The Benefice of St. Bartholomew

Quiz Supper, Donhead St Andrew - 23rd November 2019

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Written by Michael Hockney

Quiz Supper

Quizmaster: Michael York

on

Saturday 23rd November 2019

at

St Andrew's Church, Donhead St Andrew, SP7 9EB

6.30 pm

Licensed Bar - Fine Wine Raffle

Make up a team of four to six - individual places also available

 Tickets - in advance only: £10.00 and £5.00 for those in full-time education - includes supper
- from Elizabeth (telephone: 01747 828201) or Jane (telephone: 01747 828279).

In aid of the St Andrew's Church Development appeal

Christmas Fair, Charlton - 30th November 2019

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Written by Julie Sykes

Christmas Fair

Kick off the Festive Season!

Raising money for Home-Start North Dorset

Saturday 30th November 2019
10.00 am till 12.00 noon
at St John’s Church, Charlton, SP7 9LZ

Christmas Decorations - Children’s Gifts
General Gifts - Cake Stall
Coffees and Teas with Mince Pies - Raffle

Home-Start North Dorset is an independent registered charity that supports struggling families living in the former North Dorset District Council area and where there is at least one child under five.

From the Rector - November 2019

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Written by The Rev'd Richard Warhurst

Dear Friends,

At this time of year, where we have the lists of departed loved ones out in our churches to be added to in the run up to All Souls, I find myself recalling the voices as well as faces of our departed friends and loved ones.

These days it’s rather common when someone dies that we have recordings of their voices or perhaps videos of them, which I am sure can be a comfort for the bereaved.

Death is a subject that many wish to avoid, yet in November it is unavoidable, at least in church life. We of course celebrate All Saints Day, followed by All Souls, where we gather to remember all those we love but see no longer. This is followed by Remembrance Sunday with Armistice Day on the 11th. Some might think this all a bit miserable, especially as the shops fill with Christmas paraphernalia. However, to my mind, death is so much a part of life that it is healthy to face the reality of it, to acknowledge the pain it brings and to take the time and space to remember those who have gone.

A few weeks ago, I attended the Christ Church incumbents conference in Oxford. Alice (our former Curate) and I spent a lovely afternoon together visiting Blenheim Palace. There is an organ in the library there which has the following inscription from the 8th Duke of Marlborough: “In memory of happy days we leave thy voice to speak within these walls in years to come when ours are still.” What a marvellous notion, leaving that wonderful instrument behind for the benefit of those who would come after his death.

Throughout the years of Christian history there have been men and women of vision and courage whose witness and example continue to speak to us. We call them 'Saints' and rightly celebrate their legacy on All Saints Day.

However, the Bible says that all Christians are saints and so I am left pondering what our legacies might be. What are we doing now in Christ’s service and what will we leave behind when our voices are stilled? It is a sobering thought and one that should prompt all Christians to reflect both on the quality of their service and commitment to our Lord.

In a previous letter, I told the story of a father and daughter saying goodbye to each for what they know will be the last time as his health fades... in which his parting words were “I wish you enough”..

I wish you enough sun to keep your outlook bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."

It is now our turn to make our mark for Christ and to do the very best we can to share His love with a world in so much need of it. Every Christian has a part to play. One day we shall just be a face and voice in someone’s memory. What will they say of us?

As Christians we are not untouched by death, but we also have the hope of springtime.

The springtime of eternal life to come.

My friends, I wish you enough!

Yours,

Richard

Prayer Cycle and Prayer of the Month - November 2019

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Written by The Rev'd June Lane

Please keep the requests coming to The Rev’d June (tel: 01747 828427), Julia (tel: 01747 829166), Theresa (tel: 01747 829188), The Rev’d Richard (tel: 01747 830174) or the Rev’d Kevin (tel: 01747 828551). There are many of us in need of that extra help and comfort that comes from knowing someone is praying for us.

Sometimes there is nothing actually wrong but perhaps we need to have a little time just to ourselves. If you manage to grab a few moments like that, why not use that time to think about God and how He can affect your own life.

Loving God,
Here I sit and wait,
Thinking about life
And this wonderful world around us.
I sit in quiet hope that you will come
To water the barren fields of my life.
To make my life blossom
With flowers and fruit like the earth you created.
Be with me day by day I ask,
Help me to live
A life which is a Blessing to others.

Amen