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The ARCH Messenger
Abbots Morton, Rous Lench, Church Lench & Harvington
www.archbenefice.org.uk
To show our love for God and You December 2019/January 2020
ARCH Benefice: parishes of Abbots Morton, Rous Lench, Church Lench
and Harvington
Rector: The Reverend Canon Richard Thorniley
01386 870527
Curate: The Reverend Chris Sheehan
07977 072105
Office hours: 9.30am to 9.30pm Monday-Thursday, Saturday;
day off: Friday; Sunday afternoons: quiet space
Urgent pastoral matters – any time
Readings
1st December Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44
8th December Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
15th December Isaiah 35:1-10; Magnificat; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11
22nd December Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-8; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14; John 1:1-14
Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4; John 1:1-14
29th December Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23
5th January Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:10-15; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
12th January Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
19th January Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
26th January Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:4-12; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23
Please use the ‘Contact Us’ page on our website
www.archbenefice.org.uk
to submit editorial or enquire about advertising.
3
Endings and beginnings
December and January are months that are both the
ending and the beginning of times. In December we
look towards the end of the present year, a year in which we witnessed many
troubling and disturbing events, some very sad times but also some very happy
ones. In the Church’s calendar December marks Advent, the beginning of the
Christian year. The season of Advent is the time when we prepare for the most
momentous beginning of all, the birth of Jesus.
January marks the start of a brand-new year, a time to look forward to what the
year will bring for the world. But it’s also a time to look back at the year that
has just ended and reflect on how we and our world were affected by the events
of that year.
As we think about the year just gone and the new year to come, we can perhaps
look forward in hope of lessons learned from the past and a brighter future
awaiting us. And in the Christmas birth of that very special baby, Jesus Christ,
we have the very special hope He gives us; the hope that no matter what the
new year brings for us, our country and our world, whether joy or sadness, we
can trust that in Him we will begin to share all the new beginnings and never-
ending life with Him in his kingdom.
Janet Stean
Stop date for next issue: Monday 13th
January
Thought for the month
4
Rector’s Corner
Midweek Holy
Communion (BCP): Wednesdays, 11am
St James’ Church,
Harvington
Tuesday prayers:
8.30-9.30am
December:
St James’, Harvington
January:
St Peter’s, Abbots Morton
Daily prayers:
8am
Monday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Saturday
St James’ Church,
Harvington
Home Communion: Thursday 19th December Friday 17th January
Benefice prayers: Saturday 7th December
Saturday 14th December
Saturday 11th January
Saturday 25th January
Men’s Night:
8.30pm (£10 for the kitty
– includes ALL drinks)
Thursday 19th December
venue tbc
Friday 17th January
venue tbc
Community Lunch
12.30pm
Wednesday 15th January
(no community lunch in
December)
Ellenden Farm Shop
café, Harvington
From the Registers
Harvington
29th August Funeral Colin “Taffy” Roberts
Please accept our sincere apologies for the error in
this entry in the October issue
29th September Interment Robert Macnaughton
18th October Funeral Karen Robinson
26th October Interment Angela Graham
26th October Interment William Graham
5
Notices
Christmas Eve Family Services
4pm at All Saints’, Church Lench
5.45pm at St James’, Harvington
We will have our annual Christingle services on Christmas Eve AND we
need Christingle makers. Please let me know if you are available to help on
Sunday 22nd December at 2pm in St James’ Church.
Richard Thorniley
Service for Christian Unity Sunday 19th January, 6.30pm
St James’, Harvington
The focus of this year’s service is Unusual Kindness, a theme chosen by the Christian churches in Malta and Gozo which finds its origins in
Acts 27:18-28:10. I invite you to join the service which will include input from members of different denominations within
the Benefice and nearby. Richard Thorniley
Holiday Club
Tuesday 18th
-Thursday 20th
February
Information will be circulated by e-mail and published in
the February issue of the ARCH Messenger.
To register your interest, please contact Richard Thorniley (after 1st
December) on 870527 or e-mail [email protected]
6
Notices
Heating oil delivery dates for
the ARCH buying group
Evesons Fuels: 01905 775920
Thursdays: 12th December, 16th January,
13th February, 12th March, 9th April
Phone your order to Evesons by 5pm on the
preceding Monday
With Christmas in mind… What do you call a cat in the desert? Sandy Claws
What goes ‘oh oh oh’? Santa walking backwards.
What did the dog get for Christmas? A mobile bone
Who delivers presents to sharks at Christmas? Santa Jaws
What did Adam say on December 24th? ‘It's Christmas, Eve’
Which Christmas carol is most popular with new parents? Silent Night!
What is the best Christmas present? A broken drum – you just can't beat it!
I sent my girlfriend a huge pile of snow. I rang her up and asked, ‘Did you
get my drift?’
7
Christmas cards for the Cobalt Unit
We are always so pleased to receive Christmas cards – the harbinger of the
coming festival – and they make the first festive decorations, hanging in the
room or standing on the mantelpiece. The custom of sending greetings and
good wishes for Christmas and the New Year on a lovely card to our friends
and families brings us all much pleasure each year – and I asked myself, where
did this idea come from and when did it begin?
With the help of Google, I found the history. The answer lies in the 19th century
and the beginning of the Post Office. Sir Henry Cole founded the Public Records
Office, which later became the Post Office. At first the postal charges were very
expensive but the introduction of the ‘Penny Post’ in 1840, made it possible for
the general population to use the service.
The first Christmas card was designed by
John Horsley, an artist friend of Sir Henry
Cole in 1843 and was sent to Sir Henry.
Early cards were sold for one shilling (5p)
each and depicted ‘Good Deeds’, such as
helping the poor by providing clothes and
food, similar to the good deeds in the
Bible. Today we have a myriad of different
designs on our cards: the first Christmas with Mary and Joseph and the Christ
child in the manger, or the Three Kings or the Angels. Many cards show the
lovely things which will come at Christmas – all to bring pleasure.
The sending of Christmas cards is a simple way to spread the festive spirit to
our friends and families. It has become a great tradition – and we can extend
the lives of our Christmas cards after the festive season if we donate them to
the Cobalt Appeal in Cheltenham. The cards will be reconstituted and sold on
in the local area, bringing good financial help for this very worthy charity.
If you would like to donate your cards to the Cobalt Unit, please leave
them in a bag at the back of your church by Saturday 11th January.
We will collect them and deliver them to the unit in Cheltenham.
Thank you. Ann Sharpe & Sophie Dodds
8
Lenches and Harvington Messy Church
Guess what the theme is for
our next Messy Church?
Here’s another clue…
Have you solved it yet?
Come and have some colourful fun
in Church Lench Village Hall on
Sunday 26th January!
Messy Church is church for families involving fun.
We are Christ-centred and for all ages, based on creativity,
hospitality and celebration. Our events take place
3.30pm-5.30pm and include a hot meal.
Messy Church is free to attend!
To find out more or volunteer, visit
www.chris19578.wixsite.com/website or
contact Chris on 07977 072105 or [email protected]
Messy Church is
COLOURFUL!
9
For unto us a child is born
‘For a child has been born for us, a son is given to us, authority rests upon his
shoulders. and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).
As we approach Christmas, we are very aware of the political and economic
uncertainties that face us. The prophet Isaiah also lived in such uncertain times:
the Assyrians had just conquered the northern kingdom of Israel (734-732 BC),
fulfilling Isaiah’s warnings to the people who had turned their back on God and
His ways. However, Isaiah is able to bring a word of hope, promising a Messiah
who would come like a great light: ‘The people who walked in darkness have
seen a great light’ (Isaiah 9:2). These words are fulfilled in the birth of Jesus 700
years later and describe His person:
Wonderful Counsellor: He will give us the wisdom we need, especially when we
have difficult decisions to make at work or home, or in dealing with our finances
or future direction.
Mighty God: He will provide the help and strength to face a difficult diagnosis,
family crisis or relationships breakdown, as we trust His plan and purpose for
our lives.
Everlasting Father: He cares for us as a father cares for his children, so that we
can come to Him when we feel alone or we are really struggling, knowing that
He hears and will answer our prayers.
Prince of Peace: He has secured peace by His cross and resurrection, so we can
find in Him true acceptance, forgiveness and peace for our lives, relationships
and future.
Christmas is the time to celebrate a God who is faithful to all His promises, ‘the
zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this’ (Isaiah 9:7).
Revd Paul Hardingham
Christmas gifts A cheerful giver does not count the cost of what he gives. His heart is set on
pleasing and cheering him to whom the gift is given. Julian of Norwich
10
On the BBC’s Today programme last year a distinguished atheist revealed that his
Christmas routine included attending Midnight Mass. Asked why, he replied that
it was the most beautiful story ever told and he didn’t want it to be forgotten.
Up and down the country this month, thousands and thousands of parents will be
attending school and church nativity plays. They’re good fun, the children like
them, and they remind us of the most lovely and memorable story of all time.
First, there was the actual birth. Excluded from the shelter of the ‘inn’, Mary
and Joseph found themselves in a stable. Soon after, Mary gave birth to a boy,
wrapped Him in His birth-robe, and laid Him in the only secure place she could
find – the feeding trough.
Next came the shepherds, bursting in from the fields, eager to see the baby that
the angels had told them to look for ‘lying in a manger’. They worshipped him,
in wonder of all that had happened that night.
Finally, at some point came the so-called ‘Wise Men’. The gospel calls them ‘Magi’
and says they were from the East. The word magi comes from the Greek magos
(magic) and further back, from the old Persian word Magupati. The Magi could
have been priests from an ancient Persian religion that watched the night sky –
today they would be called astrologers. Whoever they were, their influence at
that point in history was immense. All over the ancient world their predictions
were regarded with awe, but they knelt before Jesus and offered Him gifts. They
were the first Gentiles to recognise a divine and kingly power and purpose in
the baby in Bethlehem.
150 years later the great bishop Clement of Rome described this as the moment
when the old order of fear and fate gave way before this new era of love and
grace. What a story! Canon David Winter
The most beautiful story ever told
Not so wise? When I told my children the story of how the Wise Men brought gifts of gold,
frankincense and myrrh for the infant Jesus, my six-year-old daughter was
not impressed. ‘Mum, why didn’t they bring nappies?’
11
Wake up! It’s Christmas
Do you remember the excitement of Christmas Eve when you were a child? There
was so much to look forward to the next day, and when you went to bed that
night (probably later than usual) you were buzzing with excitement. Eventually
you fell asleep and then the next morning you were woken by either a sibling
or a parent, saying ‘Wake up! It’s Christmas!’
As we get older the excitement of Christmas may fade and we feel overwhelmed
by all that has to be done, and worn out by the busyness around us. But still it
is good to ‘wake up to Christmas’ in the sense of becoming conscious again of
what the Christmas season is all about.
What are we celebrating? The coming of the Saviour of the world, born as a
little babe in the stable at Bethlehem. God’s salvation plan coming to pass, and
the opportunity for us to be brought into relationship with Him again. These are
wondrous truths, and we need to wake up again to the meaning of Christmas.
Bethlehem was a busy place when Christ was born. The inns were full of visitors
returning for the census; there was no room for the young couple from Nazareth.
In the busyness, many must have missed what was happening right before their
eyes that night as the babe was born. The greatest event in history but they
missed it because they were not ‘awake’!
Don’t be asleep this Christmas time. Don’t be so busy that you fail to notice
the significance of what we are celebrating. Let the wonder of it capture your
heart again and create in you a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for all that
God has done for you. The Saviour has come, rejoice and be glad!
Tony Horsfall
Musings... The second day of a New Year’s diet is always easier than the first – by the
second day you're off it. Jackie Gleason
If you get a headache this Christmas, do what it says on the aspirin bottle:
‘Take two aspirin’ and ‘Keep away from children.’
Bargain: it’s easy to recognise one – it doesn’t fit.
12
Two wise men, one three-legged sheep and a tipsy tree
Happily, the Church of England still retains some singular parish clergy. Take the
parish of St James-the-Least, whose elderly Anglo-Catholic vicar, Eustace, continues his
correspondence to his nephew Darren, a recently-ordained low-church curate...
My dear Nephew Darren,
It really is time to get some new figures for the crib. After a series of accidents
over the years, we are now down to two wise men, two shepherds and one
three-legged sheep that only remains upright if it is leaning against a shepherd.
One of our local farmers – I’m sure very kindly meant – donated far more straw
for the stable than was necessary. Our decorators, refusing to let his generosity
go to waste, used the lot. The result is that Mary and Joseph look as if they are
being engulfed by a straw snowdrift. The crib has disappeared entirely, along
with baby Jesus. This is not entirely to be regretted, since no one can now see
that He has no nose and only one arm, the result of one of our children dropping
Him on the floor at last year’s Crib Service.
I am sure your ecologically appropriate Christmas tree, made of recycled bin
liners will be much appreciated by your congregation, knowing that they are
saving the planet for future generations. We however remain traditional, with
a tree donated by the local squire from his estate. Not only does it look more
fitting, but it gives our verger something to do on Twelfth Night, as he sweeps
up several hundredweight of pine needles. I sometimes wonder if it is entire
coincidence that the tree is always delivered by the estate staff on a day when
there has been torrential rain in the area.
The major problem every year is getting the wretched thing to stand upright
in the sanctuary. It takes so long that I often feel it would be quicker to re-align
all the church pillars to the same angle as the tree.
Last year’s decision to have tree lights which flashed in succession was not a
success. Those members who stared at them for too long while singing carols
tended to fall over – although I suspect that Major Crump’s inability to remain
upright at the midnight Service was for rather different reasons. Not using
flashing lights this year, the Major will have to find a different excuse.
Your loving uncle,
Eustace
13
Abbots Morton
St Peter’s Church
CHRISTMAS JOY AT ST PETER’S
Friday 20th December, 6.30pm: Carols on the Green
If you're feeling in good voice (or any kind of voice, really!) come along to the
village green on Friday 20th December. People gather about 6.30pm around
the brazier. Christmas Carol songbooks are given out and wonderful a cappella
singing rings out across the village green…
Hot dogs and mince pies are served during an interval and a bucket collection
is taken to raise funds for the church’s Flower Fund which pays for bouquets of
flowers to be sent to anyone in the parish who has in hospital.
Sunday 15th December, 4pm: Carol and Gift Service
This is one of our most moving services. Last year more people attended than
at any time in the past ten years and two car-loads of gifts were driven away by
Action for Children to be given to underprivileged children.
Please bring any gift(s) you may wish to give...but please leave them unwrapped.
A speaker from Action for Children will give a talk on the desperate plight of
children in some areas of our county.
Christmas Eve, 9pm: Christmas Communion
We used to call it ‘Midnight Mass’...but it starts at 9pm on Christmas Eve. Come
and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with us! Mulled wine and mince pies will
be served at the end of the service. All are welcome.
REMEMBRANCE SERVICE
Thank you to Lynda Payne and Colin Pemberton who led a very fitting service.
Our grateful thanks also to Terry Brewster for his many years leading our
Remembrance services. A donation of £200 goes to the Royal British Legion.
Abbots Morton Diary
Carols on the Green Friday 20th December, 6.30pm Village Green
14
DRAINAGE PROJECT
The final stage of the work has been taking place, replacing the plastic guttering
with cast iron gutters and drain pipes. Stonemason Ian Bishop and his team have
made an excellent job of digging out the old drainage gullies and installing a
soakaway gravel system to keep the church walls dry and free of damp.
We are very grateful for three donations we have received. The cost of the work
is something over £10,000. Anyone else who might wish to contribute towards
the costs is asked to contact the Churchwarden, Kevin Clarke on ******.
VILLAGE HALL
(www.abbotsmorton.info/abbots-morton-village-hall)
Quiz Night Success
The Quiz Night returned with a great atmosphere and raised £260, shared equally
between Acorns Children's Hospice and the village hall funds. Congratulations
to Sarah Dykes for devising and presenting such an entertaining quiz.
Congratulations, too, to the winning team The Generation Game comprising
members of the McVeigh family, attending their first Quiz Night since arriving
in the Abbots Morton community, and Denis and Mary Locke. Thank you to
Hillers for a generous donation of Cheddar cheese for the ploughman's meal!
Christmas Fayre
Our second Christmas Fayre was held on 16th November, with 13 tables offering
top-quality goods for sale as Christmas presents. Teas, coffees and mince pies
were served. Proceeds were shared equally between Alzheimer's Research UK
and the village hall funds.
New Trustee
We're delighted to announce that Mrs Pat Willingale has joined the Village Hall
Committee. Pat's enthusiasm and experience will be invaluable as we embark
on another exciting year at the hall. Welcome aboard Pat! If anyone else would
like to come and join us, please have a chat with our Chair, Melanie Clarke, or
any of the committee members: Lynne Pemberton, Sarah Dykes, Lynda Payne
or Colin Pemberton.
Abbots Morton
15
Rous Lench
St Peter’s Church
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Sunday 15th December, 10.30am: Family Service with a Christmas theme
Thursday 19th December, 6.30pm: Carols on the Green with hot soup
and mince pies (in the Village Hall if wet)
Sunday 22nd December, 6.30pm: Carol Service followed by
mulled wine and mince pies
We hope you can join us for these village celebrations
CHRISTINGLE SERVICE
Our Christingle service will be held on Sunday 19th January at 10.30am.
Please join us for this lovely service.
ROUS LENCH VILLAGE HALL
(www.rouslench.com)
Saturday 14th December, 11am-1pm: Knit and Natter
Pub Nights
Fridays: 13th and 27th December, 10th and 24th January, 8pm
Our popular Friday PUB NIGHTS continue through the winter!
A warm welcome, well stocked bar, free nibbles and a roaring fire await you
Come and join friends and neighbours from 8pm onwards in our hall
Free entry to all and family orientated
Rous Lench Diary
Pub nights Fridays 13th & 27th December,
10th & 24th January, 8pm Village Hall
Knit & Natter Saturday 14th December, 11am Village Hall
Carols on the Green Thursday 19th December, 6.30pm Village Green
Home for Christmas Sunday 22nd December Village Hall
16
Rous Lench/Church Lench
ROUS LENCH VILLAGE HALL (CONTINUED)
Sunday 22nd December: Home for Christmas
Join friends, neighbours and returning family members for a celebratory evening
in our beautifully decorated hall. There will be a roaring fire and a well stocked
bar to help start the festivities. Free entry to all and family orientated and you
are encouraged to bring nibbles to share
Date for your diary
Saturday 28th March, 7.30pm: LATCHEPEN in concert
Gypsy-inspired acoustic chamber jazz from a brilliant London quartet. A set of
high-quality, wildly-exciting instrumental music, full of romanticism and nostalgia,
with a well-balanced ensemble sound and some superb solos.
Hall hire for private events
Rous Lench Village Hall is available for hire for private events such as parties,
anniversaries, receptions, etc. For conditions and prices, please look on our
website under the hall hire section, call ****** or e-mail [email protected].
Church Lench Diary
Lenches Ladies 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7.30pm Members’ homes
WI exercise group Thursdays, 4.30pm Village Hall
Carols in the Club Saturday 7th December, 12noon Lenches Club
Village Christmas party Saturday 14th December, 7pm Village Hall
WI Christmas lunch Monday 16th December Coach & Horses
New Year’s Eve gathering Tuesday 31st December, 6pm Lenches Club
Lenches WI meeting Monday 20th January, 7pm Village Hall
GLADS: Little Red Robin
Hood
Thursday 23rd-
Saturday 25th January, 7.30pm Village Hall
17
FLOWER ROTA
December Advent – no flowers
11th January Maggie Stroud
25th January Jane Tinson
HARVEST LUNCH
The PCC Social Committee wish to thank everyone who supported this year's
lunch in October and helped to make it yet another enjoyable and successful
occasion. We raised the fantastic sum of £890 for the church and its associated
charities – thank you for your generosity!
Church Lench
All Saints’ Church
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Saturday 30th November, 2.30-4.30pm Church Lench Village Hall
Attractions for all the family will include our ever popular tombola and a wide range of stalls selling plants, bric-a-brac, second-hand books, crafts, gifts etc with many festive home-made products.
Seasonal refreshments will be available and the Grand Christmas Draw will take place, 1st prize £100. (Please find your tickets in
the envelope which is included with this magazine!)
Any donations for the stalls may be left at the back of the church. For further information, including offers of help,
please contact Lyndall (******) or Nadine (******)
18
Experience Harvest and Harvest Service
In October we hosted Experience Harvest in school to enable all our children to
gain a fuller understanding of the significance of nature’s cycles of growth. The
children explored how the spirit of God produces growth in character, revealed
in what the Bible calls the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ (Galations 5.22-23). These qualities
are evidence of the human flourishing made possible when we co-operate with
God. Members of the community and parents volunteered their time to talk to
the children about five areas of harvest: Harvest of the Grain, Harvest of the
Ocean, Harvest of the Earth, Harvest of the Garden and Harvest of the Flock. It
was a truly amazing experience and the children gained so much from talking
about each aspect of harvest. Photos are available in the gallery on our website.
At our harvest service Classes 2 and 3 thought and wrote about the important
values of peace, generosity, humility, joy and patience when harvesting crops,
fish and the flock. Class 1 sang a beautiful song thanking God for the sun and
rain to help the crops grow. Diane Bennett from Caring Hands came to collect
all the wonderful donations of food and toiletries for the food bank in Evesham.
Yr 4/5 football match: Church Lench CE First v St Richard’s CE First
In October we hosted an inter-school football match. The team played remarkably
well and with great team spirit. Church Lench won 6-5 and everyone thoroughly
enjoyed the game! Well done to our super mixed team of boys and girls. Our
next match will be against St Andrew’s First School at the end of November.
Open morning
At our very successful open morning we welcomed new and existing parents to
come and look around. There was some fantastic feedback commenting on the
pupils’ positive attitudes, the welcoming environment and the inspiring activities.
School disco
The children, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed themselves at our very
successful school disco, showing some very energetic dance moves and great
participation in the party games. Thank you to our wonderful School Friends for
organising the evening, Mr Betteridge for providing X Plosive Energy Disco and
Mrs Danby and Mrs Badger for another fantastic All Stars pre-disco session.
On behalf of the school, we wish you all
a very Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year
Mrs Sam Price, Headteacher
Church Lench First School News
19
VILLAGE HALL
Saturday 14th December, 7pm for7.30pm: Village Christmas Party
Get into the festive spirit at the Village Christmas Party!
Tickets are available from all Village Hall Committee members
Thursday 23rd-Saturday 25th January, 7pm for 7.30pm: GLADS pantomime
Come and see the world première of Little Red Robin Hood! Tickets available
from Pauline Grainger at ******@****** or ******
Save the Date:
Saturday 15th February: Big Breakfast
Come and join us at the Church Lench Village Hall annual Big Breakfast
Tickets will be available in January from committee members
Hire the hall
Thinking of about hosting a party? Need a venue for a meeting, a party or a
wedding? Church Lench Village Hall is available to hire. Please contact us on
****** or [email protected] for details, prices and availability.
Church Lench
TRADITIONAL NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS IN ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
The Carol Service will held on Sunday 15th December at 6.30pm. Do come and join us to hear the Christmas Story
ALL ARE WELCOME
CAROLS IN THE CLUB
Carols are for EVERYONE Saturday 7th December, 12noon
The Lenches Club
Start your Christmas celebrations by singing carols accompanied by a brass
band and eating warm mince pies or biscuits. ALL ARE WELCOME
20
LENCHES WI
(www.facebook.com/thelencheswi)
In lieu of our December meeting, we will be holding our annual Christmas
lunch at the Coach and Horses in Harvington on Monday 16th December.
January’s meeting will take place on Monday 20th January at Church Lench
Village Hall beginning at 7pm with a social half hour of tea, coffee and
refreshments followed by our evening presentation. Our speaker is one of our
own: Lenches WI member Chris Bailey with a talk entitled Spinning a Yarn. Chris
is a very experienced and talented wool spinner and will be speaking on the
subject of wool, spinning, and knitting. We hope you will be able to join us.
We are always pleased to welcome visitors and new members
Check out our Facebook page
THE LENCHES CLUB
Saturday 7th December, 12noon: Carols in the Club
Come and get into the Christmas spirit with a
sing-along accompanied by a local brass band
Chairman’s Christmas Party!
Date in December to be confirmed – please see the posters and
our Facebook page for details. From 6pm until late.
Everyone’s welcome so no babysitting worries!
Christmas opening hours
Join us for a Christmas Day lunchtime drink and have
a Merry Christmas with us. We will be open:
Christmas Day: 11.30am-1pm
Boxing Day: 12noon-3pm
New Year’s Eve gathering
Bring your family, friends and a plate of food and see in the New Year
Everybody welcome! Doors open 6pm
Church Lench
21
Harvington
St James’ Church
FAITH TODAY
Our next meeting will be on Monday 13th January, 7.30pm, at Breslau, Leys Rd,
when Clive will lead the discussion on God is present. New members are very
welcome: contact Sophie (******, ******@******) to find out more or come
along to the meeting.
CAMEO GROUP
Wednesday 11th December, 11am: Carol Service and Christmas lunch
You are warmly invited to join us for our annual CAMEO Carol Service and
Christmas lunch. We meet at St. James’ Church at 11am for our Carol Service
followed by lunch at the Kings Court Hotel near Alcester (12.30pm for 1pm)
where we enjoy a three course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings including
coffee and mince pies.
The lunch costs £18 per person – please phone
Sophie (******) as soon as possible to book your place
Our next CAMEO Tea will be held on Wednesday 8th January, 3pm, at Breslau,
Leys Rd (please note the change of venue). Come and join us for a cup of tea or
coffee, a slice of cake and a chat. For more information or to arrange a lift,
please get in touch with Sophie (******, ******@******).
St James’ Church invites you
Christmas Coffee Morning
Saturday 14th December, 10.30am-1.00pm Harvington Village Hall
Please join us for some Christmas cheer over a cup of coffee/tea or a glass of mulled wine
Everyone welcome!
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Harvington First School News
We are all settled into our new term and have been working very hard, not
only in our lessons but in how we can make our school and our environment a
better place. The ECO group have made the decision to stop receiving large
plastic bottles for our milk delivery and we now have a delivery of glass bottles
that can be reused by the company. We have also made a recycling centre in
school so we can recycle crisp packets, batteries, plastic and stamps as well as
the usual paper and card!
In Collective Worship we are now focusing on the important value of friendship
so we have been learning about how we can be a good friend and how we can
give generously to others. We have been giving to the Poppy Appeal and to
Children in Need but we have also been giving our smiles, manners, friendship
and time. In our Collective Worship we have been learning that friendship is a
very important Christian value and one that children can relate to through their
everyday experiences. The Bible tells us that Jesus was a friend to all, regardless
of who they were. He taught them that God is our friend and wants us to be
like Him in our friendships with others.
We enjoyed taking our Harvest Baskets around the village and were overwhelmed
with the number of lovely ‘thank you’ cards we received, sharing how grateful
our community were to see the children and receive a harvest gift. It really is a
special day in our school calendar. We also remembered those who had lost
their lives in the wars in our special Remembrance service. The Year Five children
read the names of those who had fallen and the school band played the Last
Post. The children stood respectfully in silence and then each placed a poppy
on our altar table as they left the service.
We are looking forward to our Christmas celebrations and warmly invite you to
join us for our Nativity performance on Tuesday 17th December at 1.30pm in
the school hall. Or you may like to join us for our community Carol Service at
St James’ Church on Thursday 19th December at 6pm. The children will also be
enjoying a Christmas dinner, with all the trimmings and hopefully a visit from
a special someone afterwards!
May I take the opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas
and a peaceful New Year.
Mrs Helen Fishbourne, Headteacher
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HARVINGTON FILM NIGHTS
Friday 6th December, 7pm in the Village Hall
Funny Cow (cert 15)
Maxine Peake plays the gritty role of Funny Cow, a comedian who breaks through
the glass ceiling of the all-male 1970s comedy circuit to rise to stardom. Set
against the backdrop of working men’s clubs in the North of England, Funny
Cow is both a love-letter to a bygone era and the defiant story of a woman
who refuses to give up her dreams
Friday 10th January, 7pm in the Village Hall
The Pursuit of Happyness (cert 12)
Will Smith stars in this moving tale inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner, a
San Francisco salesman struggling to build a future for himself and his 5-year
old son. When his girlfriend walks out, Chris is left to raise his son on his own.
Despite landing a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position
pays no money. Evicted from their apartment, Chris and his young son find
themselves alone with no place to go. The pair must live in shelters and endure
many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to
create a better life for himself and his son.
Doors open 7pm – screen illumination 7.30pm
Buy a raffle ticket at the door for £2.50 and see the film for free!
Glasses & nibbles provided, but bring your own tipple
Full details on the Village Hall notice board and ‘Harvington Films’ via Facebook
Harvington
HARVINGTON SINGERS
present
A-CAROLLING WE GO Friday 13th December, 7.30pm
Saturday 14th December, 2.30pm St James’ Church, Harvington
Adults £8 children £3.50 to include mince pies and mulled wine
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Harvington
Harvington Diary
Handbell Ringers Mondays, 7.30pm ******
Film Night Friday 6th December, 7pm Village Hall
CAMEO Carol Service Wednesday 11th December, 11am St James’ Church
Harvington Singers:
A-Carolling We Go
Friday 13th December, 7.30pm
Saturday 14th December, 2.30pm St James’ Church
Coffee morning Saturday 14th December, 10.30am Village Hall
CAMEO tea Wednesday 8th January, 3pm ******
Film Night Friday 10th January, 7pm Village Hall
Faith Today Monday 13th January, 7.30pm ******
Fish & chip supper Friday 24th January, 7.30pm Baptist Church
Games evening Friday 31st January, 7.15pm Village Hall
Pastoral support network: contact Wendy and Konrad (******)
MONTHLY GAMES EVENINGS
Friday 31st January and Friday 28th February, 7.15pm
Want a cheerful evening to chase the winter blues away? Why not come to the
games evening at Harvington Village Hall? Entrance costs £2.50 which includes
savoury nibbles and tea or coffee and chocolate biscuits during the break, and
you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic or soft drinks if you prefer.
If you are looking to make new friends and enjoy playing board games, Mexican
Train domino game, cards or word games, this is the evening for you! Bring
the games you enjoy and teach willing participants to how to play. For more
information, please contact Christine Tooth on ******.
Newcomers are always most welcome
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Harvington
PASTORAL SUPPORT NETWORK
The Network comprises a small team of volunteers who can often help with
small tasks or friendly visiting for people living in Harvington. The co-ordinators
are Konrad and Wendy Monks, who can be contacted on ******. Do get in
touch if you need assistance or if you would like to become part of the team.
HARVINGTON BAPTIST CHAPEL
Fish & Chip Supper Friday 24th
January, 7.30pm
Guest Speaker: Revd Kelvin Woolmer
‘From Nicker to Vicar’
The Revd Kelvin Woolmer is the current Rector of St Peter de Merton in Bedford, but this has not always been the case. His light hearted talk will take you through his journey of serving in the London Met Police
for 30 years, becoming a Chaplain, a trip around the Olympic Park and finally his (initially reluctant) decision to become a Vicar
Supper kindly supplied by The Coach & Horses, Harvington
Tickets £10 per head (payable in advance please). To reserve a ticket please e-mail ******@****** or phone ******
Services
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Services
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Services
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Home & Garden/Services
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Home & Garden
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Home & Garden
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Leisure/Home & Garden
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Leisure/Dining
Key to Church Services
BCP Book of Common Prayer
Service
(all other communion services use
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ARCH Benefice Christmas Services 2019
Abbots Morton Rous Lench
15th December 4pm Family Carol and Gift Service
10.30am Family Nativity Service
22nd December 6.30pm Carol Service
Christmas Eve 9pm Christmas Communion
Christmas Day 11am Holy Communion
Church Lench Harvington
15th December 6.30pm Carol Service 10.30am Family Carol Service
22nd December 6.30pm Carol Service
Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Family Service
11.30pm Midnight Communion
5.45pm Christingle Family Service
11.30pm Midnight Communion
Christmas Day 9.30am Holy Communion
