St. Paul’s Church, Chippenham

JAMES & INGER DENNISTON - as you will have gathered James & Inger are going to be moving on from Chippenham in early October (Sunday 7th) after 4 years with us. They will both be missed and I will be aware of missing a very encouraging and supportive colleague. Now is not the time to sing their praises (we will do that later) but I know many people value what they have brought to our churches and life in Christ. Thank you, both of you and we wish you well as you move into ministry supporting Lee Abbey and New Wine. Do ask them about what the future holds for them – they are both very excited by what God has brought forward for them and their ministry.

FUTURE MINISTER - it looks likely that we shall be given some sort of replacement minister by the diocese (which is good news!) I think the person is likely to be working more on the edge of church life and encouraging mission and outreach in new and imaginative ways. We have lots of people willing and able to pastor the flock and we need someone helping us to get out into the wider world beyond our church walls. Please pray for the process of trying to work out what God is wanting for us at this time.

GROUP LEADERSHIP - over the time I have been here we have been developing the role and function of the Group Council. No longer is it made up of representatives from each church there to pursue the interest of their own church. Rather it is growing into a body which seeks to discern what God is wanting for the North Chippenham Group of Churches at this time. It is made up now of the Church Wardens and Ministry Team (ie the Clergy and Readers) and I hope it can help us to develop our way ahead. (Clearly there are many other people in leadership roles in each church but this group are those who have been commissioned for this leadership role.)

EVANGELISM - I am very pleased that Phil Crook has completed the first of 3 years of his Evangelism Training with TFM (Through Faith Missions). The diocese of Bristol does not (at this time) offer this sort of training and so it is good that John Hibberd (known to many through GOD 4 U) heads up this course. Clearly this is the sort of training that is very much part of the way forward for us – as noted above, we need to be moving out of our church buildings and I am sure Phil will be wanting to help us to do this. As he completes the course I trust he will also be taking his part in the Group Leadership.

UGANDA VISITORS - I felt the time with Edward & our other Ugandan visitors went very well – it was lovely to have them with us but it was also a challenge – you may not have heard yet …..but upon entering our house Edward asked who lived in our sitting room! Our large house with only 4 inhabitants seems very selfish and greedy in the context that many people in our world have such little space to live in!

GROUP SERVICE - is on Sunday 5th August at 6.30pm at St Peter’s Langley Burrell.

OPEN TO GOD - will take place on Sunday 19th August at 7pm in the hall at St Pauls.

DEANERY GROWTH SUMMIT - we had an interesting time at the recent Deanery Growth Summit (with some 20 people attending from our group churches) and various presentations about things happening in our churches. This included Pauline Monaghan speaking on RISE and many people commented on how much was going on and that they appreciated her presentation. I hope the Church Councils will hear a report back from those who went to the Summit and give time to think about ways of putting some of what was heard into action.

ST PAUL’S 8.30am SERVICE - I have had some offers to help as Verger at this service. But we still need one for the 1st Sunday of the month. (I do hope this service does still appeal to people – at a recent service there were only 2 in the congregation!)

ST PAUL’S MUSIC MEETING - following on from Peter & Sarah Howe stepping down from leading the St Pauls music group we had a very full and good meeting – and various people seem to be willing to take on various roles and responsibilities. Watch this space, as they say!

SUMMER SUNDAY CLUB - this takes place at St Pauls on Sundays 29th July, 5th & 19th August and 2nd September. The services on 12th & 26th August will be all-age services. I want to thank all those who have led and contributed to KIDZOWN in the past year. It is greatly appreciated!

THEMES & READINGS - we are continuing with the theme of PEOPLE MEETING WITH JESUS during our morning services in August & they will have these main readings

August 5th - The bereaved sisters - John 11:17-44
August 12th - The dying convict - Luke 23:32-43
August 19th - The two who had lost hope - Luke 24:13-35
August 26th - So, who is this Jesus? - John 1:1-18

MIDWEEK BIBLE READINGS - at our midweek services of Holy Communion (10am on Wednesdays at St Pauls – and 10am Thursdays at Kington St Michael) we are going to be continuing with the theme of 2 CORINTHIANS.

August 1st/2nd - Our heavenly dwelling - 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
August 8th/9th - Ministers of reconciliation - 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2
August 15th/16th - Open wide your hearts - 2 Corinthians 6:3-7:1
August 22nd/23rd - Fruits of repentance - 2 Corinthians 7:2-16
August 29th/30th - Rich in generosity - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

PRAYER FOR THE MONTH – I think this is a prayer of real care & concern.

God of all the world:
From the security of my home
My heart goes out to those who have lost their shelter;
From the busyness of my day
My heart goes out to those whose plans have been broken;
From the comfort of my circle
My heart goes out to those who mourn family and friends.
Take my heart, my prayers and my gifts
And from them begin to rebuild and restore
A good future for those who have lost so much.
For Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Simon Tyndall