The Benefice of St. Bartholomew

Illustrated Talk - “Beyond the Studio” - East Knoyle - 20th October 2018

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Written by Martin Williams

On Saturday 20th October 2018 at 7.00 pm, John Maine RA will give an illustrated talk in the East Knoyle Village Hall about the recent development of his work. Although he does exhibit smaller scale sculpture both indoors and out, the principle body of his work is site specific, based in landscape and with architecture. John has worked in many different parts of the world and will show examples from near and far, including his recent installation at Hereford Cathedral, and the Memorial Stone for Stephen Hawking in Westminster Abbey.

We are fortunate that John, who is a very distinguished Royal Academician and a long time member of our Village, will give us an insight into the origins of his work and the process of realising it.

There will be an opportunity for questions at the end, and before the talk there will be wine and canapés, with coffee and brownies to follow afterwards.

Tickets cost £15.00 and are available from Wren’s Shop, East Knoyle, or Briony (tel: 01747 830350) and Lavinia (tel: 01747 830262).

Click here to find out more about John Maine.

All proceeds will go towards St Mary ’s Church Funds.

All Souls Bereavement Service, East Knoyle - 28th October 2018

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Written by The Rev'd Richard Warhurst

This year's All Souls' Bereavement Service will be held at St Mary's Church, East Knoyle, on Sunday 28th October 2018 at 4.00 pm. This is a quiet service when we gather to remember our friends and loved ones who have gone before us, and pray for those left behind.

There is a sheet in each church on which you can write down the names of those you especially wish to remember and have read out during the service. Alternatively, you can send the details to the Benefice Office by email - click here, and when the new page opens, select the 'Contact Form' to send your message.

Please do join us for this special service.

*** NEW *** The Text This Week

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Written by The Rev'd Richard Warhurst

Bible study in the Rectory, Semley - “The Text This Week”

On Thursdays at 7:30pm, during term-time.

The first session is on 20th September 2018 - everyone is welcome.

The idea is that we will explore the text for the coming Sunday (over a glass of wine or cup of tea...)

Come each week - drop in - come when you're reading - it's up to you !

*** NEW *** Messy Church - Semley

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Written by The Rev'd Richard Warhurst

Activities - Songs - Food
Crafts - Games - Stories 

We are starting a

new Messy Church on the fourth Saturday of the month
at Semley Primary School.

The first session will be on Satuday 22nd September 2018 from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm.

We will need volunteers of all ages please!
Please get behind this new venture.
Please make sure that local families are aware that it is happening.
If you are interested in helping, please contact the Rectory on 01747 830174

From the Rector - October 2018

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Written by The Rev'd Richard Warhurst

Dear Friends,

October; a turning of the year. Very definitely the end of summer, the start of Autumn. Even the university students have started back again, and schools’ half-term is coming soon. The weather might be anything — wet and windy, hot and sunny, cool and grey — but regardless, the leaves have started to turn colour, and the days are shortening fast.

We are in the time of year when we celebrate Harvest. Some have recently celebrated, and some are yet to do so.

Harvest seems to be something that occurs each year. It just sort of happens, does it not? It does not need any work or effort and all rolls along quite smoothly. Indeed, in some kinds of farming there is not even anything to harvest at a particular time of the year. Do cows milk themselves; do beef, sheep and pigs just eat; is that is all there is to it?

If such a statement is absurd in farming terms, why do we assume that Church finances occur in a similar way? Perhaps it is one of those things — it does not directly affect us unless something goes wrong and when it does go wrong we will take some interest. Such an approach can work but it is does not lead to long term growth or a sense of confidence. God will provide; indeed He has provided. The provision is with us and it is us that need harvesting.

Like an agricultural harvest, we will have been affected by outside factors. Jobs may have changed (and in some cases may not be there any longer); retirement may have occurred or full time study concluded and the world of work entered. All of these are key things that may prompt a personal giving review.

But, what about the many of us where there has not been a major change? As with a long established apple orchard, we still produce fruit even if no major changes in the shape of the tree have occurred. We still have a harvest and we need to look at what it is. We then look at how we offer part of this back to God.

We sing in the harvest hymn that all good gifts around us are sent from heaven above. We are then exhorted to ”thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for all his love”. The tune enables us to concentrate on the word ’’all’’. When we review our giving, this year, let's concentrate on the word ‘all’ when looking at what God has given us. Our response can then reflect that giving to us.

Yours,

Richard

Prayer Cycle and Prayer of the Month - October 2018

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Written by The Rev'd June Lane

Although we do not meet regularly just now there are still several of us who are committed to praying regularly for those in need; so please do continue to give us your requests - to Julia (tel: 01747 829166), The Rev’d June (tel: 01747 828427), Theresa (tel: 01747 829188), or The Rev’d Richard (tel: 01747 830174).

Prayer Of The Month

it is Harvest time now so this poem/prayer seems appropriate.
It was written by Marie Williams.

For seeds to sow
And open doors
For all of these
And so much more.
I give You thanks.  Amen