NewsLink
1 May — 14 May 2022
Dear friends
I hope you had a very blessed Easter. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to our Lent and
Holy Week provision, for the creativity in poetry, art, music, literature and preaching that helped
us to reflect on our faith.
Exploring our faith from different perspectives helps us to discern what our faith means to us and
what impact that faith has on us as we go forward as Easter people, in joyful and exciting hope
of new possibilities in our own lives, the lives of our churches and the lives of our communities.
As we follow in Acts the story of our fledgling faith and the lives and activities of those first
followers, we read of joys, disappointments and the unexpected.
Bishop Karen shares with us her experience of when the unexpected happens…
‘Being struck down with Covid over Holy Week and Easter was certainly not in my plans.
Sermons were written, arrangements made and then the two lines on the lateral flow test
showed up. I am grateful to colleagues who stepped in, and for the ability to view so much
creativity of worship online.
The last thing Mary expected to see on that first Easter morning was Jesus. Her plans were for
anointing the body of her dead friend and requesting the stone be rolled to allow her into the
tomb. Instead, she was called to turn around and to spread the news far and wide. Christ had
risen. God’s plans turned things upside down that day as death was defeated, despair turned to
hope and the possibilities of the impossible happening made the future bright.
So as we walk this Easter season as God’s people, we can do so with hope in our hearts.
Praying earnestly for peace in Ukraine, calling for the just treatment of asylum seekers, seeking
wisdom for the climate crisis and waiting expectantly for the arrival of our new Bishop, trusting in
the God of surprises, and standing firm in faith when the unexpected happens’.
Bishop Karen
Wishing you a very blessed Easter season
Ann, Rector
Upcoming Services
Sunday, 1st May – Third Sunday of Easter
10.00am Benefice Service with Holy Communion at St Peter’s, Monkton Farleigh. (Revd Tim
Hawkings preaching)
Wednesday, 4th May
10.30am Holy Communion at Christ Church, Bradford on Avon
Sunday, 8th May – Fourth Sunday of Easter
10.00am Holy Communion service at St Peter’s, Monkton Farleigh joint with South Wraxall.
10.00am Refresh at Winsley Church Hall
10.30am Holy Communion at Christ Church, Bradford on Avon
3.00pm-4.00pm Forest Church at St James, South Wraxall (see page 3)
Sunday, 15th May – Fifth Sunday of Easter
10.00am Holy Communion at St James, South Wraxall, joint with Monkton Farleigh
10.00am Holy Communion at St Nicholas, Winsley
Events and Notices
Ministry Team:
Rector Rev Ann Keating
Rev.ann.keating@btinternet.com (722230)
Rev Tessa Mann (309374)
LLM: Rachel Pound (862223)
Benefice Office:
Caroline Brydon (865046),
nboabenefice@gmail.com
Website www.nboachurches.co.uk
Church Wardens:
Winsley: Roy Ludlow (868779) Linds
Batson (720069)
Christ Church: vacant, Contact Rev Ann
Keating
South Wraxall: Dave Wyper (865384)
Valentine Thornhill (862552)
Monkton Farleigh: Vacant. Contact Rachel Exley PCC Secretary (851485)
Lay Pastoral Assistants:
Stephen Pike (782537),Denise Davies
(863678)
Gill Fairhurst (867560),Daphne Cox
(868224)
Elizabeth Bush (866624),James Middleton
(920564)
Children’s and Families Worker:
Zoe Yeomans – zyeomans3@gmail.com
The next edition of NewsLink wlll be on the 15th May
Please email any relevant contributions to Caroline at
nboabenefice@gmail.com by Tuesday 10th May. You
can read the full version (4 pages) on our website at
www.nboachurches.co.uk
If you would like an electronic version of NewsLink or
require a hard copy, please email or leave a message
for Caroline at the Benefice office on 01225 865046.
Christ Church Plant Stall
Our plant stall will be open at 13 Newtown, BoA from
10.30am on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th May.
We have lots of tomatoes, courgettes, vegetables and
flowering plants for sale. All proceeds to the Future for
Christ Church project. We hope to see you then.
Thank you!
Gillian (866503)and Dorna
Thanksgiving Service
To celebrate the life of Don Harwood is being held at
St Nicholas church on Saturday 7th May at 2.00pm,
followed by the burial of his ashes. Ann and Paul
taking.
From Don and Doreen Harwood’s daughter Julia:
Following the service my father’s ashes will be buried
alongside my mother’s in the churchyard. After that we
will move on to the Seven Stars, where part of the
restaurant will be kept aside for us.
I would be delighted if you could come and be with me
that afternoon. There will be the opportunity at the pub
to eat and drink whilst we reminisce.
With best wishes
Julia Harwood
Benefice Directory
Please pick up a form at the back of
church if you would like to be added to
the Directory and return it to your
church leader by the 8th May. Any
changes to your current details can be
emailed to Caroline at the office. Thank
you!
St Nicholas, Winsley – Limestone Edging Stones
Behind Winsley church, to its right and close to the graveyard, there is a substantial amount of
limestone stones which would be ideal if you are creating any garden feature. It will need to be
removed in due course, as we look at transforming this area over time. If parishioners from any
of the Benefice churches wish to avail themselves of any of the stones, please do take them
away, at your own risk of course.
They are free to good homes but if you wanted to make a small donation to church funds, then
pop this into the box inside the church. Many thanks
John Baxter
St Nicholas Churchyard Spring ‘Clear-Up’
Saturday, 21st May 10.00am till Midday
The months fly by and it is once again time to give the churchyard a little
attention. So, if you could spare an hour or two on the morning of the 21st
May, it would be greatly appreciated. Even better if you could bring with
you the odd wheelbarrow, rake, pruners, etc. Mid-morning refreshment
will be available in the Church Hall. Many thanks.
Bob Williams
Good Friday Workshop
On Good Friday, over 20 children and their families joined us at Christ Church for a lovely
morning of activities, beading, playdoh, designing Easter story pebbles and wheels, and creating
a giant cardboard tomb complete with a rolling door! We gathered together to create an Easter
garden and to reflect on Holy week and then shared hot cross buns together.
We were delighted to be joined by Barnaby who played his guitar while we sang at the end,
joined by the walkers at the end of their Walk of Witness. A big thank you to everyone who was
involved. Photos below! Zoe
Our next Forest Church:
The Future for Christ Church LAUNCH!
Friday, 3rd June 2.00pm – 4.00pm in Christ Church
Come and find out about all the plans that now have approval!
More information coming soon, but there will be:
• Cream teas
• Plants for sale
• Activities for children
• Visits up to the bell tower
Come to the Church Stand and
learn more about future plans!
APCM Meetings
The meetings are open to everyone within their parish. The dates for this year are:
St Nicholas, Winsley Tuesday, 10th May at 11.00am in St Nicholas Church
Christ Church, Bradford on Avon Thursday 12th May at 7.30pm in Christ Church
St Peter’s, Monkton Farleigh Sunday 8th May, after the 10am service in St Peter’s
Church
St James, South Wraxall To be advised
