The Team Vicar Writes

“I wish I’d never said that – it just made things worse”. That’s a feeling we’ve doubtless all known at one time or another. And there are, of course, those situations in which it's wise to keep our own counsel. But no less often, I suspect, we look back with regret at those occasions when we’ve failed to say the words which might have brought reconciliation, expressed love or appreciation, perhaps changed the course of events for good. And there are many reasons why that should be so: doubt, fear of commitment, the “safety” of remaining undecided, the freedom to “backtrack”.

Jesus’ disciples found themselves in just such a situation at a place called Caesarea Philippi. It was a turning point for them. Jesus challenged them about their understanding of who he was. He gave them an easy way in by asking them what other people were saying about him. The disciples didn’t mind answering that; “Oh, they think you’re John the Baptist or Elijah, or one of the prophets of old”.

“But who do YOU say that I am?” Jesus asks. We can feel the awkward silence. Until then the disciples had hedged their bets, happy to wait and see. But Jesus was asking them to look him in the eyes and give an answer. No one said a thing until Peter (always the spokesman) plucked up the courage to say that Jesus, the Carpenter from Nazareth, was the Christ. One disciple had taken a stand, and things would never be the same again.

Jesus poses the same question to us: “Who do YOU say that I am?” - the most important question any of us will ever have to face. Perhaps Lent (yes, it will soon be here!) is the right time to bring into the open those unspoken uncertainties, doubts and fears that may have prevented us from answering that question for ourselves. Or perhaps it’s the right time to go a little further in the understanding we may already have reached.

There’ll be opportunities to do that in friendly, relaxed surroundings at the Ploughman’s Lunches at Shirwell during February and March. The details are in this magazine. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome.

 

Christmas Services

Once again the church was beautifully decorated for Christmas. We would like to thank all who were responsible for this. we would also like to thank those who helpwd at the Carol Service, especially members of the Baptist Church for providing the refreshments afterwards. the retiring collection raised over £250 for Help for Heroes.

All the Christmas services were very well attended, in particular those that were less formal - the School Carol Service, Carols by Candlelight and the Christmas Eve Christingle Service.

 

Plough Service

On the first Sunday of the year we held our Plough Service when members of the congregation carried an old plough into church. On behalf of the farmers of the parish Roy asked for God’s blessing on all those who work on the land.

We would like to thank Ian, Steve and Vas for volunteering for the heavy task of carrying the plough.

 

Team Services

We were very pleased to welcome friends from across the Shirwell Team to two Team Services held at Bratton.

The first was the Sunday after Christmas when the service was held in the Village Hall to enable those present to have a better view of some video clips.

The second occasion was on the third Sunday of the month, when we held a Joint/Team Covenant Service. Although having its origins in the Methodist Church, this service has become a favourite across the Team.

 

Homeless

I am very pleased to tell you that I have been asked to be the village co-ordinator to support the work of the Freedom Centre in Barnstaple.  At present, there are very few outlying villages which have a co-ordinator and Bratton being the village it is, I am confident that parishioners will be as generous as always.

The Freedom Centre provides a daily hot meal for those who are homeless, a place to have a shower and wash clothes.  In addition, when the temperature drops to a certain level, they are funded by North Devon Council to open their doors so that people who sleep rough can have the luxury of warmth and safety during cold spells.  You can imagine that they have been very busy just recently, although there are some people who do not wish to sleep inside and are grateful for the gift of a sleeping bag, bedspread or blanket to keep warm.

So I am asking people to help make the lives of those much less fortunate than ourselves a bit easier.  I can collect from you, or gifts can be left in Church by the Font or delivered to me at the above address.

Perhaps you have some toiletries that you don't really need or use which they could use when showering.  They also need washing powder tablets and clothes conditioner to freshen up their clothes.  Just because anyone is homeless doesn't mean they can't be clean or wear clean nice smelling clothes. They are ok for toothpaste but not toothbrushes.

Food is also very welcome, especially tinned and packet food such as baked beans, spaghetti, soup and rice pudding.  The Centre gets through a lot of teabags and coffee and these items are welcome too.

They can't take duvets or pillows but sleeping bags, bedspreads, blankets and sheets are all very gratefully received.

Clothes, both for men and women, are always wanted, especially trainers, socks, trousers, thick coats - well just about anything. Perhaps those trousers have become a bit snug and you know in your heart you probably won't lose the weight to ever wear them again, or that jumper consigned to the back of the cupboard isn't doing anyone any good.  Items which haven't been worn for a year are probably not going to see the light of day any more.

The Centre is also hoping to start a Market Stall selling books to raise much needed funds, so if you have any books to spare that would be good.

If people reading this further afield would like to be involved, please ring or email me so that we can meet up in town at a mutually convenient time.

I realise that we have to watch what we spend, but one extra item a week in the shopping basket would have little impact on the weekly bill but would mean a meal for 52 people, or a shower or clean clothes. Lets start as we mean to go on and do all the good we can while we can.  If there is only one resolution we make and keep, lets hope it will be a pledge to give these human beings, just like us, the belief that people do care and they are not considered outcasts of society, marginalised from the rest of us.  It is only through circumstance that it is them queuing out the door in the snow and rain for a meal with the temperature at freezing or below, and not us.

shower or clean clothes. Lets start as we mean to go on and do all the good we can while we can.  If there is only one resolution we make and keep, lets hope it will be a pledge to give these human beings, just like us, the belief that people do care and they are not considered outcasts of society, marginalised from the rest of us.  It is only through circumstance that it is them queuing out the door in the snow and rain for a meal with the temperature at freezing or below, and not us.

                                Sue Squire

 

Electoral Roll

The Church Electoral Roll is now being revised. If your name is not already on the Roll, you are eligible, and wish to be included, please contact Sue Squire for further details. Application forms are available at the back of the church.

Please note: If your name is already on the Roll, you need not do anything.

 

Saturday Market

This month’s market will be held on Saturday 27 February, in the Village Hall 10.00am - 12 noon.

Forthcoming markets will be held on: 27 March; 24 April; 22 May; 26 June; 24 July; 28 August; 25 September; 23 October; 27 November and 11 December.

 

Celebration of Love & Marriage

On Saturday 13 February we are holding a Festival to Celebrate Love and Marriage. From 10am until 4pm there will be an exhibition including Floral displays, Wedding Dresses and Photographs. In addition Marriage registers will be on display. Tea / coffee & cake will be served all day.

At 4pm there will be a short service for those wishing to renew their Marriage Vows.

Sunday 14 February is, of course Valentines Day, when at 9.30am there will be a service celebrating God`s precious gift of Love.  Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

 

Messy Church

There will be another Messy Church on Tuesday 16 February (Shrove Tuesday) for children and those who care for them, 10.30a.m. – 12.15p.m.

Activities will include crafts, treasure hunt, worship, food & a pancake race.