COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Joint Service at Saint Stephen’s – Sunday 3rd March
Both congregations gather for our service at 10.00 am (breakfast 9.30), followed by a bring-and-share Brunch. There will be an Evensong service at Holy Trinity at 3.30 pm, with Chris Parkman.
Funeral of Geoffrey Symonds
Geoffrey Symonds, who was a member of Saint Stephen’s community some time back, recently passed away. His family have been in touch to let us know that his funeral will take place on March 20th, 12:00pm, at Saint Mary's Parish church in Almondsbury, followed by a committal at 12:30.
Electoral Roll reminder
Don’t forget to return your completed forms to me, or to one of the church offices. Being on the roll for a church means that you can attend the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM), can vote in elections at that meeting, and that you are eligible to stand for election for the PCC (the governing body of the church). To take part in this year’s APCM, the deadline for returning forms to me is:
- Saint Stephen’s – deadline for electoral roll Sun 3rd March (APCM is on Sun 24th March)
- Holy Trinity – deadline for electoral roll Sun 17th March (APCM is on Sun 7th April)
If you have any questions, do contact me by email (mitchell@spikeisland.net) or phone (0117 926 5401).
Sarah Mitchell, Electoral Roll Officer for Saint Stephen’s and Holy Trinity Hotwells
What is....? Leaflets
We now have hard copies of the following leaflets available in both churches from this Sunday: What is a Churchwarden / PCC / PCC Secretary / Treasurer / Safeguarding Officer?. Please have a look and prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to serve in a particular role or support those already serving in a role. Many thanks. Lee.
Documents: Saint Stephen's: What is a: PCC, Treasurer, Churchwarden, Parish Safeguarding Officer, PCC Secretary. Holy Trinity: What is a: PCC, Treasurer, Churchwarden, Parish Safeguarding Officer, PCC Secretary
Prayer Gathering, following our Ash Wednesday Service – Holy Trinity
On Wednesday 6th March, we mark the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday service at 6.35pm (parking free from 7pm but you can also get a ticket for 30 mins free from 6.30pm, thus the time) in the hall at Holy Trinity church. Following this, we are inviting both church communities to a time of prayer together from 7.30pm until no later than 9pm. This is an opportunity for us to gather some of our reflections from our Season of Prayer and Fasting but also to be together in prayer, seeking God. It would be great if you could join us. Wednesday 6th March, 6:35pm – 9pm
World Day of Prayer – Friday 1st March
Service at Bristol Cathedral, 10.30 am, followed by refreshments. This annual service (formerly Women’s World Day of Prayer) focusses on a different country each year. This year: “Come – Everything is Ready!”, praying for Slovenia.
Are You Called to be a Licensed Lay Minister?
Licensed Lay Ministry (Reader ministry) is nationally recognised as a highly significant ministry for the Church of England today, and is a vital part of Bristol Diocese’s strategy for ministry and mission in the 21st century. Licensed Lay Ministry is not necessarily restricted to the congregational life of the church community - some of our Licensed Lay Ministers have significant involvement in mission and outreach, schools work and witness, making connections both within and outside of the church beyond the traditional model of preaching and teaching.
If you are interested in exploring this then please speak with our Vicar, Lee. Further information will be available at a diocesan “Am I Called to be a Licensed Lay Minister?” event held on Monday the 6th June 2019 at 7.00pm at the Diocesan Office, Hillside House. Tickets through Eventbrite.
Faith at the Musicals Concert – Holy Trinity
West End Has Faith is a group of professional singers working in musical theatre, who are Christian or interested in exploring their faith. They have partnered with Tearfund this year for a Faith at the Musicals tour. On March 9th they will be bringing the passion and power of some of the most well-loved West End musical numbers (from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and more) to Holy Trinity, Hotwells. As well as the magnificent music, they’ll be sharing their own stories and speaking about the work of Tearfund. It’s going to be an inspiring and fun-filled evening – the perfect event for inviting friends and family. And at only £6 a ticket it’s amazing value! Family tickets are available at £18 for 4 people. Tickets through Eventbrite. Saturday 9th March, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Re-discovering + Developing Joy with the Bible, Prayer & Mission
We (Lucy, Laura, Chris and Lee) are offering evenings for people who would like to engage deeper or reconnect in their faith with the Bible (which happened last month) Prayer (March 13th) and Mission (April 4th). These will be held at the vicarage and is open to all within the communities. If you would like to attend all or some of the meetings could you please let us know so that we know numbers for the food. We will assume all who came last time will come again (if not, please tell us!) and all others please let us know by Sunday March 10th for the next one! If you have any questions or would like to know more then please also email me. Many thanks, Lucy Howarth, lucy.hope@hotmail.co.uk
Shrove Tuesday at Resonate – Tuesday 5th March
Join us for pancakes and a talk by Lucy Howarth on the role of food in Christian hospitality. 7.30 to 9.00 pm in the café at Saint Stephen’s
The Forum - “A conversation between a Jew and a Christian” – Sunday 10th March
The need for good interfaith dialogue continues to be a challenge in our ever changing world. A couple in a mixed faith marriage (Jewish/Christian) will explore their experiences and thoughts in conversation with our curate Chris. Is having a faith helpful in building a better world, or would it be better if we simply all abandoned our faith positions? Come to explore and discuss. 7.30 – 9.00 pm in the downstairs room at The Grain Barge (a pub on a boat), Mardyke Wharf, Hotwell Road).
Help with coffee for Concerts at Saint Stephen’s
Since the church café has closed, some volunteers have been making tea and coffee to sell before our lunchtime concerts. (A big thank you to Dave Williams and John Price!) The aim is to offer hospitality, rather than making a profit. Several audience members make use of this service, and it is much appreciated. During March we have lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays as well as Mondays. Dave and John are not free to make coffee on Wednesdays, so we are looking for some more help. Please speak to Sarah Mitchell if you would like to get involved in some way (welcoming people in to concerts, making coffee, or washing up).
Saint Stephen’s Concerts
March is filled to the brim with concerts (click here for program), seeing, in addition to the Monday Lunchtime series, the return of the Bristol Song Recitals, with classical singers accompanied on piano every Wednesday from 1:10pm – 2pm. As with the Monday series entry is free with a retiring collection. In addition to these we have a short, free concert for organ and electronics – a first for Saint Stephen’s – on the 15th of March, 8pm. Looking further ahead into March the 60 voiced Murmuration Choir join with British folk artist Sam Brookes on the 29th of March – doors 7pm, music 7.30pm – tickets on sale now.
Christian Aid events in Bristol & Somerset 13-14 March
Christian Aid are organising two events as part of "Delivering Hope" - a presentation tour by Joanna Tom-Kargbo from Sierra Leone (which is the focus country for Christian Aid Week 2019). Joanna will be giving talks at St Thomas’ Church in Wells (BA5 2XG) on the 13th March 4pm – 6pm, and St Mary’s Church, Fishponds, Bristol (BS16 2JB) on the 14th March, 7pm – 9pm. Click here for more details.
This introduction is being sent to you from Zermatt in Switzerland as I am looking towards the iconic Matterhorn mountain that towers above the old village which nestles in the valley of the Swiss Alps.