News from around the Benefice
Parish News Magazine
It’s been a summer of contrasts. On a superficial level, there was the weather we hoped for – and the weather we had.
On a much more serious level, there was a horrific act of murderous brutality, followed by a series of ….
August 2024 Services
Service schedule for Wick, Doynton, Dyrham, Pucklechurch and Abson for August 2024
Two Special Services in July & August
Services in the 5 churches will continue throughout July and August but there are to be two special services alongside the normal services: A family service focussing on children, and a pet service…
Parish Magazine
Living in Wick has opened up a whole new world to us: the world of garden
birds. When we first came here my sister and brother-in-law bought us a bird feeder as a moving in gift. It’s placed in view of the patio doors next to a lovely garden bush and it has brought us hours of entertainment. Who needs a TV when you have a bird feeder? People who come to visit are…
Peter Hallett moving away
Thank you Peter and Bridget.
The churches of Wick, Doynton, Dyrham with Pucklechurch and Abson, are sorry to announce that Rev Peter Hallett with Bridget, his wife, are moving to Somerset. We are sad to see them go after Peter giving many years service in the 5 churches. He served as
Vacancy: Parish Communications and Administration Officer
We require someone to be an effective centre for coordination, information, communication and administration for the 5 churches, dealing with the general public and their enquiries as well as general office duties.
Parish Magazine
In the last couple of years at the chapel, we have needed to arrange for
building contractors, heating engineers, electricians, an architect and others
to come and quote for work. I am in the habit of telling such people that the
chapel is a small, grey, rather ugly-looking building on the high street,
opposite the Victoria Sandwich shop.
One building contractor said t
Parish Magazine
Another busy month here: we joined with the Chapel to take part in
the world wide “Day of Prayer” on the 1st of March, produced this
year by the women of Palestine. It was a very moving service, quite
humbling to hear what…
Easter Services 2024
You are welcome to worship with us in the various churches of Wick, Doynton, Dyrham, Pucklechurch and Abson, over the Easter period. From more reflective times on Maunday Thursday and Good Friday to celebrating the Joy of Easter on Easter Sunday. Choose from sunrise to morning or afternoon services. Something for everyone.
Parish Magazine
Dear Friends,
What a lovely warm welcome we have received from the people of Wick, and the folk in the other churches in Doynton, Dyrham, Pucklechurch and Abson (who have the most beautiful snowdrops) of which I will be Priest in Charge.
We’ve had people …
Lent & fellowship
Join us this Lent, 2024, as we reflect on Jesus’ message of healing and hope and how he demonstrated the need for walking with those on the margins and those who find themselves facing injustices.
Meeting in the Chapel, Wick, every Tuesday in Lent from 7pm – 9pm. Beginning on 20th February.
Ash Wednesday
Our Ash Wednesday service at St Bartholomew’s church, Wick 7pm, 14th February 2024. All are welcome.
New Priest in Charge
We welcome Rev Elaine Jones as the new Priest in Charge of Wick, Doynton and Dyrham and Pucklechurch and Abson. We celebrated the licensing of Rev Elaine to her new ministry at a service at Doynton Church on 7th February at 7.30pm.
Goodbye to Rob Stewart
Goodbye to Rob Stewart Rev Rob Stewart has finished at Wick, Doynton and Dyrham. We thank him for many years of faithful service. He is moving, with his wife, Jane, to near Derby to be closer to family there.
Parish Magazine
Christmas in our villages was possibly the best I have seen over the years I have been in this area: not only were all the services very well attended but many other events took place around the village; carols and an overall feeling that joy was being shared. Watching children cook (ok, burn) marshmallows over a fire in winter is
always something that warms my heart…
Parish Magazine
Life, it would seem, has settled down after covid and the lockdowns. Which now begin to seem such a long way in history, though the arguments continue. Wars abound and almost everyone is forced into taking sides in every argument on the
planet.
The story of Christmas is that this is not the way it was intended to be. Peace and goodwill are what the season calls for as we recite the story of nativity. Leading up through Advent to the babe in the manger…
We have a new Incumbent on her way!
We have a new Incumbent on her way! The Revd Canon Elaine Jones announced as Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Elaine Jones has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Pucklechurch and Abson, Wick with Doynton and Dyrham in the Kingswood and South Gloucestershire deanery. Prior to her ordination Elaine studied occupational psychology and worked as a social researcher carrying out consultation on behalf of local authorities. Ordained in 2010 in Liverpool Cathedral, Elaine has … Read more
Parish Magazine
The unexpected, unfamiliar sound of a
landline telephone ringing insistently
through my house produced genuine fear
and anxiety in my three-year-old
granddaughter. No doubt it was also my
reaction, leaping up with urgency to try to
get to the phone before it woke her little brother from his nap – too
late! I can still see the anguish on her face – it took several minutes
to calm her down and comfort her. And there was no actual
danger……
Parish Magazine
One of the abiding memories I have of my mother was that she was
incredibly timid. She was scared of everything! She didn’t like going
places on her own – indeed, she didn’t do it. On one occasion she wanted
to see a film showing at our local cinema, A Night to Remember. On this
occasion I was the chosen one. So, off I went to see this film with her. It
was released in 1958, when I was 9 years old. I didn’t know what it was
about before I went — afterwards I never forgot…..
Parish Magazine
With all the changeable weather and scary news stories going on, I
decided to look back at a previous newsletter. Autumn 2020 when all
was so much more frightening. Covid had closed the church and we
were going into “lockdown”.
I am sure that, back then we would have been just a little scared (if we
were honest) and unsure….
Parish Magazine
On April 15th, fighting broke out in Sudan between two generals, one army and the other the leader of the RSF. Just two men fighting for power and control….
Parish Magazine
Well, it’s all about the Coronation, isn’t it? A once-in-a-lifetime event. Regardless of our personal feelings
about the institution of monarchy, it is worth commemorating. There will be a church service to celebrate it on Sunday 7th May, at which we will be joined by our friends from the Chapel. Do consider….
Parish Magazine
For as long as humans have been able to communicate, we have
told ourselves stories in an attempt to explain the mysteries of life,
the suffering that is an unavoidable part of it, and the certainty of
its end. These stories help us to remember; they teach us and guide
our behaviour. And there are ….
Parish Magazine
The signals we give each other are important — they can lead to joy or
sorrow. Of course, sometimes we give signals we didn’t mean to; or, just as
bad, we give signals that are misunderstood. I learned a long time ago that in all communication, it’s not what you say that counts, it’s what they hear!
So, there I was sat at the……
Parish Magazine
You probably think it is too late to mention the New Year in the
February edition of the Parish news. However, I write just after
finding out we have just been through “blue Monday”, when it
seems we are all at our lowest after the Christmas festivities, the
cold and wet and possibly the first credit card bill of the year.
This got me to wondering…..
Parish Magazine
Having been away for the last two months, I came back to the UK to be
faced with Christmas already being pushed in the shops, in the TV
adverts, and people beginning to plan for our annual celebration. It is so
good mid- winter to have time to celebrate.
“This year, we stand for joy. We are The Chri…..
Parish Magazine
I am sitting in my study, fresh conkers in the display bowl, wondering how much any of remembers from 2019. The year that feels like yesterday! Out human memories…
Parish Magazine
The Queen is dead; Long live the King.
I’ve been on holiday for the last couple of weeks. I was asked to write the Letter for this magazine some time ago. I knew it was something that I’d be thinking about whilst I was away. For such a letter at this time of year, with Harvest Thanksgiving Services, it was obvious that I would reflect about Harvest, Creation and our care (or lack of) of this planet – our home. But in those few days that I’ve been away the whole world has…..
A Rocha Bronze Award
Wick is officially green! St Bartholomew’s Church has been awarded the ECO Church (AROCHA) Bronze award. Now we need to start working towards the Silver award.