Alpha Returns

Join us at 7pm from 14 September 2022… Alpha is a friendly way to find out about faith and so much more! Email curate@avonvalleychurches.org.uk for more information. Meal included.

Trevor holds Cross for 60 Years

Many congratulations to our dedicated Crucifer, Trevor Tague. Family, friends and congregation joined Trevor during last week’s service to help support and celebrate his 60 years of service as Crucifer at St Mary’s Church in Fordinbridge. What an amazing achievement - thank you Trevor!

Reflection: James Lovelock

Original uploader was Bruno Comby at English Wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3873472

James Lovelock has just died, aged 103. ‘Who was he?’ many will wonder. Well, he was a British Scientist and an Eco-warrior, a man ahead of his time. He worked for NASA and was recognised for his leading research work on ‘Life on Mars’. In Britain he specialised in Medical research. But he is world famous for his “Gaia Theory”. He saw this planet as a living organism imperilled by recent human activity. He measured pollution and realised that industrial output was polluting our atmosphere, and in the 1970s he warned that this would lead to fundamental future problems. Some agreed but did nothing. Others scoffed at his ideas. We now know that he was right about atmospheric pollution causing global-warming. James Lovelock also championed nuclear fuel in preference to burning fossil fuels. This was 50 years ago!

We can all agree that right at the beginning of the Bible, in Genesis, mankind is commissioned by God to care for this earth and all creation. Manifestly we have failed and we are now in trouble, as the current weather reminds us. James Lovelock also warned that with global warming there would be large new arid areas in the world, and these would lead to mass migrations with a consequential influx of refugees into more temperate countries. This also is already starting to happen!

All this raises the question as to how much the Church should raise its voice to support the care of God’s planet. Surely we should not leave it to the likes of the brilliant James Lovelock to be lone voices in this commercial world.

Jeremy Houghton-Brown

Focal Ministers?

Focal Ministers are ‘go to’ people in each of our congregations. What can we ‘go to’ them for? Anything for which you might like to give some feedback, gain some information, pastoral concerns, have a moan, give some appreciation, inform of newcomers, pass the time of day! We are not saying we alone can meet these needs but will act as a conduit, and as far as possible, ensure action is taken if needed. Responsibilities will vary from church to church. I am sure the focal Ministers will always direct you to the appropriate person to manage your concern.

In addition to our full-time assistant curate Tom, our Churchwardens, our Lay Worship Leaders and Lay Pastoral Team, our ordinand Jo, each of our churches has appointed Focal Ministers:

• Fordingbridge with Godshill and Sandleheath - Mark Ward and John Towler

• Breamore - Nigel Coates and Mary Melbourne

• Hale and Woodgreen - Ruth Crosland & Ministry Team

• Hyde - Michael Anderson and Kate Wilson

Why do we need Focal Ministers?

Even when we have an incumbent it is not possible for this person to be in each church every Sunday. We are currently that person missing, so I guess it emphasises the need to have a minister to ‘go to’. For Lay and Ordained Ministers alike, the role is about leadership for worship and the mission of the church.

Pray for them that, as this week’s gospel admonishes us, to ‘be dressed for action and have your lamps lit’. May they be alert for action and a source of illumination for all of us.

Rev’d John Towler

All Saints Mudeford Church Fire

Sadly due to a major fire on the evening of 14th July, All Saints is closed for the foreseeable future. Many people in our area are closely connected to All Saints, so please pray for their church as they find, with God’s help, their way forward.

Help with the restoration efforts by donating here.

Rejoicing that the recent Kinkiizi Lunch went so well.

Having felt prompted to do something to support our Partner Deanery in Kinkiizi, for whom life is much tougher than it is for us here,  Sarah Perrelle and Pat Bloomfield planned what was going to be a Ploughmans’ Lunch but with God’s guidance, and Gill Tybjerg’s inspiration morphed into an African-style Lunch!

Gill  had made chapattis, which we ate while listening to her presentation which raised awareness of how hard it is to live in Uganda. Sarah’s Kitchen team served a delicious lunch with a difference.  Table hosts looked after their tables for the 2 course meal, and over tea/coffee the Raffle prizes were distributed.

The final amount sent off after the Kinkiizi Lunch was £455!  Feeling so thankful for all the help and support given by so many, for all who bought tickets and came, for generous donations and the delicious puddings.

Tent Service at Frogham raises funds for TEARFUND and Salisbury Hospice

The return of Frogham Fair also saw the return of Holy Ascension Hyde’s Tent Service, featuring “Songs of Praise” with the Hyde Band and Alex & the Mustard Seeds - and much more! Funds were raised for TEARFUND’s work in Ukraine and for Salisbury Hospice.

55 Bunnies & Bears to Syria

Thank you Pat Bloomfield and all who worked hard in Ringwood and Fordingbridge to support Samara's Aid by creating 55 delightful bunnies and bears! The toys were knitted with love and will soon be on their way to bring comfort and hope to little ones in Syria who are living in poverty, have suffered trauma, are orphaned or bereaved. Any late bunnies or bears will be forwarded to Samara’s Aid. Well done everyone!

Lifts to Church

Some people have arrangements in place that work well, but not everyone knows whom to ring if they need a lift to church or a church event. If you might be able to help with a lift now and then, please inform the person in your church (see below), who will collect names and phone numbers. They will send the Lift List for their church to the Rev Kate Wilson (kate.wilson501@gmail.com), who has kindly offered to be the “Lift Hub” for the Parish.

Breamore: Mary Melbourne; Hyde: Julie Francis; Sandleheath: Sue Ledger; Hale & Woodgreen: Lynda Warne; Fordingbridge: Nigel Spratt

Anyone who needs a lift, please do contact 07770 944054.

Farewell Service for Canon Gary

Such a lovely send-off for our Rev Canon Gary Philbrick at his Farewell Service at Burgate School in Fordingbridge this afternoon. Moving tributes, anecdotes, photographs and hymns were shared and enjoyed by so many there to celebrate his ministry, throughout the Parish, from 2013-2022.

Rector, Preacher, Bell Ringer, Pianist, Organist, Composer, Mentor and Friend to many and so much more... go well in your new roles at Winchester and thank you for everything Gary!

Kinkiizi Lunch

12-2.30pm Saturday 18 June 2022

Funds raised to be donated to the Kinkiizi Community in Uganda.

Tickets £10

Call Pat on 07985 938644

Raffle draw and prizes!

Canon Gary’s Leaving Service & Vacancy News

Gary’s leaving Service will be on Sunday 29th May at Burgate 6th Form College. The service will be at 3pm and will be followed by cream teas at approximately 4pm. This will be an occasion to share with all of the churches and the wider community whom Gary has reached in his time at the Avon Valley and to celebrate all that he has done. The “vacancy” will begin after this, but the process for appointing a new incumbent has already begun. Click here to read more…

Join our Annual Parish Celebration!

This year’s Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 12 May 2022 at Hyde Community Centre. Please click here for more information: APCM

Do join us - all welcome!

Join Us for The 6 0’ Clock

Curious about Church but wary about stepping inside? The Six O’ Clock is a new, friendly way to meet people and learn about faith. No experience required! All welcome! Come alone or bring a friend or your family. Third Sunday of the month, starting on 20 February 2022. Email office@avonvalleychurches.org.uk if you would like to know more.

Front Page for Bishop Emily

Our little Girl Bishop has been making a big splash in the news, including 2 front covers!

Well done Emily. What a brilliant role model you are!

To find out about joining the choir or the chance to become the next Young Bishop, do email the AVC office: office@AvonValleyChurches.org.uk, or take a look at our website to discover our many other groups and activities: https://www.avonvalleychurches.org.uk/activity-info

#superproud #girlbishop #youngrolemodel #AVCNews #avonvalleychurches #avcreachingouttoall #avcfamilies

Hale Church Wins Eco Award!

Congratulations to St Mary’s Church in Hale for winning a Bronze Eco Church Award!

Pictured in this post with the Hale's Angels, St Mary's received the award from A Rocha UK for helping to address the climate crisis - by holding Snowdrop Services with an ecological focus, reducing the energy and water consumption at the church, carrying out a wildlife survey recording over 100 species, running a monthly Fairtrade stall at the local market and supporting Christian Aid in their global effort to lobby leaders to care for creation.

A huge well done to Bethan Davies, Eco Church Champion for St Mary’s Hale, the congregation at St Mary's, Woodgreen Community Shop, the organisers of Hale Food Market, Hale House and the Hampshire Fungus Recording Group.

#stmaryschurchhale #ecochurch #ecofriendly #ecoaward #ecoaware #arochauk #ClimateAction #avonvalleychurches #halevillage #newforest

Parish Vision Morning

Join us from 10am - 12pm on Sunday 30 January at St Mary’s Fordingbridge. During our Parish Vision Morning we will be looking ahead, praying and planning for the next months and years - revising our Parish Mission Action Plan. All welcome.

Click here to view the order of service for the Parish Vision Morning.

Click here to view the Revised Version of the 2019 pMAP (Parish Mission Action Plan) which will give you an idea of what we’ve been doing over the past few years.

New roles for Canon Gary

Canon Gary Philbrick has been appointed to two new roles. Many congratulations Gary! You can read all about it by clicking here.

Part-Time Administrator

A Part Time Parish Administrator is required for 20 hours per week in the busy Avon Valley Churches Office in the heart of Fordingbridge. AVC is a large CoE Parish in the Diocese of Winchester.

Excellent telephone, interpersonal and communication skills are essential, together with good secretarial skills and experience of Microsoft 365. Experience of Church and Church administration would be welcome.

The successful applicant will ideally work 4 hours per day Monday to Friday. Core times of 10.30am to 12 midday Monday to Friday, with 9am to 12 midday Thursday, are required with other hours being flexible.

Salary will be in the range £12 to £15 per hour dependent upon experience. Training will be given. References and successful DBS check will be required.

Please apply by using the Application Form and an accompanying CV by email FAO:

The Rector, Reverend Canon Gary Philbrick Tel: 01425 653163 Email: office@avonvalleychurches.org.uk.

Closing Date for Applications: Midnight Sunday 6th February 2022

Interview Date: Friday 11th February 2022

You may download a copy of these requirements, the application form and further information by clicking here:

Job Description

Application Form

Care Home Carol Singing

‘Carols with Love’ - Care Home Carol Singing

Come and support us singing carols outside the following care homes:

10.30am Tues 14 Dec Allenbrooke - Outside

2.30pm Tues 14 Dec Kings Court - Outside

2.30pm Mon 20 Dec Glynn Court - in Conservatory (windows open)

3.45pm Mon 20 Dec Fordingbridge Care Home - Outside

10am Weds 22 Dec Homebridge House - Outside or in Lobby

10am Thurs 23 Dec Carols around the Tree - Outside Gourmet Grocer

The residents are really looking forward to seeing and hearing us!

Please let the office know by phone or email if you are joining us (01425 653163/Office@AvonValleyChurches.org.uk).