Stay Connected - St Mary's Church Hutton
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Stay
Connected
21st February 2021
PLEASE READ THIS
TO KEEP INFORMED!
Dear friends, 10,000 yet. Don’t start by saying you
will pray for a whole hour for
I am not a very disciplined person when it comes to exercise. instance, start with say 10 minutes.
In the past years I have twice tried to complete couch to 5k Make sure that you have the right kit
and never got to the end of it. A couple of weeks ago I woke eg. a Bible that is easy to understand,
up with a very challenging thought, maybe because it was 6 somewhere comfortable and quiet,
years ago that I went into hospital for surgery for cancer. I someone to share with. Be prepared for it to be hard to
woke up thinking that I had been given my life back so what start with. They say that it takes about a month for
was I doing to help me live better and not waste that something new to become a habit – some people it will be
precious gift? I eat healthy food, try to rest and relax and less, some more. The more that we do something the easier
have a balanced life. The one thing missing was exercise. it will get and don’t worry if you mess up one day, don’t let
People say to me that I am busy but that is not the same as that discourage you, just try again tomorrow.
being active. So I have started to have a good walk every day
and am now on day ten. It was hard at first as I got blisters This Lent is an opportunity to take up a holy habit –
and my left hip was hurting me. The trouble was that my something that will deepen your relationship with God,
boots were not right for the job. I also had a pedometer something that you will help you enter more into what it
that didn’t work. So I bought a cheap fitness tracker that means to be a Christian, a Kingdom person, a follower of
syncs with my phone and also a good pair of walking boots. Jesus, a disciple. Be creative and be true to yourself – if you
No more blisters and no more painful hip. Having a walk is love being outside then do something outside, if you hate
beginning to be part of my everyday routine and it gives me reading then listen to something instead (there are podcasts
time to think and pray. What’s more I am sleeping better and teaching on – line, or just listen to the Bible being read),
and feeling better in myself. if you are artistic or write poetry then use that too. Use this
Lent wisely and by the end of Lent your life will be greatly
As we begin Lent I think this really relates to our lives as enriched.
Christians, as my walking had to start with discipline and
that word is linked to the word disciple. Maybe this Lent Paul uses this exercise metaphor also ‘Therefore, since we
you are planning to start something new and you feel are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us
ambiguous about it. Maybe you are going to try to read throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
your Bible more or pray in a different way or step out in entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race
faith in some new way. You have to begin by being marked out for us.’ Hebrews 12: 1
intentional – I am going to do this because I know that it will
benefit me. Then you need to start and set a realistic target Every blessing xx
– for my walking I am aiming for 8,000 steps a day and not
Looking After Locking - Community Food Donations
Locking Primary School and Locking Village Hall are welcoming food donations to help support
our community in Locking Primary School and Parklands Educate Together during these tricky
times.
Locking School donation boxes will be by the entrances at Lime Close and Meadow
Drive from 8.30 until 3.30, Locking Village Hall donation box will be outside the hall
between 9 —3pm.
Food items, canned, dried, packets, boxed, jars, cartons and drinks in plastic bottles.
Toiletries — deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap,
toothbrushes, tooth paste, hand wipes
Household items— laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder, washing up liquid
Feminine products— sanitary towels and tampons
Baby supplies— nappies, baby wipes and baby food
Face masks and hand sanitiser
NATURE NOTES
This week I have been treated to two very special bird sightings.
Walking down Moor Lane last Tuesday afternoon my eye was
caught by a movement to my left, and as I focused on it, there
was that unmistakeable flash of electric blue – a kingfisher! It
flew low along the ditch away from me and for a few seconds I
forgot the cold and grey of winter. It seemed almost
incongruous, out of place against the bare branches and black of
the ditch – a tiny speck of the exotic. In complete contrast, three
days later Kevin called me to the back door to see a small plain
little bird pecking about the rose on the arch. It was a chiffchaff
(picture right), once thought of as purely a summer migrant, but increasingly overwintering here. About the size of a blue
tit, we were able to view it close up for a couple of minutes. It bore none of the charisma of the kingfisher, yet it was still
as special in its quiet, understated way: both created by God, known to Him and precious, reminding me that we are all
different, unique and special, and God in His wisdom made us that way. “Precious and honoured in My sight...created for
My glory.” Isaiah 43 vs 4 & 7 Gillian
Help for schools. As you are aware, because of the Readings for the coming week
COVID situation, many pupils are Why not read the readings through slowly twice and
learning from home, including on-line before you do ask God to speak to you today.
lessons. Some families do not have the
technology that can meet these needs. Sunday 21st February Mark 1: 9 - 15
If anyone has an unused laptop or Monday 22nd February Matthew 25: 31 - end
tablet which has Windows 10 and Tuesday 23rd February Matthew 6: 7 - 15
above which could be donated to Hutton School, please contact Wednesday 24th February Luke 11: 29 - 32
the school on 812852. Thank you. Thursday 25th February Matthew 7: 7 - 12
Friday 26th February Matthew 5: 20 - 26
Saturday 27th February Matthew 5: 43 - end
Collect for The First Sunday of Lent. Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the
wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without
sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience
to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so
We are planning to send out an Easter edition of Crosslinks and
may we know your power to save; through Jesus
are asking if anyone has anything that they would be like to be
Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with
included - a story, a poem, a recipe or anything that you think
you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
that people would enjoy reading.
for ever. Amen.
The deadline for these to be sent is Saturday 13th March.
Please send to Chris at huttoandlocking@gmail.com or if you can Home Truths
put items through the Vicarage door. LOCKDOWN is making us stir crazy so it’s important to
All items submitted will be at the discretion of the editor. talk to someone you trust.
I was discussing this with my toaster and microwave. I
Compassion subs are now due as we didn’t mention it to the washing machine because she
start this New Year. The amount will puts a different spin on everything. I couldn’t share it
stay at £15 as this covers our payments with the fridge because he’s been acting cold and
to Compassion plus sufficient for gifts distant. In the end, the ironing board straightened me
for Abonesh. This is not urgent so at out by saying: “The situation isn’t that pressing and
your leisure if you could drop cash or cheque into 19 Weston the wrinkles will be ironed out,” The Vacuum cleaner
Way I will issue a receipt and drop it round to you. Thank you for was unsympathetic and told me: “just suck it up”. The
your continued support. Keep safe and well. Kay. fan was optimistic and gave me hope it will soon blow
over; the toilet looked flushed, but didn’t say
IF YOU NEED HELP anything when I asked it’s opinion; and, guess what,
If you live in Hutton call the parish office on 01934 813871 the curtains told me to pull myself together.
(Office hours – Weekdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or All good advice! (written by George W. Tomlinson,
Anne Wilkins on 823556 or Terry Porter on Chesterfield, Derbyshire).
813399.
If you live in Locking contact Jo Roberts by The next Stay Connected will come out on Friday 26th
email: jo.roberts @lockingparishcouncil.co.uk February. All material to huttonandlocking
or Anne Wilkins on 823556. @gmail.com before Wed 24th Feb. Thanks. Chris
Mark 1: 9 - 15 (NIV UK) are my Son, whom I love; with Jesus announces the good news
you I am well pleased.’
The baptism and testing of Jesus
After John was put in prison, Jesus went
At once the Spirit sent him out into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in
into the wilderness, and he was God. ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The
Galilee and was baptised by John in the
in the wilderness for forty days, kingdom of God has come near. Repent
Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of
being tempted[a] by Satan. He and believe the good news!’
the water, he saw heaven being torn open
was with the wild animals, and
and the Spirit descending on him like a
angels attended him.
dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You
Reflections on Mark 1: 9 - 15 In spite of the splendour and
transcendence of his baptism, the
This week at (virtual) college, my fellow students and I have next destination of Jesus’ ministry
been considering interfaith relationships and the role of was the wilderness. Jesus’
Christian ministry in a multi-faith society. We are ministry included experiencing all
encouraged to offer friendship and hospitality to people of the hardships of being human,
other faiths and none and to work in collaboration with including death; so that he could
other faith groups to serve our local communities. We are stand in full solidarity with
encouraged to dialogue as much as possible with people of humanity, and to be the best
other faiths, allowing their understanding of God to enrich refuge for humanity in times of
our own faith and vice versa. trouble and despair. Jesus’
baptism supported him for his future ministry, but it did not
However, there is a need to hold this in tension with those protect him from the injustice of the cross.
things which are fundamental to our own faith. I would say
it is crucial that we do not “water down” or apologise for Likewise, at baptism we too are equipped. Our baptism
how important Jesus is to our faith. We believe he was the establishes our identity and assures us of Jesus’
Son of God, that he offers us the opportunity of a commitment to us. Baptism is a public witness to God’s
relationship with him through prayer, and that salvation was adoption of us, claiming us as his children. We have
secured through his death and resurrection. accepted a unique one-to-one relationship with him that
flavours everything we do.
Jesus’ ministry began at his baptism and is the focus of the
first Sunday of Lent. It marks the transition from Epiphany One of the main things I have learned this week is how much
to Lent. Epiphany establishes Jesus’ identity, Lent marks the people of other faiths value our theology about who Jesus is,
beginning of his mission. The verse “You are my Son, whom even if they do not agree with it. ‘As Jesus was coming up
I love; with you I am well pleased.” (v.11) consolidates this out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the
new focus. These words also direct us to Good Friday, and Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from
the similar words of the centurion attending Jesus’ heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well
crucifixion: “Surely this man was God’s son.” (Mark 15:39.) pleased.”’ (1:10-11.) Jesus’ baptism set him apart, God’s
authority was confirmed in him. In living out his mission we
You may ask: Why Jesus was baptised when he was without believe that he brought heaven and earth closer.
sin? Firstly, his baptism endorsed John’s practice of Understanding who Jesus is, is life-changing. While there
baptism and established the expectation of baptism for may be a need for sensitivity or explanation, our faith in
Christian followers. Secondly, Jesus demonstrated his Jesus makes us who we are; this distinctiveness is something
commitment to us; his intention to sustain us with his Holy to be open about and to celebrate.
Spirit, to advocate for us and to secure our eternal life. Larissa Trust (Ordinand)
The Red Cross has launched a #LiveLent - God's Story, Our Story
help line for anyone that is If you are using the booklet and
“feeling lonely or worried, anything really strikes you or
finding it difficult to access the Lord speaks to you through
food or medication, or are it - why not share it with
concerned about someone else others. We will have a
who is” dedicated section in Stay
Call free and confidential on 0808 Connected for anyone to share
196 3651 to chat to a Red Cross volunteer. anything - just one word, a
Help is offered with:
prayer a poem, a thought - big
� Help with practical information and advice.
or small. Please send it to
� Emotional support.
� Connecting with local support. huttonandlocking@gmail.com
� The phone line is open daily from 10am to 6pm. or drop it in to The Vicarage.
Home study - take time to read the Bible 4. Verse 12 - Have you ever had a wonderful spiritual
experience or felt very close to God and then it was
passage Mark 1: 9 - 15 and reflect on these followed by a time of trial and testing? Who do you this
questions: think this happens to us and why did it happen to
Jesus?
1. Verse 9 - How is our baptism different from Jesus '
baptism? 5. Verse 13 - Is there anything good about a desert
experience - that kinds of desert experiences have you
2. Verse 10 - Why do you think God sent the Spirit at this had and how have they changed you?
time to Jesus? Did not Jesus already have the Spirit
and if so what was happening here? Was this event 6. Verse 13 - In what ways are we tempted - what are our
for Jesus or for those watching? How does this weak spots and how do we respond? Let's not just talk
compare with when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost cream cakes here.
- did they both have the same result and purpose?
7. Verse 13 - Have you ever felt the presence of angels
3. Verse 11 - Why did Jesus need to hear this? Last week when you were going through a tough time? Why not
when we read about the transfiguration we read write down the experience so it can be shared.
similar words being said to Jesus by God - is this first
8. Verse 14 & 15 - John had prepared the way for he
time different in any way? How do you think Jesus felt
message of Jesus - how can we do the same? Can you
when he heard these words? Imagine God saying
sense the urgency in Jesus' words - have we lost that
them to you - how does that make you feel?
sense of urgency and how do we reclaim it? How do we
respond to Jesus' words personally?
Any Foodbank donations can be left on the doorstep of MUSTARD SEED
John and Margaret Bailey, 31 Willow Drive, Hutton or Chris and The story of chocolate (continued)
Anne Wilkins, The Vicarage, The Green, Locking (next to the (with apologies to those of you who have chosen
Church Centre) where they will be collected and taken to the to give up chocolate for Lent!)
foodbank.
They write: The items on the list are Although promoted as a healthy drink, cocoa had a
our most needed at the moment. mixed reputation. Unscrupulous traders sometimes
On one day recently we provided coloured it with brick dust and added other
food parcels for over 100 people questionable products. The unwary customer
and nearly a ton of food went out. could find himself purchasing a drink which not
Donation bins are available in only could turn rancid, but was actually harmful. It
Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, was sold as a fatty paste made up into a block,
Morrison’s and Coop Severn Rd and from which the customer would have to chip bits
Worle. Donations can be dropped off into a cup and add hot water or milk. It was into
off at our warehouse in Haywood Village (please contact us this dubious world of a “new” product taking off (
01934 708906 http://westonsupermare.foodbank.org.uk/ to but gaining a bad name,) that John Cadbury 1801-
check times and address) or in North Street during opening hours 1888 struggled with being the smallest of some
and at our outposts across town (including Banwell). Thank you thirty cocoa manufacturers, all trying to develop a
market in England. There was no concept of mass-
PRAYER CHAIN - If you need prayer for yourself or another then
produced chocolate confectionery. By the 1860's,
there is a team of people ready to pray. For Locking, please
John Cadbury's two sons, Richard and George,
contact Anne Wilkins – e-mail revannewilkins1@gmail.com or
became involved. What these two brothers
phone 823556. For Hutton Kay Cole e-mail kcole1307@ gmail.
decided to do next would become the stuff of
com or phone 811424 and they will send out the prayer request.
family legend.....to be continued.
Prayer requests - please feel free to send prayer requests to Chris
in the office, if you would like them to be included on this sheet, or Sorry we were not able to make any deliveries for
call Anne on 823556 or 07964 764324. If you would like someone the past two weeks. We
to pray with you please call Anne and she will pray on the phone. are back in action now, so
The You Tube Videos and 'Stay Connected' are on both Hutton please don't hesitate to call
(http://www.stmaryshutton.org/video.htm) and Locking Eric & Gill 813716 if you
(http://www.staugustineslocking.org.uk/video.htm) websites. would like anything from
the Fair Trade cupboard.
Got some good news? - then why not share it here Date for your hitherto
so we can all celebrate. A special anniversary, a new baby, an empty diary! FAIR TRADE
engagement, an achievement. It can be something big or very FORTNIGHT is 22nd
small - if it's good news then let us all know. February – 7th March.
Two people have pledged to match any
donations given to Tearfund during the Lent
period. This really is a good incentive to give
when any amount is doubled. Please give cash
or cheques to either Richard Colkin, 23 Hutton
Hill, Hutton or to The Vicarage. Cheques made
payable to St Augustine’s, marked Tearfund, or
payable to Tearfund if preferred.
January 2021 our expectations in our campaign to ensure every
Compassion-supported child received a Christmas gift.
Dear Friends, Instead of retreating into their own concerns, many chose
to bring hope to children they've never met living on the
Thank you so much for
other side of the world. A significant number of children
your faithful prayers and
were also sponsored during this time.
constant support of Compassion's ministry. We're always
so grateful to our Father God for your support! I'm not sure Surely it was God's goodness and mercy at work thanks in
about you, but at the close of 2020, I was hoping to see the no small part to the prayers and petitions of supporters
end of this awful pandemic. And with news of vaccines like you. Prayers are powerful. And your prayers for a
ready for distribution, it seemed that the end was in sight. better world are needed now more than ever.
Unfortunately, with the second wave of infections
devastating so much of the UK, it seems we must endure I have enclosed the prayer calendar for February 2021.
the challenges of this uncertain time for a little longer. [Sent in a previous Stay Connected] It lists the everyday
COVID-19 has caused havoc in the countries where we struggles and successes of our church partners and the
work as well. Devastating communities and pushing global children and families they serve.
development goals back by more than ten years. But it's
times like this I believe God has placed us to bring His light Thank you again for taking some time in your day to pray
to a broken and pain filled world. Where each one of us for them. It's a great encouragement to us all here at
can play a part in bringing hope and kindness to friends Compassion UK
and loved ones - even strangers - who might need it. We
Yours in Christ,
have seen this in the overwhelming generosity of our
supporters during the Christmas season as we exceeded Nick Boalch
The National Christian Helpline, offers a listening ear,
someone to talk to, emotional and spiritual support,
prayer, and signposting. They are open 9:00am to
midnight every day on 0300 111 0101.
LISTENING
CHAPLAINCY
PHONELINE
Serving Bristol, Somerset
and South Gloucestershire
We are a faith-based service offering chaplaincy support for
people of all faiths and none in times of emergency
Are you recently bereaved or concerned about end of life
issues? Are you a key worker overwhelmed by what you are
facing or dealing with at work? Are you worried about
someone who is seriously ill, especially if you can't visit
them? Are you anxious about the effect that the COVED 19
Contact information crisis is having on your life? Maybe you would just like
Church website www.stmaryshutton.org someone from the faith communities to talk to.
www.staugustineslocking.org
Facebook ww.facebook.com/staugustineslocking/ If you live in the Bristol, Somerset or South Gloucestershire
Benefice office Tel: 01934 822857 area:
email: huttonandlocking@gmail.com Call 0330 229 1700
Rev Anne Wilkins Tel: 01934 823556 • 8am-11pm • 7 days a week
The Vicarage, The Green, Locking BS24 8DA CARING and CONFIDENTIAL
email: revannewilkins1@gmail.com The Faith Communities Major Emergencies Team serving Bristol,
Day off is Friday Somerset and South Gloucestershire
“I am the vine and you
are the branches;
without me you can do
nothing.” Jesus, John
15 v.5
“Every branch that
bears fruit he prunes
so it will be even more
fruitful.” Jesus, John 15
v.2.
“You belong to him
who was raised from
the dead in order to
bear fruit to God.”
Paul, Romans 7 v.4.
You can also read
