St Andrew's Church in Congresbury, North Somerset

VIEWPOINT

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.

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“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10

Village News for July....

....A personal view from Marion Johnson

Plans for a convenience store and affordable housing on the site of the former Bell Inn really stirred villagers into action. Petitions were started in many village shops and the public meeting, called by the parish council to ascertain residents views, was packed with over 100 residents. The majority of the opinions was totally against a new store, which could adversely affect local businesses and the other major fear was increased traffic, particularly in Kent Road. Pete Sewell, who chaired the meeting, was told by the developer that planning permission for the store would be applied for first, and the housing subsequently. That could mean that the housing would never happen. Tom Leimdorfer emphasised that residents must communicate with North Somerset with their views as soon as a planning application is submitted.

A much happier occasion was the village fete and flower show, on a beautiful summer day which brought people out in their hundreds. The stalls were well supported and the entrance money and proceeds of the village raffle will result in about £1,400 being available for Congresbury organisations.

The village recipe book, the result of input from many people, was launched for sale on the Friends of St. Andrew’s church stall, and over 100 were sold. Copies will now be for sale in Congresbury Pharmacy, Broad Street, at £2.50 and the proceeds go towards helping maintain our ancient church buildings and churchyard.

Children on the north side of the village are delighted with the new playground on the millennium green and it is being well used. There was dismay when the nest swing broke, but it was not vandalised, just inappropriately used, and has now been repaired and strengthened.

Chris Short was delighted when a resident complimented him on the attractive condition of St. Andrew’s churchyard, and also mentioned that a relative of his had died in the Swiss air disaster. He was sad that no memorial had been erected to the many Congresbury residents who were killed in the air crash. There are a number of residents who are hoping this can be remedied. Anyone who lost a relative in the accident is asked to contact Chris on (01934)-833764.

Marion Johnson

Zambia Link

As part of our Vision statement, St. Andrew's Church has been exploring the possibility of developing a link with a Parish overseas,preferably in an area which is culturally different to our own. The Diocese of Bath and Wells is linked with the Anglican Diocese of Zambia and this has enabled us to make contact with a Church in Northern Zambia.
We were really pleased to meet Bishop Albert from
Northern Zambia last week when he visited St. Andrew's
on his way to the Lambeth Conference. An added bonus
was that Bishop Albert bought with him a letter from Rev
Dismas Chanda of St. Peter's Church, Chimwemwe accepting our invitation to develop that link.

Bishop Albert spoke to the Wednesday morning congregation about the current situation in his Diocese.
He explained that St Peter's Church is situated in a huge
ownship and that Rev Dismas has 3 congregations to look
after in total.
There has been a lot of unemployment in the copper mining sector as well as ongoing problems caused by HIV/AIDS and malaria and that this has provided huge need but also an opportunity for Mission work. The Church is providing food supplements and care in the home because Social Services are overwhelmed. Mother's Union plays a very big role in providing this care and the Diocese is also successfully using Lay Ministers as many of the Parishes have 5 or 6 congregations and are unable to afford a Priest.
Bishop Albert asked us to pray for his Province (Northern Zambia), its Mission and Outreach and for a successful move towards being financially self-sustaining. In the weeks and months ahead we look forward to getting to know each other

St. Andrews External Giving for July

Barnabas Fund and Christian Solidarity Worldwide

The main ministry of Barnabas Fund is to provide financial support to projects, which help Christians where they suffer discrimination, oppression and persecution as a consequence of their faith. The projects aim to strengthen Christian individuals, churches and their communities by providing material and spiritual support in response to needs identified by local Christian leaders.

BF carries out many projects to help Christians living in Muslim majority countries. They currently assist 18 Christian schools in 6 countries; Pakistan, India, Egypt, Sudan Chad and the Holy land. This support enables about 3,700 children to get an education in a Christian environment. They see the importance of educating the young to get better jobs than their parents and so break the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. BF believes Christians should treat all people of all faiths with love and compassion; even those who seek to persecute them. The power of prayer to change people's lives and situations, either through grace to endure or through deliverance from suffering.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide - Voice for the Voiceless

CSW is a human rights organisation, independent of any government or political persuasion, which works on behalf of those suffering for their Christian beliefs and promotes religious liberty for all. As an advocacy organisation, CSW aims to influence governments and other bodies on religious freedom issues to ensure that the voice of the persecuted is heard worldwide.

Through its various resources, events and initiatives, CSW also aims to mobilise the general public to pray, protest and provide on behalf of persecuted Christians. By doing so, CSW and its supporters provide solidarity and support to those in need.

Charities - fund raising

One25

One25 is running short of suitable clothing to donate to the women.( High Street fashions preferred in sizes 6-12).Gloves also welcomed. Please leave donations in the Julian Trust Box.

Calling all Carers

There are over 50,000 carers in Somerset and there must be many in this parish. These are the unsung heroes who look after elderly, infirm relatives, neighbours and friends - many 24 hours 7 days a week. They save the government literally billions of pounds by keeping those they look after out of hospital and homes and get little, if any, help from the Government. It is known that many feel isolated and suffer from stress…….now help is at hand!

St John Ambulance and Somerset County Council have joined forces to provide free Carer Support Programmes at venues across the County which bring carers together in a relaxed atmosphere to teach them skills that will help them better cope with their daily tasks. Amongst other subjects they will learn: Care and First Aid at home, Safe Handling and Prevention of Falls, Managing Continence, Stress Management and Relaxation and receive Benefits Advice.

The courses are run over four mornings across four or five weeks between 10.30am and 1.30pm and include a free lunch. There is also a free sitting service for those who find it hard to leave the ones they care for.

Hundreds of carers have already benefited this year and following the courses many have set up groups to share friendship and experiences together in the future.

To find out more and receive a schedule of courses please call Jude Glide, Carer Development Manager, St. John Ambulance on 01823 345920 or visit the St. John website

Take on a Flower Bed for the season

There are 7 Church flower beds that need someone to love them! (By the vicarage and Refectory, and some in the Prayer Garden). If you would like to take on the care of one or more of the beds – planting up, tending and watering over the spring, summer and autumn – then please contact Cherida (01934 832188).

Sponsor or contribute to the flowers in church

There is also opportunity for people to make a donation towards the Church flowers on a specific weekend - to commemorate a loved one, or a special anniversary. Or you can help with, or take on doing, the arrangements for a specific date.

If you would like to know more, please contact Jan Denley (01934 833123).