Return to Church Buildings

It will be a joy to be able to hold services in some of our parish churches on the 2nd and 4th Sundays during the months of July and August.

We are in the process of working through guidelines issued yesterday by the Church of England and will publish in our Friday mailing and website details of services to be held on 12th and 26th July. We will continue to stream services on the 1st and 3rd Sundays for the next two months and then review.

The next streamed service will be recorded at Westcote Chapel and be broadcast on 19th July.

We would value your prayers for wisdom as we seek to unlock safely and build on all that has been blessed by God in recent months.

Church Services

We heard last night that we will soon be able to start holding services in our parish churches. We will continue to stream services for the next two Sundays as we plan for a return to services in our buildings. Please pray for us as we seek to continue to provide for those who are still shielding and those who have come to rely on the resources which we have made available on line, whilst taking the opportunity of being together again in worship after such a long time apart. We will update you with further details in these mailings and also put them on the website

Private Prayer

We are pleased to say that our Parish Churches are now open for Private Prayer with only Holy Ascension remaining closed for the time being. Please keep the Private Prayer leaflet after use and bring it back with you if you wish to return. Please use the hand sanitiser provided when you enter and leave the church and avoid using the church if you currently have symptoms of Corona-virus infection.

CORONAVIRUS (Covid-19)

All parishes in the benefice are taking the threat of Coronavirus (Covid-19) very seriously.

We are following Church of England guidance regarding the sharing of communion and have suspended the serving of refreshments at our events and services. You can read the full ‘Guidance for Churches’ here.

Postponed/Cancelled Events & Services

(Updated 18th March 2020)

Please note that the following events/services have been postponed or cancelled:

22nd March 2020 - Mothering Sunday CAFE CHURCH at Westcote Village Hall CANCELLED.

19th March 2020 - A Student in Venice, talk by Gordon Harris at Adlestrop Village Hall - POSTPONED new date tbc.

18th March 2020 - What Christians Believe LENT course at Broadwell Village Hall - POSTPONED new date tbc.

Youth Climbing Trip

Young people from Youth Cafe and Explorers met on Saturday November 16th, 2019 for an organised trip to go climbing at Far Peak Climbing Centre in gloucestershire. A fun morning out where, after a safety briefing, everyone managed to scale the heights and climb to the top of a 15 metre outdoor tower! Set in woodland amongst tree tops the tower challenged everyone and provided an opportunity to strengthen friendships and have fun. There are a few pictures from the climbing morning below.

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Youth Climbing 16Nov2019

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Broadwell's Farewell to Serena Lancaster

Broadwell said a fond farewell to Serena Lancaster after 30 years of living and ministering in the village.

At the Broadwell Village Service on the Green on 9th June, a presentation was made to Serena on behalf of the villages of Broadwell and Donnington. Serena was given a number of gifts including a glass bowl engraved with an image of St. Paul’s Church Broadwell.

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Pat Beard (right) presented the glass bowl with an image of St Paul’s Broadwell to Serena Lancaster (left) on behalf of the villages of Broadwell and Donnington.

Pat Beard (right) presented the glass bowl with an image of St Paul’s Broadwell to Serena Lancaster (left) on behalf of the villages of Broadwell and Donnington.

During the Broadwell Village Service a packed audience in the marquee on the Village Green watched as Serena received her presentation and farewell from Revd Richard Rendall.

During the Broadwell Village Service a packed audience in the marquee on the Village Green watched as Serena received her presentation and farewell from Revd Richard Rendall.

Flaming June

Dear Friends,

 

Flaming June is upon us and with it the season of fetes, open days, open gardens and a myriad of different events organised in the villages of Evenlode Vale.

 

These are important fundraising events and those of us who are recipients of donations to a variety of good causes are very grateful to those who work so hard to make this possible.

 

More than that, these are also important village events and as such are a means whereby people plan, prepare and work together, thereby building a greater sense of community and belonging. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world and to be able to enjoy this aspect of Cotswold life.

 

Whether or not June does flame remains to be seen, but I am sure that as we work together and come along to support these fundraising and village events, generosity will be enabled and a sense of community developed.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Richard Rendall

Confirmation Service

Three candidates from the Evenlode Vale Benefice were confirmed during the United Communion Service at Holy Ascension Oddington on Sunday 19th May 2019 by the Bishop of Tewkesbury.

The three candidates Nicky Noorani, Leeno Robbins and Hannah Rowley were welcomed into the Church and presented with a candle by Bishop Robert. The service was a joyful occasion and a chance for family and friends to witness this important step in each candidates’ spiritual journey..

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Retirement of Tim Royle

A celebration was held at the United Service on 5th May for Tim Royle marking his retirement after 60 years of faithful service as a Lay Minister. Tim preached his last Sermon in the benefice at Holy Ascension Oddington at the United Service.

Photo: Tim Royle speaking to the children on Easter Day, his last service in Icomb.

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Youth News

Dear Friends,

 As Spring softly passes into Summer, I find myself reflecting on the beauty that this time of year holds; whether it’s the long evenings spent outside or the way the sun streams through the windows in the early morning. Already, the smell of freshly cut grass has got my mind racing about the number of activities we can plan for the children in our villages.

Last summer the sun didn’t seem to stop shining which gave us the opportunity to have numerous family Football and Rounders days, on Broadwell village green. It was so much fun and at times I’m sure the parents were even more competitive than your average Canadian ice hockey team.

 This year I am hoping for many more summer sports days, with the hope of involving even more families, especially as Broadwell now has its very own family football team, the fabulous Broadwell Foxes. We have children and parents that join in a kickabout, every Sunday. At the moment we have around 25 enthusiastic and committed players of all ages - everyone is welcome, so please get in touch if your children would like to come along.

 To get the ball rolling in regard to this year’s summer activities, Helkias and I are going to be running a half term holiday club in Bledington Primary school on the 29th, 30th and 31st of May (9.30am – 12.30pm), for primary school aged children (all years welcome).  The theme of each day will be based on the story of Jonah and the whale. There will be plenty of exciting arts and craft activities to help bring the story to life, as well as a relaxed football or rounders session to end the day. Please contact me if you would like to find out more information or to book a place for your child.

 If you would like to keep updated with upcoming events and activities for young people, please see our Benefice Website or message me and I can add you to the youth work whatsapp group.

 Hope to see you soon.

 God bless,

 Love Bridgid

 07891936826

bridgid.duffy.93@gmail.com

Easter Saturday Workshop

20th April at Broadwell Village Hall. Time: 9.30am - 12.00 pm

Ages 4-15 years old welcome. Come and enjoy a morning of:

  • Arts and crafts

  • Cooking

  • Music

  • Easter egg hunt

Followed by an optional game of Football at 12.00pm - 1.00pm

To book your place please contact:

Bridgid Duffy on 07891936826 or bridgid.duffy.93@gmail.com

or

Dr Dilys Neill on 07799431044 or dwshaneill@btinternet.com

Palm Sunday - Adlestrop

The Church Service at Adlestrop on Palm Sunday was livened up by two, very well behaved donkeys, which led the procession from the Village Hall to St Mary Magdalene Church.

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Space for reflection

Reflection is a key ingredient in our growth and development.  The ability to reflect on what's happening around us, and how our decisions and actions affect ourselves and others, is essential if we are to grow into rounded and effective individuals.   I've been working for about five years with prisoners at a high-security jail, a place for those we might rather forget - those found guilty of the most serious of crimes.   It has been a privilege to walk with these men and see how, for some, a growing reflection on their own shortcomings and misdeeds can build solid foundations for future rehabilitation.   For a rather longer time I've been part of the NHS England GP appraisals team - conducting annual professional appraisals for our local GPs.   It's been a contrasting but equally fascinating exercise helping these highly-respected members of our society, on whom we place our trust, to reflect and grow in their professional practice and skills.  

 

But each of us needs to reflect, if we are to grow, regardless of age or status.   For Christians, Lent is a traditional time to do just that.   As the newest member of the clergy team here in the Evenlode vale, I'm looking forward to being part of one of no less than NINE different Lent activities across our villages in March & April - times to reflect and ponder on who we are and why we're here.   If you've never done a Lent course before - why not give one a try?   No prior knowledge necessary, no commitment required.  Just pick up a leaflet from church or check the notice board, and come along to one that takes your fancy.   And find a new space for reflection.

 

Rev'd Dr Stephen Blake

Associate Minister

Evenlode Vale Benefice

 

Learning in LENT

LENT is a great time to take a pause and think about matters of faith and belief, whether you are an established Christian, new to the faith, or just wanting to ’take a peek’ at who Jesus is, and what faith in Him is all about.    So this year we’re running a series of Lent courses and events right across the Benefice.   You’re welcome to come to any event, in your village or elsewhere—you can just turn up.   And each event will be self-contained so you don’t have to commit to the whole series.   We hope to see you soon!

For Full Programme Click HERE