St. Paul's Church, Chippenham

WHERE THERE IS NO VISION… – Proverbs 29:18 is a verse of the Bible which was introduced to me when I was working for CMS some 20 years ago. Until then I was not aware of its existence. It is one of those verses that speaks profound truth in both a religious and every other [...]

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As we start 2009 we are expecting to use this prayer in our churches, at our services on the 4th January. It is known as the Methodist Covenant Prayer and it traditionally used by Methodists as they re-commit themselves to Christ and his Church at the beginning of a New Year.

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REV MIKE WATKINS – should be licensed on Tuesday 6 January – as you read this if it is not too late come to the service to welcome him (7.30pm at St Paul’s led by Bishop Lee) – and please make Mike and his family feel at home amongst us – say hello! and introduce [...]

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This month the rector isn’t rambling.
Gracious God grant us the imagination to see fresh
possibilities for growth, and the passion
to bring them to birth.
Deepen our commitment to your ways;
Expand our partnership in your cause; Increase our influence for your
purpose; And add to our numbers
of those who acclaim you as Lord.
Lead us from the fear of failure [...]

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REV MIKE WATKINS  -  gooooooood neeeeeeeeews!  It is wonderful to announce that the Rev Mike Watkins will be joining us early in 2009 as our new colleague.  He is taking on the role of Minister at Large-Missioner-Evangelist (instead of the former Team Vicar post) and should be an excellent appointment to the job.  I am [...]

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DID YOU SEE…? – Kington St Michael church in the second episode of ‘Tess of the D’urbervilles’ on BBC One recently? It was good to see Hardy’s novel on the tv screen and I was fascinated by the conversation between the Vicar and Tess (taking place in the choirstalls in St Michaels) about whether he [...]

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BACK TO NORMAL! – it is funny how the autumn feels like a new beginning and coming back to a fresh start – so welcome to September … and the chance to focus on things in Chippenham (possibly, after times away on holiday) and the things happening in our church life. (However, if you are [...]

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WELL DONE! – to all those who hosted, put on, took part in and encouraged 3 social events recently – the Hardenhuish Coffee Morning; Fete at Kington St Michael and Strawberry Teas in Langley Burrell. They all went really well and were greatly enjoyed by many people in good weather – and [...]

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REV EDWARD HUXLEY – I am delighted that the Rev Edward Huxley has been appointed to our new Team Vicar role (Minister at Large-Missioner-Evangelist). He is currently the Curate at Sea Mills in Bristol and will be licensed on Sunday 13 July and start work with us in August. Edward studied aeronautical engineering [...]

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THE GOSPEL OF MARK – I want to record my gratitude to the Rev Joseph Morris who brought a wonderful dramatisation of MARK ‘S GOSPEL to St Paul’s church at the beginning of April. Some 200 people of all ages gathered and found the experience both profound and moving. It was [...]

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