£5 annually or 50p per copy

December 2019

Christ Church

Chronicle The Parish Magazine of

Christ Church, Nailsea

2

Christ Church Nailsea

in the United Benefice of Christ Church, Nailsea

and St Quiricus and St Julietta, Tickenham

Associate Vicar : Rev Steve Tilley Tel: 01275 543332 email: steve.tilley@trendlewoodchurch.org.uk

Enquiries about banns, weddings and baptisms can be made via Louise Maby,

Benefice Administrator on 859210 or church.office@Christchurchnailsea.org.uk

Website: www.Christchurchnailsea.org.uk

Readers Bobbie Shannon 856260

Richard Wheller 07974 160280

Churchwardens Linda Randall 790593 Robin Lambert 464461

Pastoral Care Coordinator Rhona Winter 855718

PCC Secretary Kath Bezzant 856222

Treasurer and Gift Aid John Bickerstaffe 855605

Verger Chas Norman 854232

Electoral Roll Officer Jill Martin 851559

Mothers’ Union Jacqui Broughton 858304

After-Eights Rhona Winter 855718

Magazine distribution Linda Randall 790593

Magazine Editor June Slater 852550

Tiddlers Toddler Group Claire Conway 857336

Church Flowers Angela Wheller 858613

Vestry Hall bookings Louise Maby 859210

Events Group Jacqui Broughton 858304

Worldwide Church Com. Liz Everitt 851174

Lifts to church Jo Hatcliffe 858149

FFC & Tuesday Tots Beverley Kelly 790520

Choir & Junior Choir Phil Lawrence 01454 777719

Benefice Prayer Chain Bobbie Shannon 856260

Safeguarding Elizabeth Wood 851722

Child Contact Scheme Duty Officer 07749 712699

Piecemakers and CC Crafts Val Cave 854892

Breakfast Run Kim Rockett 07894 563205

Food Bank Paul Murray 235722

Webmaster Richard Wheller 07974 160280

Christ Church Nailsea is a Registered Charity No 1145020

3

Spare a Thought for Others this Christmas

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat

Please put a penny in the old man's hat

If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do

If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God bless you!

This was one of the many festive songs I learned as a young boy and

it is as relevant today as it was then.

With all the busyness of our lives and especially during this

Christmas festive season, please give a thought to those not as

fortunate as ourselves. Even in our first-world country, we have many

people who are without a home, without food and without family to

celebrate the most significant event since the creation of the world –

the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, as a small helpless baby.

Please spare a thought for others this Christmas and give to the

various church and local appeals.

Our church leaders have been particularly busy over the last few

months with the preparation and publication of our parish profile and

advertisement for a new Rector. As I write, we are waiting for

applications so that we can interview suitable candidates during

December. Please continue to pray that God will provide us with the

right person to lead us.

Christmas blessings

Richard

The front cover picture this month is by Sue Lambert

4

Parish Prayers

In December, please pray for all who live or work in the Town Centre.

In your mind's eye walk from Tesco's, along the High Street with its

shops, eateries, hairdressers, and the apartments above them, and the

courtyards nearby. Then past Waitrose and into Somerset Square -

shops, offices and apartments here. Now from the Library down Colli-

ers Walk to Crown Glass Place and The Glassmaker - shops, offices

and apartments again, not forgetting the Health Centre. Finally, round

the end of the Post Office and back up Station Road.

Bobby sends her grateful thanks to all those people who have

given not only ‘get well’ good wishes but tangible ones in the

form of cards, flowers, chocolates and other goodies! They are

all

appreciated and received with many thanks.

AFTER 8s - on 16 December at 8 pm will be having its

'Bring and Share' Christmas Meal with Christmas

Thoughts from Revd. Michelle Taylor (of Trendlewood

Church): our hostess will be Pat Eveleigh, 6 Wood-

land Road. All welcome

5

DAVID’S GARDENING SERVICES

Do you need help in your garden?

Regular garden maintenance

including: Grass cutting Hedge

Trimming Weeding and

garden clear up Pruning

Call David on 07561119504

E-mail David at

davidsgardeningservices@live.com

Website Manager

We are looking for someone who could manage the Benefice website for

us. Richard currently does it, but is being forced to give it up to concen-

trate on his role as a Reader, especially as he will be busy during the va-

cancy.

An understanding of websites, images/graphics and English is necessary

and someone who would like to extend our reach outwards would be an

advantage. We can provide any training and guidance you might need

and there is always a professional you can contact if you get in a pickle.

For more details of what is involved, please give Richard a ring on 07974

160280 or speak to him directly.

Please note: the magazine editor has a new email address.

From now on, please send all items for the magazine to

MagazineEditor@Christchurchnailsea.org.uk . Thank you.

.

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Contact Zack on 07913841378

6

Children’s News!

Hi

Happy Christmas and where has this year gone? I keep a Good News journal and record all the amazing things that happen to my family and the families and chil-dren at Christ Church. It reminds me of how wonderful God is in our lives, and 2019 has had many highlights as we have welcomed so many families to our Tod-dler groups and Sunday services.

Sunday 1st December, is again our 'Bring a Gift' Children's Church 10am for 10.15am when we can bring Christmas gifts for the Breakfast Run, Gemini refuge and for the Sisters in Bristol. Also, that Sunday, the collecting candles for the Children's Society will be availa-ble to take home and brought back at the FUN@4 FOOD@5 Christingle on Sun-day 26th January 2020 to which anyone is welcome to come to, you don't need to bring a child! So, a great way for us to help so many charities Faith For Children (FFC) will be rehearsing for their Nativity during the 10am service on the 8th. They will need to be at that rehearsal if they would like a big-ger part! 15th December is the Nativity at 10am, and any children can come along and join in and be part of the story on the day, costumes will be available in the hall be-forehand if needed. Sunday the 22nd will be an FFC Christmas activity morning at 10am in the hall. There will be NO FFC on Sunday 29th, but colouring sheets, books, toys will be available at the back in Church if needed during the Morning Worship service. On Christmas Eve at 4pm, it is the Crib Service and on Christmas Day , a service at 10am for families to come along to. There will be Christmas celebrations and parties for our toddler groups. Tuesday Tots will be in Church for their Nativity story during the last session on the 17th then closed for 2 weeks and starting back on the 7th January.

7

The first Children's Church in the New Year will be on Sunday 5th January 2020 with 'Follow that Star' 10am for 10.15am A reminder that the Children's Church planning team are meeting on Monday 2nd December at 6.30pm in the hall. We say Happy Birthday this month to:- James Francis who will be 9 yrs old on the 6th December Samuel Russell is 3 yrs old on the 11th Isla Collinson will be 14 yrs old on the 18th Happy Birthday from everyone at Christ Church, have a wonderful day. This Christmas may we find something new as we celebrate the story of Jesus's Birth.

Happy Christmas. .. Beverley Kelly Children's Leader

8

CHRISTINGLE FOR THE CHILDREN`S SOCIETY

In 2018, The Children`s Society supporters held 6,325 Christingle celebrations to

support “vulnerable children", and we were one of them!!

Collections made at Christingle celebrations help to fund

Children`s Society work with children and young people fac-

ing the darkest situations imaginable. Young people like

Charlie. Charlie, who is now 18, has cared for his mother,

who suffers from MS, since the age of four. "I gone

from making sure she keeps looking on the bright side and

she keeps going,

to administering injections on a weekly basis." Just imagine

that! But, about two years ago, Charlie heard of the Children`s Society Young

Carer in Focus Service, and it offered him a life line which has changed his life and

because of the support he has received, he is able to go to university.

This is just one example of the work the Children`s Society does----helping young

people to have the life they should have.

Again, this year, we are giving you an opportunity to help these young people.

Please take a Christingle Candle and pop your loose change in it and bring it back

to church by the end of January when we shall be celebrating our own Christingle

at Fun @ 4 & Food @ 5. Please join us and help the children .

Thank you . Margaret and Daphne .

North Somerset Child Contact Centre

A Child Contact Centre is a safe, neutral place where the children of separated

families can meet with their non-resident parent. The North Somerset Centre oper-

ates twice a month in Clevedon or Nailsea and is run and managed by the Mothers'

Union. It is staffed by a team of volunteers, male and female, who are all DBS

cleared and trained. This is a valuable service bringing much happiness to "absent

parents" and their children. Referrals are always welcome and a few more volun-

teers would also be gratefully welcomed. If you feel that you could spare a couple

of hours on a Saturday afternoon occasionally, or would like more information

please phone Sylvia on 07749712699 or speak to Jacqui Broughton - 01275

858304

Biscuit

As we were putting out biscuits for Father Christmas on Christmas Eve, one fell on

the floor. When I picked it up and placed it back on the plate, my four-year-old

was horrified. “You can’t do that!”

"Don’t worry,” I assured him. “Father Christmas will never know."

He shot me a suspicious look. "So, he knows if I’ve been bad or good, but he

doesn’t know the biscuit fell on the floor?"

9

. TAI CHI QI GONG - FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Age UK Somerset is starting a fantastic new class at the Scotch Horn

Leisure Centre, Brockway, on the 1st November. The class, which will

run every Friday at 2.00pm, teaches a simple form of Tai Chi, which is

easy to learn – everyone is welcome. Qi Gong helps with balance, co-

ordination, strength and breathing, it is calming for both mind and

body. It can be done seated or standing, so is suitable for most people.

No experience is necessary and there’s no need to book. You can just

pop along and try it or call Nikki Smith at Age UK Somerset on 07530

777895 for more information. Each session costs just £3.00.

.Nailsea District Leg Club

Congratulations to our fantastic nursing team who won their cate-

gory in The Care & Support West Awards recently. They received

the award at a Gala Dinner at Ashton Gate, it’s well deserved and a

reflection of the care they give collectively to all our members.

Those who did the Rotary Club walk also deserve congratulations,

as the final sum raised by their combined efforts was in excess of

£1700.

Please remember because of two bank holidays falling on Wednes-

days during the Christmas/New Year period, there is no Leg Club

on Wednesday 25 December or 1 January 2020. It is IMPORTANT

to make an alternative appointment as soon as possible at your sur-

gery and this can be done up to 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE. Surgery

phone numbers:

Backwell: 01275 465100

Brockway: 01275 850600

Long Ashton: 01275 392134

Tower House: 01275 866700

If you have a concern then please talk to one of the Nurses at Leg

Club before 18 December. Leg Club will be open again as normal

9.00 – 11.30 a.m. on Wednesday 8 January 2020.

In the meantime, Season’s Greetings from everyone at Nailsea Dis-

trict Leg Club.

10

HAVE YOU MADE A WILL?

Writing a will ensures your family and home are protected

after your death. Steele Rose specialise in the preparation of wills,

Powers of Attorney and associated legal documents including advice

on inheritance tax and funeral plans.

For free consultation/further information and home visit please call Philippa Herring (local consultant) on 01275 474270 - 07786198760

e-mail philippaherring@aim.com or visit the website: www.herringwills.com

Members of the Society of Will Writers

CAROL SINGING TO OUR FRIENDS IN NAILSEA.

This year we shall be carol singing around the homes on Wednesday

18th December. Once again we plan to visit our friends in Silver Trees,

Hobbs Court, Argentum Lodge and Pegasus Court.

Everyone is very welcome to join in.

We shall leave from Christ Church at

6pm. So please arrive at the church in

good time. We shall be walking to the

homes. However, if anyone would like

to go but is unable to walk please let

me know so we can hopefully arrange

for transport.

We should finish singing at 8.05pm.

However, that is not the end of the

evening! Once again singers will be

welcomed back to Skye’s house for her famous mince pies and coffee/

tea.

11

JOHN BROWN FOR QUALITY HARDWARE & COOKWARE

A family run concern offering the

PERSONAL SERVICE

You would expect from

NAILSEA’S LONGEST RUNNING BUSINESS (Est. 1957)

90 High Street, Nailsea. Telephone 01275 853368 www.johnbrownhardware.co.uk

Nailsea Podiatry Practice

HPC Registered Chiropodists/Podiatrists

Ground Floor, The Old Vicarage, Somerset Square, Nailsea,

Bristol, BS48 1RN Tel: 01275 855384

Mrs M.L. Burt BSc (Hons), MChs Mr I. Phillips BSc, MChs

Surgery and Domiciliary Visits available

NAILSEA COUNTRY MARKET

Homemade bakes & preserves,

local cheese, butter, eggs,

plants and craft

Christ Church Vestry Hall

Fridays 10.00-11.15am facebook.com/nailseacountrymarket

Choice of Chauffeur Driven

Genuine Vintage Cars for Hire

Roger and Andrew Triggol

Tel 01275 852440

Samuel Bird TV

Panasonic Authorised Dealer

Free 5 Year Panasonic TV Warranties

TV, Freeview Recorders, DVD & Audio

Digital Aerial, Freesat & Sky, LCD Wall

Mount installations Sales, Installations

& Repairs, Hi-fi, Roberts Radios,

Record decks, Bluetooth speakers,

Headphone, Great range of light bulbs

& Batteries.

118 High Street, Nailsea

Tel: 01275 853216

www.sbirdtv.co.uk

12

KINGSHILL CHURCH SCHOOL

invites all our friends from Christ Church to

join us at our

CHRISTMAS FAIR

on Friday 13th December at 3.15 p.m.

also at our

CAROL SERVICE

On Thursday 19th December at 9.15 a.m.

(At Church unless it’s a very wet morning)

Liz Everitt. Foundation Governor

13

NEWS FROM OUR MISSION PARTNERS IN LEBANON

Below is an excerpt from a message sent from Colin and Audrey Gibson

that was received at the end of October after last month’s magazine had

gone to press, The full message including photographs can be found on the

CMS board in the Vestry Hall.

As I (Colin) write this a fine layer of almost invisible black dust coats every-

thing, inside or out, the outcome of burning tyres used to block many roads

into Beirut over Thursday night and Friday. The roadblocks were part of

ongoing street protests across the country against proposed taxes in the

budget for 2020. The trigger was a (quickly rescinded) plan to tax mobile

apps such as WhatsApp but it seems to have brought to a head many

months, if not years, of frustration with politicians here. As a colleague of

Audrey said in despair “I die a little every day I remain in Lebanon”. There

was some violence on Friday (with some killed) but Saturday saw a more

carnival atmosphere with protestors collecting (and sorting) rubbish off the

streets. The Prime Minister has threatened to resign unless his ’coalition’

Cabinet agrees to various reforms by Monday. Today one of the other politi-

cal parties announced their resignation from the Cabinet, risking a political

crisis to add to the economic one.

We are far enough out of Beirut not to be directly affected (apart from the

dust) and Audrey had an unexpected day off on Friday as all schools (and

banks) are closed. Our Church service today was also cancelled, not be-

cause of any specific danger, just because of the difficulties caused by road

closures. At work we are expecting a number of visitors to arrive this week-

end and access to the airport can be difficult.

Please pray for a settlement that is fair to all people and that politicians will

govern with wisdom and integrity.

Please also pray against those who would exploit these problems for their

own benefit.

14

DECEMBER 2019

4 December – Morning Prayers with Holy Communion – Pat Eveleigh

4 December – Social Evening – 7.30 pm

5 December – Coffee Morning 10am – 1pm Old Deanery, Wells

18 December – Carol Service 2.30pm in Church

As I type this it is Remembrance weekend. I always buy a poppy,

usually two, and when I have lost them, which I usually do, revert to a

crochet one that was kindly made for me. There are some really

beautiful metal poppies but if you buy one of those, I feel you must put

some money in a collector’s tin as well. After all, the men and women

who we are remembering gave their lives for us.

I feel a bit like this about voting. Several people have said to me this

year that they don’t know which party to vote for, but if you are a

woman, I feel because of how the suffragettes suffered for us to have

the vote, we should vote, no excuses. My philosophy is, if you don’t

vote you have no business to moan!!

Let’s hope whichever party wins the election on December 12th they

will sort out the Brexit muddle and our country as a whole.

I shall be stepping down from leading Christ Church Mothers’ Union

this year. After the AGM in January, our branch will be run by

Committee unless somebody comes forward who would like to lead the

branch. I believe Chris Mahony is going to take over writing the

Chronicle piece. I was branch leader at Holy Trinity Church for 6 years

and have completed 3 years at Christ Church, so I feel the time is right

for me to do other things. Some for Church and some for myself.

On Wednesday January 15th starting at 12.30pm for soup and pudding

lunch, we will be holding our AGM. I have put a board in the

15

I

CANTANTI CHRISTMAS CONCERT - 7th DECEMBER at 7.00 pm

Join us for a joyous concert of Christmas music with carols old and

new to lighten up a December evening.

The concert is in aid of Christ Church's re-ordering and organ fund

and starts at 7.00pm. Don't miss it!!

Tickets (which include a light buffet) are £8.00 in advance available

from Christ Church office Monday-Friday (mornings) - Tel 01275

859210 or from John Broughton, Tel 01275 858304. £10.00 on the

night.

Children and students £5

Church porch. The Committee will be supplying the soup and bread

rolls, but ask that members put their name down to bring a pudding.

We have started planning the programme for 2020, and it looks to

be very interesting and varied. We haven’t had anyone new join us

this year; we have 40 members and one indoor member. Mothers’

Union is a marvellous organisation and if you are interested do ask

me, another member of the committee or Chris Mahony. Indeed,

Chris knows all there is to know about MU! Someone once said if

she were a stick of rock, she would be printed right through with

MU!! Chris, you are amazing and thank you for all you do for us at

Christ Church and MU in general. That is not forgetting Derek,

Chris’s husband who, quietly in the background, does so much; so a

big thank you to you both.

All it leaves for me to do is wish everyone a very Happy Christmas

and healthy and Happy New Year. Oh yes, a plea from our Treasur-

er, if you have an MU box please could you hand it in.

God bless.

Love Jacqui

16

PRAYER DIARY FOR DECEMBER 2019

1, Give love - a truly precious gift.

2. CAP (Christians Against Poverty) guidance for those getting into

debt at Christmas.

3. Help us to remember the true meaning of this season.

4. The beauty of a crisp, frosty morning

5. Refuges, refugees and homeless people (Matt 2:13-15)

6. “The Creed and the colour and the Name won’t matter” we’ll be

there.

7. A warm welcome to Cantanti returning to present a seasonal con-

cert.

8. Christ came in humility to share our lives.

9. Nailsea & Backwell Scouts’ local Christmas Post Service.

10. Children with a parent in prison.

11. Those working a long distance away from family.

12. Guidance in our decisions in the election today.

13. Businesses and residents in Nailsea High Street and Somerset

Square.

14. All lonely people.

15. Lord, the light of your love shines in the darkness.

16. Shops and flats in Station Road.

17. All volunteers working to seek out the homeless and unloved.

18. Carol services and visits to care homes.

19. All travellers over the holiday season.

20. End of term services.

21. All who live and work in Colliers Walk and Crown Glass Place.

22. “The sun that bids us rest is waking our brethren’ neath the west-

ern sky” - Constant Prayer and Praise.

23. Family relationships.

24. Patients and staff in hospitals at Christmas.

25. A bright star shone over the place where Jesus was born.

26. For all who are hurt in spirit to share in the joys of this season.

27. Love and patience in listening to often repeated memories of the

elderly.

28. All children caught up in the terrors of war and conflicts.

29. Thanks to all visiting clergy for their love and help during the va-

cancy for a new Rector.

30. Victims of evil trafficking.

31. Thank God for the good things that have happened in 2019 and

17

DECEMBER continued

31 Anticipate 2020 with love and hope.

JANUARY 2020

1. A New Year - a chance to renew our efforts to keep our promis-

es.

2. All who have worked to keep hospitals, utilities, services etc.

available over the holiday period.

3. Birds in our gardens seeking food.

4. Participants and spectators at all sporting events.

5. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

18

Exercise your brain for Christmas with a Sudoku. Solution on p .27

First Christmas

Daniel aged four, had gone to Sunday School just before

Christmas. He came home with a new understanding of the

Christmas story…

“There wasn't a Father Christmas way back then, so these

three blokes on camels had to deliver all the toys. And Ru-

dolph the Red-nosed Reindeer with his nose so bright wasn't

there yet, so they used this big light in the sky to find their

way around”

19

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20

HEIRS OF THE PROPHETS Bible Reading Course

Isaiah 43:1

But now, this is what the Lord says—

he who created you, Jacob,

he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

A Bible reading course that covers the prophet stories in 1 Samuel to

2 Kings, the prophetic books from Isaiah to Malachi (not including

Jonah and Daniel), Luke’s Gospel, selections from Acts and the Epis-

tles and Revelations. It examines the experiences and teachings of

prophets and other people of the spirit.

Tuesdays at 7.30

10 The Uplands,

Nailsea

Tel : 07450 640243

21

Quality & Service

At Realistic Prices 28 Somerset Square Nailsea Bristol BS48 1RP

Tel: 01275 855

www.orchardsthefurniturepeople.co.uk

E-mail: info@orchardsfurniture.co.uk

Nailsea Dental Practice - Family Dentistry

01275 856179 22/24 High Street, Nailsea BS48 1AU

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• New patients welcome

• Full range of quality dental

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• Tooth straightening without

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• Hygienist service

• Sedation for nervous

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• Evening appointments

• Practice car park

ORCHARDS

THE FURNITURE PEOPLE

Could all contributors please try to send in their items for the

January edition of the magazine as early as possible please as it

will need to be printed before Christmas.

22

EVENTS DIARY FOR DECEMBER 2019

Monday 2nd

6.30 pm Children’s Church planning in Hall.

Tuesday 3rd

9.30-11.30am Tots in Hall (buggies In church)

10.00 am Staff Meeting

7.30 pm Heirs of the Prophets-10 The Uplands

Wednesday 4th

10.00 am Mothers’ Holy Communion

7.30 pm Mothers’ Union (Vestry Hall)

Thursday 5th

8.30 pm Boys’ Night Out—White Lion Pub

Friday 6th

1.15-3.00 pm Tiddlers

7.00 pm Christmas Cheer (Tickenham Church)

Saturday 7th

10.00-10.30 am Morning Prayers

10.30-12.00pm Coffee

7.00 pm Cantanti Concert

Tuesday 10th

9.30-11.30 am Tots in Vestry Hall (buggies in Church)

10.30 am Tuesday Bible Study Group, 6 Woodland Road

2.00 pm Christchurch Crafts

2.30-4.30pm Game On

7.00pm Scouts Christmas Service

7.30 pm Heirs of the Prophets—10 The Uplands

Thursday 12th

11.00 am Standing Committee Meeting in Hall

Friday 13th

1.15-3.00 pm Tiddlers

23

Saturday 14th

10.00-10.30 am Prayers

10.30-12.00 pm Coffee

7.00 pm Nailsea Choral Society Concert

Tuesday 17th

9.30-11.30 am Tots in Hall (buggies in Church)

10,15 am Tots’ service in Church

7.30 pm Heirs of the Prophets- 10 The Uplands

Wednesday 18th

10.00am Holy Communion and Home Communion

2.00 pm Mothers’ Union Carol Service in Church, then Hall

6.00pm Carol singing around residential homes

Thursday 19th

9.15 am Kingshill Church School service

12.30 pm Lunch time carol service (with light lunch)

Friday 20th NO TIDDLERS

2.00 pm Ravenswood School service

Saturday 21st

10.00 am Prayers

10.30-12pm Coffee

1.15-4.15 pm Child Contact

Sunday 22nd

4.00 pm 9 Lessons and Carols Service in Church

Monday 23rd

4.00 pm Girl's’ Chat at Costa

Tuesday 24th NO TOTS

Heirs of the Prophets Christmas break

Thursday 26th

10.00 am Benefice Prayers in Church

Friday 27th NO TIDDLERS

24

EVENTS DIARY FOR DECEMBER continued

Saturday 28th

10.00 am Morning Prayers

10.30-12.00 noon Coffee

Tuesday 31st NO TOTS

JANUARY 2020

Friday 3rd NO TIDDLERS

Saturday 4th

10.00 am Morning Prayers

10.30-12.00pm Coffee

GIRLS’ CHAT AT COSTA

The December 2019 Girls Chat Time will be on Monday 23rd

December at 4pm, so come and spend an hour away from the

stress and strain of 'getting ready' for Christmas! Starting in

January 2020 the Girls Chat Time will be on the LAST Monday

of every month as opposed to the previously used 4th Monday.

This is all because some months have five Mondays and was a

little confusing. Hopefully it will be easier to remember it will be

the last Monday of every month starting in January 2020. I hope

to see you there at 4pm on Monday 23rd December and then on

Monday 27th January 2020

Pastoral Care

If anyone hears of a church member who is ill in hospital or at

home and would welcome prayer or a listening ear either by a

personal visit or a phone call please contact me either by email

rhonawinter@hotmail.com or ring Rhona on 0777 9933959

25

Arthur E. Davey & Sons Ltd Independent Family Funeral Directors

01275-852307 Serving the community for more than three generations

Pre-payment Plans Tony Davey Dip. F.D. .B.I.F.D.

Private Chapels of Rest Nicola Davey Dip. F.A.A.

Home visits David Johnston

Yvonne Wadsworth

82 Silver Street

Nailsea

BS48 2DS www.aedavey.co.uk

Did you know you can advertise here for a whole year?

11 issues from just £18 for one-eighth page

£36 for one-quarter page and £55 for one-half page

or take a whole page and make a splash for just £80!

Contact the church office on 01275 859210 or email

church.office@Christchurchnailsea.org.uk

Margaret Stanton ALCM DIP.ABRSM

Piano Tuition to Grade 8 Children and Adults welcome Also Theory to Grade 5

For more information please call: 01275 852644

STAMPS Did you know ......... The Children’s Hospice can make

money from used postage stamps?

Please pop them in the special

box at the back of the Church.

Thank you on their behalf,

Gordon Newton

26

Letter from the Right Reverend Peter Hancock, Bishop of Bath and

Wells

So it has been decided. There is to be a General Election on 12 December

and much has been made of the fact that this is the first December election

since 1923. Things could be worse however, as the 1885 General Election

took place over three weeks from 24 November to 18 December 1885. It was

nonetheless an important milestone in social history, as it extended voting

rights so that for the first time a majority of adult males could vote and most

constituencies returned only a single member to Parliament. These were

quite radical developments and at that election large numbers of men voted

for the first time. It saw the Liberals, led by Gladstone win the most seats,

but not an overall majority, with the Irish Nationalists holding the balance of

power and the Unionist MPs having a significant voice. The 1885 election

also saw the first socialist party, the Social Democratic Freedom participate. So significant was this election that my predecessor, Bishop Arthur Hervey,

wrote an open letter on 2 October 1885 suggesting that ‘all Christian sub-

jects of the Queen had a duty of special prayer to Almighty God that He will

be pleased to guide the minds of the Electors to make such a choice of rep-

resentatives as shall tend most to the glory of God, the honour and welfare

of our Sovereign, and the happiness of the people.’ In His view Parliament

was responsible for establishing ‘peace and happiness, truth and justice,

religion and piety’ and the ‘welfare of all people.’ In asking people to pray, as

well as to vote, he made it clear that whilst people would have different

‘political leanings’ that they needed to come together to pray for the ‘peace

and happiness of the nation at large’.

I think we all know that this General Election before us now will similarly be

critical in helping to determine the future of the United Kingdom – at least

for the immediate future. In writing this article I am therefore seeking to fol-

low Bishop Arthur Hervey by reminding us all of the responsibility we have to

pray for our country and to work with all people for the welfare and the well-

being of everyone.

With my prayers and very best wishes,

The Right Revd Peter Hancock

Bishop of Bath and Wells

27

Hark! The Biography of Christmas

By Paul Kerensa, Monarch, £7.99

In this delightful sleigh ride through Christmas his-

tory, Paul Kerensa answers the festive questions

you never thought to ask... Did Cromwell help

shape the mince pie? Was St Nicholas the first to use an automatic

door? Which classic Christmas crooners were inspired by a Holly-

wood heatwave? And did King Herod really have a wife called Doris?

From Roman revelry to singing Bing, via Santa, Scrooge and a

snoozing Saviour, this timeless tale is perfect trivia fodder for the

Christmas dinner table.

Sudoku solution

A very Merry Christmas and a Happy and

Healthy New Year to all our Readers

28

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2019

DATE CHRIST CHURCH TICKENHAM

1st Advent

1

8.30 am

10.00 am

6.30 pm

Holy Communion

Children’s Church

Holy Communion

10.30 am

Holy Communion

8th Advent

2

8.30 am

10.00 am

Holy Communion

Holy Communion

10.30 am

6.30 pm

All age Service

with collection of

gifts and toys

Holy Communion

15th Advent

3

8.30 am

10.00 am

6.30 pm

Holy Communion

Nativity Service

Evensong

10.30 am

Holy Communion

19th

Thursday

12.30 pm Lunch time Carols

22nd

Advent 4

8.30 am

10.00 am

4.00 pm

Holy Communion

Holy Communion

Carol Service

10.30 am

7.00 pm

Morning Worship

Carol Service

24th

Christmas

Eve

4.00 pm

11.30 pm

Crib Service

Midnight Holy

Communion

11.30 pm

Midnight Holy

Communion

Christmas

Day

10.00 am Holy Communion 10.30 Holy Communion

29

December Services continued

DATE CHRISTCHURCH TICKENHAM

Other Services Sunday 1st 11 am Holy Communion Silver Trees, Tues-

day 10th Scouts 7.00 pm,17th Tots Service, , Wednesday 18th Mothers’

Union Carol Service 2.00 pm, Holy Communion & Home Communion,

Thursday 19th Kingshill Church School 9.15 am, Friday 20th Ravenswood

2.00 pm

29th 1st

After

Christ-

mas

8.30 am

10.00 am

Holy Communion

Morning Worship

10.30. am Morning Worship

Those newsletters inside their Christmas card…

Brace yourself – this is the month when many of your distant friends

and relatives will be sending you their Christmas card with the

Christmas Newsletter tucked inside.

You will read all about Grannie’s arthritis and treatment, how Ru-

pert’s progress on the violin is amazing, how their summer holiday

cruise of the Med was stupendous, exactly where the dog got lost

for a day in Wales, how the kitchen has been re-furbished, and how

extraordinarily well Helen is doing at university.

You may groan, but don’t dismiss all those little bits of ‘wonderful

everyday’ news. For of such minor triumphs and tragedies most of

daily life is made. And don’t blame your relatives/friends if they

have somewhat ‘enhanced’ their yearly news roundup – this may be

their one chance to star in a drama.

Just remember – there is nothing to stop you from sending a Christ-

mas Newsletter back to them… and you can also write what you

like!

30

Angels

Mmm and yes I believe in Angels. What are they and do you believe in

them? If we do believe in Angels, what sort of picture do we have in our

minds eye? Most of us I suspect, think of pretty little girls in equally

pretty white dresses with a halo and wings such as we often see in na-

tivity plays but is that the true story?

Archangel Gabriel was a male and he was a messenger from God. He

gave Mary the message that she was going to have a child by the Holy

Spirit and that she was to name him Jesus. He also gave Joseph the

message that it was OK to marry Mary and then again later, that he

should take the young child into Egypt. So, we can see that one good

description of an Angel is that they are messengers from God.

(Michael note, also a male) was responsible for throwing Satan out of

heaven.

Angels can act as intermediaries between God and man and they are

also used by God to protect us from harm.

When I was little, I remember my Mum telling me I had a guardian angel

to protect me and that certainly has been my experience on more than

one occasion. No white dress, wings or halo but certainly God’s protec-

tion given to me.

Some of you will know that recently on my way home from Wells I had a

bleed on the brain. I know that if it wasn’t for the swift action of an Aus-

tralian gentleman called Mark who phoned 999, and made sure I got to

hospital quickly and contacted my daughter I would have died. So was

Mark just a very kind and benevolent human being or was he an angel

sent by God to rescue me? Was it just coincidence that Mark was on

the Barrow Gurney road that day at that time? I’ll leave that thought

with you but all I know is that without his quick action I would have died.

I owe my life to Angels. Bobbie Shannon

31

POETRY CORNER

Who Knew?

Who saw the man and pregnant girl

Pressing through the crowded street

Struggling through the human swirl

On tired legs and aching feet?

Who knew?

Who heard her cries, in labour’s pain

Deep within a battered shed?

Who cared for their impoverished shame

Who thought about her grassy bed?

Who knew?

Who, listening to an infant’s cries

Hearing a birth, they thought it strange?

Expressed an int’rest, or surprise?

Who recognised that awesome change?

Who knew?

Who saw the shepherds rush along

Through sleeping streets at dead of night?

Who heard the angels’ glorious song?

Or saw the star that shone so bright?

Who knew?

Who, fighting through the Christmas throngs

Or, settling down to watch TV

Eats Christmas food, sings Christmas songs

Who can the coming Saviour see?

Who knows?

By Nigel Beeton

,The Christmas Caterpillar

Sometimes, upon a Christmas day

I wonder if there’s any way

That Christmas might be quite a

treat

For those who have a few more

feet!

I really love my Christmas socks

That fill, each year, my Christmas

box

O Santa, festive stocking filler,

I wish I were a caterpillar!

By Nigel Beeton

32

The normal activities at Christ Church are: Weekly:

Sun 10.00am - Children are always welcome at our services.

There are always toys and books in the children’s corner in Church for tod-

dlers and babies. First Sunday of each month is Children’s Church, for

young children and their families, in Church. All other Sundays, Faith for

Children (FFC) 3-11 years meet in the Vestry Hall during the service in

church. For information in advance, please contact the Church Office.

Mon 8.30am Morning Prayer, Bible readings & intercessions

Tue 9.30am Tuesday Tots in Vestry Hall (term time)

Fri 1.30pm Tiddlers Toddler Group in Vestry Hall (term time)

7.00pm Choir Practice

Sat 10.00 - 10.30 Morning Prayer and Intercessions

10.30 - 12.00 Church open for quiet prayer

10.30 - 12.00 Coffee morning in Vestry Hall (unless special event) Louise Maby, the Benefice Administrator, is available in the Church Office

on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9.45 –12 and Wednesday 9.45 –11am.

Alternatively phone 859210 or

e-mail: church.office@Christchurchnailsea.org.uk

Church Website: www.Christchurchnailsea.org.uk

Monthly:

Mothers’ Union 1st Wednesday alternate months starting February

7.30pm Vestry Hall

3rd Wednesday every month 2.30pm Vestry Hall

After-Eights 3rd Monday each month 8.00pm in local homes

Midweek Communion 2nd Wednesday 10.00am Holy Communion

Boys’ Night Out First Thursday 8.30pm at White Lion

Church Breakfast 2nd and 4th Sunday each month after 8.30 service

Game On 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 2.30-4.30 in Vestry Hall

Girls’ Chat Time 4th Monday 4.00pm at Costa in the Precinct

Piecemakers 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month 1.30 Vestry Hall

Christ Church Crafts 2nd & 4th Tuesday each month 2.00 - 4.00pm

at 63 Westway

Items for the magazine should be emailed to MagazineEditor@Christchurchnailsea.org.uk

or handed into the church office by the 14th of each month, thanks