Parish of Bishopstoke

‘We’re stopping our Sunday School on Sunday!’ I said. The Assistant Area Dean looked somewhat taken aback! Many churches would love some children to have a Sunday School and others covet a suitable venue for one.... From the time that we came to Bishopstoke – nearly 9 years ago – Anne and I have wanted to provide good things for children. It wasn’t long before Anne organised the first holiday club. We also increased the number of Sunday School sessions and tried different

During a time of anguished betrayal, David could still pen words of confidence in God’s love - not for himself alone, but for millions to come after him. They were the last ones I ever read to my father and as the words worked their balm a radiant smile flooded his tired face. Precious words from his youth, crowded out by cluttered years, embraced again now the noise of living had passed. I watched him sink every fibre of his body, mind and soul into Psalm 23. Corrupted by

By the time you read this, hopefully the April showers will be giving way to more warm, settled weather, so you won’t get wet on Friday afternoons. Starting May on the 6th, we have a country and western hour with the Lansdown Country Duo. On the 13th we have musical entertainment with singer Cheryl Brennan and on the 20th with John Sherborne. The last, on the 27th, is by the Jam Tarts!! – could be different! Come and join us for a happy afternoon at the Memorial Hall, Rive

This year St Mary’s will be 125 years old and we are going to celebrate with a Fun Day on Saturday 25 June. There will be food, all sorts of stalls, bell ringing, school choirs, model trains and planes, games and a history exhibition – as much as possible with a Victorian theme! If you or an organisation you are part of would like a stall, please have a word with Wendy Dale (8064 2292). There will also be lots of opportunities to help with church stalls and activities, and

On Sunday 12th June, to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Queen, we’ll be holding a Big Lunch at St Mary’s. It will run from 12.30 – 2.30 pm and is for the whole community – everyone is most welcome! Just bring some food for the table if you are able to and drinks will be provided. It will be a lovely time for friends and neighbours to get together. You are also very welcome to join us for ones of the services earlier that day, when we will also celebrate the Queen’s bir

I am very pleased and thankful that so many people came to the meeting at St Mary’s to hear Charlotte Scott speak about the situation of many people in Bangladesh, the focus for Christian Aid Week this year. We heard about Morsheda and her continuing struggle with frequent flooding of her home, and the difference Christian Aid had made to Feroza and her family’s life by raising her home above the flood levels. Picture a young mother of four. Her husband has left. She has n

Until a friend of mine had holidayed in Cuba several years ago with a Holiday Fellowship Group I had not thought much about that part of the world. Last year she went back, travelling independently, and this time she saw the ‘real Cuba’. She saw the huge blocks of flats, the dirty streets, the lack of variety of food in the Government controlled shops in contrast to the opulent tourist areas she had been shown previously. She did, however, meet some very friendly and hospi

This year’s box donations totalled £513.96. Although the amount is lower than our magnificent contributions over the previous five years, this is unsurprising as the list of box-holders is sadly decreasing, in line with a national trend. In earlier years, despite fluctuations, I was counting the contents of approximately forty boxes whereas now we number less than 30 – but a very generous 30! With this in mind, if anyone is interested in having a box at home or work to co

Dear Friends A couple of weeks ago for the Queen’s ninetieth birthday, Prince Charles gave a tribute to his mother in her presence. He started by addressing her as ‘Your Majesty’, then said ‘Mummy’. In a sense, he had to say both. She is a mother – and therefore has a very special and unique relationship with her four children. But she is also ‘the Sovereign’. She inhabits a very special role, she’s been anointed for that role, and it’s a role that many others have held