by a complete internal renewal of the church which saw the replacement of the old heating system, new energy efficient and modern lighting, improvements to our sound and video capability as well as a beautiful new wooden floor.
All these changes represent a once in a generation, investment by the church and its supporters in the life of the local community. The newly revitalised buildings act as host to services, weddings, funerals, major civic events, beer festivals, Christmas markets, concerts and other performances, community cinema shows, dancing classes and a wide variety of activities.It seems fitting that this final phase, tops off this renewal with a new roof and insulation upgrade for the church itself.
The service was attended by our Lord and Lady Mayor, Robert Buckland our MP and Robert Skinner our roofing contractor and members of his family and team. Thanks were given for all those who have made the roof project a success and particular thanks was given for those, no longer with us, whose generosity in the form of legacies, enabled much of the work to proceed. Pamela Gilbert, Peter Ford, John Sondermann, John & Aila English, John Plaister and Ken Trennary.
As our major roof repair draws to its close, we are turning our attention to securing the future of our South Transept Window.
The late John Plaister, a long standing member of the church and valued adviser on all matters relating to clocks and windows, first drew our attention to the poor state of the stonework on the mullions ( the upright bits that frame the 4 panels in the windows). This has caused the stained glass to bow and crack in places.
For various reasons we were unable to proceed with the necessary repairs until now. It will be necessary to completely remove the window – we are entrusting this work to Holy Well Glass a respected glazing and renovation company who will start work on it in the next 2 weeks. This will involve scaffolding both inside and outside the church. All efforts will be made to ensure that neither impacts the day to day use of the church unduly. Everyone though is asked to take care whilst in the area of the Childrens Corner and the South Transept door.
The window will be completely removed and taken to HWG’s workshop to be renovated and the stonework will be repaired and replaced. The work is planned to take up to mid/late November and represents another, once in a generation restoration. We are greatly indebted to all those who have left us legacies over the years and to those who generously donate to secure the future of the church building for future generations.
The Friends of Christ church have ensured John Plaister’s work and legacy is remembered by donating £2,000 towards the cost of this renovation. You can view details of many of those who have contributed both time and money to the maintenance and future of the church in our searchable on-line database https://www.christchurchswindon.co.uk/memorial.php
The Partnership of Churches are once again supporting the OT Festival this year. View the whole week’s events here
Thursday 13 June 2019 1-2 pm Lunch time Piano Recital by Paul Turner in Christ Church
Fascinatin’ Rhythm
Tickets £5 from parish office or on door
Refreshments from 12 noon Sponsored by the Friends of Christ Church & Morris Owen Accountants
A piano recital celebrating the influence of jazz in classical music in classical music
JOPLIN Maple Leaf Rag
DEBUSSY Le petit negre, La plus que lent
Golliwog’s Cakewalk
GERSHWIN Three Preludes for Piano
COPLAND Four Piano Blues
KAPUSTIN Twenty-Four Preludes Op. 53
CHICK COREA Selection from ‘Children’s Songs’
GINASTERA Danzas Argentinas
Friday 14th June from 2 – 5pm – Sparkling Afternoon Tea –
with Live Entertainment
Christ Church, Old Town, Swindon
Cream tea £5.00
Prosecco tea £7.50
Bar open
Tickets on the door
We held our A.P.C.M to elect new members of the Parochial Church council ( P.C.C.) and to report on our activities and finances for the previous year.
This is an important meeting which provides our congregation, supporters and friends with information on what we have done and provides opportunities for them to ask questions or challenge the way we do things.
If you missed this year’s meeting you can catch up with the minutes and reports on the links below: