The images of the damaged caused by Storm Desmond will have brought back painful memories for many in the Benefice.  Back in 2007 41 homes in Ascott-under-Wychwood and some in Chadlington were flooded .  We know first hand just how devastating that is for those effected and for their communities.

An emergency appeal has been launched for anyone wishing to donate to assist individuals and families whose homes have had significant structural damage or flooding due to recent floods and storms which took place during the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th December throughout Cumbria.

Cumbria Community Foundation has committed £50,000 from its own funds to prime the Appeal.

Grants for charitable purposes will be distributed to relieve hardship, which can help with cleaning up, emergency repairs, clothing, food and drink, heating and heating equipment, child care equipment and basic furniture.

The fund is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, who effectively managed the £3 million Cumbria Flood Recovery Appeal following the floods in 2009.

CCF has a well-established and effective system for application, grant assessment and allocation. CCF is a highly regarded local grant giver with experienced staff and solid systems and processes in place.

The Ascott Village Shop is collecting donations of money to send to those effected in Cumbria.  If you would like to contribute you can do so by calling into the shop or by putting your donation into an envelope marked ‘Cumbria Flood’ and put in on the collection plate at Church.  We will make sure your donation is passed on.

A prayer for those affected by flooding

Creator God, we remember at this time all those whose homes and communities have been damaged by flooding in Cumbria.

In the the name of Jesus we give thanks for the courage and dedication of the emergency services who have come to the help and rescue of all in need.

We celebrate the kindness of neighbours in caring for the most vulnerable.

Lastly, we ask in the power of your healing Spirit to rebuild not just the physical communities which are coping with many problems today but also to give us a sense of trust in your goodness through the kindnesses of one another, in Your Holy Name.

Amen

How are you going to mark Advent?

It’s good to find time and space amidst the busyness to pause and reflect. On this page we are going to add some resources that you might like to use during the course of Advent.  Do come back
regularly as it will be updated weekly.

A CALL FOR CHANGE – Advent week 2

Download and print off a copy of this excellent resource from ROOTS for Churches here.

KEEPING HOPE ALIVE – Advent week 1

Download and print off a copy of this excellent resource from ROOTS for Churches here.

ADVENT LIGHT

If you’re into colouring, here’s an Advent exercise for you. It was devised by the Revd. Ann Le Bass of St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Seal, Kent and is reproduced with permission.

Print out the picture below – there’s a PDF version here if you prefer it here.

Starting on Dec 1, find candle ray number 1, look up the bible verse – you can do so online bible here, where you can enter the verse. Then decorate that candle ray as you want. You could fill it with patterns, draw a picture, write out the verse, or a word from it…it’s up to you.

On Christmas Eve colour the candle and the flame.

Why not post a picture on social media at the end, or as you go along, to share your Advent journey? If you are into Facebook post it on our Facebook page

Advent is traditionally regarded as a time of preparation. It presents us with the chance to pause in the increasingly commercialised run up to Christmas and to think about the true message of the Incarnation – of Jesus being born among us.

If the Incarnation happened today, what sort of world would Jesus be born into?  Would we make room for him and what sort of welcome would he get?

These are some of the questions that we will be addressing in our Advent Suppers this year.

The format will be slightly different than in previous years.  We will start at 7 pm [prompt start please!] with a short 18 minute video presentation. Then, over a delicious supper with a glass of wine, we will discuss some questions raised by the presentation. After the meal, there will be some reflection on a Biblical passage and a few further questions to open out the discussion.  The evening will draw to a close with a suggested action that people might want to want to take away and time for a plenary to share reactions.  We will be away by 9 pm.

The Suppers will be held in Chadlington Memorial Hall from 7 pm to 9 pm on the following Wednesday evenings:

November 25th
December 2nd, 9th and 16th

For catering purposes it is important that you book a place now – please do so by clicking here or leaving a message on 01608 676572.

Details of each of the talks will be posted each week – if you subscribe to this blog you will be sent an email to tell you when they are added.

At our Remembrance Day service in Spelsbury Church today, we dedicated a ceramic poppy from the 2014 Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red commemoration installation at the Tower of London.  It was given to Caroline Williams by her son William who served in the First Gulf War and it was dedicated to the memory of Caroline’s grandfather, Major David Cuthbert, who was lost in action at the Battle of the Somme.

During the service it was placed on the Altar in front of 63 candles, representing the 63 men and boys from the village of Spelsbury who fought in the Great War – many of whom didn’t return.

A new chapter in the life of the Chase Benefice opened today with the Licensing of the Revd. Marian Needham as our new Associate Priest.  St. Nicholas Church, Chadlington was full as members of the Benefice gathered with clergy and laity from the Deanery and some of Marian’s family and friends as she began her ministry amongst us.

The service was conducted by the Rt. Revd. Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester and Acting Bishop of Oxford, in the presence of Mr. Rod Walker, DL, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.  The Benefice Choir, directed by Rosy Nixon and accompanied by Jill Greer on organ and piano, helped to lead the worship with beautiful music and set the tone of the service with a prayerful Introit by Hildegard of Bingen, the Twelfth Century Abbess, whose Feast Day we remembered.

After Marian was Licensed, she led the congregation with the
following prayers:

Let us pray for each other, and for the world

Today we have celebrated the life of Abbess Hildegard, a woman renowned, and sought out in her own time, for her vision, spiritual gifts, and wisdom.As we begin a new stage of our own journeys in faith together, let’s remember those that have inspired us with their vision, encouraged us, and been our travel companions along the way.

We give thanks for the Christian ministry and witness in our lives that has brought us together at this time and place.  In a moment’s silence, let us remember the churches, and communities where we have worshipped in the past, and those special people whose faith and ministry inspired our growth as Christians.  (Pause)

Loving God, we thank you for the guidance of those who have accepted our questioning, helped us to learn from our reflections, and walked with us on our spiritual journey.  We pray for the gifts of wisdom and vision that we in turn may play our part in building up the body of Christ which is your Church.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our Prayer

God of peace, we pray for those who undertake dangerous journeys in search of safety and peace because of war in their home countries.  We pray for innocent victims used by others in the pursuit of their own interests.  May there be a deep compassion and generosity of response within the wider community, and desire on the part of world leaders to seek lasting solutions.  May hearts that have been darkened by violence discover a different light and a new vision.

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our Prayer

We ask for your healing for all those who suffer in body, mind, or spirit, and again in a few moments of quiet we remember any individuals particularly on our hearts and minds tonight.  (Pause)

Lord, in your mercy: Hear our Prayer

Generous God, we look to the future and ask for your blessing on our Benefice and on our community.  Through your Holy Spirit inspire each of us in our individual ministries, encourage us to grow stronger in faith together, and to be a blessing to each other and to all our neighbours in Christ.

These things we ask in the name of your Son and our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.   Amen

It was a truly wonderful occasion and the celebration continued after the service with some delicious canapés and a bottle or two of wine!

You can find a copy of the service booklet here.

Thank you to all those who made it such a special evening. Welcome to the Chase Benefice Marian and Chris!