St Andrew's Church in Congresbury, North Somerset

The Parish Magazine of St. Andrew's Church, Congresbury

“Bringing Christ’s Light into the heart of our community.”

This page contains some extracts from the 'Viewpoint' magazine, if you would like to receive a free regular paper copy, please contact the Church Office.

Alternatively view or download Viewpoint by clicking on this link

St Andrews External Giving for May

One25

One25 is a charity that reaches out to women trapped in street sex work, supporting them to break free and build new lives away from violence, poverty and addiction.
In the first 12 weeks of 2010 there were 334 visits to the afternoon drop in sessions where women can join in various workshops as well as relaxing in a safe environment. 685 contacts were made by van or foot outreach to women on the streets where the food bags are always welcomed. One woman said recently that she hadn't eaten for two days.
Naomi House ( a safe house for mothers and their babies) has now been open for 15 months taking a holistic approach to parenting, addiction and trauma with a focus on the child as well as the mother. 8 women and 7 children have found refuge and care there and all the babies have reached their developmental milestones. There has been an excellent response to the fund raising drive and so far £42, 800 of the initial £50,000 target has been raised.
Please pray for all the volunteers who work for One25 – that they will be kept safe, and will be truly blessed through all that they give out to others. Also for the staff as they plan for the future, and run the organisation – for wisdom and direction, and for continuing provision of funds. Pray also for each of the women they reach, that they may know Christ's love in their
lives, and be set free.

Village News - a personal view from Marion Johnson

The silver lining to the volcanic cloud was apparent in Congresbury with a peaceful bright blue sky and sunny spring weather to enjoy the birdsong in the garden. Some villagers may have been inconvenienced, but Jim Ward had an extra week in Madeira and was not be able to chair the Friends of St. Andrew’s annual meeting. David Anderson proved an excellent substitute.
North Somerset has included in this year’s budget part of the work to provide a continuous footpath along Brinsea Road. This will be progress after years of negotiation and pressure, with the footpath being established behind the existing stone wall outside the houses. The legal work to form a footpath over Tincknell’s ground is nearly finalised, but that section will not be done this year.
Filming has been carried out in Congresbury library, as part of a Panorama programme highlighting local authorities that have overcome cuts in local services. This will not appear on television until after the General election.
Young people in the village have benefited from parish council grants this year. Congresbury Scouts will receive £650, the Youth Partnership summer play scheme will be given £3,200, and the Youth Partnership Cybercafe manager £2,000.
A recent addition to the parish council, Christopher Pinnell, has resigned after realising he could not cope with council work in addition to a full time job and a young family. There are currently four vacancies on the council and the clerk, Jo Duffy, will be happy to meet any
prospective candidates and discuss the role. The new council year began with the meeting on Monday, May 10.
All residents should make a note in their diary that the annual parish meeting is on Monday, May 17 at 7.30pm in the War Memorial Hall. This year there will be a presentation on Cadbury Hill by Vince Russett, Somerset County Archaeologist.

Marion Johnson