Oldbury Benefice

A message from our Rector

Becoming a Christian is always a free choice and nobody can ever be pushed into it. Being a Christian is about believing in the Easter message. Easter isn't about cute bunny rabbits and chocolate chicks. It's far better than that. Easter isn't about the greening of the earth and newly born animals. It's far better than that. Easter is the commemoration of a Cosmic battle that took place in our world between the powers of good and evil, and Jesus won the battle.
.. . Read all of his message.....
Calstone Yatesbury Heddington Cherhill Compton Bassett

Our Benefice Vision

Our Vision is of five united and interdependent Christian communities working together to grow the Church in the Oldbury Benefice.

It will be a Church which is caring and welcoming, following the life and teachings of Jesus.

It will be responsive to the needs and aspirations of our community.

It will be a Church that will thrive and grow as people acknowledge its importance in their lives.

 

The Oldbury Community Chest

The Oldbury Community Chest is a discretionary fund to help folk in need throughout our five parishes. Some circumstances arise out of unforeseen crises, others are less serious. People have received a small gift or a bunch of flowers for the birth of a new baby or surgery, whilst others have received such things as a new bed to help cope with a disability.

If you know of a person or situation that might be in need of support, or indeed if you wish to contribute to the chest please have a word with Philip.

New Years Lamb
Leg of Lamb The Benefice flock has for sale some fine offerings for the New Year. More..
Country Ways

The Galliard Trio
It has been suggested throughout our country that our churches are very underutilised and that we, as the communities they serve, should use them for appropriate activities other than worship. So, in order to raise funds for the church and to see our wonderful ancient church being used at the centre of our community other than on an occasional Sunday, we bring for you The Galliard Trio. The programme will include pieces by Handel, Bach, Mozart and Weber.

On Saturday 16th June at 7:30pm you will be entertained for the very reasonable sum of £10 by first class musicians and able to partake in a glass of wine and light refreshments afterwards.

Please download our leaflet here or contact Malcolm Seymour for information or tickets on 01249 814157.

For your information and entertainment we have a short clip of them at a recent concert.

Enjoy a fantastic week at New Wine Summer Conference  2012
Some of us from the Benefice have already  enjoyed these weeks and are planning to return next summer.  More of you are very welcome to join us for the week  from Sunday 29th July – Saturday 4th August.  It is a wonderful opportunity to receive Christian teaching (about 36 seminars to choose from each day!) and to worship amongst hundreds of other Christians.  For those of you with children there is an amazing children’s ministry.  Book before 30 November for cheaper rates.  For full details visit www.new-wine.org/summer  or ring Penelope Kilbee (01249 760776) or Jane  Horton (01380 850684). 

 
Manor Cottager Studios
Max Colbourne
Dove Cottage
Hungry Lab
Divine
Raw Tuna

A PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL/PALESTINE

With the Revd Maureen Allchin &  the Revd Philip Bromiley
2nd - 11th October 2013 (with an optional extension in the Galilee 11th - 14th October)

In the Middle East, the reality 'on the ground' is often far removed from what we see and read in the news. Places of pilgrimage are open and welcoming visitors. We have planned our programme for October which is an ideal time to tour. We will have the opportunity to worship with the local Christian community on the Sunday morning and on our journey through Israel and Palestine to seek them out and offer our support and encouragement.

Visits will include Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, as well as allowing some free time for relaxation and private exploration. We will walk along the Via Dolorosa, sail on the Sea of Galilee, float on the Dead Sea and ascend the Mount of Masada by cable car. Israel/Palestine is unique in offering so many highlights and contrasts in such a compact area. Each day of our pilgrimage will be very different from the last.

There will be elements of a holiday, a pilgrimage and a retreat. It may also be a life changing experience! You will feel many different emotions and there will be lots of laughter!

The cost of this tour is £1,830 based on twin sharing. All entrance fees and gratuities are included. The tour is on a full-board basis with buffet breakfast, lunch and table d'hote evening meal included daily. Touring is in air-conditioned coaches and we will be accompanied by a local guide.

We hope that you will consider joining us on pilgrimage to the Holy Land of
Israell Palestine in October 2013. This is a wonderful opportunity to engage with the places as well as the texts of the Bible and so to encounter and relate to Jesus in a new and thrilling way. We shall find the gospel made strikingly contemporary for us in the lives of the faithful Israelis and Palestinians whom we shall meet and who will guide us through their beautiful and troubled land. The variety of sites and situations will speak to us all differently; but we shall all be united on a journey together thirsting for holiness, forgiveness, peace and justice. The journey will also be full of laughter and
joy, with profound worship and cherishing fellowship. You will need to have
reasonable mobility as there is quite a lot of walking and lots of steps!

Please contact Philip for a brochure and further information.